THE CATHOLIC

Special Sections CNovember 20,ommentator 2020 Vol. 58, No. 21 2020 LPA NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR thecatholiccommentator.org Diocese’s goal is to foster racial unity

ne day I was having a should not be playing with lived outside of the African mation special section in this conversation with my those Black children and American experience, feel edition of The Catholic Com- Odad about growing up they should have their own threatened by this unfamiliar mentator is one step to help in Dallas. He explained that game. My dad remarked that description of life in America. build bridges that will bring us his south Dallas neighborhood from that day on the way the They refuse to listen, call- together as one family in faith was made up of mainly Italian, neighborhood children played ing the stories of the Black and community. As Catholics, Jewish and African American together changed a lot. communities’ experience of we know that our strongest families. He remembered that At the end of May this year, inequality propaganda, or fake bond is our faith in our Lord he mostly played on his own with the death of Mr. George news. Maybe they don’t listen Jesus Christ, who commands street, but often the children Floyd, the issues of race and because they just want things us to love one another. We From the of the neighborhood would equality in our country have to get back to normal. This de- have all been baptized into gather to play baseball at the once again caught our nation’s sire of the African community this family of faith, and we are Bishop G. Duca neighborhood park. It’s just attention. The voice of the to be heard, and the resistance one in Christ. what children did back then. African American commu- of others to listen, sets up a But despite this profound races and ages of our Catholic He remembered one nity has been energized and tragic scenario. There needs unity in Christ, we do not family to be heard and become day, during a neighborhood encouraged to tell its story of to be a way to avoid an ever- know each other well. We, as better known to us. With this baseball game, a policeman what growing up and living in deepening divide within our a church community, have not special section, we hope to pulled up and called the white the United States is like for a community. always taken time or provided foster greater unity and pro- children over to his car. The Black American. The BUILDING BRIDGES: opportunities for all the dif- mote heartfelt conversation policeman told them they While others, who have Racial Healing and Transfor- ferent voices, nationalities, SEE DUCA PAGE 13 GOBBLE UP! Thanksgiving tradition continues

By Richard Meek “We would have liked to have had a sit down The Catholic Commentator dinner but we really did not want to do anything that could be a (virus) super spreader event.” A pair of long-standing Thanksgiving Day Acaldo said limiting exposure to volunteers traditions in Baton Rouge will continue al- and patrons was a priority. As a result, because though with a decidedly different look as a re- of the changes the typical army of 300 volun- sult of the coronavirus pandemic. teers will be reduced to about 75. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will host “ (coronavirus) numbers are its annual Thanksgiving dinner for the home- not looking all that bad but we really don’t less at its men’s homeless shelter and also host know what those numbers will look like come the Holiday Helpers lunch at the Raising Cane’s (Thanksgiving Day),” he said. “No doubt it’s go- River Center, which is open to the general pub- ing to be a challenge; we know that.” lic. Acaldo was thrilled with the news that for However, because of the pandemic, no in- the second consecutive year Congregation B’nai door seating will be available. Rather, meals at Israel in Baton Rouge has agreed to donate the the homeless shelter will be distributed through turkeys through its annual Turkey Train cam- a to-go window and drive through will be avail- paign. able at the River Center, according to St. Vin- Effects of the pandemic will likely reduce cent President and CEO Michael Acaldo. the number of people served, Acaldo acknowl- St. Vincent has been serving hot meals on edged. He said a year ago, the venues provided Thanksgiving Day since 1982 and Holiday close to a combined 1,200 Thanksgiving lunch- STUDENT CENTER – The new Brother Donnan Berry SC Stu- Helpers was established in 1987. es but hopes to distribute at least 1,000 meals dent Center at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge has more “At St. Vincent de Paul we are excited about this year. room and contemporary features to better serve the school’s keeping these traditions alive,” Acaldo said. Acaldo also recognizes the increased diffi- approximately 1,200 students. For the complete story and “COVID-19 has put a lot of question marks in culty in getting food to individuals so his agen- more photos please turn to page 10. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Cath- a lot of things but we had always planned to do cy is partnering with local church groups and olic Commentator both. SEE THANKSGIVING PAGE 16 2 The Catholic Commentator November 20, 2020 | DID YOU KNOW Our only hope

By Dina Dow with hope the eternal kingdom. Psalm 23 sheds incredible light on life The liturgical year, Cycle A, concludes with in the kingdom. “The Lord is my shepherd; the celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord there is nothing I shall want.” This well- Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, as the known psalm gives rise to profound medi- new liturgical year, Cycle B, begins with the tation. Place yourself in pasture filled with First Sunday of Advent. The Sun- lush grass and embrace the day readings fill us with the calm, tranquil moment. light of the kerygma (pronounced Life-Giving Follow God to calm waters, ke-rig-ma), the first proclama- FAI H as he refreshes your soul with tion of the good news of Jesus Christ, quiet. Let the Lord guide you namely “that in Jesus Christ, who was with advice, good counsel, en- crucified, died and rose, salvation is offered lightenment, teachings and movement on the to all people as a gift of God’s grace and mer- right path. Then sit, sit at the table as the Lord cy” (“Mission of the Redeemer” encyclical, St. pours abundant grace of anointing, sanctity John Paul II, 1990). and life, with goodness and kindness to fol- This is the hope in which we live … Jesus, low. For surely, since the Lord is indeed our son of God, lived, suffered, died and res- shepherd, we can fully trust in him for all urrected so that the path to heaven is open that we need for today and in eternity, now A portrait of Father Michael J. McGivney, by Antonella Cappuccio. Courtesy of by his perfect sacrifice which freed us from and forever. the Knights of Columbus bondage of sin and death. Jesus loves us be- Hope in the power yond measure. His mercy endures forever. Normally, when we refer to the power of We place our hope in his kingdom, his power a king, the first thought that may come to Father McGivney beatified and give all glory to our king. mind is the centralized power in one person, Hope in the kingdom the one who holds the scepter, sheer author- The Oct. 31 of Fa- reportedly felt something change The Solemnity of Christ the King opens ity, and unyielding might. Jesus Christ, as ther Michael McGivney at the Ca- within her when she heard the with a reading from the Book of . The our sovereign king holds power with merci- thedral of St. in Hartford, words of the about the Ro- prophet proclaims that God is the shepherd ful might. Jesus reveals merciful power in Connecticut was a boost for the man official whose son was healed for the lost and exiled people of Jerusalem his discourse of the final judgment. With an priesthood, the Knights of Colum- by Jesus: “Go, your son lives.” during the Babylonian captivity. Like a shep- invitation, he said to his disciples when the bus and young Catholics. A few days after returning to herd God looks after and tends the scattered son of man comes in glory, having separated Blessed Father McGivney, who Tennessee, an ultrasound indicated flock, rescues them from darkness and pro- the sheep from the goats, “He will place the was an American priest and recog- the unborn child was healed of fetal vides rest and care. Even in our wandering sheep on his right and the goats on his left. nized by the church for his humility, hydrops. Today, Michael McGivney away from the kingdom, the Lord pursues Then the king will say to those on his right, charity and concern for all people, Schachle is an active 5-year-old us. God’s kingdom is rich in mercy, yet he de- ‘Come, you who are blessed by my father. In- founded the Knights of Columbus with Down Syndrome. mands justice. Hence, those who choose not herit the kingdom prepared for you from the in 1882 as a fraternal Catholic’s men Father McGivney is the third to follow him will be separated. For those who foundation of the world. For I was hungry and order to help widows and orphans. American-born priest to be beati- do follow, he rewards them sanctuary in the you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave It is the largest lay Catholic organi- fied, after Blessed Stanley Rother kingdom. This is eternal happiness. me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, zation in the world with two million and Blessed Solanus Casey, both of The Catechism of the naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared members dedicated to a range of ed- whom were beatified in 2017. paragraph 1720 explains, “The New Testa- for me, in prison and you visited me’ ” (Mt ucational, charitable and religious Father McGivney is one of three ment uses several expressions to characterize 25:21-46). activities. The Knights look up to , all within days of the beatitude (happiness) to which God calls Jesus’ power is the merciful path of love Father McGivney for inspiration, each other, demonstrating the man: the coming of the kingdom of God, the which gives hope to others in how we love heavenly guidance and intercession church sees in the faces of the vision of God: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, and serve. This is restorative power; healing for their needs. young and so much can be accom- for they shall see God;’ entering into the joy of power; life-giving power. Jesus continues, Father McGivney, who died plished even in a short life. the Lord; and entering into God’s rest: There “‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one during the flu pandemic of 1889- Blessed Carlo Acutis, teenage we shall rest and see, we shall see and love, of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” 1890, is credited with the healing Italian computer whiz who died we shall love and praise. For what other end We do it for him. of a child in the womb from a fatal in 2005 from Leukemia, began do we have, if not to reach the kingdom which “Christ, king and Lord of the universe, condition. While Daniel and Mi- cataloguing worldwide miracles has no end?” made himself the servant of all, for he came chelle Schachle of Dickson, Tennes- at age 11. He completed a website God invites to live now in his kingdom by ‘not to be served but to serve, and to give his see were expecting their 13th child, dedicated to this shortly before his way of the path of Jesus Christ and anticipate SEE GOSPEL PAGE 15 doctors told them their unborn son death at age 15. He was beatified had Down Syndrome. on Oct. 10. A few weeks later, an ultrasound Since Father McGivney’s beatifi- diagnosed fetal hydrops, in which cation, Blessed Joan Roig i Diggle multiple organs were filled with flu- was beatified in , id, and doctors said that there was on Nov. 7. He was 19 years old when thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator no hope of survival and abortion he was martyred for his faith during was the best option. “in odium fidei,” or “fight for the Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager As faithful Catholics, the faith,” during the Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation Schachles refused abortion and in 1936. One night militia men took Richard Meek Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer prayed to Father McGivney for a him from his home and brought Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor miracle. A KC insurance agent, him to a nearby cemetery. Daniel earned a trip to the Mari- It is said when the executioners The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway, an Shrine in Fatima, Portugal, and pointed their rifles at him, he ut- Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must brought his wife for a prayerful pil- tered words of forgiveness for them. reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- grimage. The moment they shot, he cried out, MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. During Mass in Fatima, Michelle “Long live Christ the king!” November 20, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 3 International adoption offers hope to forgotten youth

By Debbie Shelley than 21 years . tled between them. The Catholic Commentator “It’s nice to see pictures and Their letter read, “Over the updates on how the kids are do- past five years there have been Paula Davis’ office at Catholic ing,” Davis said. many days with fear of the un- Charities of the Diocese of Baton One couple Davis has jour- known, a few tears, but the con- Rouge is filled with pictures and neyed with are Ken and Koni stant is the complete love we letters telling of the tears, fears, Maat. While on a mission trip have for this little girl who has struggles and snuggles of fam- to China Ken met Jing, who has given us the privilege to love and ilies she’s worked with as they special needs, and the couple raise. We often look at her and open their arms over thousands fell in love with her and adopted marvel that she is really ours.” of miles to welcome children her. The Maats wrote that their Next issue: Stories of families from other countries through first day started with “fears and who adopted children interna- international adoptions. tears” but ended with Jing nes- tionally through CCDBR. Davis, CCDBR Clinical Di- rector of Maternity, Adoption Ken and Koni Maat when they first brought home their daughter, Jing, and Behavioral Health Services, from China. Photos provided by Paula Davis | Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge said adopting families face many challenges but yet the rewards Davis explained many of the RESTHAVEN can be far greater. circumstances of children ad- GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME Parents who tend to adopt opted domestically and inter- children internationally are al- nationally are similar: typically ® ready parenting other children, children of color, have lacked We make it personal. Davis said. And their reasons for prenatal care, the birth mother for a better farewell wanting to adopt can vary, she was under stress during preg- 11817 Jefferson Highway added, noting November is In- nancy, the baby was exposed to 225-753-1440 ternational Adoption Awareness substances in-utero, they are www.resthavenbatonrouge.com Month. often premature and may have Sometimes God has “put on special needs. 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 their hearts” the desire to help In foreign adoptions, English a child from another country, might not be the child’s native or they have travelled to anoth- language but the child tends to er country and desire to raise pick it up quickly, according to a child from there, or perhaps Davis. If not, the child is referred Jing is thriving in her adopted they might already have a cou- to speech therapy. home. ple of boys and, especially for CCDBR steps in early to help moms, they “want a girl so they potential families navigate the virtually and home visits may be can put bows in her hair and adoption journey. After the par- conducted virtually or outside have her wear a dress” and the ents go through the pre-appli- the home. Some families have other experiences of raising a cations and application process, been matched with a child but daughter. they go through training and a cannot travel to the child’s native Children who are adopted home study. Davis said Catho- country. domestically are often newborn lic Charities always wants to be Adopting parents are pro- but those adopted international- sure the parents have realistic vided little information about ly are typically two years old or expectations when adopting a the background of the children, older and come from orphanag- child. sometimes not even their age. es and institutions, Davis said. COVID-19 has presented Because the children typically CCDBR connects families with unique challenges affecting the come from institutions they may these institutions and the guide- adoption process, said Davis. have developed “survival skills lines are set by the foreign gov- Concerning the application pro- that can be challenging for fam- ernment. cess, interviews are conducted ilies.” But CCDBR provides indi- vidual and family counseling for those struggling with adop- tion-related issues. The agency also provides supervision after Joe Skibinski, Agent the child is in the home. Adoption can mean the differ- ence between life and death for the children, according to Davis, who shared stories of children who had emergency life-saving surgeries and procedures that they otherwise would not have had. Davis, who received the 2019 Congressional Coalition Insti- tute’s Angels in Adoption Award, has enjoyed helping connect Senator John Kennedy presented Paula Davis with the Angels of Adop- children with families through tion Award in Nov. 2019. international adoptions for more 4 The Catholic Commentator November 20, 2020 Voters send signal recognizing dignity of life

By Richard Meek the dignity of the person do not belong the nation have usurped the power of life issues but we can’t divorce that con- The Catholic Commentator in the hands of judges. In fact, she said if state legislatures and declared a right to versation from the larger conversation Roe vs. Wade is overturned, the amend- abortion-on-demand.” of God and Christ.” Louisiana voters’ overwhelming en- ment prevents any judiciary decisions Although the landslide reinforced Van Haute was also thrilled with suc- dorsement of the Love Life Amendment that may undermine laws that are al- Louisiana’s reputation as one of the cess of the recent 40 Days for Life cam- was a statement that the majority of res- ready in effect. country’s leading pro-life states, Van paign. She said there were at least 16 idents recognize the value of human life, “Anything that happens pertaining Haute noted that abortion remains mothers who chose life and change their according to the leading pro-life official to laws regarding legal, and en- original intention to abort their unborn in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. abortion needs to couraged pro- child. The amendment, which ensures that happen with leg- “During 40 Days we are life supporters “It’s a good number; any number is state judges cannot use the state con- islation, so judges to continue great,” she said. “We also realize that stitution to hold sacred a right to abor- are not going to be called to go out and to their efforts to we’ll never know the full impact that tion or the taxpayer funding of abor- able to make deci- overturn Roe v. all of those prayers and sacrifices made tion in Louisiana and keeps the issue sions,” Van Haute pray and to sacrifice. At Wade. this side of heaven.” of abortion in the hands of the people said. “One of the She said more than 1,000 people through elected legislators rather than Louisiana Right the end of the 40 days we primary as- representing more than 40 groups par- the courts, garnered more than 60 per- to Life Executive pects from the ticipated. She said those numbers were cent of voters’ support during the Nov. Director Ben Clap- can know we were faithful church’s per- encouraging because of the uncertain- 3 election. per said voters spective is that ty regarding the coronavirus pandemic “I feel like it was bipartisan support showed their love in fulfilling that goal.” we continue to and its restrictions. and that reflects the whole trajectory of for mothers and educate and “During 40 Days we are called to go the amendment as we watched it pass babies. Danielle Van Haute evangelize with- out and to pray and to sacrifice,” she through the legislature,” said Danielle “We the people, Respect Life Director for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in the Catholic said. “At the end of the 40 days we can Van Haute, Respect Life Director for through our leg- Church on the know we were faithful in fulfilling that the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “The num- islators, can pass dignity of the goal.” ber of votes in support was reflective of laws defending life without the inter- human person,” Van Haute said. “And “It’s always a great consolation to be not just one political party.” vention of judges,” Clapper said. “We then we seek to model that as we live able to know that 16 women chose life Van Haute said the amendment re- encourage other states to pass their own our lives and bring that out into society. but ultimately there is no way to calcu- flects that any decision made, or any version of the Love Life Amendment. “And also engage with society and late the blessings and graces that have laws passed regarding human life and For too long, activist judges around find opportunities to speak about the come from 40 Days,” Van Haute said. For pennies a day receive the Commentator at home! For only $14 per year, receive The Catholic Commentator at your home or office. To subscribe,complete and return the form below or call 225-387-0983.

