July 28 - The Catholic Commentator

Transcription

Commentator
t h e
July 28, 2010 Vol. 47 No. 10
C a t h o l i c
s e r v i n g t h e d i o c e s E o f b a t o n r o u g e s i n c e 1 9 6 2 www.diobr.org/tcc
Three accept
appointment
to Bishop’s Cabinet
By Laura Deavers
Editor
INSTALLATION OF PASTOR — Bishop Robert W. Muench installs Father Joseph Sanjay
Kunnasseril IMS as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Maringouin July 25 during the 11 a.m. Mass. The same installation service took place earlier that day at St. Joseph
Church in Grosse Tete and the evening before at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church in Livonia. Father Kunnasseril, who was parochial vicar of these three churches for the past three
years, is now pastor of these churches. Photo by Laura Deavers | The Catholic Commentator
The Bishop’s Cabinet has
three new members. Earlier
this month, Bishop Robert W.
Muench announced that he has
asked Father Vincent Dufresne
to be secretary for the Clergy and
Religious Life Secretariat, Father
Joel LaBauve to be secretary for
the Christian Formation Secretariat and Deacon Dan Borné to
be secretary for the Communications Secretariat.
These three members of the
clergy will join Dr. Melanie Verges, secretary for Catholic Schools
Secretariat, Father Michael Mo-
roney, secretary for Pastoral
Services Secretariat, Joseph Ingraham, secretary of the Finance
Secretariat, David Aguillard, secretary for Catholic Charities Secretariat, Father Than Vu, vicar
general and moderator of the curia, Father Tom Ranzino, chancellor, and Father Paul Counce,
judicial vicar, to form the consultative body that advises Bishop
Muench on matters concerning
the central administration of the
Baton Rouge Diocese.
“The bishop chose these three
(new members) because he values their counsel and would like
to have them on the cabinet,” said
See cabinet page 3
Planning begins for yearlong 50th anniversary celebration
By Laura Deavers
Editor
The Baton Rouge Diocese is making plans for the
celebration of its 50th anniversary.
On July 20, 1961, Pope John XXIII established this
diocese from the northwestern half of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Bishop Robert E. Tracy was
installed as the first bishop on Nov. 8 of that year.
Festivities for the yearlong celebration begin Nov.
7, 2010. A prayer service focusing on the history of
providing for the people in the 12 civil parishes that
comprise the Baton Rouge Diocese starts at 2 p.m. in
St. Joseph Cathedral.
A Mass at the Baton Rouge River Center on Nov.
6, 2011 will bring to a close the Golden Anniversary.
During the year two other services will be held.
One in March to mark the Feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of this diocese, and one in the third week of
July 2011, to focus on the establishment of the diocese
50 years ago by Pope John XXIII.
Plans for the anniversary began a year ago when
Bishop Robert W. Muench asked Father Than Vu,
vicar general, Father John Carville, former vicar general, Father Tom Ranzino, chancellor and director of
the Worship Department, and Greer Gordon, director
Making plans for the yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Baton Rouge Diocese, are, clockwise
from bottom, Father Than Vu, Greer Gordon, Pam Folse, Sister Lucy Silvio CSJ, Father Frank Uter, Norman Deumite, Roland Toups, Mark Blanchard, Don Broussard, Father John Carville, Deacon Dan Borné and Patricia Soniat.
Also on the committee are Dr. Redfield Bryan, Bob Davidge, Father Tom Ranzino and Davis Rhorer. Photo by Laura
Deavers | The Catholic Commentator
of the Evangelization Department, to meet to discuss
how the diocese would celebrate this historical event.
Father Vu said this committee decided on the dates
for the anniversary events and reserved the Baton
Rouge River Center. This group also suggested names
of people to serve on a larger committee to oversee all
of the many aspects of the events. Those asked to be
See anniversary page 20
2
The Catholic Commentator
July 28, 2010
| IN THIS ISSUE
FAMILIES with young children help each
other find time for praying and playing
with their little ones through various
church ministries. St. Jude Church in Baton
Rouge helps these families build community and friendships. PAGE 5.
is saying ‘i’m sorry’ on the internet or at a
press conference the best way to rectify
wrongs that have been committed against
another person? A local clinical social
worker talks about the value of true contrition and how it compares to what many
celebrities are achieving in their public
apology. PAGE 9.
parishioners from several urban churches
spent a week at two different rural churches learning
the real
meaning of
what it is to
be Christian.
They also
learned that
they don’t
have to go
to another
country to find people they can help.
PAGEs 10-11.
| DID YOU KNOW
vacation bible
school helps
children learn
about their
faith. This
summer the
Holy Ghost VBS
provided the
children an opportunity to live their belief
of helping others as they raised money for
the Uniforms for Kids program. Page 12.
young people who are pro-life do not often
have a chance to talk to others who are
pro-choice. The Joshua Institute provides
youth the education and opportunity to
take their message that abortion is wrong
out to the public. PAGE 13.
| index
Classified Ads
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Coming Events
18
Entertainment
14
Family Life
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
5
17
Spirituality
7
Viewpoint
16
Youth
12
The Island of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Shrine is a small island 250 feel long and
45 feet wide situated at the juncture of
Bayou Grobec and Bayou Pierre Part. Its
existence as a shrine to Our Lady began
in 1892 when a priest visiting the area
around Pierre Part placed a statue of the
Blessed Virgin on the island upon hearing the unusual story of the statue’s survival from the floodwaters in 1882.
Natural disasters have damaged the
Pierre Part community over the years
with minimal loss of life. In 1940, a tornado destroyed St. Joseph the Worker
Church in Pierre Part, the cemetery and
over 100 homes. The tornado passed
within 100 yards of the elementary
school where more than 300 children
were in school. The statue, in the midst
of the destruction, remained safe. The
community continues the prayer of their
ancestors, Oh Mary Protect Us.
Is there something you would like to know about the Catholic Church or the Diocese of
Baton Rouge? Send your questions to [email protected]; or to The Catholic Commentator,
P. O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746.
| Pray for those who pray for us
Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese.
Aug. 1 Aug. 2 Aug. 3 Aug. 4
Aug. 5
Aug. 6 Aug. 7 Rev. Victor G. Messina
Deacon Jerry W. Braud
Sr. Beth Lieux CSJ
Rev. Michael A. Miceli
Deacon Barry G. Campeaux
Sr. Lilian B. Lynch OSF
Rev. Cleo J. Milano
Deacon Michael T. Chiappetta
Sr. Vernola Lyons OSF
Rev. Michael J. Moroney
Deacon Norman Christophe
Sr. Ancilla Marie MC
Rev. Caye A. (Trey) Nelson, III
Deacon Randall A. Clement
Sr. Vida Marija MC
Rev. Francis Minh Nguyen ICM
Deacon Samuel C. Collura
Sr. Phyllis Manda CSJ
Rev. Hung Viet Nguyen ICM
Deacon Guy E. Decker
Sr. Joan Manuel CSJ
Aug. 8 Aug. 9 Aug. 10 Aug. 11 Aug. 12 Aug. 13 Aug. 14 Rev. Nicholas J. (Jack) Nutter, III
Deacon Benjamin J. Dunbar Jr.
Sr. Ancilla Mathew CMC
Rev. John F. Osom MSP
Deacon W. Brent Duplessis
Br. Loyola Mattingly SC
Rev. Louis T. Oubre
Deacon Albert R. Ellis Jr.
Br. William McCue SC
Rev. Mansueto P. Palang
Deacon John Ellis
Sr. Evelyn Mee CSJ
Rev. Jason P. Palermo
Deacon H. John Ferguson III
Sr. Anne Meridier CSJ
Rev. Thomas C. Ranzino
Deacon Warren D. Fortenberry
Sr. June Ann Meyer OSF
Rev. Rubin Reynolds
Deacon Robert E. Furlow Jr.
Br. Tran Minh ICM
Commentator
t h e
C a t h o l i c
Month
Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher
Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager
Father Than Vu Associate Publisher
Penny G. Saia Advertising Sales
Laura Deavers Exec. Ed./Gen. Mgr.
Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation
Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor
Barbara Chenevert Staff Writer
Donna Perreault Copy Editor
The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680)
Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South
Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use
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changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. Web
site: www.diobr.org/tcc.
July 28, 2010
3
Church’s work on disabilities helped bring about law marking 20th year
By Nancy Frazier O’Brien
Catholic News Service
paring to begin college at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.
“Her generation grew up expecting that they had rights, that
they could do whatever they set
their minds to,” she said.
An estimated 54 million Americans have a disability, including 5
percent of children under 18 and
38 percent of adults 65 and older,
according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More than 3 million people
15 and older use a wheelchair,
while another 10 million use a
cane, crutches or walker.
The ADA protects the rights
of people with disabilities to
equal access in employment;
state and local government programs and services; places of
public accommodation such as
businesses, transportation and
nonprofit service providers; and
telecommunications.
But as with the implementation of the civil rights legislation
witnessed the importance of
helping parents cope with a poor
prenatal diagnosis when a cou WASHINGTON — When the
ple in her community, expecting
Americans with Disabilities Act
their third child, got devastating
was being debated in the U.S.
news more than four years ago
Senate 20 years ago, excerpts
following a routine sonogram.
from the pastoral statement on
The child they were expectpeople with disabilities issued by
ing had a heart defect and their
the U.S. bishops 12 years earlier
doctor advised them to “schedule
were read on the Senate floor in
your abortion on the way out of
support of its passage.
the door,” Benton recalled. The
“It is not enough merely to
doctor “painted the worst possible
affirm the rights of people with
picture” of a child who would be
disabilities,” the document says.
unable to feed herself or interact
“We must actively work to make
in any meaningful way with her
them real in the fabric of modern
family and the world, she added.
society. Recognizing that indi Now Benton brags about her
viduals with disabilities have a
goddaughter Rose, describing
claim to our respect because they
her at a recent lunch they shared
are persons, because they share
as “happily smiling, able to eat,
in the one redemption of Christ,
running and playing ... like any
and because they contribute to
other sweet 4-year-old.”
our society by their activity with As Rose and her family have
in it, the church must become an
confronted various serious health
advocate for and with them.”
challenges, “our secular commu For most of her
nity was able to be
adult life, Jan Bena little support for
ton has been doing
them and they’ve
just that. But the
known that the
There are 54 million people in the U.S. living
executive
direcchurch recognizes
tor of the National
the value of what
with a disability.
Catholic Partnerthey did and defends
ship on Disabilthem in their deci12.4% of women and
ity is not sure the
sion,” Benton said.
11.7% of men have a disability.
church’s message is
To help combat
getting out to those
the attitudes that
who need to hear it
leave many parents
in millions
most.
thinking they have
“Our challenge
16.1 have cognitive difficulties or mental illness. no alternative than
and our goal is to
to abort a child who
have people know we
might face chal10 use a cane, crutches or walker.
exist so they know
lenges, the National
that the church does
Catholic
Partner3.3 use a wheelchair.
care,” Benton told
ship on Disability is
Catholic News Sersponsoring a Webi1.8 are visually impaired or blind.
vice during a July
nar Oct. 5 on the is13 interview in her
sue of poor prenatal
1 are hearing impaired or deaf.
Washington office.
diagnosis.
“That’s the painful
Some parents
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
©2010 CNS
thing, when people
have told Benton
say, ‘I never heard
that they support
of you.’ We don’t want them to of the 1960s, reality sometimes the church’s teaching that every
think the church is not there for falls short of the law and the ex- child is important and decide not
them. We want them to know the pectations it raised, Benton said. to abort a child likely to face difchurch is there and has many op- Instead of receiving the re- ficulties, but when it comes time
portunities” for them.
spect they deserve, some people to find a school or sacramental
When the Americans with with disabilities have been sub- preparation for their child, they
Disabilities Act was signed into ject to a “misguided compas- say, “I can’t find a place for my
law on July 26, 1990, it gave sion” that encourages the elderly child.”
people with disabilities “a place to consider physician-assisted “That’s what we (in the
at the table” and raised expecta- suicide and the parents of a child church) need to be all about,”
tions for their lives, Benton said. likely to be born with disabilities supporting those families in
She spoke about an 18-year-old to abort the child, she said.
finding what they need for themfriend born with serious disabili- “We’re so blessed to be in a selves and their children spirities, including hands that grow church that can counter these tually, emotionally and in other
from her shoulders. But when arguments, a church that says ways, Benton said.
Benton saw the young woman re- every person is worthy of re- The October Webinar is part
cently, her fingernails were paint- spect,” she added. “It’s easy to be of a series begun three years ago
ed for the high school prom she able to argue for life.”
that educates more than 2,000
had attended and she was pre- Benton, a secular Franciscan, people a year over the Internet
Disabilities in the US
about issues affecting those with
disabilities, ranging from liturgical design to mental illness to
ways to adapt catechetical programs to meet the needs of all.
