Catholic Connection March 2010

VOL. 19, NO.8 MARCH 2010

Lenten Message from Pope Benedict XVI, pg. 9

St. Pius X Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Church, pg. 10

Teen Rally Encourages Young Catholics to "Be Strong. Be Courageous." pg. 17

Annunciation

Lordof the

pg. 12

For a free subscription, address changes or article submissions:EMAIL: [email protected]: Catholic Connection

The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104

CALL: 318-868-4441 OR 800-256-1542 FAX: 318-868-4609WEBSITE: www.dioshpt.orgThe Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

Publisher Bishop Michael G. DucaEditor Jessica Rinaudo

Regular Contributors

Featured Writers

Cathy CobbRev. Charles Glorioso

Kim LongKelly Phelan

Dianne RachalChristine RiversChristie Weeks

John Mark Willcox

The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith com-munity.

Our Diocese is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals as a Non-Profit Organi-zation capable of giving Immigration Legal Advice. We offer Immigration Professional Services to Low-Income Families. To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for an Immigration benefit, please contact Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz at 1-800-256-1542, ext. 265 or 318-219-7265 or email [email protected]

Editorial Board

Bishop Michael DucaKim Long

Missy McKenzieLucy Medvec

Rosalba QuirozDianne Rachal

Fr. David RichterJessica RinaudoChristine Rivers

Sr. Martinette RiversKatie Sciba

John Mark Willcox

Sr. Patricia CairnsBilly CoenenKaren Dill

Fr. Adrian FischerCarol Glatz

Gary GuinigundoJeanette Lay

Lori MainieroNancy Miller

Deacon Clary NashKelly PhelanJane SnyderJan Wilson

Cindy Wooden

From the Chancellor

On the Cover: Statue of Mary and Jesus taken at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church. (Photo by Jessica Rinaudo).

Official appOintments

Bishop Duca has appointed Fathers Francis Kamau and Henry Kiggundu, both

Franciscan Missionaries of Hope, as parochial vicars at St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport, effective January 19, 2010.

lenten infOrmatiOn

Catholics believe the Lenten Season is to be a time of penance, fasting and

almsgiving in preparation for the coming of Easter. The precepts of the Church include observance of certain days of fast and abstinence. During Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. Fasting permits one full meal and two smaller ones. Persons from ages 18 through 59 are to observe the fasting regulations. For Catholics age 14 and older, Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence when the eating of meat is prohibited. Persons with certain health conditions or those

for whom the rules of fast and abstinence may pose any danger are excused from observance and asked to perform other acts of penance and charity.

REMINDER: Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 14, 2010. Sunset on Holy

Saturday, April 3, 2010, is at 7:36 p.m. Easter Vigil Services may begin after sunset.

Lenten Reconciliation Services, Western Deanery

• Tues., March 2 at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 7:00 p.m.

• Wed., March 3 at Mary, Queen of Peace Church, 6:00 p.m.

• Mon., March 8 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Tues., March 9 at St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Wed., March 10 at St. Joseph School, Shreveport, 9:45 a.m.

• Tues., March 11 at St. Pius X Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Thurs., March 18 at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Thurs., March 20 at Christ the King Church, Bossier City, 10:00 a.m.

• Mon., March 22 at Holy Trinity Church, 6:00 p.m.

• Tues., March 23 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 6:30 p.m.

• Wed., March 24 at Holy Family Chapel, 5:30 p.m.

• Fri., March 26 at St. Jude Church, 5:00 p.m.

Lent is a 40-day liturgical season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. Let us also approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year in a way in which our attention to Christ and

His Word may be broader and deeper. If your parish is not listed on the schedule please call your church for date and time.

Fr. Francis Kamau and Fr. Henry Kiggundu celebrate Mardi Gras at St. Mary of the Pines Church in Shreveport.

March 2010 Contents

From the Chancellor by Christine Rivers ...............................2

Lenten Reconciliation Services, Western Deanery .................2

Bishop Michael Duca’s March 2010 Schedule .......................3

Bishop’s Reflection by Most Reverend Michael G. Duca ......4-5

Record Crowd for Liturgical Conference on Translation of the Roman Missal by Jessica Rinaudo ..................................6

Liturgy Lines: Come, Let Us Worship by Dianne Rachal ............................................................6

Second Collections by Fr. David Richter ...............................7

As Matters Stand by Sr. Patricia Cairns .................................7

Priest Spotlight: Father Adrian Fischer, ofm ..........................8

Lenten Message: Abandon Superficiality in Favor of Complete Conversion, says Pope by Carol Glatz & Cindy Wooden ....................................9

St. Pius X Celebrates Groundbreaking on New Church by Jan Wilson ................................................................. 10

Private School Students of the Year Announced .................. 10

School News .............................................................................11

Annunciation of the Lord by Kelly Phelan and Dianne Rachal ............................. .12-13

World Day of Religion by Sr. Martinette Rivers .....................14

Saint Blaise by Kim Long .......................................................14

Called to Service by Deacon Clary Nash ..............................15

Sr. Mary Patricia Quinn, csj Celebrates 50th Anniversary .....15

New Initiatives for Vocations by Fr. David Richter ................16

Catholic Extension Society to Commit More Than $3 Million to Seminary Education in 2010 .........................16

Teen Rally Encourages Young Catholics to "Be Strong. Be Courageous." by Jessica Rinaudo .....................................17

Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz .........18

News Briefs by Catholic News Service .................................19

Around the Diocese ..........................................................20-21

Upcoming Events ................................................................. 22

March 2010 Calendar ............................................................ 23

All Schools Mass Brings Catholic Schools Together ................24

10 17129

Bishop Michael Duca’s March 2010 Schedule

Mar. 1-2 Louisiana Interchurch Conference Annual Assembly, Monroe

Mar. 3 Calling Catholics Home, St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

Mar. 10 Church Vocations Board meeting, Catholic Center; 12:00 p.m.

Mar. 11 Notre Dame Seminary & St. Joseph Seminary Board of Trustees meetings; New Orleans

Mar. 12 Good Leaders, Good Shepherds Program, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston; 9:30 a.m.

Mar. 12 Stations of the Cross, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

Mar. 13 Confirmation, Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Bossier City; 4:00 p.m.

Mar. 16-19 Notre Dame Seminary Formation Workshop; New Orleans

Mar. 24 Presbyteral Council meeting, Catholic Center; 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 28 St. Joseph Church High School Youth Group meeting, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 30 Clergy Day of Reflection, Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 30 Chrism Mass, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

4 4 Catholic Connection March 2010 5 5 Catholic Connection March 2010

En el reciente y continuo debate sobre la reforma de la salud los obispos y los fieles han expresado

claramente que esta ley no debe incluir dinero federal para aborto porque aborrecemos el aborto en cualquier forma; es un asalto contra la vida humana que comienza en la concepción.

Aun así en el debate público la preocupación primordial no es proteger la vida sino proteger la “OPCION” de la madre. La opción se ha convertido en el valor más grande y estamos rodeados en nuestras vidas diarias por este prejuicio. Con esta mentalidad no hay verdad fuera de nosotros mismos. Hay solo la asunción de que si hago una opción honesta, entonces la acción es buena y aceptable moralmente.

De hecho la habilidad de escoger es una libertad dada por Dios. Yo siempre he tenido la habilidad de escoger. Aunque haya una ley en contra de algo puedo escoger romper esa ley. Si por ley se prohibieran las reuniones religiosas, aun así yo tendría la libertad de escoger dar Misa sabiendo que puede causar mi arresto. La opción no es el problema. La cuestión es lo que yo escojo. Aun si libremente escojo algo objetivamente pecaminoso, aunque para mí este bien escogerlo, no deja de ser. Robar es siempre robar; infidelidad es siempre infidelidad no importa que tan justificante pueda parecerme.

