church today - Diocese of Alexandria

Transcription

church today - Diocese of Alexandria
CHURCH
Volume XLIV, No. 3
www.diocesealex.org
TODAY
Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970
March 18, 2013
ON THE
POPE
INSIDE
FRANCIS
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio
elected 266th pope
Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario
Bergoglio, 76, was elected the
266th pope and took the name
Francis. The election March 13
came on the first full day of the
conclave on the conclave’s fifth
ballot. See pages 2-3.
Holy Week begins
next week
Holy Week is upon us and
a long list of services, special
Masses, and opportunities for the
Sacrament of Reconciliation are
available in the parishes throughout the Diocese of Alexandria. For
more information, go to pages
6-7 or to the diocesan website at
www.diocesealex.org.
US bishops support new
conscience-protection bill
introduced in Congress
Three House Republicans introduced a bill March 5 to protect
conscience rights for both workers in the health care industry and
for employers, and is supported
by the US bishops. Read more
about it on page 11.
POPE FRANCIS. Cardinal
Jorge Mario Bergoglio of
Argentina was elected the
266th Roman Catholic
pontiff. (CNS photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters)
PAGE 2
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
Pope Francis faces major pastoral challenges
Dolan says new pope to face ecclesiological challenges, vocations crisis, religious freedom issues
By Carol Zimmermann
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A
major issue facing today’s U.S.
Catholic Church is that many
people express “absolutely no
problem with faith, but they do
have a problem with religion,”
said New York Cardinal Timothy
M. Dolan.
He said this is an issue facing many religions, but noted that
for Catholics it is “a particularly
pointed challenge because Catholics believe Jesus and his church
are one; it’s a package deal.”
“To recover that intimacy of
a relationship with Jesus and his
church is a major pastoral challenge,” he told Catholic News
Service several days before the
cardinals met in conclave.
Cardinal Dolan, president of
the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops, was asked about issues
the cardinals would likely consider in their general congregation sessions before the conclave
when they discuss a variety of
needs facing the universal church.
He said he had some ideas
on these challenges, just based on
what he has seen in U.S. dioceses
from recent reports submitted to
him by U.S. bishops in preparation for the next synod of bishops.
As these reports have been
coming in, he said he is “seeing a
clear pattern.”
He said the U.S. bishops are
concerned with what they describe as an “ecclesiological challenge” as more and more people
separate religion from faith and
also say they “don’t have a prob-
Virtus
Tuesday, April 16
6:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Cathoic
Center
Alexandria
To register, go to
www.virtus.org
U.S. CARDINAL TAKE BUS TO LAST GENERAL CONGREGATION MEETING AHEAD OF CONCLAVE. U.S. cardinals take a short bus ride from the Pontifical North American College in Rome to synod hall at the Vatican March 11 for
the cardinals’ last general congregation meeting before the conclave. Pictured from left, in front, Cardinals Donald W.
W uerl of Washington, Francis E. George of Chicago and Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston. Behind them, from
left, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington, and Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston. In back,
from left, Cardinal Roge r M. Mahony, retired archbishop of Los Angeles; Cardinal Justin Rigali, retired archbishop of
Philadelphia and Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York. (CNS photo/George Martell, courtesy of Pilot Media Group)
lem with Jesus but they do have
questions about the church.”
“That’s not just a Catholic
problem, every religion seems to
be experiencing this,” he added,
but it is still a major challenge
Catholic leaders cannot ignore.
Another major challenge is
the vocations crisis, he said. Cardinal Dolan said he was not just
referring to the vocation to the
priesthood and religious life but
marriage and family.
“The polls are showing that
Catholic people are marrying at
(the) same low rate as the rest and
are divorcing close to the national
rate. That means we have a vocation problem,” he said.
He also cited the issue of religious freedom and said there is
a strong feeling that the church
“needs to be more robust in its
defense of religious freedom not
only where Christians are subjected to outright persecution and
harassment” but also what he described as a “more insidious kind
of harassment” when the “ability
to give public witness to the faith
is curtailed and thought to be inappropriate.”
“Something tells me that
those three challenges are not exclusive to the United States” and
that they would likely be “priorities for the next pope,” he added.
When asked what qualities
the new pope should have, he said
he should be holy, theologically
erudite, have an appreciation of
the needs of the universal church.
He said he should also have linguistic skills, pastoral competency and leadership sense.
With that said, he added
there is “not a job description for
the pope.”
He acknowledged that the
qualities he is suggesting “nobody can meet up to” but added,
“I think that’s what the cardinals
are looking for.”
Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLC
Brigitte Kelso
Owner/Agent
2918 S. MacArthur Dr.
Alexandria, La. 71301
Phone: 318.448.2226
Fax: 318.448.2800
[email protected]
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
PAGE 3
World joyously welcomes Pope Francis
Catholic News Service
The tens of thousands of
rain-drenched pilgrims who filled
St. Peter’s Square March 13 joyously cheered the new leader of
the church, Pope Francis.
Cheers of “Francesco! Francesco! Francesco!” resounded
throughout the square as he greeted the exuberant crowd in Italian
and blessed them from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
When the name of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was initially announced,
the crowd was momentarily quiet
and visibly puzzled about who he
was, but they clapped and cheered
when they heard the name Francis, even if they still didn’t know
much about him.
“The choice of the name was
beautiful for us. St. Francis is the
patron saint of Italy,” said Celsa
Negrini of Rome, who was in the
crowd. “It was a beautiful evening. We’re so happy to have an
Argentine pope and it was about
time we had someone from Latin
America.”
“He seems very humble; his
demeanor seems very positive.
He will be a pope who evangelizes people’s consciences,” she
added.
Although no one who spoke
with CNS seemed to know much
about the new pope, it did not dissuade their enthusiasm.
Father Elievev Israel Sandoval Espinoza of the Archdiocese
of Monterrey, Mexico, said it was
a “historic day without a doubt
for the whole world, not just Latin America.”
Father Simon Gras, a priest
from Barcelona, Spain, said the
announcement of the new pope
was “a great joy, an immense joy.”
He was pleased that the pope was
from Argentina, and a Jesuit, but
above all, that he took the name
of St. Francis: “a man who has no
fear. His name is about humility
and poverty.”
IN PRAYER. Newly-elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of
Argentina, prays in front of the “Salus Populi Romani,” (“Salvation of the Roman People”), a Marian icon in a chapel of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in
Rome, March 14. (CNS photo/L’Osservato re Romano)
P.O. Box 5624
Alexandria, LA 71307
3306 Giamanco Street
Phone: (318) 473-8751
Fax: (318) 473-4045
EMail: [email protected]
Donald J. Baker, ACF/RF/CF
CONSULTING FORESTER
Licensed Urban Tree Consultant
Jesuit Father Gerard Stockhausen, executive secretary of
the Jesuit Conference USA, said
that when Cardinal Bergoglio’s
name was announced from the
Vatican balcony, he didn’t realize
immediately that it was a fellow
member of the Society of Jesus,
the religious order founded by St.
Ignatius Loyola in 1534.
Jesuits generally don’t seek
higher offices in the church, Father Stockhausen said. “There are
relatively few who are bishops
even. We don’t ordinarily take on
those posts.”
Even the Vatican spokesman,
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi,
told reporters: “Personally, I’m a
bit shocked to have a Jesuit pope.
Jesuits think of themselves as servants, not authorities in church.”
“Jesuits resist being named
bishop or cardinal. To be named
pope -- wow,” Father Lombardi
said. “Must have been result of
strong call.”
In Dajabon, Dominican
Republic, Jesuit Father Regino
Martinez, said Pope Francis as
the first Latin American pope offers “an opportunity to support
the work being done in the Latin
American church and a show of
support for Latin Americans.”
Father Stockhausen said that
even those Jesuits who do become cardinals “tend not to move
in ‘cardinal circles,’ where they
get to know each other. That’s not
our world.”
He acknowledged that Jesuits are generally thought of as
highly educated, and “men of the
world.” Jesuits have a reputation
for being careful decision-makers, particularly if they follow the
spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius,
which lead one to make decisions
not out of personal interests or attachments, but out of where the
Spirit is leading through prayer.
2008 PHOTO. Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner
greets Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio at the Basilica of Lujan in Argentina
in 2008. The 76-year-old Jesuit is the first Latin American pope. (CNS
photo/Ezequiel Pontoriero, Reuters)
Who is Pope Francis?
• Born Dec. 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Is one of five children born of Mario Jose and Regina Bergoglio
• Has one lung. Had a lung removed as a teen, due to an infection
• Has a master’s degree in chemistry
• Fluently speaks Spanish, Latin, Italian, German, and English
• Ordained a Jesuit priest on Dec. 13, 1969
• Ordained a Bishop in 1992
• Named a Cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II
• In 2005 conclave, was one of top contenders for pope
• Extremely humble
• While Bishop, lived in small apartment and rode public bus to work
• Strongly supports the poor
• Strongly opposes same sex marriage
• Should not be referred to as Francis I,
-- only if and when there is ever a Francis II.
For current updates
on Holy Week, visit
www.diocesealex.org
or go to
our Facebook page
PAGE 4
Habemus Papam!
(We have a Pope!)