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NAME ______RECIPIENT’S NAME ______ADDRESS ______RECIPIENT’S ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______November 20, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 5 Prayer service has special meaning for Deacon

By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator

Emotion tugged at Deacon Alfred Ad- ams as he cast a forlorn eye at the rich St. James civil soil upon which he was standing, an area that was once planta- tion fields sprawling with slaves and the same site where corporate giant Formosa is hoping to build a mammoth $9.4 mil- lion plastics plant. Deacon Adams could only wonder how many of his ancestors were buried in graves that lay below his feet. “That is why I was in tears,” he said. “All I could think about was that I could have some of my ancestors down in that ground and didn’t even know it.” Deacon Adams joined Bishop Michael G. Duca and several clergy members of the Diocese of Baton Rouge as well as St. James residents for a prayer service Oct. Father Joshua Johnson, at Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant, delivers an emotional 31 at the site of the proposed plant, which message during a prayer service Oct. 31 at the site of the proposed Formosa Plant in St. stands in the shadow of the Sunshine James Civil Parish. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator Bridge. For Deacon Adams, the prayer service was personal not only because of was standing on (the grave) of one of my Bishop Michael G. Duca led the prayer ser- his ancestral connection but because he great-great-great grandparents.” vice and before leaving spent a few mo- was also raised in nearby Vacherie. As a homegrown native, he has a ments in reflection and prayer in a nearby “The prayer service was very, very special affinity for the area and while sugar cane field. moving for me,” Deacon Adams said. “I he understands the need to generate like the way everything was done.” much-needed revenue for the parish, he Bishop Duca talked about how the also questions when does money tran- slaves that were buried on the site, scend human dignity and loss of life. St. gravesites only recently discovered, were James is already home to several pet- finally receiving a proper burial. Also rochemical plants and if completed, the during the sun-drenched morning service new Formosa facility would add up to 12 Father Joshua Johnson, pastor of Holy additional plants that would produce the Rosary Church in St. Amant, spoke about foundational chemicals used in a num- how God knows the names of the slaves ber of plastic products. “The One who began a good buried there because they are written in Community and environmental work in you will continue the Book of Life. groups have protested construction of the to complete it until the day “I’m glad I did not have to say anything plant since it was announced in 2018, cit- of Christ Jesus.” because I would have probably teared up,” ing evidence revealing an extraordinari- Deacon Adams said. “Most of my people ly higher rate of cancer among residents - Philippians 1:6 are from (the area). I could just imagine I SEE FORMOSA PAGE 11

MISSIONContinue t he

Give online: Several clergy members from the Diocese of Baton Rouge were in attendance, including, from left, Father Matthew McCaughey, Deacon Alfred Adams, Father Vincent Dufresne, www.officeofstewardship.com Father Tom Clark, Father Johnson and Deacon Chris Kellerman, who is scheduled to be ordained a priest in 2021. 6 The Catholic Commentator November 20, 2020 Remaining Catholic / Beginning of Advent I am confused, angry and frus- not want you to write letters to your Advent is a season of the church • Hope is the predominant theme of trated with the Catholic Church bishop or the supporting trans- that lasts about four weeks, Advent. The Israelites hoped for a Q with so much scandals involv- parency. He does not want you remain A beginning four Sundays before Messiah to come, and Jesus entered ing priests in the Catholic Church. faithful to your church, even though it Christmas and ending on Christmas their world. We are hopeful for his Why should I remain Catholic? is imperfect. Eve. It is a time for hope and the joyful arrival again into our world. Because of the recent scandals We are Catholic because of Jesus expectation and prayerful preparation • Advent is a reminder of the Old Tes- involving two Christ, the love of for the second coming of Jesus, as well tament promises of the coming of the A priests in God, the sacraments, as the anniversary of his birth. It has a Messiah. Readings from the prophet , as well our Blessed Lady, the pro-life focus. are often used to remind us as other scandals saints and our faith. The predominant color of vestments that we are waiting for the day when involving our clergy, We must remember during Advent is purple because Advent the Messiah will come again. you have a right to be that our faith is not is truly a time for penance, prepara- • Advent focuses on light, as opposed confused, angry and in a priest, a bishop tion and sacrifice. Some people call to darkness. Christ enters our dark frustrated. But this or even the pope. Advent a “little Lent.” Just like during world as the light of the world and is not the time to run Our faith is in Jesus Lent, the Gloria (one of the most festive casts away the darkness of sin to away and hide. It is a Christ, who instituted hymns of the Mass) is not sung. redeem us. time to fight fight for our church, a church Here are some interesting facts • Advent has two parts: the first por- your church, fight for founded on the about Advent from the Catholic Aposto- tion is preparation for the second change, fight, for the apostles, even though late Center: coming of Christ and the second part priests who have re- he knew they would • Advent is a time of expectation and prepares us for the commemoration mained faithful and abandon him. preparation for the birth of our Lord. of his first coming – his birth on fight for the victims We must not give The word “Advent” comes from the Christmas Day. who were abused. Stump the Deacon up on our church. We Latin word “adventus,” or coming. • The origins of Advent can be traced Running away is must not give up and • Advent has a changing start date. back to the church in , but what Satan wants Deacon George Hooper abandon Jesus. He • Advent marks the beginning of the Advent, as we know it today, was de- you to do. He wants did not abandon us; liturgical year, representing the time veloped in . in you to abandon the just look at the cruci- in history that Christ was not known the late 6th/early 7th centuries com- church. He wants you to abandon the fix and see how much he loved, and still to us. With his birth, the beginning posed many of the prayers, antiphons priests and who are strong in loves, us. of our faith was founded. and psalm responses. their faith and struggling for change. • Advent has two meanings: it empha- He wants you to abandon the abused The calendar says Advent starts sizes the celebration of Christ coming DEACON HOOPER is a deacon assistant victims. He does not want you to fight Nov 29. What is Advent all into the world as a man and also the at Church in by praying for the majority of priests Q about? second coming when the Lord will Denham Springs. He can be reached at that have remained faithful. He does return again. [email protected].

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By Debbie Shelley of aging members of the religious com- The Catholic Commentator munities. Sister Adele Lambert CSJ said the In a trend that mirrors society, re- NRF is a good way for lay people to par- ligious communities face tremendous ticipate in the life of the church by sup- challenges in elder care and retirement porting those who has been lifelines in that have been magnified during the various ministries. COVID-19 pandemic. “It raises an awareness of the needs Through the national Retirement of sisters, and (religious order) priests Fund for Religious collection scheduled and brothers. We no longer do public the weekend of Dec. 12 –Dec. 13, Cath- ministry, but we still do minister,” said olics can be present for those who have Sister Adele. given a lifetime of service to the church Sister Joan LaPlace CSJ serves as li- in their time of need. aison for men and women religious for The church enjoyed a surge in voca- the Diocese of Baton Rouge. She entered tions in the 1960s but the life span of that religious life in 1960 and has spent half generation has increased, while the num- of her religious life in Baton Rouge. ber of new vocations has decreased. Re- “It’s a great place to serve,” said Sis- ligious order priests, brothers and sisters ter Joan, who urges people to support traditionally received small stipends that men and women who have dedicated barely met the needs of their day. their lives to the church. They put any surplus funds toward “It’s through the generosity and grat- ministries and education of young- itude of people who were served (by er members. With fewer vocations the them),” Sister Joan said. funds that come through their compen- The National Retirement Fund for Religious collection, Dec. 12 – Dec. 13, will help replen- People can donate through their sated ministry, which helps fund elder- ish diminished funds available for retired religious. Photo provided by the National Religious Retirement church parishes, by visiting retired care, has diminished. Office religious.org, or by mailing a donation to Brother Paul Montero SC said “as a Retirement Fund for Religious, Nation- former provincial of the New Orleans of our brothers.” financial assistance, consultation and al Religious Retirement Office, P.O. Box Province of the Brothers of the Sacred The estimated annual cost for care education that help the ongoing needs 96988, Washington, DC 20090-6988. Heart, I am keenly aware of the impor- for a religious past the age of 70 in the tance of the annual Religious Retire- United States is $47,000, and it rises ment Fund collection. to $72,000 for skilled care. During the “Congregations of teaching brothers past 12 years, the total annual cost has such as ours are welcoming fewer and exceeded a staggering $1 billion. fewer new members. At the same time, Donations to the Retirement Fund our number of elderly and infirm mem- for Religious are put to work in many bers – men who dedicated their lives in different ways, according to the Nation- service to others – is increasing while al Religious Retirement Office. wage-earning brothers are fewer in Roughly 95 percent of the NRRO number. The costs to repair or replace office budget aides senior religious, ac- structures damaged by recent hurri- cording to the office. canes in the south have been significant. The RFR benefits nearly 30,000 el- Therefore, grants from the Retirement derly sisters, brothers and religious Fund play an important part in the lives order priests. The RFR underwrites

THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR Hot-off the Press & Delivered to You for Only $14 per year TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 225-387-0983. 8 The Catholic Commentator November 20, 2020 McCarrick report summary cites lack of serious investigations of rumors

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although Vatican to decide it would be “imprudent” with minors and with adults, with the ag- setting out procedures for handling accu- dogged for years by rumors of sexual im- to promote him when looking for candi- gravating factor of the abuse of power,” sations of abuse against bishops. propriety, Theodore E. McCarrick was dates to become archbishop of Chicago in dismissed him from the According to the summary, St. John able to rise up the Catholic hierarchical 1997, New York in 1999-2000 and, initial- priesthood. Paul’s decisions to name McCarrick bish- structure based on personal contacts, ly, of Washington in July 2000, the report In August 2018, Archbishop Carlo Ma- op of Metuchen in 1981 and archbishop of protestations of his innocence and a lack said. ria Vigano, former nuncio to the United Newark in 1986 were based on “his back- of church officials reporting and investi- One hour before the release Nov. 10 of States, called on Pope Francis to resign ground, skills and achievements. During gating accusations, according to the Vati- the “Report on the Holy See’s Institution- after claiming that he had informed Pope the appointment process, McCarrick was can summary of its report on the matter. al Knowledge and Decision-Making Re- Francis of McCarrick’s abuse in 2013 and widely lauded as a pastoral, intelligent In choosing then-Archbishop Theo- lated to Former Cardinal Theodore Edgar that top Vatican officials knew of McCar- and zealous bishop.” dore E. McCarrick of Newark in 2000 to McCarrick,” journalists were given the rick’s abusive behavior for years. The summary also said that, at the be archbishop of Washington and later document’s 14-page introduction, which That claim led Pope Francis to initiate time, “no credible information emerged a cardinal, St. John Paul II likely over- described the two-year investigation that an investigation into how McCarrick was suggesting that he had engaged in any looked rumors and allegations about Mc- led to the report’s compilation and gave able to continue to rise through church misconduct.” Carrick’s sexual misconduct because of a an “executive summary” of its findings. ranks despite the repeated rumors, anon- But in October 1999 Cardinal John J. long relationship with him, McCarrick’s In June 2018, the Vatican suspended ymous letters, allegations and even settle- O’Connor of New York wrote to Archbish- own strong denial and the pope’s experi- McCarrick from ministry after an inves- ments with alleged victims. op Montalvo, then nuncio in the ence with communist authorities in Po- tigation by the Archdiocese of New York The report summary said, “No records United States, summarizing allegations land making accusations to discredit the found credible a charge that he sexually support Vigano’s account” of his meet- about McCarrick, then-archbishop of church, the summary said. abused a teenager. McCarrick resigned ing with Pope Francis “and evidence as to Newark. The letter was given to St. John But, in fact, rumors of McCarrick’s con- from the College of Cardinals in July, and what he said is sharply disputed.” Paul, who asked Archbishop Montalvo to duct, especially knowledge that he had in February 2019, after a canonical pro- Until the allegations about child sexual investigate. young adult men and seminarians sleep cess found McCarrick guilty of “solicita- abuse were made to the Archdiocese of The nuncio did so by writing to four in the same bed with him when he was tion in the sacrament of confession and New York in 2017, “Francis had heard New Jersey bishops, the summary said bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, led the sins against the Sixth Commandment only that there had been allegations and without naming the bishops. The bishops, rumors related to immoral conduct with named in the full report, were Bishops adults occurring prior to McCarrick’s ap- James T. McHugh of Camden, 1989-1998; pointment to Washington,” it said. Vincent D. Breen of Metuchen, 1997- Coming “Believing that the allegations had al- 2000; Edward T. Hughes of Metuchen, ready been reviewed and rejected by 1987-1997; and John M. Smith of Trenton, Pope John Paul II, and well aware that 1997-2010. McCarrick was active during the papacy “What is now known, through investi- January 15, 2021 of Benedict XVI, Pope Francis did not see gation undertaken for preparation of the the need to alter the approach that had report, is that three of the four Ameri- been adopted in prior years,” the sum- can bishops provided inaccurate and in- mary said. complete information to the Holy See re- 2021 Mass Schedule The introduction to the report said it is garding McCarrick’s sexual conduct with

January 3, 2020 2020 MASS SCHEDULE The Catholic Commentator 1 based on documents found at the Vatican young adults,” the summary said. The Mass Schedules has and the apostolic nunciature in the Unit- In response to Cardinal O’Connor’s 2020 ed States as well as interviews — “ranging accusations, the report said, McCarrick • The most current schedules for Masses Mass Schedule in length from one to 30 hours” — with wrote to now-Cardinal Stanislaw Dzi- in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. more than 90 witnesses in the United wisz, St. John Paul’s secretary, claiming: States, Italy and elsewhere. They included “In the 70 years of my life, I have never • The most current clergy, phone numbers, survivors, cardinals, bishops and former had sexual relations with any person, mailing and email addresses, website and seminarians. male or female, young or old, cleric or lay, directions to the churches. In a statement issued with the report, nor have I ever abused another person or Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secre- treated them with disrespect.” • Index Masses both alphabetically by tary of state, said the contributions of “McCarrick’s denial was believed,” the towns and by time of day. survivors were “fundamental.” The in- summary said, adding that because of troduction of the report cautions survi- “the limited nature of the Holy See’s own

vors of abuse that certain sections “could prior investigation, the Holy See had nev- • Lists Spanish and signed Masses for prove traumatizing” and warns that some er received a complaint directly from a DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SUPPLEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR Hearing Impaired Masses. portions of the document are “inappro- victim, whether adult or minor, about Mc- priate for minors.” Carrick’s conduct.” To reserve your space call by He also said that over the course of the “Though there is no direct evidence,” two years it took to complete the investi- the summary added, “it appears likely December 11 or until all spaces are sold out! gation and compile the report, “we have from the information obtained that John Advertising space is limited and sold on taken significant steps forward to ensure Paul II’s past experience in Poland re- greater attention to the protection of mi- garding the use of spurious allegations a first come first serve basis. nors and more effective interventions to against bishops to degrade the standing of Advertisers will receive complimentary color in their ad. avoid” repeating errors of the past. the church played a role in his willingness Among those steps, he highlighted “Vos to believe McCarrick’s denials.” Call Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 Estis Lux Mundi” (“You are the Light of In addition, McCarrick had a relation- or email [email protected] the World”), Pope Francis’ 2019 document ship with the Polish pope going back to on promoting bishops’ accountability and SEE MCCARRICK PAGE 15 November 20, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 9

PRESENTATION OF CHURCH KEY – Bishop Michael G. Duca presents Father Babu Va- KEYS TO THE CHURCH – Bishop Michael G. Duca, right, presents the keys of St. reeth IMS a key to St. Ann Church in Morganza during a pastor installation service Church in Donaldsonville to Father Asika MSP during Nov. 8. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator his installation as pastor on November 7. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

“We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s all God’s work,” says Sister Theresa McGrath (center), 86, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio. In good times and bad, she and the religious shown here have devoted themselves to God’s work. They are among nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps provide medications, nursing care, and more. Please be generous.

