church today - Diocese of Alexandria

CHURCH
Volume XLIV, No. 4
www.diocesealex.org
Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970
ON THE
INSIDE
Planned Parenthood to
build $4.2 million abortion
center in New Orleans
Christ
has Risen!
When Planned Parenthood’s
multimillion-dollar “New Orleans
Health Center” opens at 4636
South Claiborne Ave., perhaps
as early as 2014, it could become
the largest abortion facility in Louisiana. See page 2.
Fr. Ferreolus D’Cruz dies
Rev. Ferreolus M. D’Cruz,
pastor of St. Edward Catholic
Church in Tallulah, La. passed
away April 3 at Madison Parish
Hospital after an apparent heart
attack. He was 81. Read more
about him on page 5.
OLPS celebrates Open
House for new $2.2 million
Divine Providence Center
Our Lady of Prompt Succor
parishioners celebrated Open
House April 6-7 in the new $2.2
million Divine Providence Center
after each of the weekend Masses. For complete story and picture
spread, go to pages 12-13.
Jesus, portrayed by Fr. Dan
O’Connor, pastor of OLPS, rises
from the dead, during the annual
Easter Story play, presented by the
First Grade on March 27. Turn to
pages 10-11, & 16 for more Easter
activities throughout the diocese..
TODAY
April 15, 2013
PAGE 2
CHURCH TODAY
APRIL 15, 2013
$4.2 million abortion center coming to New Orleans
Planned Parenthood targets black, Latino neighborhoods to build ‘health’ centers
By Peter Finney Jr.
Clarion Herald
Planned Parenthood Gulf
Coast, an affiliate of Planned Parenthood (PP), the largest abortion
business in the nation, plans to
build a $4.2 million regional facility that will perform abortions,
according to NOLA Needs Peace,
an interfaith alliance in New Orleans.
When the multimillion-dollar “New Orleans Health Center”
opens at 4636 South Claiborne
Ave., perhaps as early as 2014, it
could become the largest abortion
facility in Louisiana.
“We see this as a regional facility that will come in and draw
women from across the southeast
(U.S.) for abortions,” said Ben
Clapper, executive director of the
Louisiana Right to Life Federation. “This will increase the number of abortions in New Orleans.”
Clapper said the only other
Planned Parenthood clinic in
New Orleans (located on Magazine Street) does not perform
abortions.
Among the goals for the
new “health center” listed in PP’s
fund-raising brochure is to “provide access to medically safe
abortion procedures.”
Planned Parenthood performs about one-third of all abortions in the U.S. -- about 330,000
-- and its abortion numbers have
increased in recent years even as
national abortion rates have either
decreased or leveled off.
According to Clapper, PP
performs abortions on nine out
of 10 pregnant women who come
through its doors; for every one
adoption, referral in 2011, PP
performed 145 abortions; and
abortions in 2011 represented 92
percent of Planned Parenthood’s
pregnancy service, with prenatal
care accounting for 7 percent and
adoption referrals 0.6 percent.
Deacon Allen Stevens of St. Peter Claver Church, Lauren Lagarde of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Maria Hamilton of Gideon Fellowship Church and Ben
Clapper, executive director of the Louisiana Right to Life Federation, pray in
front of the property that will become a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic.
Clapper said that every nonabortion service that Planned
Parenthood could offer at the
new facility -- such as pregnancy
testing, birth control, STD testing
and adoption referrals -- already
is available in New Orleans.
PP received $542 million in
tax-payer funding in 2011-12,
representing 45 percent of its total
revenue. Revenue from abortion
services -- $157 million -- represents 50.4 percent of Planned
Parenthood’s non-governmental
health services income.
The clinic will also have a
detrimental effect on the minority population, Clapper said. PP
has located 70 percent of its facilities within walking distance
of African-American or Latino
neighborhoods.
Take Action
NOLA Needs Peace has
launched a website -- www.nolaneedspeace.com -- that explains
the facts about Planned Parenthood and its plans for the new
facility. The Archdiocese of New
Orleans will host a “NOLA Needs
Peace Awareness Week” April
27-May 3 to offer parishioners
in every parish information about
Planned Parenthood and its plans.
“We’re encouraging each
parish and school to distribute
the materials we will be providing them,” Clapper said. “We’ll
also be doing that in the Baptist
and evangelical churches.
For more information, go to
nolaneedspeace.com where (under Action Steps) you can sign a
declaration statement.
Planned Parenthood performs abortions on 9 out of every 10 women
who come through its doors.
Facts and Figures
• PP performs abortions on 9 out of every 10 women who come
through its doors.
• For every one adoption referral, PP performs 145 abortions.
• Abortions account for 92 percent of PP’s pregnancy services.
• Prenatal care accounts for 7 percent of PP’s services.
• Adoption referrals account for 0.6 perecent of PP’s services.
• PP received $542 million in tax-payer funding in 2011-12 (45
percent of total revenue.
• Abortions generated $157 million in revenue in 2011-12 (50.4
percent of PP’s non-governmental health services income).
• 79 percent of PP’s facilities are located within walking distance
of African-American or Latino neighborhoods.
• The only PP facilities in Louisiana are currently located in Baton
Rouge (3955 Government St) and in New Orleans (4018
Magazine Street) Neither facility offer abortion services
according to the official PP website.
• The largest abortion facility in the state is in Shreveport, where
3,087 abortions were performed in 2010.
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 3
Words to describe Pope Francis: authentic, activist, reformer
By Maria-Pia Negro
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) -Pope Francis’ priorities will include
working for the poor, protecting
God’s creation, strengthening interreligious dialogue, reforming the
Roman Curia and evangelizing, a
Jesuit priest told journalists at an
April 3 event at the National Press
Club in Washington.
Jesuit Father Tom Reese, director of the Religion and Public Policy
program at Georgetown University’s Woodstock Theological Center, talked about how the first Jesuit
and first Latin American pope could
change the church.
“This is going to be a much
more activist pope,” said Father Reese, who covered the conclave from
Rome for the National Catholic Reporter newspaper. “I think he told us
his agenda when he picked the name
of Francis.”
Like St. Francis of Assisi, Pope
Francis helped the poor when working in the slums of Buenos Aires,
Argentina, as bishop; focused on
peace and interreligious dialogue
with evangelicals, Jews and Muslims; and highlighted the importance God’s creation and human
dignity.
After Argentine Cardinal Jorge
Mario Bergoglio was elected pope,
POPE FRANCIS EMBRACING BOY CAPTURES WORLDWIDE ATTENTION.This photo by AP photographer Gregorio Borgia of Pope Francis embracing 8-year-old Dominic Gondreau, who has cerebral palsy, captured the attention of people around the world. The moment took place after the new pontiff celebrated his first Easter Mass in St.
Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 31. While riding through the crowds in the pope mobile, Pope Francis spotted
the young boy in a wheelchair. The pope mobile suddenly stopped, the Pope got out, picked up the little boy and
embraced him warmly. (Gregorio Borgia, AP via CNS)
he quickly showed the world
his simple and open persona,
signaling that he would stray
away from “heavy-duty theology” to focus on biblically based
evangelization and living the
Gospels’ message daily, Father
Reese said.
For this, he would draw from
his experience as priest and bishop, he added.
“He is truly authentic. These
are things that he was doing in
Buenos Aires,” Father Reese
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]
PAINT • FLOORING • WINDOW COVERINGS
318.443.8443
95 Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA
[email protected]
said. “You know, as archbishop,
you don’t take the bus because
you think ‘I might become pope
one day.’”
