THE CATHOLIC PAGES 10 & 11
Holy Family rededicates church February 6,ommentator 2015 Vol. 51, No. 26 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C AU REVOIR, OUR FRIEND Father Than Vu’s life celebrated
By Barbara Chenevert The Catholic Commentator
“An angel of a man … who gave us a glimpse of Jesus” was laid to rest Jan. 31 as hundreds of clergy, family and friends gathered to say goodbye to Father Than Ngoc Vu, vicar general of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “God and he were inseparable,” Bish- op Robert W. Muench told a standing room only crowd during the homily of the funeral Mass at St. Aloysius, where Father Vu served as pastor. The choir from St. Aloysius and the Vietnamese Choir from St. Anthony of Padua and Le Van Phung Church Parish filled the church with songs pre-selected by Father Vu. His family members wore white bands around their heads, a tra- ditional Vietnamese symbol of a family in mourning, while almost 100 clergy, including Archbishop Alfred Hughes and Bishop Shelton Fabre, attended the Mass. Bishop R. Muench sprinkles holy water on the casket of Father Than Vu during Father Vu’s funeral Mass on Jan. 31 at St. Aloysius “He was an angel of a man, who Church in Baton Rouge. Father Vu, who was the vicar general for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, died Jan. 28. Photo by Richard Meek | The sometimes seemed more spirit than Catholic Commentator body. He gave us a strong glimpse of Je- sus, enlightened our minds, uplifted our well-being,” the bishop said. heaven-sent companion along the jour- with his intellect (he spoke six languag- hearts and reassured our feelings. The Bishop Muench called Father Vu his ney,” he said. es), his creativity and his great sense of reason we miss him, Lord, is because colleague, a trusted adviser, mentor, Father Vu dramatically touched humor, the bishop added. he contributed so much to our lives and friend and valued brother. “He was a hearts and immeasurably changed lives, SEE VU PAGE 9
Black Catholics fear heritage being lost
By Barbara Chenevert just as I am. I’ve moved from the back of church, to the I have obtained through years of experience, intense The Catholic Commentator middle, to the front and now I am a deacon. If I hadn’t studying and daily practicing of the Catholic faith.” learned my history, that wouldn’t have Deacon Adams, who heads the dioc- Janel Gordon remembers being called the “N” word happened.” esan Office of Black Catholics, expressed when she, her sister and a friend tried to sit on the side Deacon Adams, Gordon and other re- concerns that African Americans have of the church reserved for white people. ligious educators in the Diocese of Baton been unable to “share their gift of black- “An older white woman called us (the N word) and Rouge are among a growing number of ness in their African American parishes.” demanded that we go back on the black side. However, black Catholics who say they are proud The Office of Black Catholics is striving to we were told by the priest to ignore it,” she said. Today of their heritage but fear it is being lost, make the Catholic Church a “homeland “St. James Catholic Church is proudly acknowledged as especially among the young. for all people.” an African-American Parish.” “I am proud to say that I am ‘authentically black and Deacon Adams said he hopes to promote talks that Deacon Alfred Adams recalls asking his mother why Catholic,’ “ said Gordon, who is the director of religious result in an understanding of black worship especially he had to sit in the back of church. “She would just say education at St. James Church in St. James and St. Phil- among clergy. For example, he said, he has heard people that’s how it is. When I grew up I learned God loves me ip in Vacherie. “It is my calling to pass down the heritage SEE BLACK PAGE 4 2 The Catholic Commentator The Lighter Side of FAI t H February 6, 2015 | TREASURES OF THE DIOCESE | DID YOU KNOW The mystery of St. Valentine
Those red roses, boxes of chocolate same day with a and romantic cards sent on Valentine’s number of com- Day may have some basis in Catholic tra- panions in the dition, but why St. Valentine is associat- Roman province ed with love remains a mystery. of Africa. (There In fact just about everything sur- is some specula- rounding St. Valentine is legend, so much tion that the first so that in 1969 the church removed his two could have feast from its gener- been the same al calendar. This person). does not mean Even though information that he is no lon- about St Valentine is sketchy, ger a saint, but in- r e l i c s of a St. Valentine are venerated in stead his feast is not several churches, giving credence to his celebrated at Masses existence. worldwide on Feb. 14. In- How Valentine became associated stead that day is now a commemoration with love is unknown. Some scholars of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. speculate the custom stems from the Ro- Tucked away in Baton Legends say that St. Valentine may man festival of Lupercalia, a time when Rouge’s mid-city is sur- have married couples against Roman a young man would draw the name of a prisingly perhaps one of law; he may have left a farewell letter be- young woman in lottery and would then the most serene urban fore his execution that he signed “From keep the woman as a sexual companion settings in the area. Cra- My Valentine;” or his feast may just fall for a year. Pope Gelasius I changed the dled between St. Francis during the mating season of birds, thus practice so that young men and wom- Xavier church and school associating him with courtship and love. en would draw names of saints, whom is a beautiful courtyard In any event, St. Valentine is honored as they would then imitate for the year and complete with a stunning the patron saint of love and married cou- named the festival after Valentine. outdoor Way of the Cross ples and his feast day, Feb. 14, is a day Others say the love connection came and a large fountain that for remembering loved ones with special because the feast falls in mid February filters the frenetic cacophony of vehicles passing on the elevated portion of I-110. But cards and gifts. when birds are thought to choose their the real gem is a small Marian grotto, which offers an inviting respite from a busy day. There were actually three St. Valen- mates. Parish volunteers using donated funds and supplies built the entire area. Photo by Richard tines, who apparently died on the same However, there is evidence that the Meek | The Catholic Commentator day – Feb. 14. (In fact Valentine was a real association between Valentine and popular name of the time and there could love was first made by 14th century writ- be as many as 11 other St. Valentines), ac- ers such as Geoffrey Chaucer, who in his | PICTURES FROM THE PAST cording to the Catholic Encyclopedia and “Parliament of Foules,” wrote, “For this other reliable Catholic websites. One was was sent on Seynt Vaentyne’s Day, when a priest in the Roman Empire who helped every foul cometh there to choose his persecuted Christians during the reign mate.” of Claudius the second a Catholic bishop Even though the church no longer of Terni, who was beheaded, also during commemorates the Feb. 14 feast at Mass- the reign of Claudius; and the third a es, it observes the Second Sunday of Feb- saint who is said to have suffered on the ruary as World Marriage Day.
Correction – Bishop Fernand J. Cheri III was appointed auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans by Pope Francis.
Clarification – The E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Family Foundation gave a grant to the Friends of St. Paul Church, Inc., which is helping restore the historic St. Paul Church in Bayou Goula.
thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager Father Than Vu Associate Publisher Penny G. Saia Production Manager Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Barbara Chenevert Staff Writer
The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian A number of clergy members attended a weekend gathering that celebrated the dedica- Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton tion of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1961. Shown at the clergy luncheon, from left, Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Sub- Bishop Robert E. Tracy, Apostolic Delegate Egidio Vagnozzi, Msgr. Herman Lohmann, and scription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. Archbishop Joseph Rummel. Photo courtesy of the Archives Department, Diocese of Baton Rouge February 6, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 3 Respect, lots of love and prayer secrets to married life
ple of the same faith who practice their By Barbara Chenevert faith have a better chance,” he said. The Catholic Commentator “From the beginning we accepted each other’s family and friends and we contin- Don and Toni Linarello met in Italy 50 ue to do so – warts and all,” he said with years ago. Three days later they were en- a chuckle. gaged, and three months after that, they Another important aspect of a success- were married. ful marriage is to be open about finances. “People said we were crazy, but when “My wife knows everything about our fi- I go back to Italy now, everybody is di- nances. We agree ahead of time before we vorced. We are still married after 50 make any major expenditures,” he said. years,” Toni Linarello said. “Whatever money you have, you have to The Linarellos, along with other cou- decide together how to spend it.” ples who are celebrating 50 years or more Having a common goal in rearing your of marriage, said friendship, faith, com- children and the same priorities for their mitment, respect, and of course love, are education are also important, he said. the ingredients of a long, successful mar- Although the couple shares a lot of the riage. They are among the “valentines” same interests, George Broussard said who will be honored at a special Mass they also make allowances for each oth- Feb. 8 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Ba- er’s individual interests. ton Rouge. And they are sympathetic to each oth- Commitment is the key, said Louvenia er’s medical needs. “We have quite a few Ballard, who married her husband of 68 now that I am 89 and she is 88. You spend years at the age of 17. “We didn’t take mar- a lot of time at the doctor or dentist. We riage lightly. Even at our age, we knew it sometimes say that’s our entertainment,” was permanent. Elaine and George Broussard, who are celebrating 65 years of marriage, said practicing he laughed. “You need to make sure you have a lot their faith together, accepting each other’s family and friends and not letting differences “You have to have a sense of humor,” in common, you have to know each other, fester are key to their successful relationship. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator Elaine said. “You never know when life know your family and his family. We went will kick you. We didn’t think we would together for eight months. We got mar- how important your marriage is to you Catholics and practicing Catholics. Now a live this long, but it hasn’t slowed us ried and we didn’t have any money. But and to God.” days that may not be fashionable, but peo- down.” our families helped us. I was young and The Meeks, who have three children I missed my mother, but every weekend and six grandchildren, attend daily Mass we visited family. They encouraged us in frequently. life, and when we lost our first child, they Toni Linarello said the secret is to “be helped us through that and we drew clos- understanding and accept each other’s er,” she said. faults. I don’t have any but if I did I would Parishioners of St. Louis King of want them to be accepted,” she laughed, France Church, Joseph and Louvenia hinting at how a sense of humor may Ballard said they looked to God,and their have aided in her 50 years of marriage. faith to help in their long marriage. They “You have to respect and love each other also taught their three children the same and be patient. I’m not saying it’s always thing. a bed of roses, but the ability to surpass “We talk to each other a lot – both in that will make you strong. When you love English and French. We never lost our someone there is always give and take,” French heritage. We said Toni, who along have our arguments with her husband, is a but that doesn’t last. “I could disagree with parishioner of St. Pat- We never hold grudg- rick Church in Baton es,” she said. him, but you have to Rouge. “We enjoy each oth- Linarello has kept er very much.” discuss the issues and her mother’s advice an Tom and Ann Meek, important element in who are celebrating a come up with what is her married life. “Nev- 50th anniversary, said er go to bed angry. My marriage takes a com- best for both of you.” mother told me that mitment to the mar- Elaine Broussard and she was really riage and to each other. right. Say what you “You have to have mu- have to say and then tual respect, lots of love and prayer,” Ann let it go and kiss him goodnight. Don’t let Meek said. things fester,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s been 50 years. It has “You don’t have to win every battle,” been a wonderful journey. There haven’t echoed Elaine Broussard. “I could dis- Saturday, February 28, 2015 been any bad times,” she said. agree with him, but you have to discuss Their advice to young people: “Re- the issues and come up with what is best member you are important to each other, for both of you.” 7:30 p.m. at the LSU union Theater and what the other person feels some- “You have to discuss things face-to- times is more important. You have to re- face before they have time to fester,” spect each other and spend time talking. George Broussard added. www.uniontheater.lsu.edu Don’t let day-to-day life take away from Elaine and George Broussard have Box Office: (225) 578-5128 spending time together and talking about been married for 65 years. “We are both 4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL February 6, 2015
BLACK he didn’t even know black people became From page 1 priests or religious. But since his ordination last year, Fa- say when they hear a Gospel Choir that ther Johnson has been working with the “we are trying to make the church Baptist. black community as well as his church It’s not Baptist. It’s the Gospel that liber- parish to be present to all people who may ated us. This is the way we worship. It’s be considering a vocation. giving God back our whole body.” “My assignment as parochial vicar at Gordon added diocesan functions Christ the King Church on LSU’s campus is sometimes leave out or downplay African my primary responsibility in the Diocese of Americans. “When there is a function in Baton Rouge. However, I also am honored the diocese, where are the African Ameri- to be able to collaborate with many of the can children?” she asked. predominately black parishes in our dio- Deacon Adams and Gordon agree that cese to help out with days of recollection passing on the heritage to the youth is vi- and youth retreats. It is important for me tal to the continued practice of the Cath- to be present at these types of programs a olic faith by young blacks. “We were born few times throughout the year because it is in America, raised in the Catholic faith important for the youth to see a visible wit- and we are not going to change that. But ness to the joy of the priesthood,” he said. we are not reaching black children. When “Our church has been blessed with so they go to Mass there is nothing for them many saints from so many different cul- Gospel music and liturgical dance, as presented by these dancers at St. Benedict the Moor to identify with,” Deacon Adams said. tures and ethnic backgrounds and I think and St. Augustine churches, appeal to African-American youth, say directors of religious “The generation behind us is missing it is an important and necessary reality to education in predominantly black churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photo provided by out on our history,” Deacon Adams con- speak about them often with our youth so St. Benedict the Moor Church tinued, especially if they do not belong they can be inspired to be the canonized to a predominantly black church parish. saints of this generation,” he added. Jerilyn Williams, DRE at St. Benedict ther Louis Oubre, he asked her to attend He said even as he grew up Catholic, “we Father Johnson is currently working the Moor Church in Bertrandville, sees the Institute for Black Catholics Studies learned about St. Augustine in school, but with the Office of Black Catholics to host some bright spots in reaching black youth. (IBCS) at Xavier. “I did not know what to we were never told he was from Africa.” the Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Con- As she was growing up, “It was a Jose- expect, but I was in for a culture shock,” Father Josh Johnson, who is the only ference in May. This conference will hope- phite priest, Father Richard Sadlier, (who is she said. “I learned a plethora of infor- native born biracial priest currently serv- fully be instrumental in forming future white) who first introduced the richness of mation regarding black Catholics that I ing in the diocese, remembers that as a saints in this diocese through the dynam- our culture into our liturgy at St. Benedict was formerly incognizant of concerning child he had no African-American role ic speakers, adoration, the sacrament of the Moor when he organized a gospel choir the influence and struggle of blacks in models in the church. In fact, he has said reconciliation and the Mass, he said. in our parish in 1987. To this day, the tra- the Catholic religion. Blacks have been a dition lives on and our youth have grown prominent part of Catholic history dating up with it. Their expression of the gifts God back to the 400s, serving as popes. has given them has also developed in the “While attending Xavier, I reached an establishment of our liturgical dancers at epiphany of my purpose in life. It opened St. Benedict and St. Augustine.” up a new world in the aspect of religion, At St. Benedict, the oldest Afri- music and worship. I learned from be- can-American parish in the diocese, “We ing in the environment with my brothers try to make our youth aware of their place and sisters of African descent from whom in the Catholic Church. Our rooms in our taught me about their culture and values. center are named for the Sisters of the Holy The testimony of my classmates has made Family, the Josephites and the Missionar- the deepest impact on my understanding. RETREAT CENTERS ies of St. Paul. They are familiar with the On numerous occasions, we have shared SpiritualA special section of The Catholic Commentator cause for the canonization of Henriette experiences while also shedding tears.” Delille (a free woman of color who founded Pat Hives, DRE at Immaculate Con- Publication Date: March 6, 2015 the Sisters of the Holy Family.) The life of ception Church in Scotlandville, said cat- Deadline: February 25 the patron saints of our parish, St. Bene- echists at her church make a special effort dict the Moor and St. Augustine, are also to introduce students to their heritage ev- explored for their feast days and especially ery day. “For us, black history is not just in choosing saint names for confirmation.” one month. We have many opportunities As a DRE, Gordon has also incorpo- to introduce our children to the role of Af- rated what she learned while attending rican-Americans in the Catholic church,” Xavier University in New Orleans by in- she said. tegrating African-American studies and Hives, who grew up in a strong Baptist Available in the March 6 issue of The Catholic traditions into the current religious edu- family, went through the RCIA program Commentator, the Spiritual Retreat Centers special cation curriculum. “One example of how and became Catholic at the age of 33. I have done this is by introducing the “I am not sure how our students feel section will provide readers information about the students to the many African-American about being a part of the larger church spiritual retreat houses available to them in our dio- saints who made a substantial contribu- outside of our parish. I, along with our cat- cese as well as other areas in driving distance tion to our heritage; with the prolific Af- echists, continue to stress the importance rican American history, significant con- of putting Jesus first because all of this is from Baton Rouge. tributions to the Catholic faith by African about him,” she said. American saints and my Catholic faith Deacon Adams said it will take patience foundation formed on God’s word. As an for everyone in the diocese to come to an To participate in the Spiritual Retreat Centers authentic Catholic educator, I am enthu- understanding and respect for one anoth- section, contact Wanda at siastic, and dedicated to the growth and er’s culture. “When I share my faith I want spiritual journey of all children regardless to make people feel comfortable, not intim- 225-387-0983 or email [email protected].. of race, socio, or economic background,” idated. There is a lack of knowledge that she said. stands as a barrier between us,” he said. After she accepted the job as DRE at St. “The more we learn the more we know James under the leadership of the late Fa- that God is calling us to be one family.” February 6, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 5 Catholic teaching on contraception misunderstood by many
