THE CATHOLIC

PAGE 8 Laura relief effort CSeptember 25,ommentator 2020 Vol. 58, No. 17 2020 LPA NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR thecatholiccommentator.org FEEDING THE SOUL ‘Nutrition of love’ served at St. Gerard

By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator

As students and their families picked up a savory dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, paired with green beans and a roll in the parish hall at St. Ge- rard Church in Baton Rouge, “Mama” Seaball Thomas stood proud, a smile sweeping across her face as she assisted handing out each meal. Five days later Thomas was back in the same spot, only on this sun- splashed afternoon that offered a tiny hint of fall she was distributing one of her soul food specialties: red beans and “Mama” Seaball Thomas, right, and Louise Attuso prepare to hand out meatball and spaghetti dinners to Redemptorist St. Ge- rice and smothered chicken. rard School students and their families on Sept. 14. St. Gerard Majella Church is offering free dinners to students on Mondays Thomas, the former owner of Mom- and free meals to area residents on Friday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator ma’s SilverMoon Café which buttressed the LSU campus, is the chef and one of The program serves free meals on Mon- days meals are offered to the neighbors “We are serving the nutrition of love the organizers of the fledgling Com- days to the families of Redemptorist in the impoverished north Baton Rouge at St. Gerard,” pastor Father Tat Hoang munity Feeding Program at St. Gerard. St.Gerard School students and on Fri- area. SEE GERARD PAGE 16 Finding peace in the Sabbath By Debbie Shelley ing that they are “falling apart” the celebration of the paschal mys- The Catholic Commentator about what’s going on in the state tery. and world. Keeping “Holy the Day of the The coronavirus pandemic, so- With the stark reality there is Lord” is a perfect time to put all cial unrest and the Gulf of Mexico “always something going on” Fa- anxieties, fears, frustration and furiously churning out one hurri- ther Bayhi said the best thing peo- distractions at the foot of the cross, cane after another has many peo- ple can do is “go to God.” according to Dina Dow, director ple caught in distress. “The Lord wants to give us the of the Office of Evangelization and But God, in his rhythm of cre- peace that the world cannot give,” Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton ation, quells robbers of peace with he said. Rouge. the Sabbath, ideally a time of rest, The answer to the suffering is God’s directive to keep holy the rejuvenation and renewal, say found in the light of Christ’s pas- Sabbath is found in the Ten Com- priests and lay leaders in the Dio- chal mystery which is celebrated mandments, Dow pointed out. Keeping the Sabbath holy can be challenging in these cese of Baton Rouge. at Mass on Sundays, according to She said to understand what days of a worldwide pandemic and limited seating ca- With worries stoked by the lat- Father Bayhi. is meant by the Jewish “Sabbath” pacities at churches throughout the Diocese of Baton est hit of Hurricane Laura in Lake As signs of life slowly come back and “the Lord’s Day” one can turn Rouge. But spiritual leaders say the Sabbath is ideally a Charles Father Jeff Bayhi, pastor to church parishes and people re- to the Catechism of the Catholic time of renewal and helps one maintain spiritual of St. John the Baptist Church in turn to Mass they can find the Sab- Church. The Jewish Sabbath is peace. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator Zachary, said people are express- bath rest that only comes through SEE SABBATH PAGE 15 2 The Catholic Commentator September 25, 2020 | DID YOU KNOW The vineyard By Dina Dow provide the path of attitude for us as disciples. Remote pet Jesus emptied himself completely, makes We welcome the beginning of the season known to us God, teaches us his path, guides of fall and pray, especially here in the Gulf us in truth and by his suffering, death and res- South, that the climate enters a period of calm urrection gives us new life. The Catechism of blessings available after a restless hurricane season atop an ev- the Catholic Church states, “The word become er-present pandemic. Such natural flesh (Jesus) in order to save The feast of St. Francis is rapidly doubtedly be much busier as pet occurrences cause ample anxiety, us by reconciling us with approaching, traditionally a time to owners in the pandemic era remain levels which require faith likened Life-Giving God; that we might know make appointments to have the pets quarantined or continue to work to steel: unbendable, resistant and FAI H God’s love; to be our model of groomed, bathed and looking spiffy. from home. rustproof. We ask why, in many cases, holiness; to make us partak- After all, you want Fido and The annual blessing of the ani- would God allow such natural disasters, ers of the divine nature” (CCC, Fluffy to sparkle for the annual mals reflects St. Francis’ love for all only to be met with limitless answers? One paragraphs 456-460). blessing of the animals held at par- creatures, especially the larks that dependable answer is God restores all bro- We, as missionary disciples, take on the ishes nationwide throughout the were often spotted flying in Assisi, kenness into a new creation, transforms anxi- attitude of Jesus as we humbly reconcile commemorating St. Francis’ feast the hilltop town in Italy where the ety into peace and gives us his son to show us with others, as well as promote reconcilia- day, which is Oct. 4. But what’s one future saint was raised. In fact, ac- the way to him. The 26th and 27th Sunday in tion, recognize the good in others and in- to do when the country is in the cording to legend, St. Francis, the Ordinary Time Mass readings require signifi- vite them on the path of holiness, building midst of a pandemic? patron saint of Italy, and his ear- cant commitment and openness to righteous- up one another in virtue, truth and justice. Pets can also be infected with ly brothers were staying at a small ness, justice and being a fruitful disciple of Je- Guided by St. Paul’s witness, we trust in God COVID-19, although research is still hovel but agreed to be displaced by sus. The more we turn toward God, the more through grateful prayer, confidently asking a bit spotty regarding if they can a donkey. we grow in understanding his ways for our needs and for the needs of others. pass the virus along to their owners. St. Francis was a holy man who Yes or no We also stay close to the heart of Jesus in Regardless, owners are not likely to disposed of all of his earthly posses- The Prophet Ezekiel (18:25-28) conveys ways and thoughts that are “true, honorable, take a risk of exposing their beloved sions, much to the chagrin of his fa- a strong message to the Israelites who com- just, pure, lovely, gracious and worthy of the pets to the deadly virus. ther, providing him the freedom to plain, “The Lord’s way is not fair” as his justice Lord” (Phil 4:6-9). We also act upon these Rest easy, relief is readily avail- say, “Our father in heaven.” prevails over evil. Yet the Lord challenges the ways with others in acts of mercy, sharing able. Even though he died at a relative- people by reminding them that perhaps their hope and offering peace. Father John Dear, a priest in the ly young age of 44, he left behind a ways lack in “fairness” since they are choosing The vineyard of the Lord Diocese of Monterey, California, in legacy of inspiration, devotion and inequity over good, wickedness over justice, These two Sunday Masses offer three read- conjunction with PETA has estab- love for the Lord. Two years before death over life. God’s fairness is his justice ings that compare the kingdom of God to a lished a recorded phone blessing he died, he received the stigma- and mercy, since it is he who gives life to the vineyard. This comparison is significant. In that is accessible across the country. ta, which is the real and painful one who chooses to turn from sin and back to the Gospel of St. Matthew (21:28-32) we hear All one has to do is call 1-833-Assi- wounds of Christ in his hands, feet him. Do I say “yes” to that which is good, just of a father who requested both of his sons to si to have your favorite animal, who and side. and fair? Do I say “yes” to God and “no” to sin? go out and work in the vineyard. One refused is likely more of a four-legged or During the blessing of the an- Do I accept life in God or death in sin? Psalm yet later changed his mind and went out while winged family member than a pet, imals, the priest prays a specific 25 invites us to pray, “Remember your mer- the other accepted but never showed up. Jesus blessed and not worry about being prayer as he gently sprinkles the cies, o Lord. your ways, o Lord, make known indicates the first son did the father’s will de- exposed to the coronavirus. animals with holy water. Reactions to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your spite the initial refusal. He had time to think Father Dear, a noted author of among the critters range from calm- truth and teach me, for you are God my sav- about it, experienced a change of heart and more than 35 books on peace and ness to pets scurrying away from ior.” In times of hesitation we can simply ask, obeyed the will of his father. nonviolence and Nobel Peace Prize their owners, causing quite the com- “Lord, teach me, guide me on your path and in We are all called to be workers in the vine- nominee, established the blessing motion. Thankfully, the truants are your truth.” yard of God with an openness to the Holy hotline a year ago, which will un- usually captured within minutes. The attitude of Jesus Spirit. God chooses us to be with him, and we St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is pow- in turn serve him and give glory to him. As erful. Chapters 2 and 4 invite us to the reali- workers in the vineyard we are called to in- ty of the need for unity and humility, joy and vite others who are striving to serve the will of peace. Christians united by the loving sac- God or seeking to know God. All are welcome. FRANCISCAN ANIMAL BLESSINGS rifice of Jesus are called to approach others There is great potential in one’s “yes” to God FOR ALL ANIMALS with humility, seeking what serves their best who turn away from sin and turn to the Lord. interest of well-being, presenting our witness The Gospel of St. Matthew (21:33-43) re- Blessed are you, Lord God, of the Gospel as Jesus witnessed to us. The counts Jesus’ parable of the tenants, when maker of all living creatures. actions of Jesus, fully present today working, SEE GOSPEL PAGE 15 On the fifth and sixth days of creation, you called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all animals his brothers and sisters. thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator We ask you to bless this animal. By the power of your love, Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager enable (him or her) to live according Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation to your plan. Richard Meek Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer May we always praise you Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor for all your beauty in creation. The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway, creatures! Amen. Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. September 25, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 3 New SVDP center outlet during Laura