The pope’s other priority,
reforming the Vatican’s administrative government known as the
Roman Curia, could be more difficult, Father Reese said.
Though several cardinals
agree to reform a curia accused
of corruption, they don’t know
how to do it, said Father Reese,
who has authored several books
about the church’s power structure. Conservatives might want
the curia to better police church
issues while liberals would like
the church’s power to be more decentralized, he said.
“The real question is: What
should the members of the curia
do?” Father Reese said.
Father Reese also mentioned
that the curia’s problems influenced the cardinals’ decision to
name a relatively unknown outsider as the new pope.
During the official pre-conclave meetings, Cardinal Bergoglio talked against the evils of
careerism and the need for the
church to “come out of herself
and evangelize.”
“Now, that made an impression,” Father Reese said. He
added that the cardinals knew that
Cardinal Bergoglio had been the
runner-up during the 2005 conclave.
Pope Francis knows his acts
of humility -- such as paying for
his own hotel bill and visiting
AIDS patients -- send a message,
Father Reese added.
“I think he is using these
symbolic actions as a way of
preaching the Gospel and also as
a way of sending signals to the
clergy,” Father Reese said. “He
is modeling a certain attitude and
practice. That is a change in culture that is very important for the
church.”
This change includes Catholics seeing the church not only
as a do-gooder organization, he
added, in reference to Pope Francis’ remarks that the church is not
only a “compassionate NGO.”
“We don’t just run soup
kitchens,” Father Reese said. “In
reaching out to the poor, we are
also preaching the Gospel. Taking care of people’s bodies we
are also taking care of people’s
souls.”
PAGE 4
As we continue to celebrate
the 50 days of the Easter Season
there are many opportunities to
celebrate the sacramental life of
the Church. Younger children excitedly look forward to receiving
Communion for the first time.
Teenagers are in the final stages of
preparation for Confirmation.
For me, personally, visiting
parishes to administer Confirmation is always a high point of the
year. To see hundreds of our young
adult Catholics so involved in their
faith and responding so enthusiastically is so reassuring. It is espe-
CHURCH TODAY
ONE IN
THE LORD
Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog
Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria
cially meaningful during this Year
of Faith!
The papal ministry of Pope
Francis continues to attract significant media attention. There
is no question that, from the very
beginning, he has placed his own
unique stamp on his new role. He
seems to have no hesitation in doing things ‘his way’!
APRIL 15, 2013
Unfortunately, recent days
have also been marked with sadness. The unexpected death of
Father Ferreolus D’Cruz has had
a profound effect on many people who knew him. As pastor of
St. Edward Church in Tallulah,
he touched the lives of so many
people of all faiths in the northeastern part of the diocese. A large
number of priests and people from
many places were present for the
Vigil and the Mass of Christian
Burial as well as the interment at
our cemetery at Maryhill. He will
be missed by us all. Pray keep him
in your prayers.
End of school events will also
soon be upon us as preparation for
graduations gain momentum. Additionally, as the month of May
approaches, we find many communities scheduling ways to honor
Mary, the mother of Jesus and our
mother.
May the choicest of Easter
blessings be showered upon you
and all who are dear to you!
Image of the Infant of Prague provokes a turnaround in faith journey
Last spring, I wanted a statue
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. My
web search yielded many images, including a few of the Infant
of Prague. I made my decision
on the Sacred Heart statue and
placed the order, but I couldn’t
stop thinking about the Infant of
Prague images.
Every now and then, my
former Protestant bias resurfaces. It happened last spring as
I studied the images of the Infant
of Prague. I did not feel any affection for this devotion. Not a
bit. I’ve learned to pause when I
feel like this and try to go deeper.
What was it about this image that
bothered me?
The clothes. Yes, the clothes
and the crown — it was all so
ostentatious. It didn’t fit with the
Christ Child who chose to be born
in a stable or the Messiah who deliberately chose His own parents
from the poorest of the poor. I
tried to tell myself that I was being ridiculous because, of course,
Jesus is the king of kings. Perhaps
the outward appearance of this
little Child reflected the spiritual
Catholic
By Grace
Denise Bossert
Freelance
reality of Jesus Christ, king of
heaven and earth.
Further research revealed
that St. Teresa of Avila had a great
devotion to the Infant of Prague.
That didn’t help.
But I paused because something amazing happens every
time I agree to let God give me an
attitude adjustment.
About that time, my youngest grandson was on my mind.
He’s never been baptized, and his
mom (my daughter) had never
settled in any church or denomination. I pray about this every
time I receive the Eucharist.
I began to realize that there
was a link in my mind between
the Infant of Prague and my in-
fant grandson, Omry. Every time
I thought about the Infant of
Prague, I felt I could entrust my
grandson to the one who held the
world in the palm of His divine,
albeit infant, hand.
Last June, I went to our parish rummage sale. I was almost
ready to pay for my items when
I saw a print of the Infant of
Prague. The colors were muted,
the child’s face -- lovely. It was
different from all the images I had
seen online. I muttered something
and walked over to it. “I want
this, too,” I told the cashier. Another web search linked the print
to 20th-century Italian artist Adolfo Simeone.
I keep the print in my bed-
room as a reminder to pray for
Omry.
Recently, I wrote about the
events surrounding my granddaughter’s birth -- how she was
born without life signs and was
oxygen-deprived for 12 additional minutes. Eliana is home and
doing well.
God is merciful, and the manifestation of that mercy has affected the entire extended family,
including my prodigal daughter.
She began attending RCIA. She
was part of the Rite of Election a
few weeks ago, and on Pentecost
CHURCH
Sunday she will enter the Church.
Omry will be baptized. Omry’s
little brother will be baptized
soon after he is born. A series of
conversions have occurred, like a
line of falling dominoes.
I know the Church has many
devotions, and we are given great
latitude in choosing the ones we
cherish most, but I am glad that I
went a little deeper. I have come
to love the image I discovered at
a church rummage sale.
And now when I see the Adolfo Simeone print, I say a prayer
of thanks .
TODAY
Volume XLIV, No. 4 • April 15, 2013
P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303
[email protected] 318-445-6424
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]
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 5
Father Ferreolus D’Cruz, pastor of St. Edward Church, dies
Rev. Ferreolus M. D’Cruz,
pastor of St. Edward Catholic
Church in Tallulah, La. passed
away April 3 at Madison Parish
Hospital after an apparent heart
attack. He was 81.
A Mass of Christian Burial,
with Bishop Ronald Herzog as
the main celebrant, was held Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. at St. Edward Church. Additional seating
was available in St. Edward Parish Hall.
Fr. Ferreolus D’Cruz
Interment followed later that
afternoon at the Priests Cemetery
at Maryhill Renewal Center in
Pineville.
“Father Ferre was most loved
by all who knew him and a marvelous example of a man sent in
the Holy Orders of priesthood,”
said Rev. Scott Chemino, vicar
general for the Diocese of Alexandria. “Please pray for Father
and all of the Tallulah community
who have sustained this loss of a
spiritual leader and “Father” to so
many.”
Father D’Cruz, originally
from India (Trivandrum, Kerala),
was ordained a priest on Oct. 3,
1959 in Pune, India. He came
to the Diocese of Alexandria
in 1991, where he temporarily
served in sacramental ministry
at St. Patrick Church in Ferriday
and its missions of St. Gerard in
Jonesville and St. Francis of Assisi in Waterproof.