La herida mas profunda a nuestra naturaleza humana en todo esto es que estamos quitándole la trascendencia a nuestras vidas y lentamente mermando nuestra relación con Dios. Hace unas semanas escuché en el Evangelio la historia que les pasó a los apóstoles mientras pescaban:

Jesús le dijo a Simón, “lleva la barca a la parte honda del lago, y echen allí sus redes, para pescar.” Simón le contesto: “Maestro hemos estado toda la noche sin pescar nada, pero, Ya que tu lo mandas, voy a echar las redes.” Cuando lo hicieron, recogieron tanto pescado que las redes se rompían. Entonces hicieron señas a sus compañeros de la otra barca para que fueran a ayudarlos. Ellos fueron y llenaron tanto las dos barcas que les faltaba poco para

hundirse. Al ver esto, Simón Pedro se puso de rodillas delante de Jesús y le dijo: “Apártate de mi, Señor, porque soy un pecador.” (Lucas 5:1-11)

Le debe haber sido difícil a Simón obedecer el consejo del Señor. Habían pescado toda su vida. ¿Quién era este carpintero para decirles como pescar? Simón pudo haberle dicho, “¿Tu que sabes?, nadie tiene derecho a decirme que hacer.” Pero si lo hubiera hecho, hubiera perdido el punto completamente. Esta sugerencia de Jesús no era solamente acerca de pescar. Sino que era de confiar y actuar por la fe. Así que los discípulos pusieron las redes en el fondo y

cacharon una sorprendente cantidad de pescado. Por este gran milagro, Simón Pedro cae de rodillas y dice, “Apártate de mí, Señor, porque soy un hombre pecador.”

En ese momento Simón se humilló ante la gran generosidad de su Dios y vio por medio de esta revelación de bondad su propia naturaleza pecaminosa, la pequeñez de su visión y el egoísmo de su vida. ¿Alguna vez hemos experimentado un momento como este de sentir que no somos nada, que nos humillamos por nuestros pecados y nos damos cuenta de que tan lejos estábamos de la verdadera conexión con Dios? Este momento de humildad no deshizo a San Pedro, sino que lo libró para aceptar el llamado de Jesús de convertirse en pescador de hombres.

Durante esta Cuaresma debemos tratar de profundizar en nuestra atención a la trascendencia de Dios en nuestras vidas. Poner más atención a esa área en nuestra vida que no ha puesto atención al Señor. Hay que ver donde hemos decidido que los mandamientos o enseñanzas de la Iglesia no nos aplican y ahí decidir orar. Considere en su corazón porque no puede o tiene miedo ir donde el Señor lo lleva. Podrá ver que esta decisión puede estarle pesando en su corazón más de lo que se imagina, o puede estarle impidiendo tener una relación más profunda con Dios en la oración. Piense dentro de sí mismo que Jesús le pide: “Lleva tus redes al agua profunda,” eso quiere decir dejarlo que cambie su corazón. Esta es una mediación que vale la pena intentar esta Cuaresma. Esta experiencia puede humillarnos, pero también darnos libertad. Podremos dejar las cadenas del pecado y ser libres para encontrar espacio en nuestros corazones para el Dios trascendente que nos da una verdad amorosa para aceptar no para crear.

La Reflexión del Obispopor Obispo Michael G. Duca


In the recent and ongoing health care debate the bishops and the faithful have clearly said health care

should not include federal money for abortion because we abhor abortion in any way; it is an assault against a human life that begins at conception. Yet, in the public debate the real concern is not to protect life but rather to protect the “CHOICE” of the mother. Choice has become the ultimate value and we are surrounded in our daily lives by this bias. In this mindset there is no standard of truth outside of ourselves. There is an assumption that if I make an honest choice, then the action is good and morally okay.

In fact the ability to choose is a God given freedom. I always have the ability to choose. Even if there is a law against something I can still choose to break the law. If religious gatherings were outlawed tomorrow, I still have the freedom to choose to have a Mass knowing it may cause my arrest. Choice is not the issue. The question is what I choose. Even if I freely choose something objectively sinful, it is still sinful even I decided that for me it was ok. Stealing is always stealing; unfaithfulness is always unfaithfulness no matter how justified it may seem to me.

The deepest wound to our human nature in all this is that we are stripping away the transcendence of our lives and slowly eroding an abiding relationship with God. A few weeks ago we heard in the Gospel at Mass a story that happened to the apostles while they were fishing.

Jesus said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for

a catch.”Simon said in reply, “Master, we

have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them.

They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (LK. 5: 1 – 11)

Simon must have found it hard to listen to the Lord’s advice. They had fished all their lives. Who was this carpenter to tell them how to fish? Simon could have said, “What do you know, no one has the right to tell me what to do.” But if he had, he would have missed the whole point. This suggestion of Jesus was not about the small goal of catching fish. It was about trust and acting on faith. So the disciples did put out into the deep and caught a surprising amount of fish. In light of this overwhelming miracle, Simon Peter falls on his knees and says, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

In that moment Simon was humbled before the overwhelming generosity of his God and saw in light of this revelation of goodness his own sinfulness, the smallness of his vision and the selfishness of his life. Have we ever experienced a moment like this when we were not enough in ourselves, that we were humbled by our sinfulness or became aware of how far we were from a real connection with our God? This moment of humility did not undo St. Peter, but freed him to accept the bigger call from Jesus that he would be a Fisher of Men.

During this Lent we should try to deepen our awareness of the transcendence of God in our lives. Become aware of that area of your

life that you have held back from the Lord. Where you have decided the commandments or the teachings of the Church do not apply to you and bring that decision to prayer. Consider in your heart why you cannot or are afraid to follow where the Lord is leading. Do you see that this decision may be weighing heavier on your heart than you let yourself know, or may be keeping you from a deeper relationship with God in prayer? Consider yourself being asked by Jesus to “put out into deep water,” that is to let him change your heart. This is a worthy meditation for the season of Lent. This experience may humble us, but it will also free us. We will be able to let go of the chains of sin and be freed to find room in our hearts for the transcendent God who gives us a loving truth to accept, not to create.

Bishop’s Reflection

by Most Rev. Michael G. Duca

A pregnant pro-life demonstrator stands outside the Supreme Court in Washington. (CNS/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters)


Record Crowd for Liturgical Conference on Translation of Roman Missal Introduction to the New Translation of the Roman Missal

Liturgy Lines: Come, Let Us Worship

7. Changes to the Liturgy of the Eucharist

Current Text – People’s Response to the Orate Fratres:May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name for our good, and the good of all his Church.

New Text – People’s Response to the Orate Fratres:May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name for our good, and the good of all his holy Church.

‘Holy Church’ more accurately translates the original Latin.

Current Text – Preface DialoguePriest: The Lord be with you.People: And also with you.Priest: Lift up your hearts.People: We lift them up to the Lord.Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

New Text – Preface DialoguePriest: The Lord be with you.People: And with your spirit.Priest: Lift up your hearts.People: We lift them up to the Lord.Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.People: It is right and just.

As noted previously, ‘And with your Spirit’ comes from Scripture, 2 Tim 4:22, and more accurately translates the Latin text. The Prefaces will begin with the words, “It is truly right and just,” so that the priest’s words echo the response of the people.

Current Text – SanctusHoly, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

New Text – SanctusHoly, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts’ more accurately translates the original Latin, and comes from Scripture, Isaiah 6:3.

– Dianne Rachal, Director, Office of Worship

Msgr. James Moroney speaks on the new translation of the Roman Missal at the Annaul Diocesan Liturgical Conference.

Despite the cold and dreary morning, hundreds poured into the Catholic Center in Shreveport on January 16 to take part in the annual Diocesan Liturgical-

Catechetical Conference. This year’s topic, The New Translations of the Roman Missal, was of particular interest to those in our diocese, as well as to many of those from surrounding dioceses. During introductions, Dianne Rachal, Director of the Office of Worship, acknowledged those in attendance from Texas, Alexandria, LA, Mississippi and Arkansas.

Bishop Michael Duca opened the event and spoke to attendees about accepting the upcoming changes and working together to implement the new translation.

Msgr. James P. Moroney, former Executive Director of the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the USCCB and current Consulter for the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, was the keynote speaker. He showed slides highlighting the history of the Roman Missal. He then moved into an explanation of the new translation and its value, “This English translation is important because of the role of English in the liturgy. English is a global language and many other languages translate from the English translation, not from the original Latin.”

Msgr. Moroney emphasized, “The texts of the Mass should read like scripture or great literature, not the language of the street.”

Dianne Rachal’s sentiments echoed the feelings of all those in attendance, “The goal of this conference was to introduce the reasons for the changes that are coming to the words of the Mass, and what some of those changes are going to be. Rev. Msgr. James P. Moroney more than exceeded this goal by expertly guiding us through the history of the changes to the Mass since Vatican II, the principles underlying translations, and giving us examples of the rich theology behind some of the new texts. It is hoped that everyone will approach the coming changes with an open heart and an informed mind.”