By Richard Meek lics and non-Catholics have about the so-called rhythm method, rhythm method.” available.” The Catholic Commentator the church’s position on contra- which he calls ineffective and ob- He understands the chal- Ducote said he welcomed the ception.” solete. He said a symptom-based lenge of educating Catholics pope raising the issues because Pope Francis recently created “People believe the church’s method of natural family plan- and said his department is be- it provides an opportunity for a stir when he said many Catho- position is asking them to ignore ning is as effective and healthier coming aggressive in attempt- his department to be proactive lics fail to practice what he called any form of family planning and than artificial contraception. ing to clear up misconceptions. in clarifying church teaching. “responsible parenthood” by hav- just let divine providence take “The drug companies and He said workshops have al- “I think as we begin to re- ing too many children. care of whatever might happen, medical (community) downplay ready been scheduled later this ally explain to people what the On a flight back to Rome af- which is not the church’s posi- the negative effects of (artificial) year for priests and deacons church’s position and what NFP ter his visit to the Philippines tion,” he added. “The church’s contraception, and there are to explain NFP. Additionally, is it makes sense,” Ducote said. the pontiff addressed a number position is that a couple has to be many,” he said. symptom-based natural fami- “People’s eyes are opened and of hot-button topics affecting the responsible parents; they have an Ducote, who has held his po- ly planning instruction is now they gain a new respect for what church, including contraception. obligation to determine the size sition for the past four months, indoctrinated into marriage the church says because the It was then that he made the state- of their family based upon what said he has been surprised to preparation classes, which are prejudices are dispelled. ment that “some people think that they can reasonably care for, eco- learn how little most Catholics required for all couples seeking “My experience is it creates to be good Catholics we have to be nomically, emotionally and spiri- understand about natural family to receive the sacrament of mar- an openness.” like rabbits.” tually.” planning, including priests and riage. He said couples adhering to He elaborated upon that state- He said he has found a “tre- deacons. He said when he men- Ducote said his department the symptom-based method of ment, saying church teaching mendous amount of ignorance tions NFP, the reaction he most has already established what he NFP are forced to communicate allows for several “licit ways” to that Catholics and non-Catholics often receives is a rolling of the calls Naturally Family Planning at a higher level, because they limit reproduction. have about natural family plan- eyes with claims it does not work. 101 that is held at the diocesan must have monthly discussions Darryl Ducote, director of ning,” which the church endorses “By and large Catholics have level but added his goal is to about what’s happening sexual- Marriage and Family Life for the to assist couples in determining ignored (the church’s teaching take the course directly to the ly and the impact it has on them Diocese of Baton Rouge, said he family size. regarding contraception),” Du- parishes. individually and collectively for believes the pope’s comments The source of the confusion, ac- cote said “But I think it’s largely “We need to do more with their future. were based on the “common mis- cording to Ducote, is many Cath- because they don’t understand it (the family planning class),” he “It builds the trust in the re- understanding that both Catho- olics believe the church endorses because of the reputation of the said. “We have to do a better job lationship if they do it effective- of getting the word out that it is ly,” he said. Diocese affirms decision to close RHS Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office By Richard Meek announced the closing, effective of the Diocesan Finance Coun- www.csobr.org The Catholic Commentator June 30, during a press confer- cil and the College of Consultors ence Dec. 19, citing declining were conveyed by the bishop. Officials from the Diocese of enrollment as the reason behind “After carefully considering Principal Opening Baton Rouge are keeping with the shuttering. the plan, all three entities unan- 2015-2016 School Year their plans to close Redemptorist Redemptorist supporters and imously recommended that the Holy Ghost Elementary School, Hammond, LA High School after turning down alumni launched a campaign decision to close RHS should a proposal from supporters to keep the school open and on not be rescinded,” the statement The Diocese of Baton Rouge has thirty schools in eight civil parishes, aimed at keeping the 67-year-old Dec. 26 sent a letter to the bish- said. “In the collective judgment with a focus on strong Catholic identity in all schools. The district is nationally accredited and standardized test scores are above state and facility open. op requesting he reconsider the of these three groups, the plan national average. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge… In a statement released Jan. decision. did not assure the long-term vi- 24, diocesan officials said “af- Supporters met a Jan. 8 ability of the schools in demon- Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds and Embrace the Future ter much prayer, reflection and deadline to present the propos- strable, measurable and com- Holy Ghost Catholic School in Hammond, La. was founded in 1912 by consultation, Bishop (Robert W.) al, and on that same day the pelling ways. Dominican Sisters and currently includes more than 700 students in Muench, on behalf of the Dio- Diocesan School Board Exec- “Redemptorist junior and Grades PK – 8 and more than 60 staff members. The school promotes cese of Baton Rouge, accepted utive Committee held a special senior high schools will forever a Catholic environment of loving, learning and living in Christ though the recommendations made by meeting to review it and to hear hold a sacred place in the hearts academic excellence, Gospel values, and a nurturing community. the Diocesan School Board, Di- from two representatives of the not only of those who have been Principal candidates must work well with teams, have excellent ocesan Finance Committee and group. directly connected with it, but communication skills and possess the ability to include all stakeholders in the ministry of Catholic education. the College of Consultors not to According to the diocesan all who have benefited from its rescind the original decision.” statement, in addition to the proud 65-year history of posi- Applicants must meet the following criteria: Bishop Muench originally school board, separate meetings tive impact.” • Practicing Catholic • Minimum of 5 years of teaching or school administrative | experience in Catholic education preferred OBITUARY • Credentials that meet the Louisiana State Department of Education requirements for certification Father Ferrier dies • Demonstrated Leadership Ability • Availability prior to or on July 1, 2015 Father Francis Ferrier SJ, 84, who had been and in Lafayette and Baton Rouge. chaplain at several nursing homes in the Baton From 1999 to 2012 he was chaplain for the Mail letter of interest, updated résumé with at least three references, and copies of all transcript(s) to: Rouge area, died Jan. 31. Knights of Columbus and various nursing homes Holy Ghost School Principal Search Born in New Orleans to Leon Ferrier and in the Baton Rouge area. He was also involved in Catholic Schools Office Minette Menard Ferrier, he attended Jesuit High Retrouvaille ministry. P.O. Box 2028 School in New Orleans and Loyola University be- He retired to Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 fore entering the Society of Jesus in 1948. He was Center in New Orleans in 2012. Deadline for application: March 1, 2015 ordained at Spring Hill College in 1961. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, He taught at schools in New Orleans, Tampa, Feb. 7 at Our Lady of Wisdom. national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded Houston and Mobile, served as registrar at Stake He is survived by a brother, Leon H. Ferrier III and 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, Jesuit in Houston for 12 years and as a hospital four sisters, Mrs. T.A. Parker, Mrs. Henry C. Stahel, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. chaplain in Galveston, Houston and Waco, Texas Mrs. Leonard B. Smith and Marie Marcelle Ferrier. 6 The Catholic Commentator February 6, 2015 Convenient Mass on holy days / ‘Born again’ and the rapture Recently, on (when that is the only at 9 a.m. and an additional Mass at 5:30 “baptism not only purifies from all sins, Dec. 8, the feast option) is not the same p.m. on Monday. but also makes the neophyte ‘a new Qof the Immacu- as being there in person As you suggest, as long as Mass is creature,’ an adopted son of God.” late Conception (which (especially since one is obligatory on feast days, we must do Evangelical Christianity links being is always a holy day of unable to receive the Eu- our best to accommodate parishioners’ “born again” to an adult “conversion obligation) occurred on charist). (Philadelphia) schedules. The last thing we need to do is experience” in which a person conscious- a Monday. Our church, to trouble people’s consciences by mak- ly accepts Jesus as his or her personal a large suburban parish Your concern ing it impossible to attend. savior. with three priests in is valid. As you As for “rapture,” many evangelical residence, scheduled Aindicate, the My husband of 40 years has Christians, particularly fundamental- Masses for the feast only Immaculate Conception been “born again.” He says that ists, link it to the end times (the return on Monday. (On Sunday (the patronal feast of Qthis is the only way to get to of Jesus) when those who are right with evening, there was the the United States) is a heaven when “the rapture” happens and God will be silently and secretly taken up regularly scheduled holy day of obligation that the rest of us will be left behind for into heaven and those who are living in Mass at 6 p.m. but that Question Corner when Mass attendance seven years of terror. He thinks Jesus sin will remain on earth for a period of was not a feast-day Mass remains mandatory even is going to come any day now and so tribulation and chaos. and only “counted” for Father Kenneth Doyle when the feast occurs on he refuses to make needed repairs to Catholic theology does not support Sunday.) a Monday or a Saturday. our 30-year-old mobile home. (He also this type of event and views the theory as The times for the holy When the feast says that our niece should not plan for a misinterpretation of Paul’s words in 1 day Masses (7:30 a.m. and noon) were day falls on a Monday, having a vigil college next fall.) Thessalonians 4:17. very inconvenient, if not impossible, for Mass the night before is problematic in Last night, he brought this up to our The Catholic Church does not believe adults with jobs or for students in public many parishes: either because there is parish priest who said that he does not that being “born again” is the only route schools. a regularly scheduled Sunday Mass in believe in the rapture and that, as long to salvation. It seems inconsistent to me to require the evening or because the only priest as we are ready to meet God by living a I agree with your pastor. Since no one Mass attendance but then to schedule the has already celebrated a full schedule of good life, we will be saved. What is your knows when Christ is going to return only Masses at times when most parish- Masses for the weekend. own take on this? (Frustrated near Green (and the odds are that your life on earth ioners will not be able to attend. I happen One solution is to have a feast-day Bay, Wisconsin) will end long before that), why not play to work in a downtown area with several Mass on Monday evening as well as on it safe? Try to live by the Gospel and you convenient churches, but everyone is not Monday morning. In our parish, we had The Catholic view links being won’t have to worry when you meet the as fortunate. three Masses for the feast: the regularly “reborn” to the sacrament of Lord, whenever that occurs. (And mean- EWTN provides more flexible alterna- scheduled weekday Mass at 8:15 a.m., a Abaptism. The Catechism of the while, I think I’d get my mobile home tives, but watching the Mass on television school Mass (to which all were invited) Catholic Church in No. 1265 says that fixed.)
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CSERVING THE DIOCESE O F BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 February 6, 2015 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 Young people Seek inspiration at conference By Kelly King Alexander to see my faith in a new light,” There were other people just like new activities, unwittingly mak- Evangelization.” Special to The Catholic Commentator said Noto, one of 50 young me searching for God, refusing ing them her “gods.” Though The ripple effect is evident adults who attended from Christ to conform to what society tells none of these things was intrin- in the growth of the Seek con- Kassidy Noto, a 20-year-old the King. And though she went us will make us happy. The world sically bad, by her junior year ference itself. The first event in finance and Spanish double ma- searching for deeper faith, Noto tries so hard to make us hateful, she was unhappy. 1999 drew 25 people, and the jor at LSU who enjoys running, said the biggest take-away for or even worse: indifferent.” “I felt sad, empty and alone, 2013 conference drew 5,200 is not what you would call a par- her was “the realization that God In fact, young adults (ages 18- but didn’t understand why. I was students. The next conference, ty girl. Yet the 2012 St. Joseph’s is seeking us.” 24) are more likely than the gen- filling my life, yet it still felt so scheduled for January 2017 in Academy graduate initially felt Most who came attended eral population to be religiously empty,” she said. San Antonio, Texas, is expected caught up in the wave of irrever- daily Mass, with 200 priests of- unaffiliated, according to a 2012 So she returned to the to draw an even larger crowd. ence and relativism rampant on ficiating, including Archbishop report from Georgetown Univer- church of her childhood and its For Elizabeth Dunlap, 22, a campus today. William E. Lodi from the Arch- sity, and Catholics sustain the faith-building toolbox, including native of Baton Rouge who will “People expect college to be diocese of Balti- greatest net loss the rosary, the Eucharist, and graduate from Vanderbilt Uni- a time to break free of all rules,” more, Archbishop “I felt sad, (7.9 percent) from confession. Yet it wasn’t any par- versity in chemical engineering Noto said. “It’s easy to become Charles J. Chaput college-aged drop- ticular devotion or doctrine that this May, an electric moment oc- very worldly in the sense that OFM Cap., with empty and outs. makes her now want to teach curred during a speech by Jason it’s all about you, your success the Archdiocese of Even Peek, others about her faith – she is ap- Evert, founder of the Chastity and doing whatever makes you Philadelphia, and alone, but didn’t also a graduate plying for mission opportunities Project, as he discussed dating. happy, to think that it’s OK to do Archbishop Sam- of St. Joseph’s, along with jobs and grad schools “ ‘How far is too far? First Base? something because every other uel J. Aquila from understand why. immersed in sac- in anticipation of a May gradua- Second Base?’ ” Dunlap recalls person you know is doing it.” the Archdiocese ramental life and tion – but rather the Christocen- him asking. “His answer was Noto attended a mission trip of Denver. Priests I was filling my surrounded by tric experience of Seek. ‘God wants you to hit a grand to Puerto Rico during her fresh- also heard more people of faith, felt “It was all about Jesus and slam in the bottom of the ninth man year. Then, there was a re- than 5,500 con- life, yet it still felt a “slow wearing how the church is a tool for us to of the World Series!’ resulting in treat at Christ the King Church. fessions during down” when she grow in a very real relationship an explosive ovation in the rock- But her biggest leap of faith came the five-day event. so empty,” she entered college in with him,” Peek said. “We all saw concert-sized crowd. It was the this past New Year’s Day when “It was so in- a heavily Protes- truth that weekend, and now we most incredible response to a she joined nearly 10,000 college spiring to see so said. tant area of the can’t help but share it.” chastity talk I’ve ever seen!” students from 450 campuses many other young country. Seek, a biannual conference Participants were also provid- who gathered in Nashville, Ten- people on fire for Kathleen Peek “For the first put on by Fellowship of Catholic ed with practical ideas about how nessee, for Seek 2015, a confer- their faith,” says Student at Clemson University time in my life, I University Students (FOCUS) is to keep the fires burning once ence filled with prayer, worship Kathleen Peek, 21, was in the minori- an example of the New Evange- they returned to real life. St. Mi- and inspirational speakers de- a senior architecture major from ty,” she said. “It forced me to look lization. In fact, FOCUS founder chael High School graduate Tyler signed to meet college students Baton Rouge who is attending for authenticity because there Curtis Martin, an LSU grad, was Parker, a 20-year-old studying where they are and invite them Clemson University in Clemson, were so many voices claiming one of only two Americans and electrical engineering at LSU, into a relationship with Jesus South Carolina. “In (Eucharis- truth.” six lay Catholics named by Pope hopes to incorporate a few ideas Christ and the Catholic faith. tic) adoration, I looked around At the same time, she was Benedict XVI to the Pontifical given by a Dominican sister. “The conference allowed me and realized I was not alone. busy exploring new people and Council of the New Evangeliza- “She suggested that every tion in 2011. now and then instead of watch- “There are thousands of peo- ing TV or Netflix during meals, ple just waiting to know that to find good talks on YouTube or faith and life are not two sepa- good Catholic podcasts to listen rate things,” said Annie Peek, 19, to while eating, to be nourished a sophomore at Auburn Univer- physically and mentally at the sity. “That is the point of the New same time,“ Parker said.