After serving briefly as a
chaplain at St. Frances Cabrini
Hospital in Alexandria, he was
assigned to St. Francis de Sales
in Echo as pastor and served there
from 1992-1997. In 1998, he was
assigned to St. Edward Church in
Tallulah, where he served as pastor until his death.
Father Ferre was a member
of the Presbyteral Council, the
College of Consultors, and served
as Vicar Forane from 2006-2011.
Bishops offer prayers after death of former PM Margaret Thatcher
By Simon Caldwell
Catholic News Service
(CNS) -- The Catholic bishops of England and Wales offered
prayers for the soul of Margaret Thatcher, the former British
prime minister who died at age
87 following a stroke.
Baroness Thatcher, who led
Britain from 1979 to 1990, died
“peacefully” the morning of April
8, according to her family.
Soon after news of her death
was made public, Archbishop
Vincent Nichols of Westminster,
president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, issued a short statement.
“It was with sadness that we
heard the news of the death of
Baroness Thatcher, who served
this country for many years both
as a member of Parliament and as
prime minster,” said Archbishop
Nichols.
“We pray for the repose of
her soul and for the intentions of
her family and all those who now
mourn for her,” he added.
Later that day, the Vatican
released a telegram that Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s
secretary of state, sent on behalf
of Pope Francis. The telegram
said the pope “was saddened to
learn of the death” of Thatcher
and recalled “with appreciation
the Christian values which underpinned her commitment to
public service and the promotion
of freedom among the family of
nations.” It said Pope Francis entrusted her soul to God’s mercy
and assured her family and the
British people of his prayers.
Baroness Thatcher,
the
daughter of a Methodist greengrocer, became the first woman
ever to hold the office of British
prime minister when her centerright Conservative Party swept
to power at the end of a decade
troubled by economic misery and
public strikes.
FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER SEEN AT PAPAL AUDIENCE
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is seen during Pope
Benedict XVI’s weekly audience in
St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican
May 27. (CNS photo/Alessia Pierdomenico, 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
APRIL 15, 2013
Seminarian Burses
Donations in February
Knights of Columbus 9217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00
Father Adrian Molenschott Burse
Mrs. Elizabeth W. Allen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20.00
Odis James Miller Burse
Ms. Mary D. Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25.00
Odis James Miller Burse
Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00
Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse
Anonymous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00
Father Michael P. Kammer Burse
Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00
Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse
Total this month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$255.00
Donations in March
Knights of Columbus 9217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00
Father Adrian Molenschott Burse
Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00
Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse
Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00
Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald J. Leglue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00
Msgr. Joseph M. Susi Burse
Mr. & Mrs. Sammy Cashio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00
Dylan Michael Cashio Burse
Mr. & Mrs. Robert O. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400.00
Father Daniel Corkery Burse
Ms. Geraldine B. Deptula. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00
Father Bruce Miller Burse
Total this month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,760.00
GUESTS AT THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE. Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, (center) the Apostolic Nuncio and
Chancellor of the Pontifical College Josephinum, hosted the fourth-year theologians at the Apostolic Nunciature in
Washington, DC on Feb. 24. Morning Mass in the chapel was followed by brunch and a tour of the Nunciature. Msgr.
Christopher Schreck, PCJ rector and Bishop Ronald Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria and Chair of the Josephinum’s
Board of Trustees, accompanied the group. “We are grateful to Archbishop Viganò, in his role as Chancellor of the
Pontifical College Josephinum, for his friendship, hospitality, and support, as expressed in this annual invitation,” said
Msgr. Schreck. The Apostolic Nunciature is a top-level diplomatic mission of the Holy See, equivalent to an embassy.
Fourth-Year Seminarians with the Nuncio (l-r): Matthew Morris (Columbus); Juan Salazar (Brownsville); Terrence McGowan (Nashville); Bryan Medlin (Gaylord); Monsignor Christopher Schreck; Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò; Bishop
Ronald Herzog; Christopher Lapp (Fort Wayne-South Bend); Michael Hennigen (Covington); Kurt Perera (Phoenix);
Richard Vu (Atlanta); and Christopher Axline (Phoenix).
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 7
SECRETARY OF THE YEAR. Fr.
Edwin Rodriguez, pastor of St. Alphonsus in Hessmer, hosted the 8th
annual Avoyellean Secretary Appreciation Supper on Feb. 5 at the
church rectory. All secretaries (and
spouses) in the Avoyelles Deanery
were invited. Delilah Aymond, secretary at OL of Lourdes, Fifth Ward,
was honored as “Secretary of the
Year. Other secretaries attending
were (front row) Shauntelle Greco,
Angie Vernon, Julia Voinche, Danita
Coco, and Shirley Mayeux. Back row:
Fr. Edwin Rodriguez, Juliet Lindsey,
Susan Poche, and Deliliah Aymond.
CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC DAY OF RENEWAL. More than 100 people attended the Catholic Charismatic Day of
Renewal held March 9 at St. Anthony of Padua Church Hall in Natchitoches. The event is held annually by the Diocese
of Alexandria Service Committee. Speakers included Joan Gahagan of Natchitoches, Fr. Jason Gootee of Holy Cross
Church in Natchitoches, and Aggie Neck of Marksville.
HOLY ROSARY COMMUNITY. Parishioners of the three church communities
of St. Patrick’s in Montgomery; St. John the Baptist in Cloutierville; and Holy
Rosary in Emmanuel, together with Fr. Harold Imamshah, joined each other
March 12 for a Lenten Pilgrimage at Holy Rosary Mission in Emmanuel. The
pilgrimage started with the Stations of the Cross at the outdoor stations at the
Emmanuel Cemetery, continuing with Mass at the Holy Rosary Church and
ending with a time of fellowship, lunch, and fun.
PAGE 8
CHURCH TODAY
APRIL 15, 2013
Radio Maria nets $164,000
during Spring Mariathon
One of the “miracles” Radio
Maria attributes to St. Joseph was
the outpouring of generosity during the recent Mariathon.
The 2013 Spring Mariathon,
which was dedicated in honor of
St. Joseph, was held March 19
(the Feast of St. Joseph) through
Saturday, March 23, and brought
in a record breaking $164,000!
Generous
donors
from
around the country, as well as
some Internet listeners from
around the world, responded to
an on-air plea to help the Catholic
radio station expand its national
network.
The most successful hour
came on the last day (Saturday)
when Father Robert Young was
speaking on air about the need to
purchase new signals in different
areas of the country. The Federal
Communications
Commission
(FCC) will very soon be making
more than 700 new signals in the
U.S. available for purchase. Applications are currently being accepted, but a fee of $15,000 per
signal is needed.
Within one hour, several
FCC decency
standards
From pg. 9
Under a 2001 FCC policy
that was amended in 2004, network and local radio and television channels can be fined up to
$325,000 for a single fleeting expletive blurted out on a live show
or for brief glimpses of nudity.
Cable and satellite operators are
not subject to such rules.
The FCC said that it would
continue to enforce its current
policies as usual during the comment period and that their public notice did not alter any of its
policies.
The TV industry has argued
that policies have been inconsistent over the years, allowing the television broadcast of
movie “Schindler’s List” that
includes nudity, but leading to
fines against News Corp’s Fox
television for expletives uttered
by singer Cher and reality TV star
Nicole Riche on award shows in
2002 and 2003.
donors called in with offers of
$15,000 to go toward purchasing
new signals.