“We want people with any
disability to be nourished in the
faith and to be able to contribute
to the life of the parish community,” Benton said.
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20
4
July 4, 2007 • The Catholic Commentator
July 28, 2010
Religious Studies Institute
The Diocese of Baton Rouge in affiliation with
St. Joseph Seminary College invites you to a challenging
growth experience in Adult Faith Formation
Established in 1982, the Religious Studies
Institute is an accredited college-level religious formation program designed for the lay
Catholic Christian leader who wishes to make
a long-term commitment to church ministry.
The Goals of the Institute are:
• To offer training in ministry and
leadership for parish lay leaders
• To serve as a pre-requisite for
the diaconate program
• To enable the lay person, through
prayer and discernment, to develop
a deepening sense of love and
service, obedience and self-giving, in
his/her relationship with God
• To provide accredited college-level
courses for the development of
individual ministries
Curriculum:
NEW TESTAMENT – 2 sem. hours
OLD TESTAMENT – 3 sem. hours
THE SPIRITUALITY OF VATICAN
COUNCIL II – 2 sem. hours
BASIC DOCTRINE – 2 sem. hours
LITURGICAL STUDIES – 2 sem. hours
SPIRITUALITY – 2 sem. hours
Bishop Robert E.
Tracy Center
Catholic Life Center
1800 South Acadian Thruway
Baton Rouge
2010-2011 Schedule
Orientation (required)
August 26
Retreat (required)
August 28, 2010
Classes
September 11
October 2 & 23
November 13
December 11
January 8, 2011
January 29
February 26
March 26
April 9
May 7
Required Class Schedules and Registration
—Orientation, Retreat & all 11 Classes are held on Saturdays from
8 a.m to 4 p.m.
—Tuition: $57 per semester hour – can be paid at orientation
—Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30 by July 15; $45 if postmarked
July 15 or later
—Application deadline is August 11, 2010
Scholarship Funding is Available
Contact the Office of Christian Formation, attention Charles Jumonville, at
(225) 336-8760 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
To obtain more information and an application for
Religious Studies Institute, complete this form and mail it to:
Religious Studies Institute, Diocese of Baton Rouge, Office of Christian Formation,
P.O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 or E-mail: [email protected]
NAME
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY
PHONE: (H)
E-MAIL ADDRESS
CHURCH PARISH
CHURCH ADDRESS
ZIP
(W)
(Cell)
family life
July 28, 2010
5
Young families build community through its special niche ministry
By Debbie Shelley
Assistant Editor
Young families coping with their joyful,
yet sometimes chaotic lives are embraced
by their larger church family through ministries especially for them, such as Tender
Loving Families (TLF) at St. Jude Church
in Baton Rouge. The children participate
in fun activities and grow spiritually, while
their parents connect with other young
couples who share similar experiences.
TLF began in the mid-1980s, and was
originally called Tender Loving Couples,
according to Charmaine Biossat, director
of ministries for St. Jude.
The mission of TLF is to provide young
couples with an opportunity to teach their
children how faith can be strengthened by
participating in social and spiritual activities in the church, stated Biossat.
She explained TLF introduces young
couples to one another using their shared
interests. “Because so many couples have
young children, a lot of activities are focused around them.”
Two TLF sub-ministries that are popular
with young families are Play and Pray and
Music Makers, according to Biossat.
Play and Pray is a ministry for parents
who have children under 4 years of age. The
families gather in the church’s parish hall
for the children to play, sing, do crafts, hear
religious stories and pray together. The parents pray together as the children play.
The second offshoot ministry, Music
Makers, began last year when St. Jude parishioner Kristina Funes suggested having a music ministry for children ages 6
months to kindergarten age. Funes’ mother had begun a similar ministry in her
Shreveport church and it was very popular,
according to Biossat.
This group meets in the St. Jude ministry building to “create a joyful noise,” as
commanded by the Gospel. This is a parent/child interactive ministry where parents help their children play the different
instruments the church provides and sing
songs together. The meetings occur during
the regular school year.
“There is a limit of 25 children per semester, and this program has been popular enough at St. Jude that we have passed
on the information to two other Baton
Rouge churches requesting information,”
Biossat said.
TLF schedules four to five activities a
year, noted Biossat. These activities include
a back-to-school ice cream party; a pump-
kin carving and pizza
party and a Christmas
program. The theme
of the Christmas party
changes each year and
one year it included
a large-scale, heavily
decorated multi-room
“Christmas Journey”
with costumed children
and narrators for each
room, Christmas-related trinkets for the children and a live nativity.
TLF ends the year
with a couple’s-only Youth involved in the Tender Loving Families Ministry presnight out at a local res- ent a live nativity scene during a TLF Christmas program.
Photo provided by St. Jude Church
taurant.
As with the other
church ministries, the young families de- their children and grandchildren.
“It’s nice to see three generations of famvelop camaraderie as they plan and exily bonding together,” Biossat said.
ecute activities, stated Biossat.
She added, “The stronger the family’s
Approximately one-eighth of all St. Jude
families are involved with TLF, Biossat said. faith life is, the more they will participate
TLF events are usually open to all pain the church community activities.”
rishioners.
The church also benefits.
Biossat noted that grandparents also par“Young children who see their parents
ticipate in TLF activities. They sometime active in their church tend to grow up and
bring the children when parents are unable remain active in their churches,” Biossat
to do so, or they may attend the events with said.
School punished for effectively dealing with cyberbullying
In a recent issue of The New
York Times, an extensive article
discussed issues associated with
cyberbullying, why it’s so pervasive and difficult to control.
Part of the article focused on
an eighth-grade girl in Beverly
Hills, Calif., who videotaped a
group of friends making mean
and inappropriate sexual comments about another classmate.
She can be heard encouraging
them to go even further with
their vile comments.
J.C. (the name the girl is
known by in court papers)
posted the video on YouTube;
the next day she was suspended
from school for two days.
Surprisingly, her father sued
the school, claiming it had no
right to suspend her for something that happened outside of
the school day.
This brings up a number of
avenues of discussion: There is
the girl and her friends who did
something reprehensible, there
is the school administration
acting against activities it is illequipped to handle and there is
the father who appears to make
decisions based on legality rather
than morality.
J.C.’s father took no responsi-
Coming Of Age
Eric Rommel
bility for his daughter’s actions,
which reflect upon his parenting
skills. He reportedly told her,
“That wasn’t a nice thing to do.”
Furthermore, he doesn’t even
think what she did was cyberbullying. When J.C. offered to
take the video offline, he made
her keep it online. He didn’t
care about the girl his daughter
humiliated; he only cared about
making a point against the
school system.
His daughter didn’t take
responsibility either. Not only
did J.C. hold the video camera
and record the comments her
friends made, she encouraged
them. Since that video is still
online, I’m sure it will make a
great character reference when
it’s college application time.
And what about her friends?
They’re the other perpetrators of
this story. They apparently didn’t
get suspended and weren’t involved in a legal action designed
to condone their activities.
That doesn’t mean they’re
innocent; that just means they’re
lucky. If one of them had stood
up for what’s right, the rest might
have backed down.
The only involved party who
behaved appropriately was the
school system, because it took
quick and decisive action to prevent the situation from getting
worse. Ironically, the school lost
the lawsuit.
That’s right, J.C’s father won
his court case and the school
had to cover his legal expenses –
$107,150.80.
The Times article said that
the judge “found that the offcampus video could be linked
to the school: J.C. told perhaps
10 students about it; the humiliated C.C. and her mother showed
it to school officials; educators
watched it and investigated.”
However, the legal test, wrote
the judge in his 57-page decision, was whether the video had
caused the school “substantial
disruption,” something the judge
felt had not occurred, since the
matter had been addressed “quietly and before lunch recess.”
At least this wasn’t a definitive
victory for the father involved.
The judge made it clear there is
a definite line between a school’s
authority and a student’s freedom of expression.
If J.C.’s suspension had been
legal, maybe she would have
learned something about ac-
cepting the consequences of her
actions. Maybe her punishment
would have discouraged other
potential cyberbullies from doing
the same thing.
And maybe the education of
J.C. and her fellow classmates
would have been improved by
the $107,150.80 paid to cover the
father’s legals fees surrounding
the lawsuit demonstrating just
how out of touch some people
really are.
ROMMEL is a freelance writer in
Toms River, N.J.
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6
July 28, 2010
‘The oath against modernism’
Q
Older members of
our Catholic study
group remember
a negative oath that every
seminarian and professor
of “religious sciences” had
to take against modernism, as condemned by
Pope Pius X. Apparently
the oath was no longer
administered after Vatican Council II ended in
1965. Some members say
Pope Paul VI didn’t want
to touch it, and it was officially withdrawn only by
Pope John Paul II. What’s
the story of this oath, and
what happened to it? (Wisconsin)
what came to be known
as “The Oath Against
Modernism,” to be
taken by all clergy, pastors, confessors, and
seminary professors of
theology and philosophy, among others. All
were commanded to
affirm, “I submit and
adhere with my whole
heart to the condemnations ... contained in
the encyclical ‘Pascendi’
and in the decree ‘Lamentabili.’ ”
St. Pius X was one
of the great Catholic
figures of the 20th century. His groundbreaking liturgical vision and foresight
– for example, insisting on the importance of full and active participation of
the faithful in celebrating the Eucharist,
urging early and frequent, even daily,
Communion – bless and enrich our faith
to this day.
Nevertheless, the late noted theologian Father Hans Urs von Balthazar,
who was named a cardinal by his close
friend Pope John Paul II, claimed “The
Oath Against Modernism” created an
atmosphere of terror in the Catholic
Church and “methodically burned” the
Catholic spirit.
Pope Pius could not know, of course,
that within 50 years, most of the positions he rejected, including those mentioned above, would become accepted
Catholic teaching. Particularly influential in this development was the encyclical “Divino Afflante
Spiritu,” issued by
Pope Pius XII in 1943,
which gave an expanded and nourishing
direction to Catholic
study and interpretation of the Bible.
“The Oath Against
Modernism” was
finally abolished by
Pope Paul VI in 1967.
In 1989, under authority of then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s
Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith, a new profession of faith and oath
of fidelity appeared and was required
to be taken by all persons with teaching
responsibility in the church. In addition
to the Nicene Creed, the oath declares
acceptance of dogmas proposed by the
magisterium.
Question Corner
Father John Dietzen
KC FAMILY OF THE YEAR – Richard Labranche, center, grand knight of the St. Margaret Council Knights of Columbus Council 1078, presented John and Mary Gaeta
of Albany with the KC Family of the Year Award for 2009-10 during the council’s
Installation of Officers Banquet on July 10. This award honors council families who
exemplify the values taught by the church and the order. Photo provided by St. Margaret
Council Knights of Columbus Council 1078
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A
First, it is good to recall that
pledges or declarations of belief
and loyalty of one kind or another have always had a place in religious
traditions, including Christianity. We
find them in the New Testament as well
as in our promises at baptism and in
the Nicene Creed at Mass. Under some
conditions, of course, they can also be
divisive and harmful to the community
of faith.
“Modernism” was the name used
by Pope Pius X for a loosely organized
complex of “heresies” perceived in the
church at that time. Departures from
Catholic orthodoxy had been noted by
other modern popes before him, but
Pope Pius heightened the campaign,
particularly with two documents in
1907. The first, titled
“Lamentabili Sane
Exitu,” listed 65 alleged
errors of modernism.
The second, the
encyclical “Pascendi
Dominici Gregis,” is a
lengthy condemnation
of numerous unnamed
Catholic philosophers
and theologians whom
Pope Pius condemned
as “enemies of the
cross of Christ ... full
of deceit,” who strive
“to overthrow utterly
Christ’s kingdom itself.”
The long encyclical condemned,
among many other positions, the proposal that there can be any development
of Catholic doctrine; the theory that the
books of Scripture were not formed all
at once but over a period of time; and
the opinion that some books of Scripture may have been written by authors
other than those named by tradition (for
example, that Moses did not write the
five books of Moses, the Pentateuch; or
that Paul did not personally author all
the letters attributed to him).
Three years later, Pope Pius issued
Pope Pius could not
know that within 50
years, most of the
positions he rejected
would become
accepted Catholic
teaching.
FATHER DIETZEN, a retired priest living in
Peoria, IL, answers questions from and
about Catholics. Questions may be sent
to Father Dietzen at Box 3315, Peoria,
IL 61612, or e-mail [email protected].
spirituality
July 28, 2010
7
Relics are reminders of saints’ presence and intercession
By Debbie Shelley
Assistant Editor
When a person dies, loved
ones often keep some of the
deceased’s belongings, that
convey, “I am still with you.”