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2x2” Rest.small.honor.those’13 8 The Catholic Commentator February 6, 2015 Family, friends fondly remember Father Vu By Barbara Chenevert Aloysius, recalled that his daugh- The Catholic Commentator ter, an LSU student at the time, wanted Father Vu to officiate at Friends, family and colleagues her wedding. “The loving way he remembered Father Than Vu as handled all those details made a gentle voice and a powerful in- a lasting impression on my wife tellect who served God and his and me. Not too long afterward, church with dedication, humility Father Than was a major factor and a deep spirituality. in bringing into the church some- Bishop Robert W. Muench one else with whom we were and called Father Vu “a priest who be- still are very close.” Not long after lieved in God, in the church Jesus that, Father Vu helped another founded and in eternal life. He person who had a major spiritual had extraordinary personal and difficulty, the deacon continued. spiritual talents. Even people who “Father Than led that person only had a casual acquaintance through an extensive discern- with him experienced something ment process which sorted out all special about him. the issues and ramifications.” “He accepted God’s love for A more recent event that him and the love of others and impressed Deacon Wilkinson loved in return,” Bishop Muench occurred in December 2014. said Wednesday at a prayer ser- Despite his declining strength, vice held at the Catholic Life Cen- Christ the King Church and Student Center was filled with people honoring and remembering Father Than Father Vu insisted on fulfilling ter, the administrative offices of Vu, who died on Jan. 28, during a prayer service on Jan. 30. Family members and people of the Vietnamese his full share of the daily and the Diocese of Baton Rouge. community wore white headbands in honor of Father Vu. The service began at 7:30 p.m., and people were Sunday Mass schedule. “The day “We are better off for having still in line at almost 10 p.m. waiting to pay their respects to Father Vu. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator before a routine weekday when him as our priest. He was a great he was scheduled to celebrate pastor, to work with and for. We indelible mark on our hearts. Fa- so many. Maybe God decided he thing got back to normal at their daily Mass, he texted me to say will miss him dearly,” said Rebec- ther Vu was one of those very had met enough people. He has humble abodes. This was early that he would try to celebrate ca East, director of the adult cate- few in my life. As a brother priest done his job – far and beyond,” in his time as vicar general, but Mass the next day, that he was chumenate at St. Aloysius, where and friend he touched me and Pham said. you could already see that he was feeling weak and asked me to Father Vu served as pastor. East changed me for the better in the Father Gerald Burns, who not able to be around the parish deliver the homily,” the deacon recalled that when Father Vu was service of God’s people in the Di- stepped in as administrator of as much as before since he had said. He suggested that Father pastor at Christ the King Church ocese of Baton Rouge. St. Aloysius during the late stage begun the job. He took a road Vu stay home and rest, and as- and Student Center “he was such “Having served with him on of Father Vu’s illness, said the trip with a few of us to Raising sured him that everyone would an inspiration to the students.” numerous boards and commit- vicar general was “beloved at St. Cane’s, and you could tell that he understand if there was a com- Staff members at St. Aloysius tees, I found Father Vu to be a Aloysius. He delighted in serving missed being able to be with the munion service instead. “The recalled that Father Vu had a man of deep spirituality, hum- the church parish especially a students like he used to be able next morning, Father Than ap- “theme” song, “How Can I Keep ble service, true integrity and parish with the school. He thor- to in the past. There was a great peared despite looking very fa- from Singing” about the joy that dedicated hard work. He had oughly enjoyed ministering to all joy about him that I had not seen tigued. He overruled my sugges- having faith in God brings. He an inspiring strength within his levels at the school.” in a while that day.” tion that he just rest, said that he frequently encouraged parish- quiet leadership and amazing He also excelled in planning Deacon Chauvin Wilkinson must fulfill his obligation to the ioners to find that joy with the wisdom. I will miss his many for the future needs of the church said his most permanent mem- parish and celebrated that daily words to the song: “No storm can gifts and wonderful friendship. I parish, Father Burns added. The ories of Father Vu are of events Mass with difficulty. That was shake my inmost calm, while to will miss you going out for Dim parish will soon break ground many years before he met him my last personal encounter with that rock I’m clinging. Since love Sum and sushi to eat, laugh and for a new child care center and 18 and the last time he served him. Those are the ‘bookends’ is lord of heaven and earth, How visit,” Father Allen said. months later is scheduled to be- with him during Mass. Deacon that frame my memory of Father can I keep from singing?” “He could light up a room,” gin work on a long-needed new Wilkinson, who is assigned to St. Than. I will never forget him.” Father Tom Ranzino, chan- Father Vu’s nephew, Peter Pham, administration building. cellor of the diocese, called Fa- said, speaking on behalf of the Seminarian Carlos Lucitos, ther Vu a “private man, but a family. “He would always start who served for a time with Fa- very generous lover of people.” off his homilies with a little bit of ther Vu at Christ the King Church “He centered his life in the humor. He was constantly work- said, “I got to see him behind the parish and in the parishioners’ ing. He didn’t fear death. What scenes and got to know him a bit lives,” he said. “He sacrificed a he feared was leaving family, more personally. He put up with great deal in his administrative friends and a whole community.” my everyday antics, especially work for the diocese but his great- “He always told me to have when I would inquire about the est accomplishment was in being passion. ‘Nothing is worth any- whereabouts of his secret dojo, a pastor. For that I think we will thing without passion – that’s and I would ask him about his miss him more than we know.” how you succeed,’ he would say,” ninja training and things such as Father David Allen called Pham said. “That’s how he lived that. He had an excellent sense of Father Vu one of those very few his life with his family, friends humor and an enormous heart. people who leave an “indelible and job – which really wasn’t a “One of the fondest memories mark on our hearts.” job, it was his life. He was 150 was after Hurricane Gustav in “In our Catholic faith we hear percent a priest.” 2008. Since CTK was on LSU’s how baptism leaves an indelible “My uncle had the ability to power system, we got electricity mark of God’s love on our soul,” touch everyone’s life, if they met back within a day. Many students said Father Allen, pastor of Holy him for a minute or an hour. He was … were without electricity in Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes is leading the Rite of Final Commenda- Family Church in Port Allen. “If a memorable presence. It was re- their apartments. He graciously tion during Father Than Vu’s funeral Mass. At left, Bishop Robert W. we are lucky in life, we meet a markable how many people he met. opened the doors and allowed Muench is praying, along with Deacon John Veron, left and Deacon few special people who leave an “It was crazy for God to send them to sleep there until every- Chauvin Wilkinson Jr. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator February 6, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 9
In an interview on his 25th anniversary in 2009, Father Vu said he decided to enter the seminary “be- cause it sounded like fun,” after visiting with a cousin who was on summer break from his studies at a semi- nary in Vietnam. Once in the seminary, Father Vu said, “While I still had fun, all of the sud- den I had fallen in love with the spiritual life of the sem- inary.” But after only a year in Father Than Vu was a beloved pastor at St. Aloysius School, as he was noted for his deep in- the seminary, the Commu- volvement with the students. Photo provided by St. Aloysius School The family of Father Than Vu prays during nists from the north invad- his funeral Mass on Jan. 31 at St. Aloysius ed South Vietnam. Father Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Father Vu Vu recalled that his fam- died Jan. 28. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Com- ily found themselves on a Father Vu had love of children mentator ship enroute to the United States. Because his family By Debbie Shelley students, “You are so fortunate. This school VU was one of 10 that was sponsored The Catholic Commentator has given you so many opportunities. Whatev- From page 1 by the Baton Rouge diocese, he er you want to do, you can do.” came here to live. Father Than Vu was dubbed “the Ninja Father Vu regularly participated in school Father Vu died Jan. 28 sur- He entered the seminary here priest” by the students and faculty at St. Aloy- activities up to the end of his life. Plauche noted rounded by family and friends af- with encouragement of then Vo- sius School, demonstrating swift and precise that at the past parish fair, which supported the ter a long and inspiring battle with cations Director Father Jerry martial art moves during school assemblies. But school, Father Vu hopped on a monkey on the cancer. Bishop Muench said in the Young, even though he knew very his “weapons” were spreading joy, giving stu- carousel ride. He also attended Grandparent’s last few days of his life, Father Vu little English or nothing about the dents his undivided attention and instilling in Day and hosted a cupcake party for the school. assured him he was “at peace, un- culture of this country. Because them that they can do anything they want to do. Father Vu gave his all to the school, said afraid and only slightly in physical of the language barrier he took a There was mutual love and respect between Hebert, noting that just a couple of days before pain.” Like the late Bishop Stanley leave to work in the public sector the St. Aloysius students and Father Vu, ac- his death, he called the school to take care of Ott, “He taught us how to live and for a year so that he could become cording to assistant principal Gay Hebert. business. he taught us how to die” the bishop more familiar with the language. “Whenever Father Than needed a lift, he Even as the cancer set in and he lost his said. He returned to seminary and even- would come to the school and spend time with hair, Father Vu expressed joy at the school. The “In the last three meetings I had tually was sent to study in Rome. the students,” Hebert noted. “He would eat priest received numerous hats, and he wore with Father Than, we exchanged He graduated with honors from lunch with the children in the cafeteria and them at the school, including a top hat, hat those simple, but majestic words: Pontifical Gregorian University in talk to them. He just gravitated toward the with earflaps and his favorite cabbie or “bee- ‘I love you.’ Even for Jesus himself Rome in 1983. He was ordained by children.” bop” hat. those words were magic. Those the late Bishop Stanley J. Ott on Father Vu was enthusiastically received by The giving flowed back and forth from were the last words in this world July 21, 1985. the students, who remembered him as always school to Father Vu. When the school gave he and I shared with one anoth- He has served a summer at St. smiling and light-hearted. him a “Priest by day, Ninja by night” t-shirt, he er. They brought me then and will Jean Vianney Church in Baton “He had a great sense of humor. He was al- proudly wore it around school. forever bring me immeasurable Rouge, two years at Immaculate ways happy and wanted everyone to be happy,” Father Vu occasionally called on assistance consolation and comfort,” Bishop Conception Church in Denham said sixth-grade student Michael Chatelain. from the students when preparing for his Sun- Muench said. Springs, two years at St. Theresa “He talked to everyone. He would meet peo- day homilies, such as the time he asked the As vicar general and moderator Church in Gonzales, seven years at ple one time and remember their names,” said children to teach him how to use a yo-yo that of the curia for the diocese, Father St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge third-grade student Lane Plauche. He often he would use to make a point during his homi- Vu held the second highest post in and a total of 13 years at Christ the filled gaps in conversations or presentations ly, according to D’Angelo. the diocese and shared adminis- King Church and Student Center. with a joke. It came naturally that as the cancer pro- trative governance of the diocese He has served as chancellor of the Macie D’Angelo, also in third grade, point- gressed, the children would outpour their love with the bishop. diocese, the chair of the clergy Per- ed out Father Vu made students feel like they to Father Vu. As Father Vu underwent treat- Father Vu was widely loved for sonnel Board, and in 2007 was ap- were being listened to. If there were a group of ment for his cancer, the school had a school- his inspiring homilies, his keen pointed diocesan vicar general by students talking, he would make sure that ev- and parish-wide prayer for him over the inter- sense of humor, a deep spirituality the bishop. eryone had a chance to speak. If he was giving com weekly. During one of his hospital stays, and near photographic memory. Father Vu was preceded in a homily to the children or asking them ques- the children made a spiritual bouquet for him. “He had a passion for what he death by his parents Kiet Vu and tions in an assembly, if they raised their hand Father Vu had a picture taken of him with the did, a love for God and the people Hue Mai, and his sister Maria Nguy he would bring the microphone to them so ev- bouquet in the hospital bed. he served,” his nephew Tuan Pham Vu. He is survived by his sister Ma- eryone could hear them speak. And he made “When in terrible pain, he would read the said at the opening of the service. ria Huyen Pham and her husband them feel special, at school and church. She cards,” Hebert said. “You all touched him and inspired Thao, his brother Phien Vu and his noted that when one 8-year-old was baptized When Father Vu passed away, the students him as much as he inspired you. wife Tram; his nieces and nephews at the church, he carried her from the baptis- did what they had done all along for him – they I am a better person for having Nguyen Vu, Hanh Pham, Tuan & mal font. prayed. They gathered together, held a living known him, and we are a better Allison Pham, Peter & Elizabeth Setting the example, Father Vu urged the rosary, prayed and read Scripture. people for having known him.” Pham, Vy Vu, Van & Heather Vu, students to reach out to others. Hebert said she hopes once the shock and Father Vu was born in Vietnam Van Thuy Vu, Van Tu Vu, Van Ha “He inspired us to talk to everyone – when initial grief over Father Vu’s death subsides, in 1958 only weeks after his fa- Vu; his great nieces and nephews you see a situation where there’s someone in happy stories will surface, because she believes ther died. His mother had to work Tia & Skylar Monjure, Addison need, you go over there and help them,” said that is the way he would want it to be. outside the home to support her & Anne Pham, Emme & James Ella Barnhorst, an eighth-grade student. “This was one of the happiest parts of his four children. His two sisters, his Pham, Julian Summers & Hien And he was a motivator. Barnhost noted life – being in a parish with a school,” Hebert brother, his grandmothers, aunts Hammond & Kien Spiller, Jack and that during one school assembly he told the said. and uncles all helped to raise him. John and Julia Thien-Kim Vu. 10 The Catholic Commentator | February 6, 2015 February 6, 2015 | The Catholic Commentator 11
Bishop Robert W. Muench triumphantly holds up the key to unlock the reno- Doris Spooner lights one of the dedica- Parishioner Thelma Rizan fills a holy wa- Mary Bennett, left, Ruth Stanley, Dorene Mayeux and Father David Allen and Bishop Muench sign the Alaina Saucier, left, and Ava Costello carry flowers . The new immersion baptismal font. vated church. tion candles. ter container with water from the newly Lorraine Bergeron bring up the altar cloth. dedication documents. blessed baptismal font. A BRIGHT FUTURE
Bishop Muench anoints the new altar table with chrism oil during the rededication of Hoy Family Church in Port Allen. Holy Family rededicates renovated church
By Barbara Chenevert Catholics celebrate their faith and the sacraments, it is The Catholic Commentator the people who make up the church, the bishop reminded them. “I love it. It’s so bright and cheerful. And the carpet is “Our work is not finished. We are called to dedicate gone,” said parishioner Elaine Daroca. ourselves – to make ourselves a house of God, a place for Parishioners were struck by the brightness and openness of the renovated church. Photos by Barbara Chenevert and Penny Saia “It feels like a holy place to worship. I am overwhelmed. God’s grace,” Bishop Muench said, adding the service was A suspended crucifix hangs over the sanctuary. It’s gorgeous,” said Lea Wroten. not just to dedicate a facility, but to celebrate the call to “It’s so much brighter than in the past and the carpet is be touched by God, moved by God and responsive to God’s “All Are Welcome.” A huge crucifix which had been located in the chapel is gone,” said L.J. Cavalier, an usher and life long parishioner. grace. Bishop Muench then blessed the new baptismal font, now suspended over the sanctuary of the renovated church. Amid jokes about the 1970s greenish gold carpet that has Father Allen thanked the people of Holy Family. “What an immersion pool located to the side of the sanctuary. The stations of the cross from the original church line the now been replaced with neutral tiles, the parishioners of a powerful name we have. There is no perfect family in the He anointed the altar as four priests – Fathers John Car- back walls and statues are placed on either side of the en- Holy Family Church in Port Allen gathered Feb. 1 to dedi- world. We are only called to be holy, and I am honored to be ville, Robert Berggreen, Joel LaBauve and Henry Gautreau trance way. Demi tables situated underneath the statues cate their renovated church that is lovely in its simplicity, a parishioner,” he said, as parishioners gave him a standing anointed the walls with the oil of chrism. were also made from the old pews by parishioner Kenny brightness and clean lines. ovation. In the next part of the rite, the bishop incensed the al- Fontenot. “Let me ask you what you think of your new church?” The dedication service began with a procession from the tar followed by a rite in which the sanctuary light from the Artist Sam Corso designed the altar, ambo and tables Bishop Muench asked the hundreds gathered for the dedi- new Marion Hall across the street from the church. When chapel was used to light the large paschal candle in the new used in the sanctuary, all made of wood and stone. cation. They responded with rousing applause. the procession arrived, Kevin Babb of Cockfield-Jackson church and the four dedication candles located along the Parishioner Philipa Blair summed up the feelings of “This is a magnificent project begun by Father Henry architects presented the blueprints of the church to the walls. The dedication candle holders were made by parish- many who attended when she said the renovated church is Vavasseur and completed under the present pastor, Father bishop, and Don Matherne of Percy Matherne General Con- ioner Harvey Hill from wood taken from the old church full of warmth. “We are very proud. They did a wonderful The new covered gathering area outside the main en- David Allen,” the bishop said. “But it is you, the parishio- tractors presented the keys to the church to the bishop who pews. job bringing the church back to a feeling of warmth. It is trance of the church features a sculpture by the late ners and friends of Holy Family who made this possible.” then presented them to Father Allen. The pastor “unlocked” The altar was then dressed by parishioners who brought bright and warm and the carpet is gone.” artist Frank Hayden. Although the church building is the physical place where the church to allow parishioners to enter as the choir sang, forth the altar cloth, corporal, candles and flowers. 12 The Catholic Commentator February 6, 2015 CHS students offer a family a new beginning
By Debbie Shelley at CHS and mentor of the Habitat just ‘wow.’ You don’t always real- The Catholic Commentator for Humanity Youth Build, had ize how many caring people there grown very close to Gant and his are in the world, and I’m very Derrick Gant and his two sons, family. Greg Sollie passed away thankful,” Gant said. A’Niaje and Chanse, emerged the night before the home’s dedi- After receiving the keys to from a red truck and smiled cation. the home, Gant went inside and broadly as they walked through A single father, Gant said he looked around at their new home, a parting crowd in a red-carpet had heard about the Habitat pro- which was fully furnished and like treatment to take ownership gram on the radio and decided the stocked with groceries. Those of the Habitat for Humanity home project was a way for him to make outside were then invited to tour on Mississippi Street in Baton a better life for his children by the home and congratulate Gant Rouge built for them by Catholic giving them a stable place to grow as he signed documents of owner- High School students Jan. 23. up and to spend more time with ship. Warrick Dunn, a 1993 CHS them. Noting that owners put in Many of those attending the graduate, partnered with CHS nine months of “sweat equity” dedication were CHS students. and Habitat for Humanity to pro- by helping to build the home, he Senior Kasey Huff, who vide the Gant family’s down pay- said one of the best parts of work- worked on the home, said “I defi- ment and home furnishings. ing on the home was meeting the nitely enjoyed the communal as- CHS students finished building people on the build and working pect of the project and seeing the the home on Oct. 5. The two-year alongside his older son, A’Niaje. look on his (Gant’s face) when he process included raising money to “It’s given us a chance to work saw the (finished) home.” fund the house and building the together and has brought us clos- Allen Bonnecaze, a senior who house by CHS students, faculty, er together,” Gant said. also worked on the home, painting alumni and volunteers. He added, “My kids are excited rooms and caulking edges around Gant’s homecoming was emo- and I can’t wait to sit back and the doors and floorboards, said tional, as on his way through the think about how all of that hard the best part of the project was crowd he encountered and em- work was worth it.” “putting in a lot of work and see- braced Patti Sollie, whose hus- “I don’t know how to express ing the outcome – how happy we Derrick Gant walks through the front door of his Habitat for Humanity band, Greg Sollie, an instructor my thanks to them in words, it’s made the homeowner.” home built by Catholic High School and supported by Warrick Dunn Charities. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
This was Bonnecaze’s first he pick the items for the room? “I time to participate in a Habitat for said, ‘I like that. I hope he does, Humanity project. “I would love too.’ ” to do something like this again For McGovern, who has in the future to see how much an helped friends of his family build impact we can have on the com- homes before, said the most edi- munity,” he said. fying part of the project was see- Ryan McGovern, also a se- ing Gant’s home being built from he Black and Indian Mission Collection (BIMC) exists to help nior, helped with everything from the ground up. communities to build the Church and preach the Gospel of building the framework to paint- “It’s cool to see him move into ing and siding and shopping for the house. Really humbling,” Jesus among the African American, Native American and the younger son’s room. How did McGovern said. TAlaska Native people of God.