–Jessica Rinaudo, Editor


We have just completed a year into the establishment of a Catholic Charities in

the diocese. The feasibility study is finalized, a communications plan designed, a fund-raising strategy approved, and the legal aspects of the new corporation under consideration. Much progress has been made, including a master plan which identifies the areas of service the new organization will undertake. In this article, we talk briefly about one of the

services to be provided. Subsequent articles will highlight other areas.

The issue of immigration poses a challenge for all of us. Many documented and undocumented individuals walk the streets in the cities of our diocese. A large number, especially the Hispanics/Latinos, claim allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church. However, the reality is great numbers are moving away from their faith of origin, in part because we as Church have not mounted the necessary effort to beckon them home. Although the diocese has an immigration office, it is not large enough to respond adequately to the growing need.

In light of the needs of minorities and the concerns voiced by clergy and religious in the diocese, one of the first programs Catholic Charities will

concentrate on is work with immigrant groups throughout the diocese. A Catholic center for immigration will be set up in Shreveport or Bossier at a site yet to be determined.

There’s a bit of irony in this move. The first Catholic Charities, founded in 1910, focused its early attention on helping Irish, German, and Italian immigrants.

Jesus told us we must be concerned about the welfare of the poor among us whom He called “the least.” As newly arriving individuals and families set foot on American soil in search of a better life, let us open our hearts to receive them, remembering our ancestors who came to our shores with so little, and who often called on the Church for help. It’s our time now to respond.

– Sr. Patricia Cairns, CSJ

Second Collections

Announcement Dates: February 28 & March 7

Collection Dates: March 13 & 14 (4th Sunday of Lent)

The Catholic people of north Louisiana have been generous in responding to the crisis following

the earthquake in Haiti on January 12. Thank you for doing what you can to assist those in the gravest need.

Catholic Relief Services’ annual second collection falls on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 13th and 14th this year. Although CRS was the recipient of the emergency Haitian relief donations, its regularly scheduled Lenten collection provides for continuing needs in other parts of the world. As CRS has reasoned: “We cannot forget the 30,000 people who will die tomorrow from starvation and preventable diseases in Africa

and other regions of the developing world.” In other words, there continues to be crises in many other countries. To borrow an admonition from Blessed Mother Teresa, we must see Jesus in this distressing disguise of the poor.

Holy LandAnnouncement Dates:

March 21 & 28Collection Date: April 2

(Good Friday)

The Custody of the Holy Land, in addition to maintaining and repairing the parishes,

shrines, and chapels assigned to its care, also cares for the poorest social classes, both Christian and non-Christian. Three hundred fifty apartments are rented to families who pay a sum proportionate to their income and lower than the normal rent. The Custody operates schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Jaffa, Nazareth and in the other places throughout the Holy Land, providing scholarships for young Christians. It offers spiritual direction and counseling to both residents and pilgrims. The Franciscans’ annual report shows that all but 3% of its expenditures directly assist those in their care.

Diocese of Shreveport Church Vocations

Announcement Dates: Mar. 21 & 28Collection Date: April 3 & 4

(Easter Sunday)

Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord, marks the greatest event in history of our world. The

“peace” that Jesus extended to his Apostles is granted primarily through the Sacrament of Reconciliation: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:23) When you contribute to the Diocese of Shreveport’s Church Vocations fund, you help assure that there is sufficient funding for educating our seminarians.

How well did the diocese do?Black and Indian Missions

$ 23,420.50World Mission Sunday

$ 25,655.15

– Fr. David Richter, Vicar General

As Matters Stand

Introduction to the New Translation of the Roman MissalLiturgy Lines: Come, Let Us Worship


Fr. Adrian Fischer, ofmPriEst sPotlight:

God definitely calls each of us to our vocation in

many different ways. I was all set to attend school for banking after graduating from high school. But when Mater Dei Catholic High School, which I attended, held a Vocation Day, I had to attend at least one priesthood talk. Since my Uncle was a Franciscan priest, I decided to go to that one. The priest passed out a brochure with a picture of the swimming pool at the seminary. “Maybe I should think about this a little more,” I said to myself. My family was thoroughly Catholic as shown by daily prayer, weekly and more church attendance, priest, nuns and seminarians among the close relatives, and my participation in the Catholic Youth Organization. I thought I knew what seminaries were like and I wanted nothing to do with them. Why God stopped me in my tracks and made me think about it some more, I will never know. But I did pray about it and think about it and decided to give it a try. I literally said, “God, I will give it a try, but if you want me to stay you will have to keep me there.” And so He did.

Joining the Order of Friars Minor, Franciscans, was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, the support of the community, the variety of ministries, helped to make my vocation just right for me. When I was completing my theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, I became interested in working in the African-American community on the south side of Chicago and then did my Deacon internship at Little Flower of Jesus Church in Monroe. After my ordination in 1975, I began my ordained ministry at Corpus Christi

Church in Chicago. Except for five years in central Illinois, my entire ministry has been in the African-American community, and that has been the most rewarding part of my ministry. Being an Associate Pastor and not having to be responsible for all the administration of a parish was great those first six years

of my priesthood. I was able to work with the youth group and now when I go back to Corpus Christi Church or see a church bulletin I realize so many of the young people I worked with are now the members of the Parish Council, Liturgy Committee, and other church organizations. It certainly feels good to think that I was able to help them strengthen their spirituality and commitment to the church. It is always rewarding to help members of the church and others feel closeness to God. It is important for everyone to feel and to believe that God is with them in the midst of their joys and their sorrows. When I, a priest of the Catholic Church, am with them, I believe they sense that God and the church are also with them. To be present at weddings, baptisms, when they are in need of forgiveness, are physically ill, and especially as they wish to receive the body and blood of Christ, is such an awesome experience.

There are a number of people who have been role models for me and have shown me what it means to be a good priest. First of all, St. Francis of Assisi has inspired me to love the beauty and wonder of all of God’s creation. But also my uncle, Fr. Adrian Fischer, OFM, always seemed like such an intelligent and holy man. Another role

model was Fr. Kevin Domas, OFM who I first met in college and met again at St. Paschal and St. Francis Churches. He showed me how to be a good Pastor and how to be there for the people. Archbishop James Lyke OFM, former Pastor at Grambling, helped me and guided me as I began to work in the African-American community. Msgr. George Martinez of the Shreveport Diocese was always caring and concerned about so many people. There are many others but these are some that may be familiar to the people of this diocese.

I am often asked what I do for a hobby or in my free time. I spend a lot of time cooking. My family and friends are important to me so I try to stay in contact with them. I have two sons, Joshua and Jason, who now live in Tennessee. They were my foster sons for five years and then I adopted them in 1991. I also have a grandson and a granddaughter with twin grandsons due at any time. They keep me busy in my free time but I won’t call them a hobby. I like to take walks in the woods but my main hobby is falling asleep in front of a TV.

My life as a priest has always been exciting and fulfilling. God has blessed me with His special grace to appreciate the wonder of His kingdom.

Fr. Adrian Fischer, OFM (far right) at Rite of Election.


Fr. Adrian Fischer, OFM (far right) at Rite of Election.

Lenten Message: Abandon Superficiality in Favor of Complete Conversion, Says Pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Lenten season calls Christians to strip themselves of evil,

superficiality and lukewarm morality and to turn themselves fully over to Jesus Christ, said Pope Benedict XVI.

“Conversion means to change the direction in life’s journey, not by making tiny adjustments, but by an authentic and real about-face,” he said during his weekly general audience Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday.

“The call for conversion strips bare and denounces the easy superficiality that very often characterizes our way of life,” he said.

“Conversion is to go against the current where the current is a lifestyle that is superficial, inconsistent, disillusioned, and which often tramples us, reigns over us and makes us slaves to evil or, in any case, prisoners of mediocre morals,” he said.

Beginning his Ash Wednesday observance with the general audience, the pope told an estimated 6,500 visitors that Lent, in the words of St. Paul, reminds people “not to accept the grace of God in vain,” but to recognize that God is calling everyone to penance and spiritual renewal every day.

When life seems exhausting and fraught with difficulties and failure, and when one is tempted to abandon the faith, it is a call to “open ourselves up to God’s love in Christ and to live according to his logic of justice and love,” he said.

When people receive ashes, the priest tells them either “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,” he said.

To turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel are not two different things, he said; they express the need to completely turn over one’s life to the Gospel by “freely answering to Christ who offers humanity the way, the truth and the life.” Only through Jesus can a person be saved and free, he said.

The words “you are dust and to dust you shall return” remind people of their human fragility and mortality, especially in cultures that tend to censor the human experience of death, he said.

In the evening, Pope Benedict led the traditional Ash Wednesday procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill from the Church of St. Anselm to the Church of Santa Sabina, where he celebrated Mass and received ashes

on the top of his head from Cardinal Jozef Tomko, retired prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

In his homily, the pope said accepting ashes “is essentially a gesture of humility, which means that I recognize myself for what I am: a fragile creature made of earth and destined to return to the earth, but also made in the image of God and destined to return to him.”

Human beings can recognize and respond to God’s voice, but they also can disobey God, the pope said.

“The origin of every material and social injustice is that which the Bible calls ‘iniquity’ or sin, which basically consists in disobeying God” and not responding to his love, he said.

The first step to restoring justice in the world is to repent of one’s

personal sins and sincerely seek to live according to God’s will, the pope said.

The reward for repentance and good works, the pope said, “is not the admiration of others, but friendship with God and the grace that comes with it, a grace that gives peace and the strength to do good, to love even those who don’t deserve it and to forgive those who have offended us.”

– Carol Glatz and Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Cardinal Jozef Tomko sprinkles ashes on the head of Pope Benedict XVI during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome Feb. 17. (CNS photo /Paul Haring)

“...Lent, in the words of St. Paul, reminds people ‘not to accept the grace of God in vain,’ but to recognize

that God is calling everyone to penance and spiritual

renewal every day.”


Private School Students of the Year Announced

St. Pius X Celebrates Groundbreaking on New Church

St. Pius X parishioners join Fr. Joseph Kallookalam and Bishop Michael Duca in breaking ground on a new sanctuary for St. Pius X Catholic Church. (Photo by Jessica Rinaudo)

The Blessing and Groundbreaking ceremony for St. Pius X Catholic Church’s new sanctuary was

held Sunday, Jan. 24 next to the current church on North Market St. in Shreveport. The Mass, blessing, and groundbreaking were celebrated by Bishop Michael Duca and Fr. Joseph Kallookalam, pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church. The parish community, charter members and guests, including general contractors and the architect, participated in song, praise and blessings leading up to the groundbreaking.

Following Mass, parishioners gathered under a tent on the future build site. Bishop Duca blessed the land, noting how the new church will reflect the values of our Christian life. He said the new building will be built on a firm rock foundation, but the foundation of the community must be faith.

Bishop Duca was the first to turn the soil where the new sanctuary will be constructed. Following the initial groundbreaking, everyone, including Fr. Kallookalam and church founders, had the opportunity to break ground at the site of the future sanctuary.

The following charter members were honored as special guests: Hazel Bernard, Johnnie Crafts, Charlie Davis, Sr., Joe Davis, John Howard, Donna Howard, Virginia Juneau, Catherine

Liberto, John and Angie Manno, Camille Matassa, Rose Audrey Patton, C.W. and Evelyn Smith, Tony and Lois Tombrello & Linda, Joe Willis, Joanne Witkowski, Frances Morris, Mary Beth Davis, and Tony Davis. Additional guests included, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Randall, as well as the general contractor supervisors from Wieland-Davco Corporation, Mr. Brian Taylor, Mr. Ron Hanson, and Mr. Ryan Roberts.

During his opening words at the groundbreaking, Ed Antici, chairman of St. Pius X’s Building Committee, said, “It is time for this dream to become a reality for the family of St. Pius X.” Parishioners who witnessed the event agreed and were excited to see construction begin. One choir member noted, “this is a once in a lifetime experience.”

The new church’s sanctuary will have a 400-person capacity. The facility will be a total of 9,500 square feet, including the new sanctuary, a bride’s room, a reconciliation room and a generous narthex. Exteriorly, a covered drop-off area will provide safe, protective access to the church. St. Pius X’s current church will assume some of its original purpose as a multipurpose center, retreat / Bible study room, youth facility and daily chapel.

– Jan Wilson, St. Pius X Church

The Student of the Year Awards

Program is designed to recognize outstanding elementary, middle/junior and high school students. This program, patterned after the Teacher of the Year Awards Program, is an excellent opportunity to recognize, from each school system, those students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship. The Student of the Year Awards Program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Congratulations to the following diocesan Student of the Year and district winners:

•5th Grade: Ethan Hunt, Jesus the Good Shepherd School

• 8th Grade: Andrew Nguyen, St. John Berchmans School

• 12th Grade: Taylor Slack, Loyola College Prep

These students will continue on to the regional screening process on February in Metairie, LA. Congratulations to each of you!

Ethan Hunt 5th Grade Student

of the Year, Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Taylor Slack 12th Grade Student of the Year, Loyola

College Prep

Andrew Nguyen8th Grade Student of the Year, St. John Berchmans School


SCHOOL NEWS

St. Frederick School Students Shadow Professionals

St. John Berchmans School Hosts Religion Scholars Bowl

Our Lady of Fatima School Pepped Up for the Saints

St. Joseph School Student Wins KOC Essay Contest

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy Celebrates Mardi Gras

Jesus the Good Shepherd School Celebrates God and the Saints

Ms. Hand and Mrs. Leehy’s Third Grade classes at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School

wanted to show their love of God and the New Orleans Saints during Catholic Schools Week. Each child colored a self portrait and placed it on a mural depicting a crowd of Saints fans which was hung in the school gymnasium.

S t. Frederick students spent the day job shadowing various professionals in the northeast

Louisiana region. The annual Job Shadow gives students a chance to experience “a day in the life” of a professional man or woman who specializes in a field that the student is interested in.

Our Lady of Fatima School capped off Catholic Schools Week with a pep rally to honor

the New Orleans Saints. Students dressed in their black and gold, painted signs, tossed the football and cheered as the Fatima cheerleaders led the crowd.

Mallory Martinez, an 8th grader at St. Joseph School, was selected as the winner of the annual

Knights of Columbus Essay Contest for schools in the Diocese of Shreveport. The theme for this year’s contest was “Why We Should Honor our Veterans.” Knights of Columbus presented Mallory with a certificate and $100 at the Feb. 10 school Mass and listened as she read her essay for the entire student body.

To kick off Lent, students at OLBSA learned about Mardi Gras and its historical significance in Louisiana.

The Royalty from the Krewe of Centaur stopped by to pass out throws and teach children about important safety measures during parades. On February 16, the students and staff of OLBSA held their own Mardi Gras parade in which they decorated floats, bicycles, and wagons to reflect life in Louisiana.

Our first Religion Scholars Bowl mixed a full day of Catholic education with a bit

of competition. The Bowl consisted of a test, oral competition, and skit performances of Christ’s miracles. After answering questions over Bible and Catechism, the 8th grade team took first place with their lively interpretation of the healing of the centurian’s servant.


by Kelly Phelan and Dianne Rachal

Cover Story

Annunciation

Lordof the

A mosaic in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel, depicts the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary. (CNS photo/Greg Tarczynski)

ehold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” Father David Richter, Director of Vocations and Vicar General for the Diocese of Shreveport, said this passage

from Luke 1:31 is part of the scriptural basis for the feast day known as the Annunciation of the Lord, observed on March 25. It celebrates the angel Gabriel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary, his announcement that she was to be the mother of the son of God and her “fiat” or acceptance of God’s holy plan.

The origins of the feast lie in the earliest feast of Mary, which was named “Commemoration of the Holy, Ever-Virgin Mother of God” and celebrated in close proximity to Christmas. Throughout history, the feast has had many names: “Conception of Christ,” “Incarnation of Christ” and “The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Today, the Church prefers “Annunciation of the Lord” in order to place the emphasis mainly on Jesus but not to detract from Mary’s crucial role in this saving event. It is a joint feast of Christ and His mother, commemorating the day

on which Mary, “by receiving into her womb the one Mediator, became the true Ark of the Covenant and the true Temple of God,” as Pope Paul VI said in “Marialis Cultus (To Honor Mary).”

“It’s a model for our own most generous surrender to God.” That’s how Fr. Richter characterized the importance of the feast to modern Catholics. To explain further, he used the analogy of a father trying to coax a child to jump out the second-story window of a burning house. “This is a matter of the father knowing what’s best, but the child isn’t so sure. Like the child, we have to put aside any lack of trust. We have nothing to fear; we have only to fall into the arms of his mercy…Both Jesus and Mary offered themselves completely to God.”

As Director of the Elisabetta Renzi Child Development Center on Overton Brooks Road in Shreveport since 2003, Sister Cristina Angelini, OLS, is responsible for the spiritual, intellectual and physical development of approximately 120 children who range in age from one to five. Though she sensed her calling to religious life in earliest childhood, she can identify with the sacrifice

“


inherent in Mary’s fiat. “When Mary received the visit

from the angel, before saying yes to what the angel was proposing, there was a mixture of feelings in Mary’s heart. The ‘yes’ that comes from a final surrender to God’s will is…the strength to say ‘yes’…Mary was not a blind woman.”

Asked to parallel her profession of vows with Mary’s fiat, Sr. Angelini said, “I think we are really

connected…Mary plays a big role in our consecration…there was a moment [in my life] where I felt like something was going to happen, but I was confused…Mary becomes really the mother, the companion, and she’s the teacher in the journey to discover God’s will in my consecrated life…and reach the liberty and the freedom to say ‘yes’ at the end.”

Saint Louis de Montfort’s (1673-1716) “total consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary” made him one of the Church’s strongest proponents of Mariology, or theology concerned with the Virgin Mary. He had a remarkable influence on Marian devotion in religious orders. Pope John Paul II was a follower of de Montfort. “God Alone” was his motto, and he

once wrote, “If we do not risk anything for God we will never do anything great for Him.”

CatholicCulture.org suggests several ways the faithful can celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord. Obviously, this feast day is very important in the defense of the lives of the unborn. Because of His love for us, God took on our human form and became an innocent, dependent, defenseless infant. Use this day to reflect on the value God places on human life.

The Annunciation of the Lord is a Solemnity, so when it occurs during Lent, it lifts our Lenten penance obligations. Celebrate with a special treat or meal. A traditional food for this feast day is waffles.

Luke 1:26-38, the gospel of the feast, tells of God’s decision to make Mary the mother of his son. The gospel says this child “will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary’s self-sacrificing consent and the incarnation of Jesus mark the beginning of the messianic age, the mystery of Christ and the new covenant of God with the human race. It is a gift inspired by God’s unfathomable graciousness.

The Annunciation of the Lord

emphasizes Mary’s role as “handmaid of the Lord.” In aligning her will with God’s, she fulfills the “sign of Immanuel” of which the Old Testament speaks. Though the feast is primarily one of the Lord and only secondarily one of Mary, we can’t forget that part of the mystery of the feast is the mystery of the incarnation in Mary’s womb. •

The Annunciation of the Lord is a

Solemnity, so when it occurs during Lent,

it lifts our Lenten penance obligations.

Celebrate with a special treat or

meal. A traditional food for this feast

day is waffles.

Sr. Cristina Angelini and Fr. David Richter


World Day of Religion Saint Blaise

When I think about the meaning of World Religion Day (WRD), I realize we are all part of God’s great circle of love. We are one in our

common humanity, looking at each other from different perspectives. We must have the greatest respect for everyone’s religion and educate ourselves about their beliefs. All that was happening on World Religion Day.

There were 15 booths set up by different faiths with their respective leaders from Shreveport and Bossier. The Catholic laity at our booth did a tremendous job. I was impressed with their strong faith and ability to discuss it with those who stopped at our booth. The panels were great and better attended than ever. One woman said that WRD was the greatest ‘eye-opener’ of her life because she did not know there were so many diverse groups worshiping God in her city.

“All men are bound to seek the truth, especially in what concerns God and his church, and to embrace it and hold on to it as they come to know it ... It does not contradict a ‘sincere respect’ for different religions ...” Catholic Catechism # 2104, p.566. The belief dimension forms the core of all world religions. Mutual respect should reign supreme and a ‘spiritual connectedness’ should be experienced by all God’s people.

The idea to celebrate WRD in Shreveport/Bossier was born in the hearts of Frances Flournoy and John Mitchell (Baha’is) in 2000, and was held around a table at the old Catholic Center. Five groups participated and had grown to 14 groups by the second year. By 2008 there were 17 groups participating.

John Mitchell, the Founder of WRD in our area, is the President of the WRD committee and believes it is a way to bring people together to celebrate our differences as well as our similarities. World Religion Day aims to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasizing common denominators underlying all religions.

Catholic participation this year was better than ever and I’m most grateful to all who participated. It showed a growing awareness of the common bond among us and the tremendous strength we can be for one another.

– Sr. Martinette Rivers

Muslim Iman Sheikh Khalid Hamid and Sr. Martinette Rivers at World Religion Day which brings together people of different faiths from across the Shreveport/ Bossier community.

St. Blaise is another of our wonderful saints who is shrouded in a little bit of mystery. He lived in the early 4th century and was a bishop in Sebastea in

Armenia. He was given a message by God to go into the hills during a time of persecution. When many animals stayed by his side, angry hunters reported him to the authorities. He was arrested and jailed. While he was in jail he healed a boy who was choking on a fish bone by praying in his cell. Condemned to death, he then promised to protect all who brought a candle to church on his feast day. He is commemorated on his feast day, February 3, during the blessing of the throats.

St. Blaise and the blessing of throats is something I love about being Catholic. “Back in the eighties” when I converted through the RCIA process, my children and I began the great tradition having our throats blessed annually. We never missed, and with four little boys, St. Blaise covered everything from actual choking to respiratory illnesses to that forbidden territory of saying mean and ugly things to one another! For our family this is a practice and devotion that has survived my sons maturity as well as my own maturity.

This month as we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation I thought about St. Blaise. He “officially” has nothing to do with the Annunciation, the good news brought to the Blessed Mother by the Archangel Gabriel. But as I was walking out of church with my family, my throat still feeling very blessed and no harsh words streaming from my lips, I thought about the word “annunciation.” What do I announce with my heart, my mind and my mouth? It’s something to think about this year during Lent. I thank God I am not too progressive or enlightened to leave these wonderful practices behind me. They are reminders that in all ways our God cares for us. I need to be careful what I announce!

As I write this I am preparing for my first ever retreat, a SILENT retreat. I have already been seeking the intercession of St. Blaise that my words may become more carefully chosen, more completely thought out, less reactive. Having my throat blessed this year was a bit different and I thank God for that! May St. Blaise bless and keep us all.

– Kim Long, DRE, St. Mary of the Pines

Msgr. Earl V. Provenza blesses throats in honor of Saint Blaise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.


Called to Service

Sister Mary Patricia Quinn, csj Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Sister Mary Patricia Quinn was born in Kansas City, MO. She

entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1959 and was received into the novitiate in 1960 as Sister Jane Richard. She received a Bachelor’s degree in history from Fontbonne College in 1964; Master’s degrees in elementary education from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1973 and in pastoral ministry from the Institute of Pastoral Ministry at Boston College in 1983.

Sister Pat served as pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish in Zwolle, LA for over seven years.

Sister Pat is currently the part-time pastoral care associate at Nazareth Living Center in South County, St. Louis, MO.

Bishop Fulton Sheen said in one of his many TV programs that we all need to be artists and paint pictures for others to see the vision of life for each

other, what it could be. Like all pictures, it is made up by brushstrokes creating an image. Let me to try to draw a picture of the vision of an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church.

Life, for many, can be like a roller coaster ride with its ups and downs, twists and turns. Deacons are on this same ride, working and living with others in the community, coming into contact with many whom our priests and bishop will not. As a deacon and working at General Motors in Shreveport, I was present to many while on their bumpy ride in life. Being a deacon helped open doors for me to serve them in their time of need; those who did not attend any church, those fallen away Catholics who felt abandoned, unworthy, hurt, confused or with broken relationships.

The Diaconate is an order of the Church committed to diakonia, Greek for service. Deacons serve the community in many ministries. Most are married, have families, and have secular jobs while serving the church and society seven days a week.

In the dogmatic constitution, Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council called for the revival of the order of deacon to serve the people of God, in communion with the bishop and his college of presbyters. Deacons, as they work in the secular world, help make Christ become relevant, human, and understood. They give witness to Christian values in the market place as they are called to leadership in a special way, to find ways to promote justice, charity and support Christian values, in the name of the Church.

Bishop Duca has begun plans for another Diaconate Formation. To help discern this calling, use this list below of Admissions Criteria for candidates as stated in the National Directory for the Formation of Deacons in the United States:

• Solid faith in God and God’s redemptive concern for humankind as proclaimed and celebrated in the Church.

• Appreciation for the Church, its teaching and its role in today’s world.

• Mature vocational call and developing spirituality to serve the People of God as a deacon.

• Recommendation, approval and support of one’s parish community evidenced through one’s pastor.

• Understanding and willingness to accept the demands of the lifelong commitment to diaconal ministry in the Church.

• Understanding and approval by applicant’s spouse of the applicant’s commitment to the ministry of the diaconate.

• Areas of service with emphasis in the areas of social concerns and justice.

•Potential aptitude for public speaking for preaching, catechizing, evangelization.

• Active and full participation in the Catholic Faith. • Sufficient economic security and job stability. • Baptism, Confirmation.• Mature and stable relationship with spouse. • Good health. • Personal maturity/psychological stability. • Desire and ability to work collaboratively with others.• Openness to ongoing personal and spiritual growth.The Diaconate Formation is established by the Church to

encourage, support and train Catholic men who feel called by God to offer their lives in this way. The call to service is a call to the entire community. These men and their families will need your prayers, financial support through the Annual Stewardship Appeal and your personal support. For more information on where to attend presentation, please call Deacon Clary Nash, Director of Permanent Deacon Formation Program, 318-219-7303, or email at [email protected]. – Deacon Clary Nash

Diocesan deacons assist with the oils at Chrism Mass.


Bishop Michael Duca and the Vocations office hope that new initiatives during the Year for Priests will translate into new seminarians for our diocese.

The Catholic Church throughout the world has already seen the invigorating energy released during the Year for Priests declared by Pope Benedict XVI. The theme of priests and vocations has given rise to timely assistance offered from both in and outside our diocese; new ways of reaching young men are being launched.

There is a renewed thrust for prayers at Mass for new vocations. Many of our parish churches already include a prayer for more priests and religious. The bishop is now asking that a prayer be chosen and recited at each Mass offered in the diocese. Three different prayers are available for placement in worship aids or hymnals.

A newsletter entitled “Priesthood” is being distributed through

the parish bulletin. This insert will promote vocations by imparting practical information, providing interviews of priests, seminarians and family members, giving guidance in discerning a vocation, and other useful articles – all in a colorful and attractive format.

The most prevalent means of communication for today’s young people is through the networking sites, especially Facebook. Look up www.facebook.com/shreveportvocations.

The Vocations office will collect the names of faithful, young Catholic men from our parishes – men whom our pastors think would make good priests, if well guided. These men will receive good information about discerning possible vocations.

The Diocese of Shreveport will offer a weekend retreat April 16 – 18, inviting those who have been contacted to spend some time in discernment, assisted by talks given by Father Brett Brannen, well-experienced in this work and the author of an upcoming book: To Save A Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood.

Parishioners should have already seen our Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians posters. As good as these men are, our diocese needs many more. Making prayer for vocations a daily commitment is an invaluable aid for our Church in north Louisiana. The prayer card included in the Catholic Connection a few months ago is an excellent one to use.

I continue to speak at and be available for youth group, parish, school, and campus ministry events. If you have an event, I will be glad to take part in it.

– Fr. David Richter, Director of Church Vocations

New Initiatives for Vocations Catholic Extension Society to Commit More Than $3 Million to Seminarian Education in 2010

Chicago, Ill. – Catholic Church Extension Society announced that it is awarding $3,058,275 in grants in FY 2010, a significant increase from recent

years, to help educate 509 seminarians from America’s most underfunded dioceses. The 104-year-old national organization is responding not only to Pope Benedict XVI’s “Year for Priests” designation, but to the reality that diocesan endowments for seminarian education have shrunk during the current economic downturn, even as the number of Catholics in poor and isolated regions of the country is growing.

Seminarian education is usually one of the largest expenses for many of America’s 195 dioceses. The Church’s 84 “mission dioceses,” which comprise the most impoverished and remote areas of the country, spend an average of $30,000 a year per seminarian to train them in philosophy, theology, spirituality and religious life, as well as to prepare future priests for ordination. Costs include tuition, room and board, books and health insurance.

The greatest rate of Catholic population growth is occurring within mission dioceses, primarily in the Southern and Western United States where much of Catholic Extension’s funding is directed. Growth since 1990 has ranged from 45 percent in Arkansas to 111 percent in Nevada.

“Educating the next generation of Catholic leadership is critical, especially for those areas of the country where the Catholic population is growing yet parishes and residential pastoral ministers are few,” said Joseph Boland, Grants Director for Catholic Extension. “Catholic Extension’s contributions will enable our young people to most effectively answer God’s call to service in these poor and isolated areas where the future of the Church is unfolding.”

The grants will educate an estimated 15 percent of America’s seminarians from 32 geographically diverse dioceses – from Juneau, Alaska, to Amarillo, Texas, to Fargo, North Dakota. Grants will also be given to dioceses in the Samoan Islands and Puerto Rico, as well as to fund the seminary program of the Archdiocese of Military Services. In the 2009-2010 year, Catholic Extension gave $25,000 to support seminarian education in the Diocese of Shreveport.

Catholic Extension is additionally committed to supporting “Year for Priests” which Pope Benedict opened on June 19, 2009—the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the day of sanctification of priests. The Pope also marked the occasion by naming St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests; 2009 was the 150th anniversary of his death. The year will close during a World Meeting of Priests in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on June 19, 2010.


Over 300 youth from the Diocese of Shreveport gathered together on February 13 at the Louisiana

Tech Student Center. The Teen Rally themed, “Be Strong. Be Courageous.” was the single largest youth event the diocese has ever hosted.

“This event was a great way to follow up on the enthusiasm and excitement many of the teens experienced at NCYC,” said Randy Tiller, Interim Director of Campus, Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

Catholic youth, their non-Catholic friends and youth ministers from all deaneries showed up anxious for the day to begin. National Catholic Youth Conference speaker Cooper Ray emceed the event. Using his guitar, he led the group in praise and worship. “I’ve been doing youth events in the Diocese of Shreveport for many years,” Ray said, “But this is the biggest event I’ve ever seen here!”

Bethany Band, based out of Monroe, also led the group in song.

After praise and worship, Bishop Michael Duca processed in, and the day’s scriptures were proclaimed. Bishop Duca then officially opened the event with words of encouragement.

Throughout the day, youth members participated in break out sessions. Five sessions were given on topics and issues that face teens today. Cooper Ray spoke about what Catholics and Christians are called to do in the world. Fr. Peter Mangum

spoke on getting joy out of Mass. Scott Brandle spoke on how the sacrament of confirmation works in our lives. Fr. Matthew Long spoke on support available for teens as they face the battles and pressures of the world. Bishop Michael Duca led a session called, “Are You Saved?,” which aimed to help Catholic teens answer questions posed to them by their Protestant friends.

Each session was packed. And because each session was given twice during the day, all attendees had the opportunity to attend two of them.

Chris Christoph, a 17-year-old member of St. Pius X Catholic Church attended the “Are You Saved?” workshop with Bishop Duca. He said, “Bishop Duca really answered a lot of my questions. The way he explained the teachings of the Catholic Church, how we go on tradition, not just solely on the Bible, it really got my attention.”

Following the first round of sessions, participants heard from Fr. David Richter on the need for vocations and the importance of being a priest, religious brother or sister.

Exposition, adoration and benediction of the most Blessed Sacrament followed. During this time, those present kneeled as the Blessed Sacrament was brought forth. Participants remained kneeling in silent spiritual reflection during the adoration.

Following lunch, participants had the opportunity to buy a slice of the

“World’s Largest King Cake.” Baked by Thurman Catering in Monroe, the whopping 250-foot-long cake literally filled the room. Teens who found a baby in their slice won cash prizes. All proceeds from the sale of cake slices benefitted the Eastern Deanery Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

The day ended with reconciliation and Mass.

Tiller felt the day was a great success, “Never before have we been able to bring the Catholic teens in our diocese together on such a large scale. Rarely do the teens in our diocese have the opportunity to worship together in great numbers. I think being in the presence of so many other teenage Catholics and having the support of the bishop and priests in this event has had a positive impact on these teens’ faith and Catholic identity.”

– Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Teen Rally Encourages Young Catholics to "Be Stong. Be Courageous."

Catholic Youth Speaker, Cooper Ray, gave a session on what Catholics are called to do in the world.


Jesús nos manda a Evangelizar

Mientras vayan caminando proclamen el Reino de Dios; no serán ustedes quienes hablen

sino que el Espíritu de Su Padre hablará por ustedes”. Mateo 10:7,20. Esta es una de múltiples maneras Jesús usa para enviarnos a predicar su Palabra. Él, en su infinito amor y paciencia nos pide que traigamos más fieles a su presencia y como bautizados es nuestro deber. Esto se puede realizar con el ejemplo. Aquí se muestran cinco recomendaciones que nos ayudarán a comenzar a evangelizar:

1. Ir a la iglesia, con un sentido de entrega, no preocupados del tiempo que dura la Misa o de la manera de celebrar del sacerdote sino dispuestos en cuerpo y alma y sin prisas. (Esto incluye la manera de vestirnos: pensemos que vamos a encontrar a Jesús en persona y que queremos que nos vea dispuestos y alegres).

2. Llegar a tiempo a Misa, para

saludar a nuestro Señor y dedicarle unos minutitos personalmente antes de comenzar. (Llegar diez minutos antes nos darían la oportunidad de saludar a nuestros amigos y hermanos antes de disponernos a participar plenamente).

3. Despejarnos de estorbos como tirar el chicle, apagar el celular y todo lo que pueda causar ruido y distracción. Nuestros niños cambiaditos y sin hambre para que no sufran durante la Misa.

4. Una vez en el templo comportarse reverente, esto es: arrodillarse, sentarse o pararse cuando indican las normas de la iglesia; guardar silencio en momentos que se debe guardar silencio y procurar que nuestros hijos nos imiten. (Si nuestros niños pequeños no pueden guardar silencio, llevarlos al cuarto de niños o afuera un momento para tranquilizarlos). Mostrando con ejemplo estos comportamientos, ellos en su momento aprenderán.

5. Al terminar la Misa estamos llamados a salir al mundo y dar gracias por la bendición de tener una comunidad eclesial, una iglesia

universal y un Padre amoroso al que debemos también amar, alabar y llevar a todo aquel que aun no lo conoce porque Jesús nos ordena: “Vayan a anunciar el Reino de Dios”. Lucas 9.2

La próxima vez que vayas a Misa trata de llevar a cabo estas cinco recomendaciones. Estas te ayudarán a vivir una vida más Cristiana y feliz. (Ahora que estamos en Cuaresma, es buen tiempo para comenzar.)

Para más recomendaciones y aprendizaje de nuestra religión, comunícate con la oficina del Ministerio Hispano o con el coordinador de tu comunidad.

– Rosalba Quiroz

MisasBossier City: Christ the King425 McCormick St. Bossier CityDomingo 3:00 p.m.Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492

Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help600 E. Water Street, FarmervilleSábado 7:00 p.m.Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115

Mansfield: St. Joseph305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do

Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.Teresa Pérez Tel: 318-871-8037

Minden: St. Paul410 Fincher Road, MindenViernes 7:00 p.m.Margarita Bratton Tel: 318-377-9684

Oak Grove: Sacred Heart201 Purvis St, Oak GroveDomingo 5:00 p.m.Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137

Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas810 Carey Ave, Ruston2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m.Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958

Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines1050 Bert Kouns Ind Lp., ShreveportDomingo 1:00 p.m.Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-671-9111

West Monroe: St. Paschal711 N 7th Street, W. MonroeDomingo 2:30 p.m.Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Rosalba QuiRoz, DiRectoRa inteRina Del MinisteRio Hispano 318-219-7265 • blanca belaiRe, secRetaRia 318-219-7257Rev. al Jost, cooRDinaDoR De la vicaRía Del este • 318-243-0115

Hispanic CornerNuestra Página

Calendario y Celebraciones del mes de Enero8 Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios, Parroquia de San Pascual 6 p.m.

12 Continuación del programa Buenos Lideres, Buenos Pastores para los sacerdotes

13-14 Escuela de Ministerios, Cristo Rey

17-18 Retiro de Directores y coordinadores en Grand Coteaux

28 Domingo de Ramos

30 Miércoles de Semana Santa Misa del Santo Crisma en la Catedral 5:30 p.m.

1-3 de Abril Triduo Pascual (celebraciones de Semana Santa en cada comunidad)

El Censo se usa para distribuir fondos federales según la población. Esto ayuda especialmente a programas que benefician en especial a nuestros hijos.

Recibirá el paquete en su casa y es necesario que se cuenten a todos los miembros de la familia. Si viven dos familias en una casa, se necesitan contar a todos los miembros de las dos familias.

Hazte contar! La Agencia del Censo no comparte su

información, así que no pone en peligro su estatus migratorio.

“

(Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic)


Amid Rubble, Haitians Celebrate Church Leaders’ Funerals

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CNS) -- Amid the rubble of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Haitians celebrated the lives of the archbishop and vicar general of Port-au-Prince, both of whom were

killed in the country’s earthquake. Church officials -- including some from the United States -- joined Haitians Jan. 23 for the funerals of Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot, who died when the impact of the Jan. 12 quake hurled him from a balcony, and Msgr. Charles Benoit, the vicar general whose body was pulled from the cathedral debris. They were among more than 150,000 Haitians killed in the magnitude 7 quake; U.N. officials have said the final death toll might never be known. In a message read on behalf of Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George, the U.S. bishops’ conference president told Haitians, “The church in the United States stands with you.” New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, chairman of the board of Catholic Relief Services, represented the U.S. bishops’ conference at the funeral. He was accompanied by Msgr. David Malloy, general secretary of the conference. Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., and Oblate Father Andrew Small, director of the Church in Latin America office of the U.S. bishops.

Demand for Tickets to Rally, Mass Shows Youth on Fire for Pro-Life

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Droves of pro-life youth from across the country lined up outside the Verizon Center to get inside the annual Youth Rally and Mass for Life sponsored by the Archdiocese of

Washington Jan. 22, forming a crowd of 17,400 people. This year the event at the Washington sports arena was more in demand than ever -- about 10,000 tickets to the event were snapped up in just 45 minutes when they were made available through online ticketing in mid-November, said Christa Lopiccolo, executive director of the archdiocesan Department of Life Issues. “The youth are on fire for pro-life,” she said at the time. Fifteen alternate gathering sites near the Verizon Center were set up to accommodate 8,000 more pilgrims, she said. Youth brought banners and signs, but most of all their faith and enthusiasm to the Verizon Center. Hundreds of seminarians and religious also joined the throng. Prior to the Mass, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read a message to the participants from Pope Benedict XVI, who said their “generosity, idealism and concern inspire youth to raise their voices in defense of the unborn.” He urged them to embrace “a culture of life grounded in the unchanging truth of who we are as God’s children” and to “rise to this urgent moral challenge and witness to the sacredness of God’s gift of life.”

News Briefsby Catholic News Service

Archbishop Says Saints’ Win Another Sign of Hope City is Rebuilding

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond said the New Orleans Saints’ win in Super

Bowl XLIV was not just another football victory. “I think it’s another sign of hope in that our rebuilding is not just a possibility -- it’s a reality,” the New Orleans native said after the underdog Saints -- playing in their first Super Bowl -- won the game with a 31-17 comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts. “The spirit of the city has changed,” he added. “It’s another sign that God is faithful.” Archbishop Aymond celebrated a Mass Feb. 7 for New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson and his wife, Gayle, and relatives, friends and team officials at their Miami hotel before the Super Bowl. “All week long, people have been asking me, ‘Who will win the Super Bowl?’” the archbishop told the 300-member congregation, all dressed in Saints’ black and gold. “And it’s obvious, of course. History gives us a glimpse as to the answer,” he said. “We know historically that many of the saints of old went into battle for the faith. And when they did so, they rode on colts. In the battle, the colts got wounded, but the saints had victory in eternal life. So, the Saints will win.” Those at the Mass included retired New Orleans Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, 96, two Dominican sisters from St. Louis Cathedral Academy in New Orleans, the past and present presidents of Loyola University and several other clergy and religious invited to the game by Benson. The Mass ended with a rousing a capella rendition of “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In.”

A man reaches out to touch a casket holding the bodies of Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot and Msgr. Charles Benoit. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees after winning the Super Bowl. (Mike Segar, Reuters)


Holy TriniTy CHurCH CelebraTes Mass for THe PeoPle of HaiTi

At 12:05 p.m. Mass on February 3, the public gathered at Holy Trinity Church in downtown Shreveport to pray for the people who suffered

from the earthquake in Haiti. Dr. J.C. Brierre, a Haitian immigrant, was present for the Mass. Before the Mass ended, Dr. Brierre came to the front of the Church to thank everyone for their prayers and concern for his people. – Jessica Rinaudo

Calling CaTHoliCs HoMe ConTinues WiTH suCCessful PrograM

Calling Catholics Home, a program for Catholics who have been away from the Church for a while, has been taking place at the Cathedral

of St. John Berchmans during the Lenten season. Participants take part in informal sessions in a support-group format and learn about updates on the Catholic faith. Pictured are leaders of the Calling Catholics Home program. – Jane Snyder

sT. Mary of THe Pines Psr Classes CelebraTe Mardi gras WiTH neW PriesTs

Students in the PSR program at St. Mary of the Pines celebrated Mardi Gras in high style during the last class before Lent. The

evening included kings and queens in each grade level, singing, dancing and beads. Three students presented a king cake in celebration of Mardi Gras. At the end of the evening, the Alleluia was sung by the group for the last time, and was “buried” in anticipation of the season of Lent. – Lori Mainiero

ConfirMaTion WiTH bisHoP duCa aT barksdale air forCe base

B ishop Michael Duca confirmed nine confirmandi at Barksdale Air Force Base Holy Family Parish on

February 6. Over 130 people attended the Confirmation Mass concelebrated by Bishop Duca and Fr. Redmond Raux. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus were the honor guards for the ceremony. An Italian luncheon reception followed the ceremony for all the family, friends, servers, Knights and special guest, Bishop Duca. – Jeanette Lay

Around the Diocese...


sainTs lunCH bunCH sTarTs uP aT CHrisT THe king CHurCH

Ladies at Christ the King have started an exciting Saints Lunch Bunch which meets the last Tuesday of every month. They are reading The Big Book of Women Saints

by Sarah Gallick. Each month the members of the group read about those months’ saints and discuss those they have read about over lunch. They also play word games and question games related to the readings. This is a fun, spiritual, prayerful group of ladies who wish to continue their Catholic education and enjoy new friendships. This group was the brainstorm of Shirleyann Gleason, a Pastoral Council member. – Nancy Miller

saCred HearT CHurCH draWs reCord nuMbers for reVelaTions Course

Father Pat Madden, Director of Greco Institute, has been teaching a course on the Book of Revelations at Sacred Heart Church in Rayville.

This course has drawn about 60 people, including many Catholics and Protestants from cities outside of Rayville, including Monroe, Tallulah and Mangham. Fr. Pat includes reading from a Greek Bible as part of the course. – Billy Coenen

uniVersiTy of louisiana in Monroe CelebraTed sCHolars Mass

University of Louisiana in Monroe celebrated its seventh annual Scholars’ Mass on January 31, 2010. Bishop Michael Duca led the Mass

and was joined by area priests and deacons. During the Mass, students Mary Barber, Kayla Morgan and Michael Hildebrand were awarded scholarships. - Gary Guinigundo

loyola College PreP MarCHes for life in d.C.

N ineteen Loyola students and four faculty chaperones attended the March for Life in Washington DC on

January 22 in the annual protest of the Roe v. Wade decision. This group, representing Loyola’s Flyers for Life, attended a pro-life conference at Georgetown University, a pro-life youth rally at Georgetown College Prep, and visited Rep. Fleming to learn more about how that decision has affected many aspects of our daily life. The students returned having a better understanding of how our government works as well as the Church’s position on the sanctity of life. – Karen Dill


FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 4: LENTEN MISSION AT THE CATHEDRAL Join us as we celebrate the Spirit of God working in our lives with Redemptorist Fr. John Kuehner. His message will empower, inspire and educate us on the role of the Holy Spirit in our life and in the Church. Middle and High School Youth are also invited. Come revive your faith this Lenten season! For more information: www.sjbcathedral.org or 318-221-5296.

MARCH 21: AFTERNOON OF PRAYER ON AGING Sr. Martinette Rivers, licensed Spiritual Gerontologist, will be the facilitator for the Sunday afternoon of prayer at the White Wing Dove Renewal Center in Keithville. The theme will be Seven Wonders of Aging. 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The center is located at 6503 Vardaman Road, Keithville. Call or e-mail ahead for free reservation as seating is limited 318-925-6309 or [email protected]

APRIL 9-11: BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Registering now for a weekend away toward a lifetime of change at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pinveille, LA for April 9-11, 2010. Hope for a new beginning for divorced, widowed or

separated people. The program helps grieving single-again persons emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning, and move into the future with renewed hope. Cost is $185 and includes two nights’ lodging and meals. To register or for more information, call (318) 448-1990 or (318) 452-2678 or Rose Murray, (504) 920-0770.

APRIL 13: PRO-LIFE ORATORY CONTEST The National Right to Life is sponsoring its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest. The competition is open to all high school Juniors and Seniors, who will address the issues of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia or fetal stem cell research in 5-7 minute oral presentations. The local contest, now in its 22nd year, will be held on Tuesday, April 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Ave. in Shreveport. The contest is open to the public. Local prizes are: First place- $150 cash, Second place- $100 cash, and Third place-$50 cash. The first place winner will then represent the Shreveport/ Bossier area at the state contest in Lafayette on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Louisiana Knights of Columbus Convention.For additional information and entry forms, please contact Susan Flanagan at 318-861-6879.

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Holy Week at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans with

Bishop Michael Duca

Holy Week March 28 – April 4

Liturgies with Bishop Duca:

Palm Sunday, March 28, 11:00 a.m. Mass

Tuesday, March 30, Chrism Mass, 5:30pm

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, April 1, 5:30pm

Good Friday, April 2, Veneration of the Cross, 3:00pm

Good Friday, April 2, Stations of the Cross, 5:30pm

Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 3, 7:45pm Mass


March 2010 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Saint CasimirSaint Katharine Drexel, virgin

Third Sunday of Lent Saint John of God, religious

Saint Francis of Rome, religious

Fourth Sunday of Lent Saint Patrick, bishop

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor

of the Church

Passover Begins

Fifth Sunday of Lent Saint Toribio de Mo-grovejo, bishop

The Annunciation of the Lord

Connection Deadline

Vocations Board Meeting, Catholic

Center, 12pm

Protecting God's Children, 6pm, Catholic Center

Good Leaders, Good Shepherds

Program, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston,

9:30am

Corporate Committee

Meeting, Catholic Center, 9:30am

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic

Center, 1pm

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Beginning of Holy Week

Corporate Committee

Meeting, Catholic Center, 9:30am

Chrism Mass, Cathedral of St.

John Berchmans, 5:30pm

Clergy Day of Reflection, Catholic

Center, 12pm

St. Joseph, Husband of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

Confirmation, Mary, Queen of

Peace Church, 4pm

Operation Rices Bowl Second

Collection

Louisiana Interchurch

Conference Annual Assembly, Monroe

Louisiana Interchurch

Conference Annual Assembly, Monroe

Daylight Savings Time Begins

Operation Rice Bowl Second

Collection

Spring Break for Catholic Schools

Begins

stained glass window in st. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church in shreveport depicts the blessed Mother and Jesus Christ.

24 24 Catholic Connection March 2010

D I O C E S E O F S H R E V E P O R T

3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Knights of Columbus Prepare for Red Mass at Holy Trinity. Photo by Jessica Rinaudo.


All Schools Mass Brings Catholic Schools Together

During Catholic Schools Week, both the Eastern and Western deaneries

held an “All Schools Mass.” The one in Monroe took place at St. Frederick High School and the one in Shreveport took place at Loyola College Prep. All the Catholic Schools joined together with Bishop Michael Duca to honor students, teachers, parents and their Catholic education.



Students answer Bishop Duca's questions

about obedience at Western Deanery All

Schools Mass.

Fr. Peter Mangum serves

Communion to a Loyola

student during the Mass.

Monroe Catholic School students join hands during the Eastern Deanery All Schools Mass.

Our Lady of Fatima students at Eastern Deanery All Schools Mass.

A choir of students from several area Catholic schools join together in song at Loyola.

Documents

Catholic Connection March 2010