Please donate at your local parish December 12–13 or by mail at: National Religious Retirement Office/BRL 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Retirement Fund Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

for Religious retiredreligious.org Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Above, from left: Sister Alice Garcia, SSCJ, 91; Brother Martin Gonzales, OCSO, 95; Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, 86; Sister Anne Cecile Muldoon, OSU, 93; Abbot Emeritus Peter Eberle, OSB, 79. ©2020 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis 10 The Catholic Commentator November 20, 2020 CHS dedicates student center, celebrates award

By Debbie Shelley and how it is going to change Catholic The Catholic Commentator forever. My understanding of this at the time were minimal. However, today I see With temperatures plummeting under the impact this student center has not gray skies, spirits were soaring and ev- only for the campus, but all of our stu- eryone was proud to be a Bear at Catho- dents as well. lic High School in Baton Rouge during “When we all came back to school at a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the beginning of this school year it was two historical occasions, the school’s evident that students’ morale was low record-setting sixth National Blue Rib- due to the pandemic and all of changes bon School of Excellence Award and the at the school. The student center’s open- opening of a stunning new student cen- ing has brought a sense of the liveliness ter. and brotherhood back to our Catholic The new 32,000-square-foot Brother High community that we most certainly Donnan Berry SC Student Center will needed.” create a dynamic environment where the He thanked his fellow students and es- school’s roughly 1,200 students can dine, pecially faculty and staff for their hard socialize, study and interact with faculty, work in the historic sixth Blue Ribbon according to CHS officials. School achievement and said the stu- The center’s first floor contains a stu- The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Brother Donnan Berry SC Student Center at dent center should stand as a reminder dent union with seating for up to 600 Catholic High School in Baton Rouge featured an orange and blue ribbon to celebrate the of Catholic’s legacy of great accomplish- people and includes an expanded kitchen CHS achieving its sixth blue ribbon and the opening the new student center. Photos by Debbie ments. and food preparation area. Shelley | The Catholic Commentator “This student center is an excellent ex- On the second floor are a seminar ample of transmitting the school greater room and four classrooms with adjacent “This is the sixth time that CHS has can attest to his huge heart … and his than we found it. All of us helped in the collaboration rooms and study rooms received this prestigious award and passion,” said Tullier. “He was at times building of the student center, whether available for student and faculty use, a the only school in the country to have gruff. He was opinionated. But he was a big or small,” Tilley said. “I challenge campus ministry gathering space, a fac- received it six times. It is through the bold leader dedicated to his students.” each and every one of you to continue ulty work center and terrace and student accomplishments of our students and Tullier pointed out that in the student striving for greatness, both within and terrace. faculty that this tradition of excellence pavilion there are 11 brick columns nam- beyond the classroom, so that you may Outdoors there is a large student com- continues,” said Harvey. ing the core values of the Brothers of the leave the school better than it was given mons area with a pavilion. In attendance were the Brothers of Sacred Heart and the mission pillars of to you. Today is a great day to be a Bear.” Concerning the blessing of the new the Sacred Heart, the founders and avid the school: sancutary, respect, mission- After the blessing by Brother Ray He- building Oct. 30, CHS Principal Lisa supporters of the school. CHS President ary spirit, courage and trust, holistic for- bert SC and ribbon cutting ceremony Harvey told the crowd, “The tradition of Gene Tullier saluted the namesake of the mation, Catholic tradition, compassion, featuring blue and orange ribbons stu- blessing a building or a home dates back student center. Gospel values, personal attention, friendly dents nestled in their new home, filling to biblical times and symbolizes that The first sentence on a plaque that will discipline and academic excellence. the classrooms and conference rooms we are asking God to bless not only the be installed on the side of the ‘Class of CHS student body president Matthew and studying in the commons. A school structure but all who enter it and all the 73 Gathering Stairs’ leading up to the Tilley shared his memories with the au- dream realized. activities that occur in the building.” second floor of the students center will dience about the “Demo-Day” ground- And a place where dreams are hatching She added, “A ribbon cutting is a pow- read: “With passion and a huge heart, breaking ceremony a year-and-a-half for the future. erful symbol of a new beginning, em- Brother Donnan Berry SC left a legacy ago when, to the students’ delight, CHS “I really love the study room. We have barking on a new venture, and for us, a that shaped Catholic High School.” demolished an empty house on Hearth- a white board and we can use it to knock new chapter in the high school.” Brother Donnan was principal at CHS stone Drive to make room for the student out ideas,” said sophomore Sid Scheu- She also applauded the efforts of all in before establishing the school’s develop- center. mack. “Everyone loves it and can enjoy being selected a 2020 National School of ment office. “I can remember Mr. (Charles) Jumon- (the historical moment) for the rest of the Excellence. “Anyone who knew Brother Donnan ville telling us about this student center year.”

A large kitchen and food service area helps students have a lot of healthy food choice options. State of the art classrooms add to the learning experience at the student center. November 20, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 11

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ACROSS DOWN An estimated 50 people showed up to pray at a prayer service led by Bishop Michael G. Duca at the site of 1 It was thought to be the abode of 1 Second pope the proposed Formosa plant in St. James Civil Parish. Beneath the ground where the service was held are unbaptized but innocent 2 An ex of Donald burial sites for slaves. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator 6 Tide 3 Acted like Marceaux 10 LA problem 4 Honey insect 14 Like some halls 5 Peculiarity make money but if you are dead construction. 15 Mountain range 6 Deadens FORMOSA  you can’t spend it. “That is at least a step,” he 16 Garment of ancient Rome 7 Periods of history From page 5 17 Titled 8 Berne’s river “We got enough (plants).” said. “We are not against prog- 18 The Immaculate Conception 9 Wood starter “We’ve seen already what (the ress and bringing in jobs but it’s 19 British nobleman 10 Breaks the seventh commandment living near plants that dot both chemical plants) have done,” not worth it. 20 One, to Pierre 11 Biblical kingdom sides of the Mississippi River he added. “You are taking our “This is a community where 21 Collars 12 Barbarous person 23 Place where language was con- 13 “…they gave Jesus wine to drink stretching from Baton Rouge to lives, making us sick. It’s mostly most of the African Americans fused, according to Genesis mixed with ___” (Mt 27:34) the New Orleans area. in the African American com- are dying and getting sick. Let’s 24 Makes sorrowful 22 Short text chanted before and after The plant took another hit munity and that is what makes put it in your (the neighbor- 26 Follower of a psalm earlier this year when it was dis- it look real bad.” hoods where Formosa execu- 28 Alphabet string 23 The “B” of N.B. 29 Teachings 25 Let go of covered slaves are buried where Deacon Adams, along with tives) area and you will look at 33 Catholic horror actor, Bela ___ 26 of the Hundred Years’ War portions would be built. the community action group it differently.” 36 Assess 27 Surpass “We understand the company RISE St. James, which was For now, Deacon Adams and 37 Narrow inlet 29 Rosary starter will offer this and offer that but founded by St. James Church others sit in and wait, hoping 38 PDQ 30 Buck and switch ender 39 Unskilled laborers 31 Waterfall most of the money they are go- parishioner Sharon Lavigne, the 2,400-acre site will remain 41 Ding ___ 32 Wise ing to make they are going to were encouraged when it was fertile ground, a sacred area 42 Irish bishop-saint whose feast day is 33 Sanctuary ___ take back to (Formosa’s Taiwan announced days after the where many of their ancestors February 6 34 ___ friendly 43 Units of electrical resistance 35 Very strong wind headquarters),” Deacon Adams prayer service that the U.S. are buried. 44 The Lord appeared to Isaiah on this 40 Large flightless birds said. “It is not going to ben- Army Corps of Engineers had “It was a good eye opener for 46 ___ Blood of Jesus 41 First name in an impactful United efit St. James, or maybe benefit suspended Formosa’s permit, me just to know some of my an- 48 “Facts of Life” actress States Supreme COurt decision some, but to what extent if it potentially mothballing the en- cestors may be in there,” Dea- 49 Taverns 43 Hog sound 50 Most temperate 45 Faltering will take our lives? You want to tire project or at least delaying con Adams said. 54 Color of smoke if no pope is elected 47 Large homopterous insect 57 Peter did this after he denied Jesus 50 Certain works 58 502 to Caesar 51 Develop 59 Castor’s mother 52 Seductively beautiful woman 60 Two of a kind 53 Rows 62 Accustom 54 Marian color 64 Applied 55 For fear that 65 Flat circular plate 56 Capital of Yemen 66 More pleasant 57 Five virgins in Matthew 25 67 Sicilian volcano 60 BC summer setting 68 Deuce beater 61 “...box as though beating the ___” 69 Valleys (1 Cor 9:26 NRSV) 63 Naught

Solution on page 14 Mr. D’s Tree Service ovEr 40 yEars ExpErIEncE Don Decell, owner carl BaBin, owner • Economical • Fully Insured • Quality Work CALL TODAY! 225-292-6756 Parish residents have galvanized in their opposition to the proposed $9.4 billion plant. 12 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT November 20, 2020 | EDITORIAL Saints are us “Everyone is invited to the heavenly banquet, Corinth was one of the principle seaports in everyone is welcome. But the decision to come Greece. Its residents were often guilty of all the Where will is yours. Get ready though, for it is not just the sins that seaports everywhere are known for. party of the season, or the century; this is the St. Paul himself knew and confessed in his own party of eternity.” writings that until his conversion on the road to Damascus he had been a sinner and a great per- it end? found this wonderful quote in a notebook I secutor of Christians. He complains in some of keep of ideas for future columns. Unfortu- his letters that he still cannot do what he knows nnocent lives lost, hundreds, perhaps thousands of others Inately, I didn’t write down who said or wrote he should be doing. Yet, he was certain that he injured. it. But my thanks to author unknown. had done what he could, fought the good fight I All too often headlines scream of a law enforcement of- It set me to thinking about the feast we recent- and Jesus would welcome him to heaven. ficer shooting, where an African American man or woman was ly celebrated, The Feast of All Saints. This year, What gave St. Paul such confidence, confi- killed. Protests follow and significant portions of major cities the Nov. 1 feast day fell on a Sunday. Because of dence that he wants us to have? St. Paul says are far too frequently burned to their skeletal bones. COVID-19 there was no obliga- that it is the Spirit of God in him, But violence is not confined to officer related incidents. tion to attend Sunday Mass and the same Spirit he says that is in all Unfortunately, violence continues to rise among the Black com- because of social distancing our of us. To the Ephesians he writes, munity, taking the lives of innocent young African Americans churches cannot accept too many “There is one God and father of all, at far too early of an age, including infants as we have seen in congregants who would like to who is over all ... and in all” (Eph southeast Louisiana. attend. Therefore, many prob- 4:6). God is with us, in us always, Mourning families are left behind, asking why. ably did not attend Mass unless not just some of us, all of us. He And through tearful eyes those same family members pub- your attendance was virtual never abandons us, even despite licly beg for the killings to stop. via computer or live television. our sins. He is always inviting us to Where will it end? However, since we live in the his banquet, sacramentally in this Predictably, each mass shooting or senseless killing renews southern, more Catholic half of life and forever in the next. We the call for greater gun control and perhaps the time is ripe to Louisiana, I bet many did honor just have to accept his invitation in revisit the issue. their family obligation on the actions as well as words. St. Paul ex- Equally as predictable, gun control opponents view such leg- following day, Nov. 2, of clean- plains further in his first letter to the islation as draconian and counter that any such measures could ing their family’s graveyard plot, Another Corinthians, “Do you not know that potentially be the first step toward abolishment of the Second perhaps bringing some flowers to you are God’s temple and that God’s Amendment. place on the tombs and saying a Perspective Spirit dwells in you? God’s temple is Answers, however, will not be found in statehouses, politi- few prayers. holy, and you are that temple” (1 Cor cal shill, the increasingly intrusive if not downright malignant Somehow, we feel more com- Father John Carville 3: 16-17). social media, or even in censoring of video games. It is irrefut- fortable about praying for our Strong words, amazing reality. able that each of those shoulder some responsibility but one dead on All Souls Day than on This isn’t a “wish it were true” kind must drill far beneath what has become a thinly-veiled culture All Saints Day. We may think that they led good of statement. St. Paul repeats the same statement of death that has permeated our society. lives and are in heaven, or at least in purgatory three chapters later and then goes on to rebuke Quite simply, we have become a country that is desperately and well on the way to rise higher. But do we the Corinthians because of their sexual sins and in search of its moral compass. And when morality becomes the really think of mom and dad, grandmother and misuse of the . He continues to call exception rather than the standard, when abhorrent behavior grandfather, brothers and sisters now deceased, them saints because God is still with them even becomes increasingly accepted, when societal norms that have as saints? And heaven forbid we would never though by their sins they try to flee him. survived centuries are suddenly attacked and appear on the think of ourselves or any living relatives and We should remember that Jesus told his verge of extinction, when murder is state sanctioned, when friends as saints. disciples that he didn’t come to call the just but integrity is passé and those calling for higher ideals are labeled Don’t we begin every Mass by asking God’s also sinners. We are his targets for salvation, the as extremists, a chaotic society adrift in uncertainty is an inevi- mercy and forgiveness and then repeat that same sinners all, for whom he died. But God will not table result. plea three times before we dare to receive Christ’s allow the sin that killed his son to win out. He Violence permeating our neighborhoods has exposed a gap- presence in the Eucharist? “Lamb of God who raised him from death to live eternally. That is ing void in our society: the absence of God. For the past several takes away the sins of the world have mercy on the good news of our lives too. decades, a trend that has only heightened in recent years, God us.” So, Happy Feast Day that you didn’t celebrate has been evicted from boardrooms, expelled from classrooms, We know we aren’t saints. this year! COVID-19 can keep us out of church. excused from dinner tables and even demonized. But St. Paul was not of the same opinion. It can even kill us. But it can’t keep us from being Yet, we shed tears and ask why when the news of another When he wrote to the many churches he founded saints with the risen Lord, now and forever. senseless killing curdles our own conscience. he very often addressed the members of those Deo gratias! Admittedly, separation of church and state is essential in an communities as saints. That doesn’t mean that effective democracy but shouldn’t God at least have a seat at the any of them were perfect and never sinned. He FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese table? was very proud of the Christian community of Baton Rouge and writes on current topics for Are we becoming a country where God is becoming a lost in Corinth, Greece. Yet he rebuked them and The Catholic Commentator. He can be reached at ideal, gone the way of 8-tracks and dial-up modems? Has tech- told them that he shed a lot of tears over them. [email protected]. nology and its outgrowth, social media, become the new God, the new deity for our so-called evolving society? The answer appears to be trending to yes. Without faith, without God as our country’s moral beacon, societal behavior will have no boundaries, no accountability. Letters to the Editor The deterioration of the family unit, an increase in violence and even mass shootings will continue to surge. Letters to the Editor should be typed and limited to 350 words and should contain At what point will our own consciousness become numb to the name and address of the writer, though the address will not be printed. We such acts? Answers can only be found in our churches and other reserve the right to edit all letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Catholic institutions of worship, through our prayer lives, by emulating Commentator, P. O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316, or to [email protected]. Christ in our own lives. Only then will the tools of violence be silenced. November 20, 2020 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 13

DUCA  Racial reconciliation From page 1 throughout our church and community by y mother is Catholic and no but over time I began to desire to this nation for hundreds of years, I giving a place to the voices and stories of the white, and my father is become a priest. After eight years of always encourage people to pray the African American Catholics of the Diocese of MMethodist and Black. They formation, I was ordained May 31, rosary for this specific intention, as Baton Rouge. raised our family in the Catholic 2014. well as for the souls of our ancestors Some parts of the story will make us proud, Church but growing up, I never re- My greatest desire is to console who have not repented. but others should move us to vow to work to rid ally felt connected to the church and the heart of Jesus and St. John in his We need to start with silence and our church of any injustice or lack of love that didn’t have a relationship with Jesus. Gospel reveals his heart’s desire for prayer, listening and spending time may remain. Read these stories and articles We were “sacramentalized,” but us. He prays to the father that there with the Lord. We must also spend so that a foundation for real conversation can I was never evangelized until high may be unity that we may be one as time with, listen to and learn from begin. As Catholics we should embrace these school, when Protestants began to he and the father are one. our brothers and sisters in Christ stories of faith not just as experiences of an- share Jesus with me. I also lived a I think this is a unique time in who have been hurting. We need to other person but as part of the common story lifestyle that was not conducive to history and God has created us to fast from speaking so that we can we share as members of the Diocese of Baton becoming a saint, bring about unity and hear their stories about how they’ve Rouge. and I stopped going renew and restore the been impacted by unjust policies and I urge you to read with an open heart that to church. body of Christ. practices and by racial prejudice and desire to see and understand the African Amer- My mom still For years I have discrimination. ican experience from the point of view of people made us go to been speaking as a There are also a lot of practical of color. We cannot listen with the “answer run- religious education biracial man about ways to make things right in the body ning.” We should avoid the kind of defensive classes, and one healing the racial of Christ today. Support Catholic listening that, while the other person is talking, of my friends was divide in this country; schools in your diocese that primar- we are thinking about our clever comeback, a a white girl who it’s in my DNA. In ily serve minority communities and bit of wisdom or a defense of our position to recognized that there recent days, I’ve been are struggling financially. Look at our expose how the other person is wrong. were only a few Black so inspired by the handbook policies and see if there is Open heart listening is listening carefully to kids in our class and number of Catholics, anything there that might be dis- understand and believe what the person is tell- never any Black kids especially in this criminating against people of color. ing us. This is hard because what we learn from in youth group. She country, who have Add more artwork depicting saints the other may mean that we need to change our was very intentional shared with me that who were Black and brown, Asian and perspective to include this new understand- about making us feel Guest Columnist for the first time in indigenous. ing. This kind of open heart listening is also seen and welcome. their lives they feel When I was discerning to enter the hard because it may reveal unexpectedly, to any The summer be- Father Joshua Johnson inspired by God to seminary, I needed help financially. of us, an unspoken, ugly assumption that we fore my senior year pray, fast and work The Knights of Columbus called me learned long ago, maybe on a baseball field, that she invited me to a with others to really and said, “We heard about you and still shapes a superior attitude which supports Catholic youth conference. I didn’t bring about racial reconciliation. want to help you out.” That’s how I in some way an unchristian and possibly unjust want to go, but for some reason I said, If any member is suffering, wheth- was introduced to the Knights, and judgment of others. “Yes, I would love to.” er they’re white, Black or brown, we I’m very grateful. To listen this way is to carry out the com- On Saturday night during the are all responsible for that member. I The council in my parish is mand of Jesus to love one another. This kind of conference, Bishop Sam Jacobs, who must offer up penances and sacrifices tremendous. The Knights here are listening is prompted by the Holy Spirit because was then bishop of the Diocese of in spiritual reparation to bring about intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. it seeks the real truth by allowing others to tell Houma-Thibodaux, processed the reconciliation with the entire com- They pray the rosary consistently, us who they are rather than us telling them who blessed Sacrament through the crowd munity. lead small group Bible studies, do a we think they are. To really listen and allow of thousands of teenagers. And for It’s a biblical spiritual practice to lot of pro-life ministry, help the poor our hearts to be touched by the joys, the pains, the first time in my life, I perceived repent not only of our sins, but for the on a weekly basis and spend a lot of the aspirations and dreams of another person that the Eucharist was in fact the sins of others. I encourage people who time in eucharistic adoration. moves us to the kind of love and respect God body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus have never said the N-word or have One thing I would encourage wants us to have for everyone. Christ. The first words I perceived never participated in an institution Knights to do is to be very aware of But this kind of conversation cannot hap- from him were, “I love you,” and from that discriminated against people of what groups, nationalities and people pen until we know each other better. It is our that moment, I knew I wanted to be color do penances on behalf other of color aren’t represented in your hope that this special section will build the first in a relationship with Jesus specifi- Christians who have never said “I’m councils. Go out and find those people bridge to help us begin talking to one another so cally in the Eucharist for the rest of sorry” to God. in your parishes and communities we can build a future where all feel welcomed, my life. The rosary is one of the most pow- and invite them to walk with you, a future where our children will play together I then perceived an invitation to erful prayers, and because racism is a so that together you can use your on the baseball fields because that is just what discern the priesthood. I initially said demonic stronghold that has attacked SEE JOHNSON PAGE 15 children do when no one tells them otherwise.

| PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese.

