CHURCH TODAY

Volume XLVII, No. 4 www.diocesealex.org Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970 April 18, 2016

O N T H E INSIDE Deacon releases Amoris Laetitia (Joy of Love) on the Family Candidates

Pope Francis released Amoris 10 men continue on formation journey Laetitia, (The Joy of Love), April 8. The post-synodal Apostolic Exhor- toward becoming deacons tation on “Love in the Family”, was signed on March 19, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. It brings together the results of the two Synods on the family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015. See page 3.

Brothers of the Holy honored

Friends and St. Joseph alumni gathered April 9 at the Plauchevillle Community Center to honor and celebrate the Brothers of the Holy Eucharist, who have served St. Jo- seph School from 1967 - 2013, for a collective 155 years of service. See page 8.

Man shares his passion of collecting Sacred Relics, using Holy Water

If people realized the many benefits of holy water, we would all use it far more frequently and with DEACON CANDIDATES. Bishop Ronald Herzog celebrated the Rite of greater faith and reverence. A local Candidacy April 9 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral for the diocese’s per- man has made it his mission to manent deacon class. Deacon candidates are Mark Adkins, Bill Aldridge, spread the use of Holy Water and Darrell Dubroc, Bill Endris, Jr., Lawrence Feldkamp, Stephen Gramigna, to share his collection of Sacred Buford Jeansonne, Tommy Robichaux, Paul Sunderhaus, and Luke White. Relics with others. See page 10-ll. PAGE 2 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016 Mother Teresa to be canonized Sept. Little girl asks to meet Pope before she goes blind

4; pope sets other By Carol Glatz audience, Pope Francis went di- tion reserved for those with spe- with her and then laid his right rectly to , who was cial needs. He leaned over her hand over her eyes, offering his sainthood dates seated wi y in a sec- for several minutes, speaking blessing. (CNS) -- brought hu- During his general audi- (CNS) -- manity God’s merciful, saving ence, the pope continued a se- Pope Francis will declare Blessed love, not hatred and animosity, ries of talks dedicated to God’s Teresa of Kolkata a saint at the Pope Francis said. mercy and reflected on how this Vatican Sept. 4. “Jesus makes visible a love mercy was fulfilled in Jesus. The date was announced open to everyone -- nobody The New Testament “is March 15 during an “ordinary excluded -- open to everyone truly the ‘Gospel of mercy’ be- public consistory,” a meeting of without bounds,” he said at his cause Jesus is mercy,” he said. the pope, cardinals and promoters weekly general audience in St. At every moment in his of sainthood causes that formally Peter’s Square April 6. life, Jesus showed love to ev- ends the sainthood process. The pope also met with eryone: a love that is “pure, free At the and yes of 5-year- and absolute,” the pope said. same consis- old from Mans- Jesus began his mission of tory, the pope field, Ohio. mercy with his baptism in the set June 5 as Struck by a rare disease Jordan River, the pope said, the date for that is gradually ring her waiting in line “with the sin- the canon- deaf and blind, was in ners, he wasn’t ashamed, he izations of after a representative was there with everyone, with Blessed Stan- from Turkish Airlines heard the sinners, to get baptized.” He could have begun his islaus Papczynski of Poland, about her story and offered her public ministry with lots of founder of the Marian Fathers of and her family free round-trip fanfare, “in the splendor of the the Immaculate Conception, and airfare to any city in the world. temple,” to the “blast of trum- Blessed Mary Elizabeth Hessel- Her parents, Steve and pets” or “in the garments of a blad of Sweden, who re-founded Christine Myers, had created judge,” but he didn’t, the pope the Bridgettine sisters. a “visual bucket list” of p s said. Instead he chose to be In addition, Pope Francis and things they wanted with the people, taking on “the declared that Oct. 16 he would to see before she loses her sight human condition, spurred by celebrate Mass for the canon- due to Usher Syndrome Type II solidarity and compassion.” izations of Argentina’s “gaucho A. They chose Rome and the His driving purpose was priest,” Blessed Jose Brochero, Vatican to be their special des- “to bring everyone the love of and Blessed Jose Sanchez del tination because they are Cath- God who saves; Jesus didn’t Rio, a 14-year-old Mexican boy olic and because of the city’s bring hatred, he didn’t bring martyred for refusing to renounce artistic and historical riches, BLESSING LIZZY MEYERS. Pope Francis greets from Mans- animosity, he brought us love, a his faith during the Cristero War they told . field, Ohio, during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican great love, an open heart for ev- of the 1920s. After meeting with bish- April 6. , who has a disease that is gradually rendering her blind and eryone, for all of us,” the pope Setting the dates concludes a ops and a few special delega- deaf, met the pope as part of her “visual bucket list.” (CNS photo/Paul Haring) said. long process of studying the lives tions at the end of his general and writings of the sainthood can- didates: -- Mother Teresa was widely known as a living saint as she FORMER SOCIAL SECURITY JUDGE ministered to the sick and the dy- ing in some of the poorest neigh- borhoods in the world. Although PETER J. LEMOINE some people criticized her for Social Security Disability Law not also challenging the injus- tices that kept so many people so Offices in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Cottonport poor and abandoned, her simple service touched the hearts of mil- Adjunct Professor (1994-1997), Northwestern State University lions of people of all faiths. MEMBER: Louisiana State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Born to an ethnic Albanian Baton Rouge Bar Association, Avoyelles Parish Bar Association, family in Skopje, in what is now National Organization of Social Security Claimant Representatives, part of Macedonia, she went to Legal Services for Purposes of Disability Committee (Louisiana State Bar Association). India in 1929 as a Sister of Loreto and became an Indian citizen in PUBLISHED ARTICLES: “The Worn-Out Worker Rule Revisited,” 1947. She founded the Missionar- “Significant Work-Related Limitations of Function Under 12.05C,” ies of Charity in 1950. “Questionable Retirement and the Small Business Owner,” “Crisis of Shortly after she died in Confidence: The Inadequacies of Vocational Evidence Presented∲ at 1997, St. John Paul II waived the Social Security Disability Hearings.” usual five-year waiting period and allowed the opening of the process to declare her sainthood. 318-876-3174 She was beatified in 2003. APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 3 Pope releases much anticipated document on the family It is not by chance that Amo- between the sexes; from the cul- ris Laetitia, (The Joy of Love), the ture of the provisional to the an- post-synodal Apostolic Exhorta- tibirth mentality and the impact Amoris Laetitia tion on “Love in the Family,” was of biotechnology in the field of signed on March 19, the Solem- procreation; from the lack of (The Joy of Love) nity of Saint Joseph. housing and work to pornography It brings together the results and abuse of minors; from inat- Reflections of Pope Francis of the two Synods on the fam- tention to persons with disabili- on the discussions, debates and suggestions ily convoked by Pope Francis in ties, to lack of respect for the el- raised during the 2014-15 Synod of Bishops on the family 2014 and 2015. derly; from the legal dismantling The Apostolic Exhortation is of the family, to violence against Download a free copy of the full text at: striking for its breadth and detail. women. The Pope insists on con- w2.vatican.va Its 325 paragraphs are distributed creteness, which is a key concept or order a printed copy ($13.95) at over nine chapters. The seven in- in the Exhortation. store.usccb.org troductory paragraphs plainly set out the complexity of a topic in 3: The Vocation of the Family urgent need of thorough study. Chapter 3 is dedicated to Here is a summary of each some essential elements of the chapter: Church’s teaching on marriage spans now mean that close and 6: Some Pastoral Perspectives more generally, family life as an and the family. This chapter is im- exclusive relationships must last In the sixth chapter the Pope educational context. The practical I: In the light of the Word portant because its 30 paragraphs for four, five or even six decades; treats various pastoral perspec- wisdom present in each paragraph In chapter 1, the Pope be- concisely depict the vocation of consequently, the initial decision tives that are aimed at forming is remarkable, above all the atten- gins his reflections with the Holy the family according to the Gos- has to be frequently renewed.” solid and fruitful families ac- tion given to those gradual, small Scriptures. The Bible “is full of pel and as affirmed by the Church cording to God’s plan. It reiter- steps “that can be understood, ac- families, births, love stories and over time. Above all, it stresses 5: Love Made Fruitful ates that families should not only cepted and appreciated.” family crises.” This impels us to the themes of indissolubility, the The fifth chapter is entirely be evangelized, they should also meditate on how the family is not sacramental nature of marriage, focused on love’s fruitfulness evangelize. The Pope says for- 8: Guiding, discerning and inte- an abstract ideal but rather like a the transmission of life and the and procreation. It speaks in a mation of seminarians needs to grating weakness practical “trade,” which is carried education of children. profoundly spiritual and psycho- be improved, and families need Chapter 8 is an invitation to out with tenderness but which logical manner about welcoming to be more involved in formation mercy and pastoral discernment in has also been confronted with sin 4: Love in marriage new life, about the waiting period for ministry. He also deals with situations that do not fully match from the beginning. Chapter 4 treats love in mar- of pregnancy, about the love of a the preparation of the engaged for what the Lord proposes. The riage --tenderly describing human mother and a father. It also speaks marriage; and the accompaniment Pope uses three very important 2: The Experiences and love in absolutely concrete terms. of the expanded fruitfulness of of separated or divorced persons. verbs: guiding, discerning and in- Challenges of Families The Pope refuses to judge adoption, of welcoming the con- tegrating, which are fundamental Building on the biblical base, against ideal standards but force- tribution of families to promote 7: Better Education of Children in addressing fragile, complex or in chapter 2, the Pope considers fully stresses the fact that conju- a “culture of encounter,” and of Chapter 7 is dedicated to irregular situations. The chapter the current situation of families. gal love by its very nature defines family life in a broad sense which the education of children: their has sections on the need for grad- Families face many chal- the partners in a richly encom- includes aunts and uncles, cous- ethical formation, the learning of ualness in pastoral care; the im- lenges, from migration to the passing and lasting union. ins, relatives of relatives, friends. discipline which can include pun- portance of discernment; norms ideological denial of differences He concludes: “Longer life ishment, patient realism, sex edu- and mitigating circumstances in cation, passing on the faith and, pastoral discernment; and finally what the Pope calls the “logic of Melanie Blanchard, Broker pastoral mercy.” Donald Baker, Agent Edwin “Beau” Barnes, Agent 9: Spirituality of Marriage and Robert Tassin, Agent Petrus the Family FEED & SEED The ninth chapter is devoted Licensed in Louisiana, USA to marital and family spirituality, Phone: 318-473-8751 2914 N. Bolton Ave. which “is made up of thousands 3306 Giamanco St. Alexandria, LA Alexandria, LA of small but real gestures.” The Pope clearly states that “those Website: bakeragproperties.com Best selection of who have deep spiritual aspira- 442-2325 vegetable garden plants! We specialize in forest, recreation, and agriculture properties. tions should not feel that the fam- ily detracts from their growth in the life of the Spirit, but rather see it as a path which the Lord is us- Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLC ing to lead them to the heights of Brigitte Kelso mystical union” Owner/Agent Source: zenit.org 2918 S. MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, La. 71301 May: Phone: 318.448.2226 The Month of Mary Fax: 318.448.2280 Pray the Rosary! [email protected] PAGE 4 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016 How the ‘pirate ’ changed a gay man’s life

