page 1.indd - The Catholic Commentator
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page 1.indd - The Catholic Commentator
February 25, 2009 VOLUME 47 • NO. 1 inside Serving the Diocese of Baton Rouge Since 1962 www.diobr.org/tcc Another Perspective 4 Family Life 5 Spirituality 7 Our Catholic Community 8 Youth 12 Entertainment 14 Viewpoint 16 Prayers for Priests, Deacons and Religious Women and Men 17 Letter to the Editor 17 Coming Events 18 Classified Ads 18 God’s favors seen in Lenten mosaic cross page 2 Diocesan couples celebrate anniversaries at the 25-50th Anniversary Mass celebration page 10 One woman making a difference for life page 11 Deadline approaches for storm victims to enroll in case management program at Catholic Charities page 20 FROM ASHES TO ASHES — Bishop Robert W. Muench places ashes on the forehead of a woman attending Ash Wednesday services at St. Joseph Cathedral. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of prayer, fasting and charitable deeds. Photo by Laura Deavers 120 years of priesthood being celebrated BY LAURA DEAVERS Editor On March 1, 1969, Bishop Robert E. Tracy ordained Donald V. Blanchard, Gerald H. Burns and Frank M. Uter priests for the Baton Rouge Diocese. When these three young men made the decision to become priests, Baton Rouge was still part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. By the time they were ordained, Baton Rouge was a diocese and the changes brought about by Vatican Council II were being implemented. All three grew up in Baton Rouge, nurtured by devout, faith-filled families. They studied together at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, La., and then at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Each has been assigned to the church where he grew up or where his extended families lived – Fr. Uter to St. Joseph, Baton Rouge; Fr. Blanchard to Sacred Heart, Baton Rouge, and Fr. Burns to Ascension in Donaldsonville where his parents lived before he was born. Fr. Uter will celebrate his anniversary on March 2, at a 6 p.m. Mass at St. Michael Church in Convent, while Fathers Blanchard and Burns will celebrate their anniversary together at a Mass at St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge at 3 p.m. on March 8. Bishop Robert W. Muench will be the primary celebrant at both Masses. Everyone is invited to the celebrations. Father Donald Blanchard “This is an exciting time to be ministering in the Church,” Father Blanchard states with his customary enthusiasm. “Recognizing the gifts and the call to minister of all Catholics is as exciting today as it was 40 years ago.” As he prepares to celebrate 40 years of ordained ministry, Fr. Blanchard looked back on some of the events in his life that have brought him to where he is today and set the stage for what he will be doing in the future. “Our ordination was right at the beginning of the implementation of Vatican II with all of the excitement and the new opportunity for ministry.” Since Fr. Blanchard has retired from active pastoral min- istry he lives at St. Aloysius Church with Fr. Burns, whom he has known since first grade and has been friends with since fifth grade at Sacred Heart School. Fr. Blanchard assists at St. Aloysius by celebrating Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation. “The 40th anniversary is a celebration of the church, it is not about us,” Fr. Blanchard says resolutely. “We see priesthood as a call from God, a call to be ordained (in order) to act in His name. It is still the community that calls you.” Fr. Blanchard’s parents’ life was a great influence on his call to priesthood. “For me, the greatest symbol of priesthood was my parents because they See ANNIVERSARY page 2 2 news Anniversary February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator From page 1 March 9-12 featuring Fr. Simeon Gallagher, OFMCap 7 p.m. nightly Fr. Gallagher will be speaking on • Love • Relationships • Cynicism • Marriage and Family Baby-sitting is available at no charge but pre-registeration is required by March 5 CEU hours are available Every Tuesday through Lent March 3 – April 14 Divine Mercy Chaplet following 6 p.m. Mass Our Lady of Mercy Church 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge • 225-926-1883 www.olomchurch.com Fr. Gerald Burns Fr. Frank Uter tion. “It is an awesome responsibility to hear a person’s confession and to impart Gods’ love and mercy, the unconditional love He has for them and to help people grow in His spirit.” A few years ago Fr. Blanchard began a new ministry, giving retreats and leading parish missions. Every year he leads two retreats at the Cenacle in Metairie and two parish church missions outside this diocese. “It is a lot of fun and very challenging to go into a community where I don’t know anyone and speak at all of the Masses in the weekend, and then for three nights about a particular topic,” admits Fr. Blanchard. He says in preparation for the church retreats he talks with the pastor to see what they are looking for, and then prays about the topic in preparation for the talks. In addition to his daily routine of prayer, Fr. Blanchard spends one week a month at St. Joseph Abbey, which is adjacent to St. Joseph Seminary. From Monday through Friday of that week, Fr. Blanchard lives the life of the monks, praying and working side by side with them, doing what ever the abbot tells him to do. his preparation the next year he became an altar server at Sacred Heart Church. Customarily boys who knew they wanted to become priests would enter seminary in ninth grade. For many, going to St. Joseph Seminary was the first time they had been away from their family for an extended period of time. Fr. Burns said he was comfortable at St. Ben’s because he had been there often with his family to visit his Uncle Jerome. “I was enthralled with the seminary,” said Fr. Burns. He said the seminary made him realize he was part of something huge, the enormity of the Catholic Church. He wanted even more to have an important role in the church as one of her priests. The atmosphere at St. Ben’s was conducive to the things he enjoyed: sports and music. He enjoyed life at St. Ben’s so much Father Gerard Burns As a young boy, the life of a priest was familiar to Fr. Burns since he had several relatives who were priests, or were in seminary. “We would visit my uncle (Father Jerome Dugas) when he was in seminary,” Fr. Burns remembers as he talks about his 40 years as a priest. Coming from a devoutly Catholic family with seven children, Fr. Burns, who is currently the pastor of St. Aloysius Church, says, “We would all go to Mass, including daily Mass during Lent.” In the sixth grade at Sacred Heart School, he told his family that he was going to become a priest and to begin See ANNIVERSARY page 3 Photo Our Lady of Mercy Church Mission Fr. Donald Blanchard Girls from St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul,Immaculate Conception and St. Pius X church parishes. File illness.” He now looks on every day as lagniappe. Because of related health issues, Fr. Blanchard resigned as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Baton Rouge, his home parish, four years ago. “I loved being pastor at Sacred Heart, I think it was a privilege to be there.” He says it is good to be a priest, without the burdens of parish administration. “I am humbled by the trust people place in me as a pastor,” says Fr. Blanchard. “I am very grateful to have been called to serve the church as a priest. Forty years later there is a greater joy and a better appreciation of what you have been called to.” He acknowledges the grace he has received to be a minister of the sacrament of reconcilia- personified generosity, the type of generosity Jesus told us to strive for.” Being in school with Fr. Burns and now ministering together is truly a grace, says Fr. Blanchard. When they entered ninth grade at St. Ben’s “little did we know that we would be ministering in the same parish. What a grace.” Fr. Blanchard sees his being alive today as a grace from God. Eight years ago, Fr. Blanchard had a heart attack, which today he refers to as a challenge and a gift. “The heart attack made me a better priest,” Fr. Blanchard said. As a priest, he had been around death on hundreds of occasions. The heart attack “gave me the opportunity to touch death in a way I had never known before. I became more aware of suffering, death and The National Black and Indian Collection, an annual appeal for the evangelization of Blacks and Indians in this country, will be the weekend of Feb. 28 and March 1. Each year, the Baton Rouge Diocese receives a grant from this collection. Last year, a $70,000 grant was received and distributed to Christ the King, St. Paul the Apostle, St. Augustine and St. Pius X church parishes along with the Catholic Schools Office, St. Isidore and St. Francis Xavier schools, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center at Southern University. Please be generous, the weekend of February 28 and March 1. Thank you for whatever you can give and God Bless You! news The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 Anniversary CYO AQUATIC CLUB POOL & FACILITY RENTALS From page 2 that he would often return early from summer vacation to help the Benedictine monks get the buildings ready for the return of the seminarians. Fr. Burns said that because of the close relationship he had with the monks at St. Ben’s he thought on several occasions of becoming a monk instead of a diocesan priest but over time realized that his call from God was to minister to the people through parish ministry. At the time Fr. Burns entered seminary, the seminarians went to St. Ben’s for six years and then to Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans for six years. He admits that Notre Dame was very different and it took a while for him to get settled into the routine of academics and prayer. Accustomed to the set times for prayer set by the monks at St. Ben’s, Fr. Burns realized he had to establish his own prayer life, which has evolved over the years. He, like many priests, rises early to begin his day in prayer, reading Morning Prayer, spending some time in quiet reflection, and reflecting on the Scriptural readings for the day in preparation for the homily he will deliver at daily Mass. For most of his years as a priest, Fr. Burns has been the only priest in the church parish. When he was pastor of St. Anne in Napoleonville and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Plattenville he was by himself. And for most of the 12 years he has been pastor of St. Aloysius he has been the only priest at the church with a large elementary school and a large, very involved congregation. For many years, Fr. Burns has thought about making a 30-day retreat. This summer he had his opportunity in Alaska. He says the retreat was “other than being born, ... the greatest experience in my life.” He says he was able to come to a greater understanding of God’s love for him. “Many people don’t believe God loves them,” Fr. Burns explains. “I want to be able to help people understand that they are God’s beloved.” He continued, “I want to work as God’s minister without any shadow of a doubt that God loves me.” Because of the graces and deeper understanding of God’s love received during his 30-day retreat, Fr. Burns knows he will be able to minister with more compassion, and be a better confessor, spiritual director and preacher. As he completes 40 years as an ordained priest, he looks toward retiring from pastoral ministry in a couple of years. Fr. Burns said, “God will tell me what to do,” in retirement. The areas of ministry he finds most appealing will use the gifts he received on his retreat. Father Frank Uter In 40 years of priesthood, Fr. Uter has had only five parish assignments: two as parochial vicar, at St. Isidore Church in Baker and at St.Thomas More Church in Baton Rouge, each for four years, and three assignments as pastor – St. Mary of False River in New Roads, St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge and the combined pastorate of St. Joseph Church, Paulina; Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Gramercy; and St. Michael Church, Convent. “All of the parishes where I have served, the people have been very involved,” said Fr. Uter. And, except for his assignment in Baker, the areas have been heavily Catholic. “I put down roots where ever I am assigned. It is what makes me happy,” Fr. Uter said with a chuckle while sitting in his upstairs office at the Pastoral Center in Paulina. When he went to East St. James Civil Parish 12 years ago as pastor of St. Joseph and Most Sacred Heart, Fr. Uter established the Pastoral Center as the office for the churches, and added St. Michael when he became pastor of that church a couple of years later. “I don’t like moving, so I am grateful I have only had to move at the end of the terms” of his pastoral assignments, he said. The roots he establishes during his assignments are with the people he has served. “I have made friends where ever I have been.” As he prepares to celebrate his anniversary, Fr. Uter is excited about the people who are coming from New Roads and Baton Rouge. He adds that the people at the Cathedral and in New Roads have been a part of his current assignment because of a special prayer service he has when he leaves on church for a new assignment. “I had an evening prayer service. The people could come, lay their hands on my head, bless me and send me to my new place with their blessing. Those I came from have been a part of where I am now,” he states. When asked about his call to priesthood, Fr. Uter explained that, as a boy, priesthood was something he thought deeply about but he never felt strongly enough about to make a move to enter the seminary. “(Priesthood) meant so much to me deep down that I didn’t want to talk about it.” He went to Catholic High School and then to LSU. When the questions about what he was going to do when he graduated became more difficult to answer, he realized it was time to let the thoughts of priesthood surface and pursue that vocation. Because he looked on seminary as another academic institution, he applied directly to St. Joseph Seminary for admission. He said the letter he received from the seminary encouraged him to pursue a vocation but he had to talk to his pastor about this. When he went to his pastor, Msgr. Herman Lohmann, who was at St. Joseph in downtown Baton Rouge, his pastor told him he had seen the vocation in him for years. “I told him ‘I wish you would have said something,’” said Fr. Uter. “It would have been a lot easier.” With some college credit from LSU, Fr. Uter was able to complete the necessary seminary courses quickly and continue formation with the class that would have entered a year before he did. He enjoys sharing his life with others. “I feel I am sharing life in so many ways as they have with me. All of us are better because of it.” Fr. Uter’s jovial personality comes through even when he talks about his morning regimen of prayer and exercise. After praying the Breviary, the morning office of prayers, Fr. Uter walks for almost an hour. This time of physical exercise is also a prayer time when he prays privately about what he knows will be taking place that day, and for the unexpected events. When he returns from his walk, he prays morning prayer. “This prayerfully puts direction to the day. It sets my whole day for the things that might come up,” he stated. 