By Richard Meek people come from?’” she added The Catholic Commentator with a chuckle. The building, which checked A newly-minted daycare cen- in at a cost a tad north of $1.3 ter that can double as a night million and was fully funded by shelter during emergencies the city of Baton Rouge through proved its value in the aftermath a state grant, has been used for of Hurricane Laura. staff meetings and a refuge for The 3,500-square-foot cen- students who are staying with ter, nestled against the Bishop their parents in one of St. Vin- Ott Sweet Dreams Shelter on cent’s homeless shelters to com- the campus of the Society of St. plete their homework. Vincent de Paul in Baton Rouge, Amenities include bath- housed 17 homeless people, in- rooms, showers and commer- cluding one family that was cial grade washers and dry- passing through town, as fami- ers. Meals are prepared by the A recently opened daycare center at St. Vincent de Paul Society in Baton Rouge also has the versatility to lies fled Laura’s devastation. staff of the St. Vincent dining double as a night shelter in emergencies, such as hurricanes and freezes. The shelter recently housed 17 “We would have had to turn room, which serves more than people during Hurricane Laura, with guests sleeping on folding beds. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator them away if not for this facili- 200,000 meals annually. ty,” said Michael Acaldo, exec- But it was Laura’s impact that shelter will also process the canes, estimating the total as and the two men’s shelters to be utive director of St. Vincent de allowed the building to flex its homeless who do come in during less than 50 nights per year. halved, which has made the new Paul. “They had nowhere else to versatility. the day, assess their needs and “We would not (open up for shelter that much more valuable. go.” “A storm comes through and assign them to one of the shel- the night) unless we determine “This space was critical,” he Cots were provided and the the shelters are already full and ters. with other community leaders said. “Whether we get another family, who was sleeping in their there is place to put (the home- “Everything we do is geared and funding agencies there is a hurricane or not, we’ll be pre- car, was provided a separate less),” Acaldo said. “So that is toward helping the person be- need,” Acaldo said. “We do not pared for the winter season as sleeping area. Acaldo stressed where this shelter is really going come self-sufficient as well as have the funding to run an addi- well.” that the cots were placed at an to come in handy. taking care of their essential tional (full-time) night shelter.” “We are a place of last resort. appropriate social distance. “This was perfect timing.” needs,” Acaldo said. “They come The building, which is built When someone has no place else “We could not have asked Primarily, the shelter will through here with nothing on to withstand winds of 150 miles to go they come to us,” he added. for it to run any smoother than function as a daycare facility their backs and we are helping per hour and features a dou- “We’ve had homeless people it did,” said Debra Blacher, di- offering myriad of services to them get to the next step.” ble decker generator that came come here because they told us rector of shelters at SVDP. “I the homeless, including teach- The shelter has a daytime ca- with a tab of about $90,000, has the services were actually bet- was shocked. Everybody got ing life skills, job counseling, pacity of 45-50 people and can allowed the agency to spread ter than where they came from,” along and they were so helpful as well as helping individuals sleep up to 36 at night. However, things out and efficiently use the Blacher said. in terms of asking if we needed who need Social Security cards, Acaldo emphasized the build- additional space. Acaldo said plans include help cleaning the bathrooms, birth certificates, identification ing will only be used as a night Acaldo said the coronavirus having Bishop Michael G. Duca taking out the trash.” and SNAP benefits, according shelter during emergencies such pandemic has forced popula- bless the building during the “I thought ‘Where did these to Blacher. She said staff in the as freezes and threats of hurri- tions at the Bishop Ott Shelter fall.

RESTHAVEN GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME We make it personal.® for a better farewell

11817 Jefferson Highway 225-753-1440 www.resthavenbatonrouge.com The daycare facility has several large commercial washing machines and dryers. 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 4 The Catholic Commentator September 25, 2020 40 Days for Life scheduled Sept. 23-Nov. 1

By Debbie Shelley for those who have had abortions,” said the coronavirus pandemic. Though it may be comforting to have The Catholic Commentator Van Haute. “We want them to know that their confirmation that one’s prayers resulted She said some people may be hesitant prayers have a positive impact, no mat- in a woman deciding not have an abor- The Baton Rouge 40 Days for Life to participate in the campaign because ter where they are,” said Van Haute. tion, Van Haute said what’s most is im- Campaign, scheduled for Sept. 23 ­– Nov. they are not sure what to expect or who There will also be online daily de- portant is keeping a prayerful presence. 1, is an opportunity for people to keep a would be there to pray with. votionals and Scriptures during the “There’s no way of knowing this side prayerful vigil for the end of abortion “40 Days for Life is an opportunity campaign that people will be able to of heaven what the fruits of our efforts and let women in crisis pregnancies to be with people in prayer, so there is access at 40daysforlife.com/resources- will be. What we have to do is offer our know “we care,” group support,” devotionals. faith, prayer says Danielle said Van Haute. aspx. and sacrifices. Van Haute, asso- She said Van Haute “40 Days for Life is an opportunity As difficult as ciate respect life wearing masks, noted the it can be, we coordinator for social distanc- campaign is to be with people in prayer, so have to offer the Diocese of ing and safety held on the up the results Baton Rouge. protocols will be same days there is group support.” to God.” The global in effect during internation- She added, interdenomina- the event. ally. She Danielle Van Haute “It’s definitely tional grassroots There are said there Associate Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Baton Rouge powerful to campaign aims to end abortion through many ways people can participate in the will be 588 have people fasting, community outreach and a campaign. Many sign up through their prayer vigils motivated by peaceful all-day vigil outside of an abor- church parish or come as an individual. happening worldwide, the largest num- love for the women, the babies, the fa- tion facility. The local campaign will be “People are welcome to come and ber yet. thers and others involved in the wom- outside of Delta Clinic on Colonial Drive pray on their own. Some people come In addition to Baton Rouge, there en’s lives. We want our presence to con- in Baton Rouge. by before work, or stop by during their will be campaigns in New Orleans and vey they are loved and we as individuals “The main purpose of 40 Days for lunch hour or after work. People are en- Shreveport. and the church are here for them.” Life is to have people united in prayer couraged to come by even if it’s a short “While we are praying here in Baton For more information about the and fasting for the end of abortion as time,” Van Haute said. Rouge, there will also be people praying campaign, visit 40daysforlifebr.com or well as the conversion of those who work She recognizes some people may be in New Orleans and Shreveport and all email Van Haute at dvanhaute@diobr. in the abortion industry and for healing uncomfortable participating because of over the world,” said Van Haute. org or call 225-242-0323. Pastoral appointments

Father Brent Maher Father Babu Vareeth

Bishop Michael G. Duca on Sept. 13 by Bishop Robert W. Muench on May 28, announced the appointment of Father 2011 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Brent Maher pastor at St. Agnes Church Rouge. in Baton Rouge and Father Babu Vareeth Father Maher was appointed pastor at IMH pastor at St. Ann Church in Mor- St. Ann on July 2, 2014. ganza and St Vincent de Paul Chapel in He also served as parochial vicar at Innis. St. George Church in Baton Rouge, Most Father Maher’s six-year appointment Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Gram- was effective Sept. 12. His office as pastor ercy, St. Joseph Church in Paulina and at St. Ann and St. Vincent de Paul will St. Michael Church in Convent. cease Oct. 12. Father Maher has previously served Father Vareeth’s appointment is effec- as chaplain at Catholic High School in tive Oct. 12. Beginning Sept. 14 Father Baton Rouge and Catholic of Pointe Cou- Vareeth began offering sacramental and pee High School in New Roads. liturgical support to St. Agnes while con- Father Vereeth has served as sacra- tinuing to reside at St. Mark in Gonzales mental minister at St. Ann, St. Philo- until he takes up his new pastorate. mena Church in Labadieville, St. Anne Father Maher, a native of Cincinnati, Church in Napoleonville and Assump- Ohio, graduated from Denham Springs tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church High School in 2002. He was ordained in Plattenville. September 25, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 5

For pennies a day receive the Commentator at home!

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

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

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

NAME ______RECIPIENT’S NAME ______ADDRESS ______RECIPIENT’S ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______6 The Catholic Commentator September 25, 2020 Irreplaceable statue of Christ destroyed

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNA) – A van- The attack in El Paso is the latest dal destroyed a statue of Jesus at St. in months of vandalism and arson at- Patrick Cathedral in El Paso, Texas on tacks on churches. Sept. 15, the latest in an ongoing series Recently, a parish in Midvale, Utah, of attacks on churches across the United saw back to back attacks. St. Therese of States. the Child Jesus Catholic Church had its According to the Diocese of El Paso, namesake statue beheaded followed by someone entered the sanctuary of St. burglary on subsequent nights. Patrick’s Cathedral on the morning of “Sometime last night our statue of St. Sept. 15 and destroyed a nearly 90-year- Therese of the Child Jesus outside of the old statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. main church was broken and vandal- The statue had been placed behind the ized. We are currently in contact with main altar of the church, which was the police,” the parish wrote on its social open for prayer at the time of the van- media page on Sept. 14. The statue was dalism. pushed off its pedestal and the head was According to the diocese, the statue broken off. A planter by the statue was is an “irreplaceable loss” and cannot be also smashed. repaired. The parish urged people to “pray for “This statue is one of my favorite the person who did this, that they may representations of Jesus his arms open get the help they need,” and said the van- wide in welcome, his heart aflame with dalism was an “unfortunate situation.” love for us. I would often take inspira- The following day, the parish once tion from this image as I prepared for again reported vandalism. Mass,” said Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso “As an update to our parishioners, we in a statement released by the diocese. are upset to report that one of the houses Bishop Seitz added that he was glad, The statue of Christ damaged in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in El Paso, Texas on Sept. 15. Photo on our parish property was vandalized however, that nobody was hurt by the submitted by Diocese of El Paso, Texas and broken into last night,” said the par- vandal. ish in another social media post. According to the diocese, a suspect greatly disturbed to have attacked this be in my prayers,” he said. “We have contacted the police and has been detained and an investigation peaceful place in our city and this image “In this moment we will reach out in they are forming an investigation. We by the city’s police is ongoing. Bishop of the king of peace.” confidence to the one this statue repre- are planning on taking new measures to Seitz urged people to pray for the vandal, “I hope this might be the impetus for sented, and I know he will console us,” keep our parish safe. St. Therese, pray as “he certainly must be a person who is him to receive the help he needs. He will said the bishop. for us!” the post read.