Enlivening Parish Life & Catechesis Empowering Evangelizers Encouraging Vocations Helping Educators Reach Kids MAKING NEWS – Eighth-grade students from Holy Ghost Please give generously to the School were given a tour of the Southeastern Louisiana Univer- sity television station. Pictured from left are, seated, Kyler Ga- Black and Indian Mission Collection gliano, Albert Blanchard and Jacobi Thiel; standing, Steve Zaf- futo, who gave the tour, Hailey Sciortino, Chloe Albright, Baylee on February 21 & 22. Falcon and Cheryl Sears, school secretary. Photo provided by Cindy Wagner | Holy Ghost School
Send your school and youth news, and story ideas to Debbie Shelley, assistant editor, at [email protected]. February 6, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 13 Choosing life in a culture of death ho in their right mind we create a culture of life if we practically and morally burden- weaker and more vulnerable the would travel to Wash- cannot even love the people some to our “freedom.” We treat human life, the more deserving Wington D.C 20 plus around us? Selfishness destroys freedom as an excuse to live he or she is of our protection. hours cramped on a bus for love. And the more we pretend any way we want even though Our commitment to life must extended periods without tech- that our personal wealth, power, freedom is meant to serve our be more than an ideology, but nology in order to march in the pleasure and fame are more ability to love. We have free- a living relationship with God cold winter weather? Among important than others, the more dom that we might choose life. and a commitment to love those the hundreds of thousands of friendships, marriages and Rather than focusing on the whom God loves. Every human people that converged upon families will be destroyed. vague “right to choose” there life is infinitely valuable and the capitol, nine buses of high Life begins at conception. must be an honest conversation worthy of respect. Whenever schoolers from the Baton Rouge This is a scientific fact. Once the on what exactly is being chosen human life is violated, a culture Diocese provided witness to the chromosomes of the sperm fuse because there can be no moral of death is promoted. Whenever dignity of life on the anniver- with the chromosomes of the justification for killing an in- we love, a culture of life begins sary of Roe v. Wade. egg a distinct, human organ- nocent human child. In fact, the to flourish. In a society that tends to Sign of the Times ism with his or her own genetic seek comfortable, pampered Seminarian Ryan Hallford fingerprint (DNA) exists. The excursions, these high school- only changes present after con- ers joyfully endured every sue. Do we really see people as ception is his or her size, level inconvenience thrown at them, a gift? Or do we treat them as of development, environment from bus breakdowns and a burden? A culture of death is and level of dependency, which schedule changes to rustic camp one that fails to see human life will all continue to fluctuate Help cancer patients in your community get bunkbed lodging. “What do we as a gift. throughout life. to the treatments they need. want? Culture of life! How are Most people have experi- Ironically the church insists we gonna get it? Prayer and ences of feeling unwanted. Or on the scientifically verifiable cancer.org/volunteer sacrifice!” This chant provided a worse, the suspicion that those fact that human life begins at constant refrain to our pilgrim- you care about may possibly dis- conception whereas much of 1.800.227.2345 age reminding us what we were card you when you are no longer society treats the issue with a about. As pilgrims, not tourists, perceived as useful. No wonder superstitious denial of basic all difficulties became opportu- mothers and fathers are often biology. The effectiveness of the nities for grace and virtue. tempted to treat pregnancy as a “pro-choice” movement is that At the heart of a culture of disease; they learn this from the they have convinced people to life must be a culture of love. culture. The more society values focus on some vague notion of This year’s pilgrimage theme, people based on performance women’s rights while proclaim- “Souls Ablaze,” focuses on how a and usefulness to personal com- ing the opposite viewpoint as culture of life begins by allowing fort, the more children are seen anti-woman. This approach the flame of God’s love to burn as unwanted inconveniences. wants people to focus on the within our souls. We must first “I call heaven and earth freedom and choice of the allow God’s love to transform us today to witness against you: mother rather than what is be- if we want to help transform the I have set before you life and ing chosen. In other words, pay culture. More than being only death, the blessing and the no attention to the human life anti-abortion, being pro-life curse. Choose life, then, that you behind the curtain; it’s just a means seeking to always defend, and your descendants may live” blob of tissue. However, there is respect and respond to life at all (Deut. 30:19). no such thing as the right to kill developmental stages. Choose life! These words an innocent human and any hu- Giving a shout out to the seem simple, but the mission man can be physically described March for Life, Pope Francis is not. Every day we struggle as a blob of tissue. tweeted, “Every Life is a Gift.” and often fail to love each other Too often our society margin- This cuts to the heart of the is- the way we should. How can alizes those we deem financially,
100 DAYS – St. Francis Xavier Interparochial School in Baton Rouge recently celebrated its 100th day of the school year with a num- ber of events. Kindergarten and first grade students delighted in using colored paper to put their own individual style on head- wear. Rhianna Thornton, left, and MiKen- zee Washington, first graders taught by Latisha Walker, show off their creations outside of their classroom. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator
1-800-235-2772 14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT February 6, 2015
bullied son (Ian Nelson) and, although of of a government spy (Ewan McGregor), Motion Picture Association of America age, will soon be her student, the irreso- gets drawn into a murder investigation MOVIE ratings: G – General audiences; all ages admitted lute educator finds both her family and that has him searching for a lost mas- PG – Parental guidance suggested; some her career jeopardized by her summer- terpiece while fending off an interna- REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children time indiscretion. Director Rob Cohen’s tional terrorist (Jonny Pasvolsky) and USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned trashy thriller succeeds in parading its a Russian mobster (Ulrich Thomsen). classifications: to give special guidance for attendance stars’ flesh, but is eye-rollingly inept on He’s aided by his resourceful bodyguard A-I – General patronage of children under 13; some material may every other score. Some harsh violence (Paul Bettany) and devoted wife (Gwyn- A-II – Adults and adolescents be inappropriate for young children with brief but extreme gore, strong sex- eth Paltrow), though, in a running joke, A-III – Adults R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- ual content, including graphic adultery the latter spends much of the film alien- A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian and other immoral acts, a couple of pro- ated from her spouse by her dislike of his L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive fanities, frequent rough and crude lan- newly acquired moustache. Director Da- guage. O; R vid Koepp’s screen version of Kyril Bon- figlioli’s novel “Don’t Point That Thing The Wedding Ringer at Me” tries to evoke P.G. Wodehouse American Sniper tect his fellow fighters. Yet the film avoids Screen Gems and the sort of movies parodied by the Warner Bros. any big-picture moral assessment of the Lacking close friends, a likable nebbish “Austin Powers” series. But in place of Sober war drama based on Chris Kyle’s specific struggle in which he participated (Josh Gad) betrothed to a shallow beauty effervescent satiric champagne, viewers 2012 memoir (written with Scott McEw- or of armed clashes in general. Stylized (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) engages the ser- get a gulp of flat ginger ale instead. And, en and Jim DeFelice) about his service as violence with some gore, a scene of tor- vices of a best-man-for-hire (Kevin Hart) though the successful union shared by a Navy SEAL during the conflict in Iraq. ture, a premarital situation, some sexual and a hastily assembled and thoroughly Depp and Paltrow’s characters is front As Kyle, played by Bradley Cooper, gains humor and references, several uses of motley crew of fake groomsmen. Though and center in screenwriter Eric Aron- a reputation as an expert sharpshooter, profanity, constant rough and crude lan- it sketchily traces the burgeoning affin- son’s script, asides in the dialogue hint he wins the respect of his comrades, but guage. A-III; R ity between the husband-to-be and his that the absence of children from their also becomes a prime enemy target with stand-in bosom buddy, director and family life has not come about acciden- a price on his head. The Texas native’s in- The Boy Next Door co-writer Jeremy Garelick’s potentially tally. Considerable bloodless violence, sistence on returning to combat through Universal touching comedy bogs down in juvenile a brief premarital bedroom scene, fre- four grueling tours of duty, moreover, While separated from her unfaithful nastiness. Thus the script takes suppos- quent sexual and some scatological hu- predictably exacts a psychological toll husband (John Corbett), a high school edly humorous swipes at the clergy abuse mor, including a vulgar anatomical sight and strains his relationship with his wife English teacher (Jennifer Lopez) is se- scandal and tries to garner giggles by in- gag, at least one use of profanity, occa- (Sienna Miller). Working from a script duced by a newly arrived teen neighbor volving a dog in a sex act. Anti-Catholic sional rough and crude language. A-III; by Jason Hall, director Clint Eastwood (Ryan Guzman) who turns out to be an and irreverent humor, strong sexual con- R successfully conveys the heroic personal obsessive maniac. Since her ill-chosen tent, including depraved activity with commitment that motivated Kyle to pro- paramour has managed to befriend her partial frontal nudity, a frivolous treat- Project Almanac ment of homosexuality, about a dozen Paramount uses of profanity, pervasive rough and A scientifically gifted high school se- crude language. O; R nior (Jonny Weston) stumbles across a time-travel mechanism and, together Black or White with the girl of his dreams (Sofia Black- Relativity D’Elia), his sister (Virginia Gardiner) Large-scale issues of race and addic- and his two best pals (Sam Lerner and tion are examined in microcosm in this Allen Evangelista), overcomes a series fact-based drama from writer-director of obstacles to put the device in work- Mike Binder. After a car accident sud- ing order. As long as the group sticks to denly leaves him a widower, a prosperous short-term chronology hopping and rela- white lawyer (Kevin Costner) struggles tively small-scale wish fulfillment, their to go on raising his half-African-Amer- magical gadget seems like a windfall. ican granddaughter (Jillian Estell). But But pushing the boundaries reveals the his reliance on alcohol to assuage his disastrously negative impact their real- grief raises questions about his fitness ity-altering visits to the past can have as a guardian, leading the girl’s paternal on the present. Director Dean Israelite’s grandmother (Octavia Spencer), a suc- uneven sci-fi fantasy works well enough cessful entrepreneur, to sue for custody. as long as its generic teenage ensemble is As family antagonisms fuel the conflict puzzling over the nuts and bolts of their the attorney blames the lass’ dad (Andre apparatus. Once they master its secrets, Holland), a narcotics-dependent ne’er- though, the complications become con- do-well, for his own daughter’s needless fusing, the plotting choppy and the tone death in childbirth so too do racial ten- shrill, leaving viewers with the temporal sions. Though its avoidance of stereo- equivalent of seasickness. Though the types and easy answers is admirable, the film is obviously aimed at adolescents, film provides only modest entertainment writers Andrew Deutschmann and Ja- for those grown-up viewers able to ap- son Pagan’s screenplay includes among preciate its moral shadings. Brief blood- its contingencies a possible physical re- less violence, a drug theme, incidental lationship between two characters that affirmation of a same-sex marriage, -ma would not only predate any thought of ture references, several uses of profanity, marriage but might also anticipate either at least one rough term, frequent crude or both of the participants’ legal major- and crass language. A-III; PG-13 ity. A nonmarital and possibly underage sexual situation with a scene of sensual Mortdecai intimacy, teen drinking, some sexual hu- Lionsgate mor, a few uses of profanity, at least one Tone-deaf action comedy about an ec- instance of the F-word, pervasive crude centric and somewhat shady British art and occasional crass language. A-III; dealer (Johnny Depp) who, at the behest PG-13 February 6, 2015 ENTERTAINMENT The Catholic Commentator 15
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I Lived 41 51 61
Hope when you take that jump You’ll say I wish that I could witness 71 81 91 You don’t fear the fall Refrain: All your joy Hope when the water rises I, I did it all And all your pain 210 2 22 You built a wall I, I did it all But until my moment comes 32 254 2 Hope when the crowd screams I owned every second that this I’ll say They’re screaming your name world could give 276 2 298 20313 Hope if everybody runs I saw so many places, the things (Repeat refrain.) 332 343 365 3 73 You choose to stay that I did Yeah, with every broken bone With every broken bone 398 3 04 14 Hope that you fall in love I swear, I lived I swear I lived 42 443 454 64 And it hurts so bad With every broken bone The only way you can know Hope that you spend your days I swear I 487 4 409 5 Give it all you had That they all add up 521 5 543 55565 And I hope that you don’t suffer And when that sun goes down (Repeat refrain.) But take the pain Hope you raise your cup 587 595 610 6 Hope when the moment comes Oh, oh, oh I swear I lived 26 36 46
Sung by OneRepublic | Copyright © 2013 by Mosley, Interscope Records 56 66 76
86 96 07 Making the most out of life, but with a plan moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www ACROSS DOWN s I listened to OneRepub- purpose, but often God speaks softly. 1 Holy ___ 1 City that was the home of 5 Patron saint of Norway Abram lic’s latest hit “I Lived” and Look at your desires, your genuine 9 Holy object 2 Biblical tree Awatched the accompanying interests. What would make you feel 14 Hello, from Jacques 3 Sore video, it occurred to me that we all more alive? What would challenge 15 Sell 4 Stayed with 5 Supervise need to evaluate how we are living. you? 16 Friendship 17 Wealthy to Juan 6 Son of Jacob The video features 15-year-old Of course, not everything that 18 Mary, ___-Virgin 7 Lend ___ Bryn Warnecke and focuses on his inspires us can happen immediately. 19 Ivy and wisteria 8 WWII president 9 They fed Elijah (1 Kings 17:2–4) 20 First Catholic university to be life with cystic fibrosis. For example, dropping out of school 10 Act of sending out built in the United States in Warnecke has clearly learned to pursue a career in skydiving might 11 Geometry basic how to thoroughly engage life sound thrilling, but it’s best to pursue about 40 years 12 Road to the Colosseum 22 Where Jesus went for 40 days even though his chronic disease dreams while having a more practical 13 Vesicle 23 Sea god 21 Certain something remains a difficulty. The video plan that includes education. Having 24 Holds back 22 “What you sow does not come that accompanies the song is one a good education leads to opportuni- 26 ___ Scott decision to life unless it ___.” (1 Cor you should watch. “I Lived” was ties. 28 Wounds 15:16) 32 Son of Noah 25 Dodges featured in the 2014 film “The That doesn’t mean that you can’t On The Record 35 Mythical ruler of the winds 27 ___ of the Church Fault In Our Stars” and on several read about skydiving or find out what 37 Skip 29 Melville work TV presentations. Charlie Martin it takes to become an instructor, and 38 Grandson of Leah 30 Weather phenomenon (with The song’s protagonist says, “I eventually make a career out of it. 40 Massachusetts cape “el”) 41 3 PM prayer 31 Samba move did it all, I owned every second The first step may be to learn how 32 Circular band 42 Juan’s “other” 33 Against that this world could give, I saw so many places, to fly a plane, and maybe that means majoring in 43 Be present at Mass the things that I did, yeah, with every broken aviation science in college. There is always a path, 34 Artist Chagall 46 Alley of Moo 36 Nephew of Abraham bone, I swear I lived.” but the real question is: Are we willing to do what 47 Catholic cubist 39 Two-by-two vessel Too often, we take days, weeks, even years of it takes to get to that goal? 49 The Dead and the Red 43 John Paul II’s “Ecclesia in ___” 51 Some people split them life for granted, living as if we have forever to do All of us want to say “I lived” when we reach 44 Proximate 53 Catholic actor of “Cocoon” 45 “Cheer, cheer for ole Notre what truly inspires us. Many of us may receive the the end of our lives. But it’s more important to say fame, Don ______…” gift of decades of life, but the most important day “I loved.” We all came from divine love and will go 57 St. Therese of Lisieux is a 48 Communion of ___ in your life is today. This is the day when you can back to this state of being. You need to think about patron of this country 50 Television street 52 Land with a queen in Kings bring passion and goodness to all those around how you want to live, but you also need to think 60 Arianism and Gnosticism 62 Body of salt water 54 Apple juice you. about how to fill that life with love. If you can do 63 Word on a biblical wall 55 Beneficiaries Are you following your dreams? Do you know that and do so every day, then there will be no 64 Entrance 56 First name in cosmetics 65 On one’s toes 57 Wander what your dreams are, or are you sailing through doubt that you will be able to say “I lived.” 58 Calif. college 66 The Alphabet life with no clear purpose? If so, this is the day to 59 Fortune teller change. Start by taking time away from your nor- MARTIN is an Indiana pastoral counselor who 67 Trifling 61 Letter letters 68 One, holy, catholic, apostolic 63 ___ Jongg mal routine. You might have daily responsibilities reviews current music for Catholic News service. 69 Cease moving such as school or work, but find time for yourself. Your comments are always welcome. Write to: 70 Scottish Gaelic Solution page 18 Ask yourself: Where do I want to go from here? [email protected], or at: 7125 West CR 200 What do I want to do in life? South, Rockport, IN 47635, or like this column Listen carefully to what emerges in your on Facebook at “Charlie Martin’s Today’s Music thoughts and feelings. Your life is filled with Columns” and post a comment or suggestion. Mr. D’s Tree Service ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE Find more ‘archived’ columns from Charlie Martin at Don Decell, owner carl BaBin, owner The Catholic Commentator Online, • Economical under “Entertainment” at: • Fully Insured • Quality Work CALL TODAY! thecatholiccommentator.org 225-292-6756 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT February 6, 2015