The memory of that person is
kept alive as family members
or friends hold, touch or gaze
at an article of clothing, or a
treasured antique, for example.
Consequently, their fears are
calmed about the afterlife, because they know loved ones are
waiting for them on “the other
side.”
In the Catholic Church, the
relics of the saints serve a similar purpose, as the remains of
the saints remind the faithful
that someone is interceding for
them and walking with them
on their spiritual journey.
Father Paul Yi, parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception
Church in Denham Springs,
who has an avid interest in relics, said one of the common
comments people have made at
funerals when he has presided
is that the deceased is in a better place. He pointed out that
such a statement conveys their
conviction that people’s spirits
live outside of their bodies.
“Because of that conviction
we keep something of that
person with us, like their hair,
their clothing or their favorite item. These things or relics
serve as a reminder that our
loved one is still with us on
earth, even when that person is
in heaven,” Father Yi said.
Most Catholic churches have
a piece of bone or first-class
relic of a martyr or a patron
saint in the church’s altar, according to Father Yi. Among the relics that Father
Yi carries with him are a bone
of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, a part of the habit of Padre
Pio and a piece of the habit that
Blessed Mother Teresa wore on
her death bed.
Father Yi, who previously
served as parochial vicar of
Our Lady of Mercy Church in
Baton Rouge, loaned several
relics to Our Lady of Mercy,
which are displayed in its reliquary.
Obtaining an authentic relic
is a complex process that involves obtaining documentation authenticating the relic,
stated Father Yi. The documentation must include informa-
tion about who authenticated with others, accordthe relic, what the relic is, and ing to Father Uter, so
when it was issued.
when people share
“A relic without its authenti- or give relics to othcation paper really cannot be ers, they are passing
verified easily,” said Father Yi. on the history of the
“When you open the reliquary church family.
containing an authentic relic,
“It’s the whole conthe back has the red seal from cept of the commuthe Vatican.”
nion of the saints,”
Some of the relics Father Yi said Father Uter.
has received are gifts from FaA strong devotion
ther Frank Uter, pastor of Im- to the community of
maculate Conception. The two saints was evident in
recently began serving togeth- the Diocese of Baton
er at the church.
Rouge on July 23Many of the relics Father 24, when hundreds
Uter receives “fall into his of people came to
hands” when he is in the right venerate the relics
place at the right time. He not- of Blessed Mother
ed that one of his favorite saints Teresa at St. Agnes
is St. Jean Vianney. In the early Church in Baton
1980s Father Uter stayed at a Rouge, where she
Hundreds of people came to St. Agnes and St. Patrick churches this past weekend
parsonage for a convent estab- founded the Misto view and venerate relics of Blessed Mother Teresa that are currently on tour in
lished by St. Jean Vianney in sionaries of Charthe United States and Canada. At St. Agnes Church, long lines of people pay their
Ars, France.
ity convent, and at
respects to Mother Teresa. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
Father Uter got to know the St. Patrick Church
sisters as he said Mass for them in Baton Rouge.
and was part of their daily life. The collection of items, which ber Our Lady of Mercy, said Whittington and WhittingWhen they learned that Father included a lock of her hair, a she came to pay her respects ton’s husband, Richard WhitUter had a deep admiration reliquary containing her blood, because she was inspired when tington, all members of St. Alfor St. Jean Vianney, they gave her crucifix, her rosary and her she heard Mother Teresa speak phonsus Church in Greenwell
him a piece of the saint’s bone. sandals, were displayed as part during her visit to Baton Rouge Springs, visited St. Agnes for
Father Uter, in turn, gave the of a U.S. and Canada tour of the in 1985, when she established the first time in many years
relic to Father Yi when he was relics.
the Missionaries of Char- to see Blessed Mother Teresa’s
ordained in 2008.
Carolyn Kaltakdjian, a mem- ity convent, and she wanted to relics.
Just as a gift
“see her again.”
For Richard Whittington it
will remind us
Kaltakdjian said she was was his first visit to St. Agnes
of the gift giver,
touched by the way Mother Te- in about 50 years, but he still
when people reresa worked among the poor, has many fond memories of
ceive a relic, they
and loved her teachings to “do walking to Mass at the church
are reminded of
small things with great love.”
as a child.
the person who
“As I looked at her sandals
Higgins, Landry and Margave it to them.
and rosary, I thought about garet Whittington said their
Father Uter rehow many miles she had mother, who also walked with
members that at
walked and how many prayers them to Mass when they were
his ordination
she has prayed,” stated Kaltak- children, taught them to love
in 1969, Monsidjian.
Mother Teresa the way she did.
gnor Hermann
Katherine Higgin, a member They said they are inspired by
P.
Lohmann,
of St. Patrick, and her sisters, Mother Teresa’s kindness to
who was then
Sarah Landry and Margaret the world.
rector of St. Joseph Cathedral,
gave him several
relics (Monsignor Lohmann
had given Father
invites you to breakfast 9 a.m. – 12 noon,
Uter his first
Saturday, August 28 at Oak Lodge Reception
Communion.)
Center, 2834 S. Sherwood Forest, Baton Rouge.
After the monOur speaker will be Father Paul Yi. Fr. Paul came to this country
signor
died,
at the age of 11 from South Korea. After getting his chemical
several
more
engineering degree and working in the field for 3 years, he took
relics he had
a trip to Medjugorje in 2001. There he received
a call to consider the priesthood. In 2008 he
possessed were Among the items in the reliquary at Our Lady
was
ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese
given to Father of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge are relics from
of
Baton
Rouge. Reservations for the breakfast
Uter.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Augustine of Hippo,
are
$15
each
and can be purchased by mailing a
The
saints St. Francis Desales, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Peter
check
to
Theresa
Henderson, 16436 Shetland Ave.,
were ordinary Chanel, Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, St. BeneGreenwell
Springs,
LA 70739. Your name will be
people who lived dict of Nursia, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Philomregistered
at
the
door.
in community ena. Photo by Laura Deavers | The Catholic Commentator
8
July 28, 2010
Diocese of Baton Rouge Seminary Scholarship Funds
What is a Seminary Scholarship fund?
Aseminaryscholarshipfundisaninvestedsumofmoney,
theinterestofwhichisusedinperpetuitytohelpfundthe
educationofmentothepriesthood.
How does someone establish a fund?
Itissimple.Afundmaybeestablishedandnamedfor
anyoneyouchoose–friend,family,bishop,priest,
religious,etc.Anyonecannameorestablishafund.
Who do I contact to establish or contribute to a fund?
Tocreateafundortomakeacontributiontoanexist-
ingfund,pleasesendittotheVocationsandSeminar-
iansDepartment,P.O.Box2028,BatonRouge,LA 70821-2028.Forinformationcall225-336-8778.
This is only a partial list of all Seminary Scholarship Funds.
VisitourWebsiteatwww.diobr.org/vocationsfora
completelistofSeminaryScholarshipFunds.
April through May Contributions
Scholarship Funds
Fr. Anthony H. Ostini SJ
FatherThomasJ.Allain............................22,872.39
FatherJ.D.Amedee................................. 20,000.00
Mr.andMrs.SidneyV.Arbour,Sr............ 20,000.00
ArchdioceseofNewOrleans..................... 60,000.00
Mr.andMrs.J.AndrewBahlinger,Jr....... 20,000.00
FatherJohnM.Barbe............................... 20,000.00
FatherVictorBaron.................................. 20,000.00
MonsignorD.J.Becnel............................. 20,000.00
Msgr.D.J.Becnel/MarieDelphineBecnel.... 694.54
MonsignorD.J.Becnel(St.Aloyouis)....... 20,000.00
MarieDelphineBecnel............................. 20,000.00
Cecelia“Cess”Bergeron
FatherJulesBerthault...............................20,370.00
MonsignorDominicBlasco....................... 20,000.00
InHonoroftheBlessedVirginMary...........6,007.44
FellmanBlouin......................................... 44,082.92
EugeneBologna........................................ 20,000.00
Giuseppe(Joe)Bologna............................ 20,000.00
Mrs.EmmaBooth.................................... 20,000.00
Dr.LynwoodBrassett/JoAnneBrassettBontemps
.................................................................... 53,174.58
VeraNesomBraud.....................................15,984.91
PaulF.Brown................................................1,050.00
WilliamR.Burk,Sr.................................. 20,000.00
FatherMalachiBurns............................... 20,000.00
R.FrankCangelosi,K.S.G........................ 20,000.00
FatherAustinCarrico................................ 10,129.58
FatherVincentCiolino.............................. 20,000.00
Mr.andMrs.C.C.Clifton............................. 3,900.68
FatherThomasColbert............................. 20,000.00
L.W.Collens............................................. 16,013.31
Mr.andMrs.LouisCorde............................. 3,900.68
JohnThomasCoutee,Sr.Family.................9,763.35
PaulCreswell,Jr....................................... 20,000.00
CarolC.Daquanno,Sr.............................. 20,000.00
JamesCalvinDevillier............................. 20,400.00
Dietrich/BourgeoisFamilies..................... 20,000.00
IsaacDiez,Jr.,USMA................................20,071.70
FatherGustaveDorval............................. 20,000.00
ArchbishopDrossaerts................................6,418.38
StephenDugas........................................... 8,365.90
OliverH.Engerran................................... 20,382.89
EugeneE.Esnault.................................... 20,000.00
FatherMatthewFashan...............................2,057.89
MonsignorJamesJ.Finnegan.....................5,275.41
MonsignorAndrewFrey............................77,800.00
MonsignorPaulJ.Gauci........................... 20,000.00
EdwardC.Gauthier.................................. 20,940.16
MonsignorPatrickGillespie...................... 20,000.00
MonsignorCageGordon........................... 20,000.00
Mr.&Mrs.A.X.Guillot........................... 20,000.00
Fr. Anthony Ostini
celebrating 50th
anniversary
Brian Blanchard
InMemoryof: Wilton“Buddy”Blanchard
By: MarianBlanchard $100.00$21,045.00
Archbishop Antoine Blanc
InMemoryof:J.B.Guillaume
By:KCCouncil8878 $20.00
By: M/MJosephPorche $38.00
InMemoryof: DeceasedMembersofArchbishop
AntoineBlancAssembly2047
By: ArchbishopAntoineBlanc
Assembly
$100.00
InMemoryof:DeceasedMembersofKCCouncil8878
By:KCCouncil8878 $34.00$10,943.31
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
By:CatholicDaughtersoftheAmerica
La.StateCourts $380.00 $1,354.90
By:CatholicDaughtersoftheAmericaCourt
St.Philip#1504 $200.00
By:St.PhilipChurch$1,000.00 $3903.00
Father David Chauvin
Monsignor Leo Gassler
InMemoryof: KenTalbot
By:Ron/JackieAlello $100.00$20,100.00
Fr. Maynard E. “Tippy” Hurst
By:CatholicDaughtersoftheAmerica
CourtofFrancisofAssisi#1915
$1500.00 $2000.00
Alene B. Kaylor
InMemoryof:FrancisVicknair
InMemoryof: JayHunt
InMemoryof: SidneyAnnCichon
InMemoryof: TheresaMasci
By: TheresaMasci
PaulGranada
FrancisBroussard
AlanSparkman
AnitaThomas
CourtSaintFrancisofAssisi#1915
FrancisVicknair
HelenMadere
MargieBull
GertrudeThornton
RitaValentine
RobertaFarrell
BarbaraSchmitt
DotDevillier
$88.00$18,518.68
Serra Club of Baton Rouge
By:Roy/RubySchnebelen $1,000.00 $7,025.00
By:JackieWaguespack$200.00$16,399.41
Albert J. Waguespack
Father Anthony H. Ostini SJ
will celebrate his 50th year of
being in the Society of Jesus
on Sunday, Aug. 1 at a special
Mass at Immaculate Conception
Church in New Orleans. The 3
p.m. Mass will be followed by a
reception in The Roosevelt New
Orleans, which is across the
street from the church.
A native of Mobile, Father Ostini entered the Society of Jesus in 1960. He served at Jesuit
High School in New Orleans as
chaplain, assistant principal and
chair of the English and classics
department.
Later he was assigned as superior and director of Manresa
House of Retreats in Convent,
La. He is currently the superior
and director of St. Charles College and the Jesuit Spirituality
Center in Grand Coteau, La.
Chevalier named
media liaison
Mary Beth Chevalier has been
named media liaison for the Baton Rouge Diocese. She replaces
Bill Michelet, who has held that
position for the past three years.
