Catholic Connection November 2010

VOL. 20, NO.4 NOVEMBER 2010

War and Faith: Honoring the Lives

of Veterans

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

The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104

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

Publisher Bishop Michael G. DucaEditor Jessica Rinaudo

Regular Contributors

Featured Contributors

Cathy CobbRev. Charles Glorioso

Kim LongKelly Powell

Dianne RachalChristine RiversChristie Weeks

John Mark Willcox

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

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

Editorial Board

Bishop Michael DucaKim Long

Missy McKenzieLucy Medvec

Fr. Rothell Price

Rosalba QuirozDianne Rachal

Jessica RinaudoChristine Rivers

John Mark Willcox

Brian BurdgesJean DresleyKelly Powell

Fr. David RichterSr. Martinette Rivers

Jane SnyderRoxie Tabor

Mike Van VrankenCindy Wooden

• Nov. 7 (Sunday) Daylight Saving Time Ends • Nov. 25-26 (Thursday and Friday) Catholic Center is closed for Thanksgiving holiday.

• Christmas Day, December 25 is a Saturday this year. Christmas Day is always a holy day of obligation. Masses celebrated after 4 pm on this day are still Masses of Christmas, not vigils for Sunday, December 26—the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

As a practical matter, the USCCB Secretariat of the BCDW observes that pastors and other priests should not feel obliged to schedule a Mass with the people on Christmas evening as attendance would likely be low and it would be difficult to schedule sufficient liturgical ministers (August-September 2010 Newsletter).

• The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, January 1 also falls on a Saturday this year. This feast day is a holy day of obligation, but since it is a Saturday the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated. Masses celebrated after 4 pm on this day are vigil Masses for the Epiphany of the Lord on Sunday, January 2.

• Ritual Masses are prohibited on Christmas Day and the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

From the Chancellor & Office of Worship by Christine Rivers, Chancellor & Dianne Rachal, Office of Worship

The Church seeks to help the faithful departed by earnest prayer to God, and in particular,

by remembrance of them on All Souls Day and throughout the month of November. In the communion of the saints, the communion of Christ’s members with one another, the Church obtains spiritual help for those who have preceded us in faith. This spiritual communion brings the consolation of hope to us who remember with gratitude, love and devotion those who have gone before us in faith. It is in this spirit that we commemorate our faithful departed on All Souls Day and bless their graves. We entrust them once again to the purifying and life giving love of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our priests and deacons will offer prayers at our local cemeteries on the weekend closest to All Souls Day, our annual commemoration of the faithful departed on the following dates:

Saturday, October 30, 2010• Hill Crest Cemetery, Haughton,

10:00 a.m. - Deacon Larry Mills

• Forest Park Cemetery East, Shreveport, 11:00 a.m. – Deacon John Basco

• Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City, 1:30 p.m. – Deacon Freeman Ligon

Sunday, October 31, 2010• Saint Joseph Cemetery, Shreveport,

2:00 p.m. – Rev. Msgr. Earl V. Provenza, vf

• Centuries Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport, 2:45 p.m. – Rev. Francis Kamau, fmh

• Forest Park Cemetery West, Shreveport, 3:30 p.m. – Rev. Henry Kiggundu, fmh

Tuesday, November 2, 2010• St. Paschal Cemetary, West Monroe,

8:30 a.m. - Fr. Frank Coens, ofm

Sunday, November 7, 2010• St. Joseph Cemetery, Bastrop, 11:30

a.m. - Fr. Richard Norsworthy

• Riverview Cemetery, Monroe, 1:00 p.m. - Fr. Joseph Puthuppally, vf

• St. Matthew Cemetery, Monroe, 2:30 p.m. - Fr. Joseph Puthuppally, vf

• Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, Monroe, 4:00 pm. - Fr. Sebastian Kallarackal, cmi

Please contact Father Rothell Price at 318-868-4441, ext. 259 if you have any questions.

Blessing of the Gravesby Fr. Rothell Price, jcl, vg, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia

NOV. 1 Catholic Charities Luncheon; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m.

NOV. 2 Mass of Remembrance; St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 7:00 p.m.

NOV. 3 Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

NOV. 7 Concluding Celebration Mass - 90th Anniversary of Foundation of Sacred Heart Church; Sacred Heart Church, Rayville; 9:00 a.m.

NOV. 9 Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops (LCCB); Baton Rouge; 10:00 a.m.

NOV. 14-19 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) General Meeting; Baltimore, Maryland

NOV. 22 Catholic Charities Luncheon; Catholic Center; 12:00 p.m.

NOV. 22 Knights of Columbus Memorial Mass and Dinner; Bossier Council #4873, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bossier City; 6:30 p.m.

NOV. 23 Annual Clergy/Business Meeting; Catholic Center; 9:00 a.m.

NOV. 30 Good Leaders, Good Shepherds Program, St. Matthew Church, Monroe; 9:30 a.m.

November 2010

On the Cover: A display of U.S. Flags and a cross in honor of the many wounded warriors who have served God and their country. | Dreamstime.com

Contents

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

Blessing of the Graves by Fr. Rothell Price ................................ 2

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

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

Decorum at Mass: Courtesy by Dianne Rachal .......................... 6

Bishop Friend & Sr. Ukeritis Received CARA Awards ................ 6

Catholic Campaign for Human Development by Fr. Rothell Price .............................................................. 7

Catholic Charities Starts to Grow by Jean Dresley .................... 7

Priesthood in the Diocese of Shreveport ................................... 8

Joe Balthazaar Serves 50 Years at Holy Trinity by Jessica Rinaudo .............................................................9

Inspired by His Confidence by Mike Van Vranken ......................9

Giving Thanks by Sr. Martinette Rivers.......................................10

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

War and Faith: Honoring the Lives of Veterans by John Mark Willcox ...........................................................12

Locals Reach Out Through Operation Support Our Troops by Kelly Powell .......................................................................15

Saints for Our Troops by Kim Long ................................................16

Vianney Drama Coming to Shreveport Diocese by Janice Gonzalez ..................................................................16

Diocese Hosts First Pro-Life Banquet by Roxie Tabor ..................17

Parishes Participate in Hope House by Jane Snyder and Jessica Rinaudo ....................................17

Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz ........................................... 18

Synod Opens with Call for Religious Freedom by Cindy Wooden ...19

As Miners Rescued, Chileans Unite in Prayer by CNS ................ 19

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

Friends of Poor Walk Raised Funds for SVdP by Brian Burdges .....21

Mission Market Place by Jane Snyder ........................................22

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

November 2010 Calendar ...........................................................23

Blessing of the Pets ...................................................................... 24

151210 16

Bishop Michael Duca’s November Schedule

Notice an Envelope?

Notice an envelope in this month’s Catholic

Connection?

The new Catholic Charities of Shreveport is asking for your support.

For more information, see page 7.

4 4 Catholic Connection November 2010 5 5 Catholic Connection November 2010

Conozco Este mes han pasado varias cosas por mi mente, y he decidido compartir algunas

importantes que aún no se han formado por sí solas como artículo.

Viendo al año pasado en busca de inspiración, vi que el pasado noviembre comenzó el programa de formación Buenos Lideres, Buenos Pastores para los sacerdotes de la diócesis. Quiero una vez más recalcar mi mas profundo agradecimiento a los feligreses de nuestra diócesis que generosamente donaron su tesoro, oraciones y palabras de aliento a sus pastores en apoyo a este programa. Me he dado cuenta que el tiempo que hemos compartido nos ha fortalecido en nuestra fraternidad sacerdotal y nos ha dado la oportunidad de aprender habilidades concretas y maneras de ayudarnos mas eficiente y amorosamente para dirigir y pastorear a nuestra gente. Estoy seguro de que aun después que este programa termine en mayo, continuaremos reuniéndonos regularmente para nuestra formación continua como sacerdotes.

Noviembre es el mes de la celebración

de Dar Gracias y un día que nos llama a ser agradecidos por nuestros muchos regalos. Haga la intensión de Dar Gracias este día en concreto. ¿Porqué no asistir a una Misa en la mañana con su familia y Dar Gracias por las muchas bendiciones en su vida? AHORA, posiblemente mientras lee esta sugerencia ya esta diciéndose a sí mismo que no hay tiempo para de eso pues estará muy ocupado. DETENGASE. Pregúntese que va a hacer que es tan importante que no puede dejar para después, DETENGASE y tómese el tiempo de enfocar su atención en dar gracias a Dios.

Si no puede detenerse a hacerlo o todavía no ha encontrado la manera de cómo hacerlo, entonces haga el tiempo al principio de su cena de Día de Gracias para decir una oración de gracias, pedir a sus invitados y familia que cada uno diga una oración corta por lo que estén agradecidos. Tenemos tantas bendiciones, así que no deje que el día se vaya sin dar gracias a Dios que es la fuente de todas las bendiciones. También, al dar gracias incluya una oración por los hombres y mujeres que sirven nuestro país en los servicios militares. Ellos estarán lejos de sus hogares el Día de Gracias protegiendo nuestra vida y libertad y merecen nuestro apoyo y oración. En esta edición de la Catholic Connection podrán leer algunas maneras concretas de cómo agradecer a estos buenos y valientes hombres y mujeres.

Por último, quiero que pongan atención a una página de internet que ha desarrollado la Conferencia Episcopal de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos acerca de Matrimonio y Vida Familiar. La dirección es www.portumatrimonio.org y es un recurso excelente para parejas casadas y para aquellas pensando en casarse. En una época cuando la familia y el matrimonio son atacados y estresantes, es bueno tener un lugar donde las cosas positivas del matrimonio se puedan celebrar. Esta página le dará información de ayuda e inspiración a todas las parejas casadas.

La Reflexión del Obispopor Bishop Michael G. Duca

www.portumatrimonio.org

Buenos Lideres, Buenos Pastores


This month there have been many things that have crossed my mind, and I have decided to

share a few random, but important, thoughts that have not formed themselves into a full article.

I looked back one year ago for inspiration and I saw that last November marked the beginning of the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds ongoing formation program for the priests of the diocese. I want to once again restate my deepest thanks to the parishioners of our diocese who so generously donated with treasure, prayers and words of encouragement to your pastors in support of this program. I have found our time together has strengthened our priestly fraternity and provided an occasion to learn concrete skills and insights to help us more effectively and lovingly

lead and shepherd our people. I am sure that even after this program ends in May, we will continue to gather regularly for our ongoing formation as priests.

November is the month of the Thanksgiving holiday and a day that reminds us to be thankful for our many gifts. Take time on this day to give thanks in an intentional way. Why not attend Mass in the morning with your family to thank God for the blessings of your life? NOW, possibly even as you read this suggestion you are already saying to yourself that there is no time for this because you will be too busy.

STOP. Ask yourself what are you doing that is so important that you can’t try to reschedule, to stop DOING and take time to focus our attention on giving thanks to God.

If you can’t get away or can’t figure out how, then make time at the beginning of your Thanksgiving meal to say a prayer of thanks, to invite your guests and family to each give a short prayer for why they are thankful. We have so many blessings, so don’t let the day go by without giving thanks to God who is the source of all blessings.

Also, as you are giving thanks add in a prayer for the men and women who serve our country in the military services. They will be far from their home on Thanksgiving protecting our life and liberty and are worthy of our prayers and support. In this edition of the Catholic Connection you can read about how you can show your thanks in concrete ways to these good and brave men and women.

Lastly, I want to call your attention to a website developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Marriage and Family Life. It is called ForYourMarriage.org and is an excellent resource for married couples and for those considering marriage. At a time when marriage and family life is so attacked and stressed, it is good to have a place where the positives of marriage can be celebrated. This site will give support, helpful information and inspiration to all married couples.

Bishop’s Reflection

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

November marks one year since priests working in the Diocese of Shreveport began the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds program, which has fostered education and fellowship among priests and Bishop Duca.

USCCB sponsored ForYourMarriage.org is an excellent resource for married couples and those considering marriage.


Washington, D.C.— The Center

for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University honored two noted leaders of Catholic research on October 20 at CARA’s annual Mass, dinner, and awards ceremony at Georgetown University. The awardees were Most Rev. William B. Friend, Bishop Emeritus of Shreveport, and Sister Miriam D. Ukeritis, csj, Chief Executive Officer of the Southdown Institute.

Bishop Friend received the Cardinal Cushing Medal for the Advancement of Church Research. The medal is named in honor of Richard Cardinal Cushing, one of the principal founders of CARA, and is awarded annually to a person or an organization that has advanced Church research through their active support of research and their understanding of its uses.

Bishop Friend became the first Bishop of Shreveport in 1986 when the diocese was created from territory carved from the Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport. He served as Chair of CARA’s Board of Directors from 1997 to 2003. In 2004, the Board unanimously conferred upon him the title of Board Member Emeritus.

A native of Miami, Bishop Friend attended Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham in 1959. After ordination, he completed studies in education and psychology at The Catholic University of America and in management at the American Management Institute in New York. During his active ministry as a priest and bishop, Bishop Friend served in many different roles in parish ministry, education, research, and administration, including Director of the Office for Educational Research at the University of Notre Dame.

A strong proponent of adult education

and faith formation, Bishop Friend established the Institute of Catholic Studies, later named the Greco Institute, in 1982. The Institute provides college-level courses in theology, Scripture, liturgy, morality, and spirituality to men and women in the Diocese of Shreveport, which has no Catholic colleges or universities.

Sister Ukeritis received the Rev. Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD, Award for Exemplary Church Research. The award, named for CARA’s first executive director, is

given annually to a researcher who has distinguished himself or herself in the conduct of Church research.

Sister Ukeritis leads the Southdown Institute, a residential treatment center for clergy and religious near Toronto, Canada. She previously served as the Director of Research at Southdown from 2003 to 2008 and as a consultant to the Carter Centre, an educational conference center on the grounds of the Southdown Institute, since it was founded in 2001. As Director of Research, Sister Miriam was responsible for coordinating efforts to translate the extensive clinical experience of the Southdown Institute into knowledge informing both clinical practice and Church life.

Sister Miriam has worked extensively with religious and clergy in both therapeutic and educational settings for more than three decades. Since 2000 she has also served as principal in Carondelet Consultants, a group that offers consultation services for religious communities.

“We are delighted to honor Bishop William Friend and Sister Miriam Ukeritis at CARA’s annual celebration of Church research this year. Both of them have helped to increase the Church’s self understanding and have advanced Catholic scholarly research. By means of these awards we not only recognize their achievements but we also thank them for their many years of service to the Church,” said Father Stephen Fichter, interim executive director at CARA.

Bishop Friend and Sister Ukeritis Received 2010 CARA Awards

Those of us who work in the church, especially those involved in liturgy, occasionally get frustrated by the lack

of liturgical courtesy we see at Mass. Most notable are people arriving late, leaving early, dressed inappropriately, leaving pews a mess and chewing gum, even in the communion procession.

We have a responsibility to one another as members of the Body of Christ. We witness through our participation. We show general courtesy by not disturbing others at their worship when we:

• Arrive and be seated before the Entrance Procession begins.

• On the rare occasion when one is late for a legitimate reason, wait until an appropriate time to be seated: just before or after the first reading, but never during a prayer or proclamation.

• Sit near the front and in the middle of the pew, leaving the back and outer seats of the pew open for latecomers.

• Do not leave Mass before it is over—the final blessing empowers us and the dismissal commissions us to carry the gospel message into the world.

• Dress respectfully for God and our brothers and sisters who are the Body of Christ—do not let your dress be a distraction.

• Do not chew gum—this is never acceptable at Mass.

• Turn off all electronic devices—it is rude when these go off during a speech, concert, or classroom; it is much more discourteous when they go off during Mass.

We can choose to strengthen our worshipping community by practicing courtesy at the celebration of the Mass.

Decorum at mass:Courtesyby Dianne Rachal, Office of Worship

Bishop Emeritus of Shreveport, William B. Friend received the Cardinal Cushing Medal for the Advancement of Church Research.


Iam writing to encourage your wholehearted participation in our Second Collection for November. This

collection assists in furthering the work of the bishops of the United States to end and lift people out of poverty.

This, and other second collections, always reminds me of the Gospel account of the five loaves and two fishes. The apostles were overwhelmed in the face of so much need and so little resources. We are able to accomplish so much with so little when we place our faith in God. We have come to know the Father will bless our every good endeavor, especially those that seemed doomed for failure and inadequate to the need in front of us, “we conquer overwhelming through Him who loves us,” says Saint Paul. Our seemingly inadequate and tiny insufficiencies are transformed into mind boggling surplus under the guiding hand of God. Please give, with a cheerful heart, what the Spirit moves you to give, knowing that it will be blessed by and useful to the Lord in his work of caring for His children in body and spirit.

On the weekend of November 20 and 21 we will have our Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). This collection is the primary source of funding for the CCHD’s anti-poverty grants and education programs. The collection proceeds have helped secure funding for low income day care centers, legal advocacy to enforce fair and just wages,

programs that emphasize education, and affordable housing for low income neighborhoods. For 40 years, CCHD has provided funding to groups that make lasting change, fight poverty, and defend the dignity of the poor in the U.S.

Charity begins at home. That is exactly what this collection and campaign are about, us attending to the needs of our people in the United States. This collection and campaign are us responding to Lazarus in front of our door. This is us having faith the size of a mustard seed so we can courageously do what we were obligated to do. Doing the work of the Lord does not require great wealth or faith. God is quite capable of doing a heck of a lot with little. Give your heart, prayers and generosity to this second collection, the Campaign for Human Development. God has developed us so we, in turn, can develop others. Development, not handouts, is what the Campaign for Human Development is all about.How well did the diocese do?2nd Collections for August:• Diocese of Shreveport Hispanic Ministry $14,470.52• Aid to the Church in Latin America $875.21• Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe $ 435.23 • Catholic University & National Institute for Hispanic Ministry $ 257.00

Catholic Charities is a new social service agency seeking to meet the needs of the least of our brothers and

sisters in our diocese. The work of Catholic Charities is a response to Christ’s message to love and care for the most vulnerable among us. As a new social service agency we are dependent on the generosity of many to support the work we do.

Our master plan has identified four areas of service set to start in the next few months: Emergency Assistance (meet the basic needs of those in crisis), Disaster Response (provide assistance to victims of natural disasters), Parish Social Ministry (train and assist parishes’ outreach to the poor) and Immigration Assistance (provide legal services and advocacy to low income immigrants). These programs will form the foundation from which Catholic Charities hopes to grow. To make sure we are serving the entire diocese, we hope to open an office in Monroe to serve the needs of those in the eastern part of our diocese and, eventually, we hope to have four offices located throughout the diocese with your support.

Starting a social service agency is an expensive venture but the needs of the people in northern Louisiana are great. The latest census report states that one in seven Americans is living in poverty. The current economic conditions have forced many who have never sought help before to seek assistance. At Catholic Charities we want to manifest Christ’s great love and compassion for the poor and vulnerable in our midst. In this issue of the Catholic Connection, you may have noticed an envelope asking for your financial support of Catholic Charities. I hope we can count on your prayers and support as we endeavor to reach out to those most in need in our diocese.

Catholic Campaign for Human Developmentby Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, jcl, vg

Announcement Dates: November 20 & 21

Catholic Charities Starts to Growby Jean Dresley, Director of Catholic Charities of Shreveport


One of the projects taken on by Vianney Vocations in our partnership with them is a demographic study to discover the priest and seminarian trends since the beginning of the Diocese of Shreveport in 1986. Part of the answer to the vocations shortage in our diocese is understanding what we may reasonably expect in the future if current trends continue. In order to reverse the negative trends, we must know how many seminarians we ought to recruit and bring to ordination.


I ’ve always loved the story in John’s gospel of the wedding feast where we believe that Jesus performed

his first public miracle. There are several lessons we can learn from that story, but it is the words of Mary that sometimes fascinate me the most.

Picture this: Mary is at a wedding where the guest list also includes Jesus and his disciples. At some point during the celebration, (I’m paraphrasing here) this Jewish mother says to her preacher son, “they have no wine.” Jesus’ response: “So what?”

Now, this is the part that I really love. Rather than continuing this dead-end conversation with Jesus, Mary turns to the servants and says: “Do whatever he tells you.”

Now, how is that for faith? She has made her point with Jesus and has enough confidence in her relationship with her son that she directs the servants to do whatever he says; knowing that he is going to take care of the need she has described to him. In essence, it was a simple four word prayer - “they have no wine.” That is all she had to say. And while he seemed to protest, she knew the prayer was already answered. I find two great learnings here:

1. Mary is showing us what true faith in Jesus really is. She asked and then behaved knowing the prayer was already answered, even though there were no visible signs of any miracle.

2. Jesus honored her wish even though he stated that his “ . . .hour had not yet come.” His love for her was so great that he miraculously resolved her issue.

All of this leads me to ponder that Catholic prayer: the Memorare.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Think how powerful it must be to ask this same mother of Jesus to intercede with him on our behalf. He has already set the precedent. At the wedding feast, she asked him for a favor on behalf of her friends - the newly married couple. If he would be so faithful to answer a petition to replenish the wine at a party 2,000 years ago, think how fast he’ll respond to your pressing needs in 2010.

Do you have any prayer requests today? Pray the Memorare and let that same Jewish mother go to work on your behalf.

Joe Balthazar has become a fixture at Holy Trinity Church in downtown Shreveport. Joe began working at Holy Trinity 50

years ago as a groundskeeper, sharing his time between the Holy Trinity Church grounds and St. Joseph Cemetery, which was under Holy Trinity’s jurisdiction at the time.

Joe looked back on his years of service with a smile, sharing story after story of his experiences there. Joe laughed as he spoke of former pastor Fr. O’Hanlon. “Father O’Hanlon was always out there cutting hedges with me,” said Joe. “He’d get out in the cemetery and ride the mower. On All Souls Day we’d clean up the cemetery and mow the lawn.”

Holy Trinity is located in downtown Shreveport, which created some unique problems for Joe over the years. Often people would wander into the church, church grounds or cemetery looking for a place to sleep. Joe told stories of finding people sleeping under pews and Fr. O’Hanlon throwing a man’s shoes out of the cemetery!

Joe also spoke of the many days the secretary at Holy Trinity spent handing out sandwiches to those in need (including those who would change their appearance and come back for seconds).

At a special lunch held in Joe’s honor, Msgr. Earl Provenza said Joe had never missed a day of work and Holy Trinity would not be the same without him. He also noted Joe’s hard work in the church gardens, which earned him Downtown Shreveport’s “Garden of the Month” prize.

During his special lunch, Msgr. Provenza and Bishop Duca presented Joe with a gold solar watch from Holy Trinity.

When asked if he had any plans of retiring any time soon, Joe laughed and said, “No way!”

Inspired By His Confidenceby Mike Van Vranken, Greco Institute Instructor

Joe Balthazar Serves 50 Years at Holy Trinity Churchby Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Making a

Difference


When you know in your heart that gratitude has gained a foothold in your life and being grateful

has truly grasped you by the hand, beware! Being grateful can break all boundaries between people. The Pilgrims and their Native American neighbors didn’t realize what would grow from their first modest dinner together. It all emerged from their sense of profound gratitude for God. They had a bountiful harvest that year and were prepared for the severe winter ahead of them. God’s love had not changed for them and they were grateful, but what about our gratitude?

The Proclamation of George Washington in 1789 recognized that there is more to Thanksgiving than eating turkey. It recognized people of different cultures had bonded, had worked together, grown together, in spite of their differences. After learning from each other and harvesting their crops together, they celebrated with a meal like Jesus did with his friends so many times.

The first Thanksgiving was a celebration of life and abundance, not nationality or riches, but of the gift of each other and the work different people had accomplished together. They were not taking life and its gifts from God for granted. They truly gave praise to God and recognized the magnitude of their great souls.

Awaken your spirit and feed it with gratitude as you harvest what you have grown this year in the respect you’ve had for all the different people you met and the work they did for you this past year.

Look around your city and be grateful. I’ll be grateful from Italy and celebrate in my heart as Thanksgiving is not celebrated here, but I too have so much to be grateful for! By counting our blessings we become more aware of them. Perhaps we can make the world a better place by becoming a people who express gratitude and affirmation to each other. How peaceful it would be if we could walk next to one another, honoring differences and respecting diversity. “Greatness is making others feel great.” - G.K. Chesterton.

Appreciate everything good in your life, heighten your gratitude by asking someone what they most appreciate in their lives. Tell them “thank you,” “I appreciate you.” When we say thank you

we should be reminded how much we need others. Be grateful for who you have become this year. If we have lived authentically, we have become more worthy of trust, we are more genuine and true to ourselves and with others. “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... I’m free to choose what that something is... My faith demands that I do what I can, for as long as I can,with whatever I have... to try to make a difference.” - Jimmy Carter

The U.S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee gratitude only the pursuit of it. Benjamin Franklin said “You have to catch up with it yourself.” Can we ever catch up with gratitude? Emerson said it even better, “Write it on your heart, that everyday is the best day in the year...to be grateful”.

When George Washington signed his proclamation in 1789, he got down on his knees uder a tree to give thanks and praise to God. If we could only dare to live with thanks and praise, forget the yesterdays and live the tomorrows, we could bring about a change in our country, because it is each of us who makes a difference.

This season is a great time to allow gratitude to emerge as an attitude. We can choose to create a better life for ourselves and others. Beggars can’t be choosers, but they can choose to be grateful. Gratefulness creates solidarity with the poor all over the world. What makes each of us truly human is gratefulness. Let’s focus this year on life’s blessings instead of its shortcomings. To be grateful is a

universal experience. Thankfulness is a living and spoken

word of intimacy and praise to God, to our families, communities and friends.

As you prepare your table for Thanksgiving dinner, think of the abundance of people George Washington may have thanked on his first Thanksgiving day, before or after dinner and then think about the abundance of people who have been a blessing for you and remember genuine appreciation is a wonderful gesture, however it is done.

We are not self-made. There are so many people out there who helped our souls blossom. Being appreciated increases our positive energy and makes our souls blossom all the more.

“It is right to celebrate.” - St. Luke. There is always time to do what is

important, and perhaps this is our time to be more grateful than ever, wherever we are, whatever we are doing, what we have or don’t have; live and be grateful for all the Thanksgivings we’ve had and for all those we may celebrate in the future. As George Gershwin would say when he sat at the piano, “My time is today.”

Make this Thanksgiving your best one. Be happy, be grateful, share with those who are not as richly blessed. When you finish counting your blessings, you’ll have a better night’s sleep. There is a wonderful Yiddish proverb: “If you cannot be grateful for what you have received, then be thankful for what you have been spared.”

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from Italy!

Giving Thanksby Sr. Martinette Rivers, ols


School News

1. Jesus the Good Shepherd School Celebrated Day of the Arts

Our first ever Day of the Arts was held on September 27. This month we went to France! The children received

their passports that morning and didn’t need any luggage to go on the adventure. Everyone came to school dressed in red, white and blue with added berets. They listened to French music and ate French food, such as croissants, quiche, brie and baguettes. We learned about the Eiffel Tower and Joan of Arc.

There were opportunities for them to look at artist Renoir’s work and create their own masterpieces. Dr. James Boldin was our special guest from the Monroe Symphony. He came to play the French horn, this month’s instrument. Poems from Shakespeare and Robert Frost, our authors of the month, were read aloud and discussed by the children. The children drew a picture of the Robert Frost selection. It was a Tres Chic Day!

2. Our Lady of Fatima Students Took a Fall Themed Field Trip

Our Lady of Fatima Pre-K 4 classes recently took a field trip to Curry Farms Pumpkin Patch in Start, LA. The

students learned how pumpkins grow, took a hayride, played in the corn maze and picked their own pumpkins. Everyone had a wonderful time!

3. St. Joseph School Remembers 9/11

Students and family members from St. Joseph School paid tribute to the fallen heroes of September 11, 2001

with its annual Flag Ceremony on Friday, September 10. Members from the Barksdale Air Force Base Color Guard participated in the ceremony with Lt. Colonel Susanna Harris, a St. Joseph School parent and Deputy Director of Logistics for 8th Air Force, serving as the guest speaker. At the end of the ceremony, students released red, white and blue balloons attached with prayers into the air. Members from Shreveport Fire Station #11 were also in attendance to give fire engine tours to students from the Kindergarten Village.

4. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy Students Have Had a Busy Fall!

The fall months have had Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy students fabulously busy! We’ve

gone to the Dixie Maze, Holiday Lanes, and the Wallette Library. We’ve also been on nature walks, animal sightings and we’ve even seen a real fire truck. Whew! In addition to all of that fun we’ve also learned about our state, community helpers and so much more. We’re going to keep up our hard work and enjoy our much needed Thanksgiving break.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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by John Mark Willcox

hose of us who remain caught up in the everyday pursuit of life’s activities can at times forget that there are those among our fellow Americans who are many miles from

their homes and loved ones, protecting American interests and freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.

This day and age finds the members of our armed forces in faraway places, combating fear, fatigue, separation and hardships for our sake as they take on a largely unseen foe or work to secure our interests in the air, beneath the seas and on terra firma. How one approaches their duty during their enlistment, how they prayed and worshipped and what their memories are can make one appreciate November 11, Veterans Day, in a very special way.

Daniel Barbour is an Army Sergeant who, at tender age of 21, began killing enemy soldiers in Sadr City, a suburb of Baghdad, Iraq. He joined the Army at age 18 to “get out of Bullard, Texas” and was stationed in Germany before he shipped out to the Middle East as part of the 1st Armored Division.

Just hours into his first patrol duty he saw combat and just days later he saw a fellow soldier in his platoon lose his life. Each separate patrol lasted approximately 10 hours, with about 10-15 people and could involve multiple encounters with enemy combatants hidden in the myriad of cramped neighborhoods that fan out in the Baghdad suburbs. A mere two months later Daniel had his first confirmed kill, followed by nearly 10 others during a very rough 12 months of duty in one of the world’s most dangerous environments.

Although he was raised in a religious environment that included faithful Sunday worship, Daniel’s relationship to God changed during his time in Iraq. “I just kind of lost track of my religion while oversees, not necessarily because of what I was exposed to, but more because my mind was filled with other things. I would wake up each day and eat breakfast, go to the gym, have lunch with a shave and shower before I heaped on my gear and went back out on patrol.” With death and destruction always in close proximity, the potential loss of those he fought with and cared for was a very real possibility. “It was hard

to deal with, but not impossible,” comments Daniel. “I just tried to put it out of my thoughts so that I could get up the next day and do it all over again but it does stay in the back of your head for sure.”

Ironically, it was a supposed “peaceful” political rally in Sadr City in June of 2008 that ended Daniels first tour of duty. Militants set off a car bomb at the event, storming the scene with gunfire. Daniel took an AK-47 round to his shoulder which collapsed his lung and very nearly took his life. “It was like the greatest force I’ve ever felt just slam me to

the ground. I woke up in the Medical Evacuation chopper with a guy ramming a tube in my chest to re-inflate my lung. That was pretty painful and I lost consciousness again until I woke up in the hospital.” Thankfully, Daniel’s medical care and rehabilitation went well and he returned home. Currently, he is cleared for a second tour of duty in Iraq which will begin in November of this year with arguably the Army’s most famous Division, the Big Red One.

Jesus the Good Shepherd parishioner and Monroe native Dr.

Gary Patton, an Army soldier.

“The only Chaplain who had the guts to come out and minister to us was a Catholic priest and his

courage and willingness to tend to our spiritual needs was very inspiring to me...”


of Veterans


Ab Alias practiced pathology for the Army during America’s involvement in Indo-China. He was drafted for duty and stationed in Landstuhl, Germany from 1969 to 1972. “We were the tertiary hospital for most of the wounded coming from Vietnam so we were very busy during my time in Germany,” states Dr. Alias. “My wife and young children were stationed with me and while my work could be difficult and disturbing, my entire family truly benefitted from our time in Landstuhl because Americans were few and we had to learn and adapt to the German culture and language.”

Mass was held in the base chapel but the Alias’s attended many local churches as well. “By the time we had been there a while, our German was good enough to where we could enjoy Mass and follow along with no problem. Being able to attend Mass and stay close to the sacraments was just a real spiritual boost.”

Looking back on the experience, Dr. Alias has positive memories, “Oh, those were some of the best days of our life because it was such a rounding experience, both for me and my practice of medicine and for my wife and kids as well.”

The Vietnam experience for Gary Patton, Sr. was much different, as he served in the Army’s field artillery unit from June of 1969 to June of 1970. Part of the Air Mobile “Blue Berets,” he spent much of his tour manning an 8” 175 battery which were the largest guns American forces used at the time. “Our job was to pound

the Ho Chi Minh trail,” relates Gary. “We were in the central highlands and we took plenty of shells from the Viet Cong because they were taking a lot of fire from us and wanted very badly to knock out our unit.”

Gary joined the Army out of obligation and duty commenting, “A member of my family has fought in just about every war America has had and I was eighteen years old and seeking adventure. Boy, I found more adventure than I ever bargained for…and then some.”

Raised Methodist before converting to Catholicism following the war, Gary found few opportunities for organized worship while in Vietnam. “Even though we had no real church most of the time, you get religious real quick out there,” relates Gary. “At the end of my tour I was stationed at a fire base just one kilometer from the Cambodian border and it was isolated and very dangerous. The only Chaplain who had the guts to come out and minister to us was a Catholic priest and his courage and willingness to tend to our spiritual needs was very inspiring to

me and caused me to begin looking at the Catholic Church with a new perspective.”

Thankfully, Gary shipped out of that location just three days prior to it being overrun by North Vietnamese Regulars with very heavy US casualties. “I suppose the good Lord had another plan for me,” remembers Gary.

After arriving at Barksdale Air Force Base in the 1980’s Mark Medvec and his

Dr. Ab Alias with his family in Germany during

his time in the Army.

Left: 21-year-old Army Sergeant Daniel Barbour in Sadr City, Iraq. Right: Gary Patton (center) with two buddies at Tan Canh during the battle of Dak Seang in Vietnam.


of Veterans


wife Lucy settled in Shreveport and joined St. Joseph Church in Broadmoor. Mark began piloting B-52’s for the United States Air Force in 1986, and played a major role in the first Gulf War at the dawn of the 1990’s as part of the 801st Bomb Wing. “We had 65 consecutive days of missions at the beginning of Desert Storm and our very first bombing run was conducted at only 200 feet to avoid enemy radar so the anti-aircraft fire was very heavy,” comments Mark. “It looked like fireworks lighting up the sky around us while we dropped our ordinance.”

When not piloting a B-52 on a sortie, Mark rested at the US Air Base in Morón, Spain. With its massive flight line, in-ground aircraft refueling system and a long runway, Morόn occupies a prime location in the Iberian Peninsula, close to the Middle East and is a vital link in our global military. A chapel was located on base where Eucharist was offered before each mission. “If we didn’t have an Air Force Chaplain available we would go to the nearest Spanish town of Seville and borrow a priest when necessary,” related Mark, “the Mass and the

sacraments were very important during our time there.”

Mark’s prayer life was very active during his tour of combat service. “I would say a full five decades of the Rosary during the course of each flight as we had long stretches of travel over the Mediterranean.” Each of these missions taking place in 1991 took 13 to 17 hours to complete.

Retiring from active duty in 2008 after 22 years in the Air Force, Mark now raises his two sons and continues to work

at Barksdale in a civilian capacity but he looks back on his service with pride. “I joined because I was patriotic and I wanted to serve my country. In retrospect, I found the whole experience positive and rewarding.”

This Veteran’s Day, let us remember in a special way all those women and men who serve our country as members of our armed forces. We want to especially recall those brave individuals who have lost their lives in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation while ensuring our cherished way of life.

Father Richard Fale, formerly of the Alexandria-Shreveport diocese, painting a water color of a house across the street from the Alias home in Germany. Fr. Fale was a close family friend of Dr. Alias and visited him and his family while they were on their tour of duty.

Above: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, prepares to wash the feet of military and civilian personnel at Camp Victory just outside of Baghdad, Iraq, during the April 9 Holy Thursday liturgy at the base chapel . (CNS photo/ Sgt. Neil W. McCabe, The Pilot). Right: Mark Medvec, a member of the Air Force, at church with his son.


Shirley Olivieri-Mathies has an even better reason than most Americans to support soldiers

stationed in the Middle East – her son, Dustin, is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point who recently returned from his second deployment in Iraq. He and his wife, a fellow West Point grad who was deployed to Afghanistan, are currently stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington.

For two years now, Olivieri-Mathies has been the chairman of the Shreveport chapter of Operation Support Our Troops (OSOT), a national non-profit organization whose sole mission is to collect and pack items to deployed military personnel. Another West Point mom, Sheryl Sheaffer, started OSOT in 2003. Her son, Scott, called home one day and asked, “Mom, where are you guys? All we’re seeing are the antis!” The Sheaffers were involved in Operation Home Front during the Gulf War in 1991, and she realized that her son and his fellow soldiers deserved the same support they had shown American troops 12 years earlier.

The Shreveport chapter of OSOT – the only one of its kind in the Ark-La-Tex – sends care packages to soldiers five times a year for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween and Christmas. Olivieri-Mathies, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church (SEAS) since 2003, implored her parish to get involved, and as she said, “This church just grabbed a hold of this project and ran with it.” SEAS is now a “drop point” for OSOT, which means parishioners and others in the community who want to donate items or money for the care packages can leave them at the church.

And Olivieri-Mathies and her team of volunteers need all the donations they can get. Last Christmas, OSOT packed 110 25- to 35-pound boxes and shipped them to remote areas in Afghanistan where soldiers rarely have access to dining halls and showers. Popular care package items include coffee, tea, creamer, sugar, granola or protein bars,

instant soup, Pringles potato chips (because they’re packaged in cans), nuts, candy, chewing gum (regular and sugarless), toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, lip balm, travel-size bottles of lotion, shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash (including those acquired from hotels), handmade artwork made by children and notes and letters of appreciation and encouragement.

American Climate Controlled Storage on Pines Road donated space to OSOT for use as a packing facility. Recently, volunteers gave the space a makeover with fresh paint, new lighting, wall decor and more tables. Their last packing took place, appropriately, on September 11, when they prepared their Halloween shipment.

The next packing is scheduled for Saturday, November 13, when they will box items for Christmas. For this shipment, they need: instant hot chocolate, coffee and tea, instant oatmeal and grits, Ramen noodle and other instant soup cups (any flavor except pork), tuna in foil packs, tube socks, non-aerosol athlete’s food medication, lip balm, blank Christmas cards to send their families (no overtly religious themes), small games (unwrapped), puzzle books, handmade Christmas cards and artwork made by children, notes and letters of appreciation and encouragement. Of course, monetary donations not only help OSOT buy the supplies they need but also help offset

the cost of shipping.Due to organizational rules, OSOT

cannot ship certain items. These include pork products or anything pork flavored (e.g., Vienna sausage or spam), homemade baked goods (for safety reasons, all food must be commercially packed), overtly religious items (e.g., prayer books or rosaries), aerosol cans or anything suggestive.

If you bring items to one of the three dropout points, please leave shipping boxes unsealed, as OSOT volunteers must inspect the contents of every box before shipment. Troops get free postage when they send mail, but OSOT appreciates donations of books of stamps, which they use to send thank you notes to individuals or organizations that make donations. Notes and letters of appreciation and encouragement are vitally important in boosting troop morale, and they should begin, “Dear American Soldier.”

Besides SEAS at 522 East Flournoy Lucas Road in Shreveport, the other two drop points are American Climate-Controlled Storage at 6721 Pines Road in Shreveport and Bank of Montgomery at 952 Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches. If you’d like to participate in the next packing or want more information, contact Olivieri-Mathies Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at (318) 862-9847 or (318) 219-7488 at night or during weekends. You can also email her at [email protected].

Locals Reach Out Through Operation Support Our Troopsby Kelly Powell

An Easter box prepared to ship overseas. Boxes include candy, hygiene items and hand crafted notes and cards. Boxes are shipped five times a year.


The popular theatrical one-man drama, Vianney, performed by Leonardo Defilippis, will be

presented at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Catholic Center in Shreveport and on Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Frederick High School in Monroe. An additional private performance will be offered for Loyola College Prep’s students and faculty. This popular production, which is sponsored by the diocesan Office of Vocations, began touring the U.S. as a part of the worldwide celebration of the Year for Priests declared by Pope Benedict XVI, and is continuing on tour for another year.

Vianney was performed at last year’s USCCB Fall Assembly. Bishop Michael Duca attended the performance in Baltimore and said, “I saw the play in a special showing to the Bishops last November and I found it inspiring. I encourage you not to let this opportunity go by.”

The response to Vianney has been overwhelming - young men have felt the call to the priesthood, audiences have a new appreciation for the Sacraments, and thousands of priests have been renewed and encouraged in their priestly vocations. The Diocese of Shreveport’s Director of Vocations, Rev. David Richter, said, “Experiencing the St. John Vianney drama is a wonderful extension of the high-profile patron saint for priests from the recent ‘Year for Priests.’ You will be both inspired and entertained.”

John Vianney, commonly known as the Curé of Ars, lived in the era following the French Revolution, which had decimated the Catholic faith in France. A poor peasant, incompetent in his studies of Latin and theology, he was ordained anyway because of the shortage of priests. Vianney was then sent off to the obscure village of Ars, where the people had fallen into decadence, crime and debauchery. In his determination to save every single soul put into his care, he encountered

tremendous resistance, and even violent supernatural attacks. Many nights, witnesses attested, the furniture was thrown around the rectory supernaturally, and the next morning the Curé emerged bruised and exhausted.

Vianney courageously overcomes these attacks, and succeeds not only in reforming the lives of his parishioners, but also in drawing, by his holiness and his ability to read souls, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the tiny parish. Sixteen hours a day were spent in the cramped confessional, and people were willing to wait in line for days for a few minutes of his counsel. Vianney himself found the onslaught difficult to bear, and even tried to escape to a monastery to live and pray in peace. In the end, however, he returned to his flock, recognizing his role as “the shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.”

Vianney is suitable for ages 9 and up. Admission will be a donation for vocations at the door. For the November 12 performance in Shreveport, the Knights of Columbus will offer a meal of hamburgers/drink starting at 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $5 per person for the meal. For more information contact Jeanne Brown 318-868-4441, ext. 257 or visit www.dioshpt.org or www.vianneydrama.com.

There are several saints listed as patrons of our service men and women. I chose St. Martin

de Tours as our focus. Many older Catholics and literary buffs might recall these two designations; Michealmas and Martinmas. They were mainstays on the liturgical calendar at one point and in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility these two dates were referenced as a time that the two Miss Dashwoods’ would be betrothed, married or as good as. Today many people don’t realize that they are still celebrated, although we call them by different names: the Feast of the Archangels and St. Martin’s Day.

St. Martin was born at Sabaria, a town in Pannonia near the famous Benedictine monastery dedicated to his name. Against his parents’ wishes he became a catechumen at the age of 10. At 15 he entered the army and served under Emperors Constantius and Julian.

While in their service he met a poor, naked beggar at the gates of Amiens who asked alms in Christ’s Name. Martin had nothing with him except his weapons and soldier’s mantle; but he took his sword, cut the latter in two, and gave half to the poor man. During the following night Christ appeared to him clothed with a half a mantle and said, “Martin, the catechumen, has clothed Me with this mantle!”

St. Martin’s feast, also known as “Martinmas” in Europe arrives in autumn, the beginning of the wine harvest. This was also the time of the slaughter of the stock for winter

meat. His images are usually depicted with a goose, symbolizing that Martinmas is the last festival meal before Advent, because in France in the Middle Ages, the strict 40 day Advent fast began the next day. Thus it was the custom to have “St. Martin’s goose” and taste the new wine (St. Martin’s Wine) on his feast day. A quick spell of warm weather around his feast day is known as Indian Summer in the USA, and as St. Martin’s “Little Summer”

in Europe. St. Martin’s feast day is November 11. Other patron saints for soldiers are St. Joan of Arc, St. George, and St. Sebastian.

Vianney Drama Coming to Shreveport Dioceseby Janice Gonzalez

Saints for Our Troopsby Kim Long

Photo courtesy of Saint Luke Productions.


Pro-Life supporters and volunteers celebrated Respect Life Sunday, October 3rd at St. Joseph’s

Activity Center in Shreveport. The First Annual Bishop’s Pro-Life Banquet was a wonderful success with a large audience hearing Bishop Duca’s call for Catholics to be active witnesses of Christ’s love in all aspects of life from conception to natural death.

Bishop Duca stressed that our secular society can make a “crazy” self-centered focus seem normal. (i.e. when you are around crazy all the time, it can make crazy seem normal). But, as Catholics, we are called to resist feeling our values are “crazy”. Instead we should be unafraid to witness the truth in all areas of our lives.

Father Karl Daigle gave the opening prayer and blessing for the banquet. Tom Simms, Grand Knight of the Broadmoor

Council #3407 Knights of Columbus, welcomed everyone and spoke of the Knights of Columbus’ long term commitment to life issues including the annual Taste of Shreveport Benefit for Holy Angels.

Katie Vanchiere, senior at Loyola College Prep and winner of the Shreveport 2010 Pro Life Oratory contest gave her very heartfelt speech “If Only Given a Chance” which spoke of her “missing”

peers lost to abortion.Guests of Honor for the evening were

Chuck Meehan, Director of Volunteers of America, Shreveport and Mollie Branch, Director of the Ark La Tex Crisis Pregnancy Center. Music was provided by Eddie Morgan on the piano.

Bishop Duca concluded the evening by blessing blue 7-day votive candles for families to take home and pray the pro-life intentions for the month of October.

Hope House is a small building on Austin Place behind the Municipal Auditorium which is owned by

Holy Cross Episcopal Church and serves the homeless. They may go there to take a shower, wash their clothes, receive mail or hang out and share snacks. Hope House is managed by the Hope for the Homeless Coalition.

In October, local Catholic Churches began serving food at Hope House every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, St. Mary of the Pines, St. Joseph in Shreveport, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Jude will take turns each Wednesday of the month filling 70 boxes with various food items. At 5:00 p.m. they will deliver the meals to the Hope House and hand out the food with bottled water and tea.

The first Catholic participation in Hope House took place on Oct. 6. At 3:30 p.m. Parishioners from the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, St. Mary of the Pines and Sacred Heart in Shreveport met members of the Marian Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary to

assemble meals for the evening. That day’s food donation was provided by the Marian Council Knights of Columbus.

Volunteers smiled as they placed spaghetti and garlic bread in styrofoam boxes, counting to make sure they had at least the 70 food boxes they needed to adequately serve the homeless at Hope House.

Robin Parker, a parishioner at St. Mary of the Pines, and Jane Snyder, a parishioner at St. Joseph in Shreveport were instrumental in getting Catholics involved with this ministry.

“My son Ryan Parker is an addiction

counselor and works for the Hope for the Homeless Coalition,” said Robin Parker. “He asked us to get involved. Jane Snyder has also been involved. She talked to my son and he told her to call me and here we are.”

St Paul’s Episcopal has been serving on Thursdays for 18 months and has found it to be a very fulfilling ministry. Recently Methodist churches have also volunteered to serve on Thursdays.

If you are interested in helping support this ministry with your time, talent or treasure, please contact your parish to offer help.

Diocese Hosts First Pro-Life Banquetby Roxie Tabor

Parishes Participate in Hope Houseby Jessica Rinaudo, Editor and Jane Snyder, St. Joseph Church

Bishop Duca speaks at the Pro Life Banquet, hosted at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport.

Florence Finnelle and Robin Parker prepare meals to serve the homeless at Hope House.


La Celebración del Día de Gracias

Para los hispanos esta celebración es un día festivo en los Estados Unidos que aprovechamos para descansar, ir

de compras y al que con timidez llamamos el día del pavo. Vemos con curiosidad que los mercados están llenos de comida de temporada como pavos, camotes, calabazas y adornos similares. Sin embargo el día del pavo es mucho más que eso.

Este es un día que los primeros peregrinos o inmigrantes, que llegaron a este país hace mas de un siglo, dedicaron para dar gracias por las bendiciones de cosecha. Ellos aprendieron a sembrar estas tierras y a sobrevivir de los frutos de su trabajo.

Nosotros, los más recientes peregrinos e inmigrantes, debemos adoptar este día como nuestro. Aprovechándolo para dar gracias a Dios por nuestra vida, la vida de nuestra familia, el perdón, la misericordia, tener lo necesario especialmente por tener alguien a quien amar. Así mismo, como Católicos Cristianos y creyendo que seremos llevados al Reino eterno cuando Jesús venga a nuestro encuentro, agradezcámosle su Amor y su constante

compañía en el diario caminar por la vida. Como celebrar el Día de Acción de

Gracias: Una sugerencia y la costumbre más

popular es reunirse con familia, si es posible, y si no gracias por ella dondequiera que se encuentre; reunirse con amistades, amigos y/o vecinos para compartir una cena.

Recuerda que en medio del descanso, la compañía, la cena y la celebración hay que tomar unos momentos para de verdad DAR GRACIAS. Una idea sería tomarse de las manos con todos los presentes, formar una rueda y que cada uno de Gracias por una cosa en particular y así unidos colmaremos el mundo de Gracias.

¡FELIZ DIA DE DAR GRACIAS!

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

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

Mansfield: St. Joseph305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do

Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390

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

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

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

Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines1050 Bert Kouns Ind Lp., ShreveportDomingo 1:00 p.m.Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-455-2300

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

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

Hispanic Cornerpor Rosalba Quiroz

Calendario Diocesano del Mes de Noviembre6 Retiro Espiritual (en Inglés) para Ministros Extraordinarios de Eucaristía,

Centro Católico de 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Favor de registrarse con la Sra. Dianne Rachal al 318-868-4441 o [email protected] a mas tardar el 2 de Noviembre.

12 Obra de teatro de la vida de San Juan Vianney, Santo Patrono de los Sacerdotes evento en Ingles a las 7:00 p.m. en el Centro Católico. Niños desde 9 años pueden disfrutar de esta obra. No necesitan registrarse.

14 St. Fredericks High School en Monroe presentará la Obra de la vida de San Juan Vianney, también en Ingles, a las 6: 30 p.m.

20 Retiro de seguimiento para participantes de Búsqueda, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Centro Católico.

21 Fiesta de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo el Rey. Último Domingo del Año Litúrgico.

22 Concierto de Acción de Gracia por el Sr. Tony Melendez. ¡Regresa a Luisiana!. Ahora en Ruston, LA 6:30 p.m. Pedir más detalles a los coordinadores de su comunidad.

25 Día de Acción de Gracias.

26 Primer Domingo de Adviento. Comienzo del Año Litúrgico.

Anuncios Recuerden que el almacén de la parroquia de Santa Maria de Los Pinos abre

todos los domingos después de Misa para aquellas familias que necesiten artículos para el hogar o ropa. Si saben de familias con esta necesidad invítenlas a visitar el almacén y ver si consiguen algo que necesiten.

Clases de inglés en:

La Parroquia de Santa Maria de Los Pinos en Shreveport los domingos de 11:00 a.m. a 12:30 (antes de Misa)

La Parroquia de Cristo Rey en Bossier City los jueves de 6:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.

(CNS photo/Karen Callaway)


VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In the face of tension and violence, Middle East Christians must work

to defend freedom, democracy, peace and the human rights of each and every individual, said leaders of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East.

“We must emerge from a logic in defense of the rights of Christians only, and engage in the defense of the rights of all,” said the introduction to the synod prepared and read by Coptic Patriarch Antonios Naguib of Alexandria, Egypt, the synod’s recording secretary, and by Maronite Archbishop Joseph Soueif of Cyprus, synod special secretary. The introductory report introduced the topics for discussion at the synod during its first working session Oct. 11.

The goal of the synod, it said, is to promote “communion and witness -- both communal and personal -- flowing from a life grounded in Christ and animated by the Holy Spirit.” The synod is not designed to solve political or social problems, the report said. But the report also acknowledged that the everyday life of Catholics in the region obviously is impacted by the political and social realities that can make their lives difficult and that have inspired their works of charity, education and health care for centuries.

The Catholic Church condemns all violence, whatever its origin, and calls for “a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the report said. The church supports the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in freedom and security in their own countries with internationally recognized borders, it said.

It also said the international community must pay greater attention to “the plight of Christians in Iraq, who are the primary victims of the war and its consequences.”

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Iraq are the primary causes today of the emigration of Christians from the region, a phenomenon that not only reduces the Christian presence in the region but also robs the Catholic community of some of its best and brightest members who have an easier time getting into other countries.

While the history, presence, challenges and composition of the Catholic communities in the Middle East vary from Egypt to Iraq and from Turkey to Yemen, the report said they share an attachment to tradition and the experience of identifying themselves and being identified by others in a way that is strongly focused on their religious affiliation.

As Miners Rescued, Chileans Unite in Prayer

SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) -- As miners were pulled one-by-one from the tunnel in the San Jose mine in

Copiapo, where they’d awaited rescue since Aug. 5, Chile’s churches were hosting round-the-clock vigils, special Masses appealing for the men’s safety and other prayers of thanksgiving. At a Mass that began near midnight Oct. 13, as the first miner was being brought to the surface, Santiago Auxiliary Bishop Cristian Contreras Villarroel said the lives of the 33 miners should be seen as a sign of the need all people have for redemption. “There is no saint without a past, nor sinner without a future,” he reminded the congregation in El Sagrario chapel next to Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral. An elaborate capsule system was pulling the miners one at a time from the tunnel where they were trapped in a collapse of the mine. Family members, medical personnel, politicians, reporters and well-wishers were there to meet each man as he left the capsule that drew him to the surface. Prayer vigils and eucharistic adoration were to continue in churches around Chile until the last miner was pulled from the tunnel, Chilean church leaders said. “This is a propitious moment for the entire church to unite in faith and hope,” Bishop Alejandro Goic Karmelic of Rancagua, president of the Chilean bishops’ conference, told reporters Oct. 12.

Pope Benedict XVI speaks during the opening session of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in the synod hall at the Vatican Oct. 11. Also pictured are Croatian Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, center, and Coptic Patriarch Antonios Naguib of Alexandria, Egypt, the synod's recording secretary. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Synod Opens with Call for Religious Freedom for All in Middle East by Cindy Wooden, CNS

Miner Mario Gomez, 63, the oldest of the 33 trapped miners, prays as he arrives on the surface after being rescued in Copiapo, Chile, Oct. 13. (CNS photo/Hugo Infante-Government of Chile via Reuters)


Around the Diocese

1 Bishop Duca Makes Birthday Special for St. Ann Parishioner

Anita Kay Manshack, a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Ebarb, recently

celebrated a very special birthday on September 3. Anita Kay was blessed to have the bishop join her after Mass for food, a little fun and socializing. Bishop Duca honored the group by reciting the blessing of the meal. Anita said Bishop Duca’s presence just added to her very special day. Her husband, Randle, was home from offshore and her son, Kenny Randle, recently moved back home from Washington.

2. Sacred Heart Church Rayville Hosted Successful Eucharistic Gathering

Sacred Heart Church in Rayville hosted a gathering of over 100

people from all over Richland parishes. Various church denominations took

part in the event, which inluded panels on spirituality, business relationships, eduation, industiral development and law enforcement.

3. Poor Man’s Supper

Jesus the Good Shepherd Church held their annual Poor Man’s

Supper on September 21. Thurman’s provided the food. All proceeds from the event benefited the St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy.

4. St. Vincent de Paul National Conference Hosted in New Orleans

Jo Ann Crone, a leader in the St. Vincent de Paul community, attended

the national conference along with Dotye Sue Stanford and Betty Cummings. Of her experience, Jo Ann said, “My trip to New Orleans for the St. Vincent de Paul National Convention September 8-12

was a great experience. I enjoyed the fellowship with hundreds of my fellow Vincentians from all over the United States and even Australia. I learned so much about our SVdP Society and the amazing works all over the country. I enjoyed daily Mass at the Sheraton Hotel at 11:15 a.m. and touring the Katrina hit areas and the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store, free pharmacy, learning center and The Ozanam Inn, which has been opened for 55 years and houses 96 men every night and feeds three hot meals a day to over 200 people.”

5.Jesus the Good Shepherd Church Raises Funds for Missionaries

On October 10, Bishop Duca joned JGS parishioners for an Enchilada

Benefit Dinner to support a Mission Trip on Oct. 24 to Bayou La Batre, AL. We raised $1040 for donations. Ten

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parishioners took clothes, shoes, food, diapers and hygiene items and gave them out at the Bayou La Batre Convention center. This is one of the poorest cities in the United States, especially since the tragedies of Hurricane Katrina and the oil spill.

6. Christ the King Celebrated Fall Festival

The Christus Schumpert/Christ the King Catholic Church Health Fair on

Oct. 20 provided glucose and cholesterol checks, blood pressure and vital sign checks, eye exams, hearing tests, weight/height, flu shots and pneumonia shots. Physicians were available to answer any questions. Northwestern State University College of Nursing personnel assisted with the testing. Translators were available for those who do not speak English. Representatives from LA CHIP, Medicaid, LSU Agricultural Center,

WIC, the Catholic Center Immigration Service Office, Social Security, Partners in Wellness Program, and Caddo Council on Aging all participated. Pictured: Fr. Rigoberto Betancurt helps out at the Fall Festival.

7. Sr. Marilyn Vassallo Led Retreat on Aging

September 15 and 16, Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, csj, led a session on Aging

at St. Lucy Church in Hodge, LA. The presentation had a good attendance and attendees were attentive and expressed appreciation for the presentation. St. Lucy Church is looking forward to Sr. Marilyn’s next visit!

8. Youth Gather for Fellowship

The Middle and High School youth of St. Jude enjoyed a weekend of fun and

fellowship at a canoe outing in Caddo State Park.

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Friends of the Poor Walk Raised Funds for Society of St. Vincent de Paulby Brian Burdges

T he Arthur Teague Parkway in Bossier City served as one of the locations of the 3rd

annual Friends of the Poor® Walk on September 25. The Walk, conducted by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP), is a nationwide event intended to raise national awareness of the challenges faced by the nation’s poor and to raise funds for use in direct service to the poor. SVDP conferences from six churches in Shreveport and Bossier City participated in the local event with 50% more walkers participating this year than last. All funds raised locally will be used locally within each conference.

One of the oldest and most successful charitable organizations in the world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (http://www.svdpusa.org/) is a Catholic lay organization of more than 690,000 men and women throughout the world who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually and offer person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 142 countries on six continents. With the U.S. headquarters in St. Louis, MO, membership in the United States totals more than 146,000 in 4,600 communities.


NOVEMBER 2: ST. CECILIA CHORAL SOCIETY REQUIEM MASS To Celebrate the Feast of All Souls this year, the Saint Cecilia Choral Society will be offering the Gabriel Faure’s REQUIEM in the context of the Ordinary Form Mass on Tuesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. This wonderful Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.

NOVEMBER 6: RETREAT FOR EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS A retreat for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Ministers to the Sick and Dying will be offered from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center. Realizing that Christ Jesus is the center of all ministry and service, the call to ministry is also a call to deepening spiritual growth. This retreat is not a “how to” of ministry, but will focus on spirituality by combining elements of Scripture, communal and private prayer, and conversation. There is no charge to attend this retreat, which includes lunch. Please contact Dianne Rachal, Office of Worship, to register: (318) 868-4441, or [email protected].

NOVEMBER 7 : FLU SHOTS AT ST. JUDE CHURCH St. Jude Catholic Church, in conjunction with Elite Heath Solutions, LLC, will host a Flu Clinic on Sunday, November 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Vaccination is your best protection against the flu. There will be no out of pocket cost for Medicare Part B Participants. For more information contact the Church office, 318-746-2508.

NOVEMBER 8 : HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS A Holy Hour for Vocations is scheduled at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Monday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 pm. Fr. David Richter, Director of Church Vocations, and Fr. Phil Michiels, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, will lead prayers for more vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.

ONGOING THROUGH NOVEMBER 10 : ST. JUDE GRIEF GROUP On September 1, St. Jude Church in Bossier began a community grief support group for adults and teens experiencing the loss of a loved one. The group will continue to

meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. and continue through November 10. The group meets in the Church Rectory dining room. For more information contact St. Jude Church at 318-746-2508

NOVEMBER 12 & 14: DRAMA OF ST. JOHN VIANNEY The Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Shreveport is working with St. Luke Productions to present a professional drama on the life of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests. The production will be Friday, November 12 at the Catholic Center theatre, where Leonardo Defilippis also did the drama on St. Maximillian Kolbe. St. Frederick High School in Monroe will present the drama on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Defilippis produced the film Therese (St. Theresa of the Child Jesus) a few years ago, shown in a local theatre. This production is appropriate for ages 9 and up, and described by local Catholics who have seen it as especially moving. www.stlukeproductions.com.

NOVEMBER 12 -14: LADIES’ RETREAT This Ladies’ Retreat, themed “Being a Woman of God,” will take place at Harris Retreat Center in Minden. There will be lay-led talks, table discussions, reflection time, rosary and fellowship. $100 includes room and board. To sign up for for more information, contact Becky Jamroz, 318-746-2508 or [email protected].

NOVEMBER 13-17: ST. PASCHAL PARISH MISSION A Parish Mission will be hosted at St. Paschal Church in West Monroe. Nationally known Franciscan Scripture scholar, Fr. Bill Burton, ofm, will give presentations each evening at 7:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 16 : TOAST AND ROAST OF MSGR. PROVENZA TO SUPPORT GINGERBREAD HOUSE The annual Toast and Roast benefitting Bossier/Caddo Children’s Advocacy Center and Gingerbread House will feature Msgr. Earl V. Provenza, pastor of Holy Trinity Church. Support for this event will provide critically needed services for child abuse victims in our community at no cost to victims’ families. For information and tickets contact Gingerbread House, 318-674-2900.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 13. Five area churches will be

joining forces to offer the Shreveport community an opportunity to purchase free-trade crafts and food items which will enable craftsmen and farmers in underdeveloped countries to earn a living wage.

The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, St. Joseph Church in Shreveport, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy, Broadmoor Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church have joined forces to present this unique opportunity to promote fair trade.

The Marketplace will be held at the St. Joseph Church Family Life Center, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday November 13th. Soup from the Woman’s Bean Project will be served for lunch with desserts from Holy Angels and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy. Also coffee, tea, and cocoa will be available to drink and purchase.

This market place not only connects us to disadvantaged artisans and farmers overseas, but also enables producers to improve their lives through the benefits of fair trade! Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach which aims to help producers in developing countries obtain better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Fair trade helps merchants earn a living wage both in the developing world and locally. Fair trade builds relationships between buyers and sellers which are rooted in the principles of human dignity and promotion of the common good!

Mission Market Placeby Jane Snyder, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport


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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1pmSaint Martin de Porres, religious

Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop

The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Deadline for the December Catholic ConnectionSaint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

ThanksigivingCatholic Center ClosedSaint Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr

Catholic Center Closed

Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, virgin

Veteran's DaySaint Martin of Tours,bishop

Saint Margaret of Scotland; Saint Gertrude, virgin

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr

2nd Collection: Campaign for Human DevelopmentOur Lord Jesus Christ the King

Annual Clergy Meeting, Catholic Center, 9am St. Clement I, pope & martyr; St. Columban, abbot; Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, priest and martyr

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and martyr, and his companions, martyrs

Good Leaders, Good ShepherdsSaint Andrew, apostle

FIirst Sunday of Advent

Daylight Savings Time EndsMass Celebrating 90th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Church, Rayville

Holy Hour for Vocations, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 6:30pm

All Saints Day All Souls DayPriests Retirement Committee Meeting, Catholic Center, 11am

World Community Day

Retreat for Eucharistic Ministers, Catholic Center, 9am

2nd Collection: Campaign for Human Development

St. John Vianney Drama, St. Frederick High School, Monroe, 6:30pm

St. John Vianney Drama, Catholic Center, 6:30pm Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr

Saint Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church

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

3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Pets Blessed in Honor of St. Francis Throughout Diocese

Fr. Phil Michiels blessed pets at

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.Barksdale Air Force Base Chaplains blessed 35 dogs during their annual event.

Each year parishes across the country bless animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

Several local parishes participated in this annual tradition. St. Mary of the Pines Church in Shreveport even included animal vaccinations with their blessings.

Barksdale AFB Chapel combined talents and had an ecumenical St.

Francis blessing of animals in front of Chapel One grounds. Thirty-five dogs were blessed as creatures of God’s Kingdom. Animal crackers and assorted people food were enjoyed following the blessing.

St. Jude Church blessed almost 50 dogs, cats, birds and other pets in the church’s courtyard during their annual celebration.

Fr. Pike Thomas blesses a dog at

St. Jude Church in Bossier City.

Documents

Catholic Connection November 2010