“I never imagined when I
spoke on the air of the need for
new signals that we would have
several individuals to donate
enough to apply for FIVE of
them!” said Fr. Robert. “This is
an exciting opportunity that will
not come again soon. The deadline to apply for them will be October this year.
For more information about
Radio Maria, call 561-6145 or go
to radiomaria.us.
RADIO MARIA MARIATHON VOLUNTEERS. Radio Maria Mariathon volunteers gathered around the studio table for
a lunch provided by a local Knights of Columbus council. The Spring Mariathon, held March 19-23, netted more than
$164,000 for the listener-supported Catholic radio station. Pictured are (from left) Frank Hare, Carla Rachall, Patrick
McCusker, Diane Ardoin, Father Robert Young, Sandra Miletello, and Danny Brou.
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 9
FCC to consider modifying its indeceny policies on radio, TV
Should FCC allow leeway for ‘fleeting, non-repetitive’ vulgarities on live shows?
By Jeannie Petrus
CT editor
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has
announced it is considering dropping current broadcast decency
standards that ban explicit profanity and “non-sexual” nudity.
The FCC has issued a public
notice inviting comment on the
issue until April 30..
The FCC is not considering
“dropping its ban” and allowing television and radio stations
to freely broadcast profanity and
nudity on the public airwaves, but
rather whether the commission
should modify its indecency standards to grant leeway for fleeting,
non-repetitive cases of such material.
The case of FCC vs Fox Television Stations originated with
two incidents involving Billboard
Music Awards shows aired live
by the Fox television network
in 2002 and 2003, during which
two presenters -- Cher and Nicole
Richie -- “dropped the F-bomb”:
These incidents prompted
the FCC to alter its enforcement
TAKE ACTION
If you would like to let your voice be heard on this issue, go to the FCC
special website below and enter your comment.
The FCC will not accept general email comments. To be valid, you are
required to file a formal comment via the FCC’s website. All comments
will become part of FCC records and the personal information provided
therein (name, e-mail address, and address) will become part of public
record on the Internet.
of decency standards: whereas
previously the FCC had given
broadcasters leeway for “fleeting” expletives (spontaneous utterances that were unknowingly
allowed to enter the airwaves),
that agency subsequently prohibited “single uses of vulgar words”
under any circumstances and levied fines against Fox.
Fox challenged those fines
in the courts, with the U.S. Supreme Court eventaully ruling in
2012 that the FCC’s fines were
invalid because the regulations of
the time were “unconstitutionally
vague” but reaffirming the FCC’s
authority to regulate broadcast
television in behalf of the public
Please follow these instructions carefully, to insure your comment is
accepted by the FCC:
1. Go to http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/uploadbegin?procName=&filedFrom=X.
2. Enter the code “13-86” in the “Proceeding Number” box and fill out
the few remaining required fields.
3. Enter your comment in the text box provided and click “Continue.”
4. From there, review your comment and click “Confirm.”
Here is a sample comment you may submit
(posted on “OneMIllionMoms.com website):
“I oppose any changes to the current FCC indecency standards that
would allow television and radio stations to broadcast expletives and
nudity on the public airwaves, even if brief or “fleeting.”
The Supreme Court has confirmed the FCC’s authority to enforce
policies regarding expletives and nudity, especially during times when
children are likely to be watching or listening.
Relaxing the current policy would not serve the public interest and I urge
the FCC to reject all proposals that would allow for the broadcast of
expletives and nudity on FCC-licensed stations.”
The deadline for making comments is April 30, 2013
interest without violating the First
Amendment.
Since the decision in FCC vs
Fox Television Stations, the FCC
has begun a review of whether it
should make changes to its current broadcast indecency policies.
Approaches under consideration include whether the FCC
should maintain a standard holding that ‘deliberate and repetitive
use (of expletives) in a blatently
offensive manner is a requisite to
a finding of indecency” or should
continue a ban on the use of “any
indecent language (including
expletives referring to “sexual
or excretory activity or organs”)
even when the offensive words
are not repeated.
Another issue on the table
is whether the FCC should treat
isoloated non-sexual nudity on
television (such as the infamous
Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction” incident during the
2004 Super Bowl halftime show)
the same or differently than isolated expletives.
The FCC is now seeking
public comment on whether its
currently approach should be
amended:
The FCC issued a public notice inviting comment on whether
it should focus its efforts on pursuing only the “most egregious”
cases in which rules are broken,
or focus on isolated cases of nudity and expletives uttered on radio
and TV shows.
“We now seek comment on
whether the full Commission
should make changes to its current (egregious cases) broadcast
indecency policies or maintain
them as they are,” the FCC said
on April 1.
It asked for public input over
the next 30 days on whether, for
example, it should treat cases of
nudity in the same way as profanity, and whether “deliberate and
repetitive” use of expletives is
necessary to prove indecency.
See FCC DECENCY
STANDARDS, pg. 8
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 10
APRIL 15, 2013
EASTER BONNETS AT ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL. The Pre-K children at St. Frances Cabrini School enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt March 29 on
the school grounds, while wearing the Easter bonnets they made.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Fifth Ward) EASTER EGG HUNT. The Saturday morning chilly weather on March 30 did
not stop the kids from coming to Church to have fun at the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in
Fifth Ward. Father Silverino Kwebuza, pastor, enjoyed the egg hunt, with the children.
FIVE BAPTIZED AT ST. JAMES MEMORIAL CATHOLIC CHURCH. Five
young people were baptized March 30 during the Easter Vigil Mass held at
St. James Memorial Church in Alexandria. Pictured are (from left)
RCIA candidate (seated) and her sponsor Minnie Marshall (not shown);
(seated) and their godparents Milton Fisher
and Mary Ann Celestine (standing);
(seated) and his godparents
Sterling Delavallade and Narvella Chambers (standing);
(seated) and his godparents Henry Henton and Theresa Metoyer; and Father
Remigius Owuamanam, pastor and Deacon Benny Broussard.
ST MARTIN OF TOURS (Belledeau) EASTER EGG HUNT. After the 9 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass, a large crowd of
children participated in the annual Easter Egg Hunt at St. Martin of Tours Church in Belledeau March 30, even though
the morning was pretty chilly. It was a lot of fun for the kids.
ST. PETER MISSION EASTER EGG
HUNT. The kids at St. Peter Mission
in Elmer had a great time at the Easter Egg Hunt. Pictured are
in the back are
. Standing
and
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
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 11
PALM SUNDAY IN COLFAX. An ecumenical procession involving four
churches around Colfax took place on Palm Sunday. The congregations of the
Colfax Methodist and Baptist churches joined with the parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Colfax and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Montgomery
to have the Blessing of Palms and a Palm Sunday procession through Colfax.
The procession started from the parking lot of the Colfax Baptist Church and
ended at the entrance steps of St. Joseph Church. Pictured above are Deacon
E.J. Barre and Fr. Harold Imamshah, pastor at St. Joseph and St. Patrick.
HOLY GHOST CHOIR ON EASTER SUNDAY. The Holy Ghost Church Choir (Marksville), along with the altar servers,
made the Easter Vigil and Sunday morning Mass extra special. Pictured are Linda Francisco, Fr. Abraham Varghese,
, Bernadette Rogers, Dora Bacon, Annatrail Simon, Gayle Daniel, and Tykesia
Prier.