3 Come enjoy our facility that includes a large meeting room in addition to 3 pools: Olympic, Junior & Baby with covered cabana & picnic tables. Perfect for Reunions; End of School and Birthday Parties; Church Group; Sports Team; CrawÀsh Boils; Reception; etc. Call the CYO at 225-275-3200 for rental information NOW NOW! LOUISIANA SEAFOOD at it’s FINEST! Try our NEW ELEGANT MENU Thurs. – Sat. Evenings! LUNCH BUFFET – Mon. thru Fri. & Sun. DELI – 7 Days a Week. 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Kriss with his phone number, call 7 days a week: <079DFDWLRQV Providing affordable fun-filled vacations since 1967! 4 commentary February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator Another Perspective by Father John Carville Forgiveness and power If you have never seen the movie, Schindler’s List, you should. It is a great Lenten penance. I mean that it is a beautiful film portrait of reconciliation and a step toward God, which is the purpose of penance in the sacrament. As he tries to stop the crazed concentration camp commandant from arbitrarily killing Jews, Schindler tells him that to kill arbitrarily is not power. Rather, to pardon a real offense, that is power. It works for only a little while on the commandant, but one gets the impression that it is another step in the painfully realized conversion of Schindler himself. In the psychological age in which we live, I hear fewer people saying, “Why do we have to tell our sins to a priest?” Most seem to accept that we have to tell our sins to somebody. In the movie, Schindler tells his sins first to his Jewish factory manager, then to his wife, and finally to all of his Jewish workers whom he has saved from extermination. And they all give him absolution. Confession is good for the soul. It naturally follows conversion. The director of the movie, Steven Spielberg, knows this. I doubt if he learned it from the Baltimore Catechism. There are some who still shrink both from sacramental absolution and psychological therapy. They feel that it is an invasion of privacy to tell their sins to anyone. Their sins are theirs, as if no one else ever committed them. If they tell anyone, it will be God alone. But if we are afraid to look into the face of fellow sinners, how can we dare to face the All Holy? It is a false argument, and those who cannot confess to another are not yet ready to truly bare their souls to a God who knows our inmost thoughts. A spiritual director once told me something very profound about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He said that we need to confess our sins for two reasons: 1) because we have harmed others and need to be reconciled with them, and 2) because we have been hurt by the sins of others and need healing, lest we continue the chain. How often do we find ourselves doing unto others as has been done to us? The Parable of the Prodigal Son can help us understand the stages of reconciliation, which are conversion, confession and celebration. In the parable, the selfishness of sin takes the young man (and us) from the shelter of God and his community. His major concern, as is ours when we sin, is himself and his personal gratification. Eventually he discovers himself alone, mired in the mud of a pigpen, just as he is mired in sin. Then comes this significant phrase in the story: “Coming to his senses at last....” This is the beginning of his journey back, the beginning of conversion. The young man realizes that he is loved by his father who represents God. This is the Good News; that God’s forgiveness, like God’s love, doesn’t stop. It heals us because it addresses the disease, our sinfulness, and not only our sins. Conversion is always a response to being loved by God, and it naturally leads to confession. Even though his father runs to meet him and hugs him, already indicating forgiveness, the young man confesses nonetheless. He needs to unload to someone who loves him. It is the most natural thing to be not only relieved but quite happy when one experiences the mercy of forgiving love. That is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration – it proclaims God’s mercy. To experience it communally helps keep the focus on celebrating God’s healing love. What I am trying to prove from everyone’s experience, before I actually say it, is that we should all make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Lent. Father Than Vu Associate Publisher Laura Deavers Exec. Ed./Gen. Mgr. Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher 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 in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $12.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. Web site: www.diobr.org/tcc Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager Penny G. Saia Advertising Sales Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation With its diversity, Catholic Church is united in Christ BY CAROL GLATZ Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The Catholic Church is not limited to one particular culture or language, but with its diversity it is united in Christ, Pope Benedict XVI said. The catholicity of the church reflects a “fidelity to tradition together with being open to developments in history” and to the search for unity in the diversity of cultures, the pope said Feb. 18 during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. The pope’s talk focused on St. Bede the Venerable, an eighth-century Christian writer and doctor of the church. The British saint saw the church grow from being rooted in Jewish, Greek and Roman cultures to becoming a truly universal body, he said. “The church is not restricted to one particular culture, but is made up of all cultures of the world that are open and they find their point of destination in Christ,” he said. Due to the large numbers of pilgrims in attendance, the general audience was held outside in St. Peter’s Square even though temperatures hovered near freezing. The pope apologized for the cold weather to the more than 15,000 people bracing against 30 mph gusts of wind, which at one point swept away his white zucchetto. But on the bright side, he said, “at least it’s not raining or snowing so we are thankful for that.” The pope said St. Bede’s “rich ecclesial, liturgical and historical vision enabled his writings to serve as a guide” that is still useful today for Catholic teachers, pastors and parents. The saint said one important task for teachers is to study “the wonders of the word of God and to present them in an attractive manner to the faithful,” said the pope. Priests must place their priority on preaching, which can be done with more than just the spoken word and can include the use of icons, processions and pilgrimages, the pope said St. Bede taught. St. Bede urged pastors to use the local language, just as he had done. For example, the British scholar always taught and explained the Gospel, the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed in the local dialect of Northumberland, said the pope. The saint also maintained that parents “can exercise the priestly office of shepherd and guide” in their own homes by educating and raising their children in a Christian atmosphere, Pope Benedict said. St. Bede taught that Christ wants an industrious, hardworking church that shows the signs of toiling under the bright sun, evangelizing new lands and sowing the seeds of God’s word, he said. “The church must till new fields or vineyards and establish among new peoples not a temporary hut, but a solid home, which means to insert the Gospel in the social fabric and cultural institutions” of new missionary lands, said the pope. Pope Benedict underlined how St. Bede successfully contributed to the building of a Christian Europe in which different cultures and peoples were bound together and inspired by the Christian faith. The pope prayed that even today there would be public figures like this British doctor of the church working “to keep the whole continent united.” He asked that “everyone be willing to rediscover our common Christian roots in Europe and be builders of a Europe that is authentically Christian and deeply human.” Editor’s Note: The text of the pope’s audience remarks in English will be posted online at: www. vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_ xvi/audiences/2009/documents/ hf_ben-xvi_aud_20090218_ en.html. The text of the pope’s audience remarks in Spanish will be posted online at: www.vatican. va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2009/documents/hf_benxvi_aud_20090218_sp.html. family life 5 Marriage Encounter helps couples rediscover romance The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 BY DEBBIE SHELLEY Assistant Editor Couple who have participated in a Marriage Encounter Weekend said they have discovered that God wants them to have fun as they honor their marriage as a covenant relationship. St. George parishioners Susie and Travis Wilkinson, who will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary on May 25, said they learned at the Marriage Encounter Weekend they attended in May, 2005 to remember that marriage is a sacrament and should be treated as sacred. The Wilkinsons, who are area leaders for Marriage Encounter and the parents of three young children, said couples need guidance so that tending children, working and keeping an overbooked schedule do not take priority over their relationship. During their Marriage Encounter Weekend, God assured the Wilkinsons that He wants them to be happy in their marriage, which Travis Wilkinson said reignited the passion that he and his wife had when they first met. “We’ve had a lot of things pulling at us, but since we’ve been through Marriage Encounter, our relationship is the best it’s ever been.” Susie Wilkinson said triumphantly, “I knew how much he really loves me when he told me, ‘I love you more than LSU football.’” The Wilkinsons met at their Marriage Encounter Weekend couples who support them in a chaotic world. The couples regularly spend time together and babysit each others’ children. The Wilkinson said Marriage Encounter helps them to be better parents. Life can get a “little crazy” around their house with their children, Hannah, 5, Natalie, 4, and Caroline, 10 months. During an interview the Wilkinsons hugged and twirled their children around as they said their daughters bring them joy and they want their children to have loving, stable relationships. Donna and Steve Kern, members of St. Louis King of France Church in Baton Rouge, who will celebrate their 27th wedding anniversary in May, said they developed their communication skills at the Marriage Encounter Weekend they attended in August 2006. Donna Kern communicates verbally, while Steve Kern prefers to write down his thoughts on paper. They work with each others’ different style of communicating so they learn more about each other. The Kerns said they relax and communicate more easily as they spend time together praying and reading Scriptures and books, walking or riding bikes around the lakes at Oschner Hospital or LSU or doing other activities with each other. Couples who work together Your Family by Bill and Monica Dodds Children’s sports injuries It’s the time of year when notices are going home from school about spring sports. Organized sports offer a wonderful opportunity for children and teens, but, as is so often the case, they also cause a blip on your “parent radar.” Two of our three children gave us a firsthand look at sports injuries beyond a simple sprain. Our younger son, then in the sixth grade, went down on the soccer field. One moment he was going up for a header, twisting in the air, and the next he was on his back, not getting up. His coach helped him hobble off the field. The injury led to weeks of physical therapy (and a spectacular replay on the team’s highlight video at the end-of-the-season pizza party). Our daughter’s injury was less dramatic but more serious. In 12th grade on the first day of soccer tryouts, she tore a muscle in her upper leg. Even multiple doctor visits and a lot of physical therapy couldn’t repair the damage and get her back in playing condition before the end of the season. It was a tough and painful way to end her soccer career. The simple truth is children can get hurt doing just about anything but it would be a shame to deny them an opportunity to learn to play a sport, to be part of a team and to get some great exercise just because parents are overly afraid of what might happen. Three fundamentals can better ensure your child has a satisfying and safe experience playing sports: 1. A good coach: one who knows how to teach skills, yes, but who also knows children at that age, what they are and aren’t capable of – physically, mentally and emotionally. He or she should be up on the latest and best methods for getting little athletes into better shape and helping them avoid injuries. 