As that ancient declaration
rang out over St. Peter’s Square,
and in fact over the entire world
through the gift of our modern
tools of communication, the guidance of the Holy Spirit has once
again manifested itself in the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario
Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina as the 266th
Pope.
Our prayers are with Pope
Francis I!
These days of suspense and
anticipation are over. Our joy begins!
As I began this column a few
CHURCH TODAY
ONE IN
THE LORD
Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog
Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria
days ago, the Cardinal electors
were still gathered in Conclave,
fulfilling their awesome responsibility of electing the successor of
Peter. Before I could finish, however, news of white smoke was
announced! We all waited with
anticipation to learn the identity of
our new Pontiff. What an exciting
day in the life of the Church!
Like most of you, I know relatively little about Pope Francis but
I am confident that the guidance of
the Holy Spirit has again provided
the Church with the one needed at
this time in history. I look forward
to having the opportunity in the
year ahead to meet him.
In the meantime, we all can
and should pray for him. Begin-
Chair of St. Peter carries powerful grace
of the Holy Spirit to lead Church on earth
Sitting in the media room of
the Sala Stampa where the Vaican’s sporkesperson, Fr. Lombardi and Fr. Rosica flanked Archbishop Juan Arrieta, I listened
as His Excellency explained the
‘playbook” of the vacancy of the
Holy See and the process of electing a new pope.
Universi Dominici Gregis
was a document released 17 years
ago in 1996 by Blessed John Paul
II on the exact day this press conference was delivered, (Feb. 22),
which is the liturgical feast of the
Chair of St. Peter.
The feast of the Chair of St.
Peter was originally linked to two
feasts which were held in the calendar of the Church until 1960
when Pope John XXIII removed
the second feast of Jan. 18.
Both the ordinary and extraordinary forms of the Roman Rite
observe the Chair of St. Peter on
Feb. 22, which is strangely often
in the context of the season of
Lent.
Framed occasionally by days
of penance in Lent, the feast celebrates the symbol and reality of
the Petrine ministry in the seat of
Peter, from which the pope proclaims the teaching of the Catholic Church on faith and morals.
With Pope Benedict’s announcement of relinquishing the
Chair only 11 days before, the
MARCH 18, 2013
ning immediately, we will include
his name in the Eucharist Prayer in
each Mass.
Pope Francis already fulfills
some ‘firsts’. No previous Pope
has chosen this name; he is the
first Pope from the Americas and
the first Jesuit to be elected to this
office. Undoubtedly, we will learn
much more in the days ahead.
Our days of Lent are quickly
drawing to a close and the great liturgies of Holy Week will soon be
with us. As in past years, I encourage all who can to make a special
effort to take part in the unique
days of the Triduum (Holy Thursday through Easter).
One thing to keep in mind as
these days unfold is that our Li-
CHURCH
turgical celebrations are not just
historical commemorations marking the events in the life of Jesus.
They offer us a deeply theological
experience of the meaning of his
passion.
During the Easter Season, I
will again have the great pleasure
of visiting many parishes and missions to celebrate the Sacrament of
Confirmation. It is one of the most
joyous times of the year for many
reasons.
May you receive great blessings and deepened faith during the
days of Holy Week and Easter!
TODAY
Volume XLIV, No. 3 • March 18, 2013
P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303
[email protected] 318-445-6424
ROAD REPORT
from the VATICAN
Rev. Luke Melcher
Diocese of Alexandria
feast of the Chair of St. Peter had
an almost penitential quality, as
the Church would forego soon a
most beloved pontiff.
Brash speculations about
the “reasons” for his leaving
have made their rounds. I cannot conclude that Pope Benedict
is “abandoning the cross,” as it
would logically follow from these
claims. I take him at his word.
To leave this Chair, he does
so for the good of the Church,
simply.
Though he announced his
resignation was because of declining health and old age, (which
is a very practical reason), this
resignation is not a political act,
but an act and an exercise of faith
by the Servant of the Servants of
God.
On the back wall of St. Peter’s Basilica, Bernini’s reliquary
of the Chair of St. Peter is illuminated by the dove of the Holy
Spirit, reminding the faithful who
look upon this symbol that a chair
may be filled by a man, but the
man is endowed by a powerful
grace to lead the pilgrim Church
on earth.
“We are in the Year of
Faith, which I desired in order to
strengthen our own faith in God
in a context that seems to push
faith more and more toward the
margins of life.
“I would like to invite everyone to renew firm trust in the
Lord.
“Yes, we are happy for the
gift of faith: it is the most precious good, that no one can take
from us! (Final General Audience, Feb. 27)
Although his last act was to
leave the Chair of St. Peter, and
with it the seat of authority with
the Petrine ministry, Benedict
XVI’s last act has challenged us
to build up the virtue of faith in
Christ, whose next vicar on earth
we anticipate.
Publisher:
Editor:
Advertising:
Circulation:
Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria
Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; [email protected]
Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; [email protected]
Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; [email protected]
THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic
Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of
the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese
subscriptions are $20 a year. The office is located at 4400 Coliseum
Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CHURCH
TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306
The CHURCH TODAY
is a member of the
Catholic Press Association.
Website: www.diocesealex.org/thechurchtoday
To receive a free subscription, call
318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail
[email protected]
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 5
SEMINARIAN TAYLOR REYNOLDS DISPLAYS LOUISIANA FLAG IN MIDDLE OF VATICAN SQUARE. Alexandria seminarian Taylor Reynolds, holds
up a Louisiana State flag in the middle of Vatican Square while waiting for
Pope Benedict’s final general audience Feb. 27. Both Reynolds and Father
Luke Melcher have been sending news reports to the Diocese of Alexandria
from Rome (where they are both studying) about events as they are unfolding.
The picture above and other posts by Reynolds can be found on the diocesan
website at www.diocesealex.org. A video by Father Melcher, showing Pope
Benedict’s helicopter fly away on his last day, can be seen on YouTube.
CARDINALS GATHER IN SISTINE CHAPEL TO ELECT NEW POPE. Cardinals from around the world are seen in
the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel March 12 as they began the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI. At the
end of the second day, they elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has taken the
name Pope Francis. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters)
SAVE up to 40% with
Alexandria Business Machines
Copiers • Printers • Printer Supplies
Faxes • Office Supplies
Cost Management for your Business
318-443-0435
5527 Coliseum Blvd.
Alexandria, LA 71303-3708
Year of Faith
Oct. 11, 2012- Nov.24, 2013
• Learn the Faith
• Share the Faith
• Live the Faith
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 6
John Paul II’s Link to Divine Mercy Devotion
Feb. 22, 1931
Jesus reveals himself to Sister Faustina and tells her to paint his image.
April 28, 1935
Divine Mercy image is publicly venerated.
1942-1959
Devotion spreads throughout world.
March 6, 1959
Holy Office bans DM devotion due to inaccurate translation
of devotion submitted to Rome.
Oct. 21, 1965
Cardinal Karol Wojtyla sends virtues of Sr. Faustina’s life
to Rome for beautification process.
Oct 16, 1978
Cardinal Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II.
July 12, 1979
Pope JPII lifts ban on Divine Mercy devotion.
Nov. 30, 1980
Pope JPII issues encyclical on Divine Mercy.
April 18, 1993
Sr. Faustina is beatified in Rome.
April 30, 2000
Blessed Faustina is canonized in Rome on Divine Mercy Sunday by JPII.
May 5, 2000
Decree issued proclaiming the Second Sunday of Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday.
April 22, 2001
Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated officially for the first time by the universal Church.
April 2, 2005
Pope JPII dies on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday.
May 1, 2011
Pope JPII beatified on Divine Mercy Sunday.
MARCH 18, 2013
JPII said promoting Divine Mercy
devotion was his mission in life
STEUBENVILLE,
OH—
When Dr. Valentin Fuster, the
American cardiologist representing the postulators of St. Faustina
Kowalska’s cause for sainthood,
rose to leave the banquet following the canonization on April 30,
2000, Pope John Paul II motioned
to him.
“I just wanted to tell you,”
the aging pope said to Fuster,
“today is the happiest day of my
life.”
“Great joy, the deepest joy,
comes from fulfilling one’s mission in life, one’s vocation,” said
Father Michael Gaitley, MIC,
who spoke to an overflow crowd
at Franciscan University of Steubenville last month. “And John
Paul II, at the beginning of his
pontificate, said that promoting
the message of Divine Mercy ‘is
a special task assigned to me by
God.’”
Father
Gaitley’s
talk,
“Mary’s Gift of Mercy: John Paul
II and the Second Greatest Story
Ever Told,” traced the role of the
Divine Mercy message in recent
salvation history, a story that
Father Gaitley considers second
only to that of Sacred Scripture
itself.
The story, he said, began on
the eve of World War II when Jesus appeared to Sister Faustina
Kowalska, a humble Polish nun,
and revealed his message of Divine Mercy, and the image of pale
and crimson rays emanating from
his heart.
“Mercy is a particular form
of love when it encounters pov-
Divine Mercy Sunday
April 7, 2013
Visit www.diocesealex.org for list of
parishes offering DM services
erty, weakness, brokenness, sin,”
Father Gaitley said. “Mercy is
love when it meets suffering.”