DIVINE MERCY AT ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA (Natchitoches). Father John
O’Brien, Fr. Adam Travis (St. Augustine parish), and Fr. Thomas Paul joined
Ms. Deborah Llorens (CCD director) and the wonderful youth of St. Anthony
of Padua and many parishioners and visitors in singing the Divine Mercy
Chaplet at 3 p.m. during Adoration at St. Anthony’s. Pictured with the Divine
Mercy Painting which hangs in St. Anthony are (front row)
Back row:
Matthew Roquemore.
. Not pictured:
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]
ST. FRANCIS CABRINI STATIONS
OF THE CROSS. St. Frances Cabrini School held the Living Stations of
the Cross March 27 at the Church
presented by the 5th and 6th graders. Pictured are
(6),
(5),
(5),
(5),
(K),
(K),
(Grade 6)
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 12
APRIL 15, 2013
OLPS completes $2.2 million Divine Providence Center
Our Lady of Prompt Succor parishioners were wowed with excitement and
pride April 6-7 as they toured the new $2.2 million Divine Providence Center
after each of the weekend Masses. Rev. Dan O’Connor, pastor, said he was
extremely pleased with the finished results and wished to thank the generosity
of the many parishioners who supported the project. (Below) The hallway that
leads to main conference room.
(Above) CONFERENCE ROOM.
The large conference room can be
divided into three separate rooms:
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Room,
Providence Room, and Father Menard Room. As one room, the conference area can accommodate 500
chairs and is equipped with two 10-ft
HD video screens and a full sound
system.
(Left) YOUTH OFFICE. The right
side of the center houses the Youth
Office, which includes an office for
the DRE (Paul Hood) and administrative assistant for ministry (Renee
Aldridge).
(ABOVE) COMMERCIAL KITCHEN. A huge commercial kitchen is located
adjacent to the conference room. A professional chef’s dream, the kitchen is
equipped with a tilting braising pan, a food warmer, one commercial oven and
three convection ovens, refrigerators and freezers, and one dishwasher. A
buffet window opens up between the kitchen and conference room. Adjacent
to the kitchen is an outdoor covered patio, -- ideal for outdoor cooking. “We
have lots of fish frys, crawfish boils and other outdoor cookouts that will utilize
this area,” said Father Dan. “Even caterers for receptions will be able to use
this area for outside food assembly.”
(RIGHT) FOYER. Mauve-colored walls, a flat screen TV and warm shades
of brown and tan welcome visitors to the new Divine Providence Center.
According to Father Dan, the center was named after the Sisters of Divine
Providence, who have been an intergral part of the neighborhood since 1914
-- first as part of Providence Central Academy and then as part of Our Lady of
Prompt Succor School.
All photos by Jeannie Petrus
Church Today editor
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 13
(Far Left) RESTROOMS.
The
men’s and women’s restrooms are
both equipped with three sinks, a
baby changing table and wooden
stalls. The only difference is that
there are seven stalls in the women’s
and four in the men’s.
(Left) ARTWORK. The beautiful art
that adorns the walls of every room
and hallway in the building are all
original paintings of OLPS parishioners -- young and old. In the Youth
Office four students -- Maddie Gallagher, Kate Arbour, and Jordan and
Bailey Spurgeon -- were commissioned to do art specifically for the
new center. Other art in the conference hallway is provided by ACTS
Retreats.
(Center) OUTSIDE OF BUILDING.
The center is located behind the
church, facing the parking lot between the church and school.
(Bottom Left) INFORMAL MEETING ROOM FOR YOUTH is complete with three leather sofas, a 60inch HD TV screen, surround sound,
and seating for 12 around a large
conference table.
(Bottom Right) FORMAL MEETING ROOM FOR YOUTH can accommodate up to 60 chairs and is
also equipped with a 70-inch flatscreen HDTV, surround sound, and
Apple TV (wireless TV that can send
signals -- music or video -- to any TV
in the building).
PAGE 14
CHURCH TODAY
SACRED HEART BIRDHOUSE
PROJECT. Sacred Heart School’s
5th grade class built 30 bluebird
houses and 4 woodduck boxes Feb.
28 as part of a class project. Mr.&
Mrs.Tim Bordelon donated their
workshop in Moreauville for the students to assemble the boxes. Supervision and guidance came from Bordelon, Jamie Rusk, Samuel Bonnette
and numerous parents, who generously donated their time, tools, and
expertise. After the class completed
the construction phase, they loaded
the bus and headed to Juneau’s Sa-
APRIL 15, 2013
fari, in Hamburg, to take photos of wildlife and to create a wildlife habitat by installing two of the bluebird boxes and one
of the woodduck boxes on location. They toured the facility and enjoyed the petting zoo of exotic animals. Everyone
enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs compliments of Juneau’s staff. Several students who participated in the Wildlife
Habitat Enhancement Program offered by the Avoyelles Wildlife Federation plan to donate their projects. Teacher Joel
Tassin and some of the students (
, and
wade into the water at Juneau’s Safari, to install a woodduck box.
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
ST. FRANCIS CABRINI KIDS MEET KALB METEOROLOGIST. Meteorologist Dorrell Wenninger from KALB-TV’s Jambalaya visited with the 1st and 2nd
grade classes at St. Frances Cabrini School March 6. A segment was aired on
March 7. The students had a blast and asked a lot of GREAT questions. Thank
you Ms. Vicknair for inviting Mr. Wenninger to visit with the students.
ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) REC BASKETBALL CHAMPS. St. Mary’s students in grades 4-7 participated in the Bossier Parish Parks and Recreation
Basketball league. Four of the seven teams won the league championship.
The 4th grade Championship Team presenting their trophy and a certificate to
Principal Phyllis Scott in appreciation for her allowing them to practice in the
SMH gym. Pictured are (front row)
, Mrs. Scott,
. Back
row: Coach Hope Churchman,
, and Coach Scott Godfrey.
PAGE 15
NATIONAL GUARD BRINGS YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE TO OLPS. OLPS Kindergarten students welcomed Sgt. Patra Buchanan, SSG John Brown & SSG David Speed to their three classes March 19 for “story time”. Each National
Guard officer read You Are Sunshine by Shirley Porter to the children and presented each of them with a copy of the
book. The book is designed to build self-esteem within each child and is an important part of The Sunshine Foundation supported by the National Guard. Pictured is Mrs. Natalie Taylor’s K2 class.
OL of PROMPT SUCCOR SONATINA COMPETITION. OLPS music students received Superior ratings in the Cenla
Sonatina Competition held March 2 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Pictured are (front row) trophy winners for Outstanding Performances:
and
. Back row: Sr. Pat Kimball, music teacher;
, and
.
ST. MARY’S 3RD GRADERS
PAINT. Mrs. Cynthia Brown visited
Mrs. Hogg’s 3rd grade class at St.
Mary’s in Natchitoches to create
fleur de lis canvas paintings with the
students. The students integrated
art in their literature lesson on Louis
Armstrong. Pictured are:
and
.
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 16
SACRED HEART SCHOOL STATIONS OF THE CROSS. Sacred Heart
School’s 8th grade portrayed “The Living Stations of the Cross” on March 22.