By Mary Rezac “So (Jeff) comes in and I’m Annunciation, foundress of the “I lost clients, I lost friends,” Catholic laughing mockingly at this nun Eternal Word Television Network he told CNA in a 2014 interview, with a patch over her eye, a dis- (EWTN), passed away on March at the premiere of the documen- (CNA).- Paul Darrow went torted face…and a complete 27 after a lengthy struggle with tary. to his first gay beach at age 15. old fashioned habit,” Darrow the aftereffects of a stroke. She “People were in shock that Soon after, he hitchhiked his said. “We both mocked her and was 92 years old. an educated, relatively intelligent way to New York, where there laughed at her, you know, ‘Gosh “She really had…a huge in- man could believe in Jesus Christ. was a thriving gay scene and these crazy Christians.’” fluence on my life, and I learned These were the few friends that where he could pursue a career in Jeff left the room and Dar- to love her,” he said, “but at the were aware that I was back in the modeling. Once there, he landed row was about to change the same time, I had to hide her.” Church.” a high-end job as an international channel, when Mother Angelica “So when I turned off the TV, But it’s a move that he’s nev- model and rubbed elbows with “said something so intelligent, so I would always change the chan- er regretted. Since his conversion, celebrities at clubs in the city. real, and so honest, that it really nel so that when Jeff or whoever Darrow has shared his experience When he wasn’t at the stu- Mother Angelica after her stroke. struck me,” he said. was watching that TV came in, through talks and conferences. dio or at the gym, Darrow spent “You see God created you they would never see that I was Mother Angelica also led Darrow his time looking for partners. He and I to be happy in this life and watching Mother Angelica. And to discover Courage International, found himself going through doz- County. the next,” Mother Angelica said it reminded me as I was doing the Vatican-approved apostolate ens, and then hundreds, and then It was in their shared home through slumped lips, her good this of when I used to turn the that reaches out to Catholics with thousands of lovers. that Darrow accidentally discov- eye still twinkling behind her channel when I was watching same-sex attraction with the goals “It became frantic, and it was ered a one-eyed, straight-talking glasses. porn because I didn’t want Jeff or of growing closer to God, engag- never my intention...but I became “pirate nun” wearing an eye- Mother Angelica’s words anyone else to see a porn station ing in supportive friendships, and insensitive to what it means to patch who would change his life struck a chord with Darrow that come up.” learning to live full lives within be with a partner, both body and forever. day, and he found himself secre- Eventually, Mother Angeli- the call to chastity. soul,” he said in the documentary “It was so strange that I said tively snatching glimpses of her ca’s influence convinced Darrow It was through Courage In- film, “Desire of the Everlasting ‘Jeff Jeff come in here! You gotta episodes every chance he got. to go back to church after decades ternational that Darrow became Hills.” see this!’” he said, pointing to the “He cares for you. He watch- of absence. It was a move that involved with the film “Desire But after the AIDS epidemic image on the T.V. es your every move. There’s no made Darrow very wary; he was of the Everlasting Hills,” which claimed around 90 percent of his Unbeknownst to them at the one that loves you can do that.” sure he would lose friends and he saw as a chance to share his friends, a disease he himself nar- time, it was Mother Angelica on Mother Angelica’s words clients if they saw him going into story and to give others the same rowly and miraculously escaped, EWTN. She had just had a stroke, struck a chord with Darrow that a . hope that he found in the Catholic Darrow decided to move to San which pulled the left side of her day, and he found himself secre- And in some ways, he was Church. Francisco for a fresh start. He face into a slump and required her tively snatching glimpses of her right. See PIRATE NUN, pg. 9 met his partner, Jeff, there and to wear a black eye patch over episodes every chance he got. they moved to a cabin in Sonoma one eye. Mother Mary Angelica of the

“Hi Sweetheart, Survivor of terror attack I don’t know if we already acknowledged this with you in person, but when you were 16 weeks old, mum and dad were in an explosion at the Brussels Airport. writes letter of hope to unborn baby And no matter where humanity is today, I just want to tell you that life is a wonderful thing, and (CNA).- “...I just want to tell told CNN. recalled the cab driver who not the world is really full of remarkable people. you that life is a wonderful thing, Amidst all the uncertainty, only brought them to the hospital, You didn’t just give mum and dad faith and and the world is really full of re- Sneha said that she knew one but talked to them the whole way reason to live, you gave the awareness and presence of markable people.” thing “for sure” - that she would there. She thought of the trauma- mind like never before. So starts a letter written by survive for the sake of their un- tized victims scattered along the I felt more alive than I ever have, and I knew I one of the survivors of the bomb born baby. highways who were helped by had to protect you, so I was calm, composed and fully attacks at the Brussels Zaventem Sneha and Sameep fled the random drivers. aware that we will survive. international airport last week, airport and ran straight to the “People are still coming to- When we reached Sint-Augustinus emergency, according to CNN. The author of highway, where a cab driver gether, regardless of race, color and we saw you oblivious and sucking at your the letter, Sneha Mehta, penned stopped to take them to the Sint or background,” Sneha said, ac- thumb at the ultrasound, and doing your general those words to her child, who was Augustinus hospital. cording to CNN. acrobatics, all the mistrust, hate and angst for the only 16 weeks old in utero. Despite the traumatic chaos Now that she is a survivor, terrorist attack vaporized. When Sneha and her hus- of the day, the ultrasound exam and safely back home in Antwerp, band Sameep Mehta arrived in showed the Mehtas’ baby peace- Sneha decided to write a letter to I do hope with all my heart that you are born into Brussels from Abu Dhabi last fully sucking its thumb - almost her unborn baby as a reminder of a better world, and if not, then you do absolute best to Tuesday, they were abruptly unaware of the terror happening all that had happened. (See graph- make it that. greeted with screams and chaos outside the womb. ic at right). You are absolutely precious to us, and have as the ceiling of the airport started Unlike many memories from CNN reported that Sneha already been a hero today. to collapse. that day, Sneha recalled not the might give the sealed letter to I guess the world has sent so much love and hope The couple was faced with a hatred and violence that broke their child at age 16, or they may your way, you owe your life to reciprocating that split-second decision to either re- loose upon the city, but rather the wait until a later time. Either way, goodness. main in the shambles of the arriv- kindness she encountered from Sneha wants her child to know May you always be brave and healthy. al section, or try to leave for the complete strangers. that love is victorious over hatred. We love you beyond words, Mum and Dad.” hospital to check on their baby. She remembered the po- “It’s a very unfortunate “I absolutely didn’t know lice and rescue crews who were event. But it’s still largely a beau- which direction to run in,” Sneha quick to aid the wounded. She tiful world.” APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 5 Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN, dies after lengthy illness