The message spread through
an agonized, broken Europe after World War II, as people took
solace from the words, “Jesus, I
trust in you.” However, after a
bad translation of the message
was sent to Rome, the message
was banned. As people asked the
Church to reconsider, one bishop
in Poland listened to their pleas
and sent a better translation of
the message to Rome, and the
Church lifted the ban. Six months
later, Father Gaitley explained,
that bishop was elected pope, and
took the name John Paul II.
After devoting his life to
promoting the message of Divine
Mercy, Pope John Paul II lay dying on April 2, 2005, the eve of
Divine Mercy Sunday, the feast
that he instated at St. Faustina’s
canonization. Archbishop Dziwisz (now Cardinal), the pope’s
40-year personal secretary, felt
the unmistakable urge to offer
Mass right then. As it was Saturday evening, he prepared for the
vigil Mass, which was the Mass
See DIVINE MERCY, pg. 9
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 7
Penance Services
Mar. 20 -- OLPS, Alexandria, 6:30 p.m.
Mar. 20 -- St. Peter Mission, Elmer, after 6 p.m. Mass
Mar. 20 -- St. Michael, Leesville, 6 p.m.
Mar. 21 -- St. Joseph, Cheneyville, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Mar. 22 -- St. Louis, Glenmora, after 5 p.m. Mass
Mar. 26 -- St. Joseph, St. Joseph, 6 p.m.
Mar. 26 -- St. Patrick, Montgomery, after 5 p.m. Mass
Reconciliation Opportunities
Every Tuesday
• St. Anthony, Bunkie, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• St. Mary’s, Winnsboro, 4:15p.m. 4:45 p.m.
Every Tuesday (6:30 -7:30 p.m.)
• Our Lady of Prompt Succor Alexandria
• St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria
• St. James Memorial, Alexandria
• St. Anthony, Natchitoches
• Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches
• St. John the Baptist, Cloutierville
• Sacred Heart, Pineville
• St. Louis, Glenmora
Every Wednesday
• St. Joseph, Colfax, after 5:30 p.m. Mass
• St. Peter Mission, Elmer, after 6 p.m. Mass, Stations
• St. Joseph, St. Joseph, 5:30 -6:30 p.m.
• St. Mary’s, Winnsboro, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Every Friday
• St. Louis, Glenmora, after 5 p.m. Mass, Stations
Holy Week filled with special services
Palm Sunday
March 24
Wednesday
March 27
• “The Passion of Our Lord” is
the Gospel reading.
• Walk with Jesus, the final night
of a six-week Lenten Mission,
6:30 -7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph
Church in Marksville. Bring
your Bible and the Catechism of
the Catholic Church.
• Blessed Palms are distributed to
the faithful.
Tuesday
March 26
Holy Thursday
(The Last Supper)
March 28
• Chrism Mass, 11 a.m., at St.
Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria. Bishop Ronald Herzog
will be the principal celebrant,
and the diocesan clergy as concelebrants.
• “The Light is On” campaign
to encourage participation in the
Sacrament of Reconciliation. See
the list of participating churches
(at left) or check with your local
Catholic Church.
• Special “Washing of the Feet”
services offered throughout the
diocese. Check your parish bulletin for details.
Good Friday
(Crucifixion & Death of Jesus)
March 29
• Stations of the Cross
• Eucharistic Adoration/Benediction
• 3 p.m. Holy Hours
• Check your local bulletin for
services in your area.
Holy Saturday
March 30
• Easter Vigil Masses begin no
earlier than 8 p.m.
• Check your parish bulletin for
Vigil Masses in your area.
Easter Sunday
March 31
• Outdoor Sunrise Mass, Holy
Rosary Mission in Emmanuel,
7 a.m., Bring lawn chairs to sit
on. In the event of inclement
weather, go to www.diocesealex.
org for latest decision on whether
or not it will be held.
St. Frances Cabrini Church
It’s
time for
2211 E. Texas Ave. • Alexandria, LA
(318) 445-4588
PALM SUNDAY
P L A N T I N G
Saturday, March 23 -- 4:30 p.m. Mass
Sunday, March 24
10:00 a.m. Mass, 11:30 a.m. Brunch, 6:15 p.m. Mass
=
HOLY WEEK
Holy Monday, March 25 -- 6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
Holy Tuesday, March 26 -- Chrism Mass Cathedral 11:00 a.m.
Holy Wednesday, March 27 -- 6:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
Holy Thursday, March 28 -- 6:00 p.m.
Good Friday, March 29 -- 5:00 p.m.
•
•
•
•
•
Vegetable plants & seeds
flower bed plants & seeds
lawn fertilizers
fire ant killer
garden supplies
=
EASTER
Holy Saturday, March 30
Confessions 11:00-12:30 p.m., Easter Vigil, 8:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, March 31
9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 6:15 p.m.
2914 N. Bolton Ave.
Alexandria, LA
442-2325
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 8
Pastor put on administrative leave
Bishop Ronald Herzog
announced March 12 that he
has placed Rev. Jamie MedinaCruz on administrative leave
from his parish, St. Mary’s
Assumption Catholic Church
in Cottonport, following an allegation of misconduct with a
minor.
Rev. Jacob Thomas has
been appointed Administrator
Pro Temp to insure that the affairs of the parish can continue.
Bishop Herzog said this
action was taken after an accusation was made to the Diocese of Alexandria.
He emphasized that placing a priest on administrative
leave is not a presumption of
guilt or innocence. This action
is taken in order to allow for
an unimpeded investigation by
the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s
Office.
Additionally, it follows the
guidelines of the Diocesan Policy Concerning Sexual Abuse of
Minors and conforms to the USCCB Charter for the Protection
of Children and Young People.
(Documents are downloadable
at http://www.diocesealex.org/
safe-environment-documents.)
“As difficult as releasing
this information is, it is a decision that is unavoidable as we
fulfill our commitment to transparency in such matters,” said
Bishop Herzog. “I urge you to
continue to pray for all who
have been affected by this allegation, asking the Lord to bring
his peace and healing.”
PAINT • FLOORING • WINDOW COVERINGS
318.443.8443
95 Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA
[email protected]
MARCH 18, 2013
USCCB Home Missions rep visits local ministries
Kenneth Ong, a grant specialist from the USCCB Catholic
Home Missions staff, visited the
Diocese of Alexandria Feb. 2021 for an on-site review of ministries.
During his stay he visited
the LSU-Alexandria Catholic
Student Center and spoke to the
students and faculty served by the
campus ministry there.
He attended a luncheon with
representatives of Hispanic missions including Our Lady of Guadalupe in Forest Hill, St. Francis
of Assisi at Fort Polk, and St. Michael the Archangel in Leesville.
He also visited with various
offices and ministries at the St.
Joseph Catholic Center.
According to Ann Masden,
director of Development, the
Diocese of Alexandria receives
generous grants every year from
the Catholic Home Missions to
support several areas including
Hispanic ministry, campus ministry, seminarian education, and
religious education.
“We are vert grateful to the
Catholic Home Missions Board
USCCB CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS. Kenneth Ong, (center) a grant specialist from the USCCB Catholic Home Missions staff, visits with students from
LSU-A during their regular Wednesday noon lunches at the CSO.
for their support in the Diocese of
Alexandria,” said Masden.
A national collection is held
every year in parishes throughout
the diocese in support of Catholic
Home Missions. This year’s collection will be held the weekend
of April 27-28.
Donations to the Catholic
Home Missions Appeal support a
wide range of pastoral activities,
with special emphasis on evangelization; religious education; ministry training for priests, deacons,
religious sisters and lay people;
and support of poor parishes.
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 9
Outdoor Easter
Sunrise Mass
March 31, Easter Sunday
7 a.m. Sunrise Mass
Bring your own lawn chair
Holy Rosary Chapel
Emmanuel, LA
Weather permitting
To find out the latest on whether
or not there will be an Easter Sunrise
Mass at Holy Rosary Chapel, go to
www.diocesealex.org, where the
most up-to-date information will be
available.
Divine Mercy devotion
Continued from pg. 6
for Divine Mercy Sunday, and
Pope John Paul II received one
droplet of the Precious Blood.
“Less than an hour later …
John Paul II went to his eternal
reward,” Father Gaitley said. “As
Pope Benedict XVI himself puts
it, he went to the Lord in the arms
of mercy.”
Father Gaitley said that two
messages were integral to Pope
John Paul II’s papacy: “Be not
afraid,” and “Jesus, I trust in
You.”
“We’ve got the two sides of
the same coin right here,” Father
Gaitley said. “‘Be not afraid.’
Why? Because we trust in Jesus,
who has revealed himself as infinite love and mercy.”
Father Gaitley, author of
the Marian consecration book,
33 Days to Morning Glory, said
that it is the Blessed Mother who
brings us into Divine Mercy
by drawing us to its fount, the
pierced side of Christ. He emphasized the devotion of Marian
consecration, which gives Mary
permission to make one’s life into
something beautiful for God.
“Mary’s whole being is to
bring us to the mercy of God,”
Father Gaitley said. “I believe the
triumph of her Immaculate Heart
is the triumph of Divine Mercy,
because that’s the spark that will
prepare the world for the Lord’s
final coming.”