Michelet was the first person
to have the title of media liaison
for the diocese.
“Bill’s warmth and personality
have really fostered a good rapport between the diocese and
the media,” said Father Than
Vu, vicar general. “He came out
of retirement to fill this position, giving the diocese the opportunity to determine what was
needed for the position.”
Chevalier worked for many
years at ExxonMobile Corp.
in Baton Rouge. She has also
worked at Hospice of Baton
Rouge and the Baton Rouge
Chamber of Commerce.
July 28, 2010
9
Celebrities turn apologies into public media events
Is “I’m sorry” enough?
slandered, pay compensation for
injuries.) Simple justice requires
as much.”
People are often afraid to apologize to other people because
they fear judgment or rejection,
Ducote said.
Ducote said one has to wonder
about the sincerity of those who
issue public apologies. One question is, Who are they apologizing
to? Another is, Is the real purpose
to maintain their public position?
According to AARP’s The Magazine, public confessions have fueled the apology business. Traffic
to Internet confession sites has
increased 66 percent since February 2007.
On
theperfectapology.com,
someone who calls himself only
E. wrote, “ I know you’ll probably never see this and I don’t
know why I can’t just call you, but
I am so sorry for all that’s hap-
By Barbara Chenevert
Staff Writer
Is a simple, private, “I’m sorry”
becoming obsolete?
A growing trend of public mea
culpas by celebrities and politicians has catapulted apologies
into an art form of sorts and has
apparently prompted more and
more people to apologize for past
hurts. But the traditional words,
“I’m sorry,” may fall short in
some eyes.
“Public apologies are modeling for people one way to release
guilt. They give people some incentive to reach into their own
past and see that there is a way
out by apologizing,” clinical social worker Darryl Ducote said.
In the past, there may have been
a tendency to disappear from the
spotlight after a scandal. This
is a reversal of that low profile,
when one remains in the public sion site.
eye after a scandal and public
Whether Linda was able to
apology, he said.
right her wrong is questionable,
So if the highly publicized according to Ducote. “Apology is
apologies of golfer Tiger Woods, extremely important because we
South Carolina Gov. Mark San- all make mistakes. But in order
ford, television personality and to maintain a relationship that is
Sandra Bullock spouse Jesse important to us, we have to repair
James or TV talk show host Da- the damage caused by our misvid Letterman have inspired you take,” Ducote said.
to come clean, the Internet can
There are four elements to an
offer you plenty of help.
effective apology: taking responWebsites, such as i’msorry.com, sibility for what you have done;
are cropping up in increasing understanding the hurt you have
numbers to allow you to post your caused from the other person’s
apology online
point of view;
– never mind
making amends
that the person
when approprito whom you
ate; and making
are apologizing
a life change so
may never see
it is not likely to
it. You can find
happen again.
advice on how
As Catholics,
to
apologize Catechism of the Catholic Church that is what we
using eloquent
would call rewords, contrite poems, songs and pentance, he said.
even elaborate gifts. There are
It is important to repair the
websites that specialize in busi- damage as quickly as possible
ness and medical field apologies after a hurt to keep a relationship
(serif type is advised), sites with strong, he said. In counseling
advice on what to wear to an apol- married couples, Ducote said, he
ogy (pastel colors appear more has learned the key to the longevsincere), and even sites where you ity of marriage is to repair damcan vote on the most heartfelt or age with an apology, so that hurts
the most outrageous apologies of don’t build up over time and put
the week.
distance between the couple.
“I stole a pair of ice skates when
As for online apologies, Ducote
I was in sixth grade. We were des- says they may relieve some of the
perately poor and I was desperate apologizer’s guilt feelings, but
for ice skates … I have been sorry they have not righted the wrong.
for all of these years. I am now A key factor is the person-to-per60,” writes Linda M. on thepub- son element. Doing it electronilicapology.com, a popular confes- cally doesn’t let you hear or see
One must do what is
possible in order to
repair the harm.
the hurt on the person’s face.
“Guilt is an important emotion when understood correctly.
It moves us to acknowledge our
wrong and to make changes. It’s
not to make us feel bad, it’s to
make us do something,” he said.
It is important to distinguish
between guilt and shame. While
guilt makes one acknowledge
that he has done wrong and correct it, shame is more global. It
moves a person from the memory of doing something wrong
to thinking “something is wrong
with me” and leads to depression
and hopelessness. Catholic guilt
is often shame, he said.
But Catholics have always had
an avenue to deal with guilt feelings through the sacrament of
reconciliation. “Since God is invisible, we approach God through
the sacrament to express our contrition and receive forgiveness.
The sacrament of reconciliation
is not for God. It is for us. It is so
we can have the assurance that
we are forgiven – so we can experience, in a personal way, God’s
mercy,” Ducote said.
And even though the priest represents both God and the community, receiving the sacrament
doesn’t necessarily relieve us of
the responsibility of apologizing to
people we have hurt,” Ducote said.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church states, “Many sins wrong
our neighbor. One must do what
is possible in order to repair the
harm (e.g., return stolen goods,
restore the reputation of someone
pened lately.” The memo is not
addressed to anyone.
Some of the postings are apparently just a way to get something off one’s chest. An apology
on Joeapology.com, that was submitted anonymously said, “Sorry
mom, but your husband is scary.”
And then there is the memo
that reads, “Dear me, I’m sorry.
I haven’t respected you. I’ve let
a silly high school crush get in
the way of dreams, plans and
my own self confidence. I don’t
know if I can do anything right
away, but I’m taking steps to fix
this frame of mind, change it so
that it can be focused on things
that are beneficial. Please forgive
me. –Me”
Perhaps anonymous on thepublicapology.com sums it up
best when he writes, “I am deeply
sorry that society needs a site like
this.”
Terry W. Bennett, E.A.
Bennett’s Bookkeeping, Inc.
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custom made
Hand Smocked Bonnets,
Flower Girl Dresses,
Christening Gowns and more
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2415 Dogwood Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808-2123
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10
July 28, 2010
Youth missionaries answer
God’s call in Vacherie
Staff Writer
Celeste James watched from
the street as a fresh coat of paint
covered the house she has lived
in for 41 years.
“I’m so happy. It means so
much to me. This house hasn’t
been painted since I been here,”
said the 70-year-old cancer survivor, whose husband is also
sick.
Sixteen-year-old Maria Connolly probably didn’t know the
effect she was having on James.
But as she painted, Connolly
knew her work was special. “I’m
getting close to the community
and to God at the same time.
We pray and work on the site.
We pray out loud and we pray to
ourselves,” the St. Aloysius youth
said.
Connelly was part of “A Week
of Caring and Sharing,” a mission which brought together parishioners of St. Aloysius and St.
George churches in Baton Rouge,
St. Isidore Church in Baker,
Holy Family Church in Virginia
Beach, Va., and Our Lady Queen
of Peace Church in Vacherie. The
group spent the week of July 1724 in Vacherie, running a Junior
Olympics camp for children of
the community, painting and repairing homes of people in need,
fixing up a children’s hall and a
site for developmentally disabled
adults, visiting residents and
praying.
This is the third year a mission was held in Vacherie, Matt
Brundrett, youth director of St.
George, said, adding 72 high
school students and about 25
adults participated. He said the
joy of the Vacherie community
really touches the kids. “We realize that we came thinking we
have all the answers, but we
learn so much from them,” he
said. “The physical work is good,
but it’s really about the lives we
are touching. You don’t have to
go across the globe to help.”
Alexander Simon of St. Aloysius said he has joined in the
mission all three years and
loves it. “It’s something that is
rewarding. I like the people and
the community of Vacherie. We
learn from them how to treat
people, how to be a true person
of God.”
April Reulet of Our Lady
Queen of Peace said the mission
was a great experience to learn
about God and to see how much
you can do for people. “It’s nice
to help and to meet people in
your community that you didn’t
know.”
Jamal Cuveau, also of Vacherie, said he liked the idea of
helping a neighbor. “God gave
me strength to help others, so I
A Child’s Self-Esteem:
Priceless!
During this time of layoffs, rising prices and
economic uncertainty, needy families are
struggling just to keep food on the table. Even
as parents smile proudly at their growing
children, they know there’s no money for new
school uniforms this year.
You can preserve a child’s selfesteem through our Uniforms for
Kids effort. Join WAFB-Channel
9, Kean’s the Cleaner, Chase and
Moniotte Investments to help
needy children who, too often, must bear the
heaviest burden of poverty.
Please use the St. Vincent de Paul envelope enclosed
in this issue of the Catholic Commentator and make
a real difference!
Five churches from Baton Rouge, Baker, Vacherie and Virginia Beach, Va., joined together for “A Week of
Sharing and Caring” in Vacherie July 17-24. The group worked in the community, visited local residents and
came together for prayer. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator
am happy to help so they can live
happy, too.”
Standing on a ladder to paint
The Good Children’s Hall, an
activity center in the African
American community, Trey Wallis of St. George said he was on
the mission trip to “reconnect
with God.” Through work and
prayer and the worship services
held each night, he has reached
his goal, he said.
St. Isidore parishioner Ashlynn Blanchard said the mission
has helped her to grow closer to
God and to meet new people.
The mission began with a
weekend of prayer and formation, Pam Folse, pastoral associate of Our Lady Queen of Peace,
said. The missionaries sleep in
the parish hall, go out to their
work sites during the day and return about 4 p.m., when they are
dispatched to area homes that
have offered a place to shower
and interact with residents. They
return for dinner and a time of
prayer, guest speakers and testimony. “They talk about their experience, they tell us where they
met God that day,” Folse said.
The entire community of Vacherie gets involved in the mission.
People donate food, supplies or
money, cook and serve food, open
their homes for missionaries to
cleanup or offer a Mass or prayer
for the success of the mission.
“We see a lot of community
involvement, a lot of Christ coming out of the community,” said
Catherine Hymel, who coordinated meals. At the end of the
mission, the entire community,
especially those who have received help from the missionaries, are invited to a closing ceremony where they can express
appreciation.
“These are very, very nice people. I am so grateful to them,”
Linda Billiot said as a group of
youth and adults built a cover
over the wheelchair ramp lead-
Daniel Moore of St. George Church and Matthew Skapora of St Aloysius work on the home of Celeste James as part of the week-long mission. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator
ing to her front door. Billiot, who
has rheumatoid arthritis, cried
as she tried to express what the
work meant to her. “It means a
lot inside to have these people
here. I am so grateful.”
Sean McManus of St. George,
who was working on Billiot’s
cover, said he has learned about
teamwork and to help people –
those who are lonely or in physical need.
Six youth and an adult from
Virginia Beach who came to help
at the mission were surprised at
the number of Catholics in the
area. “We came down here to
help the people of Vacherie and
to experience the Catholic faith
as only Louisiana can present
it to us,” Michelle Galvin said.
“This is a lot different than our
community in Virginia. Everybody is Catholic here,” she said,
adding Catholics are outnumbered in their area.
Building a cover for a handicap ramp at the home of Andy and Linda
Billiot are, from the rear, Grant Borne, Hab Karam, Bennett Sherman,
Sean McManus and Bert Thibodaux. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic
Commentator
July 28, 2010
11
Labadieville mission joins all ages in work, prayer
Staff Writer
“I love to help the parish and I’m open to
helping people,” said Kaitlin Hebert, a St.
Philomena parishioner, who recently grad“We came to help, bring hope and make uated from Assumption High School.
friends,” Monica Roussel said, summing up
Father Alello said the mission was inthe feelings of about 160 volunteers from St. spired by his desire to engage the commuJohn the Evangelist Church in Prairieville nity outside of Mass. “In order for a comand St. Philomena Church in Labadieville munity to grow, we have to do more than
who worked and prayed together on a three- just come to church. In a small town, evday mission in Labadieville July 15-17.
erybody knows everybody, but that doesn’t
The joint mission was the suggestion of mean they have spoken to each other
Father Michael Alello, pastor of St. Philom- recently. This is an opportunity to get toena, who had previously served as parochi- gether,” he said of his 900-family church,
al vicar of St. John. A group from St. John located on Bayou Lafourche in Assumption
normally goes to Honduras for a mission, Civil Parish.
Father Alello said. They couldn’t go this
Seventy-two-year old Jean Achord, who
year, “so I said why don’t you go to Laba- helped straighten the church sacristy,
dieville. After I got a long stare, we started hoped that people in the town would see all
talking about it,” and made it work, he said. the activity and want to know what was goThe idea was to have an experience open ing on at the church. “This is an older parto anyone in both of the church parishes. ish and it is good having the young people
“You don’t have to be a high school student, here today,” she said.
old or young, St. Philomena or St. John.