2. Good equipment: no, it doesn’t have to be brand new or flashy, but it does have to offer solid protection. 3. Supportive parents: a coach trying to set a positive, healthy and safe tone can easily be undermined by bellowing parents along the sidelines or in the stands. (This isn’t the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup.) The bottom line here? That radar blip can’t be eliminated, but the risks can be minimized. Certainly there will be bumps and bruises, but it’s good for youngsters to know they can pick themselves up, dust themselves off and carry on. There’s no other way to learn how to shake it off, and that’s a very good thing to know. Bill and Monica Dodds are editors of My Daily Visitor magazine. Their Web site is www.FSJC.org They can be contacted at [email protected]. as a team have stronger marriages, said the Kerns, who enjoy watching their athleticallygifted son, Joshua, 16, play on the St. Michael the Archangel boys’ basketball team. Their son, Christopher, 23 married in December. In their marriage the Kerns model for their sons how to love other people and live with integrity. The Kerns believe because they treat each other with respect, their sons have learned to treat others with respect. To keep intimacy and love alive in their marriage for the long-run, couples must let each other be themselves, say Randy and Brenda Fontenot, members of Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. The Fontenots, high school sweethearts who have been married for 40 years, say they have different backgrounds and personalities. Randy Fontenot came from a frugal sharecropping family that had less money than his wife’s family. While the Fontenots had a good marriage, as they tried to merge their different backgrounds and perspectives while raising a family, they missed the romance their relationship had when they were dating. When they attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend in 1980, they learned to take stock of who they are personally, to forgive each other for their shortcomings, and reconcile their relationships with God. The passion in their relationship returned. The Fontenots said they have grown closer as they let each other be themselves. When one of them is troubled, the other listens without trying to “fix things.” As husbands and wives respect each other’s individuality, they can reinforce their ties by speaking each other’s love languages. The five love languages include acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gifts and quality time. In 2002 The Fontenots gave a presentation on the five love languages at the Marriage Encounter Regional Conference at Sarasota, Fla. The Fontenots said over the years they have seen the touch of God in their marriage and family. Showing a portrait of their family taken at the beach during a vacation in Destin, Fla., the couple spoke glowingly of their children and grandchildren, who came to Destin to surprise Brenda Fontenot on her 60th birthday. “We’ve had a good life and God has blessed us,” Randy Fontenot said. The next marriage encounter weekend is May 1-3 at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thrwy., Baton Rouge. Healing Healing begins begins with with listening… listening… We’re We’re here here for for you when you you when you need need us us most. most. Affordable Advance Planning Options for FUNERAL SERVICE & CEMETERY PROPERTY We have always encouraged families to plan ahead. Doing so protects your loved ones from rising costs and added worry at a very stressful time.To ask a question, record your wishes, or give your family peace of mind, you can visit us in person or call 225-753-1440.We’re here for you when you need us most. Complete Service to Baton Rouge Families Since 1953 The Only On-Site Crematorium in Baton Rouge 11817 Jefferson Highway at Airline • 225-753-1440 www.resthavenbatonrouge.com We accept preneed plans from other funeral homes. Let us review your policy at no charge. 6 news February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator IDENTITY THEFT – IS YOUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY SECURE? Study Day – Saturday, March 21 Catholic Life Center, Baton Rouge 8:00 am. – 1:00 p.m. A Conference for all Catholics Workshop I Equipping Parents to form Catholic Identity in their Home Workshop II Going Green with God Presenter Workshop I Charles Jumonville Diocesan Director of Christian Formation Presenter Workshop II Rev. Michael Alello Priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Workshop I Helping Adolescents Discover their Moral Compass: Ideal Qualities of a Catechist Workshop I Changing the Face (book) of Ministry: Effective e-communication Workshop II All God’s Children: Relating Multiple Intelligence and Catechetics Workshop II Changing the Face (book) of Ministry: Effective e-communication Presenter Kenneth Doran Presenter Tori McRoberts National Religion Consultant for Sadlier Sponsored by William H. Sadlier Religion Publishers is h t Is e...? ! m s i r t o f e i red s r ou s gea c f i O ne y o a y d n s a i s h n d T i r a d tow ereste ore int ing m r n i r e a h t e l ut . o b a h fait We are Grateful to our Sponsors: William H. Sadlier Publishers Houghton MifÁin Harcourt Religion RCL/Silver Budette/Benziger Little Rock Scripture Study/Liturgical Press 5 Intermediate CertiÀcation Credits Christian Formation 225-336-8760 [email protected] www.christianformationbr.org Campus Minister and Religion Teacher at St. Joseph’s Academy, Baton Rouge Workshop I The Bible has “Mass” Appeal Workshop II Big Lessons for Small Groups Presenter Cackie Upchurch Director of Little Rock Scripture Study Program Sponsored by Little Rock Scripture Study & Liturgical Press Mike Hayes cofounded BustedHalo.com with Fr. Brett Hoover, CSP, in December 2001. In addition to his work at BustedHalo, Mike serves as the president of the board of directors for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association. A frequent speaker on ministering to young adults, Mike is the author of “Googling God: The Religious Landscape of People in their 20s and 30s” published by Paulist Press. In 2002, Mike received a Catholic Press Association Award for his article “Transformation and the 20s and 30s Crowd” that appeared in Share the Word magazine. Before working in ministry, Mike produced radio talk shows at WFAN and WOR in New York and also covered major league baseball for NPR and WOR. Mike and his wife, Marion, are resident of Queens, New York. Workshop I A House Divided: When Families Don’t Come to Church: Solutions for Pastoral Leadership Teams Workshop II A House Divided: When Families Don’t Come to Church: Solutions for Religious Educators Presenter Dr. Kathy Kleinlein Director of Catechetical Ministry, Diocese of Venice, FL Sponsored by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Religion Publishers – Hands-on tips for passing on the faith to your children –Using facebook as tool for ministry in the Church –Equipping parents to reclaim Catholic identity –Going Green with God _Assessment of young adults and their role in the Church –The Bible has “Mass” appeal Registration Form for Study Day, March 21 Please Àll out and mail this with payment to: OfÀce of Christian Formation, P. O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 Name Parish/School Address Daytime Phone Email $20 per person includes 2 snack breaks Cash Check # Please make checks payable to Diocese of Baton Rouge spirituality 7 Jesus’ parables should trouble complacent Christians The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 BY DEBBIE SHELLEY Assistant Editor Through parables, Jesus turns upside down the complacent Christian’s idea of what it means to live in God’s presence on earth, according to Dr. Francis W. Vanderwall, professor of theology at Our Lady of the Lake College, Baton Rouge, in his book, “The Liberating Stories of Jesus: Word, Context and Reflections.” The book presents Jesus’ parables in the context of the cultural, societal, economic, political and religious background which Jesus proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God, stated Vanderwall. A prayer exercise is offered at the end of each parable to help personalize its point. Over the past 30 years, Vanderwall has discovered the richness of Jesus’ parables and found that through them Jesus confronts people in the way they live their lives. In an interview, Vanderwall said Jesus’ parables are a timely reading for Lent, when people are called to have a change of heart. He stated in general that the churches and educational institutions have domesticated the messages of the parables so they are more palatable for people. As a result some have become complacent and believe that their faith requires Spirituality for Today by Father John Catoir How the Holy Spirit ministers How can you recognize the Holy Spirit acting in your life? It’s amazingly simple to discern his mysterious presence. Consider the times when you went against your own personal preferences and did something difficult in order to help others. You probably do that many times a day. St. Paul said, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). The inner promptings of conscience are very often the voice of the Holy Spirit within you. The Holy Spirit is always there helping you to go beyond yourself in order to fulfill the law of love. You probably can remember many times when the Spirit emboldened you to act out of faith rather than self-interest, times when you went against your natural inclinations in order to accomplish some greater good. Visiting the sick for instance, or feeding the hungry, which includes putting food on the table for your children when you have a splitting headache, listening to the endless complaints of someone you feel sorry for, getting up in the middle of the night to check on a sick family member. These are all little acts of holiness involving the love of the Holy Spirit acting within you. The Holy Spirit is the force behind all the love and joy in the world! Great events recorded in the Bible give us an insight into the fact that God works in mysterious ways. For example, when Abraham was told to sacrifice his son Isaac to God, the act was totally against his will, incomprehensible. The Holy Spirit nevertheless prompted him to trust the Lord no matter what! When Abraham was about to obey, God released him from that abhorrent duty, and Isaac was saved. Abraham had been tested and found worthy. We speak of this event as prefiguring Jesus, who had the same natural abhorrence at the thought of his own crucifixion. The Spirit empowered him to say, “Not my will but yours be done” (Lk 22:42). Jesus surrendered in trust to the Father. We are told it was in reparation for the sin of pride found in Satan who said, “I will not serve.” After Jesus was crucified, the apostles feared for their lives and gathered like frightened children in that upper room. They wanted to run. But the Holy Spirit came upon them and emboldened them to go forth and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The church was born. I remember feeling drawn to the priesthood but at the same time bristling at the very thought of it. I wanted a normal life, marriage and children. I didn’t want to be a priest because I was afraid of the demands it would make. But the power of the Holy Spirit lifted me above my fears. I submitted. That was half a century ago, and I’m still doing my best to answer that call. Looking back, I see more clearly the many times in my life when I was led by the Holy Spirit. How about you? Father Catoir, a canon lawyer, is chaplain of one of the largest emergency assistance programs in the nation. He writes on issues of spirituality for today’s Catholic for Catholic News Service. them to attend church, receive the sacraments and tithe. “That is a convenient, civil religion. The Gospels call for far greater,” Vanderwall said. God calls us through the Gospels to a new awareness of living which is rooted in love, emphasized Vanderwall. “Love is really disruptive to the life of complacency.” People may become so uncomfortable by the parable messages that they reject it, according to Vanderwall. “Even the religious of Jesus’ day said, ‘We are doing you a favor by having Jesus crucified,’” Vanderwall said. People accept the challenge of the Gospels through private devotion, mediating and interiorizing “the enormity of the challenge facing us,” said Vanderwall. The challenge then requires action. Jesus calls people to “dig up the weeds” in their life and plant a “new garden,” according to Vanderwall. “That’s frightening.” The Gospels call for people to work for social justice, take care of the poor and sick, and demand respect for life at all stages. Vanderwall stated the parables call people to be inclusive by loving others who think differently than they do, who are a different race, who “come from the wrong side of the tracks,” and Dr. Francis Vanderwall who are their enemies. Vanderwall said people will fail more than they succeed in trying to live out the parable messages and may be tempted to dilute them so their lives are not disrupted. He emphasized the more he allows the parables to challenge his life, the farther he feels away from the Kingdom of God or that the presence of God is in his life. He said he discovers how different his idea of salvation is from God’s idea. But he stated God will make up the difference of failures and brings good out of it. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A CHANGE? Want to earn a Master’s Degree in Ministry and stay in Baton Rouge? Come to an informational meeting concerning the Loyola Institute of Ministry (LIMEX) Program, Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 6 p.m. in room 105 of the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge. The 90-minute meeting will explore starting our 13th LIMEX learning group to pursue graduate study in ministry. All courses will be taught in Baton Rouge at the Catholic Life Center. For more information call Charles Jumonville Director of Christian Formation at 225-336-8760 or email [email protected] 8 our catholic community Mr. D’s February 25. 2009 • The Catholic Commentator Tree Service & Stump Removal BY DEBBIE SHELLEY Assistant Editor OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE DON DECELL, OWNER CARL BABIN, OWNER • 3 Licensed Arborists • Fully Insured • Quality Work FREE Estimates 225-292-6756 ANTHONY’S ITALIAN DELI Baton Rouge’s only TRUE ITALIAN Deli Since 1978 Come in and try our yummy shrimp specials! God’s favors seen in Lenten mosaic Friday Lenten S pe Shrimp S cials– paghetti and Italia n-Style Marinate Shrimp P d o Boys 10248 Florida Blvd. • 225-272-6817 Phone orders welcome “BON AMI” shopping center • Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 6 God blesses people’s increased time in prayer during Lent by granting special graces. Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs provides a way for people to anonymously say a public “thank you.” Lent tends to be a time of private prayers, devotions and sacrifices, according to Father Vincent Dufresne, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. People can keep their Lenten disciplines to themselves, Fr. Dufresne said, but they will be motivated to continue those practices if they see physical signs that others are doing so and are receiving graces for their effort. Fr. Dufresne came up with the idea of a Mosaic of Lenten Graces cross a few years ago as Immaculate Conception prepared to implement its RENEW Small Christian Commu- TAKE A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH LPB IN MARCH IMMACULÉE: HOLD ON TO HOPE The miraculous spiritual journey of Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza. TUESDAY, MARCH 10 AT 7PM THE PRIESTS IN CONCERT AT ARMAGH CATHEDRAL Three Catholic clergymen from Northern Ireland sing some of the most-beloved love songs of all time including “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night.” TUESDAY, MARCH 10 AT 8:30 Discovering Secrets of the Vatican A rare look behind-the-scenes of the world’s smallest independent state. SUNDAY, MARCH 8 AT 9PM WLPB TV 27 www.lpb.org Answerquick Answering Service is providing the toll-free number for Festival 2009. Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs has a Lenten Mosaic of Graces cross, a large cross on which people can put smaller crosses for graces received during Lent. Photo by Debbie Shelley nity program. Fr. Dufresne was looking for ways to strengthen RENEW’s emphasis on prayer as the church gathered during Lent. The mosaic of graces, which is in the church, is a large felt cross on which people place smaller crosses indicating special graces received during Lent through prayer, fasting or charity. Fr. Dufresne said when people receive graces during Lent, instead of stating publicly what God did for them or someone whom they prayed for, they can indicate it in a nondescript way at the cross so people can recognize that others are receiving graces. This form of private acknowledgement is particularly helpful for people who have broken an addiction or other vice or reconciled with a family member, Fr. Dufresne noted. “It’s a sign that something good is happening,” Fr. Dufresne said. At the beginning of Lent, the small crosses slowly appear on the big cross, and as people see that others are receiving graces, the momentum builds. By the end of Lent, the large cross is covered with the smaller crosses, which are in a variety of colors, so the cross takes the appearance of a mosaic. People put their grace crosses, which are provided by the church, at different angles on the large cross, Fr. Dufresne stated. He noted that one time he went into the church and a boy was putting his small cross at the bottom of the back of the larger cross so he could keep an eye on his cross during Lent. Fr. Dufresne said the Lenten Mosaic reminds people to look for God in their lives during Lent . “Instead of keeping ashes on their forehead, there are the crosses to say that Lent is going on,” Fr. Dufresne said. The Lenten Mosaic builds a spirit of community among the congregation, stated Fr. Dufresne. “It’s for the community to know that their commitment to prayer is shared by others and we can support each other in those efforts.” Just as the churches have a creche at Christmas to remind their congregation of Christ’s birth, at Easter Immaculate Conception houses a tomb in which the small crosses are placed to show that the Risen Lord is responsible for the graces received. “It’s a way to say, ‘Thank you to God for a successful Lent,’” Fr. Dufresne said. our catholic community The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 9 St. Jean Vianney Principal Wendy Gilmore fulfills her agreement to kiss an alligator when St. Jean Vianney students exceeded their reading levels from last year. Father Tom Ranzino, St. Jean Vianney pastor, verifies that Gilmore did in fact kiss “Gucci,” while Jim Ragland of Alligator Bayou holds the six-foot alligator. Photo by Laura Deavers SJV principal fulfills bet, kisses alligator CDA KID – Barbara Michael, regent of Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) Court Regina Coeli No. 2063, Baton Rouge, presents a $250 check to 2008 CDA Baton Rouge Diocesan Kid, Olivia Grace Castelluccio, 7, who has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The funds donated by the CDA were made possible by a grant given to them by the Men’s Club of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge. Photo provided by CDA Court Regina Coeli No. 2063 At the beginning of the current school year, St. Jean Vianney Principal Wendy Gilmore challenged the second- through eighth-grade SJV students to read more books this school year. To give them an extra incentive, Gilmore said she would kiss the lips of a live alligator if they exceeded their reading levels from the last school year. The students, who have an alligator as their school mascot, took the challenge and began reading library books. They exceeded last year ’s scores before Valentine’s Day, which pleased and surprised Gilmore. On Feb. 13, Jim Ragland, owner of Alligator Bayou, brought “Gucci,” a six-foot alligator, to St. Jean Vianney School for Gilmore to kiss during an assembly in the school courtyard. Students squealed and howled when their principal puckered-up to kiss the alligator. 10 news February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator Diocesan couples celebrate anniversaries at the 25-50th Anniversary Mass Celebration Married 71 years in 2009 Charles and Loretta Brashear B. P. and Georgia Hebert Married 70 years in 2009 Lillian and Lloyd Bouchereau Herman and Doris Decoteau Chester and Agnes Guidry Katherine and Fred Hannaman Emeris and Winnie Reine Joe and Ida Tryniecki 66 - 69 years in 2009 Marguerite Pierre and Morris Baudy Versie and Betty Baughman Cliston and Audrey M. Davis Harris and Noella Louque Wilma and David McLaughlin Robert and May Poche Wilmen and Kathryn Rabalais 60-64 years married Elmo and Eugenia Berthelot Vernon Paul and Joyce Caffarel Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Currier Sherwin and Lee Guidry Marshall and Grace Honore Marie and Anthony Noto Thomas and Patricia Ranzino John and Dorothy Trahan Richard Lucas and Jeanette Silvio Frank and Josephine Zito 50 years married Henry and Elaine Adolph Vincent Jack and Josephine Micelli Arnone Harold and Beverly Babin Mike and Juande Babin Fred and Claire C. Bahlinger Floyd and Barbara Benoit Jan and Sophie Bergeron Joseph and Tippy Blanchard Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Bourgeois Delton and Bonnie Brooks Robert and Lorraine Burns Vivian Mabile and Sidney Cavalier, Jr. Harold and Dorothy Christopher Neola and Wilbur Clarke Ron and Jo Coco Georgiana Cavalier and Brent J. Cox, Jr. Marguerite Guillot and Addison Daigle Earl and June David Earl and Melva David Irah and Joy Revo Decoteau Gwen and Stanley Dixon Joycelynn Daigle and David Dubreuil Pat and Lena Dugas Nolan and Grace Duplessis Percy and Barbara Franklin Fred and Rose Gauthier Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gautreau Mr. and Mrs. Van Guarino Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Joseph Guillot, Sr. James and Mildred Hubbell Charles A. and Joyce L. Hymel Erat and Mary Joseph Robert and Susan Judice Wallace and Norma Lacombe Thomas J. and Alena D. Landry Emilda Eues and M. J. Landry Dr. Jim and Anne Laville Calvin and Ida LeBlanc Ges and Betty LeBlanc Dr. and Mrs. James M. Linn, Jr. Ilar Daigle and Herman Mabile Lucy and Albert Mahler, Sr. Hugo and Oria Marrero Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Medine Anna Lea and Paul Melancon, Jr. Irma Loupe and John Alvin Melancon Kelly and Josie Michelli Nancy and Falcon Morgan John Barrett and Jennie Murphy Mamie Nicholas and Phil Muscarello Warren and Janice Oubre Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Quebedeaux Charles and Edna S. Richard Oron and Gerry Rivet Mr. and Mrs. Robert Robert Valsin and Elizabeth Vicknair Dan and Jan Wallis Charles and Pat Weigel Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. White Harold and Joycelyn White Yvonne and Melvin Wyble 25 years married Finley and Myra Allen Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bayer Sharon K. Alleman and Phil J. Blanchard Mr. and Mrs. Don Boudreaux Neal and Andrea Bullion Georgetta Cox and Craig Comeaux Thelma and Verdie Cortez, Jr. Bruce and Amy Duhe Brian and Madelyn Fazzio Gary and Colette Gravois Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hoffman Terry and Oreda Hogue Suzanne and Raymond Lamotte Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Joseph LeBlanc, Jr. Freddy and Sheron Lee Robert and Pascale Martin Mr. and Mrs. Huey Martinez, Jr. Zegory and Lovell McGalliard John and Donna Mullings Al and Sharon Naquin Neal and Sharon Pendleton Barbara and Rob Persac Joey and Debbie Quebedeaux David and Robin Guillot Richard Bo and Vicki Richardson Troy and Regina Rispone Tommy and Anita Rivet Jerry and Letha Salinas Eddie and Ann Samson Barry and Barbara Sanders John and Lucy Smith Craig and Lisa Stephens Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stradley Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Rome Troy and Mona Tassin Edgar and Dianne Saucier Kenneth and Lisa Thibodeaux Andy and Mary Ann Sceroler Michael and Lana Truax Leo and Mary Lynn Segalla Mr. and Mrs. Glen Tullier Mr. and Mrs. Charles Shepard Edward and Nancy Twidwell Janet Andermann and Milton B. Small, Jr. Blaine and Geralyn Vallot Marjorie C. and James E. Smith Richard and Lea White Jesse James and Shirley Guichet Theriot The names of these couples honored at the annual Anniversary Mass were provided by the Office of Marriage and Family Life as of press time. news The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 One woman making a difference for life BY LAURA DEAVERS Editor Vera Dunbar was asked to make a display for the Annual Respect Life Rally at the Catholic Life Center. A simple request for a woman who is very involved in her church, St. Paul the Apostle in Baton Rouge. Little did Dunbar know that in agreeing to make the display she would become a spokesperson in the AfricanAmerican community to stop black women from having abortions. Abortion is the leading killer of African Americans, states Dunbar with a tone of utter shock. She says every time she tells people this fact, they are as amazed as she was the first time she heard it. To make known the disproportionate number of abortions in the black population was the reason Dunbar was asked to make the display for the Respect Life Rally. She is now on a personal crusade to educate all people, especially African-American women, about the shocking fact that they are five times more likely to have an abortion than white women. This statistic comes from the Alan Guttmacher Institute, in a report that analyzed 30 years of data, starting in 1974, and collected directly from abortion providers. Dunbar admits the break down of the family has contributed to the increase in abortions. Historically, the generations of African-American women – grandmothers, mothers, aunts – would take For Easter Last Supper 12” Wall Cross $14.95 11 C S o 1 1s wis Co pe mm st tC hl m c is e ia un A o $1 m t & re l O io 6. m 95 u re gis ff n ce ter er va n lu io ive y : e– n ou wh 7 ile ” W a F r su a RE pp ll lie C E s la ros st s Little Flower RELIGIOUS BOOKS & GIFTS Vera Dunbar speaks to the members of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge Feb. 22 about the staggering number of black babies that are aborted each year. Photo by Laura Deavers care of the babies if the mother was not able. Babies are always loved and cared for in a special way because they are next generation. With the strong bonds gone in many families, pregnant women have no one to help them and they turn to abortion, thinking it is their only option. Since 1963, twice as many black Americans have died from abortion than from AIDS, accidents, violent crimes, cancer and heart disease combined, writes Bishop Martin D. Holly, a member of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities and chairman of the sub-committee on African American Affairs, in a letter last October. Bishop Holly also wrote that over 80 percent of Planned Parenthood clinics are located in minority neighborhoods and Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, began the “Negro Project” to reduce the black population. Dunbar has armed herself with information to support what she is saying and a creative way of getting people to talk about abortion. She asks people to wear a small colored plastic clothes-pin, like the ones often used during games at baby showers, for at least a day or two. From her own experience, Dunbar knows that people will ask, “Why do you have that clothes pin on your lapel?” “This gives me a chance to tell them about the number of babies killed each year through abortions,” Dunbar states confidently. She is also organizing St. Paul members to go just a few blocks from their church to pray at a doctor’s office that is known for performing abortions. As surprised as she was to learn about the number of abortions among blacks, Dunbar said she was equally shocked to learn that there is a doctor so close to her church who performs abortions. A simple yes, and through the encouragement of her pastor, Father Vincent Alexius SVD, Vera Dunbar has become a one-woman crusade to stop abortion. One person can make a difference. Xavier Alumni honoring St. Katherine Drexel during March 1 Mass at Immaculate Conception The Xavier University Alumni Association, Baton Rouge Chapter, will commemorate the life of St. Katharine Drexel, the founder of Xavier University, during the 10:30 a.m. Mass March 1 at Immaculate Conception Church, 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge. Pope John Paul II canonized Katherine Drexel in October 2000. A daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia banker, St. Katherine dedicated her life and inheritance to build churches and schools for Blacks and Native Americans. Xavier University in New Orleans is the only predominantly Black Catholic university in the western hemisphere. St. Katherine is also the founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, whose mission is to educate poor Blacks and Indians in this country. All Xavier University alumni, their families, current Xavier students, friends and supporters of Xavier, and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament are invited to attend the Mass and reception, which will be held in the Immaculate Conception Activity Center. Father Thomas Clark SJ, Immaculate Conception pastor, will celebrate the Mass. Additional information about the commemorative Mass and reception can be obtained from Henry and Blanche Stewart, both Xavier alumni and members of Immaculate Conception Church, at 225-357-0853. 674 S. Range Ave., DENHAM SPRINGS • 225-667-1997 Tues.–Sat. 10-6 • T.D. & Tammy Jackson, Owners Celebrate the Year of St. Paul! Receive the Plenary Indulgence! for me Christ To Live is to die is gain March 27-29, 2009 *ÌV >ÀÌÀ>Ê iÌiÀÊUÊiiÀ]Ê Fr. Tom Forrest Mother Nadine Brown Jim Murphy UÊ,i}ÃÌiÀÊ"iÊ ÜÊU Southern Regional Conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal vJVVÀ°À}ÊUÊxä{nÓn£ÎÈnÊUÊÜÜÜ°VVÀ°À} Heads & Tails SEAFOOD Market • Restaurant • Catering “LOUISIANA’S LARGEST SELECT CRAWFISH” Catered CrawÀsh Boils No Party Too Large or Too Small At Our New Location 2070 Silverside off Perkins Rd. across from Albertson’s 225-767-2525 • 1-800-259-471 www.HeadsandTailsSeafood.com Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday Classifieds WORK! 12 youth February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator Holy Family fourth graders sing “Our Abe Lincoln” at a Lincoln Bicentennial Birthday Celebration at the West Baton Rouge Museum. Photo by Debbie Shelley Students celebrate Lincoln’s birthday BY DEBBIE SHELLEY Assistant Editor Holy Family School students helped the West Baton Rouge Museum kick off a year-long celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial birthday with a program at the museum on Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12. West Baton Rouge Museum Director Julia Rose, a member of the program committee for the American Association of State and Local History, started planning the local celebration about a year ago. Because of Holy Family’s support of the museum, Rose invited the school to participate in the celebration and they made various projects for Lincoln’s bicentennial birthday. The second graders made log cabins and the third graders made Lincoln hats, which are on display at the West Baton Rouge Library and the West Baton Rouge Museum. The fourth graders collected $251.42 in pennies which they presented to the WBR Museum after performing a play at the museum. The play was an introduction to the museum’s year-long observance, which will include programs and exhibits about Lincoln. Offer expires March 5, 2009. 50th Year Souvenir Glasses Only $5.00! Bring this coupon to Don’s Seafood & Steak House, Baton Rouge and when you purchase one entrée at regular price, receive up to $8 off a second entrée, of equal or lesser value OR use this coupon to receive up to $5 off a second lunch entrée. Offer valid YEARS Mondays through Sinc e 1958 Thursdays. Dine-in only. GRANDPARENTS HONORED – Sara Levron, a kindergarten student at St. Thomas More School, and her brother, Timothy, a first grader, visit with their grandfather, Terry Hebert, when STM honored grandparents Feb. 11-13. Grandparents and special guests visited their grandchild’s classroom and made a special project together. After their classroom visit, the students and their grandparents attended Mass and a musical presentation. Photo provided by St. Thomas More School SWEEPING THE TOURNMENTS – The Sacred Heart sixth-grade boys’ basketball team placed first and went undefeated in the St. George, St. Thomas More, Holy Family and Sacred Heart basketball tournaments. Members of the team are, from left, kneeling, A.J. DePaul, Todd Sterling and Trent Dykes; standing, Spencer Kleinpeter, Toliver Freeman, Dalton Parrot, Jyron Walker, Michael Comeaux, Matthew Crapanzano and Conner Patterson. Photo provided by Tom Patterson 50 NEW ORLEANS AUTHOR’S VISIT – On Feb. 13 Sherry Hill read to St. Louis King of France sixth, seventh and eighth graders passages from her book, “The Marquise Hill Story From the Cradle to the Bowl,” which is about the life of her son. A former LSU football player, Marquise Hill was killed in a 2007 jet-ski accident. She signed a hardback copy of the book for the school’s library. Photo provided by St. Louis King of France School youth The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 Willis finds real faith through struggles in life BY DEBBIE SHELLEY Assistant Editor As Catholic youth grapple with the truth when dealing with life struggles, they find a genuine, sustaining faith and learn more about being themselves, according to Michael Willis, a sophomore at Catholic High School. Many youth fear being ostracized or laughed at by their peers so it’s hard for them to carry out simple tasks, according to Willis. Approaching others and talking to them about their faith is unthinkable to some, said Willis, a member of the Diocesan Youth Board (DYB) who loves to speak publicly and be on stage. When Willis was a seventhgrade student at Holy Family School, he won first place in impromptu speaking at the Beta District Rally. Willis let others see inside his heart and proclaimed his faith when he spoke at the Diocesan World Youth Day (WYD) in Donaldsonville last November. He talked about his sister, Rachael, who died in June 2007 and how her life and death impacted his life. Since he spoke so openly about his sister ’s death at WYD, Willis stated some people believe his life must be problem-free. However, Willis has had to face some truths about his life in his difficult spiritual journey over the past couple of years. Willis said people whom Y outh Focus 13 Tax-Deferred Annuities • IRA • Rollovers Tired of Watching Your Retirement Funds Vanish in the Stock Market? 5.80 % APY Includes Current Yield + 1.80% Bonus Don’t kiss your hard-earned retirement dollars goodbye. Instead, roll them over to Catholic Life Insurance and watch them grow! Because our ¿xed annuities are not tied to the ups and downs of the stock market, we guarantee that you’ll have more in our IRA or Annuity tomorrow than you have today. Michael Willis, 15 Hometown Brusly Call now: Frank Lamulle School Catholic High School 504-458-0957 *Interest rates are subject to change & vary by plan. Rate guaranteed for 1st year. Minimum guarantee is 2.50% Parish St. John the Baptist, Brusly he looks up to help him on his spiritual journey. Father Michael Alello, parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville, is one of the people who challenges Willis to think about what brings true happiness in life. After his sister’s death, Willis met Fr. Alello at the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) Conference at Springhill College in Mobile, Ala., and the two talked for two-and-a-half to three hours about “life.” He said Fr. Alello asked him to open himself up to the Lord by admitting that exterior things can’t bring happiness and that he can’t fix himself. Since their talk at CLI Fr. Alelleo stays in touch with Willis and encourages him to be himself and not worry about what others think. Scott Manning, religion teacher at Catholic High School, also models a life of authentic living, according to Willis. Manning, who accompanied Willis and other youth attending CLI, is a dedicated teacher whom the students consider to be “one of the guys.” Willis said Manning challenges him to get out of his comfort zone to better himself. He also taught him that he can have all the material possessions in the world, but if he doesn’t enjoy what he is doing he will never be happy in life. Rachael Willis left a lasting impression on her brother through the way she lived and handled her cancer treatment. Willis and his sister had many good discussions as they spent time together at places such as the LSU lakes and the mall. Taking a truthful look at his life journey made Willis realize things won’t be “perfect overnight,” and new challenges come up. But he is confident that God will get him where He needs him to be. TO U R N A M EN T CHAMPS – The St. Alphonsus School seventhgrade boys’ basketball team took first place in the Holy Family School Invitational Tournament on Jan. 29Feb. 1. The Hornets went undefeated against Holy Ghost, St. Aloysius and St. Jean Vianney schools. Members of the team are, from left, front row, Matthew Ydarraga, Jansen Browning and Cade Lonibos; back row, Dylan Martin, Cole Holden, Brandon Jordan, Nick Coomes and Wade Broussard. Photo provided by St. Alphonsus School ATTORNEYS AT LAW 270 S. Sharp Road Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (225) 924-7597 JAMES R. COXE, III and ASSOCIATES Personal Injury General Practice AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS WRONGFUL DEATH PRODUCT LIABILITY SEAMAN/HARBOR WORKERS CLAIMS MEDICAL MALPRACTICE WILLS and SUCCESSIONS CORPORATIONS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY REAL ESTATES CRIMINAL DEFENSE Family Law Personal Bankruptcy Notary in Office TELEPHONE (225) 924-7597 “In Home Consultations on Request” Monday and Tuesday nights Allow us to Cater your next Special Event in our elegant Banquet Facilities at either location, or off site at Your Home, Office, or Venue of Your Choice! ALL YOU CAN EAT Celebrate the Lenten Season with us Boiled Shrimp ALL YOU CAN EAT Fried Catfish Monday and Tuesday nights COMING SOON – Hot Boiled Crawfish Every Friday and Saturday night For all catering needs please call: Susanne at 225-924-9841 •Award-winning Seafood Soups daily •Friday Lunch & Dinner Seafood Specials •Fresh Fish of the Day •Fried, Grilled, and Blackened Seafood Specialties 7521 Jefferson Hwy. 15255 George O'Neal (Jefferson Plaza) Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9:30pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-10:30pm Sunday-Appointment only Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9:30pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-10:30pm Sunday 12noon-9pm fax 927-1626 ph. 924-9841 fax 756-9223 ph. 756-0104 entertainment Poll shows residents of Southern states most religious in country 14 PRINCETON, N.J. — As part of a series titled “State of the States,” a new Gallup Poll ranked the top religious states in the United States and found Southern states ranked highest on the list, while several states in the Northeast ranked the lowest. After more than 350,000 interviews, the survey found that Southern states had the highest percentage of respondents who said they considered religion to be an important part of their daily lives. Mississippi topped the list with 85 percent of those surveyed claiming that religion was important. Vermont was named the least religious state, with just 42 percent of respondents there who said they were religious. The data for the poll was collected throughout 2008 via telephone interviews of 355,334 U.S. residents over the age of 18. According to the Princetonbased polling organization, the poll accounted for varying demographics within each state to ensure the accurate representation of the state’s population. Overall, Gallup found that the U.S. is generally a religious country. With 65 percent of the total population saying religion was an important part of their lives. However, Gallup reported that in surveying countries around the world the median percentage of respondents who saw religion as part of their lives was 82 percent. After Mississippi, the states with the highest percentage of residents who said religion was important to them were: Alabama (82), South Carolina (80), Tennessee (79), Louisiana and Arkansas (both 78), Georgia (76), North Carolina (76), Oklahoma (75), and Kentucky and Texas (both 74). Just above Vermont at the bottom of the list was New Hampshire with 46 percent of residents who said religion was important; next came Maine and Massachusetts, both with 48. Other states at the bottom were Alaska (51), Washington (52), Oregon and Rhode Island (both 53), Nevada (54) and Connecticut (55). Researchers explained that ethnic and racial distribution could account for the different levels of religiosity across the country, with certain demographic groups in some states having stronger levels of religious affiliation. Each state also has a different culture, which can impact the level of importance residents give religion in their lives, according to the poll. February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator Confessions of a Shopaholic (Touchstone/Bruckheimer) Mostly silly romantic comedy set in New York about a ditsy compulsive shopper (Isla Fisher) who achieves improbable success writing an anonymous advice column for a fi nancial magazine, despite being deeply in debt herself, and who falls for her good-looking boss (Hugh Dancy). Director P.J. Hogan’s glossy adaptation of Sophie Kinsella’s novels is lively and colorful, and the leads are not without charm, but the film is