This year, the feast of Divine
Mercy will be celebrated on Sunday, April 7.
Budget DJ
Parties • Weddings
Over 30,000 songs
J.P. Louviere
318-419-4487
The Music Don't Stop til the Last One Drops!
Beautiful music crafted for
your special celebration!
Scott Atkinson, violin Kristine Joubert, viola
Darla Jefferson, violin Margaret Waring, cello
318.792.5061 or [email protected]
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 10
MARCH 18, 2013
Arkansas now has toughest anti-abortion laws in nation
Bans abortion at 20 weeks, passes Human Heartbeat & Pain-Capable Protection Act
By Malea Hargett
Catholic News Service
Six days after passing a ban
on abortions after 20 weeks’ gestation, the Arkansas Legislature
approved an even stricter ban.
The House and Senate voted
March 5 and 6 to override Gov.
Mike Beebe’s veto to approve the
Arkansas Human Heartbeat Protection Act, just as they did Feb.
27-28 to override his veto of the
Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.
While the fetal pain bill went
into effect immediately, the heart-
beat bill banning most abortions
at 12 weeks will take effect this
summer. Opponents have vowed
to file lawsuits to stop the 12week law from taking effect.
The Arkansas Human Heartbeat Protection Act bans most
abortions after a fetal heartbeat
is detected and the pregnancy is
12 weeks or greater. According
to National Right to Life, a fetus’
heartbeat begins at the 22nd day.
Exceptions are made for
rape, incest, to save the life of the
mother or if a “highly lethal fetal disorder” is discovered. It has
been called the strictest abortion
law in the country.
After the vote, sponsor Sen.
Jason Rapert said, “If there’s a
heartbeat, there’s life and we’re
going to stand up for this law, regardless of who opposes it.”
The Diocese of Little Rock’s
position on laws that restrict abortion is grounded in the Catholic
Church’s teaching that all life is
sacred from the moment of conception to natural death.
“The passage of these two
bills provides greater protection
for unborn children,” said Marianne Linane, diocesan respect life
director. “Legal challenges are to
be expected and if they are filed,
we hope the eventual rulings will
recognize that an unborn child is
a human life and extend the protection of the law to unborn children at an even earlier age than
previously provided.”
Rose Mimms, director of
Arkansas Right to Life and a
member of St. Theresa Church
in Little Rock, said the heartbeat
bill is groundbreaking and will be
challenged in court since Arkansas is the first state to pass such a
restrictive law.
Mimms’ organization was
lobbying for the fetal pain bill
since there was precedence in
other states and was not actively
lobbying for the heartbeat bill.
Mimms was familiar with the
heartbeat bill because a similar
version was introduced in the
Legislature in 2011 but didn’t
make it out of committee.
“We support any kind of prolife legislation, but we didn’t feel
the timing was right,” she said.
“Our concern is because it does
go so far that if it did go all the
way to the Supreme Court, it
might just be another decision
that affirms Roe (v. Wade). That
is not what we want.”
Justice Depart. says denial of same-sex benefits is unconstitutional
By Catholic News Service
The Justice Department, in
a brief filed Feb. 22 at the U.S.
Supreme Court, said a federal law
that defines marriage as between
one man and a woman, denying
financial benefits to legally wed
same-sex couples, is unconstitutional.
“Moral opposition to homosexuality, though it may reflect
deeply held personal views, is
not a legitimate policy objective
that can justify unequal treatment
of gay and lesbian people” found
in the 1986 Defense of Marriage
Act, said the “amicus,” or friendof-the-court brief, written by So-
licitor General Donald Verrilli.
It was filed in the case of the
U.S. v. Windsor, for which the
court will hear oral arguments
March 27, a day after it hears oral
arguments in another case weighing the constitutionality of samesex marriage, Hollingsworth v.
Perry.
The second case is a challenge to California’s Proposition
8, a ballot initiative approved by
voters in 2008 to ban same-sex
marriage.
In the first case, Edith Windsor is suing over the Defense of
Marriage Act because her samesex marriage was recognized by
the state of New York, but not by
the federal government. Consequently, when her spouse died and
she inherited her estate, Windsor
had to pay $363,000 in federal
estate taxes. Had her spouse been
male, she would have been exempted from that tax.
The Defense of Marriage Act
recognizes marriage as only between one man and one woman
for the federal government’s purposes, such as for Social Security
benefits, family medical leave
and other federal programs, and
federal estate and income taxes.
Last May, President Obama
said he now supported same-sex
marriage, and ordered the Justice
Department not to defend the De-
March 26
March for Marriage
Washington D.C.
This event is being planned strategically for the first day when the U.S.
Supreme Court will be hearing oral
arguments on the cases that could
determine the future of marriage, as
the union of one man and one women, in our nation. Although the march
is in Washington, organizers ask
Catholics nationwide to encourage
prayer and some sort of participation
in parishes, where possible.
•
•
•
334 Acton Road • Marksville, LA
Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Available 24-7
Jason Aymond, Manager
(318) 240-7188
Affiliated with Kilpatrick Life Insurance Co.
since 1932
Behavior Modification
Obedience and Therapy
Pet Training
30-day Money Back Guarantee
985.226.6458
fense of Marriage Act in court.
On Feb. 28, the Justice Department also filed a friend-ofthe-court brief in the Proposition
8 case, urging the high court to
strike down that law and laws in
other states that have legalized
same-sex civil unions, but not
same-sex marriage.
The USCCB has filed separate briefs in the two challenges
facing the high court arguing that
there is “no fundamental right
to marry a person of the same
sex” and that civil recognition
of same-sex relationships is not
deeply rooted in the nation’s history and tradition.
•
•
In home, Individual, and
Group Sessions Available
Phone Consultations
and Phone Assessments
• www.felinecaninecoach.com
Daniel Lacombe
Floor Finishing
404 Bordelon Rd., Hessmer, LA 71341
Specializing in installation
• Floor Finishing
• Hardwood Floors
• Ceramic Tile Floors
• Reseal Tile Floors
Ph: (318) 563-4753 • Cell (318) 305-0241
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
PAGE 11
Conscience-protection bill for HHS mandate introduced in House
By Mark Pattison
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) -Three Republican members of
the House of Representatives introduced a bill March 5 to protect
conscience rights for both workers in the health care industry and
for employers in light of the federal mandate requiring employers
to cover contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs.
One of the sponsors, Rep.
Diane Black, R-Tenn., said it is
possible that the bill, the Health
Care Conscience Rights Act,
could be folded into a continuing resolution being considered
by the House to keep the federal
government operating beyond
March 27.
Two Catholic women who
run businesses and who appeared
at a March 5 news conference on
Capitol Hill said they do not want
to be forced to choose between
their conscience or their business.
“Nobody should be asked to
make that decision,” said Christine Ketterhagen, a co-owner of
Hercules Industries, a heating and
air conditioning company her father founded in Denver 50 years
ago that now has operations in
five states with 320 employees.
“We went to Catholic
schools. Our children went to
Catholic schools. Our grandchildren go to Catholic schools,”
Ketterhagen told Catholic News
“Nine nurses at an unnamed hospital lost their
jobs for their refusal to participate in abortions.”
Story told at the news conference
by Rep. John Fleming, R-La.
Co-sponsor of the bill
CATHOLIC NURSE, COERCED TO PARTICIPATE IN ABORTION, SPEAKS IN WASHINGTON. Cathy CenzonDeCarlo, a registered nurse, speaks during a March 5 press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington about proposed
legislation to address religious freedom concerns about the Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate. Cenzon-De Carlo, a Catholic, talked about being coerced into participating in abortion at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital
since 2004, even though she said the hospital knows of her religious objections to abortion. (CNS photo /Bob Roller)
Service after the news conference. “We’re willing to pay for
education,” she added, but not for
contraceptives or other mandated
health care coverage that goes
against their Catholic faith.
Sister Jane Marie Klein, a
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual
Adoration who is chairperson of
the board of Franciscan Alliance,
a Midwestern hospital group with
13 hospitals and 3,500 beds that
provides an estimated $171.5
million in charity care and community outreach, told CNS, “All I
can say is that we will not violate
our conscience.”
“I don’t want to deal with”
the possibility that the chain could
be shut or sold, she added, saying
she was counting on “good and
faithful” people to “uphold our
God-given rights.”
Sister Jane Marie said, “God
is good. He’s still in charge. I
think he’s going to see us through
this. We have sisters who are
praying 24 hours a day, seven
days a week for this -- along with
the election of a new people right
now.”
The Health Care Conscience
Rights Act would offer a full exemption from the U.S. Department Health and Human Services’ mandate for individuals and
health care entities that refuse to
provide, pay for, or refer patients
to abortion providers because of
First Glance Creations LLC
Full Service Florist for All Occasions
Personalize your flowers
with pictures, messages, logos!
Flowers • Gift Baskets • Fruit Baskets • Plants
104 Shanghi Drive, Ball, LA 71405
(318) 419-8323
Louis Lowrey, M.A.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Offices located at 207 Church Street, Natchitoches
(318) 332-8422 • Pager (318) 252-2945
[email protected]
Mail: 109 Royal Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457
their religious beliefs. The bill
had attracted 50 co-sponsors by
the time of its introduction.