Barbara Epstein of St. John, who was
Anyone can get involved in work that will working alongside Diane Savoy of St. Philoengage not only your hands, but will en- mena, found the two had a common bond
gage your heart,” he said.
in having ministered under Father Alello.
And so 55 parishioners of St. John and “It’s good to be together and share our exmore than 100 from St. Philomena – span- periences,” she said.
ning ages 15 to 73 – came together to work
After a morning of weeding, painting and
and pray. They cleaned, repaired and picking up trash in 95-degree heat, Cole
painted, not only on the church grounds, Stafford of St. John said he was learning to
but at the homes of some of the elderly of be helpful. He said he came to the mission
the community. Some took on the tasks to help the community.
of feeding the group, cooking or making
Some of the youth who were cleaning up
sandwiches. Others opened their
a home
Fr. home,
Matt Linn,
SJ saw another elderly person trying
where mission workers could shower.
to work in the yard down the street. They
FindingtheSilverLininginLife’sStormClouds
In the afternoon, they visited the home- walked down and offered to help.
bound, and at WalkingonWater:HealingthePeterWithinUs
night they came together in
“Everybody’s pitching in,” Lou Anne
Darryl Ducote,
LCSW
prayer.
Talbot
of St. Philomena said from the
“This was
an opportunity to get together kitchen where she was making sandManagingRelationships:WhatWorksandWhatDoesn’t
to work during the day and toSr.
pray
at night.
wiches,CSJ
while Father Alello was showing
Marie
Schwan,
I believe that if you put paint brushes in several men a hole in the kitchen floor in
MakingthePsalmsOurOwn
people’s hands, they will talk more about need of repair.
Joyce FaRupp, Newly
OSM ordained Deacon Ed Martin
God than if you put them in a church,”
AdventRetreat:OpentheDoor,WelcomeEmmanuel
ther Alello said.
of St. John, citing the July 18 Scripture
St. Philomena parishioner
Kris Guilreadings,
said the missionaries were exSr. Sallie
Latkovich,
CSJ
lot, who along with her daughter
volun- periencing a Martha/Mary balance, comMiningtheMeaning
teered for the mission, said she wanted bining prayer and work. He said it was
Paula D’Arcy
her daughter to learn that you don’t have wonderful to see the different communiGreatLessonsfortheJourney
to leave home to serve. “I wanted her to see ties come together. “We want to let people
there are people in our own community know you don’t have to take a special trip
who need help.”
to help your neighbor,” he said.
Painting a shed at the home of a Labadieville resident are missionaries, from left, Emily
Gyan, Brittni Lanoux and Cecilia Rodrigue of St. John, Keith Benoit of St. Philomena and
Monica Roussel of St. John. Father Michael Alello, pastor of St. Philomena, right, checks
on work progress. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator
ST. JOSEPH SPIRITUALITY CENTER
Sr. Cynthia Sabathier, CSJ
Director
A Ministry of
The Sisters
of St. Joseph
2010-2011
Program:
Beginning
in September
Sr. Lucy Silvio, CSJ
AssociateDirector
GUEST LECTURERS:
Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ
Armchair Mystic: Easing into Comtemplative Prayer
Fr. Matt Linn, SJ
How to Sleep When You Can’t Sleep: Healing What Makes Us Restless
Don’t Forgive Too Soon
Jan Tate
Prayer 101: for Beginners and Beyond
Fr. Gerald Fagin, SJ
Contemplation to Attain Love: A Paradigm for Prayer
Sr. Lucy Silvio. CSJ
“What to do?” Personal Decision Making
Fr. Donald Blanchard
Taming the Demons: Looking at the 7 Capital Sins
in light of Christ’s Redemptive Love
STAFF:
Sr. Cynthia Sabathier, CSJ
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily Life
Peer Supervision Group Sessions (For Trained Spiritual Directors)
Sr. Cynthia Sabathier & Sr. Lucy Silvio
ALentenSilentGroupRetreatinRosaryville
INDIVIDUAL SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
By appointment
Sisters Kathleen Babin, Cynthia Sabathier, Lucy Silvio
Kaitlin Hebert and Ann LeBlanc of St. Philomena Church do yard work at the home of
a St. Philomena parishioner as part of a three-day mission which brought together old
and young missionaries from St. Philomena and St. John churches. Photo by Barbara Chenevert
| The Catholic Commentator
For a brochure of the 2010-2011 programs contact:
ST. JOSEPH SPIRITUALITY CENTER
2980 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone 225-383-3349 • Fax 225-336-4874 • [email protected]
12
youth
July 28, 2010
Youth raise money for Uniforms for Kids at Holy Ghost VBS
Following a week of prayer, fun and
fellowship, participants in the Vacation
Bible School at Holy Ghost Church in
Hammond demonstrated they care for
their neighbors as they collected $330
for the St. Vincent de Paul Uniforms for
Kids program.
The theme of the June 14-18 VBS was
“High Seas Expedition.” More than 140
children attended the five-day event
and there more than 50 junior high,
high school and adult volunteers.
“It was a truly inspirational week,”
said Holy Ghost Pastor Father Ed Everitt OP. “Our young children heard the
message of Jesus in their classes and
put these words into action by joyfully
giving to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.”
Each year, the Holy Ghost VBS chooses a charity to support. This year they
chose to help children whose families
cannot afford to buy school uniforms.
St. Vincent de Paul’s Uniforms for
Kids program, working with the Tangipahoa Parish School Board, provides
school uniforms for needy children attending public schools in the area. The
cost is approximately $12 per uniform,
and St. Vincent de Paul’s goal is to provide two uniforms to each child in need.
“We are happy to help such a worthy
cause with a group of volunteers who
work constantly to meet the uniform
needs of children in our community,”
said Holy Ghost Director of Religious
Education and Vacation Bible School
Holy Ghost Church Director of Religious Education and Vacation Bible School Coordinator Trisha Labbe, top row, third from
right, presents a check to St. Vincent de Paul’s Uniform for Kids Chairman Dick Bruehl. Also pictured with the VBS students
and volunteers are, from left, Stephanie Clouatre Davis, Holy Ghost Youth Minister; Frank Cannino of St. Vincent DePaul,
and Ray and Ruth Naquin of St. Vincent DePaul. Photo provided by Holy Ghost Church
Director Trisha Labbe. “It was a wonderful week with our children, our volunteers and our parents.”
Labbe explained the Mission for Vacation Bible School at Holy Ghost this
way is: to enable the children to hear
about God’s love for all of his children;
to come to know Jesus and his teachings; to learn to live a Christ-centered
life; and to share fellowship with each
other through prayer and fun activities.
She gave credit to the volunteers.
The fun-filled, prayerful environment
was led by committed volunteers comprised of parents and young adults who
are willing to share their love of Jesus
with others.
AN ADVENTURE ON THE HIGH SEAS – St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge held its Vacation Bible School June 21-25. The theme of the week was “High Seas
Expedition.” Approximately 180 children attended. At left: VBS volunteer and LSU student Marshall Levoy shows the children of St. Jean Vianney how to “hoist
the sail of God’s love in their lives at SJV.” At right, Stacy Verret, left, and Janice Miller sing about keeping Christ as your anchor for the younger shipmates in the
nursery. Photo provided by St. Jean Vianney Church
youth
July 28, 2010
13
Young pro-lifers take lessons learned at Joshua Institute to the streets
By Debbie Shelley
Assistant Editor
that they were not clear on what they believe about the issue or that they held a
more pro-choice point of view. She said
At the first Louisiana Joshua Leader- she thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity
ship Institute, young pro-life leaders to talk to others about the issue.
moved from “seat work” to “feet work”
The trip to LSU was among the topas they participated in interactive les- ics discussed about LJLI when instisons that helped them develop their tute participants Camille Mica, 17, of
communication skills on right-to-life is- East Bernard, Texas, Grace Ledoux, 17,
sues, and then went into the community a member of St. Agnes Church in Baton
to practice what they learned.
Rouge, and Joey Nelson, 17, of New Ibe“For three years now, we have been ria presented their pro-life views during
hosting weekend pro-life camps with the an interview on local Catholic radio staKnights of Columbus, known as Louisi- tion WPYR.
ana Camp Joshua,” said Ben Clapper, diAnother highlight for the LJLI particirector of Louisiana Right to Life. “While pants was taking their pro-life messages
we certainly love Camp Joshua and are to the street. Maria Graham, a sidewalk
continuing to spread it across the state, counselor from Dallas, trained the youth
we have been waiting with our co-spon- on how to sidewalk counsel and accomsors, the Knights of Columbus, for the panied them as they visited the Ameriright time to launch the Joshua Leader- can Holocaust Museum and prayed in
ship Institute. And the time was right.”
front of a local abortion facility.
Explaining the mission of LJLI, ClapJosué Breaux, 17, of Covington said
per said, “Through lecture and interac- seeing the instruments of abortion at
tive presentations, or ‘seat work,’ stu- the Holocaust Museum clarified for him
dents are educated and
why it is important
prepared to defend
to protect the life of
life, but not until they
the unborn.
go out and put it into
“It made everypractice, or ‘feet work,’
thing that I had been
do they realize they
taught more real to
can ‘change so much,’
me,” Breaux said.
as one student comJoshua Oliver 16,
mented.”
from Jennings said
The students trained
while he prayed at
intensely on how to dethe abortion clinic,
bate and defend prohis desire was to
life issues.
communicate to the
The
participants
women who were
learned how abortion
considering abortion
affects women and
that they, and their
men from Dr. John
unborn babies, deBruchalski, who forserve better than for
Ben Clapper
merly performed aborthat baby’s life to be
Director, Louisiana Right to Life
tions and who now
terminated.
runs a thriving proThe rather intense
life medical clinic in
week included fun
Fairfax, Va. For the first two days of the activities, such as a rock climbing sescamp Dr. Bruchalski talked to the at- sion at LSU and a coffee house social.
tendees about what an abortion is, how
LJLI covered all aspects of life, from
abortion affects women and men, and conception to death, Clapper noted.
how they can promote life for the un- He talked to the young pro-life leaders
born. After his presentations, students about the technical aspects of stem cell
visited the Care Pregnancy Center and research, and local hospice administrasaw a live ultrasound and listened to a tor Ryan Verret discussed end-of-life ismock counseling session.
sues.
The institute attendees also learned
The week concluded with students
how to “reclaim their campus for life.” hearing from and spending time with
Nationally known pro-life apologetics Ben Schindler, brother of Terri Schiavo,
trainer Steve Wagner from Justice for whose case drew international attention
All training program for pro-life lead- when her husband ordered her feeding
ers, taught the youth how to effectively tube removed years after she had colspeak with people about abortion. The lapsed and became incapacitated. Schinext day, the youth went to LSU’s free avo died on March 31, 2005.
speech alley, student center and quad to
Schindler encouraged the students to
engage others in a survey on abortion.
speak for the vulnerable in all stages of
Heidi Leonard, 16, of Covington said it life.
was interesting to note that while many
LJLI also sponsored Schindler’s talk
of the students said they were pro-life, to the general public the night the institheir answers on their surveys showed tute ended.
“Students are
educated and
prepared to defend
life, but not until they
go out and put it into
practice or ‘ feet work’
do they realize they
can ‘change so much’”
Dominique Monlezun, left, a senior at Tulane University and chaperone at the Louisiana
Joshua Leadership Institute, discusses the abortion issue with a student at LSU during a
session on “Reclaiming Your Campus for Life.” Photo provided by Ben Clapper
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14
entertainment
July 28, 2010
Violent video games and their effects on players a topic of debate
By Felix Rivera
WASHINGTON — With a case involving violent video gaming set to get a
hearing at the U.S. Supreme Court in the
fall, psychologists and a priest-anthropologist talked to Catholic News Service
about whether youths’ exposure to violent
games should be cause for concern.
The case came about in 2005 when the
Video Software Dealers Association sued
to strike down a newly signed law that
would require a label on games to flag
violent content. The law made it illegal to
sell violent video and computer games to
youths under 18.
The association won its suit two years
later when a federal judge granted a permanent injunction to the law. In response,
the state of California filed an appeal with
the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals,
which upheld the lower court, and California asked the Supreme Court to review
the ruling, which in April it agreed to do.
Hal Halpin, president of Entertainment Consumers Association, said that
this might be the most important case
gaming has faced.
“Gaming itself is at stake of being differentiated from entertainment media
like music and movies,” Halpin told a reporter at Game Culture, a blog owned by
the association.
In his message for World Communications Day in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI
included video games as being among the
media products that must keep human
dignity intact.