(Above) Weeping Women:
mourn for Jesus along the way. (Below) Simon Carries the Cross:
,
the guard;
, carries the cross;
, Jesus; and
as St. Veronica (Wiping the Face of Jesus). Others who participated
include
, and
APRIL 15, 2013
ST. JAMES CONFIRMATION CLASS. Confirmation candidates from St. James Memorial Catholic Church presented
a program called “Saints Alive” loosely based on the EWTN program. The candidates portrayed their chosen saint for
Confirmation on March 2. Pictured are (front row)
, St. Michael the Archangel;
,
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton;
St. Theresa of Avila; and
, St. Rita. Row 2:
,
instructor;
, St. Peter;
, St. Gregory the Great;
, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini;
, St. Christopher; and Father Remigius Owuamanam, pastor.
.
ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) STATIONS OF THE CROSS. The students of St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches participated in the Stations of the Cross recently. Mr. and Miss SMH,
, narrated
the events while students from all grades played various roles. The Stations of the Cross take us through 14 incidents
during Jesus’ passage from Pilate’s house to his crucifixion at Calvary.
It’s
time for
P L A N T I N G
•
•
•
•
•
Vegetable plants & seeds
flower bed plants & seeds
lawn fertilizers
fire ant killer
garden supplies
2914 N. Bolton Ave.
Alexandria, LA
442-2325
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 17
Pope Francis and the Youth
ST. JAMES CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES. St. James candidates for
Confirmation served at the Manna House recently as part of their formation.
Pictured are
and
.
MENARD SENIOR BETA CLUB. Holy Savior Menard’s Senior Beta Club
competed in group talent at the State Senior Beta Convention in Lafayette.
Members competed with an original composition called “Bop”. They used common items like trash cans, buckets, saw horses, hammers, and made music
come alive. The group placed 1st and will represent Louisiana at the National
Senior Beta Convention to be held in Mobile, Ala. in June. Pictured are
and
, and
.
TWO ‘POPES’ FROM ONE FAMILY.
Hope and Gene
, parishioners at St. Frances Cabrini Church
in Alexandria, are feeling very special
these days. Both of their sons bear
the names of popes.
(pictured at left) holds the Church
Today newspaper bearing the name
of newly-elected Pope Francis.
(at right) holds a 2005 issue of
the Church Today, after the death of
Pope John Paul II. “We’re so excited,” said Hope. “I mean, what are the
odds of having both of your sons bear
the name of recent popes!”
LSU-ALEXANDRIA STUDENTS WATCH POPE ELECTION. Father Blake Deshautelle and some of the students at
the LSU-A CSO Center were glued to the TV March 13 when it was announced that a new pope had been elected.
“It was an exciting time for the students,” said Lynn Ray, coordinator of Campus Ministries. “At a time when the whole
world was watching the Catholic Church, it was a time to be proud to be a Catholic. We talked a lot about the election
process and the succession of popes. I think they learned a lot about their faith and how a pope is elected.”
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 18
Do You Know the
Five Steps to a
Safer Environment
for Children?
The Diocese of Alexandria mandates that all adults,
(employees & volunteers) who
work with children and youth
in our parishes, schools, programs, and St. Mary’s Residential Training Facility, must
undergo not only a background
check, but also must attend the
VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children™ child abuse awareness
and prevention training.
The training details five
steps to prevent child sexual
abuse: Recognize the warning
signs of an inappropriate relationship with a child.
1. Know the warning signs!
2. Control access to children
by carefully selecting the adults
who work with children and
youth.
3. Monitor all programs for the
safety of children and youth.
4. Be aware of and sensitive
to what is going on in the lives
of children.
5. Communicate concerns to
the appropriate person in authority.
For more information, call Pam
Delrie, Safe Environment coordinator at 318-445-6424 x 213.
APRIL 15, 2013
Safe Environment program -- Is it working?
Church has made strides in protecting children; still more to do
What has the Catholic Church
done to effectively respond to
sexual abuse by church personnel?
The Catholic Church has
worked hard to protect children.
Much has been done but more
needs to be done. Until child
sexual abuse is no longer a part of
society, the Church will continue
its efforts to stop it.
The Catholic Church has
done more to protect children
than almost any other organization in the United States.
Consider:
l Safe Environment training is
taking place in 193 dioceses of
the country. Over 2 million adults
have been trained to recognize the
behavior of offenders and what to
do about it.
l Over 5 million children have
been equipped with the skills to
help them protect themselves
from abuse.
l Background checks are conducted on Church personnel who
have regular contact with children. Over 2 million volunteers
and employees; 52,000 clerics;
6,205 candidates for ordination
have had their backgrounds evaluated.
l All dioceses have Codes of
Conduct spelling out what is acceptable behavior. This serves
to let people know what can and
cannot be done as well as letting
others know what behavior can
be expected. It encourages the
reporting of suspicious behavior.
l All dioceses/eparchies have
Victim Assistance Coordinators,
assuring victims that they will be
heard. In 2011, $6,142,810 was
spent on therapy for the victims
of clergy sexual abuse.
l In addition at least $30,129,584
was spent for child protection efforts such as training programs
and background checks.
l All dioceses/eparchies have
Safe Environment Coordinators
who assure the ongoing compliance to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.
l Bishops are meeting with victims.
l There is a Zero Tolerance policy on abusers since 2002. When
even a single act of sexual abuse
by a priest or deacon is admitted
or is established after an appropriate process in accord with canon
law, the offending priest or deacon will be removed permanently
from ecclesiastical ministry.
l Dioceses/eparchies require intensive background screening as
well as psychological testing for
those wishing to enter the seminary.
To Report Child Sexual Abuse by a Cleric
or Church Worker of the Diocese of Alexandria:
•
•
•
Behavior Modification
Obedience and Therapy
Pet Training
30-day Money Back Guarantee
985.226.6458
•
•
In home, Individual, and
Group Sessions Available
Phone Consultations
and Phone Assessments
• www.felinecaninecoach.com
Call Ms. Mary Girard at (318) 623-3804
or via the Diocesan HOTLINE at (318) 445-1427
ALSO, call your Local Law Enforcement Agency
Additional Information & Resources:
Louisiana Child Abuse Hotline: 1-855-452-5437
Prevent Child Abuse – Louisiana: www.pcal.org
U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops--Office
of Child & Youth Protection: www.usccb.org/ocyp
Diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator
Ms. Mary Girard
(318) 623-3804 or (318) 445-1427
Safe Environment Coordinator
Mrs. Pamela Aymond Delrie
(318) 445-6424 x 213
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
Judicial Vicar, Co-Director of Personnel
Rev. Bruce Miller, J.D., E.V.
(318) 445-6424 x 261
Chief Financial Officer/Co-Director of Personnel
David V. Brook, CPA
(318) 445-6424 x 215
Vicar for Clergy
Reverend Craig Scott
(318) 445-7120 x 12
www.diocesealex.org
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 19
Group works with parishes to
increase weekly collections
Six parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria that worked
with a full-service fund-raising
consulting group to strengthen
revenue strategies, saw an average of a 30 percent increase
in weekly collections.
According to Ann Masden, director of Development,
in the fall of 2012, the Diocese
of Alexandria engaged Changing Our World, Inc. to lead a
parish-focused effort in several
churches in the Diocese.
The goal in each parish
was three-fold: increase weekly
collections; with each parish’s
lay leadership, educate parishioners on the financial standing
of their parishes and on taking
ownership as its stewards; and
register more parishioners to
use offertory envelopes.
Electronic giving was
promoted at the parishes who
already utilize this form of giving. Changing Our World conducted individualized, tailored
six-week programs in each parish.
The project has success-
fully increased the parish collections by an average of 30%.