The bill would have given
recourse to one Catholic nurse
forced to participate in a 2009
abortion. Cathy Cenzon-DeCarlo
was an operating room nurse in a
New York hospital. “They threatened my job and my nursing license” if she did not participate in
the abortion, she said.
“I still remember the
22-week-old baby,” CenzonDeCarlo said. “I had to account
for its twisted arms and legs and
feet,” she added. “I’ve had nightmares.”
She filed suit in both state
and federal courts, but was told
that, even if her being forced to
participate in the abortion was illegal, she had no standing to sue.
Other nurses have been victimized for their beliefs. “Because
of my Christian beliefs, I have
been laughed at, marginalized
and had loss of employment,”
said Susan Elliott, director of the
nursing department at Biola University in California, at the press
conference.
Rep. John Fleming, R-La.,
a co-sponsor of the bill, told the
story at the news conference of
nine nurses at an unnamed hospital who had lost their jobs for
their refusal to participate in abortions. “The nine nurses got their
jobs back,” Fleming said, “but
only after help from their unions.”
“I welcome the Health Care
Conscience Rights Act and call
for its swift passage into law,”
said a March 5 statement by
Archbishop William E. Lori of
Baltimore, chairman of the U.S.
bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for
Religious Liberty.
“While federal laws are on
the books protecting conscience
rights in health care, this act
would make such protection truly
effective,” Archbishop Lori said.
“This overdue measure is especially needed in light of new challenges to conscience rights arising from the federal health care
reform act.”
On Feb. 1, HHS issued proposed new rules on the mandate
aimed at accommodating objections raised by Catholic institutions. No exemption, however,
will be given to “for-profit, secular employers” whose owners
have moral objections to providing the coverage.
PAGE 12
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
Mardi Gras 2013!
OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR Pre-K MARDI GRAS PARADE was held
Thursday, Feb. 7, on the street in front of the school. Fr. Dan O’Connor, Grand
Marshall of the parade, and Fr. Charlie Ray throws beads to the crowd of
students.
GRAD
LSU-A STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN CAMPUS MARDI GRAS. Catholic students from the LSU-A CSO participated
in the campus Mardi Gras parade Feb. 9. Pictured are (bottom row) Fr. Blake Deshautelle, Johnneka West, Trinity
Keller, Yogi Patel, Cory Miller, and Lynn Ray. Middle row: Justin Bolton, Matt Walker, and Nick Lasyone and (top) Matt
Scalfano, and Cole Sellars
PRE-R
ES PRE
APRIL
K-8th
EGIST
RA
OR 2 TION
ing an 013-201
d New
4
st
8-12 F
Grade
Return
ST. ANTHONY
udents
of PADUA
SCHOOL
BUNKIE,
LA
• Computer Lab - all grades
• iPads - upper grades
• Art Classes - upper grades
(Private lessons available after school)
• French taught in Grades 1-8
• Programs for struggling students
• Montessori method of instruction
taught in Pre-K and K by Sisters
of the Living Word
• Early arrival at 7:05 a.m. and after
school Homework House until 5 p.m.
Martha Coulon, Principal • (318) 346-2739
116 S. Knoll St. • Bunkie, LA 71322
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 13
St. Juliana Krewe of St. Peter Claver
LeGrand Ball-de Mardi Gras
The Knights and Ladies of St. Juliana Krewe of St. Peter
Claver Council and Court number 268 are all decked
out for their annual LeGrand Ball--de Mardi Gras. The
Ball was held at the Alexandria Convention Hall Feb. 2.
The theme for this year’s Ball was Mardi Gras in Louisiana. Leroy and Delores Landry were crowned King and
Queen of the event.
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, Colfax, FISH FRY FUNDRAISER. CCD teachers Rachel Bruce,
Shannon Johnson and Theresa Dubois volunteered at St. Joseph Church to host a fish fry
and bingo Feb. 2. More than $3,800 was raised to send interested youth to Steubenville South.
ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL ON ASH WEDNESDAY. Deacon William Travis places ashes
on the forehead of St. Frances Cabrini kindergartner
on Ash Wednesday. Students
in grades K-8 attended the noon Mass on Feb. 13.
Listen to the
Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass
on
KLIL 92.1
8 a.m.
Sunday Mass
KZLG 95.9
7 a.m.
Sunday Mass
PAGE 14
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL, Alexandria. Candidates: Sarah Jolly,
Shannon Atkinson, and Gage Trahan.
ST. FRANCES CABRINI CHURCH, Alexandria. Catechumens: Madelina Trevino, Amelia Cortello, Austin Cortelllo,
Mandy Trevino. Candidates: Kiley Squyres, Kara Murphy, Gary Squyres, Don Squyres, Sue Squyres, Michael Dalme,
and Vincent Chicola.
IMMACULATE HEARTOF MARY, Tioga. Catechumens Jeana Marks, Eric
Thompson, Noah Strother, and Karina Galvan.
BASILICA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, Natchitoches. Catechumens: Henry Frye, Jr., Morgan Cedars,
Ronald Miley, Joseph Rhodes, Destin Cedars. Candidates: Melissa Frye, James Close.
STS. FRANCIS & ANNE, Kolin. Catechumens: John Andrews and Laura
Bailey.
MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS, Woodworth. Candidate: Victoria Young
Candidate: Jonathon Despino.
OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR, Alexandria. Catechumens: Richard Emberly, Jolene Miller, Christion Miller.
Candidates: Kayla Coutee, Jennifer Kinberger, Emma Kinberger, Troy West, Crystal Pennington, Christine Descant.
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 15
Rite of Election
February 24, 2013
SACRED HEART OF JESUS, Pineville. Catechumens: Astred Lemmons, Kaydence Tate, Kylie Wolford, Bailee
Walker, Joseph Layssard, Trista Pearson, Sara Rachal, Kelsey Layssard, Timmy Getz, Kenneth Paul, Jana Karisny,
Samantha Dauzat. Candidates: Gavin Basco and Luanne Trahant.
ST. JAMES CHURCH, Alexandria. Candidate: Alice Maria Williams
OUR LADY OF LOURDES, Winnfield. Catechumen: Deborah LeBourgeois.
Candidate: Lisa Daughtry.
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, Leesville. Catechumen: Josh Mason. Candidates: Sarah Norton, Heidi Walker,
Melody Carson, Michelle Anderson, Jenna Mason.
HOLY CROSS, Natchitoches. Catechumens: Andrew Barnes. Candidates:
Kelsey Beaudion, Deanna Bourgeois, Russell Danzy.
ST. RITA, Alexandria. Catechumens: Rocky Bonnette, Christopher Swanson, Justin Pellerin. Candidates: Tommy
McBeth, Sean Riley, Michael Stephenson.
ST. MARY, Jena. Catechumens: James Humphries and Andrew Dunn.
ST. EDWARD, Pollock. Catechumens: Larry Irons and Bobby Shirley.
PAGE 16
CDA #968 (St. Anthony, Bunkie)
EDUCATION CONTEST WINNERS. Poster winners: (front row)
, 1st;
, 2nd;
, 3rd. (Row 2) Essay
winners:
, 1st;
, 2nd;
,
3rd. (Back row) Poetry winners:
, 1st;
, 2nd;
and
, 3rd. The CDA
held the annual education contest in
February. The themes for this years
competition was “My life is a reflecton
of good” or “Jesus is reflected in me”. The first place winners in each division will be entered in the state competition. KC COUNCIL #1199 (St. Mary’s Assumption, Cottonport) WINNERS
OF THE FREETHROW COMPETITION held Feb. 1 are (front row)
,&
.
Row 2: Father Jamie Cruz-Medina,
pastor; Danny Clark Grand Knight;
Mark Tigner KC member Council
#1199.
KC COUNCIL #1199 (St. Mary’s Assumption, Cottonport) LENTEN
FISH FRY. The Knights of Columbus Council #1199 held its annual
Lenten Fish Fry Feb. 1. The KC
Council #1199 would like to thank all
of those who were involved in making this another successful event.
The members present in the picture
are (l-r) Jonathon Normand, Mark
Tigner, Luke Welch, Danny Clark
Grand Knight; Mike Ducote, and
Glenn Normand.
KC COUNCIL #12103 (St. Martin,
Lecompte) grilled hamburgers for
the LSU-A students Feb. 27 for the
weekly Wednesday meal. Pictured
are Theresa Dunn, Johnnie Hart,
Gary Dunn, Stanley Basco, Connie
Rachal, and Frank Rachal.
Radio Maria’s Spring
Maria-thon
March 19-23
To make a pledge call 561-6145
or go to radiomaria.us
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
Catholic Daughters Court Notre Dame
Education Contest Winners
Winners of the Education Contest, sponsored by the Catholic
Daughters of Court Notre Dame #1452 have been announced.