| EDITORIAL Lead with love Father Vu will be missed uch has been made become wealthy doing it. by commentators Jesus’ approach, however, is smile was infectious, his per- advice to someone in need or spend Mon religion and is not chastisement but an of- sonality warm and engaging. time with the young people he loved Catholicism today about the fer of friendship. “Zacchaeus, H The Diocese of Baton Rouge so much. “Francis effect.” Why do the come down quickly, for today lost one of its treasures and certainly Father Vu was a spiritual man, words and actions of this I must stay at your house.” one of its most popular clergy mem- truly someone who answered God’s present pope ring true and That gesture of welcome bers when Father Than Vu succumbed call to a priestly life. His faith shone have a positive effect on so brought about a conversion. to cancer Jan. 28 surrounded by fam- through his words and actions. He had many people? “And he came down quickly ily and friends. the ability to make you feel welcome, Jaded journalists love to and received him (Jesus) Father Vu’s humility was likely even if meeting him for the first time. quote him; presidents seek with joy.” Zacchaeus goes on borne from his hum- But perhaps what his mediation to untangle to promise half of his wealth ble beginnings, immi- He once said most of us will re- long-standing animosi- to the poor and repayment grating to the United member about Father ties between their nations; of anything he may have ex- States with his family he joined the Vu is the joy he found marginalized groups of Another torted with generous interest. after the Communists in his faith. It was society such as the poor and Jesus is happy because “the had overrun his native seminary because it that joy that carried homosexuals find hope in Perspective Son of Man has come to seek South Vietnam. He him through his most his message. and to save what was lost.” had originally entered “sounded like fun.” difficult of times, I think this “effect” is Father John Carville Jesus not only led with the seminary in Viet- battling a disease that because of his message love, but he taught us that nam, and fortunately Now it’s God’s time would ultimately take sounding like the good news of Jesus’ Gos- this is what God wants. Think of the par- for the thousands of his life. pel. He is continuing the approach of Jesus able of the Prodigal Son. The father, who lives he would eventu- to share in that fun. Even in his final in revealing to us a God of love and mercy. is the image of God, forgives his wayward ally touch, Father Vu days he was an in- That was the difference Jesus made in his son even before he can make his speech continued his priestly studies at St. spiration to us all, teaching us how day, and Pope Francis is finding a way to of repentance. And then the father (God) Joseph Seminary College. to prepare for our eternal glory with make that same difference today. tells his complaining older son (us) that he All who knew Father Vu felt privi- the grace and dignity he always pos- I ended my last Catholic Commenta- should do likewise. We are awfully slow to leged to make his acquaintance. He sessed. tor column with a quote from Argentina’s understand and then adopt this essential was one of those rare individuals who Father Vu’s wisdom, sense of hu- reporter at the Vatican, Elisabetta Piqué. Christ-like behavior of love, help, invite could touch your heart with a smile, a mor, deep faith and inspiring homilies While interviewing Pope Francis, she conversion of heart and behavior, but avoid kind word or a gentle gesture. Despite will be greatly missed throughout the said, “As a pope you are different because threats and force. We can practice this on a a demanding schedule as vicar general diocese. you speak with utmost clarity, you are personal level. It is a doable gospel of love, and pastor at one of the diocese’s larg- He once said he joined the seminary completely straightforward, you don’t use mercy and compassion. est parishes, Father Vu always gave because it “sounded like fun.” Now it’s euphemisms and don’t beat about the bush; At the same time it is difficult to trans- of his time, whether it was to offer God’s time to share in that fun. the course of your papacy is extremely late this gospel teaching to our public civic clear.” That clear course is to stress the life beset by crime and to our national | mercy and the love of Jesus. life faced with the violent disrespect for LETTER TO THE EDITOR St. Paul wrote that God showed his love human life practiced by Al Quaeda and for us in that, while we were still sinners, ISIS. Catholic moral teaching on the use Sacredness of life Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). Jesus not of force has always been couched in what only died for us, he lived our life, shared is known as the just-war theory. Force can In reference to the two Letters to God’s unconditional love and forgiveness? its beauty and its hardships, and then told only be justified as a last resort. It must be the Editor concerning capital punish- How can we get them into full com- us, “Love one another as I have loved you” the only way we can protect the innocent, ment and abortion that appeared in munion with the church? (Jn 13:34). He is the image of how God the defenseless. It must never be more the Jan. 23 issue of The Catholic Com- These three points are more impor- loves. And God in sending Jesus loved us destructive than necessary. It must have mentator, I’d like to offer my opinions. tant to me as a Catholic, than trying to while we were sinners, he didn’t wait until a reasonable chance of achieving a good I think it would be fair to say that determine if one life has less value or we were perfect. Jesus continued that way result. This means that we must treat our most of us do not like to see anyone more value than the other. of loving, and it is that approach that Pope own citizens with justice and compassion, killed, murdered, aborted, executed or Jesus challenges us to visit people Francis wants his church to adopt. and other national groups with respect whatever term we use when someone’s in prison… (Mt 25:44 NAB) Consider how Jesus treated the woman and all reasonable assistance to satisfy life is terminated by another human Jesus commands us to love our caught in adultery in St. John’s Gospel, their legitimate needs and rights. Howev- being. As Catholics, we understand, neighbor… (Mt 22:39 NAB) Chapter 8. The first thing he did was save er, violence and murder have to be stopped and believe (I hope), that ALL human Jesus instructs us to love our ene- her from those who would stone her. “Let wherever they occur. The innocent must life is sacred. We are ALL made in the mies and pray for those who persecute the one among you who is without sin be be protected. image and likeness of God and should us… (Mt 5:44 NAB) the first to throw a stone at her.” After her Pope Francis acknowledged this when all agree that human life is the greatest Jesus reminds us to love one anoth- accusers have all shrunk away, he tells her, he said that ISIS must be stopped from gift from our Creator. In my opinion, er as he loves us… (Jn 15:12 NAB) “Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from murdering innocent civilians. However, we should not try to equate or measure I think nothing would be more now on do not sin any more.” he added that proportionate means with what type of life is more important pleasing to our heavenly father than Jesus first shows her protective love and no more force than necessary should be than the other. We should not try to as- for him to see us protecting the life only then urges her not to continue her sin. applied. In a world as violent as ours, the sume that God’s love for the righteous of the unborn, to see us speaking out We do pay for our sins because they bring gospel of love, mercy and forgiveness is cer- is greater than his love for the sinner. against euthanasia, to see us standing with them bad consequences for us. Jesus tainly possible on the individual level but I believe God’s love is 100 percent for up against embryonic destruction and does not want to condemn us but rather to increasingly difficult on the national and every human life he created … without to see us showing mercy and compas- save us from the harm we do to ourselves international levels. We should pray daily questions or without conditions. sion to the condemned. and others. He first loves us and then calls that God show us the way to peace. I think the approach and challenge In God’s eyes, I truly believe that we us to a better life. we as Catholics have concerning those are ALL important … 100 percent … The same is true in the story of Zacchae- FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Dio- who face a death sentence should be: nothing less! us, the tax collector in Luke 19:1-10. The cese of Baton Rouge and writes on current How can we get them to know and Jews thought Zacchaeus was the biggest topics for The Catholic Commentator. He love their creator? Jay Jackson sinner in Jericho. He was collecting taxes can be reached at johnnycarville@gmail. How can we get them to experience Baton Rouge from the Jews for the Romans. And he had com. February 6, 2015 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 Celebrate the life of Father Than Vu (Following is Bishop Robert W. ity,” Bishop claiming him his beloved son. Father was God’s reward to him for his fidelity, Muench’s homily from Father Than Ott, who Than expounded: “My entire spirituality holiness, virtue, patience and compas- Vu’s funeral Mass on Jan. 31) ordained and my vocation flowed out of this fun- sion, for having overcome suffering grace We are a grieving people, a grieving him a priest damental relationship with God. I have fully and living a life of eminent love and family, a grieving community, a grieving in 1984, truly felt blessed by God and always saw service. He epitomized one of my favorite diocese, a grieving Church. Who among he taught my priestly vocation as one of proclaim- Scripture quotes: “Whatever you do, do us has not shed tears, real or virtual, us how to ing and reminding people that they’re with your whole heart; do it for the Lord” over the death of our beloved friend? live and he God’s beloved children. This has been Colossians 3:23. Where Father Than has While acknowledging the human an- taught us the focus of my priestly vocation, remind- gone, we, in God’s Providence, hope to guish of losing a loved one to death, we how to die. ing people that they’re God’s beloved and follow. follow the instruction of St. Paul that we Born in out of this invite them to respond to the Last night at the vigil service, the must “never grieve as those who have no Vietnam in call of Micah: “to act justly, love tenderly Gospel reading Father Than requested for hope” I Thessalonians 4:13. 1958, just and walk with God” (Michal 6:8). In his use was the familiar intimate personal en- Jesus’ reaction before the tomb of two weeks last days Father Than assured me he was counter between the risen Christ and Peter his friend, Lazarus, has always com- From The Bishop after this at peace, not afraid and only in slight in which Jesus three times asked: “Do you forted me. St. John records: “And Jesus father died, physical pain. The day of his death was love me?” In the last three meetings I had wept” and the people’s reaction: “See Bishop Robert W. Muench Father Vu providentially the Memorial of St. Thomas with Father Than, we exchanged those how he loved him” John 11:35-36. Jesus did not have Aquinas, prodigious priest-theologian, simple, but majestic, words: “I love you.” validates, identifies and empathizes an easy life. with the daily prescribed responsorial Even for Jesus himself, those words were with our feelings today. His mother had to work outside the home Psalm 110: “You are a priest forever, in the magic. Those were the last words in this Perhaps Father Than left instructions to support her four children. His two line of Melchizedek,”and is being buried world he and I shared with one another. for me to preach this homily so that it sisters, brother, grandmothers, aunts and on the memorial of St. John Bosco, priest They brought me then and will forever might be cathartic for me or because our uncles all helped to raise him. As a young “apostle of youth,” with a selection in the bring me immeasurable consolation and ministry together brought us very close. teen he entered the seminary. A year later, Office of Readings about the mystery of comfort. Father Than’s death has left a vacuum in with his family he courageously boarded death from Vatican II’s Constitution on the As we express farewell to Father our lives. We already greatly miss him. a ship for the United States to flee the Church. Parenthetically may I add today Than, the French proverb comes to mind: To me he was more than a colleague and Communist invasion into South Vietnam. also marks the 101st birthday of my late “Whenever you say ‘goodbye’ you die a co-worker, he was trusted advisor and Because his family was one of 10 spon- saintly mother. little.” Perhaps I could augment that by wise counselor, confidante, in many ways sored by our diocese, he came here to live, For those of us privileged to have been saying, “And sometimes when you say: mentor (even though younger), friend and where, though he knew little English and at his 25th anniversary Mass at Christ ‘goodbye,’ you die a lot.” But as we also brother. He endured me (and that reason virtually nothing of American culture, the King Church, Father Than regaled us know, the French say ‘goodbye’ with the alone should have qualified for auto- Vocations Director Father Jerry Young with fascinating anecdotes that kept us tender expression: “Au revoir” – “until the matic and direct entrance into heaven), blessedly got him into the seminary. How spell-bound. Now I have to take credit for next time we see one another.” The English resourcefully sharing insights, support, quickly he adapted. Years later when he that great homily. You see he asked me to word “goodbye” sounds so harsh. Actu- affirmation and encouragement without contracted cancer, he remained character- preach and I told him to do it. That was ally it is an Anglo-Saxon contraction of a ever being a sycophant. Indeed he was a istically serene and unflappable. God and indisputably the best homily I never gave. longer expression, which we communicate heaven-sent companion along the journey. he were inseparable. Let us keep his revered memory to Father Than: “God be with you.” Wherever assigned (but especially the The readings Father Than chose for alive. Let us never tire of sharing favorite O God, we thank you for sending Father pastorates of St. Patrick, Christ the King this Mass reveal a great deal about him memories, experiences, stories or insights Than Vu to us – this angel of a man who and St. Aloysius parishes, and adminis- and his relationship with God. He saw from Father. From 1994-2003 there was sometimes seemed more spirit than body. trative roles at the Catholic Life Center), God’s providence in his being and in his a television series entitled: “Touched by He gave us a strong glimpse of your Son, Father Than Vu, by person, presence and life: no matter the circumstances or situa- an Angel.” This coming Friday in the as- Jesus, enlightened our minds, uplifted our ministry, dramatically touched hearts and tions in which he found himself. “There’s signed daily Scripture readings we have hearts and reassured our feelings. The immeasurably changed lives. A priest a time for everything, but in God’s time, the somewhat intriguing verse: “Do not reason we miss him, Lord, is because he of faith and prayer, he exhibited bril- not necessarily ours” he so reasoned. “My neglect hospitality, for some unknow- contributed so much to our lives and well- liant intelligence (fluent in six languages, ways are not your ways, says the Lord; so ingly have entertained angels” Hebrews being. Thank you, God, for this remark- with a phenomenal memory by which he far superior are my ways than your ways” 13:2. Might the inverse be true? Could able priest, whose ministry to us we will proclaimed the Gospel by heart, includ- Isaiah 55:8. Father Than wrote: “One of God send us people so angelic (like Father never forget. O God, in your time and in ing the Passion narratives), a great sense my ‘mystical’ experiences happened on a Than) to specially touch and inspire us? your providence, lead us also to your king- of humor (enlivening his homilies with retreat when I had the profound sense of Father Than’s call to eternal life was dom. And grant our brother and friend, attention-getting jokes), tremendous cre- peace that God was raising me up, car- neither a punishment to him nor to us. As Father Than, eternal rest and happiness ativity (fascinating St. Aloysius students rying me on high, on his wings, during a Wisdom 4:13-14 teaches: “Having become with you and all the angels and saints. And to debate whether he was or was not a time of uncertainty in my life. The experi- perfect in a short while, he reached the Father Than, we all say to you: “We love Ninja), and outstanding organizational ence confirmed God’s abiding presence fullness of a long career; for his soul was you.” Thank you for your own love and for ability (deftly handling even the most with me.” pleasing to the Lord; therefore he sped mediating God’s love to us. Allow me to complex matters), like the “soul of char- He always considered God as his father, him out of the midst of wickedness.” It affectionately close: “Au revoir, mon ami.”
| PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Feb. 10 Rev. Matthew C. Dupré Sr. Christine Pologa CSJ Dcn. Michael T. Chiappetta Feb. 21 Rev. Ray Hebert SC Dcn. William B. Blair Jr. Feb. 14 Rev. Michael A. Galea Sr. Maria Rabalais CSJ Dcn. Guy E. Decker Br. Lincoln Sigwald SC Dcn. Jerry W. Braud Feb. 18 Rev. Leo Guillot Sr. Geraldine Riendeau CSJ Feb. 11 Rev. Philip V. Eapen CMI Br. Xavier Werneth SC Dcn. Randall A. Clement Feb. 22 Rev. J. Clifton Hill CSSp Dcn. Daniel S. Borne Feb. 15 Rev. Henry W. Gautreau Jr. Br. James Burns SC Dcn. Bradley Doyle Sr. Anh-Tuyet Pham ICM Dcn. Patrick J. Broussard Jr. Feb. 19 Rev. Eric V. Gyan Br. Ramon Daunis SC Feb. 12 Rev. Ayo Emmanuel Efodigbue MSP Sr. Penny Prophit OSF Dcn. Samuel C. Collura Feb. 23 Rev. James Hooks SJ Dcn. Claude H. Bourgeois Jr. Feb. 16 Rev. William L. Greene Sr. Anne Michelle Ramagos CSJ Dcn. Benjamin J. Dunbar Jr. Br. Ronald Talbot SC Dcn. Barry G. Campeaux Feb. 20 Rev. Patrick Healy SSJ Sr. Brendan Mary Feb. 13 Rev. Denis O. Ekwugha Br. Maurus Bordelon SC Dcn. David L. Dawson III Ronayne OSF Dcn. Eugene F. Brady Feb. 17 Rev. Paul A. Gros Br. Eldon Crifasi SC 18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS February 6, 2015
Pro-life Mass – A monthly pro-life Mass will be first Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., and Lenten Silent Retreat – Sisters of St. Joseph Cyn- celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m., at St. Agnes third Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – noon. For information, call thia Sabathier and Lucy Silvio will direct a Lenten si- Church, 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge. For information, 504-887-1420 or visit retreats.arch-no.org. lent retreat Friday, Feb. 27 – Saturday, Feb. 28, at Ro- call 225-383-4127. saryville Spirit Life Center, 39033 Rosaryville Road, Taste Festival And Auction – St. Alphonsus Ponchatoula. The retreat will include private reflection, Natural Family Planning Course – The Couple Church, 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell communal prayer and spiritual guidance. The cost of to Couple League will conduct a Natural Family Plan- Springs, will host its seventh annual Festival of Two the retreat is $200, which includes meals and accom- ning Course series beginning Wednesday, Feb. 25, 6:30 Rivers Auction – Taste of Central – $10,000 raffle on modations. For information, call the St. Joseph Spiri- p.m., at Family Health Center, 3801 North Blvd., Baton Saturday, Feb. 28. Taste fair tickets are $25 in advance tuality Center at 225-383-3349, visit stjocenter.org or Rouge. For more information and to register, visit ccli. and $30 at the door and admits one adult. Raffle tickets email [email protected]. org. are $100. For information, call 225-261-4650 or 225- 261-5299. Vietnamese New Years’ Lunar Festival – St. Metairie Retreats – The Archdiocese of New Or- Anthony of Padua Church, 2305 Choctaw Dr., Baton leans Retreat House, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie, will Healing for the Separated and Divorced – St. Rouge, will host a New Years’ Lunar Festival (Year of host the following events: Friday, Feb. 6-Sunday, Feb. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge is offering a six-part the Goat) Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sun- 8, “Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos,” with Father series, “Return to Life,” beginning Sunday, Feb. 22, day, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. There will be an opening Anthony Rigoli OMI; Friday, Feb. 20, “Day of Prayer – 2:30-5 p.m. The program is open to people of all faith ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11:15 a.m., with fire- Lord Teach Us How to Pray,” with Archbishop Alfred denominations. Cost is $50. For more information or works and a dragon dance. There will be cultured food, Hughes; Friday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 22, “Real Pres- an application, call 225-343-6657, or email afalgoust@ drinks, live entertainment and a $10,000 raffle. Cost ence: The Practice of Compassion,” with Father Joseph staloysiusparish.com. The application can be brought is a $5 entertainment fee after 3 p.m. and $100 for the Nassal CPPS. Minimum offering is $225, which in- by the church or mailed to the attention of Angela Fal- raffle tickets. Funds will be used to support church op- cludes meals and accommodations. The Day of Prayer goust, St. Aloysius Church, 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton eration costs and improvements. For more information, cost is $40. Grief support meetings are also held the Rouge, LA 70808. call 225-357-4800 or 225-926-4581.