Nov. 26 Rev. Gerald F. Young Br. Alan Drain SC Dcn. Mario (Sam) Sammartino Dcn. Minos J. Ponville Jr. Dec. 1 Rev. Michael J. Alello Sr. Edna Oraca SOM Br. Robert Croteau SC Dcn. Thomas M. Robinson Dec. 6 Rev. Charles A. Atuah MSP Nov. 27 Most Rev. Michael G. Duca Sr. Norma Nunez SOM Dcn. Taylor Sanford Dcn. Curles P. Reeson Jr. Dec. 2 Rev. E. Allen Br. Ray Hebert SC Sr. Lan Thi Nguyen ICM Dcn. Danny Roussel Dec. 7 Rev. J. Cary Bani Nov. 28 Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. Robert W. Muench Br. Carl Evans SC Dcn. Joseph M. Scimeca Dcn. Mark Reynaud Dec. 3 Rev. Richard R. Andrus SVD Sr. Cielo Pesigan DM Br. Ramon Daunis SC Dcn. Mauricio Salazar OP Dec. 8 Rev. Frank B. Bass Nov. 29 Rev. Howard R. Adkins Sr. Ruth Nwokike SOM Dcn. Rudolph W. Stahl Dcn. Alfred J. Ricard Jr. Dec. 4 Rev. Joey F. Angeles Br. Dwight Kenney SC Sr. The Thi Nguyen ICM Dcn. Eliazar Salinas Jr. Dec. 9 Rev. M. Jeffery Bayhi Nov. 30 Rev. Donatus Ajoko Br. Harold Harris SC Dcn. Michael F. Thompson Dcn. Gabriel Rico Dec. 5 Rev. Jaime Arrambide CSsR Sr. My-Dung Pham ICM 14 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS November 20, 2020

Daughters of St. Paul Concert – The Daughters of St. Paul will present a free virtual Christmas concert on Thursday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. To view, visit youtube.com/c/ daughtersofstpaul.

Men of the Immaculata Con- ference – Registration is open for the fifth-annual Men of the Immaculata Conference, Satur- day, Feb. 20, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., at St. George Church, 7808 St. George Dr., Baton Rouge. The theme is “St. Joseph: pillar of families, protector of the church, terror of demons.” Those unable TROOP BLESSING – Bishop Michael G. Duca speaks with to attend will be offered a virtual members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Bri- ticket option, which will include gade Combat Team during a prayer service at Baton a link to watch to the conference. BLESSING OF THE GRAVES – Father Charlie Landry, pastor at St. Ga- Rouge Airport on Nov. 12. Bishop Duca blessed the Tiger Tickets can be purchased online briel Church in St. Gabriel, blesses the graves following Mass on Nov. Brigade, which deployed almost 2,000 soldiers to the at catholicmenbr.com. For more 1. Clergy members throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge blessed Middle East. Photo provided by Father Jamin David | Episcopal Vicar for information, call Eddie Samson graves on All Saints Day. Photo provided by Rozalyn Duplantis | Catholic Life Television Strategic Planning, Diocese of Baton Rouge at 225-571-6898.

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MCCARRICK  duct.” Archbishop Vigano, while work- johnson  From page 8 However, after initially asking ing in the Vatican Secretariat of From page 13 McCarrick to stay on in Washington State, wrote memos in 2006 and his days as the cardinal of Krakow. for two years past his 75th birthday 2008 “bringing questions related to charisms to do the work of God in our world. The summary said, “McCarrick’s in 2005, the summary said, new de- McCarrick to the attention of superi- Martin Luther King Jr. said that the problem direct relationship with John Paul tails related to a priest’s allegations ors,” the summary said. The memos in our nation between Black and white Americans II also likely had an impact on the about McCarrick’s sexual miscon- referred to allegations and rumors is not a societal problem; it’s a church problem. pope’s decision-making.” duct emerged and Pope Benedict about McCarrick’s “misconduct dur- The most segregated time in America is Sundays St. John Paul II “personally made asked him to step down in 2006. ing the 1980s and raised concerns at 11 a.m. the decision” to name him archbish- At the time, the summary said, that a scandal could result given that I believe we have to take seriously the com- op of Washington and a cardinal, it Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, then- the information had already circu- mandment of Jesus, “Go out and make disciples said. prefect of the Congregation for Bish- lated widely.” of all nations.” The word “nations” is actually The report also concluded that ops, told McCarrick “he should main- The archbishop, the report said, translated from Greek “ethnos,” which is where now-retired Pope Benedict XVI tain a lower profile and minimize noted that “the allegations remained we get the word ethnicity. When St. John had a did not initiate a formal canonical travel for the good of the church.” unproven,” but he suggested opening vision of heaven in the Book of Revelation, he process against McCarrick or even “While Cardinal Re’s approach a canonical process to investigate. said, “Behold, I see people of different races, na- impose sanctions on him because was approved by Pope Benedict Archbishop Vigano, who was ap- tions and tongues” (Rev 7:9). “there were no credible allegations XVI, the indications did not carry pointed nuncio to the United States So, our goal as Catholics should be this: I want of child abuse; McCarrick swore on the pope’s explicit imprimatur, were in 2011, was “instructed” in 2012 to my church on earth to look like the church in his ‘oath as a bishop’ that the allega- not based on a factual finding that conduct an inquiry into allegations heaven. This is how I want my parish commu- tions were false; the allegations of McCarrick had actually committed by a priest who claimed he was sex- nity, my K of C council, my Bible study group, my misconduct with adults related to misconduct and did not include a ually assaulted by McCarrick, the diocese and my nation to look, with every mem- events in the 1980s; and there was prohibition on public ministry,” the summary said. ber abiding in personal, intentional, consistent no indication of any recent miscon- summary said. Archbishop Vigano, it continued, relationship with each other. And until my earth “did not take these steps is like heaven, I have a lot of work to do. and therefore never placed himself in the position to FATHER JOHNSON is the pastor at Holy Rosary ascertain the credibility” of Church in St. Amant and vocations director for Classifieds the priest’s claims. the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Help Wanted Help Wanted

Diocese of Baton Rouge weeks, we will celebrate the birth of Catholic Schools Office GOSPEL  From page 2 Jesus Christ, king of the universe. What is our desire during the next four PRINCIPAL OPENING life as a ransom for many.’ For the weeks as we prepare for this celebra- 2021-22 School Year Christian, ‘to reign is to serve him,’ tion? How can we ask the Lord to feed particularly when serving ‘the poor our soul between now and Dec. 25? Are St. Catholic School and the suffering, in whom the church we asking God for the grace to grow Baton Rouge, LA recognizes the image of her poor and in love, mercy and peace? Do we seek St. Thomas More Catholic school seeks a joyful, faith-filled, dynamic, and visionary suffering founder.’ The people of God knowledge and wisdom of God? Are leader to serve as principal of our parish school, beginning in the summer of 2021. fulfills its royal dignity by a life in we going to Mass, reading the Bible, STM has a rich history of success in the Baton Rouge community, and the parish has keeping with its vocation to serve with or sitting in silence? What do you hope experienced revitalization in the past several years. We seek a leader who will continue Christ.” (Catechism paragraph 786) for this Advent? How can we invite the the positive momentum for our community as we move STM forward. We respond in this same dignity by be- Lord to show his face so we shall be The principal serves as the leader and chief executive of the school, reporting lieving in our Lord, and responding in saved? What are we thankful for in the directly to the pastor of STM Church. The ideal candidate will embrace and promote acts, works of mercy and sacrifices of midst of life? best practices in Catholic elementary education: spirituality, pedagogy, curriculum, student formation, etc. The ideal candidate will also be an excellent communicator our lives which bear the witness and My friend carves out time to sit on desiring to partner with parents, to support colleagues, and to nurture students. hope in God. her newly renovated back porch (dam- St. Thomas More Catholic School opened its doors in 1960 and was recognized as Hope in the glory aged by the 2016 flood). She shares a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2016. STM currently serves 675 Written on the human heart is the these times on social media as a way students in PK3 through 8th Grade. The faculty consists of 80 dedicated employees desire for happiness, the desire to be- of inviting us to “sit on the porch with including teachers, teaching assistants, two counselors, two resource teachers, a long. Belonging to God’s kingdom is God.” She notes the way God makes school nurse, and office staff. like no other. There is no greater glory his presence known to her, an example Mission Statement: than to live life in the Lord. It fulfills of his love. Jesus tells the disciples, St. Thomas More Catholic School is committed to continuing a legacy of excellence our innate desire to know, to be in re- “Be watchful! Be alert!” I invite you, in religious and academic education in a nurturing environment that fosters self-disci- pline. lationship, to love. As subjects of our this Advent season to be watchful and Applicants who meet the following criteria will be considered: king, we are invited to closely follow alert for the Lord. Look for God in the ● Practicing Catholic him, to love him, to serve him and to present moment, even in the shadows. ● Master’s Degree, able to meet LA non-public requirements love neighbor as we love God. As our From the break of day to the glistening ● Minimum of five years of experience in education, preferably in Catholic schools king, his riches pour out in drops of of the stars, become aware of the utter ● Demonstrated leadership ability, preferably in Catholic education blood, his life sacrificed for ours, the magnificence of God’s glory. Be alert in ● Must be available on or before July 1, 2020 sacrifice of all sacrifices, in order for anticipation of the celebration of the Mail resumé, letter of interest, philosophy of education, copies of all college transcripts us to share eternal life in the glory of Nativity of our king, our Lord Jesus showing degrees, and three letters of recommendation to: God. He came to save. In the power of Christ, a little baby, laid in a manger in Catholic Schools Office Attn: St. Thomas More Principal Search his scepter, the cross, upon which our Bethlehem, clothed in majesty of light. P.O. Box 2028 king wore a crown of thorns, is found He who came to save us. Him we adore, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 life-giving hope in the glory of God. for the kingdom the power and the glo- Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds, Encourage Talent, and Embrace the Future For the kingdom and the power and ry are his, now and forever. Amen. The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic the glory are yours, now and forever. origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educa- Amen! Dow is the director of the Office of tional policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered Hope in Advent Evangelization and Catechesis for the programs. And so we begin anew. In four Diocese of Baton Rouge. 16 The Catholic Commentator November 20, 2020

THANKSGIVING  pull it off and why not let the contest From page 1 rock and roll,” Acaldo said. “It is a lot of fun and it’s kind of a Capital other organizations to identify those City tradition to kick off Thanksgiv- in need and have those groups com- ing and Advent.” mit to picking up the meals as well as He said the carving contest leads be responsible for distribution. into the busiest time of the year at St. “We will get the meals out (to the Vincent de Paul, with the Thanksgiv- needy) in that way,” Acaldo said, add- ing weekend seeing a larger number ing he is “excited about the prospect of meals served to the homeless, then of being able to do that for those in dovetailing into the holiday season. need.” “We get to touch a lot of lives, and Sadly, he said, because of no indoor it’s very rewarding to see the impact seating the meals will not be all-you- on the lives of the people who are tru- can-eat, a tradition at Thanksgiving, ly in need,” Acaldo said. Christmas and Easter at the homeless He proudly noted St. Vincent de shelter. Paul Society also served the Baton “That is one of the downsides be- Rouge community in 1918 when a cause we do have some folks that Spanish flu pandemic created lock- will come and they are very hungry,” downs and mask wearing eerily simi- Acaldo said. “Being able to serve all- lar to that of current times. Admitted- you-can-eat is something we always ly, he is uncertain how the staff was enjoy.” able to provide the services but he is The popular turkey carving con- certain they “felt the uplifting feeling test, held the day before Thanksgiv- of being able to be there for someone ing, will also be held, with the contes- who was truly in need at the time.” tants appropriately social distanced. “It seems like 2020 is a year back The contest features local celebrities, and forth,” he ruefully added. “Hope- political officials and even sports -fig fully next year we can get back to the ures exhibiting creativity in showing norm.” CLERGY PRAYER SERVICE – Priests gathered at St. George Church on Nov. 6 for a Morning off their carving skills, trying to im- Meals will be served at the River Prayer of the Church led by Bishop Michael G. Duca. Bishop Duca blessed the Oil of Cate- press each other and the judges who Center from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and at chumens and the Oil of the Sick and consecrated the Chrism. Clergy members also renewed ultimately decide the winners. St. Vincent de Paul from 11:30 a.m. – their priestly promises. Photo provided by Father Chris Decker “We felt comfortable we could 1 p.m.

Share Your Blessings This Thanksgiving

In our nation, Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival, a time of gratitude, and an opportunity to share nature’s bounty with family and friends. On this day, no one went hungry. So much has changed since that first Thanksgiving, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the need to share God’s blessings with the less fortunate. On this special holiday, as we enjoy turkey and dressing, our favorite casseroles, and mouth- watering desserts, most of us will begin the meal with a blessing. In that prayer, we hope you will remember the poor and homeless men, women, and children who will be coming to St. Vincent de Paul for their Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving will look different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but good food will still be an important part of any small family celebration. As many of us plan our holiday menus, there are others who are wondering where their next meal is coming from. Many of them are living in homes where people have to skip meals or eat less to make ends meet. Some of them have no family or home. But on Thanksgiving Day, we want to make sure they have a place to turn for a holiday meal.

This year, we will be serving up a hot Thanksgiving to-go meal at our Dining Room and will continue the Holiday Helpers’ tradition as well. Sometimes, we are overwhelmed by the number of people who turn to St. Vincent de Paul for the nourishment they need. But these people are not numbers – they are real people in desperate situations. Many of them were struggling before the pandemic, and the impact of COVID-19 has been a devastating financial blow.

At St. Vincent de Paul, we are seeing firsthand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and our troubled economy. People who were living paycheck to paycheck are now living in poverty. Layoffs, rising prices and high unemployment rates are resulting in a growing number of people who can no longer make ends meet. Those are the people who are coming to us in desperate need of assistance.

Our lines are long at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room, but we are doing our best to meet the growing need.