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

AMITE Dixie Maid Drive In Southside Produce Romero’s Summerfield Senior Living ST. FRANCISVILLE Winn Dixie Express Mart Spanish Town Market Ross Tire Winn Dixie Magnuson Hotel Family Dollar The Fresh Market Sherman/Balhoff Schneider Pediatric Clinic BAKER Fresh Pickins The UPS Store Steve Rabalais JACKSON B R Healthcare Goodwood Hardware Tony’s Seafood Sullivan Hardware LA Vet Home SLAUGHTER Northridge Healthcare Hi Nabor Supermarket Vernon’s Hardware Trey Marino’s Florest Grace Healthcare Facility Jefferson Manor Walgreen’s Walgreen’s NEW ROADS BATON ROUGE Lake Sherwood Village Winn Dixie Walmart Neighborhood Market St. Vincent DePaul Store VACHERIE Affinity Nursing Home Mail Bag Winn Dixie Schexnayder Supermarket Albertson’s Matherne’s CENTRAL DENHAM SPRINGS Alexander’s Highland Grocery Mercedarian Sisters (Sr. Dulce) A+ Cleaners Lake Primary Care PAULINA WALKER Ascension Books and Gifts Municipal Building B-Quick OLOL Childrens Health Pediatrics Matherne’s OLOL Medical Center Anthony’s Deli Old Jefferson Comm Care Best Stop Rouse’s WHITE CASTLE B R General Hospital Ollie Steele Manor Bourg Insurance PLAQUEMINE Daigle Supermarket Bergeron”s City Market OLOL College Callihan Law DONALDSONVILLE OLOL Physicians Group

Bet-R-Store OLOL Medical Center Central Automotive Butcher Boy PONCHATOULA ZACHARY Bordelon’s Pharmacy OLOL Physicians Group Central Donuts Bohning Supermarket Lane Regional & Nursing Home Brookstown Hardware Red River Bank Circle K GONZALES Rosaryville Community Oak Wood Nursing Home Calandro’s Reeves Cracker Barrel Gonzales Mental Health Ctr. Rouse’s Carpenter House Rite Aid CVS Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Ctr. PORT ALLEN Catholic Art and Gifts Demco OLOL Ascension Med Plaza Zachary Manor Rouse’ s Market Family Medicine Central Plumbing Frog’s Rouse’s St. Clair Manor Hubbins Charlie T’s (barber) Indian Mound Grocery St. Elizabeth Hospital St. Mary’s Bookstore Port Allen Court House Circle K Jerry Lees St. Vincent DePaul Stores St. Vincent DePaul Store Cracker Barrel St. Vincent DePaul Dining Room Oak Point Supermarket HAMMOND CVS Ochsner Medical Rouse’s Shell Station PRAIRIEVILLE Delmont Garden’s Library St. Vincent DePaul Store Shopper’s Value Rogers Eye Rouse’s September 25, 2020 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 PSR classes adjusting to changes during pandemic

By Debbie Shelley instead of four or five. PSR and sacramental program, the sacramental prep classes, At Mater Dolorosa Church in The Catholic Commentator Those children taking class- OLMC is staggering its schedule. “They’ve been doing very well. Independence, the students are es online will have assignments The third- through 10th- We use a Dynamic Catholic participating in a virtual class- Parish schools of religion are and quizzes. Oliphant will see grade PSR classes are meeting (“Blessed” for first Communion room, according to Allison Dre- using various formats to cate- through their online activity once a month on different days. students and “Decision Point” her, director of evangelization chize their children and youth and answers to quizzes if they Assignments are emailed to the for confirmation students). It and catechesis. in the midst of the coronavirus are sufficiently learning the -ma students, who will need to com- makes for a very easy transition Students watch information- pandemic. terial. plete and submit them during during the weeks they are not al videos by priests and oth- St. Isidore Church in Baker Oliphant was initially con- the monthly class meetings or here on campus.” er catechists. After the videos kicked off its PSR program with cerned when a director of re- return them to the parish office St. Mark Church in Gonzales questions pop up for them to an- a traditional in-person format ligious education in another for those unable to attend class- reports there was good partici- swer. The catechists will mark on Sept. 16, according to Mon- part of the country said during es on campus. pation with its younger students, their progress though their on- ice Oliphant, director of reli- a publisher’s webinar that all Students in second grade most of whom have complet- line activity and answers. gious formation at St. Isidore. of the catechists ed their PSR Teens will have opportuni- The church is also providing the in that parish re- lessons from ties to delve deep into their faith same resources online for stu- signed because of “All of them are excited to come back. home during with videos and other resources dents who will not be coming to concerns about the summer that urge them to look at what campus for classes because of COVID-19. They were tired of isolation. They are with materi- influences are shaping their safety concerns. Oliphant then als provided world point view. “We were very fortunate that surveyed the St. ready to get back to parish life.” by the church. “I don’t know if they have our publisher also has an online Isidore catechists The high school ever thought about that,” said curriculum,” Oliphant said. and teachers, who Monica Oliphant youth are meet- Dreher. She said only about 10% of are enthusiasti- Director of Religious Formation at St. Isidore Church ing at various She misses the personal en- the parents chose to “homes- cally supporting locations on counters with students, but chool” their children. the program. campus follow- thinks that the virtual classes Oliphant has had two meet- “All of them ing all safety will provide them a way to en- ings with the parents and as- are excited to come back,” said preparing for the sacrament and social distance guidelines, counter Jesus, the church and sured them that temperature Oliphant. “They were tired of of first Communion and 11th according to Renae Schexnay- its traditions and be guided by checks would be taken and all isolation. They are ready to get graders preparing for the sac- dre, who is the PSR high school the Holy Spirit. the safety and social distancing back to parish life.” rament of confirmation will principal. As Dreher adapts to a new protocols would be followed on Our Lady of Mt. Carmel meet twice a month, according “We are blessed to have a learning environment and trou- campus. She said St. Isidore is Church in St. Francisville is to Godke. campus large enough for the bleshoots problems that come fortunate that it has larger class- taking a hybrid approach to its Kindergarten and first grad- classes and students to maintain with online presentations, she rooms and smaller class sizes. PSR classes, according to Mary ers will receive weekly assign- social distancing,” said Schex- believes it will benefit the stu- The children will sit at tables Godke, director of religious ed- ments, but they will not meet in naydre. dents and church community. as normal, but a child may have ucation. person at this time. St. Mark’s is utilizing its pa- “It helps me to provide a bet- only one other child at the table In order to accommodate the Godke said concerning vilion, library, activity center ter learning experience,” said and church for classes. Dreher.

Joe Skibinski, Agent

PASTOR INSTALLATION – Bishop Michael G. Duca, right, presents the keys to the church to Father Eddie Martin after installing him as pastor of St. Anne Church in Napoleonville, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Plattenville and St. Philomena Church in Labadieville at St. Anne on Sept. 6. Father Martin had served as parochial administrator at the church before appointed pastor. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator 8 The Catholic Commentator | September 25, 2020 September 25, 2020 | The Catholic Commentator 9

Several members of the District 2 Knights of Peter Claver, which includes the Diocese of Ba- ton Rouge, joined their brother knights from Knights of Peter Claver mem- around the state in providing assistance to the bers are shown unloading hun- Lake Charles area, which was devastated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge dreds of cases of waters in Lake Hurricane Laura.The members also provided has played a major role in the relief effort, bring- CCDBR volunteers drove trucks pulling large trail- Charles. KPC councils statewide Water was in large demand in the affected areas, and meals of red beans and rice, white beans and ing relief supplies directly to church parishes or ers full of such items as tarps, water and cleaning donated a combined $5,000 in CCDBR volunteers were instrumental in helping distrib- rice and jambalaya. Photo provided by Reginald Berry | distribution centers. Photo provided by St. Margaret Queen supplies. Photo provided by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton gift cards. Photo provided by Reginald ute the much needed commodity. Photo provided by Catholic Knights of Peter Claver of Scotland Church in Albany Rouge Berry | Knights of Peter Claver Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

HURRICANE LAURA RELIEF “The need is absolutely overwhelming.” David Aguillard CCDBR Executive Director Damage is widespread throughout the Lake Charles area. Every church in the Diocese of Lake Charles suf- fered damage and at least 10 churches were devasted. Photo provided by St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany

By Richard Meek for roofs and water. He said coordinating the diocesan-wide effort as- Father Hallford did say crews for cooking, Rouge has been exception in meeting specific Volunteers from St. Thomas More church provided assistance to The Catholic Commentator “It was a big group and our Knights, Lady Auxiliary sures no extra pressure is put on the Catholic Charities tarping damaged roofs and demolition were in needs for evacuees, including distributing of gift Lake Charles residents in many ways, including removing trees and Junior Knights and Junior Daughters all helped of Southwest Louisiana warehouse. demand. A website is being established where and gas cards. from homes in blistering summer heat. Photo provided by Catholic Charities During his years in the military, Reginald Berry be- collect supplies and load trucks,” Berry said. “In time of (COVID-19) we must be more creative people in need in the affected area will be able to Berry said statewide the Knights collected of the Diocese of Baton Rouge came accustomed to seeing the scorched earth of war- The Knights of Peter Clever was one of many organi- to responding to need so we really want to be sure to request specific help for specific needs. more than $5,000 worth of gift cards that were torn areas. zations and church parishes from the Diocese of Baton bring the most efficient, creative and meaningful ways “We are getting really good information, tak- distributed on Sept. 12. Additionally, dinners of But those memories did little to prepare the griz- Rouge assisting in the relief effort. Father Ryan Hall- to respond the best way we can,” he said. ing it off the plate of the (Lake Charles) people,” red beans and rice, jambalaya and white beans zled veteran for the carnage he encountered when he ford, parochial vicar at St. Aloysius Church in Baton “What we are doing is trying to relieve overload of Father Hallford said. “They are processing the re- and rice were distributed to hundreds of people witnessed the devastation Rouge, is streamlining the materials that flow into any area after a disaster,” said quest and making it available to their parishes.” as they drove through a pickup site at the KPC caused by Hurricane Laura diocesan response to en- CCDBR executive director David Aguillard, who has He is encouraging priests, men’s groups, Bi- Hall 141 in Lake Charles, located just off Inter- in Lake Charles. sure it operates as efficient- visited Lake Charles on several occasions. “The need is ble study groups, prayer groups and any other state 10. Light poles laying across ly as possible. absolutely overwhelming.” groups that might be in a position to form a crew “The hall normally feeds the homeless and city streets, uprooted trees Father Hallford has part- Aguuillard said CCDBR has delivered about $30,000 to do so and respond to those suffering. Father helps in many other ways in the community, in- turned into scalpels that nered with Catholic Chari- worth of supplies that were donated by church parishes Hallford said pastors and deacons will be able to cluding helping with the food bank,” Berry said. sliced homes in half, church- ties of the Diocese of Baton throughout the diocese. He saiod the agency has made supply the necessary information. “We left a lot of items in the hall and they are still es destroyed, activity centers Rouge to develop delivery five trips to Lake Charles, bring generators, tarps, “What is refreshing to see is how the diocese giving out things to those in need.” with roofs blown off, recto- protocols to the devastated cleaning supplies, charcoal and many other essential is working together with parishes, deaneries, Along with helping distribute goods for the ries inhabitable. area. He said parishes are items. the chancery, with Catholic Charities,” Aguillard Knights, Berry, the KPC state conference presi- “It was bad,” said Berry, collecting targeted items Aguillard admitted at times confronted unique chal- said. “Each one has something to contribute to dent, was also helping distribute items collected a Baton Rouge native. “I that are then brought to lenges through the streets of Lake Charles, as each this effort and to Lake Charles. It’s really uplift- from Immaculate Conception Church in Baton had been in a war zone and pre-determined distribu- block presented its own obstacle course, strewn with ing.” Rouge. Those items were delivered directly to it looked just like that. That tion sites in each of the dio- down trees and power lines blocking the way. He said needs in that area will continue to Sacred Heart Church of Jesus Church in Lake whole area is devastated.” cese’s six deaneries. “The generosity of our Diocese is inspiring, and al- evolve but the most effective donations are cash Charles, which suffered severe damage. Berry and four other From there the supplies though the hurricane is tragic, it is rewarding to go to and gift cards. “It was a long day,” he said noting the local Knights of Peter Claver members from District 2 joined are loaded into CCDBR trailers and transported to spe- the parishes and see their enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s CCDBR has also been staffing locals hotels, group left Baton Rouge at 7 a.m. and did not leave their brother knights from around the state Sept. 12 cific parishes or distribution sites in Lake Charles. fun to load trucks and trailers with school kids, such as where evacuees have been staying. Many of those Lake Charles until after 2 p.m. “But it definitely bringing in much needed supplies to the affected areas. “We don’t want to make anyone’s life (in the Lake we did at St. Alphonsus (School) in Greenwell Springs.. families evacuated their homes with only the filled the mission of the Knights of Peter Claver.” By truck, school bus and even an 18-wheeler, the sup- Charles area) harder because we’ve experienced this He said a tremendous need exists for volunteers, es- clothes on their back, expecting to return the Father Hallford said there are multiple ways Volunteers from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge plies rolled in as Berry and the Knights from the seven as well,” Father Hallford said. “Sometimes these things pecially for anyone who knows hos to tow and back up next day. to donate, including visiting diobr.org or ccdiobr. delivered supplies to churches and distribution centers in the Lake statewide districts unloaded cleaning supplies, tarps can go smoothly and sometimes not.” a large cargo trailer. Aguillard said St. George Church in Baton org. Charles area. Photo provided by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge 10 The Catholic Commentator September 25, 2020

Notre Dame Hospice full page ad.indd 1 10/9/19 9:14 AM September 25, 2020 PAGINA EN ESPAÑOL The Catholic Commentator 11

1234 56789 110 12131 Los servicios de salud mental de 14 15 16 17 18 19 CCDBR adquieren un nuevo perfil 20 21 22 243 2 265 2

27 28 209 313 Por Ricardo Meek lenguaje corporal del cliente, especialmente si “el El comentarista católico teléfono celular está mirando hacia el techo”. “el 332 343 35 36