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 cardS oF thankS help Wanted While we at The Catholic Commenta- Mr. D’s Tree Service Pennington Lawn and Landscape Thank you St. Joseph of Cupertino for Catholic Charities tor do our best to bring reliable ad- 3 Licensed Arborists 225-806-0008 prayers answered. of the Diocese of Baton Rouge vertisers to our readers, we are not Free Estimates Lawn & bed maintenance. Clean-up neg- JC Seeks a Coordinator of Faith & Communi- responsible for any claims made by Fully Insured lect. Call for your free estimate. any advertiser. Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners Thanksgiving to St. Andrew, St. Joseph, ty Partnerships to cultivate relationships 225-292-6756 Kitchen counter tops. Call for free es- St. Anthony for answered prayers. with churches and community organiza- Healing of Families Seminar timates. John O'Neill 225-938-6141 or JA tions that share its mission, coordinate Complete presentation of Father Yozefu Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Uphol- 225-683-6837. activities, and recruit, manage and track Ssemakula’s book. Hosts please contact stery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning, volunteers. The ideal candidate will be [email protected]. painting of furniture and upholstery. Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We help Wanted energetic, creative, a skilled communica- In business 43 yrs. Pick up and delivery. restore hurricane damaged furniture. tor, and experienced in social services, 10876 Greenwell Springs Rd. 225-272- If it's furniture we do it all! Refinishing, In sales employment advertisements, advocacy, and community organizing. BuSineSS Service 2577. See our showroom. re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc. the advertiser must name the prod- Knowledge of Catholic social teachings 2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. uct or service to be sold. Ads must and experience in parish social ministry PRESSURE WASHING HOUSEKEEPER state how wages will be paid (salary, is preferred. To apply, submit a cover let- Patios, driveways, walks, carports, etc. Mature, Dependable commissions, etc.) if money is men- ter and resume to Lisa Lee, Director of Retired Male. Call Jim 225-276-1841. 20+ Years Exp., References tioned. The ad must also state if there Mission Engagement, fax (225) 336-8745 Debbie For Sale is an investment required. or email to [email protected]. EOE. St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a 225-266-7655 Peaceful Death. St. Joseph Hospice is Catholic publisher nets $57K from available to support families as they face home, part time. Unique themed maga- end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort, Baton Rouge Care Service. Serving Ba- ST. MICHAEL HIGH SCHOOL is ton Rouge and surrounding areas since zine. E-Z to learn. Do from your location. dignity and support can make every day $24,900. 828-633-2747. "a good day." Call 225-368-3100 for more 1960. Registered sitters, nurses, and accepting applications for the full-time information. nurses aides for the sick and elderly in the home, nursing homes and hospitals. First Communion Chalices position of registrar. Previous experience LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP Licensed and bonded for private duty Paint your own chalice. A special keep- and knowledge of Administrator’s Plus/ REMOVAL, INC. care. 225-924-6098 or 225-667-0480. sake for a special event. $12 includes Prompt service–Free estimates www.batonrougesittersregistry.com. chalice, all materials needed to paint Rediker software are beneficial. FULLY INSURED it and firing in a kiln. Schedule your E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free school event for 2015 now. Phone 383-7316 pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- Louisiana Pottery SEND RESUME TO: pert economical repair on all brands. Contact Judy at (225) 657-5572; THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicyclerepair. www.louisianapottery.com SMHS, C/O PRINCIPAL Accounting and taxes for businesses, com. P.O. BOX 86110 non-profits and individuals; business, computer, financial and management BROUSSEAU'S Painting Queen size Pillowtop Mattress & Box BATON ROUGE, LA 70879-6110 services. 30 years experience; profes- Interior and exterior painting. Experi- Springs Set. Brand new, USA made. 50% sional, prompt and personal attention. enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call off. From $225. Can deliver. 225-421- or email [email protected] 225-296-0404. 225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194. 6121.
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MARKS HALT ERSE moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www February 6, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 19 Youth closer to Christ at March for Life By Debbie Shelley Rouge to sidewalk counsel, talk- The Catholic Commentator ed about the impact young adults make in preventing people from Louisianians marched on dif- having abortions and invited ferent fronts to defend life and more young adults to become in- mark the 42nd anniversary of volved. Roe vs. Wade during the week of Next, Gov. Bobby Jindal spoke Jan. 19-23. about the strides Louisiana is Hundreds of youth from the making against abortion, proudly Diocese of Baton Rouge sacri- noting that Louisiana is the No. 1 ficed and made memories of a pro-life state in the nation. lifetime that they posted on their Next, the marchers walked social media pages at March for to the Pete Maravich Center, Life in Washington, D.C. carrying pro-life signs and ban- “Participating in the March ners and praying the rosary. for Life is not simply a five-day They encountered hundreds of vacation from school, homework protestors outside the facility, and chores, nor is it a time to tour many of whom were protesting Washington, D.C.,” said Sarah the Jindal’s day-long “Response” Catherine Bertrand, a member prayer rally for the nation, which of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church was funded by The American in Baton Rouge and a senior at Defending the life of the unborn was the mission of young pilgrims to Washington, D.C., to participate in Family Association. Protestors St. Joseph’s Academy. “Rather, it March for Life on Jan. 22. Having their picture taken at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate contended that AFA is against is a pilgrimage intended to bring Conception was a highlight for many of the youth. Photo provided by Iriel Evans gay people. Police reported that the marchers closer to Christ. the protests went peacefully as Prayer and sacrifice is a critical Landry, who also goes to Eucha- cause, and I plan to continue to lino, an LSU student who regu- many of the life marchers joined part of the March for Life.” ristic adoration at ICC. fight for the unborn by showing lar goes to Delta Clinic in Baton the response rally. Sacrifices included a mostly The youth bonded over their others that I want to love and sleepless 24-hour bus ride, cold mission. understand their situation, not SINCE 1979 temperatures and making up Katie Lacour, a senior at Cath- judge and condemn them,” Bou- missed school work after they re- olic High School of Pointe Cou- dreaux said. turned. But the youth conveyed pée and member of Immaculate Iriel Evans, a senior at Re- the gifts and graces they re- Conception Church in Lakeland, demptorist High School and FAST • AFFORDABLE • GUARANTEED FOR LIFE ceived from the trip were worth will never forget the picture Lou- member of St. Paul Church in the sacrifices. isiana pilgrims took at the Basil- Baton Rouge, will long remem- (228-4882) Ask about our 10% discount. Call 1-800-BATHTUB For Bertrand, a gift was getting ica of the National Shrine of the ber marching and chanting, or 225-753-6810 for Mention code: “Commentator” to know the priests and sisters. Immaculate Conception. “Hey, Ho, Hey, Ho, Roe Wade a free in-home consultation. and receive an additional $100 discount. She noted Father Andrew Merrick, “Yes, it’s an ordinary task to has got to go.” pastor of St. Elizabeth in Pain- do … but it is simply a humbling She was also touched while STEVE DECELL courtville and St. Jules in Belle way to see everyone from Loui- praying at a Planned Parenthood Walk-in Showers Aging-In-Place Consultant Walk-in Tubs Rose, played “Dr. Evil” in a skit. siana here in the snow and rain facility. “Father Merrick’s perfor- just being happy and pro-life “We were saying a decade of mance was spot on, and hilari- …. God knows we love national the rosary when a group of teen- ous … On the day of the actual shrines filled with amazing stat- age girls, couldn’t have been any march, Father Andrew presided ues of the blessed and holy saints older than 17, walked in. Myself over Mass in the dining hall of with the holy family, but God ful- being 17, I felt overwhelmed. Camp Letts. As Mass went on, fills our true hearts in the smiles Part of me wanted to stop those he explained the different parts and laughs of the people who girls and just talk to them, but of the Mass and really opened stand beside us,” Lacour said. the other part of me knew the up how the Mass relates back to Jesse Theriot, 17, a member of best thing for me to do was to scripture and tradition … Now I Our Lady of Mercy Church in Ba- continue to pray, hoping they no longer judge a Mass on what ton Rouge and junior at Catholic have a change of heart. Some- I get out of the homily, or how High School, noted the pilgrims’ times the best thing for us to do ‘boring’ the music was. Rather, mission was to help politicians is pray,” Evans said. I now know that what I get out hear “the voice of the voiceless” As the pilgrims returned of Mass is what I put in, and no and help mothers contemplat- home, another pro-life march Mass is boring because there is ing abortion to “consider the full took place at the LSU campus at Joe Skibinski the Eucharist – which is super potential of the life their child is Louisiana Life March South. Agent cool – and probably my favorite meant to have.” More than 3,000 people par- 1953 Perkins Rd. thing about being Catholic.” Chloe Boudreaux, 18, a senior ticipated in the event. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Seth Landry, 17, of Denham at St. Joseph’s Academy and also Benjamin Clapper, chairman Bus: 225-387-0201 Springs, who is not Catholic, said a member of Sacred Heart, said of Louisiana Right to Life, told Toll Free: 888-387-0201 as priests and sisters answered she learned to defend life with- attendees at a rally at the Greek [email protected] his questions about the history, out blaming or putting down the amphitheater before the march, traditions and liturgy of the women who are thinking about “People are people, no matter church, he found himself drawn or who have had an abortion. how small. People are people and to it. He hopes to enter the RCIA “This also showed me the em- they need to be defended. Their program at Immaculate Concep- phasis we put on a peaceful and rights need to be protected.” tion Church soon. loving protest. It showed me that Kandace Landreneau, youth “I pray the liturgy of the hours we needed to use prayers, un- programs director for Louisiana and the rosary every day,” said derstanding and love to win this Right to Life, and Sophia Spal- 20 The Catholic Commentator February 6, 2015 Diocese considering legal options in Father Bayhi case
By Richard Meek Court that could potentially Louisiana and beyond. merits of the case, nor does it of the confessional. The Catholic Commentator challenge the seal of the confes- “Notwithstanding the preclude the diocese or Father The suit revolves around an sional. court’s decision not to intervene Bayhi from pursuing constitu- incident in which a 12-year-old The Diocese of Baton Rouge In a statement released Jan. at this time, the diocese and tional challenges which have girl, while in the confessional, al- is exploring its options in the 20, the diocese said it and Father Father Bayhi have a number of not yet been ruled upon by the legedly told Father Bayhi she was wake of the U.S. Supreme Court Bayhi “are disappointed that the options for raising further con- trial court. The diocese and Fa- the victim of alleged inappropri- decision denying the diocese and court denied our request, at least stitutional challenges in this ther Bayhi will continue their ate behavior by a male parishio- Father Jeff Bayhi’s Petition for a at this stage, to intervene in this case, which they are currently efforts to protect the guarantees ner. The suit claims Father Bayhi Writ of Certiorari to review a de- case, which has significant rami- evaluating. The denial of the of religious freedom set forth told the young girl “to sweep it cision of the Louisiana Supreme fications for religious freedom in writ is in no way a ruling on the in our state and federal consti- under the floor,” according to tutions, and are confident that court documents. those efforts will, in due course, The adult who allegedly com- be successful.” mitted the acts has since died, The decision is the latest le- but as part of the suit, the vic- gal twist in a lawsuit brought tim’s family is attempting to force against the diocese and Father Father Bayhi to testify, which Bayhi five years ago. According would violate the sanctity of the to diocesan legal officials, the is- confessional and potentially lead sue assaults the heart of a funda- to his excommunication mental doctrine of the Catholic The case is scheduled to go to faith relating to the absolute seal trial in July.
Catholic Schools Week
Schools in the Dio- cese of Baton Rouge celebrated Catholic Schools Week in a number of ways. The annual Catholic Schools Week Mass was cel- ebrated Jan. 29 at St. Joseph Church in Paulina. The an- nual Distinguished Graduates Dinner was held Jan. 26 at the Renaissance Heart disease is the number one cause of Hotel. Each of the death for women in Louisiana. Your best diocese’s 31 schools defense is to be informed – know the warning Physician Partners: honored an alum- signs and common risk factors, know your Baton Rouge Cardiology Center nus who has distin- guished himself or Cardiovascular Institute of the South numbers and learn how you can be good to herself. Right, your heart on a daily basis. CVT Surgical Center Bishop Robert W. Muench is presenting the award to Brother Bernard Couvillion Louisiana Cardiology Associates SC, the distinguished graduate of Sacred Heart School in Baton As physicians who specialize in heart and PARRIS Cardiovascular Center Rouge. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator vascular disease, we are pleased Pediatric Cardiology Associates of Louisiana to partner with Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Southeastern Cardiovascular Consultants Vascular Institute to encourage women (and Vascular Clinic of Baton Rouge men) to Heart Your Heart. Vascular Specialty Center Visit ololrmc.com/heartyourheart to learn more about the region’s destination for heart care.