(CNS) -- Mother Angelica, the Eucharist, saying it was con- Mother Angelica wrote what she who founded the Eternal Word fusing about the real presence of called “mini-books” on moral and Television Network and turned Christ. inspirational themes. The popu- it into one of the world’s largest “I’m afraid my obedience in larity of the mini-books attracted religious media operations, died that diocese would be absolutely media attention, and Mother An- March 27 at age 92. zero. And I hope everyone else’s gelica began appearing on televi- Feisty and outspoken, she in that diocese is zero,” she said. sion talk shows. She said these was a major controversial figure In 1990, EWTN canceled an appearances made her aware of in the U.S. church in the closing exclusive contract to air programs the tremendous influence televi- decades of the 20th century. At produced by the U.S. bishops af- sion has in spreading messages. the same time, the international ter disagreements over EWTN’s Prior to starting EWTN, scope of EWTN’s media opera- coverage of bishops’ conference Mother Angelica was renting tions gave her a ready calling card meetings. studio space from a Birmingham at the Vatican. In 1993, she termed “blas- television station to produce vid- She built the venture into a phemous” a church-sponsored eotapes of her talks on religious network that transmits programs World Youth Day event during St. issues for airing on the Christian 24 hours a day to more than 230 John Paul II’s visit to Denver be- Broadcasting Network. She broke million homes in 144 countries cause a mime troupe used a wom- the relationship with the network via cable and other technologies. an to portray Jesus in a drama- after it aired a movie she consid- It broadcasts in in English and tized Way of the Cross. She said ered blasphemous. several other languages. the event showed the “destructive With the support of her reli- Mother Angelica had been force” of the “liberal church in gious community, Mother Angel- ill for years. She was operated America.” ica began consulting with media on Dec. 24, 2001, in a Birming- The criticism sparked Arch- experts about starting her own ham hospital to remove a blood bishop Rembert G. Weakland, TV station, hatching the idea of clot in her brain after she suffered then head of the Milwaukee EWTN. She was granted a license her second major stroke. It left Archdiocese, to call her attack by the Federal Communications her with partial paralysis and a “vitriolic.” Commission, and EWTN went on speech impediment. “It was one of the most dis- the air in August 1981. Last November, she was graceful, un-Christian, offensive She began with $200 and placed on a feeding tube as she Mother Angelica, founder of Eternal Word Television Network, died and divisive diatribes I have ever little knowledge about TV pro- continued to battle lingering ef- March 27 at age 92 at the of Perpetual Adoration monastery in heard,” he said. “She invited ev- duction. The operation started in fects of the strokes. In February, Hanceville, Ala. (CNS photo/courtesy EWTN) eryone who disagreed with her to a building meant to be a garage members of her religious order, leave the church.” on the grounds of the Our Lady the Poor Clares of Perpetual Ad- Mother Angelica often said of the Angels Monastery she oration, said she was in delicate body was interred in the shrine’s awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pon- she accompanied her faith with headed in the Irondale suburb of condition and asked for prayers Crypt Chapel. tifice Cross to Mother Angelica a “theology of risk” that gave Birmingham. Originally its daily for her. “In the face of sickness and and Deacon Bill Steltemeier, her the resolve to undertake large programming of several hours Mother Angelica died at her long-suffering trials, Mother’s then-chairman of EWTN’s board projects without any clear indica- was carried by three cable sys- order’s Our Lady of Angels Mon- example of joy and prayerful per- of governors, for distinguished tion she would succeed. tems. astery in Hanceville, where she severance exemplified the Fran- service to the church. The cross, “Faith is having one foot on In 1992, Mother Angelica “was surrounded by the prayers ciscan spirit she held so dear. We is the highest papal honor that can the ground and the other up in the launched the short-wave EWTN and love of her spiritual daugh- thank God for Mother Angelica be conferred on laypeople and air, waiting for the Lord to put the Global Catholic Radio which ters, sons and dear friends,” said and for the gift of her extraordi- clergy. ground under it,” she once said of broadcasts in English and Span- a statement from the Poor Clares. nary life,” said Michael P. War- Mother Angelica was known her hands-on approach to doing ish. In 1996, EWTN started a A funeral Mass was cele- saw, chairman and CEO. “Her for ruffling the feathers of high- things. satellite-delivered AM/FM radio brated April 1 at the Shrine of the accomplishments and legacies ranking church officials with “We have lost the theol- network with programming also Most Blessed Sacrament at the in evangelization throughout the whom she disagreed. ogy of risk and replaced it with a available for rebroadcast by local monastery by bishops and clergy world are nothing short of mi- In 1997, she got into a public theology of assurance” that says stations. from around the world. Father raculous and can only be attrib- squabble with Cardinal Roger M. “you have to know what’s going In 1998, Mother Angelica Joseph Mary Wolfe, a Franciscan uted to divine providence and her Mahony, then archbishop of Los to happen before you embark on stepped down as the head of Missionary of the Eternal Word, unwavering faithfulness to Our Angeles, when, on her TV show something new,” she said on an- EWTN and Deacon Steltemeier will be the homilist. Following Lord.” “Mother Angelica Live,” she other occasion. was appointed chairman and her funeral, Mother Angelica’s In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI criticized his pastoral letter on Before starting EWTN, CEO. He died in 2013.

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ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria

We continue to celebrate the I wish to offer prayers and my Lord’s Resurrection which con- deepest sympathies to the Roque cludes on Pentecost. During these family. weeks I have had the blessing and Our 2016 Annual Diocesan privilege of visiting a number of Appeal has begun very well. parishes to celebrate confirma- Thanks to all of you who have tion. It is always inspiring to see already made your gift or pledge so many young Catholics move to to our Annual Diocesan Appeal. a new dimension in their journey If you have not yet done so, it is of faith. never too late. The men who have been tak- There are many special cel- ing part in the diaconate forma- ebrations taking place in many tion process have taken one more parishes in the coming weeks. step on the road to ordination. Please take time to read the fea- They have been formally admit- ture articles in this issue. ted to candidacy for Holy Or- It was so wonderful to again ders. Congratulations to all as we be able to celebrate all of the Holy continue to assist them with our Week liturgies. That proves that prayers. my recovery continues. Thanks A True Devotion to Mary Two weeks ago, I was deep- again for your prayers and en- ly saddened to learn of the sud- couragement. Today we often hear of den untimely death of Todd Eric May the Lord continue to call having a personal relationship Roque, the 32-year-old son of people to ministry in the Church. with Jesus, but we never hear Guest Editorial our superintendent of Catholic We have been greatly blessed. of having a personal relation- Greg Wasson • Diocese of Alexandria Schools, Tommy Roque. The ship with Mary. Yet Father loss of a child is truly one of the H.J. Junemann, in the Hand- hardest crosses to bear in this life. book of the Spirituality of St. On behalf of the entire diocese, Louis de Montfort defines true goes straight to Jesus with our pe- to her maternal care.” devotion to Mary as: titions. We depend on Mary and Once we entrust ourselves “A personal love rela- by doing so depend on Jesus. to Mary, we immediately ben- tionship with the mother of the Father Junemann says that efit from a special exercise of Lord (p. 490).” true devotion to Mary finds its her maternal care. She keeps CHURCH TODAY He goes on to say it finds highest expression in dependence for us what we give her. Most its highest expression in total on Mary. He does not just pull especially she keeps us in Volume XLVII, No. 4 • April 18, 2016 dependence upon her, which this out of thin air. The scriptural grace. It’s not that we cannot among other things, keeps us evidence to dependence on Mary sin after the entrustment, but P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 from losing the grace of God. is the Annunciation. Jesus comes rather that the devil will have [email protected] 318-445-6424 Having a relationship into the world through Mary and a harder time, if we cooperate with Jesus and his mother his dependence on her is the foun- with Mary, than he otherwise Publisher: Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria Mary is not an either/or propo- dation on which we build our de- would. Mary views it as a mat- Editor: Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; [email protected] sition. Rather it is an and/both pendence. As it works out Jesus ter of Justice that she preserves Advertising: Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; [email protected] occurrence. We are not de- comes to us through Mary and us in grace after we have trust- Circulation: Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; [email protected] voted to Jesus or his mother to we are to go to him the same way. ed her with our most precious the exclusion of one from the “To Jesus through Mary” possession. THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic other. We are devoted to both. Father Junemann also says True Devotion to Mary Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of We love both. We pray to both. that among other things Mary can be further explored by the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese We depend on both. Not to say keeps us from losing grace. When reading the book of this name subscriptions are $20 a year. they are equal. Jesus is God. the Father entrusted his Son to by St. Louis de Montfort. It is a Mary is merely a creature. Mary she took the responsibility powerhouse of a book and one The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Ultimately all our devo- very seriously. If God would en- which John Paul II claimed Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send ad- tions have to be aimed at Jesus trust his Son to her she must be “reading it changed my life.” dress changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, or they are false. True devo- very reliable. Mother Teresa of Calcutta also LA 71306 tion to Mary has Jesus as its Can we do better than to imi- practiced Montfort’s True De- end and so we know it is true. tate the Father when we entrust votion. The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association. We give ourselves to Mary to ourselves to Mary? Vatican II did What two better witnesses Website: www.diocesealex.org better belong to Jesus. And not think so when it encouraged could there be? To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail we pray to Mary knowing she “everyone to entrust themselves [email protected] APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 7 April 17: World Day of Prayer for Vocations A letter from His Holiness Pope Francis

(The following is a message Vocations are born within the , to discover the trea- from His Holiness Pope Francis the Church. From the moment sure of contemplation; and in the on the occasion of the 53rd World a vocation begins to become evi- company of diocesan priests, to Day of Prayer for Vocations. It dent, it is necessary to have an deepen one’s experience of pas- has been edited to fit this space.) adequate “sense” of the Church. toral life in the parish and in the No one is called exclusively for diocese. Dear Brothers and Sisters, a particular region, or for a group For those who are already in It is my great hope that, dur- or for an ecclesial movement, but formation, the ecclesial commu- ing the course of this Extraor- rather for the Church and for the nity always remains the funda- dinary Jubilee of Mercy, all the world. mental formational environment, baptized may experience the joy In responding to God’s call, towards which one should feel a of belonging to the Church and young people see their own ec- sense of gratitude. rediscover that the Christian vo- clesial horizon expand; they are Vocations are sustained cation, just like every particular able to consider various charisms by the Church. After defini- vocation, is born from within the and to undertake a more objec- tive commitment, our vocational People of God, and is a gift of di- tive discernment. In this way, the journey within the Church does vine mercy. community becomes the home not come to an end, but it contin- The Church is the house of and the family where vocations ues in our willingness to serve, mercy, and it is the “soil” where are born. our perseverance and our ongo- vocations take root, mature and Candidates gratefully con- ing formation. The one who has bear fruit. template this mediation of the consecrated his life to the Lord is For this reason, on the oc- community as an essential ele- willing to serve the Church wher- casion of the 53rd World Day of ment for their future. They learn ever it has need. Pope Francis’ Prayer for Vocations Prayer for Vocations, I invite all to know and to love their brothers Among those involved in Father of Mercy, of you to reflect upon the apostol- and sisters who pursue paths dif- pastoral activity, priests are es- who gave your Son for our salvation and ic community, to give thanks for ferent from their own; and these pecially important. The pastoral who strengthens us always with the gifts of your Spirit, the role of the community in each bonds strengthen in everyone the care of vocations is a fundamental grant us Christian communities person’s vocational journey, and communion which they share. part of their ministry. Priests ac- which are alive, fervent and joyous, to urge all the faithful to assume Vocations grow within the company those who are discern- which are fonts of fraternal life, and their responsibility for the care Church. In the course of for- ing a vocation, as well as those which nurture in the young the desire to consecrate and discernment of vocations. mation, candidates for various who have already dedicated their themselves to you and to the work of evangelization. When the Apostles sought vocations need to grow in their lives to the service of God and of someone to take the place of Ju- knowledge of the ecclesial com- the community. Sustain these communities in their commitment das Iscariot, Saint Peter brought munity, overcoming the limited All the faithful are called to offer appropriate vocational catechesis and together one hundred and twenty perspectives that we all have at to appreciate the ecclesial dyna- ways of proceeding towards each one’s particular consecration. of the brethren (cf. Acts 1:15); and the beginning. mism of vocations. in order to chose seven deacons, a To that end, it is helpful to We ask the Lord to grant to Grant the wisdom needed for vocational discernment, so that, group of disciples was gathered undertake some apostolic expe- all those who are on a vocational in all things the greatness of your merciful love may shine forth. (cf. 6:2). Saint Paul gave Titus rience together with other mem- journey a deep sense of belonging specific criteria for the selection bers of the community, for ex- to the Church; and that the Holy May Mary, Mother and guide of Jesus, of presbyters (cf. Titus 1:5-9). ample: in the company of a good Spirit may strengthen among intercede for each Christian community, Still today, the Christian catechist, to communicate the pastors, and all of the faithful, a so that, made fruitful by the Holy Spirit, it may be a source community is always present in Christian message; together with deeper sense of communion, dis- of true vocations for the service of the holy People of God. the discernment of vocations, in a religious community, to expe- cernment and spiritual fatherhood Amen. their formation and in their per- rience the evangelisation of the and motherhood. severance. peripheries sharing in the life of -- Franciscus