COMPUTER
Division I, Grades 4 & 5
1st
Kelsey Parker
2nd Rachel Williamson
3rd Halson Bowman
HM Travis Deal
Division II, Grades 6-8
1st
Noah Saldiar
2nd Frankie Aymond
3rd Kennedy Perry
HM Laiken Deal
ESSAY CONTEST
Division I, Grades 4-5
1st
Addison Hebert
2nd Kendall Davis
3rd Emma Babin
HM Mia Bordelon
Division II, Grades 6-8
1st
Cameron Christian
2nd Camille Karam
3rd tie Sayer Ryder
3rd tie Aza DeKeyzer
Division III, Grades 9-11
1st
Gabrielle Lessen
2nd Gabrielle Crockett
3rd Mallory Bartow
HM Lana Beard
PHOTOGRAPHY
Division II, Grade 7 only
1st
Sonni Tarver
2nd Lucille Stehr 3rd Nicholas Saccaro
HM Maddie Brinkman
5th grade
5th grader
4th grader
4th grader
St. Frances Cabrini
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
St. Francis Cabrini
6th grader
6th grader
6th grader
6th grader
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
4th grader
4th grader
4th grader
4th grader
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
8th grader
6th grader
8th grader
8th grader
Holy Savior Menard
OL Prompt Succor
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
11th grader
11th grader
11th grader
11th grader
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
7th grader
7th grader
7th grader
7th grader
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
POETRY
Division I, Grades 4-5
1st
Andrew Armstrong
5th grader
2nd Victoria Vaughan
5th grader
3rd Olivia Johnson
5th grader
HM John Seeling
5th grader
Division II, Grades 6-8
1st Cailey Vidrine
7th grader
2nd Courtney Lair
6th grader
3rd Abby Everett
6th grader
HM Mathew Dufrene
6th grader Division III, Grades 9-12 (10th graders only)
1st
John Miller
10th grader
2nd Abbey Slaughter
10th grader
3rd Lance McCarthey
10th grader
HM Grant Dobard
10th grader
ART
Division I, Grades 4-5
1st
Hannah Ruth Crooks 4th grader
2nd Tierra Brumfield
4th grader
3rd Dwane Jones
4th grader
HM Sydney Bandy
4th grader
Division II, Grades 6-8 (only 6th entered)
1st
Frankie Aymond
6th grader
2nd Camie Ardoin
6th grader
3rd Thomas Johnson
6th grader
HM Alexandra Smith
6th grader
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
Holy Savior Menard
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
OL Prompt Succor
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
Holy Savior Menard
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
St. Francis Cabrini
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 17
John Paul II Columbian Squires Circle #5592
New Columbian Squires Circle at St. Michael’s is eager to serve parish, community
By Jeannie Petrus
CT editor
After only one year since
it was organized, the new John
Paul II Columbian Squires Circle
5592 from St. Michael’s Church
in Leesville, is making a name
for itself in the western part of the
diocese.
From cooking and serving
parish dinners, to participating in
community projects, this group
of young men, ages 10 - 18, is
doing a great job of following
the example of their sponsoring
group -- the Knights of Columbus
Council 4156.
“We are very proud of the
entire group,” said Paul Rindahl,
Chief Counselor and Louie Johnson, Deputy Chief Counselor.
“We are very encouraged to see
such a fine group of young men
who want to help out in the parish
and the civic community.”
According to Rindahl, the
Squires Circle was organized after his son, Michael, approached
him and asked if he and his
friends could start a group similar
to the local Knights of Columbus.
After making some phone calls,
Rindahl found out a Columbian
Squires Circle could be formed
with a minimum of 10 interested
boys.
“I told my son he would have
to find at least 10 interested guys
NEW JOHN PAUL II COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLE 5592, St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leesville. Members of the newly-organized Columbian Squires Circle at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leesville are (front row)
Julian Cecil, Nickolas Alphonso, Clayton Kerlin, Parker Shuck, Damien “TJ” Gill, Joseph Andrade, Bryce Bordelon.
Middle row: Michael Renz, Jeremy Hunt, Sabian Matuu, Devin Toups, Jesse “Jebbo” Buck, Ryne Navarro, Bryce Veillon. Top row: Luke Alphonso, Parker Woods-Wilson, Keith Hull, Michael Rindahl, Joshua Cecil, Fr. Anthony Catella,
Cole Broussard, Schuyler Shuck, Patrick Ramke.
to have one,” he said. “At the first
organizational meeting, 18 guys
showed up!”
Since then the interest and
the enthusiasm has been uphill.
The group didn’t waste time getting involved in projects.
Their first project was operating and chaperoning the slippery
slide at St. Michael’s day. That
same day, their first fundraiser
was cooking and serving 200
plates at a spaghetti dinner. Another day, they helped the elderly
in the community with odd jobs
such as cleaning out a garage,
burning brush, and weed-eating.
For Veteran’s Day, they cooked
a gumbo dinner at the church.
And, another day, they cleaned up
around the church.
“They are doing great work
around the parish and the community and setting a good example for others,” said Rindahl.
“Now we have a group of girls
who want to start a group under
the Ladies Auxiliary, called the
Squire Roses.”
Columbian Squires are open
to any Catholic boy, between the
ages of 10-18, in good standing
with the Church. At the age of 18,
a Squire automatically can become a member of the Knights of
Columbus.
In March, 2012, 18 members
were invested into the Squires
Circle.
Officers of the Squires Circle at St. Michael’s Church are
Michael Rindahl, Chief Squire;
Bryce Bordelon, Deputy Chief
Squire; Michael Renz, Bursar;
Keith Hull, Notary; Bryce Veillon, Sentry; and Sabian Matuu,
Marshall.
Other members are Luke Alphonso, Parker Woods-Wilson,
Joshua Cecil, Cole Broussard,
Schuyler Shuck, Patrick Ramke,
Jeremy Hunt, Devin Toups, Jesse
Buck, Ryne Navarro, Julian Cecil, Nickolas Alphonso, Clayton
Kerlin, Parker Shuck, TJ Gill, and
Joseph Andrade.
For more information about
forming a Columbian Squires
group in your area, call (or contact) LA State Squires Chairman
George Martin 337-552-5769.
PAGE 18
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
The forgery case of Clementine’s art
FBI special agent speaks to Menard art class about massive
forgery scam of Clementine Hunter’s valuable paintings
ST. MARY’S DISTRICT 1A CHAMPS. The Lady Tigers defeated LaSalle 3919 Feb. 8 to become District 1A Champs. Pictured are (front row)
Rachel Cunningham and Coach Johnny Cox
Back row: Coach
MENARD YEARBOOK WINS AWARD. The 2013 Talon Yearbook staff received two awards from the American Scholastic Press Association including
one for outstanding theme and 2nd place for overall excellence in their division. The Talon staff competed against junior high and high school yearbook
staffs from across the nation. Pictured are
.
In honor of Black History
Month, Fine Art Survey students
at Holy Savior Menard Central
High School held a special class
on Louisiana folk artist, Clementine Hunter.
FBI Special Agent Randy
Deaton visited the classroom and
shared his story of Clementine
Hunter and the FBI’s investigation of what became a massive
Hunter art scam recently between
a Louisiana artist, art dealer and
what could be hundreds of unsuspecting buyers. Menard art teacher, Barbara
Clover says this was a great lesson for her students, not only because they were able to learn so
much about a Louisiana artist, but
also how Hunter’s work and the
forgeries have elevated folk artistry to a more elite level.
To prepare for Deaton’s visit,
students visited the Alexandria
Museum of Art to view the exhibit
of Hunter paintings, originals and
forgeries. Then, to further familiarize themselves with the artist
and her works, students met with
Art Shiver and Tom Whitehead,
authors of the newly released biography of the artist, Clementine
Hunter: Her Life and Art.
“I’m glad our students were
able to experience this and learn
the significance of this FBI investigation and the subsequent
indictment,” says Clover. “Early
on, the forgers painted and sold
MENARD STUDENTS STUDY CLEMENTINE HUNTER FORGERY CASE.
Menard Fine Arts students
hold up a framed copy of a Clementine Hunter painting. FBI Special
Agent Randy Deaton visited the class to share his story of Clementine Hunter
and the FBI’s investigation into a massive forgery scheme centered around
the artist’s works.
fake artworks of master artists: Matisse, Degas, Homer,
O’Keeffe and others. Ultimately, they found a
greater market and value in the
simple paintings of Clementine
Hunter. That is what is so significant about this. The FBI investigation and subsequent indictment
legitimized folk art and gave it a
value just as important and just
as sacred as the Monet’s and Van
Gogh’s—a monumental state-
ment impacting the world of art.” Hunter was a self-taught African American folk artist from
the Cane River region of Central
Louisiana. Her paintings were
primitive pieces depicting plantation life of the early 20th century. While Hunter sold her first
painting for only 25 cents, by the
end of her life in 1988, her works
were being displayed in art galleries nationwide and sold by dealers for thousands of dollars.
Let us help your family
manage your financial goals.
Emile P. Oestriecher, III, CPA
*Education Funding
Family Risk Management
Small Business Planning
*Retirement Planning
*Mutual Funds
*Annuities
Anne Oestriecher, CPA, CFP®
4641 Windermere Place, Alexandria, LA 71303
318-448-3556 • www.o-fms.com
*Securities offered through HD Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member: SIPC
Advisory services are offered through HD Vest Advisory ServicesSM
6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, Texas 75038, 972-870-6000
Oestriecher Financial Management Services is not a broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm.