The average response rate
among the participating parishes was 17%. These responses
are expected to generate more
than $500,000 in additional
revenues collectively.
“We were very pleased
with the increased offertory
program that was implemented at Our Lady of Prompt
Succor parish,” said Fr. Dan
O’Connor, pastor. “By working closely with the professional consultant at Changing Our
World and following its parishfocused effort, we experienced
an increase in our weekly collections.”
Changing Our World plans
to remain in contact with these
parishes so that these initial increases can be maintained and
will assist with a renewal effort
later this year to seek additional
participants.
The initiative was facilitated by the Diocese of Alexandria Development Office.
MENARD TO PRESENT GODSPELL -- APRIL 18-20.
(center) portrays Jesus in
the modern day portrayal of the Passion. Godspell, Menard’s 14th musical under the direction of Cherise
Rino, will be held April 18-20 at the
Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts
Center in Alexandria. Tickets are $10
MENARD QUIZ BOWL team members
and
competed at the
Louisiana Association of Academic
Competition’s State Championship
tournament on March 16 at Northwestern State University. The team
placed 3rd in their division.
Holy Savior Menard
proudly presents
Directed by Cherise Rino
Thursday, April 18 @ 7 p.m.
Friday, April 19 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 20 @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center
Tickets are $10 and are available at the door
or by calling 445-8233
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 20
TERRY MATHEWS DAY AT MENARD. Hundreds of people gathered at Holy Savior Menard March 23 to celebrate
“Terry Mathews Day.” Mathews was a 1983 Menard alumni who played 8 years of professional baseball before returning to the school as a volunteer coach and school resource officer. Mathews died suddenly of a heart attack last
March. In his honor, Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy declared March 23 as “Terry Mathews Day” and a commemorative plaque was placed at the Menard baseball complex in Mathews’ honor.
ST. MARTIN (Belledeau) KCs and
LADIES ALTAR SOCIETY. Members of the Knights of Columbus
(Father Molenschot Council) and the
Ladies of the Altar Society of St. Martin of Tours Church, accompanied
by Father Silverino Kwebuza, pastor, visited the residents of Hessmer
Nursing Home Feb. 11. Together,
they served cakes and punch to the
members of the nursing home, as
they have done every year before
Lent. Pictured are Lorene Wacker,
Kermit Laborde, Marilyn Duet and
Father Silverino Kwebuza, A.J.
VIRTUS
• April 16 -- St. Joseph
Catholic Center, Alexandria,
6 p.m.
• April 22 -- Immaculate
Conception, Natchitoches,
6 p.m.
To register, go to
www.virtus.org
BUNKIE CDA COOKS LUNCH TO LSU-A CSO STUDENTS. Members of the
Bunkie Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Anthony Court 968, prepared
and served lunch to LSU-A students in the campus Youth Center on Feb. 28.
Organizing and transporting the lunch are shown (from left) Cynthia Dear, Ceil
Ferguson, Dot Lacombe and Mary Francis Kincaid.
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
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
APRIL 15, 2013
CDA COURT BISHOP DESMOND #1459 CONTRIBUTES TO SEMINARY
EDUCATION FUND. Gayle Randall (center) presents a check to Bishop Ronald Herzog April 3 for the Seminary Education Fund from Catholic Daughers
of the Americas Bishop Desmond Court #1459 from St. Rita Parish. Pictured
are (front row) Madeline Jeansonne, Ada Bergeron, Gayle Randall, Bishop
Herzog, and Genie Rousseau. Back row: Nancy Hadley, Beryl Cebrynski, Suzanne Medlin, and Pat Despino.
OLL (Fifth Ward) VOLUNTEERS AT MANNA HOUSE. On March 14, during
Lent, a group of parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Fifth Ward
spent a day volunteering at Manna House, where they cooked and served the
meal to many people. Pictured are Lynthia Romano, Martha Brigol, Patricia
Ussery, Evelyn Cooper, and Gloria Lemoine.
APRIL 15, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 21
Millions of viewers watched ‘The Bible’ on the History Channel
By Jeannie Petrus
CT editor
If you did not watch or record the five-part TV series, “The
Bible,” every Sunday evening in
March, you missed an excellent
program.
The miniseries’ two-hour cable network premiere was seen by
13.1 million viewers and scored
a 3.3 rating among adults 18-49.
That’s more viewers and a higher
demo rating than any show on the
major broadcast networks that
night and ranks as cable’s mostwatched entertainment telecast
this year.
The Bible, however, could
not quite top the History Channel’s privious record-setting mini
series -- the Hattfieds & McCoys,
which had a stunning 13.9 million viewers for its premiere last
year.
From Genesis to Revelation, these unforgettable stories
unfold through live action and
cutting-edge computer-generated
imagery, offering new insight
into famous scenes and iconic
characters.
Created by producer Mark
Burnett and featuring an international cast that includes Roma
Downey, this 10-hour docudrama
explored the sacred text’s most
significant episodes, including
Noah’s journey in the ark, the
Exodus and the life of Jesus.
But realistically speaking,
executive producer Mark Bar-
TV
REVIEW
Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem; the Angel Gabriel tells
Mary she will bear a child; Joseph
takes Mary to Bethlehem for the
census, where Jesus is born; the
Holy family escapes Herod’s order to kill Bethlehem’s male babies; Judea comes under the ruthless rule of Pilate; John baptizes
Jesus, who is now ready to take
on his mission–and his revolution.
THE BIBLE TV SERIES. Diogo Morgado portrays Jesus in a scene from the television miniseries “The Bible.” Actress
Roma Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, produced the miniseries that ran on cable’s History Channel each
Sunday in March. The series is now available for sale on DVD.
nett and his wife actress Roma
Downey, tackled a very lofty goal
of trying to highlight the major
stories. Familiar stories about
Samuel, Samson, and David were
brought to life in a way that made
it easy to understand how one followed the other in history.
The series is jam-packed
with a lot of stories from the Bible that challenge families and
church groups to read and discuss
the stories in the movie.
The series was divided into
five 2-hour segments titled:
Budget DJ
Parties • Weddings
Over 30,000 songs
J.P. Louviere
318-419-4487
Beginnings
Noah endures God’s wrath;
Abraham reaches the Promised
Land but still must prove his faith
in God; Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt, and his faith in
God is rewarded when the Red
Sea parts to allow the Israelites to
escape Pharaoh’s chariots; Moses
delivers his final message from
God–the Ten Commandments.
Homeland
Joshua conquers Jericho;
Delilah betrays Samson as the
Israelites battle the Philistines;
Samuel anoints David king, a
move that could throw the nation
into civil war; Saul is consumed
with jealousy when David defeats Goliath; King David ushers
in a golden age for Israel, but is
soon seduced by power and lust
for Bathsheba; God forgives David, and his son, Solomon, builds
God’s temple in Jerusalem.
Hope
The Jews are enslaved in
Babylon; Daniel is thrown into
the lions’ den, but when his faith
endures and God spares him, the
Mission
Jesus feeds the crowds in
Galilee and brings a dead man,
Lazarus, back to life; Jesus enters
Jerusalem riding on a donkey–a
declaration that he is the Messiah;
Jesus turns on the money-changers in the Temple; Caiphas coaxes
Judas into betraying Jesus; Jesus
throws the disciples into turmoil
at the Last Supper; Jesus is arrested and condemned to death as the
disciples scatter.