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*New advertisers only. Black and white 4” wide X 2” tall size only. Must prepay to take advantage of this offer. Option to renew another 6 months at $28/mo. PAGE 8 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016 Friends, supporters honor Brothers of the Holy Eucharist for 155 years of service to the Avoyelles area

Close to 200 friends and St. in Cottonport and St. Anthony Joseph alumni gathered April 9 School in Bunkie before arriving at the Plauchevillle Community at St. Joseph School in Plauchev- Center to honor and celebrate the ille in 1967. He taught there for Brothers of the Holy Eucharist, 13 years before becoming prin- who have served in the Avoyelles cipal of the elementary school area from 1967 - 2013, for a col- in 1980 and then principal of the lective 155 years of service. whole school in 1985. Brother Brother Paul Casey, Broth- Andre served a total of 48 years er Andre Lucia, Brother Brian of service in Avoyelles. Kozdroj, and Brother Anthony Dugas were the guests of honor Brother Augustine Brian at the celebration that started off Kozdroj, F.S.E., a native of with a 4:30 p.m. Mass celebrated Grand Rapids, Mich., entered the by Rev. Stephen Scott Chemino community in 1965, along with and Father Abraham Varghese. Brother Andre. He too spent time An appreciation dinner followed at Evergreen and Don Bosco’s at the Plaucheville Community Boys Home in Cottonport be- Center. fore arriving at St. Joseph School “The students and alumni of in 1968. He taught in the high St. Joseph School are indebted school intermittently from 1968- and grateful to the Brothers of 2001, when he became principal. the Holy Eucharist for their ser- He served as principal for five vice and dedication to the school years. He currently serves as as- for almost 60 years,” said Father THANK YOU BROTHERS OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST! Friends and organizers of an appreciation dinner for the sociate superintendent of Catho- Chemino. “Their solid teaching of Brothers of the Holy Eucharist, gather around the four brothers -- (from left) Brother Paul Casey, Brother Anthony Dugas lic Schools in Baton Rouge. the Catholic faith to generations (standing), Brother Andre M. Lucia, (sitting), and Brother Augustine Brian Kozdroj. Most of the Brothers have been at of students who have attended St. the school since 1967-68 and taught generations of students over the years, including Father Scott Chemino, now the Brother Anthony Dugas, Joseph School, is an immeasur- Vicar General for the diocese. F.S.E, from Vinton, La., served able gift. We thank you and pray as an affiliate of the community God’s richest blessing upon you.” for eight years while he discerned One of the speakers at the with their names engraved on it. grades. Eventually the Brothers Mary’s School in Natchitoches, his vocation and taught full-time dinner was Harmon McDonald, a The Brothers of the Holy relocated their Motherhouse and St. Anthony’s School in Cot- in Calcasieu Parish. He entered former resident of the Don Bosco Eucharist, a local diocesan com- formation center to Plaucheville. tonport, Holy Ghost School and the community in 2003 and be- Boys Home. He said he was only munity founded by Brother Aloy- Presentation Academy in Marks- gan serving as choir director at 7 years old when he first arrived sious Scafidi, under the auspices Brother Paul Casey, F.S.E., ville, and St. Anthony School in St. Mary’s Assumption in Cot- at the Boys Home as an orphan. of Bishop Charles Greco, brought was born an Irish Catholic in Do- Bunkie. For the past 49 years, he tonport. He taught one year at St. “The Brothers were kind their apostolate to help staff St. ver, New Hampshire. He made has served in the Avoyelles. Anthony School in Bunkie and to me and took me under their Joseph School in 1967. Brother profession of vows in 1960 and three years at St. Joseph School. wing,” he said. “Because of their Andre M. Lucia arrived first in final vows on Feb. 11, 1964. Soon Brother Andre M. Lucia, He then served as principal for love, guidance, and teaching me March 1967, when Msgr. Marcel after, he completed a degree in F.S.E. is originally from New Or- six years. Brother Anthony con- the Catholic faith, I stand strong Anderson was pastor. In 1968, Elementary Education from Do- leans. He entered the community tinues to serve at St. Mary’s As- today in my faith. I owe the Brother Augustine Brian Kozdroj minican College in New Orleans. in 1965 and spent time at Church sumption as choir director and Brothers a lot.” came to teach in the high school Throughout his 56 years of of the Little Flower in Evergreen, music teacher. Last year his choir Each of the Brothers were followed by Brother Paul Casey, being a Brother, he has served Don Bosco’s Boys Home in Cot- won the State Choir Champion- then presented with a gold cross who taught religion to the lower as an elementary teacher at St. tonport, St. Anthony School ship. APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 9

Bishop celebrates Rite of Admission to Candidacy for deacon class

Bishop Ronald Herzog Some of the courses they celebrated the Rite of Admis- study are Church History, the sion to Candidacy for the dio- Sacraments, Preaching, Moral cese’s permanent deacon class Theology, and Scripture. April 9 at St. Francis Xavier Just as priests and bishops Cathedral. are ordained, a deacon is the third The 10 men who par- order in the Sacrament of Holy ticipated in the Rite are Mark Orders. Adkins, Bill Adridge, Darrell After ordination, the deacon Dubroc, Bill Endris, Lawrence becomes incardinated into the Di- Feldkamp, Steven Gramigna, ocese of Alexandria. The bishop Buford Jeansonne, Tommy assigns the deacon to a parish or Robichaux, Paul Sunderhaus, charitable ministry. and Luke White. The next deacon class will In this rite, the one who not begin until after this class is aspires to ordination publicly ordained. manifests his will to offer him- The qualifications for the self to God and the Church to permanent diaconate include: exercise the sacred Order of must be at least 35 years old Deacon, should he be called to at the time of ordination, must that Order in the future. have wife’s consent (90 percent The deacon candidates are are married) and can be married, nearing completion of their but can’t marry or re-marry after second year of formation for ordination). Wives of married in- the diaconate. Once a month, quirers are required to attend the an instructor from St. Mein- classes with their husbands. rad Seminary in Indiana will For more information about continue to come to Alexan- becoming a deacon, contact Fa- ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY. Bishop Ronald Herzog celebrated the Rite of Admission Candidacy for the dio- dria each September to June to ther Dan O’Connor, director of cese’s permanent deacon class April 9 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Pictured are (from left) Mark Adkins, Bill teach the candidates philoso- the Permanent Dicaconate pro- Aldridge, Darrell Dubroc, Bill Endris, Jr., Lawrence Feldkamp, Stephen Gramigna, Buford Jeansonne, Thomas phy and the theory of ministry. gram at 318-445-9748, ext. 205. Robichaux, Paul Sunderhaus, and Luke White.

Seminarian Burses Pirate nun Continued from pg 4 March Donations “I was not discriminated against at the beginning of my Knights of Columbus Council 9217 ...... $25.00 journey back to the Catholic Father Adrian L. Molenschot Burse Church, I was never told that I Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick Broussard...... $50.00 was a bad person, that I was doing Monsignor Milburn Broussard Burse something wrong, even in confes- Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Landreneau ...... $75.00 sion,” he said. Edna Rabalais Burse “The Catholic Church re- Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Leglue ...... $100.00 ally is, according to its teachings, Monsignor Joseph Susi Burse open to everybody.” Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Schupbach...... $100.00 Darrow said he felt he Monsignor Steve Testa Burse owed it to God to share his story Bayou Chateau Nursing Center...... $100.00 through courage and through the Floyd J. LaCour, Sr. Burse film because of all that God had Tri-Community Nursing Center...... $100.00 done in his life. Floyd J. LaCour, Sr. Burse “I wanted to express my Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller...... $200.00 love to God and my appreciation Father Daniel Corkery Burse for all that He has done for me,” Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Landreneau ...... $300.00 Darrow said, “that He had never Monsignor Henry Beckers Burse forgotten me during the decades that I had forgotten him or turned Total...... $1,050.00 against him.” The full documentary is Donations to Semminarian Burses should be sent to: Diocese of Alexandria available for free online at: https:// Chancery Office • P.O Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71306-0417 everlastinghills.org/movie/ PAGE 10 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016

Leesville man’s letter from St. Padre Pio is among most 8 Ways to Use cherished in collection of sacred relics, religious articles Holy Water By Jeannie Petrus in my life, the crucifix followed “Most of the relics were giv- God and to pray always according CT editor me wherever I made my home. en to me,” he said. “Others were to his Divine Will,” he said. “In 1. Bless yourself – Keeping It seemed to give me a sense of acquired over the years in my 1973, I decided to spread the de- a holy water font in the home by As an orphan at the St. Jo- peace and comfort.” quest to promote the devotion of votion of the Sacred Heart.” the front door is a great idea so seph Home in Pineville in 1944, And now, 71 years later, the Sacred Heart.” It was through spreading the that you, your family, and guests 5-year-old Marcus Descant can Descant still has that crucifix. But “You see, even though I was devotion of the Sacred Heart that can be blessed in the comings and remember watching the Sisters of today it is in his Leesville home, raised by the CDPs and was a al- he met Father Francis Larkin, goings from your home. Divine Providence make hosts in that also houses a collection of tar boy at one time, I wasn’t al- who was the founder and spiritual the kitchen. more than 16 Sacred Relics, stat- ways on the straight and narrow,” director or the “Men of the Sacred 2. Bless your house – You “I treasure that memory be- ues, and other holy artifacts he’s he said. “I got off the trail com- Heart”; Al Barrone, national pres- can sprinkle holy water in your cause I remember that I got to eat collected over the years. pletely for a few years.” ident o f the Men of the Sacred home yourself, or have a priest the leftover broken pieces when “Besides my holy relics, my Then something later in life Heart, and even Mother Angelica formally bless your home as part they were finished,” said Descant, most prized possession is a letter brought him back. He ended up (foundress of EWTN). of the house blessing ceremony. now a retired pharmacist and a I received from St. Padre Pio in making a retreat with Father Fi- “It was through my friend- parishioner of St. Michael the 1968 (a second class relic).” said delis, OFM. During the retreat, ships with Father Larken, Al Bar- 3. Bless your family – Use Archangel Church in Leesville. Descant. “That same letter was Descant was inspired by Padre ron, and many others that I gained holy water to pray and make When I left St. Joseph’s later signed by Vicka, one of the Pio and decided to write him a an appreciation and love of the the Sign of the Cross over your Home in 1945, Sister Florentine visionaries from Medjugorje.” letter. Sacred Heart devotion,” he said. spouse and children before they gave me a crucifix, said Descant. So how did he acquire all “I received a letter from “It was also through these friend- go to sleep at night. Keep a holy “Throughout the ups and downs these relics? him that encouraged us “to have ships that I acquired most of the water bottle by the bedside for complete trust in the goodness of relics and religious articles.” this purpose.

4. Bless your work space – If you work outside of the • 1st class relic of St. Margaret Mary of Alacoa home, sprinkling your work space Descant’s collection of • 1st class relic of St. Claude de LaColombiere, with holy water is a great idea, not only for spiritual protection Sacred Relics and Holy Articles confessor of St. Margaret Mary but to sanctify your daily work • 1st class relic of St. Martin de Porres for the glory of God. • 1st class relic of St. Junipera Serra 5. Bless your car – Never • 1st class relic of St. Catherine LaBoure, of the Miraculous Medal underestimate the power of holy • 1st class relic of St Anthony of Padua water applied to your vehicle to • 1st class relic of St. Arnold Jansen keep you safe from harm’s way, when used in faith and trust in • 1st class relic of St. Terese of Lisieux -- The Little Flower God. In fact, you can also have • 1st class relic of the True Cross a priest bless your car with holy (originally owned by Cardinal John Wright & blessed by six popes) water. 6. Bless your vegetable gar- • 2nd class relic of Blessed James Alberione, den or crops – In times when (founder of the Daughters of St. Paul) people were very dependent on crops for their livelihood, using • 2nd class relic of St. Damien de Veuster holy water to bless and sanctify • 2nd class relic letter Descant received from St. Padre Pio the plants that would be used for (and later signed by Medjugorje visionary Vicka Ivankovic-Mijatovic) the family’s sustenance showed their reliance on God’s grace.

• 3rd class relic of Pope Pius II 7. Bless the sick – If you • 3rd class relic of a picture of the Holy Face visit the sick in a hospital or nurs- ing home, bless their living space with holy water and leave a holy • Had a 1st class relic of St. Dominic & St. Benedict, water bottle with them as a com- but gave it to Father Kenneth Michiels to put in the altar fort in their time of need. at St. Micheal the Archangel Church in Leesville. 8. Bless your pets – Even pets can be blessed with holy Marcus Descant, a semi-retired pharmacist from Leesville, holds the water because all creation has case of sacred relics he has collected over the years, included a letter Other statues and holy articles he owns includes: the end of giving glory to God. from St. Padre Pio. He holds his collection very near and dear to his heart • Sacred Heart statue that once stood inside Providence Academy This also applies to livestock and and enjoys sharing his many stories to others. • A gold chalice used during Mass by Father Francis Larkin farm animals that provide labor, and many other priests. livelihood, and nourishment to humans. APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 11 Retired pharmacist initiates successful Holy Water ministry Marcus Descant enjoys spreading the good news about benefits of Holy Water

By Jeannie Petrus ing church, we are asking God CT editor to wash away our venial sins, in preparation for our reception of If people realized the many the Holy Eucharist as Mass. benefits of holy water, we would • It protects us from evil -- The all use it far more frequently and devil hates holy water because with greater faith and reverence. of its power over him. He can- Marcus Descant, a semi- not long abide in a place or near a retired pharmacist and parishio- person that is often sprinkled with ner of St. Michael the Archangel this blessed water. Church in Leesville, is a strong St. Theresa Lisieux, in her advocate of the benefits of holy autobiography, The Book of Her water and has made it his person- Life, wrote of the power of holy al mission to promote it. water: “From long experience I “Most people don’t know have learned that there is noth- that much about holy water,” said ing like holy water to put devils Descant. “Catholics dip their fin- to flight and prevent them from gers into the holy water font when coming back again. They also they enter or exit a church and flee from the Cross, but return; so make the sign of the cross, but holy water must have great vir- why? There are so many powerful tue. For my own part, whenever benefits of holy water. No Catho- BRINGING HOLY WATER AND RELICS TO ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL. Marcus Descant and Mrs. Agnes Reynolds I take it, my soul feels a partiular lic home should be without it.” (mother of Father Taylor Reynolds) stand with some students at St. Anthony School who heard his talk on Holy Water and most notable consolation.” As part of his mission, Des- and Sacred Relics. Pictured are (Chapter 31). cant has visited many schools and • It protects us -- Because of the churches in Louisiana giving out blessing attached to it, the Holy thousands of holy water contain- What makes the water ‘holy’? Mother Church strongly urges its ers and teaching others about the God makes the water holy, use upon her children, especially merits of holy water. It’s a per- when a priest says these words: “By this holy water when dangers threaten, such as sonal ministry he pays for him- “O God, ... grant that this fire, storms, sickness and other self. creature of Thine (water) may and by Thy Precious Blood, calamities. Every Catholic home In addition to plastic bottles be endowed with divine grace should always have a supply of for holy water, Descant leaves a to drive away devils and to cast wash away all my sins, O Lord.” holy water. small pamphlet of information out diseases, that whatever in • It relieves the souls in Purga- with the church or school that the houses or possessions of the tory. -- Only in Purgatory can one explains the merits of holy water. faithful may be sprinkled by this drop on yourself or another per- What are the ‘powers’ of holy understand how ardently a poor The pamphlet has an imprimatur water, may be freed from every- son. God’s blessings descend on water? soul longs for holy water. If we by the Most Rev. Albert G. Mey- thing unclean, and delivered from the soul and body. Untold spiritual wealth is desire to make a host of interces- er, Archbishop of Milwaukee, what is hurtful. Let everything concentrated in a tiny drop of sors for ourselves, let us try to re- Jan. 13, 1958. that threatens the safety or peace Can I bless someone with holy blessed water. The basic powers alize now some of their yearning It is the desire of Descant to of the dwellers therein be ban- water, even if he/she is not of holy water are: and never forget them at the holy spread the word about holy water: ished by the sprinkling of this wa- present with me? • It washes away venial sins water font. The holy souls near- ter; so that the health, which they Holy water, sprinkled with -- Because holy water is one of est to Heaven may need the sprin- What is holy water? seek by calling upon Thy Holy faith and piety, can move the Sa- the Church’s sacramentals, it re- kling of only one drop to relieve Holy water is water, that Name, may be guarded from all cred Heart to bless your loved mits venial sins. Keep your soul their pining souls. through a priest, is blessed by assault.” ones and protect them from all beautifully pure in God’s sight • You gain an indulgence. -- God in virtue of Christ’s baptism. harm of soul and body, even by making the Sign of the Cross, Whenever the faithful make the The Catholic Church possess- What actually happens when I if they are at a distance. When while devoutly praying: Sign of the Cross with this invo- es enormous power of imparting use holy water? worry and fear of a loved one far “By this holy water and by cation, “In the name of the Fa- sacramental grace. Holy water The prayers a priest says away, takes possession of your Thy Precious Blood, wash away ther, etc.) and with holy water, is a sacramental and receives its when he blesses the water, ascend heart, hasten to your holy water all my sins, O Lord.” they gain an indulgence of seven power through the prayer and au- to heaven each time you take holy font and give your dear ones the When we bless ourselves at years. Without holy water: three thority of the Church. water and sprinkle even a small benefit of the Church’s prayers. the holy water font upon enter- years. (Raccolta, No. 678, 1952. PAGE 12 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016

OLPS/ CATHEDRAL PASSION WALK. Volunteers carry the Cross during the Passion Walk March 25 from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to Prompt Succor Church.

CHRIST THE KING WAY OF THE CROSS. Father Dwight de Jesus, pastor of Christ the King Church in Simmesport, leads some of his parishioners in an outdoor Way of the Cross on Good Friday, March 25.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL STATIONS OF THE CROSS. The 8th graders of Sacred Heart School, OLPS/ CATHEDRAL PASSION WALK. The Knights of Columbus lead the Passion Walk March lead the entire student body Feb. 12 in the Stations of the Cross. 25 from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to Prompt Succor Church.

ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS. The senior class at St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches performed the Living Stations of the Cross March 24 for the student body. Also pictured with the seniors are their kindergarten buddies. APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 13

ST. JOSEPH (Marksville) EGG HUNT. St. Joseph Catholic Church held its annual Parish Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Church Hall. Activities included Easter Egg Hunt, Duck Pond, and Sack Races. Refreshments were served and prizes were awarded. Pictured HISPANIC COMMUNITY AT ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, (Leesville). Members of with Fr. Rusty Rabalais, pastor, and Fr. Brian Seiler, parochial vicar, are the winners of the Egg Hunt, the Hispanic community at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leesville, walk in procession golden egg, and sack races. during a Palm Sunday service held March 20.

ST. ANTHONY CARES. Ms. Ashley Flook’s Preschool class and Mrs. Doris Moreau’s 2nd grade class at St. Anthony School in Bunkie recently participated in Operation: Cenla Cares, a program sponsored by KALB TV. The students made handmade thank you cards to deployed Fort Polk troops. Pictured are WIPES FOR WES. Mrs. Liz Miller’s 6th grade class at St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches, collected Clorox wipes for (standing) Wes Rollo to take to St. Jude when he goes for his last treatment. The students won a lunch from Raisin’ Cane’s complements of the Rollo family for collecting the most wipes of any class in the community. We wish the very best for Sitting: Wes and we were very happy to be able to help him with this project!

ST. ANTHONY (Bunkie) VISITS AVERY ISLAND. The 7th grade class at St. Anthony School in Bunkie visted the Tabasco Plant in Avery Island March 22. Pictured are

PAGE 14 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016 APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 15

ST. JAMES DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. The Ladies and Knights of St. Peter Claver Bishop Desmond Coun- ST. JAMES DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. Knights of St. Peter Claver who participated cil and Court #91 at St. James Church in Alexandria participated in the Divine Mercy Sunday service held in the Divine Mercy Sunday service April 3 are (front row) April 3 after the 10 a.m. Mass. Leonard Stiell, past National Gulf Coast Deputy of St. Peter Claver, was their Row 2: special guest. Pictured are (Ladies-- front row) Grand Lady Millie Price, Grand Knight, Richard Smith, Leslie Sarpy, Daniel Pennywell, and . , and Sadie Dupas. Row 2: Joan Sampson, Mad- Row 3: Grand Knight Joseph Augustine, and Stanley Pierre. Row 4: eline LaCour, Mary Sampson, Carolyn Smith, Tamara Augustine, Sharon Metoyer Jones, and Alicia Polk. Emeal Jones, Sir Knight Quentin Price, Jerry Sarpy, Stanford Sampson, Donald LaCour, Row 3: Lisa Willis , Linda LaCour, Tiffany Hargrove Victor, Mary Diane Tolbert and Elaine Price. Sir Knight Hebert Jones and Leonard Stiell, Past National Gulf Coast Deputy.

TOWELS FOR THE HOMELESS COALITION. Members of the CDA Bishop Desmond Court #1459 from St. Rita Church collected towels for the Homeless Coalition during Lent (Ash Wednesday through Palm Sunday). On April 8, 113 towels, 328 wash cloths and 17 hand tow- els were delivered to the Homeless Coalition. Pictured are Mabel Aillet, Helen Schexnyder, Ona Wilson, and Myrtis D. Peychaud. The court would like to thank all of those who made donations.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHARISMATIC CONFERENCE. Twenty people from the Diocese of Alexandria attended the Southern Regional Charismatic Conference April 1-3 in Metairie. Michelle Moran, president of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services, which has its office at the Vatican, was one of the speakers, as well as Father Mark Goring from Houston.

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The National Art Education March 17-19. scholars, and advocates who give Association has named Barbara As a result of the award, Clo- their best to their students and the B. Clover, art teacher at Holy Sav- ver has been invited to attend a profession.” ior Menard Central High School, special White House event hon- “We are very proud of Mrs. to receive the 2016 National Art oring the nation’s top educators Clover and the artistic talent she Educator of the Year Award. May 3. has shared with Menard students This prestigious award, de- “This award is being given for the past 22 years,” said Joel termined through a peer review to recognize excellence in pro- Desselle, Menard principal. “I of nominations, recognizes the fessional accomplishment and can’t think of anyone more de- exemplary contributions, service, service by a dedicated art educa- serving of this award.” and achievements of one out- tor, said NAEA President Patri- Clover has spent the past 22 standing NAEA member annually cia Franklin. “Barbara B. Clover years at Menard teaching basic at the national level. The award exemplifies the highly qualified design, painting, ceramics, digital BARBARA CLOVER, (center) was named the National Art Teacher of the was presented at the NAEA Na- art educators active in education photography, and other classes. Year recently by the National Art Education Association. tional Convention in Chicago, IL, today: leaders, teachers, students, She plans to retire this year.

MENARD’S SPRING MUSICAL PRODUCTION: DAMN YANKEES! The players of the Washington Senators prepare for the Game against the Yankees to win the pennant in Holy Savior Menard Theatre Arts’ production of Damn Yan- kees. The production, directed by Cherise Rino, was held April 6-10 at the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center in Alexandria. Congratulations Mrs. Rino and the entire cast and crew for another outstanding production!

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*Securities offered through HD Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member: SIPC Advisory services are offered through HD Vest Advisory ServicesSM 6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, Texas 75038, 972-870-6000 Oestriecher Financial Management Services is not a broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm. APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 17 Menard Jr. High wins Bible Quiz Bowl; OLL-Winnfield is runner-up

The following teams participated St. Anthony School, Bunkie in the BibleQuiz Bowl: Allen Wanersdorfer and Melissa East, team leaders Menard Jr. High, Alexandria Team 1 Wally Smith, team leader * Team 1 -- 1st place

Our Lady of Lourdes, Winnfield BIBLE QUIZ BOWL CHAMPIONS. Fourteen teams from across the diocese participated in the 4th annual Bible Quiz Tracy Kelley, team leader Bowl held April 9 at Maryhill Renewal Center. Holy Savior Menard Jr. High won 1st place with • Team 1 -- 2nd place and Wally Smith, team leader. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Winnfield won 2nd Prompt Succor School, Alex. place with and Tracy Kelley, team leader. Oth- Heather Blakesley, team leader ers participating were Father Taylor Reynolds and Will Travis, judges; Melinda Norris, scorekeeper; and Father Chad Partain, moderator and ‘Quiz Master.” St. Frances Cabrini teams 1 and 2 came in 3rd and 4th place.

St. Frances Cabrini School, Alex. Clayton Cobb, team leader Team 1 St. Mary’s Church, Winnsboro Linda Garrett, team leader

Sts. Francis and Anne, Kolin Karen Hemphill, team leader

Sacred Heart, Pineville Carla Rachal and Randal Morino, team leaders Team I St. James Memorial Catholic Church, Alexandria READY TO BUZZ IN. Father Chad Millie Price, team leader Partain reads the next question, while Louis Lowrey, M.A. students from St. Anthony School in Bunkie (left) and Sacred Heart Licensed Professional Counselor Church in Pineville (right), get ready Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to buzz in with the correct answer. Offices located at 207 Church Street, Natchitoches (318) 332-8422 • Pager (318) 252-2945 [email protected] Mail: 109 Royal Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 PAGE 18 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016 Evidence reveals that Virtus program is protecting our children

When a child becomes the victim of sexual abuse, it’s always dress the person’s feelings, and a tragedy and a serious tragedy. But even more so when it in- let them know that you trust and volves the Church. It’s more tragic because that person, first of believe them. Limit questions. Do offer discretion; don’t offer confi- all, represents the Church and, for the young child, represents dentiality. Depending on the situ- God. And so many times, we know, psychologically, the child ation, you may need to report the cannot make the difference between seeing that coming from information, with discretion. God and the Church… And we must be honest that sometimes Because you’ve participated the accusation that these cases have not been handled in a way in the safe environment training, that has been effective—in a way that has been just, must be you’re also now more aware of red-flag behaviors and the proper admitted. —Archbishop Gregory Aymond avenues to communicate your concerns. For example: If you’re aware of an adult By Crispin Ketelhut commitment toward the protec- exhibiting behavior that is against tion of children. It means that: the code of conduct, speak direct- The reality of child sexual When you’re coaching and ly to the person and/or speak to a abuse is devastating for many. As teaching our youth, you recog- supervisor. described by Archbishop Gregory nize proper boundaries and work If you’re aware that a child is Aymond, the Catholic Church has to uphold them. in immediate danger, call 911. not always responded in the way When you decide to volun- If you’re not positive, but it should have to cases of abuse. teer at your youth’s school, you you suspect that a child is being The Catholic Church’s pro- willingly participate in standard abused, call the child abuse hot- active response in 2002 was screening measures such as a line for the area. the approval of the Charter for background check. If you suspect or know a in training to learn warning signs the Protection of Children and When you’re volunteering to reflect on the great power we child is being, or has been abused and trust your instincts. Young People (Charter). Since within faith formation and youth each have when communicat- by a diocesan employee or volun- If you’ve ever completed safe then, there is substantial, tangible ministry, you ensure that your ac- ing with others about the sub- teer, first call the child abuse ho- environment training in a live set- and consistent evidence that the tions and behavior are transpar- ject of child sexual abuse. If you tline, and then notify the diocese ting, read one of the training bul- Church has worked diligently to ent. haven’t already had the privilege, to potentially remove the person letins, completed a module or re- be a better protector of children. Even though you haven’t you may one day have a peer or from public ministry during the certification, listened to someone Efforts include, but are not lim- done anything wrong, you might young person choose you to re- investigation. recount their story, shown com- ited to the fact that each diocese modify your behavior to ensure ceive a disclosure about the abuse If, and when, you are faced passion toward a survivor, etc.— throughout the country now has that a child isn’t more susceptible that occurred to them. You’ll be with any of these types of situ- you’ve been a part of these efforts a safe environment program to to inappropriate behavior from presented with this gift that took ations, you’ll have the ability to to protect the vulnerable by learn- protect children, an avenue for someone else. great courage, and you will have a be a conduit of hope and healing. ing more about the problem and healing and reconciliation for You’re brave when it comes choice in how you respond to as- Your reactions have the potential what you can do about it. survivors, a streamlined process time to communicate your con- sist the person. It is our hope that to positively or negatively affect Did you know that 6,907 vic- to swiftly respond to allegations, cerns about questionable behav- you’ll think back to the steps you a victim survivor’s reality—and tim survivors have come forward transparency in cooperating with ior—and you keep communicat- learned in your safe environment your response can have long-last- to tell their stories since the publi- civil authorities and measures to ing if it appears that nothing is training. For example, let the per- ing effects into his or her future. cation of the Charter?3 There will discipline offenders.2 being done. son talk, and listen carefully. Ad- Safe environment efforts You’re willing to participate likely be more. Thus it is crucial now span the entire United States, and beyond. The reason we’ve come so far is because of each and every one of you, and your

Virtus Training Upcoming Sessions • Tuesday, April 19 -- 6 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Center Alexandria

• Thursday, May 5 -- 6 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville (church hall)

• Wednesday, May 11 -- 6 p.m. Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches (church hall)

To register, go to www.virtus.org APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 19

STATE SCIENCE FAIR WINNER. , (at left) from St. Mary’s As- sumption School in Cottonport, won third place in the Engineering Mechanics category at the State Science and Engineering Fair (Junior Level) held March 22 in Baton Rouge. Twenty-one students (pictured below) from St. Mary’s Assumption School participated in the Region IV Science Fair at LSUA March 5, but was the only one who placed at the state fair. Congratulations!

a student at St. Joseph School in Plaucheville, was recently named a Louisiana National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist.

named Louisiana National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist

a stu- As a semifinalist, dent hool in competed in the 2016 L Plaucheville, was recently named National Geographic State Bee a Louisiana National Geographic held April 1 at the Catholic Life State Bee Semifinalist by Nation- Complex in Baton Rouge. al Geographic Society. This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its St. Anthony 28th year. School Bees were held in schools with 4th-8th grade stu- of Padua School dents throughout the state to de- termine each school champion. Bunkie School champions then took an online qualifying test. The Na- Pre-Registration for 2016-2017 tional Geographic Society invited (Returning and New Students) up to 100 of the top-scoring stu- dents in each of the 50 states, to compete in the State Bees. was the only student from les parish to qualify public or private. Congratulations, !

BUDGET BLINDS 1cx4 REV2016_BBL-04-0

EXCEPTIONAL GENIUS AWARD. , son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bordelon of Moreauville, won “The Exceptional Genius Award” at the Regional Science Fair at L.S.U.A. on March 5. project was titled: “Landslides.” This honor was given because of his excellent work on the environment. Now he has the Custom Window Coverings Shutters • Draperies • Blinds • Computer Lab for all grades • French taught in grades 1-8 opportunity to compete in Oswego, New York this summer at Os- • Programs for struggling students • ACE Scholarship wego State University. Students from more than 65 countries and • Montessori method of instruction taught in Pre-K and K 35 states will participate in the “GENIUS Olympiad.” Congratulations by Sisters of the Living Word from all of us at Sacred Heart School in Moreauville. • iPads, Wireless Keyboards, Apple Word Processing Suite • Art Classes for upper grades • Security fence installed for safety • Early arrival at 7:05 a.m. and after school Homework House until 5:00 p.m. • Girls on the Run program for grades 3-8 FERGUSON’S • Only school in LA to be designated a WellSpot Home Repair and Maintenance • Football, baseball, softball, basketball, cheerleading Huge selection of the best brands! “No Job Too Small” Martha Coulon, Principal (318) 443-9730 116 S. Knoll Ave., Bunkie ~ 318-346-2739 Handyman FREE In-Home Consultation Pressure Washing & Estimates Professional Installation • Low Price Promise Call Mike! Each Franchise Independently Owned and Operated Strengthening students ages 3 through 8th grade www.budgetblinds.com academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and Signature Series • Lafayette Interior Fashions physically for over 75 years. (318) 641-1492 or (318) 880-8834 Exterior Window Screens PAGE 20 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016

Bible Activity Booklet Leader’s Guide App and Matching Game for iPad Prayer Book St. Mary’s Press has the first “best” Catholic Bible for children! By Jeannie Petrus such as fonts built for early read- Young children will be able sharing the faith. Resources are: CT editor BOOK ers, increased line spacing, bold to understand and relate to God’s • An Activity Book vocabulary words, colorized text, Word through the Understand • A Leader’s Guide I can’t begin to tell you how minimal hyphenation, and simple It! and Tell It! sections, bold vo- • A Strategic Reading Resource long I have looked for a really REVIEW column dividers help make this a cabulary words and easy-to-un- • A 99-cent app of the Bible for good Catholic Bible for children Bible children can read on their derstand definitions, the realistic the iPad. -- one that was a complete Bible spires, but empowers children to own. artwork and borders, the intro- • A 99-cent Matching Game App with all 73 books and yet colorful read, live, understand, and love ductions to the Old and New Tes- for the iPad. and interesting enough to pique the Word of God. The stories of 2. It’s easy to find verses. taments, and the many pictures, • A Catholic Children’s Prayer the interest of a child. our Catholic faith come alive Unique navigational fea- maps, and time lines that are in- Book that contains basic Catho- Until now, there were only with vivid, awe-inspiring art- tures such as colorized tabs, large cluded throughout the Bible. lic prayers, and a “Mass Prayers” two choices in Bibles for chil- work, larger text, and many more chapter and verse numbers, full section that will help your child dren: one created for adults and design features that not only en- Scripture references, and clear • It has so many components! follow along at Mass. one that was simply a collection hance comprehension but create and concise story titles, are all de- One of the best things about • Go Seek Find: Discover God’s of stories written for children. enjoyment as well. signed specifically for early read- this Bible is that it has so many Treasures, a First Communion & I found it! The Catholic So why is this Bible so great? ers and to help children easily lo- resources that come with it, de- Reconciliation preparation kit Children’s Bible from St. Mary’s cate passages and stories. signed to help not only the child, • All titles available in Spanish Press! It’s the first-ever complete 1. It’s easy for children to read but the parent or teacher who For more information, go to children’s Bible that not only in- Intentional design elements 3. It’s easy to understand wants to take an active role in www.smp.org Welcome to Go Seek Find: Discover God’s Treasures! What kid doesn’t like a trea- around their journey toward en- a variety of activities and family sure map? countering Jesus through the trea- learning opportunities offered in To complement the Catho- sures that are the Sacraments of the activity booklets that accom- lic Children’s Bible, St. Mary’s Reconciliation and Eucharist. pany each lesson. Press has put together Go Seek This program was devel- The entire kit (containing the Find: Discover God’s Treasures oped with the real needs of chil- Bible and all its components) is for First Communion and Recon- dren at its center. The core text of packaged in a fun and convenient ciliation preparation. this program is the Saint Mary’s blue backpack! Engaging, active, and best Press® Catholic Children’s Bible. For more information go to of all . . . fun! Explore the Sac- By using a Bible designed www.smp.org or visit your local raments of Reconciliation and specifically for them and engag- Catholic bookstore. Eucharist with Go Seek Find: ing with the Featured Stories Discover God’s Treasures. This within it, children will explore one-of-a-kind sacrament prep the sacraments through the bibli- program will help children dis- cal lens of Jesus’ life and works cover how preparing for the sac- and learn more about their faith in raments is an exciting adventure! language they can understand. Through this new and unique They will also experience program, children are led on an interactive core activities that adventure of discovery as they bring the chapter lessons to life explore the rich and beautiful in a fun and memorable way. And significance of the sacraments in they will learn important their lives. information about the sac- Go Seek Find will engage raments and reinforce this and inspire children, creating new knowl- a spirit of excitement and joy edge through APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 21 God’s Not Dead 2 debates religious freedom in the classroom

By John Mulderig Catholic News Service MOVIE NEW YORK (CNS) -- The very real threats to religious REVIEW freedom in contemporary so- ciety could serve as the theme Kane oozes sweet reason- for a valuable documentary or a ableness, yet he rests his case on thought-provoking drama. the thoroughly irrational notion What we get with “God’s that Jesus never existed. The de- Not Dead 2” (Pure Flix), how- bate that follows showcases the ever, is a flawed message movie interesting work of J. Warner undermined from the start by a Wallace, a veteran Los Angeles fictional premise that feels - thor County cold-case detective who oughly implausible. applied police investigative tech- In following up on his 2014 niques to examining the evidence original, director Harold Cronk, about Jesus’ life, death and resur- along with returning screenwrit- rection. But the fact that Kane is a ers Chuck Konzelman and Cary straw man pursuing an unrealistic Solomon, shifts the scene from strategy compromises the impact the groves of secularist academe of Wallace’s rebuttal. to the halls of an Anywhere, Audiences may also be USA, public high school. slightly unsettled by the fact that (“God’s Not Dead” was GOD’S NOT DEAD 2. Hayley Orrantia stars in a scene from the movie “God’s Not Dead 2.” The sequel to a 2014 film in Kane’s backup counsel, who hov- filmed on the campus of Loui- which a Christian college student and his atheist professor debate the existence of God, “God’s Not Dead 2” is the story ers around with little to say, looks siana State University in Baton of a Christian high school teacher (Melissa Joan Hart) who finds herself on trial for answering a student’s (Orrantia) like a thin Seth Rogen playing a Rouge. Much of the production question about similarities between a quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and another from Jesus. The Motion young Henry Kissinger. His per- for “God’s Not Dead 2” unfolds Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. (CNS photo/Pure Flix) sona implicitly evokes a stereo- in Little Rock, Arkansas, inside type far better left alone. the state Supreme Court.) Taken as a whole, this reaffir- In the public high school, in the Gospel of Matthew: “You his role as mankind’s savior; that remains steadfast. So it’s off to mation of belief, though appropri- history teacher, and committed have heard that it was said, ‘You her answer is strictly factual and court, where she’ll be represented ate for most moviegoers, suffers evangelical believer, Grace Wes- shall love your neighbor and thoroughly within the appropriate by untried but good-hearted law- from an off-key tone, a pervasive ley (Melissa Joan Hart) is asked hate your enemy.’ But I say to confines of the discussion. Faster yer Tom Endler (Jesse Metcalfe). sense of victimhood and some- a question regarding the Christian you, love your enemies, and pray than you can say Madalyn Mur- Cheering Grace on from the times painful sentimentality. antecedents of the Rev. Martin for those who persecute you.” ray O’Hair, the administration is sidelines -- and providing her The film contains mature Luther King Jr.’s strategy of non- Whereupon all hell breaks loose. down on her like a pack of wolves with emotional and spiritual sup- themes and an instance of harsh violence during the civil rights Never mind that Grace has -- closely followed by the school port -- is her kindly grandfather, parental violence. The Catholic movement. (She has already cov- done nothing that could possibly board and the American Civil Walter (Pat Boone). Leading the News Service classification is ered the influence of Mahatma be seen as proselytizing in the Liberties Union. charge against her is the Ameri- A-II -- adults and adolescents. Gandhi on Rev. King.) classroom; that she has invoked If only Grace would apolo- can Civil Liberty Union’s ser- The Motion Picture Association Grace responds by citing Je- no specifically religious belief gize for her lapse in judgment, pentine lead attorney, Peter Kane of America rating is PG -- paren- sus’ famous admonition, recorded such as the divinity of Christ or all would be forgiven. But she (Ray Wise). tal guidance suggested. PAGE 22 CHURCH TODAY APRIL 18, 2016

April 19: Jubilee of Mercy Concert April 30: WRC Run, Baby, Run

The St. Martin Choir and the Young Artist Chamber The Women’s Resource Center in Natchitoches will hold Orchestra will present a Jubilee of Mercy concert at St. DIOCESAN its annual Run, Baby, Run 1 Mile and 5K Run/Walk on Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte April 19 at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Natchitoches Riverbank. Check- The concert is free and donations will be accepted to ben- in at 8 a.m.; 1 mile starts at 8:30 a.m., 5K at 9 a.m. Cost efit the St. Mary’s Residential Training Facility. For more BRIEFS is $20/$25 for 1 mile; $25/$30 for 5K; and virtual runners information, call the church at 318-776-9480. $15. To pre-register go online at www.wrcfriends.com. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Resource Center. April 20: Menard Fine Arts Night May 15: Adult Confirmation Miss Louisiana April Nelson will be the guest entertainer April 27: Catholic Schools Job Fair at Holy Savior Menard’s annual Fine Arts Night, April 20, -- in Avoyelles Bishop Herzog will administer the Sacrament of Confir- at 5 p.m. The evening will include an art show, dinner, mation to adults from throughout the diocese on Sunday, and an Eaglette Extravaganza, (featuring the talents of the The Diocese of Alexandria Catholic Schools Office will May 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Al- HSM Golden Eaglettes, cheerleaders and special perform- host a job fair on Wednesday, April 27 at Sacred Heart exandria. All candidates must register with the Cathedral ers. Dinner is $5 and the Eaglette show is $5 also. The art School in Moreauville from 3 - 6 p.m. Be prepared to in- by Monday May 9, accompanied by a recent copy of the show is free. Dinner tickets must be pre-ordered. Email terview for jobs in elementary and high school education, candidate’s baptismal certificate. Sandy Oestriecher at soestriecher@holysaviormenard. paraprofessional, custodial and cafeteria service. For more com. information, call 318-445-6424, ext 227. May 21: Sacred Heart 5K/ Fun Run April 21: Living A Resurrected Life April 28: Catholic Schools Job Fair Sacred Heart Church in Pineville invites everyone to join -- in Alexandria the fun May 21 for a 5K and 1 mile Fun Run on Saturday, Living A Resurrected Life - A Course in Catholic Spiritu- May 21. The 5K is $25; 1 mile is $20; virtual runner is ality, is being offered at Cabrini Church by Father Chad $18; and both the 5K and fun run are $40. Price includes The Diocese of Alexandria Catholic Schools Office will Partain on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. in the school li- a t-shirt. For more information, contact Melanie Dupre at host a job fair on Thursday, April 28 at the St. Joseph brary. All are invited to attend. [email protected]. Catholic Center in Alexandria from 3 - 6 p.m. Be prepared April 23: Cabrini Crawfish Boil to interview for jobs in elementary and high school educa- tion, paraprofessional, custodial and cafeteria service. For July 14-17: Women’s ACTS Retreat more information, call 318-445-6424, ext 227. St. Frances Cabrini Church invites you to help celebrate A Women’s ACTS Retreat will be held July 14-17 at Mary- Father Chad Partain’s 40th birthday with a Cabrini Craw- April 28-May 1: Men’s ACTS Retreat hill Renewal Center. Registration is open to all church fish Boil on Saturday, April 23 from 5:30 -9 p.m. on the parishes. To register, call St. Joseph’s Church office at church grounds. $100 provides crawfish with sides and 318-253-7561 or stop by the office located at 141South A Men’s ACTS Retreat will be held April 28 - May 1 at non-alcoholic beverages for two adults. Tickets are $30 Washington Street in Marksville to obtain a registration Maryhill Renewal Center. Registration is open to persons for children ages 12-16. (No children under 12 will be form. A $50 deposit is required when your completed reg- from all church parishes. To register, call St. Joseph’s admitted due to space limitations and alcohol.) Live auc- istration form is returned to the office. This deposit will be Church office at 318-253-7561 or stop by the office locat- tion and door prizes given throughout the evening. Tickets applied toward the total payment of $175 due. are available for purchase at www.cabrinischool.com or ed at 141South Washington Street in Marksville to obtain through the school office. a registration form. A $50 deposit is required when your completed registration form is returned to the office. This July 23: Charismatic Day Rescheduled April 23: Magnificat Brunch deposit will be applied toward the total payment of $175 due. A Day of Renewal (titled Have Mercy On Me) sponsored CENLA Magnificat will host a brunch April 23 from 10 April 30: Softball Tournament by Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Central Louisiana a.m. -noon at St. Mary’s Assumption Church Hall in Cot- (CCRC) and CENLA Magnificat has been rescheduled for tonport. The guest speaker will be Dorinda Bordlee, a pro- Saturday, July 23 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Anthony’s St. Francis & Anne Church in Kolin will sponsor the 2nd life lawyer dedicated to the protection of life from con- Church Hall in Natchitoches. Denise Beyer will be the annual Softball Tournament April 30 starting at 8 a.m. in ception to natural death. She will share her story of how speaker. Registration is $20 made payable to “CENLA the Wardville Complex (off Hickory Street in Pineville). God moved in her life and her heart to protect His people. Magnificat” and mailed to either: Diane Ardoin, 1415 The first 16 teams to sign up will be accepted. To sign She has dedicated her law practice to sanctity of life con- Creed St, Pineville, La. 71360 or Mary Wilson, 4569 Par- up, call Roman at 318-623-6690. Come out and enjoy a stitutional issues since 1994. Tickets are $18 in advance hams Road, Jonesville, La. 71343. Open to men and wom- fun-filled day. Admission is $2 per person. Concessions and must be purchased by April 10. No tickets sold at the en. Register online at [email protected] door. For tickets call Mary Wilson @ 318-359-7735. available. T-shirts also available for $12.

May 12: OLPS Faith Daniel Lacombe Formation Series Floor Finishing Thursday, May 12 404 Bordelon Rd., Hessmer, LA 71341 6:30 -7:30 p.m. Specializing in installation Divine Providence Center • Floor Finishing • Ceramic Tile Floors

Father Chad Partain will talk on • Hardwood Floors • Reseal Tile Floors the Tradition of the Church. Ph: (318) 563-4753 • Cell (318) 305-0241 APRIL 18, 2016 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 23 April - May

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Magnifcat Brunch 18VIRTUS Training 19 20 21 22 10:00 a.m.-noon 23 24 6:00 p.m. St. Mary’s Assumption, Menard Living a Resurrected Life: Confirmation Cottonport Confirmation St. Joseph Catholic Fine Arts Night A Course in Catholic 6:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. Center, Alexandria 5:00 p.m. Spirituality - by Fr. Partain Holy Cross Church, Confirmation Sacred Heart of Jesus Holy Savior Menard High 6:00 p.m. Natchitoches 5:00 p.m. St. Paul the Church, Pineville Jubilee of Mercy Concert St. Frances Cabrini Library Apostle Church, Mansura 7:00 p.m. School, Alexandria Alexandria St. Martin Church, Cabrini Crawfish Boil Lecompte 5:30-9:00 p.m. St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria PRAY FOR FR. A. FIGREDO PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE PRAY FOR FR. W. GEARHEARD PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

Catholic Schools Run Baby, Run Job Fair 1 Mile/5K Run MAY 25 26 273:00-6:00 p.m. 28 298:00 a.m. 30 1 Catholic Schools Job Fair St. Joseph Catholic Center 3:00-6:00 p.m. Alexandria Natchitoches Riverbank Sacred Heart School, Moreauville Living a Resurrected Life: Softball Tournament A Course in Catholic 8:00 a.m. Spirituality - by Fr. Partain St. Francis & Anne, Kolin 6:00 p.m. St. Frances Cabrini Library Camp Joshua -- Covington, LA Alexandria Men’s ACTS Retreat -- Maryhill Renewal Center PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

2 3 4Living a Resurrected Life: 5 6 7 8 A Course in Catholic Spirituality - by Fr. Partain 6:00 p.m. St. Frances Cabrini Library Alexandria

FIRST FRIDAY FIRST SATURDAY MOHERS DAY PRAY FOR FR. P. KULIGOWSKI PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM PRAY FOR FR. S. KWEBUZA PRAY FOR FR. M. LAIRD PRAY FOR FR. P. LAPALME PRAY FOR FR. R. MATHEWS PRAY FOR FR. D. MEADE OLPS Faith Formation Series 9 10 116:30 - 7:30 p.m. 12 13 14 15 Graduation Graduation Graduation Divine Providence Ctr. Adult Confirmation St. Mary’s School Holy Savior Menard St. Joseph School Alexandria 11:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier St. Mary’s School Gym, Guinn Auditorium, LC St. Joseph School, Living a Resurrected Life: Cathedral, Alexandria Natchitoches Campus, Pineville Plaucheville A Course in Catholic Spirituality - by Fr. Partain 6:00 p.m. St. Frances Cabrini Library Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. L. MELCHER PRAY FOR FR. A. MESSINA PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN PRAY FOR FR. J. MUNOZ

16 17 18Living a Resurrected 19 Life: 20Sacred Heart 21 22 A Course in Catholic 5K and 1 mile Fun Run Spirituality - by Fr. Partain 8 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Pineville St. Frances Cabrini Library Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE PRAY FOR FR. J. O’BRIEN PRAY FOR FR. D. O’CONNOR PRAY FOR FR. R. OWUAMANAM