During the upcoming holiday season, there are many people who are hungry and need a place to turn for help. St. Vincent de Paul is the only community kitchen that is open every day of the year, providing a hot lunch and a brown bag supper daily. This year, we will serve over 200,000 meals. The lines at our dining room are long, and we can only meet the need with the help of generous people like you. Please use the enclosed envelope to help the needy, or give online at svdpbr.org. BUILDING BRIDGES: Racial Healing and Transformation

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR NOVEMBER 20, 2020 2B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020

THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR Diocesan Mass Schedule Deadline ... DECEMBER 2

Bishop Stanley J. Ott shares a dinner with Black Catholics in this undated photo. Photo pro- vided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge Diocesan history in racial matters

First of a series archdiocese titled “The Morality of Ra- cial Segregation.” By Dan Borne In this groundbreaking document Special to he said, “racial segregation is morally The Catholic Commentator wrong and sinful because it is the denial of the unity and solidarity of the human In 1979, the United States Conference race as conceived by God in the creation of Catholic Bishops published a land- of and Eve.” mark letter on racism. Titled, “Brothers Thus in the decade prior to the awak- and Sisters to Us,” reminding the faith- ening of America’s conscience on dis- ful that “racism is a sin, a sin that di- crimination and the passage of federal vides the human family, blots out the im- civil rights legislation, this unapologetic age of God among specific members of statement challenged people to embrace that family and violates the fundamen- a radically different approach to race re- tal human dignity of those called to be lations. At the time the archdiocese in- children of the same father.” cluded church parishes that became the The bishops defined racism as “the Diocese of Baton Rouge, created in 1961, sin that says some human beings be- and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, lieve they are inherently superior and formed in 1977. others essentially inferior because Even before Archbishop Rummel’s of their race. It is the sin that makes ra- prescient pastoral, his directives in cial characteristics the determining fac- 1948 admitted two African American tor in the exercise of human rights.” students to in The used Scripture to assert New Orleans. In 1951, he ordered re- that racism “mocks the words of Jesus: moval of “white” and “colored” signs ‘Treat others the way you would have from churches and opened a new Cath- them treat you’ (Mt 7:12). Indeed, racism olic high school dedicated to educating is more than a disregard for the words young Black men in New Orleans. “ I know the plans I have for you, says the of Jesus. It is a denial of the truth of the In a 1953 letter “Blessed are the dignity of each human being revealed by Peacemakers,” he ordered the end to seg- Lord, plans for your welfare and not for the mystery of the Incarnation.” regation in the entire archdiocese. “Ever harm, to give you a future with hope.” The document is available at https:// mindful,” he said, “of the basic truth www.usccb.org/committees/african- that our Colored Catholic brethren share 29:11 american-affairs/brothers-and-sisters-us with us the same spiritual life and des- It’s nothing new for the church to tiny, the same membership in the mysti- speak boldly about racial divides and cal body of Christ, the same dependence the immorality of racism. Its contin- upon the word of God, the participation stjudecatholic.org ued leadership in this area has not only in the sacraments, especially in the most been important, it’s been essential. holy Eucharist, the same need of moral 225-766-2431 The Diocese of Baton Rouge’s history and social encouragement, let there be can be traced to the words of fearless no further discrimination or desegrega- 9150 Highland Road Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel of New tion in the pews, at the Communion rail, Baton Rouge, LA 70810-4096 Orleans. Nearly 65 years ago he wrote at the confessional and in parish meet- a pastoral letter to all parishes in the SEE HISTORY PAGE 10B November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 3B 7 Systemic racism continues through institutions, clubs By Richard Meek He said institution and sys- against African American girls The Catholic Commentator temic racism began with slav- braiding their hair. ery, which back then was a “It is normal in Africa, in Systemic racism remains written rule, a law. After slavery Haiti and all over the world for prevalent today, rooted in insti- ended, the reconstruction peri- Black girls to have braids in tutions, country clubs and even od began, ushering in new laws, their hair,” Father Johnson said. Catholic schools, according to essentially targeting former “It is a normative expression Father Joshua Johnson, pastor slaves and imprisoning them if for Black (girls) to have braids. at Holy Rosary Church in St. they did not have jobs. Black girls should not be forced Amant. Jim Crow laws followed, to perm their hair to go to Cath- Flipping the script on a prac- which Father Johnson said were olic schools.” tice that has endured for more written policies stating that He also questioned a Louisi- than four centuries lies with the white and Blacks could not eat, ana law criminalizing the wear- church and American Catholics, work, play, pray or stay in the ing of sagging pants. Admitted- Black Catholics gather during the African American Family Conference who Father Johnson said have same places. ly against the fashion, Father in 1990. Photos provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge been “mediocre, lukewarm and The civil rights acts of the Johnson questions the consis- cafeteria in general.” 1960s eradicated the Jim Crow tency of the law, especially since “They have allowed society laws, which ended direct insti- it is based on indecent exposure. to impact how they see people tution racism, but indirect insti- “There is no law against a who are different from them tutional racism continues today woman’s bra being shown,” he and how to treat people who are through practices and policies. said. “If it’s about indecent ex- different from them as opposed He cited as an example a posure there should be a law to the church influencing soci- country club in Metairie that up but the reality is most people ety, saying ‘this is not ok.’ When until the mid-2000s did not al- who sag their pants are Black. the church begins to address it, low Black people to be members. “If you’re going to have a law by becoming disciples of Jesus, “It was not a written rule, it about indecent exposure then by praying, then the world will was a practice,” Father Johnson every woman whose bra strap change,” Father Johnson added. said. is showing, whether it’s on their Father Johnson defined He noted the club changed its wedding day, in church or to go systemic racism as “practices policy only after Archbishop Al- to a ball game, needs to be fined which are unwritten rules, and fred M. Hughes wrote a pastoral as well or get jail time.” policies which are written rules, letter against racism, specifying Father Johnson also cited the that accommodate and give ac- that no Catholic church, school lack of diverse reading sources cess to some people for no other or organization could hold an for students attending public reason than because of the color event at a place that does not al- and Catholic schools as contrib- of their skin and discriminate low diverse membership. uting toward systemic racism. and alienate and deny access to He also cited specific policies He said even in seminary for- other people, namely people of at Catholic schools throughout mation, everything is “primari- color, for no other reason than the country as perpetuating ly taught from a white perspec- because of the color of their systemic racism, most notably a tive.” skin.” written rule that discriminates SEE RACISM PAGE 10B

Goldie C. Domingue, Attorney of Counsel

10636 Linkwood Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225-400-9976 Bishop Alfred C. Hughes (background) listens to the African American Mass Choir during the Martin Luther www.pwscottlaw.com King Jr. Ecumenical Prayer Service in January, 1995 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. 4B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020 Navigating the history of Black parishes

elcome to “On the Road to the river to St. James, and we’ll ride down parishes and what’s happening in them tracks in Thibodaux, the Southern Pacific Parish.” “the longest street in the world,” Bayou now. railway providing the demarcation line W Travel with me during the Lafourche, to visit parishes in Donald- In addition, when I was in formation between the white and Black parts of course of several issues of the The Cath- sonville and Bertrandville. We’ll visit for the diaconate, one of my classmates, Thibodaux. olic Commentator as we visit the African parishes in Baton Rouge and Deacon Ed Gauthreaux, St. Luke’s was staffed by the Joseph- American church parishes in the Diocese in Scotlandville that have was a member of St. ites (we’ll learn more about them in sub- of Baton Rouge. ministered to African Amer- Catherine of Siena Parish sequent columns) and my mother loved We’ll learn the differences between a icans for decades and have in Donaldsonville. He’s their preaching. In those days, you went civil parish, a personal parish and a terri- had tremendous impact on now assigned there as to church where Mama told you to go, so torial parish. We’ll review the histories of their faithful. a deacon. Deacon Ed’s our family attended Sunday services at each of our African American parishes, We’ll also travel to inciteful commentary on St. Luke’s. when they were founded, how they came parishes where worshipers his parish always proved There were just two other white into being, whether they currently have, traditionally were pri- fodder for interesting families in the pews. One of them, the or have had, schools associated with marily white but because discussion during our Freeman’s, owned a store near where St. them and whether they have cemeteries of demographics now are classes. Luke’s was located, and the other was a to honor their beloved dead. predominantly Black. It’ll But more funda- devout divorcee with her two little girls. We’ll learn about their courageous be interesting to see in what mentally, my interest in Her mother had broken her hip and clergy – Josephites, Jesuits, Divine ways liturgies have changed writing about the dio- could not navigate stairs leading to the Word and Missionaries of in those parishes where this cese’s African American front doors of St. Joseph’s there were no St. Paul, many of whom chose to come transition has occurred. On the Road parishes comes from accommodations for the handicapped in to Louisiana to minister to Black Cath- What’s driving my inter- my youth in Thibodaux. those days so she and her girls attended olics in communities which were totally est in getting to know our to the Parish There were two Catholic St. Luke’s. segregated and subject to Jim Crow laws African American parishes churches in town in the I guess you could say we integrated that cruelly discriminated against their better? Deacon Dan Borné 1950s and 60s. a Black church. Going to St. Luke’s was parishioners. We’ll hear their current Well, three of my col- One was St. Joseph’s providential though, because I would and parishioners talk about their leagues on the Diocese of (now a co-cathedral for marry one of those two little girls years vision for their vibrant parishes and Baton Rouge’s Racial Harmony Com- the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux) where later, my first having laid eyes on her at what they hope the future holds for their mission are pastors of African American white Catholics worshipped. The other St. Luke’s. families. parishes. Just visiting with them during was St. Luke’s, where Black Catholics The liturgy at St. Luke’s moved me We’ll trek upriver to New Roads, down the many months of our service has attended Mass. tremendously. I was taken by the deep the Mississippi River and across the piqued my interest in the history of their It was located on the other side of the SEE ROAD PAGE 10B

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2020 Louisiana SHRM Excellence in Diversity Award Winner 01MK7466 10/20 November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 5B 7 Baton Rouge should be model for racial harmony

By Richard Meek heels of officer-related incidents that led The Catholic Commentator to riots in other parts of the country. “We watched other places, perhaps Celebrated by a laudable history of af- with shock, and we never thought that fecting positive changes through peace- could happen in Baton Rouge,” Pierre ful protests, Louisiana, especially Baton said. “It happened because we failed to Rouge, should be setting the standard for check things early that showed behavior the rest of the country to building bridg- that was not productive. es of racial harmony, according to a local “We look at the situation involving the expert. Baton Rouge Police Department, you had But in the past few years, the peace of signs this could be a problem but people the past in the Capitol City has seemingly decided to turn the other way because of ceded to the tragic violence that has be- who was involved and connections and sieged the country in recent times. relationships. We should never let rela- “Now it is going toward whatever is tionships deter us from calling out things happening on the national trend, and that are wrong.” that is what we want to do, to the extreme But Pierre is encouraged because he which is not beneficial to people,” South- sees people of all color earnestly attempt- ern University Law Center Chancellor ing to work to improve racial relations. John Pierre said. “We have to set some He said part of the reasons is that Baton standards of what is expected in terms A choir sings during an African American Mass celebrated at Southern University in 1994. Rouge has the benefit of three higher ed- of behavior, decency in how we approach Photos provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge ucation institutional systems, including each other, how we treat each other. LSU, Southern, and the state community “This idea of constantly shouting, And in 1960, the famous “Southern 16” spectrum, we all get uplifted,” Pierre college system. showing up in places with guns because protest on the campus of Southern gar- added. “It makes us better economically, “Those systems provide opportunity we want folks not to do certain things, nered national attention in the early stag- spiritually, emotionally. And that is some- for interaction through education that al- all of those things of intimidation that go es of the civil rights movement. thing we must always be conscience of.” lows people to see that in our goals toward way back to another history, have to be Pierre also mentioned Louisiana’s 1724 Pierre believes Baton Rouge is a mod- self improvement you have space where stopped.” Code Noir, which, he said talked about el of diversity, equality and inclusion that people can interact and determine being Pierre has been disturbed by the spo- Black people and Native Americans in a can be shown to the rest of the state and around someone who is different from radic outbreaks of violence he has seen way different from others. the rest of the country as to how to recog- them from another race from a different because Baton Rouge is the seat of state Baton Rouge was also the scene of the nize each human’s value and helps folks cultural, demographic background, we government. first bus boycott in 1953, sit-ins and an or- reach their maximum as a human being. can all work together.” “By and large in comparison to other ganized boycott of downtown stores. But to be successful, he said the economic He said when people of good faith parts of the state, the opportunities in “We have had a history of having pub- and educational disparity that still exists come together they are trying to move the Baton Rouge are much more robust,” he lic protests in Louisiana when we see must be closed, including north Baton needle to improve their lives and the lives said. “Baton Rouge ought to be a place something that is not right,” Pierre said. Rouge, which he said has been long ne- of the people they interact with in the of destination where people come to find “We have been able to do it in a peaceful glected. community they come from. leadership, find a path forward for better manner in a way to affect change. Pierre said Baton Rouge “still has a When examining the history of Louisi- living, better lives. You have to lead by ex- “This is extremely important for us to long way to go” regarding racial relations, ana, Pierre added, most people, “whether ample.” understand how important a role Louisi- partly because of the lingering effects of they want to admit it or not,” have rela- Pierre stressed that the person who ana, and Baton Rouge plays. It shows we the Alton Sterling shooting. He called the tives of a difference race. He said Loui- shouts the loudest does not have the can lead the way in how folks can build 2016 shooting a “wakeup call” because it siana was a place with much interaction greatest impact. Rather, he said it’s when bridges when we have these divides that made residents much more conscience of that led to mixed race families. society works through difficult issues and have to be dealt with.” issues problematic in the community but “We cannot erase that history from develops resolution that allows people “We have to be able to recognize when that had been continually ignored. who we are today and politics cannot of color and ideologies to reach a point we uplift folks at the lowest end of the The Sterling shooting came on the erase that history,” Pierre said. where they understand each other and positive change be effective. “It takes work, grit and tenacity but we Bishop Alfred C. Hughes can do things and can create pathways to leads a procession at the be- resolve big issues,” Pierre said. ginning of the Mass. To Bish- Louisiana, he said, has always been op Hughes’ left is Father Lou- at the epicenter of racial history as well is Oubre and behind Father as history of racial justice. He said sev- Oubre is then-Father Shelton eral of the most important develop- J. Fabre, who is now bishop ments regarding racial equality have of the Diocese of Houma-Thi- Louisiana roots. bodaux. Pierre cited the Louisiana Railways Accommodations Act of 1890 requiring all railway companies carrying passen- gers on their trains in Louisiana to pro- vide “equal but separate accommodations for the white and colored races.” He also pointed out that the state was the center of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1896 landmark Plessy vs. Ferguson de- cision that upheld the constitutionally of “separate but equal” accommodations in segregated facilities. 6B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020 ‘Every fight is not a good fight’

By Debbie Shelley pared himself, he would succeed. The Catholic Commentator They are also people of faith. His dad was Catholic, and his mother attended Aubrey Jones encounters students a full-Gospel church. Through them he in the East Baton Rouge Parish School learned to respect everyone as a child of System who grapple with immense God, even if they may not know God or challenges within their families, peer heard the Gospel message. pressure and in understanding the di- Jones and his family enjoy the wel- vision and chaos defined as “normal” in coming embrace of ICC, where he is a society. member of the Knights of . Because his own life is firmly founded He said while he did not grow up around on faith and family, he brings students priests, ICC pastor Father Tom Clark the tools to help them turn their stories SJ is a very active presence and Jones’ of challenges to ones of success. family is blessed to have a relationship A native of north Baton Rouge and with Father Clark that “organically hap- member of Immaculate Conception pened.” Church in Baton Rouge, Jones graduated “(Father Clark’s) a brother,” said with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama Jones. and communications from the Universi- He also has the support of educators. ty of New Orleans in 2001. He worked in Jones said in high school his sociology media productions for radio, television Aubrey Jones, a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Baton Rouge, impacts the teacher and track coach equipped him and film for 10 years. lives of students, parents teachers and administrators as a specialist with the ICARE pro- and his peers with tools that would help Jones said during his late 20’s he gram. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator them be successful adults. wanted to do something more mean- “He would say simple things, like ‘You ingful in his life. He coached and taught certified in elementary education and In 2019, Jones was selected Teacher should go to college,’ ” Jones said. through the YMCA’s Abstinence Pro- special education. Gaining classroom of the Year at Westminster Elementary Having been pulled over by a police gram, visiting different schools each and more coaching experience, he at- School in Baton Rouge and was offered officer based on what Jones believes is week, and eventually became a substi- tended Nicholls State University in Thi- a job as a prevention specialist with the his skin color, he stresses it’s good to be tute teacher. bodaux and graduated with a master’s I CARE program, the alcohol drug abuse educated on how to handle oneself in Feeling the call to teach, he became degree in educational leadership in 2016. and violence prevention program for the those situations. East Baton Rouge Parish School System. “I know how to conduct myself – and It provides prevention education to stu- it turned out positive,” said Jones. dents in public, parochial and partici- “Sometimes you have to turn the Immaculate Conception pating private and charter schools in the cheek to survive the situation,” he said. areas of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, “Every fight is not a good fight. violence, crisis response and manage- “I have two sons (one is eight the oth- Catholic Church ment. Additionally, it provides support er is 11) and I tell them the same thing. services related to social-emotional ‘You have to be strong and wise.’ ” Baton Rouge, Louisiana learning. Jones cherishes the children of all “My new position not only allows races he works with. And they share me to teach various groups of students their struggles with him. about making healthy choices but I sup- During times of racial tensions, in- port principals, teachers and parents at cluding in Baton Rouge in 2016 when seven different schools in East Baton some children were traumatized by the Rouge Parish,” said Jones. police shooting of their neighbor Alton He has worked with St. Francis Xavi- Sterling, Jones said healing begins with er School in Baton Rouge, particularly conversing with the youth. through the Young Men of Character “Most of the time, young people want Program. someone to listen to them. They want While the specialists can plan their reassurance, they want to know that day, Jones pointed out, “We never know you value them. With that you can do so everything that will be needed until we much,” said Jones. “Sometimes you have pull up to the campus.” to let them vent. You never want them to Jones said he pursued a career in keep it inside.” education because there are not a lot of On one occasion a high school stu- male teachers in elementary schools, es- dent asked Jones why they had to study pecially Black men. American history. Jones pointed out Young acknowledges, “When I started studying history not only provides in- working, I was very young. I received a formation about the country’s past, but lot of adversity and I had to work hard to it is important to the future. get respect from my peers.” Jones said he has hope there for the But he turned those struggles into youth. He said youth are resilient and something positive to help his students. former students of his went on to suc- “It is rewarding to inspire them that cessful careers. They are the “movers ‘you can be anything you want to be,’ ” and shakers” of the world, he empha- “. . . that they may all be one . . .” said Jones. sized. His parents instilled confidence in “They can start a movement by cell him at an early age. They told him that phone in two days,” said Jones. “They – John 17:21 although he might look different from can make changes. We have to respect his peers, if he worked hard and pre- that.” November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 7B 7 Living the Golden Rule

By Debbie Shelley the junior daughters participated in for The Catholic Commentator Perry was visiting the Society of St. Vin- cent de Paul’s Bishop Ott Sweet Dreams In looking for solutions to racial di- Shelter for homeless women and chil- visions gripping the nation and world, dren in Baton Rouge. As the youth Halley Perry, a senior at St. Joseph’s dropped off blankets and other collected Academy in Baton Rouge, points to the supplies, clients came in and out and the simple and timeless Golden Rule. staff explained the circumstances that “So many times we get backed up into bring the needy there and the services seeing the world through only our own they receive. viewpoint,” said Perry, who urged peo- “I felt like I was part of something ple to ask themselves before they take very large,” said Perry. any course of action, “Is The future looks this something you would bright for Perry, who has want to happen to you?” been accepted to Loui- “Try to think about siana Tech University in how it would affect oth- Ruston, where she will ers. Put yourself in an- focus on the computer other’s shoes,” said Perry, sciences and philosophy. a member of the adviso- Her faith experienc- ry board of the Office of es inspire her to seek a Black Catholics. quality of life and oppor- A life-long member tunities for people of all of St. races. She participated in Church in Baton Rouge, discussions on racial di- Perry said her mother, Halley Perry versity action at SJA. Andrea Perry, and grand- “I want to see if they mother, Anna Perry, also members of St. are going to continue the effort and A group of African America students attending St. Augustine School in Plaque- Paul, influenced her commitment to the changes happen,” said Perry. mine gather to have their picture taken in this undated photo. Photos provided by the Catholic faith. Andrea Perry teaches re- She recently attended a virtual Day of Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge ligious education at St. Paul. Reflection about six African Americans Halley Perry grew up witnessing her on the path to sainthood sponsored by mother and grandmother actively par- the Office of Black Catholics of the Dio- ticipating in the church. cese of Baton Rouge. “My grandmother was a member of Perry most identified with Sister Thea the Knights of St. Peter Claver Ladies Bowman, who has been declared a Ser- Auxiliary (Court #351). She is part of vant of God. A Franciscan Sister, Sis- what prompted me to join the junior ter Thea gave presentations across the daughters,” said Perry, who is junior country. Her lively gatherings included grand lady for the junior daughters. singing, Gospel preaching, prayer and Mary Martin, counselor for the junior storytelling. daughters, also influenced her faith. Her programs focused on breaking “I started the junior daughters when down racial and cultural barriers. Sister I was seven years old, and she has been Thea urged people to communicate with there ever since,” said Perry. “She push- each other so they can understand other es me to be a better Catholic Christian.” cultures and races. Among the junior daughters’ projects “She was very outspoken and confi- is collecting supplies for those in need. dent in what she had to say,” said Perry. “It’s kind of joyous,” said Perry. “I admire that a lot. I try to do that so One of the most meaningful projects people can be heard.”

The Knights of Columbus lead a procession on Corpus Christi in 1988. 8B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020 Deacon Adams a trailblazer in local church history

By Richard Meek person that I am now. This is bad; that’s why I try to be more er, a single mother of five sons con Adams, who also drove The Catholic Commentator how you are supposed to be- of a healer than always criticiz- and a staunch Catholic, that he a school bus, began working have, not to try to please any- ing.” wanted to move back to Vach- part-time at St. Michael Church From humble beginnings body but just please the erie. in Convent, and has never left. rooted in the rich soil on both God that called me to do “I just couldn’t under- His life would change forever sides of the Mississippi River, this. stand it. Many times I when he attended a conference Deacon Alfred Adams’ trail- “Thank God for giving told my mom I am going that he believes the Holy Spirit blazing life has become his me that grace.” to the other side of the used to touch his heart. ministry, a career of working Deacon Adams’ 1990 river.” Deacon Adams felt a desire toward racial equality using the ordination was histor- But Deacon Adams’ to become a priest but knew Gospel as his vehicle. ic and nearly three de- mother, who recently that was impossible. Friends Confronted by racism at cades later he continues passed away, remained suggested he leave the Catholic an early age, when his moth- to embrace his role as steadfast in her commit- Church and become a Baptist er moved him and his siblings an inspiration for future ment to living in Lutch- minister, a realistic solution from Vacherie to Lutcher, Dea- men of color, living proof er, which would mark the since his wife had been raised con Adams has used life’s diffi- of what is possible when beginning of the racism Baptist. cult experiences as guide posts faith is one’s beacon. he would face not only in He knew his heart strived along his journey of becoming “Being the first Afri- his secular life but even for more but was uncertain of the first African American to be can American deacon in as an ordained clergy the answer. ordained a permanent deacon our diocese is something member. He recalls sit- “The calling was real but in the Diocese of Baton Rouge I will never forget,” said ting in the back of the why would God call me to be as well as a community leader Deacon Adams, who is church, complaining to a priest and I know I can’t be in helping bring racial harmony the director of the Of- his mother that he could a priest?” Deacon Adams won- to Baton Rouge. fice of Black Catholics. Deacon Alfred Adams not see the altar and dered. “That’s all I had in mind, Along the way, he has moved “Bishop (Stanley J.) Ott questioning why they to be a priest.” from sitting in the back of the (who ordained Deacon Adams) As an African American would always sit in the rear. Deacon John Veron, cur- church as a youngster to occu- pointed it out to me, I remem- male, Deacon Adams is a liv- She just told him to be patient rently the Director of Diacon- pying the front row with his ber him saying, ‘Alfred, I ap- ing witness to some of the most and let God “take care of it.” ate Ministry and Life for the wife of 47 years, or even being preciate you stepping forward.’ turbulent and difficult times in “When I look back, I say diocese, listened to Deacon Ad- on the altar assisting the cele- “I said, ‘I’m just a guy whom this country’s history. He first this woman planted the seeds ams and suggested to his good brant during Mass. God called.’ But now I look encountered racism as a youth- of faith in me,” Deacon Adams friend that he study to become “All of the stuff that hap- back and (realize) only the Lord ful six-year-old who had moved said. “Don’t try to understand a deacon. pened to me, I thank God for could have done it. It sounds from Vacherie to Lutcher with everything, just surrender to “I didn’t know anything it,” Deacon Adams said. “At the good.” his family. God. She built that faith in me.” about deacons,” Deacon Adams time I didn’t like it but now I “I’m a part of history,” he What he experienced was so It was during those early recalled with a chuckle. look back, it formed me to the added. “I can make this good or hurtful that he told his moth- years when he was forced to In 1985 he began studying learn some of life’s cruelest les- for the diaconate and was or- sons. When his older brother dained in 1990 at the age of died of complications from a 35, becoming not only the first football-related injury, Deacon African American deacon in Adams, 13 at the time, became the diocese but also one of the the man of the house. He was youngest. But even as a mem- left to tend to his younger sib- ber of the clergy, even wearing lings while his mother went to the vestments during Mass, work cooking and babysitting racism was at his doorstep. for others. He recalled one white church Deacon Adams took over member getting up and leaving many of the cleaning and cook- whenever Deacon Adams was The Pastor and Parishioners of St. Church, ing chores, with cooking being assisting at Mass, a love he has nurtured for de- “Some people still were cades. holding on to the church as a the Oldest African American Parish in Baton Rouge, “From that point, I did what white church,” Deacon Adams I had to do,” Deacon Adams, said. “Then you look at it and Support the Mission of the Racial Harmony Commission the father of three children, say, ‘Wait a minute. This is my including one deceased child, church, too. How can I contrib- in Building Bridges and Fostering Racial Healing and eight grandchildren and a two- ute to this church?’ ” year-old great granddaughter, In 1992, he attended the Na- Transformation. said. “I learned how to cook tional Black Congress in New and clean. You get up and do it Orleans, and shortly after be- every day. came involved with the Office Rev. Edward J. Chiffriller, SSJ, Pastor “I (also) knew I had to be the of Black Catholics. He was ap- breadwinner.” pointed director of the office in Dr. Peter Breaux, Parish Council Chairman After graduating from high 2005, and immediately formed school Deacon Adams found an advisory board comprised of employment at a chemical representatives from all of the plant. When he met his wife, predominantly African Ameri- they moved to Convent, where can parishes in the diocese. He she was raised, and began rais- said residents from such areas ing their own family. as Donaldsonville, Napoleon- It was during that time Dea- SEE ADAMS PAGE 11B November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 9B 7 Josephites’ mission dedicated to African Americans

By Kelly Alexander Patrick Healy, pastor of St. Au- Special to gustine, who is also a board The Catholic Commentator member of the Josephite Pro- Life, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Family St. Joseph may sometimes Committee. seem like an unsung hero of the It wasn’t until 1991 that a lo- Catholic faith. cal Josephite-founded church He isn’t quoted in the Gos- was led by an African American pels, and little is known about priest when Father William Nor- him beyond the accounts of the vel SSJ, was appointed the 14th Nativity and the finding of Jesus pastor of St. Francis Xavier. Fa- in the temple. ther Norvel would make history But he is honored as the again in 2011 when he became church’s first . And the first African American to be following the Civil War, when elected superior general of the American priests and bish- Josephites, headquartered in ops appealed to Rome for help Baltimore. in ministering to newly freed The irony isn’t lost on Fa- slaves, Pope Pius IX issued ther Norvel. Growing up in the the Negro Oath, solicited men racially divided South, he was who would pledge themselves initially discouraged from an- to serving the Black commu- swering God’s call to ministry. nity, and named the new order “Basically, Josephites priests the Society of St. Joseph of the were white,” he told the Mobile Sacred Heart more commonly Press-Register after his historic called the Josephites. appointment. “When I wrote my In 2021 the Josephites will bishop (at age 17) and told him celebrate their 150th anniversa- A gentleman displays a piece of art during an African American exhibit at St. Francis Xavier School in Baton I wanted to join the Diocese of ry. Rouge in 1987. Photo provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge Jackson, Mississippi, he told me “For over a century, the So- there was no place for me in the ciety of St. Joseph of the Sacred church.” Heart has dedicated itself toward just one example of the signif- built and established the first ern until the Jesuit order took His own pastor at the time, the needs of African Americans, icant impact the order has had parochial school in the diocese over in 1984. Father Edward Lawlor, who was especially to those of the spirit in Baton Rouge. The Josephite of Baton Rouge in 1920. In 2005, the Josephites es- white, had a different vision and the soul, deeply wounded mission first came to Louisiana By 1982, with more than 600 tablished the Josephite Hurri- and encouraged him to attend by racism and racial prejudice to take charge of the Black mis- students, it was the largest of all cane Recovery Center to address the Josephite seminary in New- and to shoulder with them in sions along Bayou Lafourche Josephite parochial schools in the needs of 10 Josephite parish- burgh, New York. Father Lawlor procuring justice and the nation. es, nine schools and thousands paid his way, and Father Norvel, solidarity,” Bishop John Meanwhile the of displaced parishioners who who went on to serve at churches H. Ricard, the Joseph- “For over a century, the Society Josephites were ac- were severely affected by Hurri- in Washington, D.C., Los Ange- ites’ superior general a tive in the surround- canes Katrina and Rita. les, Baltimore, Mobile, Alabama, native of Baton Rouge, of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart ing areas, open- For the past 15 years, the and even his hometown of Pas- said in a statement to ing St. Augustine recovery center has operated cagoula, Mississippi, said, “I Crux after the death of has dedicated itself toward the Church in a rented under the direction of Father persevered.” George Floyd in May. storefront in New “And (we) will continue needs of African Americans, Roads in 1922 and to do so until this land establishing a mis- lives up to its creed that especially to those of the spirit sion in Mix, also in Always pray to have eyes that all are created free.” Pointe Coupee Par- Bishop Ricard, a and the soul, deeply wounded by ish. 1958 graduate of St. The order see the best in people, Francis Xavier High racism and racial prejudice and to brought a more School in Baton Rouge, visible presence to a heart that forgives the worst, entered the Josephite shoulder with them in procuring Southern Universi- College Seminary in ty’s campus in the a mind that forgets the bad, Newburgh, New York justice and solidarity,” late 1960s when and was ordained to Father Rawlin B. the priesthood May 25, Bishop John H. Ricard Enette SSJ began and a soul that never loses 1968 by Bishop Robert Josephites’ Superior General celebrating Mass- E. Tracy at St. Francis es in a courtroom faith in God. Xavier Church in Baton Rouge. when the Augustinians left in of the law school building. Un- He earned his master’s de- 1911. der Father Enette’s leadership, gree from Tulane University in Seven years later St. Francis the Josephites constructed and New Orleans in 1970. Xavier was established. staffed a Newman Center, lat- In addition to his leadership Under Josephite leadership, er renamed the Martin Luther role with the Josephites, he St. Francis Xavier grew, ex- King, Jr. Catholic Center, for the St. Jean Vianney serves as president of the Na- tending its reach and service by university’s 1,500 or so Catho- tional Black Catholic Congress. opening missions in Plaquemine lics. Church and Schools Bishop Ricard’s vocation- and Scotlandville. The Joseph- The Josephites built a strong 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge al origins and national reach is ites at St. Francis Xavier also Catholic community at South- 10B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020

HISTORY  on the Church,” which was RACISM  white Catholics. Catholic Schools Office for the From page 2B promulgated on Nov. 21, From page 3B “If their stories can be promot- Diocese of Baton Rouge is cur- 1964. With Bishop Tracy’s ed in our church, if their causes rently exploring that possibility. ings, just as there will be no leadership, Paragraph 34 of “Even if you look at the his- be made more public, then Black He also encouraged Catholic segregation in the kingdom this major conciliar publi- tory of slavery, it is taught from Catholics can look at their lives schools to examine current pol- of heaven.” cation would read, “There a white perspective and glanced and say if they can stay with Je- icies and invite people of color In March 1962 he an- is, therefore, in Christ and over and made to look like it’s no sus in the face of persecution, to sit at the table to ensure sure nounced that Catholic in the church no inequality big deal,” he said. “Or Jim Crow then so can I,” Father Johnson there are not written rules that schools in the archdiocese on the basis of race or na- laws are not always being taught said. “But their stories can also discriminate specifically against were to be integrated the tionality, social condition in schools. We are not teaching inspire white Catholics to say ‘I Black girls and to also make sure following September. or sex, because ‘there is nei- the reality of what happened in don’t’ want to be like the many a school’s faculty looks like heav- The founding bishop of ther Jew nor Greek: there is our nation’s history.” white Catholics who chose to do en since heaven looks like people the Diocese of Baton Rouge, neither bond nor free: there Father Johnson said students nothing when they were being of different ethnicities. Bishop Robert E. Tracy, early is neither male nor female. at all levels, including seminari- persecuted. I want to be like the “When Catholic schools be- in his bishopric put not only For you are all one in Christ ans, are being exposed to white few white Catholics who chose to gan in our country they were the diocese but the world Jesus’ ” (Gal. 3:28; cf. Col. authors and few, if any, African accompany them and walk with not for the rich,” Father John- on notice that he would be 3.11). American authors, which he them.’ ” son said. “So why are our Cath- a pathfinder in the struggle Bishop Tracy also pub- called “problematic.” “Instead of our priests preach- olic schools accommodating rich to end racism and embrace lished a pastoral letter on “Our educational experience ing about politics all of the time people now? racial tolerance. As a vocal racism, presided over the is only being taught from one how about they preach about “Let’s look at policies. What participant in the Second total desegregation of dioce- perspective, not from a diverse these six candidate for sainthood are the requirements for people Vatican Council, Bishop Tra- san Catholic schools and de- perspective,” he said. “That is of African descent? That would to get into Catholic schools? Poli- cy spoke for all the Ameri- veloped a syllabus on racial what perpetuates the problem, inspire transformation.” cies need to change.” can Catholic hierarchy and harmony. He directed that the divisions that are in places Father Johnson also outlined Father Johnson urged Catho- urged the council to include it be distributed to teach- that need to be addressed by all a series of changes he believes lics to use their voice to fight un- the word “race” in a draft of ers “in grades seven to 12 to people.” need to be made in Catholic just practices, and to listen, learn a document that originally be used in providing moral Father Johnson said the schools, beginning with adding and pray and then acting because read, “There is no equality guidance for the children of church is the heart of the solu- diverse artwork and statues that “God does use prayer and fasting in Christ and in the church our schools in this import- tion, beginning with his fellow better reflect the school’s enroll- to transform people’s mind.” arising from nationality, so- ant matter of racial justice.” clergy members. He stresses ment and even heaven. “There is no such thing as a cial condition or sex.” Other bishops of Baton that educating Catholics about He said establishing a Black white heaven and a Black heav- His recommendation Rouge have also spoken such people as Blessed August Catholic curriculum must be en,” he added. “Everybody is in was enthusiastically ac- forcefully on racial mat- Tolton and five other Africans established now and added the heaven together.” cepted and appears in one ters. Their contributions to who are on the path to sainthood of the seminal documents the history of race relations is a crucial first step, saying that of Vatican II, “Lumen Gen- in the diocese will be dis- not only were they persecuted tium,” commonly called cussed in subsequent arti- by white Catholics in the church ROAD  companions On the Road to the “The Dogmatic Constitution cles. they were also helped by a few From page 4B Parish, help keep me between the lines and let me know what I’m spirituality of the Black parishio- missing. ners and their total dependence Buckle up for our first trip on God. The deep fountain of together! faith from which they drank was Deacon Dan Borné is a media an inspiration for me then, and it consultant to the Diocese of remains so to this day. Baton Rouge and a member of So I’m looking forward to the Racial Harmony Commis- revisiting that spirituality at sion. He is assigned to St. Jean the churches we’ll travel to over Vianney Church in Baton Rouge. the next several months. As my Email him at [email protected].

he Catholic community stands with all people who struggle for an end to racism and violence, in our families, in our places Tof worship, in our communities and in our world. We must continue to build bridges and we must confront rac- ism and violence with a commitment to life, a vision of hope, and a call to action.

Archbishop Kurtz President of the U.S. Bishop Conference, June 19, 2015 November 20, 2020 BUILDING BRIDGES The Catholic Commentator 11B 7

ADAMS  ety workshops, as well as as- From page 8B sisted in developing the Racial Harmony prayer. He said it’s “a ville and St. James told him they good prayer and I love it. But DIOCESAN PRAYER felt as if they were being left out. that prayer is supposed to be a He also reached out to a bridge, and a bridge is only as FOR RACIAL HARMONY Southern University student to good as its structure.” bring youth to the board. “If we don’t know how to talk “From there, that is how it got about race, it’s not going to hap- God our Father, You call us to love one another started,” Deacon Adams said, pen,” he added. “Racial sobriety noting how the office has expand- gives you your own voice. Je- as You have loved us. We pray for the conversion ed to host youth conferences and sus came with his voice, Mar- days of reflections, along with tin Luther King (Jr.) came with of hearts in our Diocese of Baton Rouge to bring helping African Americans over- his voice. Nobody can take that come issues that might arise in away from you.” their local churches. He is also working to encour- about racial harmony rooted in Your Son, Jesus Deacon Adams was a found- age more African American vo- ing member of the Racial Har- cations. Father Josh Johnson, Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, strip mony Commission, founded pastor at Holy Rosary Church in 2016 by Bishop Robert W. in St. Amant, is the only African us of our pride, mistrust and prejudices, so that Muench following a summer of American diocesan priest in the racial unrest and violence in Ba- diocese. we may be able to dialogue with one another to ton Rouge. Deacon Adams said he is He said one of the commis- working with the Knights of Pe- sion’s primary missions is to ter Clever and other organiza- build communities where justice, peace and love provide information to the Af- tions to help nurture those vo- rican American community, cations. flourish. We ask these blessings trusting in the hoping that information “can His is a career of many go from the head to the heart to achievements, an architect of infinite mercy of Jesus and the intercession of Mary start forming you as you are sup- bridging the racial divide that posed to be.” divides the community. But per- our Mother. Amen. To achieve that goal, Dea- haps his proudest moment was con Adams has developed and when Bishop Ott ordained him presented several racial sobri- into history.

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A message from Entergy Louisiana, LLC ©2020 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A diocesan liturgical dance troupe performs during an African American Mass at Southern University in 1994. Photo provided by the Archives Department | Diocese of Baton Rouge

16200_ELL Catholic Commentator Print Ad_5X6.5_O2.indd 1 2/11/20 1:23 PM 12B The Catholic Commentator BUILDING BRIDGES November 20, 2020

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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR | NOVEMBER 20, 2020 2C The Catholic Commentator CHRISTMAS 2020 November 20, 2020 Holiday spiritual and social events in the diocese Editor note: Parishioners must wear 30300 Catholic Hall Road Faith Formation Office 225-261-4650 Pictures with Santa mask at all indoor events. (I-12 Albany exit), Hammond St. George Church 7 p.m. Live Nativity Kleinpeter Activity Center Father Ryan Halford will speak on 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge “Holiness is Perseverance!” St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland Pricing available at st-george.org Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 225-567-3573 Church By Catholic Daughters Come and See the Word Made Flesh Mini 30300 Catholic Hall Road Office 225-293-2212 Advent Retreat (I-12 Albany exit), Hammond St. Gerard Majella Church December 9 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Seelos Hall “An Evening of Advent Reflection” 225-567-3573 December 16 5249 Maple Drive, Baton Rouge St. Benedict the Moor Church Taize Prayer Service Nov. 27 - Hope: The Faces of God 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville Prayer Around the Creche Dec. 3 – Love: The Kindness of God 6 p.m. Mass December 13 Holy Family Church Dec. 10 – Joy: The Word Made Flesh Rev. Ralph Asika MSP, pastor of St. Remembering Our Children Candlelight 474 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen Dec. 17 – Peace: Harmony and Unity Catherine of Siena in Donaldsonville 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Service 225-383-1838 will deliver the message. St. Church Facilitator Rev. Tat Hoang CSsR Confession before and after the Mass. 225-355-2553 14040 Greenwell Springs Road Music provided by the Inspirational Greenwell Springs Advent Evening of Prayer Choir. 6 p.m. St. Jean Vianney Mass November 29 985-513-3470 Everyone is invited to celebrate the life, 16166 S. Harrell’s Road, Baton Rouge love and light of children 7 p.m. Nativity Show Belinda Smith 225-753-7950 St. George Church December 12 who have died with their parents, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge family and friends. Kids in Ministry Christmas Party Church office 225-261-4650. After each Mass “Journey to Bethlehem” December 18 Nativities from traditional to exotic will St. Alphonsus Liguori Church Living Christmas Nativity Michael McDowell’s Christmas Concert be on display 14040 Greenwell Springs Road Most Blessed Sacrament Church St. Jules Church Office 225-293-2212 Greenwell Springs 15615 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose 9 a.m. – noon 6:30 p.m. – in the church 6 & 7:30 p.m. Limited to 120 children. Only 2 adults Tickets, only 250, can be purchased at Watch and listen from car, listen on December 6, 7, 8 per family. McDowellPianist.com or by contacting radio FM 90.9 Parish Mission Must register in advance at the church office at 225-752-6230 Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland Church alphonsus.org Keeping Your Loved One Home for the Holidays ...

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STAT Home Health: 225-769-4764 w St. Joseph Hospice: 225-769-4810 www.StatHomeHealth.net w www.StJosephHospice.com w www.LaCarpenterHouse.com November 20, 2020 CHRISTMAS 2020 The Catholic Commentator 3C 7 Penance Holiday Masses in the Diocese services in of Baton Rouge the diocese Editor note: Parishioners must wear 4 p.m. in church (capacity 350) 4 & 6 p.m. mask at all Masses. 4 p.m. in gymnasium (capacity 150) 225-627-5124 7 p.m. in church Midnight in church Christmas Vigil Masses Editor note: Parishioners must wear December 4 Belinda Smith 225-753-7950 St. Mark Church mask at all services. First Friday of Advent: 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales Praise and Worship Christmas Vigil Mass 4, 6 & 10:30 p.m. November 30, December 5, St. Elizabeth Church St. Gerard Majella Church 225-647-8461 119 Hwy. 403, Paincourtville 5354 Plank Road, Baton Rouge 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 6 p.m. 4 p.m. Christmas Vigil Masses Monday Nights of Advent Confessions Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 225-355-2553 St. Alphonsus Liguori Church St. Jean Vianney Church 14040 Greenwell Springs Road 16166 S. Harrell’s Road. Baton Rouge Christmas Vigil Mass Greenwell Springs Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 – 6-7:30 p.m. December 7, 8 St. Benedict the Moor Church 4 p.m. simultaneous Masses in church Saturday’s of Advent, 2:45-3:30 p.m. Feast of the Immaculate Conception 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville and family center Belinda Smith 225-753-7950 Holy Rosary Church 8 p.m. 6 & 8 p.m. in church 44450 Hwy. 429, St. Amant 985-513-3470 Office 225-261-4650 Dec. 7 – 6 p.m. December 2 Dec. 8 – 5:45 p.m. Christmas Vigil Masses Christmas Vigil Masses Advent Penance Service 225-647-5321 Holy Rosary Church Our Lady of Mercy Church Immaculate Conception Church 44450 Hwy. 429, St. Amant 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland Feast of the Immaculate Conception 4 & 6 p.m., midnight 2, 4 & 8 p.m., midnight 5 – 7 p.m. Immaculate Conception Church 225-647-5321 Deacon Richard Grant 225-926-1883 225-627-5124 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs Dec. 7 – 4 p.m. Christmas Vigil Masses Christmas Vigil Masses Dec. 8 – 8:30 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. Immaculate Conception Church St. Jules Church December 2, 9, 16, 23 225-665-5359 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland SEE MASS PAGE 6C Reconciliation during Advent Season Immaculate Conception Church Feast of the Immaculate Conception 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland 6 – 7:30 p.m. Blessings of the Advent 225-665-5359 Church 30300 Catholic Hall Road (I-12 Albany exit), Hammond Christmas Season! December 3, 10, 17 6 p.m. Monday Nights Advent Confessions Reconciliation Must sign up at November 30, 6:00-7:30 p.m. stmargaretstthomas.com St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland Church December 7, 14, 21, 6:00-7:30 p.m. 30300 Catholic Hall Road 225-567-3573 (I-12 Albany exit), Hammond Saturdays of Advent, 2:45-3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 225-567-3573 December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception ADVENT EVENING OF PRAYER Immaculate Conception December 16, 7:00 p.m. December 4 – 5 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland 24 Hours of Mercy Reconciliation Service Noon, 6 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE VIGIL MASSES 225-627-5124 Holy Rosary Church 4:00 p.m. in Church (capacity 350) 44450 Hwy. 429, St. Amant 6 a.m.; there will be a Taize Prayer Feast of the Immaculate Conception 4:00 p.m. in Gymnasium (capacity 150) Service at 7 p.m. St. Jean Vianney Church 7:00 p.m. in Church 225-647-5321 16166 S. Harrell’s Road, Baton Rouge 6:15 & 8:05 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Belinda Smith 225-753-7950 CHRISTMAS NIGHT MASS December 9 Midnight in Church Advent Reconciliation Service Feast of the Immaculate Conception St. Mark Church St. Benedict the Moor Church CHRISTMAS MORNING MASSES 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville 6:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 8:00 a.m. (live-streamed) and 10:00 a.m. 225-647-8461 985-513-3470

December 9, 16, 23 December 24 The Light is on for You Christmas Vigil Masses Our Lady of Mercy Church Most Blessed Sacrament Church 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge 15615 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge Parish Activity Room 4, 6:30 & 11 p.m. 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road • Baton Rouge • 225.753.7950 6 – 7:30 p.m. Church office 225-752-6230 Exit I-12 South on O’Neal Lane to S. Harrell’s Ferry Road. Deacon Richard Grant 225-926-1883 Take left. Church is 1 block on the right. Christmas Vigil Masses St. Jean Vianney Catholic School St. Jean Vianney Church St. Jean Vianney Early Learning and Growth SEE PENANCE PAGE 7C 16166 S. Harrell’s Road, Baton Rouge 4C The Catholic Commentator CHRISTMAS 2020 November 20, 2020

Diocese of Baton Rouge Seminary Scholarship Funds Favorite What is a Seminary Scholarship fund? Who do I contact to establish or contribute to a fund? A seminary scholarship fund is an invested sum of To create a fund or to make a contribution to an Southern money, the interest of which is used in perpetuity to existing fund, please send it to the Vocations and help fund the education of men studying for the Seminarians Department, P. O. Box 2028, Baton priesthood. Rouge, LA 70821-2028. How does someone establish a fund? For information, call 225-336-8778. holiday It is simple. A fund may be established and named for This is only a partial list of all Seminary Scholarship anyone you choose – Friend, family, bishop, priest, Funds. religious, etc. Anyone can name or establish a fund. Visit our website at www.diobr.org/vocations for a recipes complete list of Seminary Scholarship Funds. Scholarship Fund Contributions August thru October Crawfish Cornbread Dressing St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland Carolyn Milazzo In Honor of: Father Jamin David St. Agnes Church, Baton Rouge By: St. Margaret Kaycee Auxiliary $50.00 2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix In Memory of: Charles DeMars 2 eggs By: St. Margaret CDA Court #2678 $20.00 $15,894.80 1 1/3 c. of milk Tomorrows Priest 1 box Stove Top Chicken By: CDA Court St. #2079 Stuffing mix $300.00 $79,520.23 2 cans chicken broth Consider a gift Father Clarence Waguespack Jr. 1 can cream of chicken soup By: Our Lady of Peace Church $1,187.00 1 yellow onion, finely chopped that will last forever St. Philip Church $ 530.00 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped honoring or memorizing St. James Church $40.00 Green onions and garlic, to your loved one: Make a Chad/Erin Guillot $100.00 taste, finely chopped 1 1/2 sticks butter In Loving contribution to the seminary 2 lbs. crawfish tails scholarship fund of your choice. Memory of: Manuel J. Amedee Salt and pepper, to taste By: Claire Amedee honoring their Make cornbread according to 62 Wedding Anniversary $100.00 $21,803.00 package directions. Melt butter and sauté onion, bell pepper Additional Scholarship Funds and green onions until soft, then add garlic and sauté for just a Mr. & Mrs. A. X. Guillot ...... $20,000.00 minute or two. Add crawfish Archbishop Antoine Blanc Father Leo Guillot ...... $40,600.00 tails and seasonings. Add cream In Memory of: Joyce Aucoin Kathlyn Elise Heroman ...... $20,000.00 of chicken soup to crawfish and By: Joseph/Linda Daigle $10.00 Father Salvador Impastato ...... $20,000.00 vegetable mixture. In Memory of: Edmond Landry Jr. Alvy Dee and Rezette Alleman Jenkins Family Living/Deceased Crumble cooled cornbread By: KC Council #8878 $20.00 $22,303.31 ...... $10,000.00 and add in Stove Top stuffing mix Louis and Nita Bonfanti Alene Kaylor ...... $18,518.68 and chicken broth. In Memory of: Louis Bonfant Rev. Vincent Kleinpeter ...... $20,000.00 Pour crawfish mixture into By: Anita Bonfanti $100.00 $ 2,915.00 Father Wilfred Knobloch ...... $20,000.00 cornbread mixture and put in an Father David M. Chauvin Mr. & Mrs. Albert J. Koppel ...... $20,000.00 oven proof baking dish. Bake at By: CDA Court St. Philip #1504 $100.00 Father John Koppel ...... $20,115.00 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Our Lady of Peace Church 161.00 Knights of Columbus Council 9016 ...... $75,000.00 In Memory of: Father Louis Oubre Monsignor Paul Landsman ...... $20,000.00 By: St. James Church $725.00 Gerald T. Leblanc ...... $20,475.00 Squash Casserole Our Lady of Peace Church $279.00 Edith Louise Leonard ...... $10,000.00 Carolyn Milazzo St. Philip Church $1,032.00 $16,550.16 Madonna Chapel ...... $15,711.12 St. Agnes Church, Baton Rouge Father Michael “Mike” John Collins Monsignor Louis E. Marionneaux ...... $20,000.00 1 pkg. shredded cheddar cheese In Memory of: James O’Beirne and Carolyn Debach Monsignor Louis E. Marionneaux #2 ...... $20,000.00 2 lbs. fresh yellow squash, By: CDA Court Regina Coeli #2063 $60.00 Fathers Martens & Perino ...... $24,095.00 sliced In Memory of: Father Michael “Mike” John Collins Thomas Beatty Mary ...... $18,483.63 1 stick butter By: CDA Court Regina Coeli #2063 $30.00 $2,665.00 Dr. McCaa and Monsignor Marionneaux ...... $20,000.00 1 med. onion and a little green Father Maynard E “Tippy” Hurst Father Charles McConville ...... $20,000.00 onion, chopped In Memory of: Susan Hoffman John McGinnis ...... $6,238.46 1 pkg. Jiffy cornbread mix Linda Musso Father Joseph E. McLaughlin ...... $20,424.06 1 egg Robert Watts Deceased Members of KC Council #3298 ...... $6,721.39 2/3 c. milk Dot Thibodeaux Deceased Members St. Alphonsus KC Council #3331 . $20,000.00 Boil or steam squash until Ben Crifasi Deceased Members of KC Council #4030 ...... $20,000.00 tender. Drain and mash and try Paul Tassin Deceased Members of Pierre Part KC Council #5352 ...$1500.00 to remove as much moisture as Kitty Alford Deceased Members of St. Gabriel Ladies Altar Society $3,800.00 you can using paper towels. By: Ct. St. #1915, Barbara Schmitt, Gay Father Patrick Miller ...... $20,000.00 Sauté onion in the butter. Montealegre, Teenie Bajon $143.00 $16,802.00 Mary Catherine Muench ...... $1,675.00 Prepare cornbread muffins Monsignor Leonard Robin Murphy and Wallace Families ...... $1,656.42 according to package directions; By: CDA Court St. John #1214 $100.00 $21,874.16 Monsignor Charles J. T. Murphy ...... $20,000.00 let cool, then crumble. Mix onions, squash and

SEE RECIPES PAGE 5C November 20, 2020 CHRISTMAS 2020 The Catholic Commentator 5C 7  eggnog instead of regular milk. mixture evenly over the fish and 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg RECIPES Refrigerate until it just starts pat into the flesh. Cover the dish 1/2 tsp. pepper 12 oz. chocolate chips From page 4C to thicken. Once the pudding with clear plastic film and set 2 eggs Preheat oven to 350F. 1 c. half and half cornbread. Put in greased mixture starts to thicken, gently a weight on top (a board upon Mix first 3 ingredients fold in the whipped cream. Mix which several heavy cans are 1 c. breadcrumbs together in a bowl and set aside. casserole dish. Top with as much 2 med. onions thoroughly. placed). Cream butter or margarine, or as little of the cheddar cheese Peel and chop the onions and In a trifle bowl put one layer Refrigerate for a least 48 sugar and brown sugar until as you like. Bake at 350 degrees set aside. of the cake; pour half of the hours, spooning juice that fluffy. Add vanilla, mix well. Add just until hot and cheese is Blend beef, pork, salt, pepper, strawberries on top then one half develops over the fish from time egg, mix well but don’t over mix. melted. eggs, half and half, breadcrumbs of the pudding/whipped cream to time. The fish will keep for Add dry ingredients to wet in a large bowl. Shape into mixture. Repeat the layers. about a week but will become too mixture, a little at a time until meatballs (about 3/4 inch Peggy’s Molded Top with the reserved whipped salty. well mixed. diameter) with moistened hands. cream. Decorate with some To serve, slice the fish thinly Drop on a pan with parchment Cook by placing in shallow Cream whole strawberries or anyway across the grain on a diagonal to paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or Carolyn Milazzo baking pan filled with 1/4 cup of you like. Refrigerate until ready the skin. Arrange on a platter and until lightly brown. water in a 450 degree oven until St. Agnes Church, Baton Rouge to serve. serve with crisp bread (Knacker When cookies are done put on browned, about 15 minutes. 8 oz. sour cream brod). Serve with Sweet Mustard aluminum foil or a cooling rack. When the meatballs are 1 c. whipping cream Sauce. 3/4 c. granulated sugar Broccoli with Ham browned, remove from the pan 1 envelope unflavored gelatin Sweet Mustard Sauce and place in a large bowl. Carolyn Milazzo 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard Italian Olive Spread 1/4 c. tap water Add more water to the pan Christine Richardson 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese St. Agnes Church, Baton Rouge 1 Tbsp. sugar 2 pkg. frozen broccoli spears 1 1/2 tsp. wine vinegar if needed and scrape up all the St. Patrick Church, Baton Rouge 1/2 tsp. vanilla browned meat clinging to the Optional: Frozen mashed 1 c. cooked ham, cubed 1/2 tsp. salt 8 oz. cream cheese, softened pan and put into a saucepan. strawberries with juice or other 1 med. yellow onion, finely 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh dill 1/2 c. mayonnaise fruit with liquid of your choice chopped 1/3 c. salad oil (It will take several batches to 1 c. Boscoli Italian Spread 3 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. juice from the olive jar Brush one 4 cup or eight 4 Mix all ingredients using a cook all of the meatballs so you 3 Tbsp. all purpose flour fork gradually beat in. will end up with several cups of Dash of ground pepper ounce decorative molds lightly 1 1/2 c. half & half 1 c. pecan chips with vegetable oil. Set aside. pan drippings.) 1 tsp. brown Creole mustard Add the chopped onions and Mix all ingredients well and Combine sour cream and Dash lemon pepper Erick’s simmer until the onions are refrigerate for an hour or more. whipping cream in medium size 2 Tbsp. parsley, minced Try this spread for pan. Stir in sugar. Place pan over 1 small can mushrooms, “Inlagd gurka” cooked. Pour the onion gravy over the meatballs and serve hot. sandwiches, on crackers, on pita low heat to warm, do not let it drained chips or spread on a big lettuce 2-3 slices Swiss cheese, grated (pickled fresh come to a simmer. leaf. Sprinkle gelatin over water Cook broccoli according to cucumber) Cajun in a cup to soften then place in package directions. Drain very Erick M. Swenson a saucepan with hot water to well. St. Joseph Cathedral Bigmommachicken’s Cotton Candy Salad dissolve and liquefy gelatin. Once Place broccoli spears in rows Christine Richardson Baton Rouge Chocolate Chip gelatin is dissolved pour into the in greased baking dish. St. Patrick Church, Baton Rouge warmed cream mixture and Sauté ham and onion in butter 2 cucumbers, each about 7 in. long Cookies 20 oz. can pineapple, drained remove from heat. until onion is soft. Remove onion 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped Janet Grimball 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, and ham from pan leaving fat. Beat cream cheese in a large ½ tsp. dill seeds St. John The Baptist Church drained Add flour to pan and blend well. bowl with an electric mixer until 1/2 c. vinegar Zachary 21 oz. can strawberry pie filling soft and fluffy. Gradually stir Add milk and cook slowly until 21 oz. can cherry pie filling 1/4 tsp. salt 2 c. all purpose flour cream mixture into the cream thickened. Add mustard, lemon Dash of white pepper 2 c. fresh blueberries 1 tsp. baking soda 2 c. miniature marshmallows cheese and stir in the vanilla. pepper, parsley and mushrooms. 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped 1/2 tsp. salt Mix thoroughly. Pour into the Cook for a few minutes, blending 2 Tbsp. water 1 c. pecans, chopped 2 sticks butter or margarine, 14 oz. can sweetened condensed prepared molds. Refrigerate at well. Return ham and onions to 2 Tbsp. sugar softened milk sauce and then pour sauce over Clean cucumber, and cut off least four hours. 1/2 c. sugar 8 oz. Cool Whip Once mixture is firm remove broccoli spears. Sprinkle grated the ends. The peel may be left on 3/4 c. brown sugar from the molds and, if you like, cheese on top. Bake 350 degrees and scored from end to end with 2 tsp. vanilla SEE RECIPES PAGE 6C top with the thawed strawber- for 25 minutes. a fork prior to slicing. ries (or other fruit of your choice) Slice the cucumber into very free set of Advent Candles with with juice or eat plain. thin slices and place the slices in select wreaths* Erick’s a glass dish. *Through Advent 2020 Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, “Gravad Lax” Ornaments & Gifts Eggnog Trifle salt, dill seeds and pepper Nativities • Wall Art Carolyn Milazzo (dill cured salmon) thoroughly then sprinkle over the St. Agnes Church, Baton Rouge Erick M. Swenson cucumber slices in the dish and 1 angel food cake St. Joseph Cathedral blend, being careful not to break 1 small pkg. vanilla instant Baton Rouge the cucumber slices. Sprinkle pudding 2 lb. center section salmon fillet the chopped parsley and fresh 1 pt. whipping cream Fresh dill dill over the top and chill for 2-3 2 c. Kleinpeter eggnog Traditional Polish 1 tsp. dried dill hours before serving. Christmas Wafers • 2 c. smashed strawberries with 2 Tbsp. salt Children’s Advent Activities juice (or canned peaches with 1/4 c. sugar syrup) 12 whole black peppercorns Dorothy’s Replacement Advent Candles Available Cut angel food cake in half so 1/4 tsp. allspice “Sma Kottbullar” that you have two thinner round Place a layer of fresh dill in Shop Local & Experience our Large cakes. the bottom of a glass dish in (small meatballs) Selection of Advent & Christmas! Whip whipping cream which the salmon fillet will fit in Erick M. Swenson until stiff peaks form. Catholic Art & Gifts compactly. Place the fillet, skin St. Joseph Cathedral Refrigerate until ready to use. side down on top of the fresh dill. 6184 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge Set aside enough whipped cream Baton Rouge Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm; Sat. 9:30am - 4:30pm Mix the dried dill, salt, sugar 1 lb. ground beef to cover the top of the trifle. and allspice. Distribute the (225) 926 - 1216 • www.zieglers.com Make vanilla pudding using 1 lb. ground pork 6C The Catholic Commentator CHRISTMAS 2020 November 20, 2020 RECIPES  Ways to give to those in need this holiday season From page 5C

This time of year people focus on giv- Donations can be sent to Good Fel- dropped off at the BR Clinic, Albertson’s, Combine all ingredients in a bowl, ing to others. Because of current economic lows-Good Samaritans, P. O. Box 80135, Home Bank or SVDP. Donations can be de- mix well. Chill until serving time. conditions, many people will not be able to Baton Rouge, LA 70898. livered to the Bishop Ott Shelter, 1623 Con- Yield: 8-10 servings. give presents nor will they be in a position Society of St. Vincent de Paul vention St., Baton Rouge. to receive gifts from those close to them. Annual Bishop’s Gift Distribution St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal Many people are in desperate need of the Children who won’t have the opportuni- Financial support given to St. Vincent Holiday Hunks Cookies basics of life: food, warm clothing, medica- ty to sit on Santa’s lap and who won’t receive de Paul allows the agency to provide food, (A mouth full of Christmas Cheer) tion and personal hygiene items. a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve will be shelter and health care to thousands of peo- Tracy Landry Crow Catholic Charities able to visit with Bishop Michael G. Duca ple each year through many direct services. St. Thomas More Church, Baton Rouge of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and receive a gift from him. These children Contributions can be sent to St. Vincent de 1 c. softened butter Keep Christmas Lights Shining Bright live at the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Paul, P. O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 1 1/2 c. sugar Catholic Charities sponsors this program Shelter or eat at the St. Vincent de Paul or online at svdpbr.org. 3 eggs to help pay for utility bills of struggling Dining Room and depend on St. Vincent de Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank 1 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 2 Tbsp. families or individuals during the winter Paul for their health and well-being. New Donating Food hot water months. Contact Catholic Charities of the toys can be dropped off at 220 St. Vincent While purchasing food for a Thanksgiv- 3 c. flour 1 tsp. cinnamon Diocese of Baton Rouge at 225-336-8700 de Paul Place, Baton Rouge. ing or Christmas dinner at a local grocer, or donate online to the Christmas lights 1 tsp. cloves St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room pick up a few additional items and place 1 1/2 c. chopped pecans program at catholiccharitiesbr.org With the meal count going up at the them in the Food Bank Barrel after check- 1 1/2 c. raisins Good Fellows-Good Samaritans St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room, donat- ing out. 1 pkg. chopped dates Good Fellows-Good Samaritans brings ed food items are critical to providing a Financial Contributions 1/2 c. chopped maraschino cherries Christmas gifts to children in East Baton hot meal 365 days of the year. The Dining A $1 donation to the Greater Baton (both red and green) Parish whose families are not able to pro- Room is in urgent need of rice, sugar, dry Rouge Food Bank provides 10 meals be- Mix butter and sugar until creamy. vide Christmas presents for them. Each beans, spaghetti, and all types of canned cause the dollar can generate $12.14 worth Add eggs and soda and mix. Add flour year, they purchase clothing, books and vegetables and fruits. During the holiday of food. Donations can be made any time of and spices. toys for children. GF-GS is part of the Sun- season, there is also a need for ham, turkey year through brfoodbank.org or by sending Stir in fruit and nuts. Drop by tea- rise Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, and 100% and the trimmings that go with these. a donation to the Greater Baton Rouge Food spoon on greased cookie sheet. Bake at of all proceeds pay for the clothing, toys and Bishop Ott Shelter Collection Campaign Bank, 5546 Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes for chewy books that are purchased. Both individual Men’s and women’s toiletry items, di- 70805. The Food Bank serves people in 11 cookies, 10-12 minutes for crisp cook- and corporate donations are appreciated. apers, gloves, caps and underwear can be civil parishes in this area. ies. Keep her Christmas lights shining all year.

Donate to “Christmas Lights Utility Assistance” at www.CatholicCharitiesBR.org or call 225-336-8700. November 20, 2020 CHRISTMAS 2020 The Catholic Commentator 7C 7 MASS  Christmas Day Masses p.m. (both Vietnamese) Solemnity of Mary, Mother of 30300 Catholic Hall Road St. Jean Vianney Church Rev. Tan V. Nguyen (I-12 Albany exit). Hammond From page 3C God Mass 16166 S. Harrell’s Road 225-354-4800 St. Jean Vianney Mass 6 p.m. Must sign up at 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose Baton Rouge 16166 S. Harrell’s Road 8 (lived streamed) & 10 a.m. in Christmas Day Masses Baton Rouge stmargaretstthomas.com 2:30 p.m. (no music), 6 p.m. 225-567-3573 Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 church Immaculate Conception Church Dec. 31, 4 p.m. Belinda Smith 225-753-7950 865 Hatchell Lane Jan. 1, 8:30 a.m. (live- Christmas Vigil Mass Denham Springs streamed) 7, 9 & 11 a.m. January 2, 3 St. Elizabeth Church Christmas Day Masses Belinda Smith 225-753-7950 225-665-5359 Epiphany of the Lord 119 Hwy. 403, Paincourtville St. Alphonsus Liguori Church St. Jean Vianney Church 4 p.m. 14040 Greenwell Springs Road 16166 S. Harrell’s Road Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 Greenwell Springs Christmas Day Masses January 1 8 & 10 a.m. in church St. John the Baptist Church Solemnity of Mary, Mother of Baton Rouge Office. 225-261-4650 Jan. 2 – 4 p.m. Christmas Vigil Masses 402 S. Kirkland, Brusly God Mass 4 & 6 p.m. Jan. 3 – 7:30, 9:30 (live- St. and Le St. Benedict the Moor Church 225-749-2189 streamed) & 11:30 a.m., Van Phung Parish Christmas Day Mass 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville St. Gerard Majella Church 10 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 2305 Choctaw Drive Belinda Smith 225-753-7950 Baton Rouge 5354 Plank Road, Baton Rouge Christmas Day Masses 985-513-3470 10 a.m. St. Margaret, Queen of 4 (English) & 7:30 p.m. Epiphany of the Lord (Vietnamese) 225-355-2553 Scotland Church Solemnity of Mary, Mother of St. Anthony of Padua and Le Caroling 3:30 p.m. 30300 Catholic Hall Road God Mass (I-12 Albany exit), Hammond Van Phung Parish Rev. Tan V. Nguyen Christmas Day Mass St. Augustine Chapel Midnight, 10 a.m. 2305 Choctaw Drive, 225-354-4800 Holy Rosary Church 174 Hwy. 1003, (Klotzville) Must sign up at Baton Rouge 44450 Hwy. 429, St. Amant Belle Rose stmargaretstthomas.com Jan. 2 – 4 p.m. (English) Christmas Vigil Masses 9 a.m. 8 a.m. 225-567-3573 Jan. 3 – 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church 225-647-5321 985-513-3470 5 p.m. (Vietnamese) 865 Hatchell Lane Rev. Tan V. Nguyen Denham Springs Christmas Day Masses Christmas Day Mass New Year’s Masses St. Thomas Chapel 225-354-4800 3, 5 & 7 p.m., midnight (with Immaculate Conception Church St. Anthony of Padua and Le 32191 Hwy. 22, Springfield prelude music at 11:30 p.m.) 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland Van Phung Parish 8 a.m. 225-665-5359 8 & 10 a.m. 2305 Choctaw Drive Must sign up at THE CATHOLIC 225-627-5124 Baton Rouge stmargaretstthomas.com Christmas Vigil Masses 10 a.m., 12:30 & 5 p.m. (all COMMENTATOR 225-567-3573 St. John the Baptist Church Christmas Day Masses Vietnamese) Rev. Tan V. Nguyen Diocesan 2021 402 S. Kirkland, Brusly St. Mark Church Christmas Day Masses 4 & 6 p.m. 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales 225-354-4800 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 225-749-2189 9:30 & 11 a.m. Mass Schedule 225-647-8461 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge Solemnity of Mary, Mother of 10 a.m. Deadline Christmas Vigil Masses 225-387-6671 God Mass St. Margaret, Queen of Christmas Day Masses St. Margaret, Queen of DECEMBER 18 Scotland Church Our Lady of Mercy Church Scotland Church 30300 Catholic Hall Road 445 Marquette Avenue December 31 (I-12 Albany exit), Hammond Baton Rouge Solemnity of Mary, Mother of 4 & 6 p.m. 7 & 10:30 a.m., noon God Mass Must sign up at Deacon Richard Grant 225-926-1883 St. Thomas Chapel stmargaretstthomas.com 32191 Hwy. 22, Springfield 225-567-3573 6 p.m. Christmas Day Masses Must sign up at Christmas Vigil Masses St. Elizabeth Church stmargaretstthomas.com Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 119 Hwy. 403, Paincourtville 225-567-3573 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge Midnight, 10:30 a.m. (no music) 3 & 5 p.m. Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 225-387-6671 Christmas Day Mass December 31, St. Jules Church January 1 December 25 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose Solemnity of Mary, Mother of Christmas Day Mass 8:30 a.m. St. Benedict the Moor Church Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 God Mass 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville Immaculate Conception Church 10 a.m. Christmas Day Masses 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland 985-513-3470 St. Anthony of Padua and Le Dec. 31, 4 p.m. Van Phung Parish Jan. 1, 8 a.m. PARTY TRAYS AVAILABLE! Christmas Day Mass 2305 Choctaw Drive 225-627-5124 St. Augustine Chapel Baton Rouge 174 Hwy. 1003, (Klotzville) 8 (English), & 10 a.m., 12:30 Belle Rose 8 a.m. ORDER TODAY FOR YOUR HOLIDAYS 985-513-3470

Christmas Day Mass PENANCE  Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 Most Blessed Sacrament From page 3C Church December 17 15615 Jefferson Hwy. December 15 Reconciliation Baton Rouge Reconciliation St. Jules Church 9:45 a.m. St. Elizabeth Church 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose Church office 225-752-6230 119 Hwy. 403, Paincourtville 5 – 8 p.m. 6 p.m. Wendy Ourso 225-473-8569 8C The Catholic Commentator CHRISTMAS 2020 November 20, 2020

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