Students from St. Alphonsus Liguori School in Greenwell Springs, above, are shown dropping off donations to Catholic ololrmc.com/heartyourheart Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge before the Mass. Officials from Catholic Charities estimated this year marked a record number of donations. 2BThe The Catholic Catholic Commentator Commentator | February 6, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015 Lent 2015
Fund Raisers Lenten Recipes
Food for the
The Light is ON for You Soul Spiritual Events
Lenten Regulations 2B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2015 February 6, 2015 Lent, an opportunity for healing, experiencing God’s forgiveness
Greetings in Christ Jesus. receive God’s mercy and forgiveness in this one-time, non-confessed serious fall from Available schedule Lent affords us an especially graced op- powerful sacrament of healing and mercy. grace – recently or long-standing – or an Please review the Lenten schedule for portunity to draw closer Recognizing our admission of a habitual sin, or a series of confessions in the diocese and take ad- in communication and human nature and its venial sins, be courageous enough to trust vantage of this special opportunity. More relationship with God. inclinations to sin God, the priest of your choosing and your- than 100 times in Scripture does God tell How fortunate we are as As humans we are self. You will receive guaranteed divine us: “Do not be afraid; fear not; do not let Catholics to celebrate the prone to imperfection forgiveness, and experience self-relief, your hearts be troubled.” Believe in the various liturgical seasons and weakness. St. Paul peace, comfort and joy that may very well power of God to work in you and for you. reflecting the majesty of himself, a great apostle of overwhelm you immediately and stay with You will not regret it. A grace-filled Lent, God and the history of Jesus, wrote: “I do not do you for days. everyone. our salvation. the good I want, but I do The Light is ON for the evil I do not want… You, Year 6. Again this Miserable one that I am.” year, the Diocese of Baton (Rom 7:19, 24). Lenten reconciliation services and Rouge will celebrate Our own personal the Light is ON for You. history of response to The Light is ON for You schedule This initiative enables us God’s call to ongoing extra times to receive the From The Bishop conversion of heart Feb. 23, Mar. 2, 9, 23 The Light is ON for You sacrament of reconcilia- Let us reflect on our Lent Reconciliation Holy Family tion, often on designated Bishop Robert W. Muench reception of the sacra- St. Jean Vianney 319 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen Wednesday evenings in ment of reconciliation: 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge 6-7 p.m. Lent from 6:00 – 7:30 at certain parish our first time, our last time, times in-be- 6-7 p.m. 225-383-1838 churches. tween. Perhaps for some reason we have 225-753-7950 Teaching and Example of never received the sacrament. Possibly The Light is ON for You February 24 Pope Francis we received it many times as a youth, St. John the Evangelist On March 28, 2014, Pope Francis assist- but not so often since. Maybe we receive Reconciliation Service 57085 Main St., Plaquemine ed in hearing confessions at St. Peter’s it regularly. I understand the natural St. Thomas More 6-7 p.m. Basilica. Before taking his station, he human inclination not to reveal ourselves, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge 225-687-2402 himself went to face-to-face confession especially our most serious failures. In so 7-8:30 p.m. as a penitent to another confessor. Pope doing, however, we can have a cathartic 225-275-3940 Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1 Francis modeled for us all his openness to experience of cleansing. Whether it is a The Light is ON for You February 25 Our Lady of Mercy Reconciliation Service 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge St. Helena 6-7:30 p.m. RESERVE YOUR TABLE TODAY for a 122 S. First St., Amite 225-926-1883 6-7:30 p.m. Romantic Candlelight and White Linen 985-748-9057 The Light is ON for You Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Dining Experience! Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18 Virgin Mary Reconciliation Service 865 Hatchell Ln., Denham Springs ♥ 6-7:30 p.m. For Starters: Fried Green Tomatoes St. John the Baptist 225-665-5359 or Fried Eggplant with Grilled Shrimp or 402 S. Kirkland St. (River Rd), Brusly crabmeat 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr.2 ♥ 225-749-2189 Surf-n-Turf with Grilled/Blackened/Fried Shrimp Reconciliation Service ♥ 20-oz Angus Handcut Ribeye Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 St. Jules 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose ♥ 8-oz. Filet topped with Lump Crabmeat Reconciliation Service 5-5:45 p.m. St. Joseph Cathedral ♥ Trout Almondine 225-473-8569 412 North St., Baton Rouge ♥ Pecan Redfish/Crawfish Eggplant Caroline 5-6 p.m. March 4 ♥ Crawfish & Lump Crabmeat Elegante over 225-387-5928 Angel Hair Pasta Please view our full Reconciliation Service Reconciliation Service St. Joseph ♥ Louisiana Seafood Platter, Broiled or Fried restaurant and catering menu online at St. Patrick 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula ♥ Desserts: Bailey's White Chocolate Bread cafeamericainrest.com. 12424 Brogdon Ln., Baton Rouge 6-7:30 p.m. Pudding or choose one of our 40 Homemade 6-7:30 p.m. Terri Albert 985-386-3749 225-753-5750 Cheesecakes Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr.1 Look for our Lenten Specials coming Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18 The Light is ON for You Reconciliation Service St. Louis King of France St. Thomas More Daily Mass Chapel 11441 Goodwood Blvd. 2121 N. Sherwood Forest Dr. Baton Rouge Baton Rouge 6-7:30 p.m. 5:30-7 p.m. 225-275-3940 225-275-7280 March 5 The Light is ON for You Cooking Authentic Family Recipes for Over 25 Years! Reconciliation Service Holy Ghost 7521 Jefferson Hwy. (Jefferson Plaza) Our Lady of Mount Carmel 601 N. Oak St., Hammond Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9:30pm; Fri.-Sat. 11am-til; Sunday 11am-4pm 11485 Ferdinand St. 6-7:30 p.m. ♥ FAX 225-927-1626 | ph. 225-924-9841 ♥ Lea Smith 985-345-3360 SEE SERVICES PAGE 3B February 6, 2015 LENT 2015 The Catholic Commentator 3B 5 Planning a St. Joseph Altar and want to notify our readers? Lenten regulations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge We will be publishing a list in the March 6 issue of As per the Pagella Policies of cine) is not permitted on fast days. Only ill health or some similar sit- The Catholic Commentator. Send the information: Date, the Diocese of Baton Rouge, as To abstain from meat means uation of urgency excuses. During Address, Time(s), Contact Name and Phone Number to: in the rest of the church in the refraining from eating beef, veal, the Lenten season, Christ Jesus’ Fax 225-336-8710 or email [email protected]. United States, Catholics aged 18 pork or poultry at least, although own challenges to prayer, fasting Deadline for entry is February 25. through 59 are bound by a grave not necessarily eggs, milk prod- and almsgiving are paramount. obligation to observe a solemn ucts or meat broths, or condi- Clergy (priests and deacons) fast on both Ash Wednesday and ments made from animal fat. The who have legitimate residence Anthony’s ItAlIAn DelI Good Friday. Catholics aged 14 consumption of fish, shellfish and and active ministry within the TRUE Baton Rouge’s only and up are to abstain from meat reptiles is permitted if desired. Diocese of Baton Rouge have Deli Since 1978 on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays Beyond the mandatory days been delegated the power to dis- ITALIAN of Lent and Good Friday as well. listed above, abstinence from pense the faithful of the diocese, These norms have been estab- meat on every Friday throughout in individual cases and for a just Love• Muffulettas Italian? • PoBoys lished by the U.S. Conference of the year which is not a solemnity reason, from the obligation to • Meat trays • Sandwich Catholic Bishops in accord with and fasting on all Lenten week- observe a particular day of pen- trays • Homemade Italian sausage • Cheeses • Deli the norms of canons 1249-1253 in days (especially Wednesdays and ance, or to commute some or all meats • Imported pasta, the revised Code of Canon Law of Fridays), and on Holy Saturday, is of its obligations to other pious black & green olives, olive oils, balsamic 1983. strongly recommended to all the works. Included in this is the fac- vinegars To fast means to consume faithful. There always remains, ulty to dispense from the Lenten Phone orders only one full meal a day at most, of course, the grave obligation to obligations to fast and abstain welcome although taking of other smaller participate at Holy Mass on all from meat. Yet the obligation 5575 Government St., just quantities of food at the other cus- Sundays and days of obligation. to do some kind of penance re- west of Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge • 225-272-6817 tomary mealtimes is permitted. Each in his or her own way, mains a serious one, and will not Mon. – Sat. 9:30 am – 6 pm Food and drink “between meals” every Christian is bound to do be taken lightly by a good Cath- (excepting only water and medi- penance by virtue of divine law. olic.
225-753-7950 225-647-8461 Phone orders welcome SERVICES 10248 Florida Blvd. FROM PAGE 2B March 18 March 25 BON AMI shopping center St. Francisville (225) 272-6817 5:30-7 p.m. Penance Service Penance Service Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am - 6 pm Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 225-635-3630 St. Alphonsus Liguori 616 E Main St. Gramercy 14040 Greenwell Springs Rd., March 11 7 p.m. Greenwell Springs 225-869-5751 Reconciliation Service 7 p.m. 225-261-4650 St. Joseph Reconciliation Service 15710 LA Hwy. 16 Mater Dolorosa March 25, April 1 French Settlement 609 Third St., Independence 6-7:30 p.m. 6-7:30 p.m. Reconciliation Service 225-698-3110 985-878-9639 Sacred Heart of Jesus 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge March 12 Penance Service 5-6:30 p.m. Penance Service St. Elizabeth 225-387-6671 St. Anthony of Padua 119 Hwy. 403, Paincourtville 37311 Hwy. 22, Darrow 7 p.m. March 26 7 p.m. 985-369-7398 Reconciliation Service 225-675-8126 Immaculate Conception of the March 19 Blessed Virgin Mary March 17 Penance Service 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge 6-7:30 p.m. Penance Service Holy Rosary 225-775-7062 Ascension of Our Lord 44450 Hwy. 429, St. Amant 3 Days of InspIratIon 716 Mississippi St. 7 p.m. Penance Service A Passionist Lenten Mission Donaldsonville 225-647-5321 St. George 7 p.m. 7808 St George Dr. 225-473-3176 Penance Service Our Lady of Peace Baton Rouge 7 p.m. Penance Service 13281 Hwy. 644, Vacherie 225-293-2212 St. Theresa of Avila 7 p.m. 1022 N. Burnside Ave., Gonzales 225-265-3953 Live with Passion!Given by Penance Service 7 p.m. Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. St. John the Evangelist 225-647-6588 March 24 15208 Hwy. 73, Prairieville International best selling author seen on Reconciliation Service 7 p.m. Reconciliation Service Catholic Life TV, Channel 15 St. Paul the Apostle 225-673-8307 St. Gabriel 3912 Gus Young Ave. 3625 Hwy. 75, St. Gabriel Baton Rouge March 30 Mon., Feb. 23 – Wed., Feb. 25 6:30-8 p.m. 6-7:30 p.m. 225-642-8441 225-383-2537 Penance Service 8:45 a.m. Mass & 7 p.m. Evening Inspiration St. Jean Vianney St. Thomas More Church Lenten Penance Service Penance Service 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd. St. Jean Vianney St. Mark Baton Rouge 11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd. 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales 5-6 p.m. 225-275-3940 • stmchurch.org Baton Rouge 7 p.m. 225-753-7950 7-8 p.m. Child care available. Call for reservations. 4B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2015 February 6, 2015 Spiritual renewal opportunities in the Diocese of Baton Rouge Feb. 4, 11, 25, March 4, & 11 Following 6 p.m. Mass 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton Rouge 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. “Priest, Prophet, King” DVD Study Pro- Bring rosary. 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Young Adult Ministry gram by Father Robert Barrow Robin Richardson 225-647-8461 or By seventh-grade student in garden Diocese of Baton Rouge St. Joseph Church [email protected] Edie Boudreaux 225-383-3871 Sister Ileana Fernandez CSJ St. Joseph Ministry building 255 N. Eighth St., Ponchatoula The Divine Mercy Novena February 18 Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, & 27 6:30 p.m. St. John the Evangelist Church Ash Wednesday Mass Morning prayer in the Daily Mass Chapel Child care will be available. 57805 Main St., Plaquemine St. Paul the Apostle Church Holy Ghost Church Rachel Perrin 985-969-0105 or Following 6 p.m. Mass 3912 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge 600 N. Oak St., Hammond Stephanie Waguespack 985-386-8919 Church office 225-687-2402 6 p.m. Following daily Mass 7:25 – 7:50 a.m. Parish office 225-383-2537 Lea Smith 985-345-3360 Feb. 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, Divine Mercy Novena Our Lady of Mercy Church 23, 30 & Apr. 6 Ash Wednesday Retreat “We Believe” Lenten Mission “Priest, Prophet, King” 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge St. Alphonsus Liguori Church DVD Study Program by Father Robert Divine Mercy Novena Barrow Following 6 p.m. Mass with benediction 14040 Greenwell Springs Rd. St. Elizabeth/St. Jules Church St. John the Baptist Church Richard Grant 225-926-1883 Greenwell Springs 7165 Hwy 1, Belle Rose 4727 McHugh Dr., Zachary Following 8:30 a.m. Mass – 3:30 p.m Following Mass at 6 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy Feb. 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, $30 – must be received by Feb. 10 Office 985-369-7398 or 225-473-8569 6 p.m. Stations of the cross with benedic- 18, 25, April 1 & 8 Guest speaker: Mrs. Donna Speeg tion followed by free Lenten meal with Divine Mercy Novena Seafood gumbo provided for lunch. Feb. 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, program. $25 workbook for study pro- St. Alphonsus Liguori Church Music provided by GraceNotes. gram 17, 24, 31 & Apr. 7 14040 Greenwell Springs Rd. Marianna Gulino 225-933-0270 Parish office 225-654-5778 Divine Mercy Novena Greenwell Springs Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 6 – 6:45 p.m. Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 12 & 19 Stations, Soup ’N Sacrifice 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge Ash Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. Theology on Tap St. Mark Church Following 8 a.m. Mass Parish office 225-261-4650 BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 42021 Hwy 621, Gonzales Clare Coulon 225-387-6671 Mall of Louisiana Donation requested for each meal February 12 Topics are “The Challenge of Lent,” “Disci- Divine Mercy Novena 6 p.m. Communion Service Burning Palms pleship,” “Morality-TOB,” “Catholic Social St. Mark Church 6:30 Stations of the Cross Ashes to be used on Ash Wednesday Teaching” and “Baptism Call and Our 42021 Hwy 621, Gonzales 7 p.m. Dinner – A different ministry St. Aloysius School Response” SEE SPIRITUALITY PAGE 5B
T S u JOSEPH HOSPICE February 6, 2015 LENT 2015 The Catholic Commentator 5B 5 SPIRITUALITY February 27 & 28 76940 Gum St., Grosse Tete From page 4B Lenten Silent Retreat “In the Face of Cynicism: Grati- Immaculate Conception Traditional Rosaryville Spirit Life Center tude, Work and Optimism” sponsored soup meal on Fridays Choir Cookbook For Sale 39033 Rosaryville Rd. Mar. 12 – Immaculate Heart of of Lent each week Ponchatoula Mary From Our Kitchen to Yours Funds for Emergency Assis- 4 p.m. Friday – 5 p.m. Saturday 11140 LA Hwy 7, Maringouin tance Program for those in Copies can be purchased for $10 each at Directed by Sisters Cynthia “Guardians of Virtue: Marriage need. Sabathier and Lucy Silvio CSJ and Family” the church, 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge Robin Richardson 225-647- $200 includes meals and room Reception following in parish after Saturday 4 p.m. Mass and 8461 or [email protected] Registration deadline is Feb. 11. hall. Sunday 8 & 10:30 a.m. Masses. Peggy Champagne 225-637-2396 February 23 St. Joseph Spirituality Center 225-383-3349 or contact@ or 225-456-0595 and or Or call for delivery Gerald Berzat 225-276-4674/ Vespers stjocenter.org JoNell Doucet 225-718-2187 Ella Richardson 225-775-9731. St. George Church 7808 St. George St., Baton Rouge March 2 – 4 March 12 6 p.m. Lenten Mission Day of Reflection by the Rosary Rendell James 225-293-2212 Altar Society Our Lady of Mercy Church Holy Ghost Church 445 Marquette Ave. Catholic Art & Gifts February 23 – 25 600 N. Oak St., Hammond Baton Rouge A Passionist Lenten Mission – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Following 6 p.m. Mass Three Days of Inspiration $15 includes lunch Wishing you a blessed & holy Lent Author Allen Hunt, speaker St. Thomas More Church Speaker: Father Jamin David Jason Romero 225-926-1883 11441 Goodwood Blvd. Angie Gainey 985-429-9215 25% off select Baton Rouge Lenten Revival Cycle Books 8:45 a.m. Mass St Benedict Church March 14 including 7 p.m. 5479 Hwy. 1 Napoleonville “Jesus the Bridegroom: A Pre- Lector Workbooks! Speaker: Father Cedric Pisegna 6:30 p.m. sentation from the Scriptures” While supplies last! CP, speaker, author, TV host “We are Covered Standing in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Babysitting available, registra- Son” presented by Father 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge Shop our large selection of tion is required. Maurice Mmeglouadimma After 8:30 a.m. coffee – noon Statues • Rosaries 225-275-3940 Presentation by Dr. Brant Pitre St. Benedict Inspirational Choir Divine Mercy Nine Week RCIA Gifts • Crucifixes $10, payable at the door will provide music before the Novena begins soon! Jewelry • Lenten Books Feb. 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, Clare Coulon 225-387-6671 revival each night We have the largest DVD’s & Music 23 & 30 Father Gordian Iwuji selection of Divine Mercy St. Joseph’s Feast Day Lenten Morning of Prayer and more! Lenten Vespers and “Life in the 985-513-3470 books, art • March 19th! Spirit Seminar” St. Jean Vianney Church 16166 S. Harrells Ferry Rd., Holy Ghost Church March 8, 9 & 10 6184 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge 600 N. Oak St., Hammond Baton Rouge Lenten Parish Mission 225.926.1216 • www.zieglers.com 5:50 p.m. – 8 p.m. includes 9 a.m. – noon St. Mark Church Hours: M-F 9am-5pm; Sat. 9:30am-4:30pm Chaplet of Divine Mercy, vespers, “Reflection on the Readings of 42021 Hwy 621, Gonzales light meal and DVD series Lent” presented by Sister Renee 7 p.m. Tricia Jarratt 985-507-1068 Daigle “Building a Parish as a Church office 225-753-7950 Feb. 