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 19
Students of the Year honored at reception
Three students were honored
Feb. 21 at the Diocese of Alexandria St. Joseph Center as this
year’s ‘Students of the Year in
Non.”
, a senior
from Holy Savior Menard High
School, won SO
12th
grade division.
n
8th grader, and
,
a 5th grader, both from Alexandria Country Day School, won
SOTY in their respective grade
divisions.
The students were selected
by a panel of educators who read
and evaluated extensive portfolios presented by the student
applications. The students were
judged on the contents of the
portfolio, which included academic achievements, school and
community involvement, and
the quality of their essay about
themselves and their family, their
interests, achievements, and ambitions.
Twelve student portfolios
were submitted for the competition, as winners of each school’s
grade division.
School winners in each grade
division are as follows:
5th grade winners: Ivy
Beard, Family Community Christian School, Winnsboro; Macie
Bernard, Sacred Heart, Moreau-
ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL (Plaucheville) SOTY WINNERS are
.
STUDENTS OF THE YEAR. Three Students of the Year from non-public
schools (private and paraochial) were recently honored at a reception at the
St. Joseph Catholic Center. Pictured are
, (Alexandria Country
Day School) winner in the 8th grade division;
(Alexandria
Country Day) winner in the 5th grade division; and
, (Holy Savior
Menard) winner in the 12th grade division. Back row: Holly Carbo, admissions
counselor at Menard, Nancy Rials, principal of Country Day; Thomas Roque,
superintendent of Catholic schools, and Bishop Ronald Herzog.
ville; Hayden Longino, St. Mary
Assumption, Cottonport; Rowdy
Michaud, Jr., Old Bethel Christian Academy, Clarks; Sophie
Miller, St. Joseph, Plaucheville;
Bianco Redmon-Munoz, St. Anthony, Bunkie; and Mary Scruggs, St. Mary’s, Natchitoches.
8th grade winners: Alvia
Burke, Sacred Heart, Moreau-
ST. FRANCES CABRINI
SPELLING BEE
St. Frances Cabrini School held its
annual Spelling Bee Feb. 26 in the
Activity Bldg. for students in grades
1-6. The winners are
1st -(6th grade)
2nd (5th grade)
3rd (5th)
(1st grader) stands
up in the line of finalists, to await the
next word to spell.
ville; Ian Carney, Holy Savior
Menard, Alexandria; Hannah
Cobb, Family Community Christian School, Winnsboro; Ragan
Daigrepont, St. Mary Assumption, Cottonport; Mary Hendrix,
St. Mary’s, Natchitoches; Emily
Link, St. Joseph, Plaucheville;
M’Lee Newton, St. Anthony,
Bunkie; and Tyler Roberts,
Old Bethel Christian Academy,
Winnsboro.
12th Grade Winners: Kaitlynn Bedgood, St. Mary’s,
Natchitoches; and Abigael Ducote, St. Joseph, Plaucheville.
PAGE 20
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
After 28 years, The Dameans reunite for concert
Notre Dame seminarians wrote, composed, sang 18 original recordings in the 70s
By Jeannie Petrus
CT editor
It has been almost 28 years
since Darryl Ducote, Mike Balhoff, Paul Ceasar, and Gary Ault
sang together as a group called
the “Dameans.”
But as the guys, now almost
70 years old, got up on stage Jan.
3 at the Hofinger Conference in
New Orleans, it was the first time
since 1985 that the four original
seminarians from Notre Dame
Seminary in New Orleans were
together again and singing as a
group.
“It was great,” said Paul
“Buddy” Ceasar, one of its members and a native of Alexandria.
“ It was like we picked up where
we left off 28 years ago. The response from the crowd was awesome. I’m still on a high from it.”
More than 700 people attended the concert, that was open
IN 1978, THE DAMEANS consisted of Gary Daigle, Darryl Ducote, Mike Balhoff, Gary Ault, Paul “Buddy” Ceasar,
not only to the conference participants, but to the general public
as well, in the New Orleans area.
What was originally scheduled as
night-time entertainment for the
conference, quickly became referred to as the Damean Reunion
Concert.
“Listening to the music of
the Dameans brought back so
many memories of my life from
back then,” said one participant
from the Hofinger Conference
who attended the concert. “It was
the music of a different era, and
an era of different music.”
It was 1968 -- only a few
years after Vatican II and the
Church had only begun to celebrate Mass in English. It was also
the age of folk music when artists
like Peter, Paul, and Mary told
stories of Puff the Magic Dragon
and I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane.
In the basement of Notre
Dame Seminary in New Orleans,
five young men who were studying to be priests, gathered often to
make music. They sought to fill a
void in their own seminary liturgies and began to write liturgical
music in the popular contemporary folk idiom.
Paul “Buddy” Ceasar was
from Alexandria, La, where he
attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary and graduated in 1962
from Menard Memorial High
School. His first two years of college were spent at Maryhill Seminary College in Pineville and then
at St. John Seminary in Little
Rock, Ark. When that seminary
closed in 1967, all of the Alexan-
IN 1969, THE DAMEANS released
their first alum, Tell the World.
dria seminarians were transferred
to Notre Dame Seminary in New
Orleans. There, Ceasar as before,
was active in Schola, a Gregorian
Chant choir.
Darryl Ducote and Mike
Balhoff, both from Baton Rouge,
La. and Gary Ault, from New Orleans were active in the seminarian choral group called the Notre
Dameans. They enjoyed writing
and composing their own music
and lyrics. Dave Baker, from
Madison, Wisconsin played the
tambourine.
With three guitars, one bass
guitar and one tambourine, the
five friends began writing and
composing new songs for the
Mass that blended Sacred Scripture into an informal folk music
tempo. In January of 1970, they
officially began calling themselves, simply “The Dameans.”
“We were all friends and
we worked together great,” said
Ceasar. “But you have to remem-
ber that at that time, guitars were
new in the Mass. Not everyone
liked guitars at Mass or our new
folk approach of Church music in
song. “
But the young people in the
Church -- especially in the New
Orleans area -- loved the new
sound of the Dameans. It was not
long before the group began to
receive numerous invitations to
provide music for parish liturgies
as well as conferences across the
country.
The Dameans recorded their
first album of original compositions, Tell the World, in 1969,
which included hits like All that
We Have, Look Beyond, and Service, which was written by Ceasar
for a friend who was a seminarian
at the time.
Within the next two years,
each of the seminarians graduated from Notre Dame Seminary
and returned to their respective
dioceses to be ordained. Ceasar
MARCH 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 21
Original Songs by
The Dameans
was ordained in June of 1970
by Bishop Charles Greco at St.
Francis Xavier Cathedral. Despite the distances between them,
the group continued to compose,
sing, and perform.
“Bishop Greco allowed me
to use our music and workshops
as a part-time ministry, in addition to being assigned to parish
work,” said Ceasar. “I’m not
so sure he loved our music that
much -- I think he tolerated it -but he recognized the value of our
music ministry.”
For the next 15 years, the
group continued to write, compose and sing their music and
released 18 original music,
prayer, and instrumental recordings. They performed all across
the United States at parishes and
conferences, and spoke at workshops on how to use music liturgy. In 1972, Dave Baker left
the group due to the distance of
his residence, but the group continued performing. In 1973, they
were invited by the United States
Army to do a month-long tour for
the servicemen in Germany.
It was during preparation
for their album, Remember Your
Love, that the group enlisted the
help of a young talented parish
musician, Gary Daigle. Gary
helped compose and record songs
for that recording as well as every
album since then, and in 1978,
he became an official member of
The Dameans.
By the early 1980s, along
with such groups as the St. Louis
Jesuits, their music dominated the
publications scene in contempo-
Beatitudes
Mike Balhoff, Darryl Ducote
Look Beyond
Darryl Ducote
All That We Have
Gary Ault
My Soul Rejoices
Gary Ault, Mike Balhoff,
Buddy Ceasar, Darryl Ducote
Remember Your Love
Darryl Ducote, Gary Daigle
2013: THE DAMEANS REUNION CONCERT was unofficially held Jan. 3 during the Hofinger Conference in New Orleans. They were just suppose to sing a song or two, but from the enthusiastic response of the 700-plus people in the
audience, The Dameans performed for almost 45 minutes. Members of the group are Gary Daigle, Darryl Ducote, Mike
Balhoff, Paul “Buddy” Ceasar, and Gary Ault.
rary Catholic liturgical music. As
part of the second phase of the
post-conciliar Catholic folk music, the Dameans’ songs reflected
attention to liturgical and Biblical texts, and several were represented in the original Glory and
Praise hymnal of 1977 as well as
in several current hymnals. Recordings, including two volumes
of The Best of the Dameans are
distributed by GIA Publications.
By 1985, all five members
of the Dameans had left active
ministry and took different directions in their lives. Dr. Ceasar is
currently an associate professor at
Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, where he teaches
on the graduate level in the counseling program. He and his wife
are active members of St. Albert
Church on the SLU campus, and
he serves on the New Orleans
Archdiocesan Board of Catholic
Counseling.