“Any trend to produce programs and
products — including animated films and
video games — which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray
anti-social behavior or the trivialization
of human sexuality is a perversion, all
the more repulsive when these programs
are directed at children and adolescents,”
Pope Benedict said.
Patrick Markey, an associate professor
of psychology at Villanova University in
Villanova, Pa., said that effects of video
gaming depend on the person.
“It was never as simple as: This game is
violent, thus it makes the person violent,”
he told CNS. “It all depends on the dispositions of the individual.”
Markey, who has been conducting his
research for about five years, said most
studies tended to focus on the potential
negative effects.
In a new study published this year in
the Review of General Psychology, Mar-
key found that the relationship between
violent behavior in teens and the playing
of violent video games isn’t as strong as
many suspect.
“The vast majority of kids playing video games, of which there are many, don’t
go on a murder rampage,” Markey said.
Instead, Markey describes the effect as
one of a “dimmer switch,” meaning that
the change from normal child to violent
child is not abrupt and immediate.
Markey said his colleagues in their
studies are making one big error: mixing
up proxy aggression with real-world aggression.
“We just don’t know what people will
do out in the real world. There isn’t a way
to test that in the lab,” he said.
Michael Horne, a recent graduate from
the Institute of the Psychological Sciences
in Arlington, Va., who did his dissertation
on video game violence, said that the his-
MOVIE
REVIEWS
USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting
classifications:
A-I – General patronage
A-II – Adults and adolescents
A-III – Adults
A-IV – Adults, with reservations
L – Limited adult audience
O – Morally offensive
Inception
(Warner Bros.)
Ingenious sci-fi brainteaser in which,
at the behest of a powerful CEO (Ken
Watanabe), a corporate spy (Leonardo
DiCaprio) who uses “shared dreaming” to
extract secrets from the minds of sleeping
executives leads a team of skilled collaborators (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page,
Tom Hardy and Dileep Rao) on a raid into
the subconscious of the heir (Cillian Murphy) to a rival business. Writer-director
Christopher Nolan achieves a tour de force
of spectacle and suspense that eventually
involves four adventures unfolding simultaneously at different levels of consciousness, though his crafty action tale is rife
with explosions and gunplay and engages
the imagination more than the heart.
Much violence, some of it bloody, several
uses of profanity, a few crude and crass
terms. A-III; PG-13
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
(Disney)
Generally inoffensive but routine fantasy adventure about an ordinary New York
City college student (Jay Baruchel) who
discovers he is the long-prophesied heir to
legendary magician Merlin’s wonderworking skills, powers he struggles to master
under the supervision of a good wizard
(Nicolas Cage) so he can aid in the fight
tory of violence in video games isn’t anything new.
“If you look at the history of violence
in video games, I would say it started in
‘78 with the creation of ‘Space Invaders,’”
a classic arcade game, he said.
Since then, technology has made leaps
and bounds to create the graphics of today, making games feel more realistic,
Horne said.
Games popular with teens include
“God of War,” “Grand Theft Auto” and
“Gears of War,” all three of which are
considered to be among the most violent
video games created.
In his study, Horne focused on the relationship of video gaming and compassion, deciding not to single out violent
video games. He found a notable decrease
of compassion and empathy in a person
who has played a video game for at least
See gaming page 15
Motion Picture Association of America
ratings:
G – General audiences; all ages admitted
PG – Parental guidance suggested; some
material may not be suitable for children
PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned
to give special guidance for attendance
of children under 13; some material may
be inappropriate for young children
R – Restricted; under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian
NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted
against an evil sorcerer (Alfred Molina),
though his pursuit of the gal (Teresa Palmer) he has loved since childhood proves a
constant distraction. As directed by Jon
Turteltaub, the special effects-driven proceedings — which include unbloody battle
scenes too intense for tots — fall well short
of movie magic. Extensive stylized violence, brief scatological humor. A-II; PG
Ramona and Beezus
(Fox)
Gentle, winning comedy about a goodhearted but accident-prone 9-year-old
(Joey King) whose antics annoy her more
conventional teen sister (Selena Gomez)
as their happy existence in an idyllic Portland, Ore., suburb is temporarily overshadowed by their accountant dad’s (John
Corbett) loss of his job, and the resulting
mild tensions between him and their mom
(Bridget Moynahan), but brightened again
by the rekindled romance between a favorite aunt (Ginnifer Goodwin) and her
high school sweetheart (Josh Duhamel).
Traditional values and close-knit family
relationships reign in director Elizabeth
Allen’s squeaky-clean, nostalgia-tinted adaptation of Beverly Cleary’s best-selling series of children’s books and, though nothing very momentous happens, what does
take place transpires in the nicest possible
way. A-I; G
entertainment
July 28, 2010
Change
All alone inside your pain; No one understands
the way you’re feeling; Trapped beneath the
clouds and rain; There ain’t nothing left for you
to believe in
Refrain:
So when it’s hard to see; The forest through
the trees sometimes; And I will pray; And yes,
I’ll pray; That someday; It’s gonna change; It’s
gonna change
I wish I could take it all away; And give you the
freedom for just a day; To feel the love you’ve
been longing for; So strong that you couldn’t
feel sad anymore
1
(Repeat refrain.)
So when it’s hard to see; The forest through
the trees; Just know; That I will pray; And yes,
I’ll pray; That someday; It’s gonna change; It’s
gonna change; It’s gonna change; It’s gonna
change; It’s gonna change
Steps to take to bring about desired change
needed change?
Consider these steps:
Clearly identify the problem
or situation requiring change.
Change occurs in specific ways,
so it is important to understand
thoroughly what you want to
change.
Concluding that you need
to change your level of effort in
school, for example, is too vague.
Instead, address a specific problem. If how much you do not study
at night is affecting your school
performance, consider turning
off your cell phone or other electronic devices during your study
time. Focus solely on schoolwork
and stick to a nightly schedule.
These are specific changes that
will positively affect your grades.
Make sure the change that you
seek is within your power. For example, you might want your dating partner to spend more time
with you, but that decision is up
to him or her.
Change often requires a stepby-step plan. Wanting change to
come “someday” will not bring
what you need. Also, be willing
to adapt an initial plan once you
get more information on what is
needed to bring about a desired
change. Such flexibility will aid
the process.
Surround yourself with people
who support you. Avoid naysayers
and build connections with those
that will stay with you for the whole
process of making the change.
Pray. This is the part of the song
that especially speaks to me about
the path to change. Make God a
trusted ally as you seek change.
God always wants the best for
your life. Moreover, as you make
the commitment for change and
invite God’s guidance, surprise
help will show up to support your
effort. So stay open to serendipitous blessing that brings you closer to the change that you seek!
MARTIN is an Indiana pastoral
counselor who reviews current
music for Catholic News Service.
Write to him at 7125W 200S,
Rockport, IN 47635 or e-mail
[email protected].
Gaming: Effects on teen players
From page 14
20 minutes. The same results
were found in violent video
games and in popular social video games, such as Wii Play.
“These games don’t create a
genuine and real encounter with
a human person,” Horne said.
“As a Catholic, this is important
in trying to understand how I as
a person see another ‘I,’ ” he said:
in other words, having the ability
to see other human beings as actual beings, not a digital image.
In the end, Horne said that
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many in his study temporarily
lost the ability to relate to people
in a genuine way.
“I do think that there is a possibility that video games can
cause a confusion between reality
and fantasy,” he said.
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Ooooooohhhhh
Charlie Martin
3
17
So don’t give up and don’t give in; When
there’s the choice to sink or swim; Cuz in the
end; I hope you stand; Knowing you’ll become
a better man; A better man
On The Record
2
14
Sung by Brooke White| Copyright © 2005, 2010 by Millennium Records Group
Suppose something in your life
is not going well. You feel that you
really need it to change, but how?
This is the question I considered as I listened to Brooke
White’s “Change.”
You might remember White
as a “Top Five” contestant on last
year’s “American Idol.” Her latest
disc, “High Hopes & Heartbreak,”
was released in 2009.
“Change” is actually off her
2005 indie album, “Songs from the
Attic.” Just last April the song was
re-released as an MP3 download
and has been climbing the charts.
There are times when most of us
want change to occur. For the person in the song, however, this desired change seems to be in the life
of someone she cares deeply about.
The situation requiring the
change is not described. Even so,
she expresses her concern, saying, “I wish I could take it all away
and give you the freedom for just
a day to feel the love you’ve been
longing for.” She adds that she
will “pray that someday it’s gonna
change.”
She correctly recognizes that
she can’t make the change happen for this person. Almost always, real and lasting change
comes from within. Others may
support you in such efforts, but if
you need change, it’s most likely
up to you.
So how can you bring about
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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
ACROSS
1 Son of Abraham
6 Capital of the Ukraine
10 Spit out
14 “And I will ___ you up on
eagle’s wings”
15 Letters above the cross
16 Fido’s brand?
17 Perform, as a sacrament
19 One who prompts
20 “And ____ with you.”
21 Overeats
23 Water to wine, for example
27 Skill
28 Whatsoever
29 What it did after Noah
entered the ark
31 Architectural feature
32 Greek goddess of the
rainbow
33 ____ Wednesday
36 Hip bones
37 First of the twelve Minor
Prophets
39 Voice
40 Dancer Charisse
41 Satan’s realm
42 Korean or Japanese, for
example
43 First place
45 Aristocratic
46 Seeks
49 Enlightens
51 Magic spells
52 ____ Sunday
53 “He is seated at the right
____ of the Father”
54 Sacraments group
60 Verge
61 “___ homo”
62 Embankment
63 “…that I have sinned
exceedingly in thought, word
and ___”
64 Fly
65 Nasal grunt
DOWN
1 Nest egg, briefly
2 Sorrowful
3 Direct
4 “Just ___ thought”
5 Room where the Last
Supper took place
6 Mouth
7 Avid about
8 Before, to Byron
9 The Diocese of Arlington is
here
10 ____ Heart of Jesus
11 Stoppers
12 Foil relatives
13 More unfavorable
18 Unwell
22 Singles
23 Sleight of hand
24 Where Vatican City is
25 Violently intense
26 “It’s ___ big mistake”
27 Symbol of the Holy Spirit
30 Church runway
33 Person used as an excuse
34 Stagnant
35 Sharpens
37 Arianism and gnosticism
38 Auto innovator
39 By this date
41 Injury
42 Noah took them into the ark
43 Strapped on
44 More tidy
46 Pained
47 Window treatment
48 ___ Lingua
50 CCL + CCCI
52 Size of type
55 Sgt., for one
56 Commandment number
57 Saint of Chartres
58 Poetic expression
59 Tool of trade for Peter and
Andrew
Solution on page 19
16
viewpoint
July 28, 2010
The triumph of appearance
Focus on your image, because image is everything!
Those words, or at least words to that effect, were the
caption of a famous ad several years ago. I remember being taken aback by its crass and shallow message, but not
many people reacted, perhaps because the caption is so
appropriate to our time.
We are a people obsessed with appearance, with image,
with looking good, with being good-looking. For us today,
by and large, it is more important to look good than to be
good, to look healthy than to be healthy, to say the right
things than to do the right things, to be connected to the
right persons than to be the right persons, and to be perceived as having character than to actually have character.
This is evident in our obsession with physical appearance, in the hagiography we accord to our celebrities, in
the importance we give to style and fashion, and in our
efforts to be perceived as connected to the right things.
Image really is everything!
We see this, for example, in politics: In public life today
image trumps substance. Invariably we care less about
someone’s policies than about his or her appearance,
and we elect people to public offices more on the basis of
persona than on intellect and character. In politics today
it is more important to have the right image, to be able to
surround yourself with the right energy, than it is to have
substance and character.
The academic world follows suit: For example, more and
more of our universities are giving honorary degrees to
celebrities and justice advocates. There’s nothing wrong
with that, especially in recognizing and honoring men and
women who have given their lives for justice, except that
I doubt that the universities handing out those degrees
actually care much about the poor or that they intellectually endorse what the entertainment and sports industries
(who produce most of these celebrities) are doing. But
the face of a celebrity
– a Nelson Mandela,
an Angelina Jolie, a
Meryl Streep, a Michael
Jordan, or a Derek Jeter
– looks really good on
the public face of the
university giving that
degree: Just look at how
caring, energetic and
beautiful we are!
Unfortunately many of
those same universities
are not exactly models
of care and justice when
dealing with their own
students and employees, but they are very
caring in how they are
perceived from the outside. Giving a doctorate to someone who has given his or her life in the struggle for justice
doesn’t in fact do much for the poor, but it does do something for the institution that is honoring him or her.
But before we judge this too harshly, we should admit
that what is happening in the public sphere is also happening in our private lives. More and more, in our lives,
appearance is what we are most concerned about. For
many of us, how we look is the first thing, the whole thing
and the only thing. It’s not so important that we be good,
only that we look good. It is no small irony that we are so
outraged and indignant about how much money our governments spend on their defense budgets, even as we live
in a certain blissful ignorance of what each of us, personally, spends on our personal defense budgets, cosmetics
and fashion.
In Exile
Father Ron Rolheiser
Sadly, we are paying a high price for this preoccupation.
Our concern to look good is crucifying us. We are growing
ever more dissatisfied with our own bodies, even when
they are healthy and serving us well. A healthy self-image
today is more contingent upon looking good than on
actually being healthy. The prevalence of anorexia, among
other things, is a symptom of this and, too often, our
dieting and exercise have less to do with health than with
appearance.
Granted, not all of this is bad. To be concerned about
physical appearance is healthy, as are (most times at least)
dieting and exercise. We are meant to look good and, in
fact, we feel better about ourselves when we do look good.
It is a healthy thing to feel good about your body and your
health. A healthy concern about how we look should never
be denigrated in the name of depth or sanctity. Indeed one
of the first signs of clinical depression is lack of concern
about appearance.
The same holds true for how we are perceived from the
outside. A good reputation is something to be guarded and
defended. It is important to look good.
But appearance and reputation should never replace
character, depth and integrity, just as the claim of substance
and character is never an excuse for a shoddy and sloppy
appearance. Today, however, I suggest that we have lost the
proper balance and stand in a certain peril. Of what?
When image is everything, gradually, without us noticing, appearance begins to look like character, celebrity begins to look like nobility of soul, and looking good becomes
more important than being good.
Father Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, and award-winning author, is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted through
his website www.ronrolheiser.com.
Critical thinking scorned as elite
Elite achievers suffer a bad
reputation in some circles.
The elite in sports are admired: A professional golfer who
consistently shoots below par
on many courses and a baseball
pitcher with a low earned run
average and high strike-to-ball
ratio are heroic.
But pity those who are elite
in the world of ideas. They have
been disparaged for years – for
reasons unknown – the shape of
heads – egghead, pointy-headed
– using terms referring to expressions of disdain for intellectuals.
In this time of continuing
decline in critical thinking, there
is little appreciation of discussion
or debate. More than concern for
the lack of civility in discourse,
the concern is for lack of discourse altogether even when it is
essential.
When culling out my bookshelves recently, I came across a
book given almost biblical status
by marketers and commentators
in the 1980s. “Megatrends,” by
John Naisbitt, identified 10 new
directions he predicted would
change the world in the coming
years. “Megatrends” sold more
than 9 million copies and was on
The New York Times bestseller
list for more than two years.
One statement from the book
stands out over the years. “We
are drowning in information but
starved for knowledge,” Naisbitt
wrote.
That was true when the book
was published in 1982 – before
the dawn of computers in every
home – and is even more so now.
“We seem to be a society of
events, just moving from one
incident – sometimes, even crisis
– to the next, rarely pausing (or
caring) to notice the process going on underneath,” he wrote.
There is a lot of data out there
with not enough processing to
give it meaning, thus the need for
critical thinking.
Naisbitt predicted a shift from
author to receiver in what he
called “sovereignty over text.”
At one time, people were paid to
create knowledge from information, and then give it to us in a
newspaper, book, magazine or
television program. New technology, Naisbitt predicted, would
allow users to create their own
package.
“The accumulated impact of
people exercising sovereignty
over text will undoubtedly have
a strong effect on the new society
we are shaping,” a statement he
wrote 30 years ago and now is a
massive understatement on current conditions.
Naisbitt’s view of the future
from three decades ago had its
flaws. “Computer buying” will
never replace shopping, he predicted, nor will teleconferencing
ever succeed.
“As computers begin to
take over some of the basics of
education, schools will be more
and more called upon to take
responsibility for teaching values
and motivation, if not religion,”
Naisbitt wrote.
And we’ve seen how that has
worked out.
As the do-it-yourself mode
increased, the need for critical
thinking grew, but the ability to
do it declined.
Forgoing the responsibility
is too often excused by “active
lifestyle” or “busy life.” Not only
is there no time to think, there
doesn’t appear to be an appreciation for the ability to think.
The golfer becomes elite by
hundreds of practice rounds,
the elite pitcher by thousands of
pre-game pitches, the citizen by
reflecting and analyzing.
“We must learn to balance the
material wonders of technology
with the spiritual demands of our
human nature,” Naisbitt wrote,
by balancing high tech and high
touch.
Things didn’t turn out to be
as high touch as he thought they
would be. The need to be together
is not something new in 2010, or
discovered in 1982, but has existed from the beginning of time.
Consider This
Stephen Kent
There is a greater need than
ever for what can create a human
community. The church comes
to mind as a good instrument for
that.
It’s high time for high touch.
Kent writes on current events
for the Catholic News Service. He
is the former editor of archdiocesean newspapers in Omaha and
Seattle.
July 28, 20100
| Letter to the editor
Children not a burden
“Staying together, in spite of the kids”
(a column by Theresa Borchard in the
June 16, 2010 issue) reflects today’s attitude toward marriage and family, but
certainly not the attitude of our church.
Whereas the description of the difficulties of married life with children may be
accurate, I think a paradigm shift needs
to occur. We cannot view circumstances
of family life in only a negative light as
presented. After reading this article, one
gets the impression that children are a
burden to marriage. This same attitude
causes many to choose abortion. Children are not a burden to be endured!
Consider what our Roman Catholic
Church teaches about marriage and family life. “While not making the other purposes of matrimony of less account, the
true practice of conjugal love, and the
whole meaning of the family life which
results from it, have this aim: that the
couple be ready ... to cooperate with the
love of the creator and the savior, who
through them will enlarge and enrich his
own family day by day.” Second Vatican
Council, GS, 50.
In her article, Borchard asks, “Why
the shift?” I believe the answer is that we
have lost our sense of mission. We have a
mission as married couples, and what a
beautiful mission it is!
The Second Vatican Council explains
the content of Christian education: “Its
principal aims are these: that as baptized
persons are gradually introduced into a
knowledge of the mystery of salvation,
they may daily grow more conscious
of the gift of faith which they have received: that they may learn to adore God
the Father in spirit and in truth (cf. Jn.
4:23), especially through liturgical worship; that they may be trained to conduct
their personal life in true righteousness
and holiness, according to their new nature (Eph. 4:22-24), and thus grow to
maturity, to the nature of the fullness of
Christ (cf. Eph. 4:13), and devote themselves to the upbuilding of the mystical
body. Moreover, aware of their calling,
they should grow accustomed to giving
witness to the hope that is in them (cf. I
Pt. 3:15), and to promoting the Christian
transformation of the world.”
Cindy Chauvin
Prairieville, La.
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor should be typed
and limited to 350 words and should
contain the name and address of the
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printed. We reserve the right to edit
all letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Catholic Commentator, P. O.
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viewpoint
17
Mercy — A way out of depression
News hasn’t been all that good this summer.
The usual diversions of beaches and fishing and
summer trips have been denied to many of us
because of oil spills, loss of work, bad economy,
etc.
Where are the Saints (New Orleans Saints)
who delivered us from our post-Katrina blues?
When will we get out of this newest wave of
maladies? My crystal ball is as broken as yours,
but the Christian doesn’t really have to depend
on luck, fortune tellers, or the cyclical nature of
good times and bad times to regain his or her
good spirit. Jesus and his church have left us a
spiritual tradition that will help us through all
the events of life, both good and bad. We have
been taught the secret of getting out of our blue
funks — practice the corporal and spiritual
works of mercy. In general, that means do for
others what Jesus did for all of us. Forget how
we feel and try to make others feel better. The side benefit is that
we feel better, too, but it works better the less we inject ourselves
into the formula.
The Catholic Church in her 20-plus centuries of wisdom has
also learned that general exhortations are less effective than specific ones, so she has cataloged 14 works of mercy that we should
practice. The seven, that are known as the “Corporal Works of
Mercy” obviously come, except for the last, from the judgment
scene in the 25th chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel. They are: feed
the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the
homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned, ransom the captive. The
seventh, bury the dead, was added because seven is always a good
number in the Bible, and also burying the dead is praised as a
work of mercy in the Old Testament Book of Tobit.
The second seven are called the “Spiritual Works of Mercy.” I
consulted my “Modern Catholic Encyclopedia,” Wikipedia, Google
and four large books on spirituality from my personal library, and
discovered the Church modeled the Spiritual Works of Mercy
after the Corporal Works of Mercy. Therefore, I
feel free to surmise that the spiritual works came
from Jesus’ teaching and example (especially the
Beatitudes) and St. Paul’s teaching on the gifts of
the spirit in Romans:12; 1 Corinthians:12; Ephesians:4 and 5; and Colossians:3 and 4. These works
also number seven and are: instruct the ignorant,
counsel the doubtful, admonish the sinner, bear
wrongs patiently, forgive offenses, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy seem to be
particularly helpful in our difficulties today. “Bear
wrongs patiently” isn’t easy, but it helps to remember that Jesus is the prime example of how a good
person can be treated unjustly. His patience and
endurance show us that we can grow spiritually
when we suffer unjustly. Anger is natural when
greed and dishonest behavior on the part of others
cause our suffering. However, we cannot afford to
forget that we, too, are susceptible to those vices and must learn
the harm they cause.
As we have been forgiven, so must we forgive. The first step
may be to accept efforts made to redress the wrong. I know they
would rather be fishing, but the commercial fishermen on the gulf
who are working with BP to protect our shores and clean up the
mess are taking that first step and are a source of encouragement
to all of us.
I suspect that comforting the afflicted is a work of mercy that
we all will have an opportunity to share in the months to come.
Jesus walked with people in their pain and in their grief. Our presence, our prayers and our generosity can be a source of hope and
strength to those most directly affected by the oil spill. Our working together to help them may help our spirits share the mercy
God wills for us all.
Another
Perspective
Father John Carville
FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge and
writes on spiritual matters.
Growing old peacefully
When you reach 75
years old, you need only
two words in your vocabulary: “Thank you!”
Gratitude is the real
mark of genuine maturity, of spiritual health.
This wisdom comes from
Morris West, author
of “A View from the
Ridge: The Testimony
of a Twentieth-Century
Christian.” West is quick
to concede that life is
filled with hurts and disappointments, making
gratitude very difficult to
achieve.
No doubt all of us have experienced
this as a result of injuries and subsequent
resentments. Perhaps it was an expected
promotion that never materialized, a
disappointing marriage, family quarrels,
chronic sickness or financial disaster. The
list of woes is endless.
Woes tend to sour our disposition
and dampen our kindness, making us
ill-disposed toward others, the world and
ourselves.
How might we counter
this?
Consider the old saying: “If you lie down with
dogs, you get up with fleas.”
So picking positive, uplifting friends is one place
to start.
When we are illdisposed, we tend to live
the saying, “Misery loves
company,” aligning with
others who are disgruntled
and resentful.
Focusing prayer is
another way to combat a
poor disposition. Compose
a short prayer and recite it repeatedly
throughout the day. For example: “Lord,
may I never forget all the pain and resentments I have caused to others.”
At first this prayer of regret may sound
as though it adds to our ill-disposition, but
just the opposite will occur!
When we are ill-disposed, we tend to get
self-preoccupied, to center on hurts from
others and less on those we have hurt. This
The Human Side
Father Eugene Hemrick
above prayer moves us outside of ourselves
by encouraging us to speak about our effects
on others with another — God.
Furthermore, by thinking of those we
might have hurt, it helps us to overcome a
persecution complex that makes us feel we
are the only ones who were ever disappointed, hurt or injured. It casts us into a
humbling mood, reminding us that we are
an offender as well as one offended.
No matter how old we are, there will
always be bitter reminders of the hurts
we endured, making it difficult to forgive,
forget and be grateful. Bitterness loves to
wallow in itself because it keeps alive the
desire for revenge and vindication.
An elderly woman once told me, “As
you get older you don’t seek more possessions, you give away those you have.”
As difficult as it is to let go of bitterness,
there comes a time in life when it behooves
us to let it go in reparation for all the hurt
we have caused and in gratitude for all God
has given us.
Father Hemrick writes on issues pertinent
to the church and the human spirit for
Catholic News Service.
18
coming Events
Magnificat Breakfast – Father Paul Yi, parochial vicar at
Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs, will
speak about his call to the priesthood at the next Magnificat Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 28, 9 a.m.-12 noon,
at the Oak Lodge Reception Center, 2834 S. Sherwood
Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge. Father Yi, a native of South Korea, was ordained in the Diocese of Baton Rouge on May
31, 2008, and has served as parochial vicar of St. Aloysius
and Our Lady of Mercy churches in Baton Rouge and as
administrator at Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence.
Reservations are $15 each and can be made by sending a
check made out to Baton Rouge Magnificat to Theresa
Henderson, 16436 Shetland Ave., Greenwell Springs, La.,
70739.
Bible Study – Immaculate Conception Church, 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs, will host a Catholic Bible study,
“Matthew: The King and His Kingdom,” on Thursdays, 9
a.m., beginning Aug. 26. The Bible study will look at Matthew’s accounts of Jesus and how he demonstrates his authority and divinity through his ministry. The classes will
also look at the important mission of the church, the Mass
and the sacraments established by Christ. To register and
for information call Angelique Schultz at 225-667-0028 or
e-mail [email protected].
Annual Day of Renewal – The Diocese of Baton Rouge
Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office will sponsor an
Annual Day of Renewal on Saturday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m.-3
July 28, 2010
p.m. at the Our Lady of Mercy Church, 444 Marquette
Ave., Baton Rouge. Guest speaker will be Father Paul
Yi, parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Church in
Denham Springs. Danny Loar, executive director of the
Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, will give a testimony. The event will conclude with a Eucharistic healing service and benediction. The event is free and lunch
will be provided. For information call 225-636-2464 or
225-346-8873.
aol.com or [email protected].
Mass to honor God the Father – A Mass honoring God the
Father will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25, at St. Agnes
Church, 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge. The Armada prayers
will be recited at 4:45 p.m., and the rosary and Mass, concelebrated by Msgr. Robert Berggreen, pastor of St. Agnes,
and Father Vincent Alexius, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle
Church in Baton Rouge, will be at 6 p.m. For information
call the St. Agnes Church office at 225-383-4127.
Armchair Mystic Program – Father Mark Thibodeaux SJ will
present a program, “Armchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer,” on Saturday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-12 noon,
at St. Joseph’s Academy Dining Hall, 3080 Kleinert Ave.,
Baton Rouge. Discussion topics will include praying with
Scripture, the stages of development of one’s prayer life,
distractions in prayer and dryness in prayer. There will be
large group sessions to put the lessons into practice. For
information call the St. Joseph Spirituality Center at 225383-3349.
Catholic High Barbecue – The Catholic High School Men’s
Club will host its 75th Annual Barbecue on Saturday,
Aug. 14, 6-10 p.m., in the Catholic High School Gym, 855
Hearthstone Dr., Baton Rouge. Takeouts are available
from 5:30-9 p.m. at the drive-through on Claycut Road.
Alumni and male friends of the school are invited to dine
in. All are invited to purchase meals at the takeout line.
The menu consists of steak, baked beans, salad and a roll.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, at the takeout line or
by calling 225-383-0397.
Discalced Carmelites – The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites welcomes those who are interested in developing
their prayer life according to the teachings of the Carmelite saints. Meetings are held on the second Sunday of each
month at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center in the
St. Gabriel Room, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, at
1:30 p.m. The next meeting will be Aug. 8. For information
call 225-774-8413 or 225-926-6962, or e-mail halbrig@
Cenacle Retreat – Father Anthony Ewherido, head of the
theology department and a Scripture professor at the
Seminary of S.S. Peter and Paul in Nigeria, will present
a retreat, “God With Us: Matthew’s Gift for 21st Century Challenges,” Aug. 18-21 at the Cenacle Retreat House,
5500 St. Mary St., Metairie. Retreants will hear what Matthew teaches about people’s daily struggles. For information call 504-887-1420.
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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
July 28, 2010
19
Parish’s giant rummage sale reaps good will, funding for programs
By Patricia Kasten
APPLETON, Wis. — There are
rummage sales. And then there
are really big rummage sales.
For the annual rummage sale
at St. Bernadette Parish in Appleton, think department store size.
Not only are there a lot of
items, they’re arranged by departments. The sale is set up
in the parish school, with each
classroom containing a specialty: toys, books, crafts, tools,
sports and furniture. Even the
hall coat hooks sport purses
and backpacks. The gym houses
clothing and baby items.
And expect department
store-type service. Clothing is
arranged by size and color and
everything has been cleaned.
Men of the parish repair furniture items and check electrical
appliances. Pickup of donated
furniture and delivery to the elderly and those without a truck
are available.
“For me, the key to a sale is
(being) clean; it has to be washed,
clean and organized,” said cochair Karen Jensen. “You can’t
have everything thrown on a big
pile. People aren’t going to dig.”
For three years, Jensen and
Kim Oskar have chaired the
event, planned this year for July
29-Aug. 1. Jensen, an avid rummage “saler,” joined the sale
team when she moved to the
church parish 14 years ago. The
sale had been going on several
years before that; but things really changed when Oskar came
on board.
“I had heard through the
grapevine that there was a great
sale, and I came to check it out,”
Oskar told The Compass, newspaper of the Green Bay Diocese.
“And I noticed that on some of
the older things, the antiques,
the prices were way too low.”
The woman who ran the sale
then with her husband asked
if Oskar would mind walking
through and telling them how
much items were worth, “and
one thing led to another.”
Sue Taylor, who handles marketing, came up with the title of
“Northeast Wisconsin’s Largest
Rummage Sale.” No one knows if
the claim is true, but the sale certainly is a contender. Thousands
of people come each year for the
four-day sale. Oskar and Jensen
know of families who time their
reunions around the sale.
The funds raised reveal its
popularity. Last year, proceeds
were $38,000. All that money
goes to the parish. Patty Eich-
horst, business manager, said
it funds various needs. But the
cream goes to charity outside the
church parish.
“Ten percent is earmarked for
the missions,” Eichhorst said.
“So our mission group decides
how to split it.” Funds can go to
a church in need of donations, a
food pantry or a homeless shelter
as well as to national programs.
“A lot has gone to South America,” she added.
For Jensen, Oskar and their
core team of 30 volunteers –
more are always needed – it isn’t
just about charity needs after
the sale, but also about helping
people at the sale. Before the
Saturday Bag Day, they let volunteers from shelters and homes
for mothers with babies come in
to select baby goods. The sale’s
leftovers – which fill trailers –
are offered to Goodwill and the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Clothes go to the missions.
And then there are individuals
in need.
“Every year,” said Oskar, “we
E x c l u s i v e
get at least one couple or two, a
young man and woman. She’s
pregnant. They don’t have much
money. And they’re here for
hours. When they leave, they
have so much to take home: baby
clothes, a stroller, a crib, dishes.”
Jensen remembers one lady
who needed a kitchen table.
“She wanted this table and she
couldn’t afford it. She was cleaning her pockets out to the last
penny. I said, ‘Take the table.’
She was so happy to have a table
to eat on that night.”
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Weddings & Marriage
A special section to The Catholic Commentator
Issue date:
Wed., Aug. 25, 2010
Space deadline:
Wed., Aug 18, 2010
Kim Oskar, Ashley Jensen and Karen Jensen are pictured July 7 in the
“toy department” of what is known as northeast Wisconsin’s largest
rummage sale. This year’s sale is set for July 29 to Aug. 1 at St. Bernadette Church in Appleton, Wis. Last year’s event raised $38,000 for
parish projects. CNS photo by Patricia Kasten
will be publishing a special section,
Weddings & Marriage providing
necessary information for those
preparing for the Sacrament of
Marriage in the Diocese of Baton
Rouge.
In addition, Weddings &
Marriage will also include
informative articles for couples in
planning their wedding ceremony, as
well as those starting their new lives
together as a married couple.
The Catholic Commentator newspaper is available to on-line
readers at www.diobr.org/tcc, and is also distributed by mail
to over 60,500 faith-ﬁlled families in the diocese (12 civil
parishes) every 2 weeks. That’s a population of over 200,000
people! Let our brides and grooms know about your products
or services through advertising in this valuable Weddings &
Marriage section.
For advertising inquiries and space reservation
call (225) 387-0983 or FAX (225) 336-8710
or email [email protected]
AN EXTRA
2000 copie
s of this
special se
ction, We
ddings &
Marriage,
is also dis
tributed to
churches
in the dio
cese. The
included in
y are
wedding p
couples re
ackets tha
ceive whe
t
n meeting
their pries
with
t in prepa
ring for th
Sacramen
e
t of Marria
ge.
C
T H E
C A T H O L I C
S E R V I N G T H E D I O C E S E O F B AT O N R O U G E S I N C E 19 6 2
Serving the Diocese of Baton Rouge Since 1962
20
July 28, 2010
ANNiversary: Events planned throughout the year to mark the 50th anniversary of Baton Rouge Diocese
From page 1
on the 50th anniversary committee were selected on the
strength of their involvement
in the church and in the community, said Father Vu.
This 50th anniversary committee is chaired by Roland
Toups. The members of this
steering committee, who are
responsible for coordinating
the various aspects of all of the
anniversary events, are Mark
Blanchard, Deacon Dan Borné,
Don Broussard, Dr. Redfield
Bryan, Robert Davidge, Norman Deumite, Pam Folse, Davis Rhorer, Sister Lucy Silvio
CSJ and Father Frank Uter,
along with the four members of
the original planning committee. These committee members
are chairing subcommittees
such as liturgy, security, accommodations, invitations, receptions, etc.
One of the first decisions the
anniversary committee made
was the design for the 50th
anniversary logo. In designing the logo, consideration was
given to the fact that the Baton
Rouge Diocese was formed just
prior to the opening ceremony
of Vatican Council II, which impacted every aspect of the new
diocese.
The dove in the logo is taken
from the window above the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in the
Vatican to call attention to the
spirit of faith that has been ever
present in this diocese.
Lapel pins with the 50th anniversary logo will be given to
church representatives at the
opening prayer service. The
pins will also be available at the
Catholic Life Center.
Banners with the 50th anniversary logo will be available. The banners will be made
in several sizes so they can
be hung inside and outside of
churches in the diocese, from
light posts in church parking
lots and around church property, or outside of parishioners’
homes.
Production has begun on videos that will tell the story of the
Baton Rouge Diocese. Priests
and lay people who have been
actively involved in the history
of this diocese are participating
in this project. These will be
part of the opening and closing
ceremonies.
Special archival displays will
be set up around the Baton
Rouge River Center the day of
the Mass to tell the story of this
diocese.
Everyone will be invited to
the Mass on Nov. 6, 2011. Special invitations will be sent to
all religious orders of men and
women who have served in the
area that is the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
A parade of parishioners from
the 68 churches in the diocese
will open the closing ceremony.
The procession will recognize
the many cultures, organizations, institutions and schools
that make up this diocese.
A reception, featuring local
chefs preparing local cuisine,
will be held after the 50th anniversary Mass.
2010-2011
Baton Rouge
Diocesan
DiRectoRy
Pre-order your 2010-2011
Baton Rouge Diocesan Directory,
on sale this summer. The directory
has all of the current listings and
information on churches, clergy,
schools, diocesan departments and
personnel, religious, retreat centers,
deaneries, institutions and
organizations.
To place your order, fill out the form
below and mail to:
P. O. Box 3316
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316
with a check or money order for $9.50 for
each directory ordered. The directory will
be mailed to you in August.
Number of Diocesan Directories Ordered
Name
Address
City
Zip
Phone with area code
State
Cabinet: Secretaries facilitate,
coordinate work of secretariats
From page 1
Father Vu. He said they were chosen because
of their prior experience and knowledge in the
areas related to the secretariats they will direct.
The Bishop’s Cabinet, which has been in its
current form since the 1980s, when Bishop
Stanley Ott re-established it, offers consultation to the bishop on diverse issues, including
the development of the annual budget for the
central administrative offices of the diocese.
Father Dufresne, who will oversee the clergy
personnel, the permanent diaconate, women
and men religious, vocations and clergy continuing formation, is very well respected among
the clergy and religious in the diocese, said Father Vu. “He is known as a priest who ministers
to priests, and to deacons and religious as well,”
the vicar general added.
Father LaBauve’s prior ministries in education and formation prepared him for his additional role as coordinator of the work being
performed in the diocesan departments of
Christian formation, evangelization, marriage
and family life, worship and youth and young
adult ministries, which comprise the Christian
Formation Secretariat.
Deacon Borné, who is familiar with the media in south Louisiana because of his work as
president of the Louisiana Chemical Association, will coordinate, facilitate and encourage
the work of The Catholic Commentator, Catholic Life Television and the media liaison.
Father Dufresne
Father LeBauve
Deacon Borné
To change your subscription address, email [email protected].

July 28 - The Catholic Commentator

Transcription

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