a paean to materialism even as it pretends to convey a contrary message, while an overabundance of slapstick greatly undermines the humor. A premarital relationship, a few crude words and expressions, mild innuendo, and an undue emphasis on materialism. A-III; PG Friday the 13th (New Line/Paramount) Searching for his missing sister (Amanda Righetti), who disappeared after trespassing on the turf of masked maniac Jason Voorhees (Derek Mears), a young man (Jared Padalecki) becomes one of the slasher’s many targets himself, along with the college student (Danielle Panabaker) who’s helping him hunt. Director Marcus Nispel’s gruesome revival follows the franchise’s usual crass recipe: a melange of sadistic murder, casual teen sexuality, gratuitous nudity and a dash of drug use. Frequent gory violence, torture, graphic nonmarital sexual activity, upper female and rear nudity, brief pornographic imagery, marijuana use, pervasive rough and crude language, half a dozen uses of profanity, and sexual humor and references. O; R The International (Columbia/Relativity) Intense thriller in which a dogged Interpol agent (Clive Owen) and a New York assistant district attorney (Naomi Watts) investigate the elusive leaders (Ulrich Thomsen and Armin MuellerStahl, among others) of a global bank implicated in arms trading and murder. Director Tom Tykwer’s sleek, skillfully crafted conspiracy yarn, which also features Brian F. O’Byrne as an assassin, veers briefly into excessive violence, but focuses most of its attention on the frustrations of operating within the law and the perils of acting outside it. Considerable moderate action violence, brief but graphic gore, vigilantism, some rough and crude language, brief sexual humor, and a couple of uses of profanity. A-III; R Push (Summit) Dreary action adventure tale about a telekinetic American (Chris Evans) living in Hong Kong who teams with his similarly paranormal ex-girlfriend (Camilla Belle) and a tough-talking psychic 13-year-old girl (Dakota Fanning) to thwart the mind-controlling agent (Djimon Hounsou) of a secret and sinister government department. Director Paul McGuigan’s wearingly overcomplicated film traces its main character’s transformation from loner to protector, but otherwise meanders from one armed confrontation to the next. Considerable action violence, implied premarital sexual activity, underage drinking, at least one use of the F-word, half a dozen crude terms and a couple of uses of profanity. A-III; PG -13 Fired Up! (Screen Gems) Banal sex comedy in which two philandering high school football players (Nicholas D’Agosto and Eric Christian Olsen) attend a mostly female cheerleading camp, racking up conquests till one falls for the captain of his squad (Sarah Roemer) and the other for the wife (Molly Sims) of the head coach (John Michael Higgins). Director Will Gluck’s feature debut treats the pursuit of sexual gratification as just another sport, and most of the attempts at humor are tasteless as well as flat-footed. Nongraphic nonmarital and adulterous sexual activity, homosexual comic elements, brief rear nudity, much sexual humor, underage drinking, frequent crude and crass language, and a few uses of profanity. O; PG-13 A-I – general patronage; A-II – adults and adolescents; A-III – adults; A-IV – adults, with reservations; L – limited adult audience; O – morally offensive. 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. entertainment The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 On The Record 1 2 3 4 5 14 by Charlie Martin Avoiding fantasy while pursuing romance White Horse Say you’re sorry; That face of an angel; Comes out just when you need it to; As I pace back and forth all this time; Cause I honestly believed in you; Holding on; The days drag on; Stupid girl; I should have known, I should have known Refrain: I’m not a princess, this ain’t a fairy tale; I’m not the one you’ll sweep off her feet; Lead her up the stairwell; This ain’t Hollywood, this is a small town; I was a dreamer before you went and let me down; Now it’s too late for you and your white horse; To come around Baby, I was naïve; Got lost in your eyes; And never really had a chance; I had so many dreams; About you and me; Happy endings; Now I know (Repeat refrain.) 17 18 20 21 This is a big world, that was a small town; There in my rearview mirror; Disappearing now And it’s too late for you and your white horse; Now it’s too late for you and your white horse; To catch me now Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa; Try and catch me now; Oh, it’s too late; To catch me now (Repeat refrain.) Sung by Taylor Swift Copyright © 2008 by Big Machine Records God has set up life so that you can use the power and courage he has placed within you to discover enduring satisfaction. Even a committed and faithful partner cannot do your necessary work for growth. Of course it is a resource to have another’s support and care. Just don’t make this individual’s presence in your life into some sort of “knight on a white horse” that is supposed to “save” you from life’s challenges. Martin is an Indiana pastoral counselor who reviews current music for Catholic News Service. Write to him at: chmartin@ swindiana.net or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635. Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Shane T. Bennett, CPA, CVA A Professional Accounting Corporation • Income Taxes • Monthly Bookkeeping • Business Valuation 3752 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Ph. 225-343-4715, FAX 225-343-4726 [email protected] 10 27 24 12 13 28 32 33 34 49 50 51 25 29 31 36 38 37 39 40 41 44 11 22 30 43 9 19 23 26 8 16 42 45 46 47 And there you are on your knees; Begging for forgiveness, begging for me; Just like I always wanted, but I’m so sorry; Cause I’m not your princess, this ain’t no fairy tale; I’m gonna find someone someday; Who might actually treat me well. 7 15 35 What makes a recording artist into a recording “star”? How about her debut album going triple platinum while five singles off that disc reach Billboard’s Top 100? Taylor Swift is the only country artist to do so this decade. Though only 18, Swift is a star! Her second release off her second album – “Fearless” – is getting airplay. Successful relationships result when fantasy is avoided and balance is discovered. For the character in “White Horse,” love ends in pain. She discovered that “this ain’t a fairy tale” or “Hollywood.” She recognizes she was “a dreamer before you went and let me down.” While specific problems are not mentioned, she makes it clear to the guy that “it’s too late for you and your white horse to come around.” She no longer wants involvement with a guy who does not show her respect and kindness. While she may have felt “swept off” her feet by this romance, what she now knows will help her build much better relationships in the future. Perhaps she has learned the No. 1 rule for establishing a healthy relationship: Go slow! Discern the difference between fantasy and reality. Be careful of exaggerating what is happening. A beginning is just that; it is not a whole story! It takes time and lots of interaction to know another person. Attraction is easy, but deeper bonds grow by going through ups and downs. While infatuation is easy, love is demanding. It requires patience. The girl should also consider why she was looking for a guy on a white horse to sweep her away. Anyone who seeks a romantic partner as a buffer for the difficulties or emptiness in life is likely to be disappointed. Initially, a new relationship might distract you from what needs to be addressed, but eventually problems have to be faced. 6 15 48 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com ACROSS 1 “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the _____” 5 Landed 10 Luxurious 14 Spoken 15 One of the deadly sins 16 Nautical call 17 Papal letter 19 Certain Sunday 20 One of “the Great” popes 21 Cut ruthlessly 22 Brother of Miriam 23 Member of a monastic order 24 Unfortunate 26 Lacking in fairness 29 Knights’ attendants 30 Composure 31 Holy Land 35 Nimble 36 Esau’s sibling status 37 Operatic melody 38 Pertaining to the sense of smell 40 Span of time 41 US state with the largest Catholic population, _____ Island 42 The 95 ____ of Martin Luther 43 Ice cream treats 46 Bathing suit tops 47 The Way of the ______ 48 Hinted 49 Amateur sports org. 52 Million or billion follower 53 Jesus’ statements, particularly found in John’s Gospel 56 First, second or third 57 Some flowers or fruit 58 Feminine suffix 59 Storage shelter 60 “…is still ___, a sigh is still…” 61 Attack DOWN 1 A minor prophet 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 39 40 42 43 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 Sea eagle City in central Texas Wily At a slope You can do a right or left one with a mouse “…you are Peter, and upon this ____ I will build my church…” (Mt 16:18) 7th letter of the Greek alphabet Literary initials Territory formerly ruled by the pope Chicago airport Certain musical parts Songs sung in church Elected Copies Parable of Jesus Writer Alex ____ Teen and new follower Certain hairstyle French Christmas Moment Spanish cleric Moves along slowly Greek goddess of the rainbow Novena number Sign outside a greasy spoon Certain Native American Charles, for short Describes certain characters Tire markings Strike breakers David married his widow Norwegian Public transports 902 to Nero ___ and the King of Siam Hindu goddess of fire Secondhand Highest mountain in Crete ___ of the Covenant Comparative ending Solution on page 18 16 viewpoint February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator The Human Side by Father Eugene Hemrick Abundance to the rescue in difficult times! The new model of Rockport shoes was just what I was looking for: smartlooking and well-constructed. Just before purchasing them, I cleaned out my closet and found two pairs of shoes in fairly good shape except for the heels. Suddenly I found myself confronted with a decision: Should I buy the latest model of Rockports or put new heels on the shoes I have? This is one small example of what many Americans are doing – choosing what to keep or let go, what to replace or repair. We cannot go without the necessities of life: food, shelter, clothing, medicine, heat and lighting. Although these can also provide us with comforts, they are nonetheless life-giving. The tanking of the stock market, loss of homes and jobs have created a new era in which the necessities of life must be prioritized over life’s comforts, and even some of these necessities are no longer affordable for a growing number of Americans. How to respond to this is the question of the moment. Hopefully, stimulus packages, new programs and streamlining will come to the rescue. How long it will take is another question, and what to do in the meantime is even more the question. As difficult as the times are, we have a wonderful opportunity to live God’s life more fully. For those of us who enjoy an abundance of life, it is expedient for us to open our hearts and share our resources with those experiencing difficult times. In this way we will mirror a loving, giving Christ. Our history is filled with success stories of Christlike neighbors pulling together to assist those in need. Examples abound of people sharing unused space with those needing a roof over their heads. Co-opts and food pantries have been created to stave off hunger. To cut costs, neighbors have helped with repairs and practical advice on how to make ends meet. Numerous examples exist of doctors, nurses, lawyers and accountants providing pro bono services that have saved people from destitution and health care to help them maintain fitness. Heart-wrenching stories abound of people finding ways of providing an education for young men and women. Although no one likes bad times, they can result in astonishing success stories because of the Christlike spirit behind them. Presently we are being challenged to share our blessings with our neighbors, to do everything in our power to help them maintain a dignified life. Father Hemrick, a research associate with the Life Cycle Research Institute at The Catholic University of America and coordinator of institutional research at Washington Theological Union, writes on issues pertinent to the church and the human spirit for Catholic News Service. In Exile by Father Ron Rolheiser Maturity — being cool or being vulnerable? All of us struggle to project a certain image of ourselves. No matter the effort, no matter the hidden cost, when we walk into our place of work or into our circle of friends we want to project an image of calm, poise and easy accomplishment; especially we never want to show signs of weakness, of being needy or lonely, of being ruffled and not perfectly in control. Our society has a word for that, cool, and many of us consciously try to project exactly that. From the clothes we wear, to our choice of sunglasses, to a carefully practiced public countenance, we walk out into public trying to say: “Look at me. I’m successful, I’m healthy, I’m attractive, I’m at ease, I’m not lonely, I don’t have great anxieties in my life, I’m happy, my life isn’t a big struggle, all of my problems are manageable, my life isn’t teetering on any brink, and it doesn’t take an extraordinary effort for me to do all this. I manage this with ease!” And that is not without its virtue. Its opposites are emotional exhibitionism and hysteria. We are meant to be in control of our own lives, to not impose our neediness unfairly on others, to carry ourselves in a way so as to radiate health. However, much as we admire this kind of strength and much as we would like to project it in our own lives, habitual calm and poise can also be a sign of immaturity, of lacking sensitivity and depth. One of the marks of maturity and compassion is an inability to protect oneself from certain kinds of pain, the inability precisely to always be cool and composed. Why? Because, by definition, sensitivity and empathy leave us vulnerable to pain, to loneliness, and to a certain helplessness and weakness. The more sensitive we are, the less cool we will be. It is not a mark of either maturity or depth to walk blithely inside of brokenness and feel it so little that our lives are never really bothered by it. Insensitive people, it would seem, sleep more easily at night because they have no great anxieties, particularly about how their actions may have affected anyone else. The American, Jesuit scholar, Michael Buckley, puts this well in a now-famous essay: He compares Jesus to Socrates in terms of simple human excellence and, surprising to the naïve observer, Jesus doesn’t seem to measure up to Socrates in many ways. Here’s how Buckley puts it: Socrates went to his death with calmness and poise. He accepted the judgment of the court, discoursed on the alternatives suggested by death and on the dialectical indications of immortality, found no cause for fear, drank the poison, and died. Jesus – how much to the contrary. Jesus was almost hysterical with terror and fear; “with loud cries and tears to him who was able to save him from death.” He looked repeatedly to his friends for comfort and prayed for escape from death and found neither. I once thought that this was because Socrates and Jesus suffered different deaths, the one so much more terrible than the other, the pain and agony of the cross so overshadowing the release of the hemlock. But now I think that this explanation, though correct as far as it runs, is superficial and secondary. Now I believe that Jesus was a more profoundly weak man than Socrates, more liable to physical pain and weariness, more sensitive to human rejection and contempt, more affected by love and hate. Socrates never wept over Athens. Socrates never expressed sorrow or pain over the betrayal of friends. He was possessed and integral, never overextended, convinced that the just person could never suffer genuine hurt. And for this reason, Socrates – one of the greatest and most heroic people who ever existed, a paradigm of what humanity can achieve within the individual – was a philosopher. And for the same reason, Jesus of Nazareth was a priest – ambiguous, suffering, mysterious and salvific. John of the Cross, in his classic manual, The Ascent to Mount Carmel, lays out a series of steps for entering more deeply into Christian discipleship. The first step is to get to know Christ more deeply by reflecting on his life. The second step is to begin to more actively imitate Christ by striving more deliberately to imitate his motivation. And once this is done, he says, we judge whether our efforts are leading us more deeply into discipleship or more deeply into self-delusion by, among other things, this criterion: Is more pain beginning to flow into our lives or are we better skilled than ever in protecting ourselves against it? Like Jesus, are we now more prone to weep over Jerusalem as opposed to showing Jerusalem just how far above its pains we really are? Are we now more vulnerable or more cool? Iris Murdoch once wrote: “A common soldier dies without fear, but Jesus died afraid.” There’s a lesson in that. Father Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award winning author. Currently, he is the president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted through his Web site: www.ronrolheiser.com. viewpoint The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 17 Looking Around by Father William J. Byron SJ Dealing with job-seeking discouragement Several weeks ago, Microsoft eliminated 5,000 jobs and IBM notified an undisclosed number of employees that they would be subject to a “resource action.” That’s a new term for layoffs. Hundreds of thousands are out of work and looking. Some job seekers fi nd themselves for the fi rst time asking someone else for help. They fi nd this distasteful. Unaccustomed as they are to asking for help, they are even less prepared for the refusal and rejection those requests will draw. Not flat-out rejections; those will be rare. But letters have a way of being set aside, resumes get lost, promised calls become promises broken. This leaves the job seeker even more alone and much discouraged. Below these surface-level disappointments lies a substratum of discouragement in many that calls out for the durability of hope, a call that does not ordinarily get an immediate response. Hope is needed to provide the courage to endure. Those who experience job loss need immediate and repeated assurance that they have not been laid off from life. Back in the 1960s when college students were supposed to be unreflective activists, Jim Beek, a student at Loyola College in Baltimore, wrote a poem for the campus literary quarterly that speaks to the heart of the problem the person searching for work has to confront. The poem opened with the line: “I awoke in the silent fist of the night gagging on loneliness.” Then, several lines later, Beek writes: “And the fear that my existence wasn’t doing anyone any good was under my fi fth rib.” So he prays “to a god who would have nothing to do with a stained-glass window,” and gets this reply: “Son, this is the pain that lets you know you’re alive.” The fear that your existence isn’t “doing anyone any good” adds a lot of heavy freight to a job seeker’s discouragement. If, as the psychologists remind us, depression is inverted anger – i.e., anger turned in on itself – discouragement might be thought of as an aching awareness of not being needed. The pain is there “under my fi fth rib” all right, but it can serve as a reminder that the jobseeker is alive, a full member of the human race, ready to contribute and walking a path of persistence that leads to another job. There’s that word: persistence. Discouragement erodes it, undercuts it, puts the fi re out. The really discouraged person stops looking. The persistent person never gives up. Persistence can activate the optimism that lies hidden in the inner person, somewhere in the nervous system, ready to spring. But you have to try it to become convinced. You have to believe that the other side of every “out” is “in,” and that any exit is an entrance in reverse. Every ouster is the starting gate for a comeback. You deal with discouragement by not giving up. You simply decide not to live your life “back there;” dredging up the past can be a real depressant. You decide to take life one day at a time, asking yourself: What is most important in my life right now? And you know, as you look at your potential, your family responsibilities and the economic realities of your existence, you realize that the most important thing for you right now is getting a job. Add your personal “Amen” to William Faulkner’s line in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech: “I believe that man (woman would, of course, be specifically included today) will not merely endure: He will prevail.” Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese Mar. 1 .....Rev. Joseph M. Camilleri ................Deacon Thomas J. Malinoski ................Sr. Joseph Charles SSF Mar. 2 .....Rev. John Carville ................Deacon Larry J. Melancon ................Sr. Maria Christy MC Mar. 3 .....Rev. Thomas F. Clark SJ ................Deacon James J. Morrissey ................† Sr. Marie Edana Corcoran OSF Mar. 4 .....Rev. Michael J. Collins ................Deacon Jodi A. Moscona ................Sr. M. Romuald Cormier SSF Mar. 5 .....Rev. Paul D. Counce ................Deacon Donald J. Musso ................Sr. Judith Couturie CSJ Mar. 6 .....Rev. Randy M. Cuevas ................Deacon Roger A. Navarra ................Br. Elliot Couvillon SC Mar. 7 .....Rev. Gregory J. Daigle ................Deacon Angelo S. Nola ................Br. Eldon Crifasi SC Mar. 8 .....Rev. Thomas Danso ................Deacon Curles P. Reesom Jr. ................Sr. Mary Ann Culotta OP Mar. 9 .....Rev. Jamin S. David ................Deacon Frank W. Rhodes Jr. ................Sr. Reneé Daigle MSC Mar. 10 ...Rev. Christopher J. Decker ................Deacon Alfred J. Ricard Jr. ................Br. Ramon Daunis SC Mar. 11 ...Rev. Tran Quang Dinh ICM ................Deacon Bruno Rizzo ................Sr. Micha DeHart MHS Mar. 12 ...Rev. Vincent J. Dufresne ................Deacon Thomas M. Robinson ................Sr. Therese Dinh ICM Mar. 13 ...Rev. Jerome A. Dugas ................Deacon Thomas J. St. Pierre ................Sr. Audrey Ruth Donnenfelser MSC Mar. 14 ...Rev. Thomas P. Duhé ................Deacon Eliazar Salinas Jr. ................Sr. Veronica Dorgan OSF Jesuit Father Byron is professor of business and society at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. E-mail: wbyron@ sju.edu. Lto etter the Editor Suggestions for creating a Culture of Life Three days after taking office, President Barack Obama did just what he said he’d do, reversing the Mexico City Policy (or Global Gag Rule), which re-opens the door to U.S. taxpayer money going to finance abortion overseas. This move condemns only God knows how many babies to death. A majority of American Catholics helped elect him, as well as his vice-president, Joseph Biden, who is avowedly Catholic, but militantly pro-abortion. The same is true for the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. We must realize that this is a terrible scandal and source of confusion to young Catholics. What can one person do to help create a Culture of Life? Pray for our conversion to a Culture of Life. I begin with myself. We cannot win this war with our own efforts, the past 36 years have illustrated that. This is not about getting a pro-life majority on the Supreme Court. This is about getting a pro-life majority in the U.S., beginning with us Catholics. Only when Catholics get down on their knees and humbly ask God for acceptance of “Humanae Vitae,” will there begin to be a change in the culture. Study the issues. What one sees on CNN and in The Advocate is heavily filtered by a media which is hostile to the teachings of Jesus and His Church. But a simple Google search will turn up many excellent sources of information. One of these is www.ewtn. com/prolife. Talk about this with your friends and relatives, including the ones who may disagree. This is a challenge for me, but providing witness to my faith is essential – even for Catholics!! Make one phone call each to the local office of your Congressman and two Senators, politely but firmly asking them to oppose FOCA in any form. This is just three short phone calls. One person with God does make a difference! Don Caffery Baton Rouge, La. Letters to the Editor should be typed, limited to 350 words and contain the name and address of the writer, though the address will not be printed. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Catholic Commentator, P. O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746, or to [email protected] coming events 18 February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator Secular Order of 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 Sunday, March 8. For information call 225-774-8413 or 225-926-6962. Adult Education Series – On Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. the program, “The Book of Rev- elation: A Code-Book or Not?” will be presented in the St. Philomena Church Parish Hall, 108 Brulé Rd., Labadieville. The program, “Catholic Morality: What is Sin, and What Can I Do About It?” will be presented Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the St. Philomena Church Parish Hall. For information call the St. Philomena Church office at 985-536-4247. St. Michael High School Social – St. Michael the Archangel High School, 17521 Monitor Ave., Baton Rouge, will host its 15th annual Raffle and Auction Social on Saturday, March 21 at 6 p.m. in the St. Michael High School Gym. For information call the St. Michael High School office at 225-753-9782. Feast of St. Joseph – The St. Joseph Society of Independence will host the 101st anniversary celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph with a St. Joseph Altar, on Sunday, March 15 at 4 p.m. at Mater Dolorosa Church, 609 Third St., Independence. For information call the Mater Dolorosa Church office at 985-878-9639. Limex Courses – An informational meeting See EVENTS Page 19 CLASSIFIED ADS • CLASSIFIED ADS • CLASSIFIED ADS • CLASSIFIED ADS ANNOUNCEMENTS BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES HELP WANTED HELP WANTED Bus Trip. July 31 to Aug. 10: Montreal & Quebec $989, includes town of St. Anne de Beaupre Shrine & the Notre Dame Basilica; Oct. 11-17: Smoky Mountain Show Trip $589. Call Leslie Tassin at 225-769-5872. Flower bed preparation, landscaping, general yard work, debris removal, commercial, residential; quality work, licensed, free estimate, references. 225-247-6079. EUDIA’S DESIGNING WOMEN. Permanent make-up. St. Francisville. 225-571-6690 or 225-784-0975. Gio’s Mezza Luna now hiring all positions. Apply in person after 5 p.m., Airline Hwy. at Old Perkins Rd. or call 225-335-8880. Childcare position available – fulltime with beneÀts – download application at aloysius.org/childcare/staff or call St. Aloysius Child Care Center 225-343-1338 for information. While we at The Catholic Commentator do our best to bring reliable advertisers to our readers, we are not responsible for any claims made by any advertiser. BUSINESS SERVICES LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP REMOVAL, INC. Prompt service-Free estimates FULLY INSURED E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc Phone 383-7316 St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a Peaceful Death. St. Joseph Hospice is available to support families as they face end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort, dignity and support can make everyday "a good day." Call 225-769-4810 for more information. JUDE AND JENNIFER HEATH CertiÀed Public Accountants Husband and Wife Team Accounting and Tax Planning and Preparation E-FILE YOUR RETURN ONLINE at www.jheathcpa.com 13008 Justice Ave., BR 225-773-0973 Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We restore hurricane damaged furniture. If it's furniture we do it all! ReÀnishing, re-upholstery, pick up and delivery etc. 2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA Accounting and taxes for businesses, non-proÀts and individuals; business, computer, Ànancial and management services. 30 years experience; professional, prompt and personal attention. 225-296-0404. BEAU’S LAWN AND LANDSCAPE, LLC. Get your yard ready for spring! Free estimates 225-278-7523; 225667-8128. Wallpapering by Debbie 28 years exp. 225-266-7655. Residential/Commercial cleaning. Dependable, honest, attention to details. Ref. available. Call 225-4851018. Dave's Bicycle Repair and Sales Free pickup and delivery, free estimates, expert economical repair on all brands. 225-924-4337 or www. davesbicyclerepair.com. Mr. D’s Tree Service 3 Licensed Arborists Free Estimates Fully Insured Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners 225-292-6756 BROUSSEAU'S PAINTING. Interior and exterior painting. Experienced and reliable. Free estimates. Call 225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194. Rug Cleaning & Repair Oriental rugs reweaving, restoration, re-binding, re-fringing. Padding, pillows. Pick-up & delivery. Owner Sarko 225-383-2300 Kitchen counter tops. Call for free estimates. John O'Neill 225-938-6141 or 225-683-6837. Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Upholstery. We do reÀnishing, repairs, caning, painting of furniture and upholstery. Business 39 yrs. Pick up and delivery. 10876 Greenwell Springs Rd. 225-272-2577. FOR RENT Hall Rentals with kitchen, VFW Post 3784, 13214 S. Choctaw Dr., B.R. All occasions. 225-273-1999. New luxury 1 BR executive condo near LSU & downtown BR. $950/ monthly. 225-769-5872. LEGAL NOTICE Anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of Sheila Faye Stephens is asked to contact the Diocesan Tribunal at 225-336-8755. Anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of Irene Munguia is asked to contact the Diocesan Tribunal at 225-336-8755. FOR SALE 4 plots, Roselawn Garden of Memory. $2000 each. 225-673-6827. HELP WANTED St. Joseph’s Academy seeks a fulltime Theology teacher for the 2009-2010 school year. Must be qualiÀed to teach subject. Experience using technology in classroom beneÀcial to employment. Submit resume with references and current transcripts to Assistant Principal of Academics Sheri Gillio at gillios@ sjabr.org. Mail: 3015 Broussard St., Baton Rouge, LA 70808. In sales employment advertisements, the advertiser must name the product or service to be sold. Ads must state how wages will be paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if money is mentioned. The ad must also state if there is an investment required. PRINCIPAL NEEDED Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée New Roads, LA Opening: 2009-2010 School Year Applicants must: 1. Be a practicing Catholic 2. Possess a minimum of 5 years of teaching or school administrative experience 3. Meet Louisiana State Department of Education requirements for certiÀcation 4. Demonstrate leadership ability in past or present educational assignments Salary is commensurate with experience and is according to Diocesan salary guidelines. Availability prior to or on July 1, 2009 is desirable. For application contact: Catholic Schools OfÀce P.O. Box 2028 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 Phone: 225-336-8735 • FAX: 225-336-8711 Applications are also available at www.csobr.org Email: [email protected] APPLICATION DEADLINE March 15, 2009 Print Your Ad Here DATES TO RUN: Circle Category: Announcements—Business Services—Cards of Thanks—For Rent—For Sale—Help Wanted —Positions Wanted—Legal Notices (other ) Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Enclosed is $9.50 for the Àrst 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special effect (all caps, centered line, bold lettering); for a total of $___________for each issue. NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE Advertisements will not be published without full payment in advance. J O E L E R N E U P D O N O E L S C A B S U R I A H W S A A L S C Y C L O H A M O N J U S T I S E F T O F A C T R H O N D A E O S S R E I S E D E D A C L I C K P L O D S A R K R E D O T H C A L K A H A P P A G E A L E S D E R R Y S E T H B R A C U E D M S A Y I E D I S S P A P A L S T A T E S O H A R E S O L O S H Y M N S I R I S N I N E E A T S A A U I N G S E N N E R A I D www.wordgamesforcatholics.com news The Catholic Commentator • February 25, 2009 Events From page 18 on the Loyola Institute of Ministry (LIMEX) Program will be held Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in room 105 of the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. For information call 225-336-8760 or e-mail [email protected]. Pro-Life Teens – Louisiana Camp Joshua will be held March 27-29 at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thrwy., Baton Rouge, to train high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to be pro-life leaders. For information call 504-835-6520 or visit www.campjoshua.org. St. Joseph Church Fair – St. Joseph School, 175 N. Eighth St., Ponchatoula, will host its annual Spring Fair March 20-22 at the school. The event will take place from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 12 noon-9 p.m. Saturday; and 12 noon-4 p.m. Sunday. For information call the St. Joseph School office at 985-386-6421. • CLASSIFIED ADS • CLASSIFIED ADS • HELP WANTED HELP WANTED HELP WANTED Principal’s Position Available Hanson Memorial High School Franklin, Louisiana Hanson Memorial High School is a Catholic co-educational middle and secondary school grades 6-12 with 300 students and accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Hanson is dedicated to the formation of a Christ centered individual, equipped to use the gifts of spirit, mind, and body in positive contributions to Church, family and society. Applicant’s QualiÀcations: • Uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church and meet the Diocesan and State standards • Master’s degree and administrative supervisory experience and/or training; Catholic school administration experience preferred • Excellent spiritual, educational, managerial and communication skills How to apply: Send resume and two letters of reference by APRIL 15, 2009 to: Search Committee, 211 Iberia Street, Franklin, LA 70538 For more information contact: Ken Sinitiere after 5:30 p.m. at 337-828-4591. Hanson Memorial High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Superintendent of Catholic Schools The Diocese of Baton Rouge is inviting applications for the position of Superintendent of Catholic Schools, beginning the academic year 2009/2010. The successful candidate will provide vision and leadership to a system of 33 schools in 8 civil parishes (counties), consisting of 8 high schools, 24 elementary schools, and 1 special needs school serving a total of nearly 16,000 students. Applicants should have the following quali¿cations: • • • • • Practicing Catholic committed to Catholic identity and academic excellence of our schools. Minimum Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and/or related ¿eld, Ed.D. or Ph.D. encouraged. Minimum 5 years experience in educational administration and/or related professional experience. Demonstrated skills in communication, collaboration, staff development, and supervision. Demonstrated experience with budgetary management and resource development. Interested persons should send a letter of application, resumé and references to: Mr. Joseph Ingraham, Catholic Life Center, P.O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028. Or [email protected]. Deadline for submission of material is March 16, 2009. 19 Question Corner by Father John Dietzen Covering statues with purple during Lent Q. At the start of Lent in our parish, the statues and pictures in church are covered with a purple cloth. Other churches in our area do not do this. Is there a rule about this, or is it up to each parish? (New York) A. I’ve never heard of statues being covered during the whole of Lent. Before 1970, crosses and other images in Catholic churches were traditionally covered with purple veils during the final two weeks of Lent, during what was then called Passiontide. When the revised missal was published in 1970, however, it included a different regulation, which is found at the end of the Mass for Saturday of the fourth week of Lent. “The practice of covering crosses and images in the c hurc h may be obser ved, if the episcopal conference decides.” In that case, beginning on the second Sunday before Easter, “The crosses are to be covered until the end of t he celebrat ion of the Lord’s passion on Good Friday. Images are to remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.” These r ubr ics were repeated by the Congregation for Divine Worship in 1988. As of now, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has not voted to continue the rule of covering images. Thus t he practice has not been permitted in this country for 38 years. Individual parishes have no authority to reintroduce the practice on their own. Q. My wife is Catholic and I was raised Protestant. Since our marriage six years ago, we have attended Mass together, especially during Lent. Neither she nor I, however, understand what I and others who are not Catholic should do or not do at Mass. I know we should not receive Communion, but how about bowing or genuflecting before entering the pew? Ca n we go for wa rd at Communion time with others who cross their arms for a blessing? May we stand for the Gospel, for example? And give the sign of peace? Make the sign of the cross at the sprinkling of holy water? I’m sure this is trivial, but I know others in the parish are as confused as I am. (Ohio) A. It’s not at all trivial. My mail regularly brings the same questions from others like yourselves. Most Catholics, it seems to me, have no idea how uncertain and confused those not of our faith can be about how to act at Mass and other ceremonies, even after years of being there week after week. The short and simple answer is that people who are not Catholic are welcome, even invited, to do everything Catholics do, except, as you say, receive Communion. Participate in the prayers, sing, make the sign of the cross, bow or genuflect as you wish. In fact, the liturgy should become a more genuine act of worship for you if you participate in this way, as long as you feel comfortable doing so and if your actions reflect your interior attitude of prayer and devotion with the people worshiping alongside you. It would perhaps not be a bad idea for parishes to place an occasional note in the bulletin on these matters to put you and others like you more at ease. Father Dietzen, a retired priest living in Peoria, IL, answers questions from and about Catholics. He can be reached at Father John Dietzen, Box 325 Peoria, IL 61615; or e-mail: [email protected]. 20 news February 25, 2009 • The Catholic Commentator Deadline approaches to enroll in case management program Catholic Charities helping citizens face challenges from storms CCDBR Case Manager Kristi Hackney works with a client whose life was adversely affected by Hurricane Gustav. Photo by Laura Deavers Families and individuals who sustained losses from hurricanes Gustav and Ike have until March 30, 2009 to enroll in a free case management program led by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) and other members of the National Recovery Consortium (NRC). Trai ned case ma nagers can help locate resources to meet needs created by the disasters, such as assistance with the FEMA and SBA processes, employment services, mental health counseling and volunteer assistance for minor house repairs. To enroll, call the Disaster Hotline at 877-893-0283, Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit www.disas terassistance.gov. There is no charge for these services, and no income limits apply. “This program is designed to help the most vulnerable rebuild lives that were suddenly uprooted by these disasters,” said David Aguillard, CCDBR executive director. “People may have lost their jobs or their homes may have been severely damaged,” continued Aguillard. “They may need crisis counseling, medical care, or help navigating the maze of federal and state aid paperwork. Whatever their need, our case managers can help them access resources to address it.” For some families, their needs may only require shortterm help. For others, whose needs are more complex, case managers will work with individuals and families to create and implement personal recovery plans and to access resources in their community to meet some of their needs. Just days after Hurricane Gustav ripped through this area, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) launched the case management program in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help victims of disaster access critical resources and to provide longterm support for recovery. HHS turned to the faithbased service provider Catholic Charities to coordinate the effort because of its proven track record in providing case management services to the tens of thousands of hurricanes Katrina and Rita survivors. In turn, CCUSA formed the NRC to provide the on-the-ground services, with CCUSA overseeing the program. “Catholic Charities’ niche in disaster response is often long-ter m recover y” said Kim Burgo, senior director of Catholic Charities USA’s Office of Disaster Response. “We are here for the long haul.” It’s Not too Early for Build A Basket When families are struggling to exist on minimum-wage incomes, just paying the rent and putting food on the table is difficult. Needy children learn at an early age that there’s nothing in the budget for extras. Things like Easter baskets are luxuries their families simply cannot afford. Last year, our Build a Basket campaign was a tremendous success and reached so many children in need. Look at the kids in these pictures. They were uplifted by this faithful act of sharing the Easter spirit. St. Vincent de Paul needs your help to build Easter baskets for thousands of needy children. To find out how you can help this year’s Build a Basket effort, contact Lisa Hubble at (225) 383-7837, extension 204.