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17, Community of Service” LIVE & BOILED Robin Richardson 225-647-8461 March 16, 17, 18 24 & 31 or [email protected] Tri-Parish Revival Lenten Bible Study 7 p.m. each day St. Elizabeth/St. Jules churches March 9 – 11 Revivalist: Father Anthony St. Elizabeth Community Center CRAWFISH Parish Mission Bozeman 123 Hwy 403, Paincourtville St. Gabriel Church March 16 – St. Paul the Apostle 6:30 – 8 p.m. 3625 Hwy 75, St. Gabriel 3912 Gus Young Ave. Office 985-369-7398 or 7 – 8:30 p.m. Baton Rouge 225-473-8569 Speaker: Father Donald March 17 – St. Francis Xavier Call us about Blanchard Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18 & 25 1120 Myrtle St., Baton Rouge catering your Myra 225-642-8441 March 18 – Immaculate Concep- Lenten Lodgings tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary company By Small Christian Communities March 9 – 12 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge of Holy Ghost Church crawfish boil “Healing Hearts and Homes: Mary Martin 25-383-2537 South Event takes place in the homes of Reclaiming Virtues” Parish on our Baton Rouge’s Mission A. J. & Shirley Collura and Fred Parish Mission courtyard! Tri-Parish Churches FAVORITE & Dollie Piazza St. Joseph Church Leader: Father Simeon Gallagher Seafood Market! 6:30 – 8 p.m. 255 N. Eighth St., Ponchatoula Following 8:30 a.m. Mass each A. J. & Shirley Collura 985-542- 7 p.m. Since 1982 day, a brief mission presentation 1908 (Must register by Feb.11) Speaker: Michael Cumbie 6 p.m. Stations of the cross each Terri Albert 985-386-3749 February 27 day followed by presentation Heads & Tails Supper and Substance Mar. 9 – St. Frances Cabrini March 22 – 25 3523 LA Hwy 78, Livonia Seafood St. Mary of False River Church Parish Mission Market • Restaurant • Catering “Love: The Lodestar of Life” Parish Hall St. John the Baptist Church Mar. 10 – St. Catherine of Siena 348 W. Main St., New Roads 402 S. Kirkland, Brusly 4324 N. Railroad Ave., Fordoche 7 p.m. 7 – 8 p.m. 225-767-2525 “Relationship Virtues: Civility, Donation for guest speakers: Given by Father Blaise Czaja CP Learning, Forgiveness and Mer- HeadsAndTailsSeafood.com Gene and Angie Fulmer Pat Durbin 225-749-2189 Jennifer Bollich 225-938-2879 cy” 2070 Silverside Dr. (Across from Albertson’s on Perkins Rd.) Mar. 11 – St. Joseph Hours: M - Wed.11a - 7p; Th. - Sat. 11a - 9p SEE SPIRITUALITY PAGE 7B 6B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2015 February 6, 2015 Lenten fund raisers throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge Feb. 6 dance, cultured food, drinks, music and 5 – 7 p.m. Annual Mardi Gras Dance entertainment. Raffle tickets available. $6 – $8: each week a different menu – go Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13 & 20 St. Augustine Church Funds will be used to assist with to church website KC Fried Fish Suppers Church hall finances and improvements for the Funds for projects for Holy Ghost School Holy Family Church 174 Hwy. 1003, Klotzville church Ernie Thibodeaux KC Hall 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Veronica 225-357-4800 or 504-338-8744 679 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen $10 admission Daniel 225-926-4581 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. KC Fish Fry Dinners Music by D.J. Thriller $7 plate – fried fish, potato salad, bread Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Tara Dupaty 225-323-3088 February 20 and dessert 11485 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville KC Fish Fry Funds for KC activities Church hall “From Our Kitchens to Yours” St. Joseph Church Adrian Genre 225-387-9667 6 – 7:30 p.m. Cookbook Sale Knights of Columbus Hall $8.50 plate: fried or grilled fish, garlic Immaculate Conception Church Pecan Dr., Ponchatoula Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 6, 20 & 27 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge bread, coleslaw, French fries or potato 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. salad, dessert, cold drink or water Lenten Suppers After daily, Saturday and Sunday Mass- $8 plate es, while supply lasts Dine in or out Immaculate Conception Church Funds for KC programs Chip Savoie 225-933-1916 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs $10 – Traditional Choir’s Cookbook Terri Albert 985-386-3749 Funds for choir to buy music and uni- Main Hall, enter Admin. Bldg. – near flag Men’s Club Fish Fry Dinners poles forms KC Fish Fry St. Alphonsus Liguori Church 5 – 7:30 p.m. (dine in or take out) Gerald Berzat 225-276-4674 or St. Mary of False River Church 14040 Greenwell Springs Rd. $7 ticket, available at church office and Ella Richardson 225-775-9731 – delivery 348 W. Main St., New Roads Greenwell Springs at door available Parish hall 4 – 6 p.m. Feb. 20 – fried catfish, potato salad, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $7 plate – take out only dessert bread February 14 & 15 $8 plate Billy Harris 225-936-2036 Feb. 27 – shrimp etouffee, salad, dessert, The Vietnamese New Year’s Lunar Funds for KC programs Festival – Year of the Goat bread Cathie Crochet 225-638-9665 Shrimp and Fish Fry Mar. 6 – seafood gumbo, coleslaw, des- St. Anthony of Padua Church St. Paul the Apostle Church sert, bread 2305 Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20 & 27 3912 Gus Young Ave, Baton Rouge Mar. 20 – crawfish etouffee, coleslaw, Feb. 14 – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dad’s Club Lenten Dinners 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. dessert, bread Feb. 15 – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Holy Ghost Catholic Church $9 plate – Fried catfish or fried shrimp, $5 Entertainment fee after 3 p.m. 601 N. Oak St., Hammond potato salad, sweet peas, bread and des- Mar. 27 – shrimp salad, crackers, dessert Feb. 15 – 11:15 a.m. fireworks, dragon sert Denise 225-665-5359 Proceeds will benefit the building fund Ernest Hebert 225-387-9506 March 26 e Enjoy Lenten Concert Com MBS Men’s Club Lenten Fried Fish & Sacred Heart of Jesus Church ten Menu Fried Shrimp Dinners 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge r Len Most Blessed Sacrament Church 7 p.m. u Bishop Ott Center $10 per person O Firecracker 8033 Baringer Rd., Baton Rouge Featuring Mallory Simien, the Baton Shrimp Frankie marcellos 5 – 6 p.m., to go only Rouge Early Vocal Ensemble and prin- Fresh shrimp fried and tossed in a pepper jelly 6 – 7:30 p.m., dine in and to go ciples of the Baton Rouge Symphony tabasco sauce. $7 plate, menu different each week, visit Orchestra Frankie’s website for menu Funds for Sacred Heart’s St. Vincent Famous Crawfish Bread Funds for the social responsibility minis- DePaul Society try and charitable projects Freshly baked New Orleans French bread topped with a Clare Coulon 225-387-6671 creamy spinach dip and Louisiana crawfish and a savory Patrick Yarborough 225-205-4122 or alfredo sauce baked with a mix of cheeses. mbsmensclub.org March 13 Parmesan Crusted Fish Fry by KC Council 9016 St. Aloysius Child Care Speckled Trout Center 21st Annual Fish Fry Topped with a Louisiana crawfish hollandaise. St. Louis King of France Church Served with a side of angel hair pasta tossed in roasted garlic 2121 N. Sherwood Forest, Baton Rouge St. Aloysius School cafeteria and parmesan cheese. Noon – 7 p.m. 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton Rouge Fried Crawfish Salad $8 plate: fried catfish, French fries, cole- 4 – 8 p.m., drive thru accessible from Fried Louisiana crawfish on a bed of spinach with cherry tomatoes, slaw & bread Mimosa Street boiled eggs, and spicy pecans. Served with a side of house made pepper jelly vinaigrette. Funds for KC activities 5 – 8 p.m. dine in school cafeteria Tom Sylvester 225-275-7280 $8 – Advance, available through Paypal Seafood Lasagna at aloysiusfair.org/saccc-fishfry, also Louisiana crawfish, lump crab meat, and shrimp Knights of St. Peter Claver Fried Fish cooked in a savory cream sauce layered with pasta Dinners available for lunch for 5 or more tickets and mozzarella cheese. Immaculate Conception Church $10 – at the door 15654 Curtis St., Baton Rouge Funds for the children at the center. Activity Center 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. March 20 $9 – catfish, mac and cheese, 2 vetables, Seafood Supper bread and sweet cake Mon.-Thurs. St. Joseph’s Academy 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. 3080 Kleinert, Baton Rouge Fri. & Sat. Friday Lenten Dinners 5 – 7:30 p.m. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. St. Jean Vianney Church $8 plate Sunday 16166 S. Harrells Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge Benefits SJA Athletic Department 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m. Dorinda Beaumont 225-388-2290 $7 plate 7520 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge • 225-767-7979 Church office 225-753-7950 SEE FUND RAISING PAGE 7B February 6, 2015 LENT 2015 The Catholic Commentator 7B 5
Planning a St. Joseph Altar and want to notify our readers? Stations of the Cross planned We will be publishing a list in the March 6 issue of The Catholic Commentator. Send the information: Date, 16166 S. Harrells Ferry Rd., Feb. 20, Mar. 6, 13, 20 & 27 Feb. 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 Address, Time(s), Contact Name and Phone Number to: Baton Rouge & Apr. 1 Holy Family School Fax 225-336-8710 or email [email protected]. 6 – 6:30 p.m. (in the church) Our Lady of Mercy Church Deadline for entry is February 25. Church office 225-753-7950 369 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 445 Marquette Ave., Baton 7:40 a.m. Rouge Sacred Heart School Parishioners invited 2 p.m. (in the church) June Hebert 225-344-4100 or Richard Grant 225-926-1883 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge [email protected] 2 p.m. March 25 & 26 Lori Tomecek 225-387-6671 Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 6, Living Stations of the cross 13, 20 & 27 St. Paul the Apostle Church Holy Family School (in parish hall) St. John the Evangelist Church 3912 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge 368 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 57805 Main St., Plaquemine 6:30 p.m. March 25 Noon 6 p.m. Parish office 225-383-2537 8 a.m. March 26 After 6 p.m. Mass Seventh- and eighth-grade stu- Church office 225-687-2402 St. Philip Church dents All are welcome Our Lady of Pompeii Church 1175 Hwy. 18, Vacherie Following noon Mass June Hebert 225-344-4100 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw or [email protected] 6 p.m. Carol Ann Hymel 225-265-4085 Deacon Al Levy 985-345-8957 Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, April 1 & 2 Holy Ghost Church 27 & Apr. 3 Living Stations of the Cross Most Blessed Sacrament School 600 N. Oak St., Hammond Our Lady of Mercy Church 6 – 6:30 p.m. St. Ursula Hall 445 Marquette Ave., Baton 8003 Baring Rd., Baton Rouge Deacon Mauricio Salazar OP Rouge 985-345-3360 7 p.m. April 1 6 p.m. 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. April 2 Richard Grant 225-926-1883 Holy Family Church All are welcome Wendy or Vonnie 225-751-0273 369 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen St. Gabriel Church 5 p.m. 3625 Hwy. 75, St. Gabriel April 3 Church office 225-383-1838 6 p.m. Myra 225-642-8441 Mary’s Stations of the cross St. Alphonsus Liguori Church St. Philip Church 14040 Greenwell Springs Rd. St. Joseph Church 1175 Hwy. 18, Vacherie Greenwell Springs 255 N. Eighth St., Ponchatoula Noon – 1 p.m. 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. 1:45 p.m. children Carol Ann Hymel 225-265-4085 Parish office 225-261-4650 7 p.m. parish Noon – Apr. 3 20th Annual Pilgrimage St. Louis King of France Church Way of the Cross 2121 N. Sherwood Forest Feb. 20, 27, Mar. 6, 20, 27 Holy rosary Church Baton Rouge & Apr. 3 Walk from St. Mary’s 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Chapel in Union to Holy Rosary Immaculate Conception Church Parish office 225-275-7280 in St. Amant Dedicated to Our Lady of the Cenacle 865 Hatchell Ln. holyrcc.org/Men-of-the-Cross Denham Springs Join us for a weekend St. Jean Vianney Church Trent Templet 225-279-6010 After 6 p.m. Mass of Spiritual renewal . . . FUND RAISING March 28 SPIRITUALITY February 20-22 From page 6B Breakfast with the Easter Bunny From page 5B Real Presence: Holy Family Church The Practice of Compassion “The Life, Death and Resurrec- Parish Hall March 23 – 25 Presenter: Rev. Joe Nassal tion of Jesus” Youth Performance 319 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen Lenten Mission St. Frances Cabrini Church 9 – 10:30 a.m. St. Alphonsus Church February 25-27 3523 Hwy. 78, Livonia Bring canned food items for WBR 14040 Greenwell Springs Understanding Who We Are Parish hall behind church food pantry. Rd. Greenwell Springs Presenter: Rev. Jeff Bayhi 7 – 8:30 p.m. February 6-8 Jennifer LeJeune 225-336-4463 7 – 8:30 p.m. Donations Finding Peace March 6-8 Bring camera. Treat bags are first Penance Service: part of the Funds for youth functions in the Midst of Chaos The Joy of the Gospel: come first serve basis. mission on March 25 Presenter: Rev. Anthony Rigoli Peggy Champagne Father Michael J. Moroney Being a Missionary Disciple 225-456-0595 Presenter: Rev. Dan Dorsey April 3 225-261-4650 February 20 Day of Prayer: March 27 Fish Fry and Sweet Shoppe March 30 March 13-15 St. Mary of False River Church Lord, Teach Us How to Pray What's Lent Really About? KC Bisque Supper Taize: An Evening of Prayer Presenter: Archbishop Alfred Hughes Parish Hall Presenter: Rev. Louis Arceneaux Holy Family Church St. Mark Church 348 W. Main St., New Roads KC Hall 42021 Hwy 621, Gonzales 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 679 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 7 p.m. 5500 St. Mary Street, Metairie, LA 70006 $8 plate, sweets sold separately $10 plate – crawfish bisque, corn Robin Richardson 225-647- Call Susan Halligan (504) 267-9604 * retreat.arch-no.org Funds for youth programs maque choux, bread and dessert 8461 or [email protected] Toll-free number 1-800-937-9170 Adrian Genre 225-387-9667 Jennifer Bollich 225-938-2879 8B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2015 February 6, 2015 Local restaurants share Lenten fare Recipes ‘From Our Kitchen to Yours’ Cookbook Broccoli-Shrimp Casserole sauce for chicken tenders, fries, fish, shrimp, Blackened Redfish Laffite Norma Lewis even vegetables. Louisiana Bayou Bistro, Brusly Immaculate Conception Church, Baton Rouge 4 – 7-9 oz. redfish filets 2 c. onions, chopped Crawfish Spaghetti ½ c. butter, melted 2 c. celery, chopped Elsie Poydras Bistro Blackening Seasoning to taste 1/2 c. bell pepper, chopped Immaculate Conception Church, Baton Rouge Dredge redfish fillets in melted but- 1/4 lb. butter 1 lb. spaghetti ter and sprinkle each side with black- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled 2 to 3 lbs. crawfish tails, cleaned ening seasoning. 1 lb. broccoli pieces, chopped 1 (No. 2) can whole tomatoes In a cast iron pan skillet, cook each 1 can mushroom buttons 1 small can tomato sauce side until blackened and cooked, about 1 can cream of mushroom soup 4 garlic buds 3-4 minutes each. 1 small jar Cheez Whiz 2 lg. onions, chopped 3 c. cooked rice 1/4 c. bell pepper, chopped Laffite Sauce Breadcrumbs 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 3 oz. white wine Sauté onions, celery, bell pepper and Salt and pepper, to taste 3 oz. fresh lemon juice Fried Crab Claws shrimp in butter. Add soup and drained 1/2 c. sherry (wine) 1 tsp. garlic, chopped Don’s Seafood, Baton Rouge mushrooms; simmer. Boil broccoli until ten- Grated cheese (American, sharp cheddar, ½ tsp. salt 1 lb. fresh Louisiana crab claws der and drain. Add this mixture to rice and or Italian) ½ tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. Don’s All Purpose Seasoning Cheez Whiz. Combine all ingredients, then 1/4 c. oil or fat 1 c. heavy cream 2 c. all-purpose flour sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake at 375 de- 1 1/2 c. water ½ lb. jumbo lump crabmeat 2 c. plain bread crumbs grees for 30 minutes. 1/2 c. parsley, chopped 2 Tbsp. butter Cook onion, celery and bell pepper in fat In a sauce pan, add the white wine, Egg wash Anything Sauce until golden brown and transparent. Add to- lemon juice and garlic. 1 c. milk whisked with 1 egg Ella Richardson matoes, tomato sauce, water and seasonings. On medium heat, let the sauce re- Lightly season fresh crab claws Immaculate Conception Church, Baton Rouge Simmer for 3 hours. duce by half. with Don’s All Purpose Seasoning. 1/2 c. mayonnaise Add cleaned raw crawfish tails and wine; Add salt, black pepper, and heavy Batter seasoned crab claws in flour. 3/4 c. ketchup simmer for about one-half hour. Cook spa- cream. Let sauce come to a boil. Add Dip in egg wash and dip in bread 1/3 c. Tiger sauce (hot sauce) ghetti; drain, but do not wash. Add to sauce; jumbo lump crabmeat and butter and crumbs. Deep fry in oil at 350 degrees 1 tsp. Creole Seasoning mix well. stir until sauce has thickened. for 4-5 minutes or until crab claws Pour out on a platter and sprinkle gener- Mix all ingredients. Stir until sauce is Pour equally over fillets and serve. turn golden brown and begin to float. ously with grated cheese. Serve with toasted completely blended. Can be used as a dipping French bread and a tossed green salad.
Ways You Can Help the Needy this Lenten Season!
Join Bishop Robert Muench and Chef John Folse at the 2015 Count Your Blessings Supper Friday, March 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center
Bishop Robert Muench and Chef John Folse are ready to Stir it Up! Come and Count Your Blessings with us. Join us for a simple Lenten supper of soup and bread – a meal that will nourish you physically and spiritually. Join us at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13th, at Our Lady of Mercy’s Parish Activity Center for this year’s Count Your Blessings Supper. Give us a call at (225) 383-7837, extension O, to order your tickets today – they are only $10 each. Tickets will also be available at the door! If you are unable to attend, please consider making a Count Your Blessings Lenten gift to St. Vincent de Paul to help in our work with God’s poor. Financial gifts can be mailed to: Count Your Blessings, P. O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0127, or online at www.svdpbr.org.
Build A Basket For Needy Kids When families are struggling to exist on minimum-wage incomes, just paying the rent and putting food on the table is difficult. Needy children learn at an early age that there’s nothing in the budget for extras. Things like Easter baskets are luxuries their families simply cannot afford. Needy children can be uplifted by this faithful act of sharing. Join St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Community Radio-WPYR 1380 AM in providing Easter baskets for hundreds of needy children. To find out how you can help this year’s Build a Basket effort, contact us at (225) 383-7837, ext. O.
You Can Answer a Prayer and Save a Life Today! Join WBRZ-Channel 2, Pat Shingleton, the Baton Rouge Clinic and St. Vincent de Paul in filling prescriptions for the needy. Retail prices for brand name and generic prescription drugs have risen greatly in the past year. Our St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy provides a solution for low-income individuals who cannot keep pace with the rising cost of prescription medicine. We are seeing more people who are breaking tablets in half and skipping doses of life- sustaining medicines in a desperate attempt to make ends meet. For more details on how you can save someone’s life by filling a prescription, visit our website at www.svdpbr.org.