cliente tiene una experiencia de calidad inferior” 37 398 3 40 Durante un cuarto de siglo, Caridades Católicas dijo. Sin embargo, enfatizó que la terapia es tan im- de la Diócesis de Baton Rouge, han proporcionado portante ahora como lo era antes de la pandemia. 41 42 43 servicios de salud mental en toda la región, pero tal Dijo que la mayoría de las personas van a terapia 44 45 46 vez nunca ha sido tan complejo, como hoy en día, el porque están lidiando con los resultados del drama satisfacer las necesidades de todos lo clientes. infantil, lo que afecta la relación con los demás y su 47 498 40515 Los servicios han continuado ininterrumpidos salud (ansiedad, depresión). 532 545 565 575 58 durante toda la pandemia gracias a la creatividad Robelot dijo que sus clientes están reaccionando 59 60 61 e ingenio de CCDBR, superando los diferentes a la pandemia de diversas maneras, desde los que desafíos técnicos. En lugar de las tradicionales la aceptan hasta los que experimentan dificultades. 62 63 64 reuniones cara a cara, la inmensa mayoría de las “Afecta a las personas de diferentes maneras”, dijo. 65 66 67 sesiones se llevan a cabo a través de la telemedici- “a algunos nos les afecta”. Sterling dijo que la canti- na, una opción de video que cada vez se hace más dad de clientes se ha reducido sorprendentemente www.wordgamesforcatholics.com popular. en casi un tercio de lo normal. “Lo único que puedo ACROSS 67 “Rubaiyat” name 1 Liturgy of the ___ “Para muchas personas ha sido un salvavidas, pensar es que la gente no es consciente de que con- DOWN 5 Abrade 1 The Seven Last of Jesus para las que ya contaban con nuestros servicios y tinuaos brindando el servicio”, dijo Sterling. 10 Increases 2 Music hall 14 Garfield’s pal querían continuar, y para las que han tenido difi- Ella cree que las personas están luchando men- 3 Crest 15 Muscular type cultades debido al COVID-19 por causa del con- talmente durante la pandemia, pagando el costo 4 “Gloria in excelsis ___” 16 Resound 5 Blend of oil and balsam finamiento o tal vez por que tienen problemas -fi del autoaislamiento. Dijo que las familias podrían 17 Repeat 6 Listen to 18 Something to ride nancieros por perdida de trabajo”, dijo Stephanie estar pasando por apuros ya que los niños están 7 Among 19 Assess Sterling, directora del de- tomando clases en línea, 8 Above the normal male register 20 Hollowed out 9 Abstract being partamento de maternidad, los padres probablemente 21 “…dominion over the fish of the sea, 10 The feast of St. Bernadette Soubirous the ___…” (Gen 1:26) adopciones y salud mental están trabajando desde is in this month 22 Assisted de Caridades Católicas. sus casas, o se han visto 11 Lifeless biblical sea 23 Odors SOBRELLEVAR EL ESTRÉS 12 The day of the month Sterling dijo que la agen- afectados económicamente 25 OT book of teachings 13 Musher’s carrier 27 Silent cia también atiende a los • Desarrollar estructura y rutina debido a un cambio en el 21 Color that represents purity in tradi- 28 Egyptian deity clientes un día por semana estado laboral. “Sabemos tional religious art • Cree un espacio de trabajo que 29 Idiot 22 Sieben follower en persona siguiendo los esté separado del espacio que el abuso y la negligen- 32 Jesus referred to Himself as this, 24 Alphabet string rejected by the builders protocolos apropiados de familiar cia doméstica y de menores 26 A first for Eve 35 Arguing distanciamiento social, la aumenta durante y después 28 Title for Pio • Establecer limites en torno a los 36 LXI + XXX 29 Paul refers to these animals in 1 Cor mascarilla y el control de horarios de trabajo de un desastre o algún tipo 37 Small salmon 9:9 38 Certain inert gas la temperatura. °Esto ha • Pase tiempo al aire libre de evento traumático”, dijo 30 Suffix (zool.) 40 Robert E. and family sido bueno para los que Sterling. “la preocupación 31 The emblem of St. Simon the Zealot • Encuentre formas de conectarse 41 Show stoppers? has a book and this on it no tienen acceso a medios con otros es que con los niños que 42 Bambi 32 Strikebreaker 43 Minor Prophet noted for having electrónicos y no pueden • Crear un horario para actividades no están en la escuela, 33 Commotion been swallowed by a great fish realizar teleconferencias, o las personas que normal- 34 Very very del cuidado personal 44 Halloween hello 38 Soaks, as flax simplemente para los que • Tómese un descanso de los mente hubieran informado 45 Raison d’___ 39 Vigorous exercises 46 ___ rosa no se sienten cómodos con noticieros de abuso o negligencia no 40 Roundish projection 47 “Granting that…” el método de terapia por pueden hacerlo, ya que no 42 Alphabet string • Pida ayuda si se siente abrumado 48 Mixes dough 43 The feast of St. Anthony of Padua is video” dijo Sterling, “Algu- pueden interactuar ni ver a 52 Catholic actress who won an in this month Academy Award for her role in “The nas personas quieren re- los niños. 46 St. Bernard is the patron saint of Farmer’s Daughter” uniones cara a cara”. Sterling dijo que la these athletes 55 A knife is named after this Catholic 47 “The bombs bursting ___…” La telesalud permite que agencia ha realizado var- defender of the Alamo 49 Abraham, in the beginning 58 Exclamation of contempt un médico con licencia se reúna con el cliente a ias presentaciones en la comunidad, brindando 50 Catholic actor, Tony ___ 59 “It was ___ joke.” través de una plataforma compatible con HIPA, ya consejos sobre cómo afrontar el COVID-19 y el 51 Clip wool 60 Donate a portion of money to 52 Edible roots sea a través de un teléfono inteligente o una com- cuidado personal. “la mayoría de la gente pasará church 53 Potpourri 61 “Judith” composer putadora. Una vez programada la cita, se envía al por un evento traumático y aprenderá y crecerá 54 Bone that parallels the radius 62 Prefix for small cliente una invitación por correo electrónico y, a la a partir de él, pero hay algunos que no lo harán 56 Frequent Mayberry jail occupant 63 Less hospitable 57 Slider’s shout hora programada, el cliente hace click en el enlace. y necesitaran buscar la ayuda profesional”, dijo. 64 Where Samson died 60 Madre’s hermana 65 Fly “A algunas personas les gusta porque tienen “Si las personas tienen alguna herramienta que 61 Give it ___! problemas de transporte o viven en áreas geográ- los pueda ayudar cuando atraviesan algún tipo 66 Donkeys Solution on page 14 ficamente aisladas” dijo Sterling. ° Ellos antes no de evento traumático, lo más probable es que tenían acceso a trabajadores sociales ni a terapistas crezcan, aprendan a recuperarse frente a la ad- con licencia, esto es algo realmente positivo para versidad”. Sterling enfatizó que los servicios de los que viven en las áreas rurales de la Diócesis. salud mental de la agencia están disponibles Tree Service El terapista Alfred Robelot, quien estaba escép- para el público y no son solamente para ayudar Mr. D’s tico, dijo que la video conferencia está funcionando con lo relacionado al COVID. Se aceptan seguros ovEr 40 yEars ExpErIEncE mejor de lo previsto. “Una vez que conoces bien a la privados y el Medicaid. Para aquellos que no ten- Don Decell, owner persona, especialmente si la has visto antes, es sor- gan seguro, pueden pagar una cuota reducida. La carl BaBin, owner prendente lo que se puede avanzar”, “vale la pena ayuda está disponible para parejas, individuos y • Economical para el cliente”. Pero esto no viene sin inconveni- familias. Llame al 225-336-8707 para obtener • Fully Insured • Quality Work entes, dijo Robelot, y agregó que conectarse con los más información y poder programar una cita con CALL TODAY! clientes agrega otra dificultad. Dijo que el contacto uno de los cuatro médicos que están atendiendo 225-292-6756 visual no es tan claro y no puede ver gran parte del a los clientes en la oficina. 12 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT September 25, 2020 St. Peter’s rocky road n the (Sept. 11) issue of The Catholic Commentator I among the apostles. the Passion he will undergo. After describing how he wrote that St. Peter was chosen by Jesus to not only St. Luke’s Gospel follows the same pattern as St. will be mistreated, Jesus ends by saying “and after they Ilead his apostles and be the human founding stone Matthew’s. Jesus asks the apostles, “Who have scourged him they will kill him, but of his church but also to be a “model for us of what God do you say that I am?” Peter answers, on the third day he will rise.” St. Luke wants from us in his mysterious plan of salvation.” St. “The Messiah of God.” Jesus “directed notes: “But they understood nothing Peter learned, often through his own mistakes and his them not to tell this to anyone” (Lk 9:18- of this; the word remains hidden from own suffering, to follow Jesus with faith rather than 21). God had not sent Jesus to be the kind them and they failed to comprehend with his own worldly judgments. If we follow Jesus of Messiah the crowds wanted, one who what he said.” in the New Testament Scriptures, from the time of his would liberate them from Roman domi- No wonder St. Peter was so badly declaration that he would build his church on the rock nation. Jesus then explains his destiny: shaken and fearful after Jesus’ torture of Peter (Mt 16:13) to the time of Peter’s second and “The son of man must suffer greatly and and death. But in St. Luke’s account of last Epistle and then martyrdom sometime between be rejected by the elders, the chief priests the women finding the tomb empty on 64 and 67 a.d., we can learn much of what Jesus wants and the scribes and be killed and on the Easter Sunday, they run back and tell from us too. third day be raised.” He goes on to explain the apostles what the two angels told No sooner than Jesus told St. Peter that he would be the cost of following God’s kind of Mes- them, yet they were not believed. St. that founding rock of a church that would never suc- siah. “If anyone wishes to come after me, Peter, however, runs to the tomb alone, cumb to the powers of the netherworld, and as assur- he must deny himself and take up his cross Another looks in and “is amazed.” He is finally ance promised him the keys of the kingdom of heaven daily and follow me” (Lk 9:23). Jesus fol- starting to put the pieces together. Then with the power to bind and loose, St. Peter had to learn lows this warning by taking the apostles the two persons to whom Jesus ap- the hard way what Jesus really meant. Jesus predicted Peter, James and John eight days later up Perspective peared on the road to Emmaus show up his own death and resurrection for the first time, and St. a mountain to witness his transfigura- Father John Carville with their experience of the risen Jesus Peter would not hear of it. tion in the company of Moses and Elijah and are told by the disciples in the upper “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen as God the father says from a cloud, “This room that Jesus was not only risen but to you!” he said. And Jesus corrected him, “Get behind is my chosen son; listen to him” (Lk 9:28-36). Appar- had “appeared to Peter.” So, the risen Christ must have me, Satan! ... You are thinking not as God does, but as ently, Jesus wanted to strengthen them in the face of his appeared first to Mary Magdalen before she left the human beings do”(Mt 16:22-23). upcoming passion and death. garden of the tomb, then to the “amazed” St. Peter, then Just two chapters later, St. Peter learns that in Jesus’ The three were struck dumb by the sight of Jesus’ to the persons in the Emmaus story and finally to the kingdom he has to forgive not seven times as he pro- glory and God’s voice but could not put together this whole group of disciples in the upper room. posed, but 70 times seven or, in other words, as often vision and Jesus’ predictions of his own death. They In St. John’s Gospel, it is St. Peter’s brother Andrew as necessary until the end of time. The keys to the continued to argue among themselves about who was who first meets Jesus and then brings his brother Simon kingdom turn always for forgiveness. St. Peter again is the greatest while Jesus urged them to have no more to the Lord. Jesus tells Simon he will be also called Ke- humbled and learns that his power is not of this world ambitions than a child would and concluded by saying phas, which means “rock” in Aramaic (Jn 6:67-69). St. where death pretends to be an absolute. But this is also that “the one who is least among all of you is the one Peter is first mentioned as spokesman for the apostles a reason why the church will never fail completely. The who is the greatest”(Lk 9:46-48). when Jesus asks them if they, too, along with other dis- human world will always need forgiveness. As Jesus St. Luke then begins Jesus’ final journey to Jerusa- ciples will leave him because of his teaching about the teaches in the beatitudes, we all need to be poor in lem. Along the way he teaches his disciples what the Eucharist. St. Peter answers, “Master, to whom shall we spirit. kingdom of God looks like, mostly by parables. He go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come St. Mark’s Gospel mentions Simon Peter the least of begins with the great commandment of love of God and to believe and are convinced that you are the holy one the four Gospels. He is recruited by Jesus first with his neighbor. Then he tells them the parables of the Good of God (the Messiah).” There is nothing about St. Peter brother Andrew. Then Jesus cures Simon’s mother-in- Samaritan, the Lord’s Prayer and the rich fool who in St. John’s Gospel from here until the Last Supper. law. When Jesus chooses the Twelve Apostles, Simon stores up all of his goods and dies the very night he is Before the supper begins Jesus washes the feet of his is named first and Jesus also names him Peter without finished. The moral: “Thus will it be for the one who apostles. St. Peter balks at his master washing his feet. explanation. When the apostles are asked “who do you stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what But Jesus says that he is giving them an example of how say that I am?” (Mk 8:29), St. Peter answers, “You are matters to God” (Lk 12:21). He adds quite a few other they must be servant shepherds of his flock. Another the Messiah.” He does not appear again until Jesus parables, some familiar to almost everyone, like the lesson for St. Peter. predicts St. Peter’s denial in Mark 14:30. St. Peter falls woman who finds her lost coin and throws a celebra- After Judas departs the meal, Jesus tells the remain- asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane with St. James and tion. “In just the same way,” Jesus says, “there will be ing apostles that he will not be with them much longer. St. John. He denies Jesus and is not mentioned again rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who St. Peter asks Jesus where he is going. Jesus answers, until after the resurrection when the young man (angel) repents.” “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though in Jesus’ tomb tells Mary Magdalen to “go and tell his That would later be consoling to St. Peter. Jesus also you will follow later” (Jn 13:36). St. Peter will imitate disciples and Peter that he (Jesus) is going before you to told what may be his most famous parable about the Jesus in his mission to the point of eventually being Galilee.” This does confirm St. Peter’s leadership role prodigal son. Finally, he makes a third prediction of see carville page 15

| Pray for those who pray for us Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese.

Oct. 1 Rev. Charbel Jamboury Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Dcn. Mark T. Berard Dcn. John W. Veron Oct. 6 Rev. J. Joel LaBauve Sr. Janet Franklin CSJ Br. Noel Lemmon SC Dcn. Michael A. Agnello Oct. 11 Rev. C. Todd Lloyd Oct. 2 Rev. Joshua D. Johnson Sr. Ileana Fernandez CSJ Dcn. Willie M. Berthelot Sr. Dcn. J. Peter Walsh Oct. 7 Rev. Kenneth W. Laird Br. Vuong Dinh Nguyen ICM Sr. June Engelbrecht OP Dcn. Donald C. Ard Oct. 12 Rev. Matthew P. Lorrain Oct. 3 Rev. Rafael Juantorena Br. Michael Migacz SC Dcn. William B. Blair Jr. Dcn. James E. Wax Oct. 8 Rev. Charles R. Landry Sr. Carol Gonsoulin CSJ Br. Roger LeMoyne SC Dcn Frank E. Bains Oct. 13 Rev. Donald MacKinnon CSsR Oct. 4 Rev. Jon C. Koehler Sr. Dulce Maria Flores HMSS Dcn. Daniel S. Borné Dcn. P. Chauvin Wilkinson Jr. Oct. 9 Rev. Hai Van Le ICM Br. Marcus Tucotte Sr. Dianne Fanguy CSJ Dcn. Thomas D. Benoit Oct. 14 Rev. P. Brent Maher Oct. 5 Rev. Leonard Kraus SJ Br. Paul Montero SC Dcn. Claude H. Bourgeois Jr. Dcn. Alfred Adams Sr. Oct. 10 Rev. Keun-Soo Lee Sr. Joan Hartlaub CSJ September 25, 2020 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 13 A risky gamble s a youngster donning a Nel- that then spread back onto the campus their northern or western colleagues, melodic voice of Tiger Stadium PA an- son Stokley jersey and later the and into the community? Admittedly, who recommended schools delay the nouncer Dan Borné was silenced until Afamous No. 37 of Tommy Casa- social distancing is not always observed season at least until the spring? the winter, with temperatures actually nova (which officially qualifies me as a at some restaurants and businesses but Is there a threshold for the number more conducive for football than the candidate for the Antiques Roadshow), the potential of transference is likely far of potential deaths before university traditional steamy heat that marks the the approaching college football season greater when 300-pound linemen spend presidents pull the plug on the season? early games? somehow always eased the agony of go- 60 minutes clawing and Wouldn’t even one be too Football would still be played, and by ing back to school. scratching at other. many? then hopefully tailgating will return in Curiously, even back then when rath- Will those areas turn Although death is a full frivolity, just at a different time of er than fly to games teams would travel into hot spots and will worst-case scenario what year and perhaps with heavier outerwear. by Tyrannosaurus Rex, one of the peren- additional lives needlessly university president wants Consequences surely must be nial questions was if LSU could beat be lost? his or her resume to in- weighed, including the potential of Alabama and its Hall of Fame coach. Let’s not forget football clude a player dying from players playing two seasons within a Some things never seem to change. season is commencing at the virus on their watch? calendar year, but the driver for ev- During my college years and beyond, a time when the number Another factor we all need ery decision must be the health of the while spending many Saturday nights at of virus cases continues to consider is that even student-athlete. A.W. Mumford Stadium covering South- to rise nationally at an those who recover from the If early results are an accurate ern University along with such talented alarming rate, with more virus face potential long- barometer, the season will likely be scribes as former Catholic Commentator than 200,000 death at- term health challenges. disjointed, with games already being sportswriter Joe Planas and Joe Ma- tributed to COVID-19. Has an ironclad protocol canceled or postponed. Already, multi- caluso, both of whom were unknowingly Several states, some where Wandering been established to hold tudes of players have tested positive for valuable mentors to a young reporter, football is being played, are college coaches account- COVID-19, and LSU coach Ed Orgeron the start of the college season was also considered hot spots, and Catholic able for reporting potential recently admitted the majority of his eagerly anticipated. even Louisiana, with a vi- COVID-19 cases? Would a team had contracted the virus. What However, as LSU is only hours away rus curve that resembles a Richard Meek coach be tempted to with- would happen if a similar scenario from kicking off its national champion- carnival roller coaster braces as it moves hold medical reports on a player who would develop during the week of the ship defense, the emotions are far differ- into Phase 3. has tested positive but is asymptomatic Alabama game? ent, running the gamut from undeniable Early in this dangerous experiment, on the eve of a rivalry game so that the Minus a vaccine, such cases might excitement of whether Myles Brennan there are questions that not only univer- player can participate? prove to be the norm, rather than nota- can live up to his oft-hyped potential sity officials should be asking but also all There are no easy answers but these ble exceptions. Will we allow our senses and aptly fill the now vacated cleats of of us who with great excitement proudly are questions we all must consider. to be numbed to the point where expos- Joe Burrow to fear and concern. wear purple and gold every Saturday. Understandably, college football is a ing athletes to potential life-threating Fear not only for the players, who Is it mere coincidence that the major- billion-dollar industry and is often the hazards is considered collateral damage? are literally putting their lives at risk ity of the teams electing to play football primary revenue stream for university Perhaps intelligence will pommel ostensibly for the sake of salvaging huge in the fall are in the south, although the coffers that help fund men and women emotion, reason overcome bottom lines. dollars, but also for the community. Ab- Big 10 pivoted and will play a truncated sports. But officials must look in the In a state where one can wager a solutely the potential exists for spread- season beginning in October? Are south- mirror and ask at what cost? pence or two on a horse race but not on a ing the disease among players but does ern doctors that much smarter than Would it be so cataclysmal if the football game, don’t bet on it. Moving beyond mistakes and weaknesses

he excusable doesn’t need to More seriously, it was St. Peter who, within answers yes and everything moves forward from there. be excused and the inexcus- hours of an arrogant boast that though all Everything moves forward from there. Everything “Table cannot be excused.” others would betray Jesus, he alone would can move forward following a confession of love, not Michael Buckley wrote those words remain faithful, betrayed Jesus three times, least an honest confession of love in the wake of a and they contain an important challenge. and this in Jesus’ most needy hour. betrayal. Apologies are necessary (because that’s taking We’re forever trying to make excuses for Later we are privy to the conversation ownership of the fault and the weakness so as to lift it things we need not make excuses for and Jesus has with St. Peter vis-à-vis those be- completely off the soul of the one who was betrayed) but are forever trying to excuse the inexcus- trayals. What’s significant is that he doesn’t excuses are not helpful. If the action was not a betrayal, able. Neither is necessary. Or helpful. ask St. Peter to explain himself, doesn’t no excuse is necessary; if it was, no excuse absolves it. We can learn a lesson from how Jesus excuse St. Peter, and doesn’t say things like: An excuse or an attempt at one serves two purposes, dealt with those who betrayed him. A “You weren’t really yourself! I can under- neither of them good. First, it serves to rationalize and prime example is the apostle St. Peter, stand how anyone might be very frightened justify, none of which is helpful to the betrayed or the specially chosen and named the very in that situation! I can empathize, I know betrayer. Second, it weakens the apology and makes rock of the apostolic community. St. what fear can do to you!” None of that. The it less than clean and full, thus not lifting the betrayal Peter was an honest man with a childlike In Exile excusable doesn’t need to be excused and the completely off the soul of the one who has been be- sincerity, a deep faith, and he, more than inexcusable cannot be excused. In St. Peter’s trayed; and, because of that, is not as helpful an expres- most others, grasped the deeper meaning Father Ron Rolheiser betrayal, as in our own betrayals, there’s sion of love as is a clear, honest acknowledgement of our of who Jesus was and what his teaching invariably some of both, the excusable and betrayal and an apology which attempts no excuse for meant. Indeed, it was he who in response the inexcusable. its weakness and betrayal. to Jesus’ question (Who do you say I am?) replied, “You So what does Jesus do with St. Peter? He doesn’t ask What love asks of us when we are weak is an honest, are the Christ, the son of the Living God.” Yet minutes for an explanation, doesn’t ask for an apology, doesn’t non-rationalized, admission of our weakness along with after that confession Jesus had to correct St. Peter’s tell St. Peter that it is okay, doesn’t offer excuses for St. a statement from the heart: “I love you!” Things can false conception of what that meant and then rebuke Peter, and doesn’t even tell St. Peter that he loves him. move forward from there. The past and our betrayal are him for trying to deflect him from his very mission. Instead he asks St. Peter: “Do you love me?” St. Peter see rolheiser page 15 14 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS September 25, 2020

Public Rosary – St. John the Baptist Church weather permitting. Participants are invited to THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR in Zachary will hold a public rosary immediately bring lawn chairs and respect social distancing. For following the Saturday, Oct. 10 4:30 p.m. Mass. This more information, call Marie Kennedy at 225-454- Hot-off the Press & will be held outdoors on the new church grounds, 8289. Deliveredto You for Only $14 per year

PATRIOT DAY – Holy Ghost School in Hammond celebrated Patriot Day on Friday, Sept. 11 in memory of the people killed in the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. Students wore red, white and/or blue to school and started their day with a virtual tribute in remembrance of that day in history. Pictured in their patriotic colors are the second-grade classes. TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 225-387-0983. Photo provided by Cindy Wagner | Holy Ghost School

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classi ed ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classi ed ads are prepaid. Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 C Credit cards are now accepted. ANNOUNCEMENTS BUSINESS SERVICE BUSINESS SERVICE BUSINESS SERVICE FOR SALE While we at The Catholic Com- CALL TYRONE J Flooring & More Maintenance Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free ROSELAWN Cemetery. Three adjacent mentator do our best to bring re- “WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING” specializing in tile, brick  oors, mosaic estimate. Expert economical repair on all plots. Including monument space, Sec- liable advertisers to our readers, LEAKING SINKS, FAUCETS, PIPES tile and travertine. Pressure washing and brands. Call 225-924-4337. By appoint- tion J. $7500 rm . Call 504-393-6443 we are not responsible for any UNCLOG DRAINS AND TOILETS carpet cleaning. Also, cleaning churches. ment only. claims made by any advertiser. REPAIRS OR REPLACE GARBAGE Top references. Call 225-573-2447. 24- Hillcrest Cemetery. 6 plots. Will sell in DISPOSALS hour service . HOUSEKEEPER pairs. $1700 each. Price is rm. Call 225- PLUS OTHER REPAIRS MATURE DEPENDABLE 683-3518. SUCH AS SMALL ENGINES AND Mr. D’s Tree Service 20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE HELP WANTED HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, ETC. 3 Licensed Arborists HAVE REFERENCES CALL 225-802-4522 OR 225-346-6246 Free Estimates CALL DEBBIE In sales employment advertise- Fully Insured 225-369-1976 LEGAL NOTICES ments, the advertiser must name BROUSSEAU'S Painting Don Decell owner 225-292-6756 Anyone with knowledge of the where- the product or service to be sold. Interior and exterior painting. Experi- LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP abouts of John Wilson Varnado, Jr.is Ads must state how wages will be enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call REMOVAL, INC. asked to contact the Diocesan Tribunal paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if 225-241-8488. Medicare Solutions Prompt service–Free estimates at 225-336-8755. money is mentioned. The ad must David Didier – Senior Advisor FULLY INSURED also state if there is an investment 225 PAINTING New to Medicare? Are You Disabled? E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc Residential / Commercial Coming from Group Insurance? Are Phone 383-7316 required. 30 years in business You A Veteran? Sacred Heart of Jesus School is looking 225Painting.com Do You Have Both Medicaid and THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA Need a job, (225) 205-1027 Medicare? Accounting and taxes for businesses, for caring individuals to ll the following provide a service or positions: Music Teacher: PK–8th grade, All Inquiries Are Answered non-pro ts and individuals; business, Part time, Wednesdays and Thursdays Allan’s Tree Service Call 1-800-935-9750 or computer, nancial and management want to tutor, only. Must be familiar with the Catholic Specializes in large and dangerous tree [email protected] services. 30 years experience; profes- liturgy and Mass settings; Extended Care removal. Licensed and insured. Senior sional, prompt and personal attention. it all starts with the Workers: Monday through Friday, 2:45 citizen and law/military discounts. Allan Custom Face Masks & More Call 225-296-0404. Classifieds. pm – 5:30 pm,  exible schedule. Must Johnson 225-241-8789. Personalization is my specialty! be a high school graduate and 18 or I bring your designs to life TURNING 65? older; Substitute Teachers: As needed. If Charlotte’s Custom Designs with DIVA  air. Face masks, t-shirts, MEDICARE QUESTIONS? Credit cards accepted. interested, please send your resume to Drapery, Roman Shades, Bedding, onesies, drink ware, WE CAN HELP Cecilia Methvin (CMethvin@sacredheart Fabrics, Upholstery, Shutters and Blinds. home décor, & MORE! JOE GOODSON 2255722275 225-387-0983 br.com). 225-936-8649 www.etsy.com/shop/divinediva33 JOHNNY STUART 2259073619

Print Your Ad Here WORD CHAFE ADDS OD IE HEMAN PEAL REDO RA ILS RATE DUG BIRDS AIDED SMELLS ECCL DATES TO RUN: MUM PTAH OAF Check Category: ❑ Announcements ❑ Business Services ❑ Cards of Thanks ❑ For Rent ❑ For Sale ❑ Help Wanted STONE AT IT XC I ❑ Positions Wanted ❑ Legal Notices ❑ Other COHO RADON LEES Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 ADS DEER JONAH Enclosed is $9.50 for the rst 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special e ect (all caps, centered BOO ETRE SUB line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. Call for charging on your credit card. IFSO KNEADS NAME Advertisements will not YOUNG BOWI E BAH be published without ALLA TITHE ARNE ADDRESS full payment in advance. MINI ICIER GAZA CITY PHONE SOAR ASSES OMAR moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www September 25, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 15

CARVILLE  been easier to have taken it denying him three times and SABBATH  ing the Lord, according to From page 12 neatly wrapped.) In St. John’s gives him back his position as From page 1 Dow. It’s turning from the Gospel, Jesus then appears to head of the apostles. exterior toward the interior. crucified in Rome for his faith. Mary Magdalen and later to the This is St. Peter’s role as celebrated on the seventh “It’s a quiet day and His bones lay under St. Peter’s disciples. spokesman and leader of the day, or Saturday, to com- should be in the Lord,” said Basilica at the Vatican. Sometime after the resurrec- apostles until Jesus left them memorate God resting after Dow. On Easter Sunday Mary tion, St. John’s Gospel has seven and ascended into heaven. It his work of creation. “The She emphasized the Magdalen tells the disciples of the disciples returning to is St. Luke who continues the Lord’s Day” as observed by Lord’s Day is a time of put- that she found the tomb empty. Galilee and going fishing in the story of St. Peter as first pope in the Catholic Church falls on ting things in perspective St. Peter and another disciple, Lake of Tiberias. There Jesus the Acts of the Apostles. the eighth day, or Sunday, to and “refueling.” probably St. John, run to the appears to them on the shore That will be in the next issue celebrate the fulfillment of “We can’t run a marathon tomb and find the empty tomb and cooks breakfast for them. of The Catholic Commentator. the Sabbath by Christ’s res- without taking a break,” with the burial cloths still He asks St. Peter three times, urrection. Dow said. “Even mara- there. The other disciple went “Do you love me?” Each time FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest Dow pointed out that thon winners have to take a in after St. Peter, “and he saw St. Peter says more strongly that in the Diocese of Baton Rouge CCC#2184 states: “Just as break. They have to refuel to and believed.” (He believed he does. Jesus answers “Feed and writes on current topics for God rested on the seventh continue the race. Mass and that Jesus must have risen from my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed The Catholic Commentator. He day from all his work which a day of rest does that for us. the dead. If grave robbers had my sheep” (Jn 21:15-17). In this can be reached at johnny he had done, human life has It allows us to take a ‘holy taken the body, it would have way, Jesus forgives St. Peter for [email protected]. a rhythm of work and rest. rest’ from the marathon of The institution of the Lord’s our lives.” Day helps everyone enjoy Father Bayhi and Dow  Romans, ever quite measure ness, and apologize for betrayal. adequate rest and leisure to said as Catholics feel safe to ROLHEISER up. The good we want to do, we Like St. Peter when asked three cultivate their familial, cul- return to Mass after a time From page 13 end up not doing, and the evil times by Jesus: “Do you love tural, social and religious of isolation and weather- not expunged, nor excused; we want to avoid, we habitu- me?” from our hearts we need lives.” ing storms, they bring a but, in love, we can live beyond ally end up doing. Some of this, to say: “You know everything, Keeping the Lord’s Day renewed sense of hope and them. To expunge, excuse or of course, is understandable, you know that I love you.” holy is a good way “to put the understanding that God is rationalize is to not live in the excusable, just as some of it is world in its place” by setting in their midst. truth; it is unfair to the one be- inexcusable, save for the fact OBLATE FATHER RON ROLHEISER, aside the routines and wor- “If God has brought us to trayed since he or she bears the that we’re humans and partially theologian, teacher and award- ries of the week and look for- it, he will bring us through consequences and scars. a mystery to ourselves. Either winning author, is president of ward to a new week ahead, it, and we will find our pur- Only love can move us be- way, at the end of the day, no the Oblate School of Theology in Dow said. Attending Mass, pose as a faith community,” yond weakness and betrayal and justification or excuses are San Antonio, Texas. He can reading Scriptures, visiting Father Bayhi said. “We will this is an important principle asked for (or helpful). We don’t be contacted through his website family, checking on neigh- come back better, stronger not just for those instances in move forward in relationship ronrolheiser.com and bors and resting in mind and more appreciative of life when we betray and hurt a by telling either God or some- facebook.com/ronrolheiser. and body are ways of honor- what God has done for us.” loved one, but for our under- one we have hurt: “You have to standing of life in general. We’re understand! In that situation, human, not divine, and as such what else was I to do too? I are beset, congenitally, body didn’t mean to hurt you, I was and mind, with weaknesses just too weak to resist!” That’s Advertising and inadequacies of every sort. neither helpful, nor called for. is now being accepted for the None of us, as St. Paul graphi- Things move forward when we, cally says in his Epistle to the without excuses, admit weak- Diocese of Baton Rouge GOSPEL  “vineyard” by participating in 2020-2021 Directory From page 2 the life of the church, the life of The official directory for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Jesus: living the creed, the sacra- the owner of the vineyard care- ments, especially the Eucharist, fully planted and protected the the Bible, the Ten Command- vineyard, adding a press and ments, the beatitudes, works Don’t miss this opportunity

tower for storage. At harvest of mercy and being a person of 0 2 0 2 Y R O T C E R I D E G U O R N O T A B F O E S E C O I D time, while he was away, he sent prayer. Pray. Pray. Pray. We are to have your message seen D I R E C T O R Y servants to collect the produce of chosen to return the fruits of our 2020 D I O C E S E O F B A T O N R O U G E the harvest. The ungrateful ten- labor to Jesus who, through his by decision makers in the ants leasing the land beat, killed perpetual sacrifice, offer these and stoned the servants and to the father. We have a choice Diocese of Baton Rouge. then killed the son of the owner to keep Jesus in the vineyard of when he was sent by his father to our hearts, our lives and our wit- collect the fruit, thinking surely ness or we can reject in acts of the tenants would respect his greed, sin, self-entitlement and Space and time is limited. son. Instead they rejected the toss Jesus out. God has chosen son and threw his body out of the us. What will we choose? For additional vineyard. I have chosen you from the God provides a bountiful world, says the Lord, to go and information or to make vineyard for us today, that be- bear fruit that will remain. – ing the church, established by John 15:16 space reservations now, Jesus, the cornerstone, guided by the Holy Spirit, built up by the Dow is the director of the Of- call Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 apostles and handed on for gen- fice of Evangelization and Cat- erations. We have been chosen echesis for the Diocese of Baton or email [email protected]. to gratefully tend the God-made Rouge. 16 The Catholic Commentator September 25, 2020

GERARD  ease (students’) anxiety. I From page 1 knew their moms were unable to feed them.” Catholic front-runner as Trump CSsR said, watching as fami- Even today, Thomas con- lies eagerly scooped up their tinues to feed at least 10 meals, anticipating what is of- people a day who come to her ten a rare well-balanced and backyard to eat, although the signals SC nomination plans nutritious meal. number will vary depending “This is a tremendous help what she is cooking. CNA – President Donald Court Justice Antonin Scalia. or out of the ordinary about the and makes me very happy,” “Depends on what I’m Trump Sept. 19 signaled he As a nominee to the federal group, which is a “covenant com- north Baton Rouge area resi- cooking will determine if they would soon nominate a potential bench, Barrett was pointedly munity,” mostly of laity. dent Sanedra Daniels said. come, and depending on who’s replacement to the late Supreme questioned by Democratic sena- “We’re a lay movement in “I see Jesus’ face (in the pro- coming will determine how Court Justice Ruth Bader Gins- tors on the Judiciary Commit- the church,” Smith explained. gram volunteers).” much I cook,” Thomas chuck- burg, who died Sept. 18 at 87. tee in 2017 on how her Catholic “There are plenty of these. We Thomas explained it’s not led. Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a faith would influence her deci- continue to try and live out life unusual for some St. Gerard She also cooks for individ- New Orleans native and a Cath- sions as a judge on cases of abor- and our calling as Catholics, as students to eat only one meal uals who require food to be olic mother of seven, is widely tion and same-sex marriage. baptized Christians, in this par- per day, which comes during brought in, including a kidney reported to be the front-runner During confirmation hear- ticular way, as other people do in lunch at the school. Once they patient on dialysis. in the president’s deliberations ings, Sen. Diane Feinstein said other callings or ways that God arrive home, their meals may Thomas, a longtime Ba- regarding a nominee. of Barrett’s Catholicism “the may lead them into the church.” consist of cereal or perhaps ton Rouge activist who still “We were put in this posi- conclusion one draws is that the Whether or not he selects nothing at all, especially if spends at least one hour a tion of power and importance dogma lives loudly within you. Barrett, Trump’s likely nomina- their parents are working. day walking the St. Gerard to make decisions for the people And that’s of concern.” tion of a Supreme Court justice “We are trying to find ways grounds praying the rosary who so proudly elected us, the “You’re controversial because to replace Ginsburg has become to serve them a balanced and the Divine Mercy Chaplet most important of which has many of us that have lived our a matter of serious political con- meal,” Thomas, a devout before attending daily Mass, long been considered to be the lives as women really recognize troversy in an already fractious Catholic, said. “If we can get is also helping launch a rec- selection of United States Su- the value of finally being able U.S. political and social context. them a balanced meal at least reation program for young preme Court Justices. We have to control our reproductive sys- Republican Senate Major- once a week that is good.” people at St. Gerard. She is this obligation, without delay!” tems,” she said. “And Roe en- ity Leader Mitch McConnell Daniels acknowledged the soliciting the help of current the president tweeted Sept. 19. tered into that, obviously.” pledged Sept. 18 that a Trump Italian dish she picked up and former NFL players to Barrett, a federal judge on the Barrett repeatedly said that Supreme Court nominee will be would be “more nutritious” help mentor the young people, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, is as a judge, she would uphold the voted on for confirmation by the than what her son might be including former New Orleans reported to lead the president’s law of the land, but many pro- United States Senate, even while eating at home. Depending on Saints wide receiver Jubilee short list and was also a contend- life groups believe she would be there are fewer than seven weeks work hours and other factors, Dunbar. er for Trump’s second Supreme open to overturning the prece- until the Nov. 3 presidential elec- she does not always have time Gracie Perkins, who found- Court nomination in 2018, be- dent of Roe vs. Wade, and uphold tion. “to prepare a hot meal. This ed the immensely popular fore the president nominated state restrictions on abortion. Democratic leaders have helps out a lot.” Dancing Dolls at Southern Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Pro-life groups hailed Bar- pushed back and pointed to Mc- The meals on Monday are University, will also be part According to Axios, Trump rett’s 2017 appointment to the Connell’s refusal to consider being distributed beginning of the mentoring program, as in 2018 said of Barrett that he bench. Obama Supreme Court nominee at 2 p.m. on Mondays and well as New Orleans chapter was “saving her for Ginsburg” in Barrett is the mother of seven Merrick Garland in March 2016, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Fridays of 100 Black Men of America. explanation of his decision not children, including two adopted seven months before that year’s at the parish hall. All of this comes with the to appoint her to the Supreme from Haiti; one of her children presidential contest. At the time, “Cooking is an art; I just blessing of Father Tat, who Court seat vacated by Justice has special needs. She is also re- Republicans said that it would love it,” said Thomas, who is has been pastor at St. Gerard Anthony Kennedy. portedly a member of the People be more appropriate to wait until one of 19 children. “I love to since 2019. Appointed a federal judge in of Praise charismatic commu- after the November election to cook and feed the soul.” “Father Tat has been a 2017, Barrett had been a profes- nity, which was criticized as a fill the court vacancy. The now closed Silver blessing,” Thomas said. “He sor at Notre Dame’s law school “cult” during her 2017 confirma- Also reportedly on Trump’s Moon Café, which specialized has been what we needed in until her nomination was con- tion hearings. short list are is 11th Circuit Court in soul food, was especially north Baton Rouge. I thank firmed. Barrett has twice been Bishop Peter Smith, a mem- judge Britt Grant, 6th Circuit busy during the week of final God for him and I see him honored as “Distinguished Pro- ber of a related association of Court Judges Amul Thapar and exams at LSU. Thomas said doing great things for the fessor of the Year” at Notre Dame priests, told CNA in 2018 that Joan Larsen, and 10th Circuit the comfort food “would help church, school and the area.” and was a law clerk for Supreme there is not anything unusual Judge Allison Eid.

Can you imagine what a child would dream Homelessness is a Nightmare for a Child Sweet Dreams Prayer about if they had to sleep in a car tonight during a worldwide pandemic? At St. Vincent de Paul, our Sweet Dreams Shelter is trying to Lord God, Giver of Life, turn the nightmare of homelessness into sweet dreams for homeless children. Fill us with your Spirit. We provide a temporary home, the nourishing meals, and the soft beds that Use our hands to shelter the homeless; homeless children dream about. But just as important, we provide the safe haven and the time parents need to get back on their feet, so they can take Use our hearts to enable sweet dreams; care of themselves and their families. Use our voices to end homelessness.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, we need your help more than ever. Every May our actions improve life for others year, through our Sweet Dreams effort, we ask people to pray for the families And reflect your abundant love. we serve. Please save this Sweet Dreams Prayer and make it a regular part of

your spiritual life. Pray for all those we serve! Through Christ our Lord, AMEN.

Bishop Ott Sweet Dreams Shelter To learn more about our Bishop Ott Sweet Dreams Shelter visit us at svdpbr.org.