Passion
Peter denies Jesus and Judas
hangs himself; the crowd clamors
for Jesus’s death; Jesus is crucified, but when Mary Magdalene
goes to his tomb, a figure walks
towards her–he is back; Jesus
commissions the disciples to “go
and preach to all creation,” but
their godly mission meets with
hatred and even death; Paul has a
vision and experiences a miraculous change of faith on a journey
to Damascus; John receives a
revelation–Jesus is coming back,
and all who keep the faith will be
rewarded.
The Music Don't Stop til the Last One Drops!
Own it today on DVD. Go to
www.history.com/shows/the-bible/
videos
or visit
Mary’s Heart Bookstore
in Alexandria
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 22
Marriage Workshop
Standing Firm Together, a marriage workshop/ retreat
presented by Dan Jurek, a professional marriage and family counselor will be held April 26 (6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.)
and April 27 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) at Holy Cross Catholic
Church in Lafayette. The cost is $195 per couple. This
marriage workshop/retreat is designed to help you and
your spouse create a strong and healthy Christian marriage
that can withstand the tests and trials of a lifetime together.
For more info, go to www.paxrenewalcenter.com.
DIOCESAN
BRIEFS
Strong Foundations: A Marriage Preparation Program for Catholic Couples will host a one-day workshop
on Sunday, May 26 at our Lady of Prompt Succor Divine
Providence Center in Alexandria from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The presenters for this workshop are Mandi Chapman and
Holly Carbo. To register visit www.comprehensivetherapygroup.com or call 318.445.1651. Additional 2013 dates
for the Marriage Prep workshop are July 21 & Oct. 20.
(Now thru June 16). 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. Additional information can be found at
www.jpiiinnola.com or by calling toll free 1-866-6084799.
St. Ben’s Golf Tournament
St. Joseph Seminary College will host the annual St.
Ben Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 2 at the Covington Country Club. For more information, call 1-985-8672234.
Sacred Heart Golf Tournament
Sacred Heart School in Moreauville will host its 2nd
annual golf tournament on Saturday, May 4 at Tamaka
Trails Golf Club in Marksville. The cost for the 4-man
scramble is $100 per person. For more information, call
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FATHER PETER KULIGOWSKI. Parishioners of St. Joseph and Waterproof surprised Father Peter Kuligowski March 3 with a party to celebrate his 50th birthday. After
Mass, parishioners (as well as friends from Tallulah, Deville,
and Baton Rouge) gathered in the rectory for lunch followed by
cake and ice cream. Father Peter enjoyed opening presents and
blowing out the candles on the cake.
Emile P. Oestriecher, III, CPA
The Women’s Resource Center (Pregnancy Help
Medical Clinic) in Natchitoches will sponsor a walk/run
on Saturday, May 11 to raise funds and awareness for the
clinic. The 1-mile Fun Run is $10 and the 5K Walk/Run
is $20. Both will be held on the NSU campus. Family discounts available. To register, call 318-357-8888 or go to
www.wrcfriends.com.
The Development Coordinator reports directly to
the administrator of the St. Mary’s Residential Training
School and is responsible for leading and managing the
fund development program, raising funds for the ministry
and programs of the facility, and managing all committees
involved in fund development activities.
Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree or higher,
knowledge of fund-raising principles or a willingness to
learn them, excellent people, written and verbal communication skills, and ability to organize and prioritize tasks,
thoroughness in planning and implementing work, including goals, budget, timetables, and action steps to achieve
objectives.
To apply, send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected].
Job Opening:
Secretary to Superintendent
318-985-2772 or email Karen at karenmoreau@kricket.
net. All proceeds will go to future plans to build junior
high classrooms and a Library/Media Center.
KC BBQ Cook-Off
KC Council #2395 of Bunkie will host the 2nd Annual Bayou Boeuf BBQ Cook-Off on Saturday, May 4 at
the Haas Auditorium in Bunkie. All great “Backyard BBQ
Chef’s” of Avoyelles and surrounding parishes are invited
to cook up their best Boston butt, chicken, ribs, bbq sauce
and wild game in this community-oriented, charitable
event. To participate or to be a sponsor, call 318-308-6171
or 318-201-1252.
Let us help your family
manage your financial goals.
*Education Funding
Family Risk Management
Small Business Planning
Run, Baby, Run
Job Opening:
St. Mary’s Training School
Marriage Prep Workshop
John Paul II Exhibit
APRIL 15, 2013
*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.
Secretary to School Superintendent. The Diocese of
Alexandria has an opening for a secretary in the Office of
Catholic Schools. Applicants must be proficient in general
office skills, including excellent written and oral communication skills, computer usage, organizational skills, and
multi-tasking.
The secretary works closely with the superintendent
and the eight Catholic schools in the diocese, and serves
as a communication liason between the two. Experience in
working in a school is helpful.
Applications may be picked up at the St. Joseph Catholic Center, 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria or resumes
emailed to [email protected]. Applications and/or
resumes will be accepted through May 3.
CHURCH TODAY
APRIL 15, 2013
PAGE 23
April - May
Monday
Tuesday
15
Wednesday
16
VIRTUS Training
6:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic
Center, Alexandria
Thursday
17
Friday
18
Saturday
19
Sunday
20
21
Holy Savior Menard Presents “Godspell” -- Coughlin Saunders, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES
22
VIRTUS Training
6:00 p.m.
Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception,
Natchitoches
PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE
PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH
23
PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL
24
25
PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD
PRAY FOR FR. P. KULIGOWSKI
26
PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM
27
28
Marriage Workshop -- Lafayette
PRAY FOR FR. S. KWEBUZA
29
PRAY FOR FR. M. LAIRD
30
PRAY FOR FR. R. LEMOINE
MAY
1
PRAY FOR FR. R. MATHEWS
PRAY FOR FR. C. MAURICIO
2
3
St. Ben Golf Tournament
Covington, LA
An Evening with
Elizabeth Smart
6:30 p.m.
Lafayette, LA
PRAY FOR FR. A. MESSINA
PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK
6
7
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
8
PRAY FOR FR. J. MEDINA-CRUZ
Sacred Heart School
Golf Tournament
Marksville
PRAY FOR FR. L. MELCHER
4
5
KC BBQ Cook-off
Haas Auditorium, Bunkie
PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS
9
FIRST FRIDAY
PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER
10
FIRST SATURDAY
PRAY FOR FR. J. MONTALBANO
11
WRC Run, Baby, Run
Natchitoches
PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN
Baccalaureate:
12
St. Mary’s School, 9 a.m.
Immaculate Conception
Holy Savior Menard,
7:30 p.m, St. Francis
Xavier Cathedral
MOTHERS’ DAY
PRAY FOR FR. P. NADAMKUZHY
13
PRAY FOR FR. C. OGBONNA
PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK
14
Graduation:
Holy Savior Menard
7:30 p.m.
Guinn Auditorium, LC
Campus, Pineville
PRAY FOR FR. W. OKOT
PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL
15
Graduation:
St. Mary’s School
7:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s School Gym
Natchitoches
PRAY FOR FR. R. OWUAMANAM
PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL
16
Graduation
St. Joseph School
7:00 p.m.
Mater Dolorosa Church
Plaucheville
PRAY FOR FR. J. PALATHARA
PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE
17
PRAY FOR FR. B. PALLIPPARAMBIL
PRAY FOR FR. J. O’BRIEN
18
PRAY FOR FR. J. PALLIPURATH
PRAY FOR FR. D. O’CONNOR
19
PRAY FOR FR. J. PARDUE