Like Ceasar, all members
of the Dameans are professional
community leaders who have
continued to serve and to be active in their Church and in their
faith. Gary Daigle continues to be
active in composing, recording
and producing with many different artists. In fact, it was through
the persistent urging of Gary,
who serves as the music and liturgy coordinator of the Hofinger
Conference, that the Dameans reunited for the Jan. 3 concert.
The Dameans are considered pioneers in the early days of
composing music for Masses in
English. Through their extensive
travels and training workshops
both in music and religious education, they have been recognized
with the Joseph Collins Award for
contributions to religious education, as well as a medal from the
Louisiana Council for the Arts.
“It was a great time in my
life, but I recognize now, that
there was a greater power at
work,” said Ceasar. “We knew
that we were making a contribution through our music and were
having fun doing it, but I realize
now the Holy Spirit brought us
together at that particular time to
create and to introduce this new
type of music to the Church and
to inspire people spiritually.”
Service
Buddy Ceasar
I am the Resurrection
Mike Balhoff, Darryl Duocte,
Gary Daigle
Emmanuel
Buddy Ceasar
We Praise You
Darryl Ducote, Gary Daigle
PAGE 22
CHURCH TODAY
Radio Maria Spring Maria-thon
Radio Maria will host its Spring Mariathon Tuesday
- Saturday, March 19-23. Tune in to Radio Maria at 580
AM:
• 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. -- Tues, Wednes, Thursday
• 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. -- Friday
• 9 a.m - 4 p.m. -- Saturday
On Tuesday, March 19, Jambalaya dinners for $7 will
be sold at the station from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Call ahead to
order. Radio Maria is funded entirely by listeners and receives no support from the diocese or other organization. It
started in 2000 in Alexandria and can be heard throughout
the world on the Internet. To make a pledge, call 318-5616145 or toll-free 1-888-408-0201.
DIOCESAN
BRIEFS
Terry Mathews Day
The Menard baseball team invites everyone to join
them on March 23 to celebrate “Terry Mathews Day.”
Alumni and friends will gather to commemorate the life
of the Menard graduate and former Major League baseball pitcher (who passed away Feb. 24, 2012), and to help
support the game he loved so much by registering for the
Alumni Games.
Participants will enjoy a fun afternoon on the diamond starting at 1 p.m., then wrap up the evening with a
special memorial ceremony in honor of Terry. To register,
call Menard at 445-8233.
Chrism Mass
Bishop Ronald Herzog and all priests of the diocese
will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March
26 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. During the
Mass, the bishop will bless the oil of catechumens, the oil
of the sick, and the oil of chrism. The first is used for adult
catechumens and infants, the second for anointing the sick,
and the sacred oil of chrism for baptism, confirmation, the
ordination of priests, and the consecration of altars.
March for Marriage
Several organizations have come together to sponsor
a March for Marriage on March 26 in Washington, D.C.
This event is being planned strategically for the first day
when the U.S. Supreme Court will be hearing oral arguments on the cases that could determine the future of marriage, as the union of one man and one women, in our nation.
The organizers realize that the march is in Washington, and will occur during the solemn days of Holy Week,
but they ask that you consider promoting this event in your
parishes and encourage prayer and some sort of participation where possible.
ARC-USA MEETING. Bishop Ronald Herzog attended the
annual meeting of ARC-USA March 5 in Nashville.
Charismatic Renewal Conference
The annual Southern Regional Conference of the
Catholic Charismatic Renewal will be held April 5-7 at
the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Conference speakers
include Fr. Dave Pivonka, Peter Herbeck, and Dr. Carol
Razza. Anyone is welcome to attend a single session or the
entire weekend. For more information call 504-828-1368,
e-mail [email protected], or go to www.ccrno.org.
Menard to present Godspell
Holy Savior Menard Theatre Arts will present Godspell April 18-20 at the Coughlin Saunders Performing
Arts Center, under the direction of Cherise Rino. The performance begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. On
Saturday, April 20, there will be two performances: at 2
p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more info, call 318445-8233.
Marriage Prep Workshop
Strong Foundations: A Marriage Preparation Program for Catholic Couples will host a one-day workshop
on Sunday, May 26 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic
Church in Pineville from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The presenters
for this workshop are Mandi Chapman and Holly Carbo.
To register or for more information, visit www.compre-
MARCH 18, 2013
hensivetherapygroup.com or call 318.445.1651. Additional 2013 dates for the Marriage Prep workshop are July
21 & Oct. 20.
Kramer Trust makes donation
The Hope Farrar Kramer Endowment Trust of the
Catholic Foundation of North Central Louisiana has made
a contribution to the Healing Hearts Fund of the Regional
Hospice of Western Connecticut (RHWC).
Following the slaughter of 20 children and six adults
the Shady Hook School, the Kramer family decided to
make a donation to the grief recovery program in memory
of Hope Farrar Kramer.
The funds will be used for counseling of children and
parents of Shady Hook School during their recovery from
the events at the school in December, 2012.
In a letter to the Graham Kramer, Cynthia Squitieri,
President of the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, stated, “The magnitude of the Newtown tragedy has
left an unprecedented number of bereaved in our communities. Our Healing Hearts staff has been assisting with
the crisis intervention efforts in Newtown, and we will
continue to work closely with other community agencies
to ensure the availability of comprehensive services for all
of those in need. Your gift is invaluable as we embrace the
challenge of expanding our programs to meet the needs of
our grieving communities – thank you.”
John Paul II Exhibit
An exhibit of Blessed John Paul II, titled “Portrait of
Faith: John Paul II in Life and Art” is open now through
Sunday, June 16. The exhibit is housed at the New Orleans
Museum of Art (NOMA) in City Park in New Orleans.
The exhibit, which will include personal items of
Blessed John Paul II, never-before-seen photographs of
his historic 1987 visit to New Orleans and sacred artwork
from three contemporary artists, has been designed to
reach people of all faiths on many different levels.
The exhibit is open six days a week (closed Mondays). and tickets are between $5 and $15. Additional information can be found at www.JPllinNOLA.com or by
calling toll free 1-866-608-4799.
St. Rita offers trip to JPII Exhibit
St. Rita parish in Alexandria is sponsoring a one-day
trip to New Orleans June 8 to visit the John Paul II Exhibit.
$50 per person includes admission to the exhibit and the
bus ride (all meals on your own). Bus will leave St. Rita
Church at 7 a.m., exhibit at 11 a.m.; 1-5 p.m. on your own
in the French Quarter, and 5 p.m. a Mass at St. Louis Cathedral. The deadline to register is May 15. Non-refundable fee is due upon registration. For more information,
call Etta Ohrt at 445-7141, ext 10.
Divine Mercy
Sunday
April 7
4.7 miles to St. Philomena Shrine
CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 18, 2013
PAGE 23
March - April
Monday
Tuesday
18
Wednesday
19
Confessions
6:00-7:00 pm
“The Light is On for You”
(Check your local parish)
20
Mission:
Walk with Jesus
6:30-7:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Church,
Marksville
Thursday
Friday
21
Stations of
the Cross
Saturday
22
(Check your local parish)
Penance Service
5:30 p.m. St. Louis,
Glenmora
6:00 p.m. St. Joseph,
St. Joseph
Penance Service
6:30 p.m. OLPS, Alexandria
6:30 p.m. St. Peter, Elmer
Sunday
23
Terry Mathews Day
1:00 p.m.
Holy Savior Menard High
School, Alexandria
The Bible--TV Series
7:00-9:00 p.m.
History Channel
Radio Maria Maria-Thon
PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER
25
FEAST of ST. JOSEPH
PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG
26
Chrism Mass
11:00 a.m.
St. Francis Xavier
Cathedral, Alexandria
Confessions
6:00-7:00 pm
“The Light is On for You”
(Check your local parish)
PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET
APRIL
PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO
1
2
St. Joseph Catholic Center
CLOSED
PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH
27
Mission:
Walk with Jesus
6:30-7:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Church,
Marksville
FIRST DAY OF SPRING
PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA
28
PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN
29
Stations of the Cross
(Check your local parish)
24
Rehearsal for
Diocesan Choir
7:00 p.m.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral,
Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. R. BORDELON
30
PALM SUNDAY
PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW
31
Outdoor Sunrise Easter Mass
7:00 a.m.
Holy Rosary Mission,
Emmanuel
St. Joseph Catholic Center -- CLOSED
PRAY FOR FR. A. CATELLA
3
HOLY THURSDAY
GOOD FRIDAY
HOLY SATURDAY
EASTER SUNDAY
PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO
PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY
PRAY FOR FR. R. COURVILLE
PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM
4
5
6
7
Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference -- Kenner, LA
EASTER MONDAY
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
PRAY FOR FR. F. D’CRUZ
8
PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY
15
9
PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE
16
VIRTUS Training
6:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic
Center, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE
10
PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE
17
PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS
11
PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION
18
FIRST FRIDAY
PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE
12
PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER
19
FIRST SATURDAY
PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK
13
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
20
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON
14
PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE
21
Holy Savior Menard Presents “Godspell” -- Coughlin Saunders, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES
PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE
PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH
PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL
PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD
PRAY FOR FR. P. KULIGOWSKI
PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM