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January 17, 2011

Volume XLI, No. 1

On theInside

Pope JPII could be beatified as early as this year

A presumed miracle needed for the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II reportedly has reached the final stages of approval which could possibly mean his beatification could come as early as 2011. See story on pg. 3

Louisiana’s first March for Life to be held Jan. 22

Louisiana’s first Life March will be held Jan. 22 in Baton Rouge on the 38th anniversary of Roe vs Wade from 10 a.m. –noon. Rapides Right to Life is offering a bus ride to Baton Rouge and St. Joseph Church in Marksville is hosting a Life March, if you can’t travel to Baton Rouge. See pg. 11

Diocese celebrates Catholic Schools Week

The eight Catholic schools in the Diocese of Alexandria tell why they are A+ for America. See pgs. 14-15

Catholic Schools WeekJanuary 30 - February 5, 2011

Sister Kalen Sarmiento, O.L.S. uses the iPad to teach letter recognition and vocabulary to a Pre-K class at Sacred Heart School in Moreauville.

January 17, 2011

Faith leaders try to heal mourners of Tucson shootingBy Patricia Zapor

Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As Tucsonans continued to reel from the Jan. 8 shooting spree at a shopping center that left six dead and another 14 wounded, religious leaders around the country looked to help heal the emotional pain through prayer and memorial services.

Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas planned to preside at a public commemoration and healing service Jan. 11 and expected to participate in the funerals later in the week for his friend, Judge John Roll, 63, and 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, both Catholics.

He also was going to be part of an interfaith memorial service at Catalina United Methodist Church, also Jan. 11, which was organized by United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcano of Phoenix. She planned to attend a public Mass of commemoration at St. Odilia Catholic Church that evening.

The shootings left another person Bishop Kicanas knows well, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords D-Ariz., in critical condition at University Medical Center. She was the apparent target of the alleged shooter, Jared Lee Loughner.

The violence caused trauma for the whole community, Bishop Kicanas told Catholic News Service in a Jan. 11 phone interview. “First we have to grieve, we need to cry and be together, especially for those who were harmed and their families.”

Impromptu and organized vigils and prayer services took place around Tucson, at the hospital where most victims were treated, outside Giffords’ office in Tucson, at the U.S. Capitol, and at churches and public venues

around the country. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, were scheduled to attend a large public memorial service Jan. 12 to be held in McKale Center, the arena at the University of Arizona.

Meanwhile, the grieving community of Tucson was focusing some of its emotion on trying to prevent the funerals of shooting victims from becoming a forum for the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church to stage its anti-gay and often anti-Catholic protests. The group regularly stages protests at the funerals of service men

and women with crude signs and rhetoric claiming that the deaths are God’s retribution for the country’s acceptance of homosexuality.

Tucsonans ranging from college students to members of local motorcycle clubs were organizing methods of blocking the Westboro group with large “angel wings” or motorcycles.

Bishop Kicanas said the next steps toward healing after the shootings will mean reflecting on how such a tragedy could occur and what the community can do to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“We may never understand

it,” he cautioned. But he said it’s important to look at gun laws that go far beyond enabling sportsmen to own hunting weapons and the availability of services for people with mental illnesses and addictions, as well as “the ways we respond to conflict.”

But first, it’s important to live through the experience of grieving, of wondering what happened, of praying, the bishop said.

Besides Roll and Christina Green, the others killed were: Gabriel Zimmerman, 30, who was Giffords’ community outreach director, and three retirees: Phyllis Schneck, 79, Dorwin Stoddard, 76, and Dorothy Morris, 76. As of Jan. 11, Giffords and her staff member Ron Barber were the only ones of 14 shooting survivors still in intensive care. Six of the victims, including Giffords staffer Pam Simon, were recovering at the same hospital.

Others with minor injuries were treated at area hospitals and have been released.

TWO VICTIMS OF TUCSON SHOOTINGS WERE CATHOLIC. Leslie Crist holds a teddy bear following a Mass for healing at St. Odilia Church in Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 11. Crist is a friend of 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, the youngest victim to die in a shooting spree that left Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona in critical condition. Christina’s mother, Roxanna, is dressed in black at left. (CNS photo/David Sanders, pool via Arizona Daily Star)

Special thanks to:

sponsor ofBishop’s Golf Tournament

Vilar & Elliott

January 17, 2011

LOURDES SHRINE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO REPAIR FALLEN ROCKS. The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, one of Europe’s best-known pilgrimage sites, has been partially closed for repairs amid reports that falling rocks in its fabled grotto could signal a major landslide. Work to secure the massive rock face above the grotto started Jan. 3 and was expected to continue through February, said the Diocese of Tarbes and Lourdes. Despite the work, the grotto would remain “open and welcoming” during construction. Bishop Jacques Perrier of Tarbes and Lourdes said the celebration of Mass would be canceled but that the daily rosary service at 3 p.m. would continue until repairs are completed. “The rope inspection revealed that the rock on the northwest side has been affected during bad weather by very high humidity, which has led to the development of vegetation,” Bishop Perrier explained. “These conditions have contributed to erosions in the rock, principally horizontal, which have caused water to stagnate in the stone and split it when frozen. Year by year, the rock is shifting,” he said. The project will find workers affixing lose chunks of rock, some weighing up to 15 tons, to the existing rock face. Safety nets also will be installed to catch any rocks that may fall in the future.

Beatification of JPII could happen as early as 2011

1998 PHOTO OF POPE JOHN PAUL II. An Italian journalist reported Jan. 4 that the process of approving a miracle in the sainthood cause of Pope John Paul II is so far along that the late pontiff could be beatified this year. He is pictured during a pastoral visit to Abuja, Nigeria, in Mar ch 1998. (CNS file photo from L’Osservatore Romano

By Carol GlatzCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A presumed miracle needed for the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II reportedly has reached the final stages of approval. The miracle -- involving a French nun said to have been cured of Parkinson’s disease -- has been approved by a Vatican medical board and a group of theologians and is now awaiting judgment from the members of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, according to Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli. If the congregation accepts the healing as a miracle attributable to the late pope’s intercession, then Pope Benedict XVI still would have to sign a decree formally recognizing it before a beatification ceremony can be scheduled. Tornielli, who covers the Vatican for the newspaper Il Giornale, wrote Jan. 4 that the process is so far advanced that Pope John Paul could be beatified sometime in 2011. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told Catholic News Service Jan. 4 that the final step before beatification requires the pope’s approval and that the pope is free to make his own decision on the matter. According to Tornielli, at the end of 2010, the presumed miracle passed the first three

stages in a five-step process that involves medical experts, a medical board, theological consultants, the members of the congregation and, finally, Pope Benedict. In 2005, Pope Benedict set Pope John Paul on the fast track to beatification by waiving the normal five-year waiting period for the introduction of his sainthood cause.

The initial diocesan phase of the cause was completed in April 2007. After a team of theological consultants to the Congregation for Saints’ Causes studied the 2,000-page “positio,” the document that makes the case for beatification, Pope Benedict formally decreed in December 2009 that Pope John Paul had heroically lived the Christian virtues and was venerable.

Special thanks to:


January 17, 2011

better but the economic conditions make it difficult for many people and I appreciate the sacrifices so many have made in such difficult times. Due to the hard work of many pastors in reaching this new goal, we will be able to reduce di-ocesan assessments for churches now paying more than 5% an addi-tional 1% beginning with the next fiscal year. This will be a challenge to our diocesan budget but it is in keeping with my desire to reduce

January 17, 2011 Vol. XLI, No. 1

A Blessed 2011 to all of you!

We have now completed the many events that marked our 100th anniversary and I want to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the many people who were so instrumental in making our Jubilee Year so meaningful!

We have also completed our annual celebration of the Advent-Christmas season and have re-turned to Ordinary Time that will lead us into the time of Lent several weeks from now. Let us use these quieter times to reflect on the mys-teries we have recently celebrated and those that lie ahead.

We have reached a milestone in our Annual Diocesan Appeal: the gifts have surpassed the $700,000 mark! We had hoped to do even

the financial burden on our par-ishes.

As you may recall, I recently made a trip to Nigeria to ordain fourteen deacons, most of whom were members of the Congrega-tion of the Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy. (This is the community that has provided the diocese with the services of Father Remi and Father Ignatius.) Details will be given in the next issue. I appreciate the great hospitality shown to me

during my stay and it was inspir-ing to see the vibrant faith of our Catholic brothers and sisters in Ni-geria. Father Remi went out of his way to ensure that everything went smoothly.

The annual week of prayer for Christian unity takes place each Jan. 18-25. A prayer service will be held sponsored jointly by the Diocese of Alexandria and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Lou-isiana, on Thursday, January 20, at St. James Episcopal Church in Al-exandria at 7 p.m. All are invited. This is an area of special interest to me, personally, as I currently serve as the Catholic Co-Chair of the Anglican-Roman Catholic national dialogue which meets twice a year to discuss areas of common inter-est that may lead us closer to true unity.

January is also the anniver-sary month of the famous Supreme Court decision that made abortion so common place in our coun-try. For the first time there will be a statewide gathering in Baton Rouge to continue our efforts on behalf of the unborn. Details are in this issue.

Finally, I will have the op-portunity to visit the Holy Land at the end of the month to take part in several conferences. I do not know how much time will be available to visit the many historic sites and shrines, but it will be a special time nonetheless. Please keep me and the people of this region in your prayers.

By Denise BossertCatholic By Grace

When I was a substitute teacher, I had a trick. I set aside precisely three minutes to famil-iarize myself with the seating chart. As the students were filing in and finding seats, I commit-ted to memory the names of the students who were likely to give me trouble. They were the ones who saw a sub, and something changed. When their attitude shifted, I put their names into short term memory.

At the opening bell, I would put the seating chart down and begin implementing the teacher’s lesson plans- and then when one of the students acted up, I ad-dressed him by name. He would stare at me in shock. Did I know him? Well, that changed every-thing. Suddenly, things were on a personal level. Anonymity – gone. Incognito no longer.

I could see him thinking. How does she know me? Does she know my parents? Hey, she could write me up with little ef-fort. A name is like a ticket. It gains access to the person. It changes everything.

God disclosed His name to us. He gave it freely. We didn’t wrestle it out of Him, or crack the code, or lift the name from a seat-ing chart. He gave it to us. God

knew that, in giving us His name, we could draw closer. Our rela-tionship could get personal. As paragraph 203 of the Catechism says, “To disclose one’s name is to make oneself known to others; in a way it is to hand oneself over by becoming accessible. . . .”

Recently, I traveled to Ala-bama and Ohio and shared my conversion story. When I arrived, one of the first things I was asked was how I pronounce my name. “It’s bah – as in ‘bah-humbug’ – and cert – as in the breath mints. Bossert.” I could tell that they felt a little embarrassed that they did not know how to pronounce my name automatically. They certain-ly didn’t need to feel bad about it. Even before our first date, I asked John, “So how do you pronounce that last name anyway?” Now it is my name, and I give the same answer to others that my husband gave to me.

There was a time when we did not know the name of our God. Once, we were strangers. We were very far from the One who made us. In ancient days, He offered His name to Moses, but for each of us, this name re-mained a mystery. He then called to us personally, as He called to Moses. Draw closer. There is something I want you to do. And the key to your success rests in one name. My name. I Am. The I

Am is sending you.God has known your name

from the moment you were con-ceived in the womb. He knows you by name because He made you. It is a lesson I share with con-firmation students. The One who made you has also called you by name. When you were baptized, you were given a new name. Ev-ery time you have entered the Church, from the moment you were old enough to reach the holy water font, you have blessed yourself in that name.

But when you are confirmed, you will stand before God and be-fore his shepherd, the bishop, and you will renew those baptismal promises. At your baptism, God called you as He did to Moses. He gave you His name. Today, he asks you to claim that name – now and forever. He’s preparing to send you into the world, as He did Moses, to free the enslaved, liberate the captives, and share His good news with others. It is time for you to wear His name publicly. It is time to become Christ to the world.

When God gave us His name, He gave us more than a name. He reached out to the created ones and the Creator said, Draw close to me. You are mine. I love you. And I have called you by name.

Go and bear witness to the name you have received.

The One who made you, is calling you by name

January 17, 2011

New Year’s Resolution for 2011: Commit to First Saturday Devotion to Immaculate Heart of Mary

By Greg WassonAlexandria

The dedication of Saturday for special practices to the Blessed Virgin Mary reaches back at least as far as the 8th century. The Pontifical document, Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy explains the reason: Saturday is designated as a Memorial to Mary as “a remembrance of that maternal example and discipleship of the Blessed Virgin Mary who, strengthened by faith and hope, on that great Saturday on which Our Lord lay in the tomb, was the only one of the disciples to hold vigil in expectation of the Lord’s resurrection…” Through the centuries, Marian Saturdays were expressed in various ways: votive Masses, rosary and litany recitations, sodality meetings and liturgy of the hours memorials. Most

recently, Vatican II established the option of celebrating a memorial votive Mass in honor of Mary on each Saturday of ordinary time. From all of this we can understand how important a part of Catholic tradition is the practice of Saturday Devotions to Mary. First Saturday Devotion was promulgated by one of the Fatima seers, Lucia, who died in this century. Although, it is part of her “private” revelation and not required to be believed, it is perfectly in line with the Saturday devotions that came before its revelation and with those that came after. The place Fatima has come to occupy in the life of the Church is significant: the beatification of two of the child seers, the widespread inclusion of the Fatima prayer in public and private recitations of the rosary (O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead

all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy Mercy), and the practice of the First Saturday Devotion. First Saturday Devotion has a great promise associated with it. So great as to be almost unbelievable and yet this “privately” revealed devotion

is more a continuation and fulfillment of the centuries of Saturday Devotion than something altogether new. Mary promised to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who on the First Saturday of Five consecutive months:

1. Go to confession (later, it was allowed to go within 8 days of the First Saturday). 2. Receive Holy Communion3. Recite five decades of the Rosary4. Meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary in the company of Mary for 15 minutes All and each one with the intention of making reparation to Mary and her Immaculate Heart. Our Lord revealed to Lucia the reason for five instead of another number. There are five ways in which people offend:

1. Blasphemies against her

Special thanks to:


Immaculate Conception 2. Against her Virginity 3. Against her Divine Maternity, refusing at the same time to accept her as the Mother of all Mankind4. Those who try to publicly implant in children’s hearts indifference, contempt and even hate against this Immaculate Mother.5. Those who insult her indirectly in her statues and images. Even if one cannot believe the promise or does not put faith in “private” revelation, First Saturday Devotion is still an excellent way to practice devotion to Our Lady. Without believing the promise one can still make reparation to Mary. The four practices with the intention of reparation can stand on their own as powerful expressions of love of Mary. It is a wonderful way to win Mary’s heart and at the same time bring joy to one’s own.

A Mass with Anointing of the Sick will be offered at St. Francis de Sales Church, Echo, on Friday, February 11. Pope Benedict XVI urged that sacramental care of the sick be extended in dioceses and parishes on this day in keeping with the healing prayers so often associated with devotion at Lourdes, France.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at 10 a.m.; recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m.; and Mass at 11 a.m.

Father Scott Chemino, V.G. said that Catholics of surrounding parishes are also invited to participate in these special prayers for the sick.

“The Roman Ritual follows the Letter of James that states that the sick are to be anointed in order to raise them up and save them. Great care should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age should receive this sacrament,” he explained.

St. Francis, Echoto hold Mass with annointing Feb. 11

January 17, 2011

Completed burses at $15,000.00 each:-BISHOP CHARLES P. GRECO-MONSIGNOR THOMAS F. EARLY (3 Completed)-MONSIGNOR B. A. SCALLAN-FATHER H. GERALD BORDELON -FATHER WILLIAM B. PROVOSTY -JOHN GREGORY SIMMS -MISS MARY F. EARLY -JOHN DOMINICK DRISCOLL-IRVIN AND ELMA MOREAU, HARRISON P. MOREAU, MICHAEL N. MOREAU, DEBORAH S. MOREAU BOUCHIE, EMILY A. MOREAU, TOM AND MARY CANDIOTTO, RUBY MOREAU

Below is a list of established burses and amounts of each:BISHOP CHARLES P. GRECO ......................................... 650.00BISHOP LAWRENCE P. GRAVES ................................. 5,805.00BISHOP SAM G. JACOBS ................................................. 900.00BISHOP WILLIAM FRIEND ................................................ 100.00 BLESSED DAMIEN DE VEUSTER .................................... 175.00MONSIGNOR MARCEL J. ANDERSON ........................... 100.00MONSIGNOR LEON R. AYCOCK .................................. 1,535.00MONSIGNOR HENRY F. BECKERS ............................. 6,402.50MONSIGNOR MILBURN J. BROUSSARD .................... 4,050.00MONSIGNOR NORMAN C. BUVENS ............................... 100.00MONSIGNOR PAUL E. CONWAY ..................................... 825.00MONSIGNOR ALLEN M. CHENEVERT ............................ 966.88MONSIGNOR ISIDORE DECEULAER .............................. 160.00MONSIGNOR S. J. DEKEUWER ....................................... 450.00MONSIGNOR GERARD J. DUCOTE ................................ 560.00MONSIGNOR ROBERT C. FRIEND.................................... 50.00MONSIGNOR RONALD C. HOPPE .................................. 750.00MONSIGNOR JAMES E. HOWARD .................................... 50.00MONSIGNOR CHARLES M. JEKELER ............................ 325.00MONSIGNOR JOSEPH F. KIDD..................................... 1,500.00MONSIGNOR WILLIAM KWAAITAAL .............................. 850.00MONSIGNOR WARREN T. LARROQUE .......................... 600.00MONSIGNOR TERRENCE J. LENNON ............................ 125.00MONSIGNOR FREDERICK J. LYONS ........................... 1,500.00MONSIGNOR GEORGE W. MARTINEZ ........................... 500.00MONSIGNOR PATRICK MURPHY ................................ 1,904.00MONSIGNOR WILLIAM C. O’HANLON ......................... 5,000.00MONSIGNOR ALOYSIUS O. OLINGER ........................... 865.00MONSIGNOR JOHN V. PLAUCHE ................................... 400.00MONSIGNOR F. JOSEPH RATEAU ................................. 520.00MONSIGNOR RUSSELL J. RITCHIE ................................ 591.14MONSIGNOR B. A. SCALLAN ...................................... 10,085.90MONSIGNOR MATTHEW J. SCANLON ........................... 310.00MONSIGNOR JOSEPH M. SUSI .................................... 3,631.00MONSIGNOR STEVE J. TESTA..................................... 4,200.00MONSIGNOR HENRY A. THOMPSON ............................. 360.00MONSIGNOR JOHN M. TIMMERMANS ........................ 3,345.00MONSIGNOR MARTIN J. TYRRELL .............................. 4,150.00MONSIGNOR JOHN C. VANDEGAER .......................... 1,350.00MONSIGNOR NICHOLAS F. VANDEGAER .................. 1,350.00MONSIGNOR HENRY VAN DER PUTTEN ................... 1,291.89MONSIGNOR JOHN J. WAKEMAN .................................. 100.00MONSIGNOR JULIUS G. WALLE .................................. 2,170.00FATHER WILLIAM G. ALLISON ........................................ 160.00FATHER PETER J. BESSELAAR ........................................ 50.00FATHER MICHAEL BODNAR .............................................. 50.00FATHER LAWRENCE BONIN ............................................. 70.00FATHER H. GERALD BORDELON ................................ 8,385.00FATHER VERNON BORDELON ....................................... 445.00FATHER GILLES BOYER .................................................... 85.00FATHER JULES L. CLAES, C.I.C.M. .............................. 4,172.50FATHER WILBUR G. CLOUTIER ................................... 3,290.50FATHER ANTHONY N. CUMELLA ................................. 1,250.00FATHER DENNIS A. CURREN .......................................... 350.00FATHER LEONARD CURTIS, O.P. ................................ 1,050.00FATHER FERREOLUS D’CRUZ ....................................... 875.00

FATHER EDWARD DEASY ............................................... 625.00FATHER BLAKE DESHAUTELLE ....................................... 25.00FATHER RUDOLPH J. ENGELEN .................................... 550.00FATHER RICHARD FALE ............................................... 5,700.00FATHER JAMES A. FERGUSON ...................................... 100.00FATHER HARVEY J. FORTIER ......................................... 875.00FATHER JOSEPH ALFRED FORTIN ................................ 200.00FATHER JAMES A. FOSTER ............................................ 180.00FATHER JOHN M. GAYER ................................................ 870.00FATHER SERAFIN GLASNOVIC ........................................ 50.00FATHER WILLIAM M. HOPP ............................................... 10.00FATHER MARK W. HORACEK .......................................... 50.00FATHER THOMAS M. JEZAK ........................................... 360.00FATHER MICHAEL P. KAMMER .................................... 5,405.00FATHER W. JOHN KILEY .................................................. 625.00FATHER FRANCIS X. KRONEMEYER ............................. 100.00FATHER RUSSELL J. LEMOINE....................................... 425.00FATHER BERNARD F. MAGUIRE .................................... 105.00FATHER ROBERT M. MAURE ........................................... 10.00FATHER BRUCE MILLER............................................. 10,525.00FATHER ADRIAN MOLENSCHOT ................................. 2,315.00FATHER GOVIE J. MORAUS, JR...................................... 200.00FATHER PETER T. NOREK ............................................. 400.00FATHER DAN O’CONNOR .................................................. 10.00FATHER THOMAS O’CONNORS ....................................... 10.00FATHER MARTIN L. PLAUCHE .......................................... 50.00FATHER SAMUEL J. POLIZZI ........................................... 900.00FATHER WILLIAM B. PROVOSTY ........................................ 5.00FATHER YVES J. ROBITAILLE ..................................... 1,900.00FATHER JOSE’ ROBLES-SANCHEZ ............................... 250.00FATHER KENNETH J. ROY ........................................... 2,905.00FATHER LLOYD M. SAMSON ............................................. 50.00FATHER PAUL B. SMITH .................................................. 150.00FATHER AUGUST THOMPSON .................................... 1,240.00FATHER ANTONIO E. VILLAVERDE ................................ 300.00 FATHER NINO G. VIVIANO ............................................... 200.00FATHER SILVIN A.WATERKOTTE, O.F.M. ...................... 160.00FATHER BERNARD L. ZAGST ......................................... 725.00FATHER KENNETH WILLIAMS......................................... 405.00DEACON RAYMOND J. DUNN ......................................... 200.00DEACON CHARLES A. JONES...................................... 1,050.00SISTER MARGARET MCCAFFREY ................................. 100.00SISTER MARIE THERESE MCGEE, O.P. ........................ 100.00MISS MARGE MURRIN ..................................................... 315.00MR. T. W. CLARK ................................................................. 50.00MR. GERALD MOREAU .................................................... 215.00MRS. GERMAINE ARMAND .............................................. 550.00N. J. & HANNAH NOLAN .............................................. 10,000.00MRS. ANNE BARRY GALLAGHER ................................ 2,025.00MR. W. D. O’NEAL .......................................................... 8,159.00MR. MAURICE NOEL ......................................................... 295.00MR. LUIS R. ROBLES-CORTES ....................................... 125.00MRS. JOSEPHINE G. SERIO ............................................ 275.00MRS. HELEN MORGAN ................................................. 9,000.00MR. BOBBY D. BASCO .................................................. 3,940.00JOHN GREGORY SIMMS .............................................. 4,275.00JOSEPH T. SIMMS, JR. .................................................. 7,475.00ALCIDE A. NASSIF ............................................................ 522.29MR. FRANK V. CARIERE .............................................. 175.00ALBERT AND ELSIE POCHE ............................................ 900.00MR. WILLIAM J. HAMLIN ................................................... 500.00DECEASED MEMBERS OF CDA COURTREGINA PACIS 1372, NATCHITOCHES .......................... 775.00CHARLES P. & FLORENCE C. ANASTASIO ................... 880.00IN HONOR OF PROVIDENCE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1959 ................................................................. 860.00DARYL “PAT” MAUTERER .................................................. 50.00

ANGELO R. AND ENA F. D’ANGELO ............................ 7,450.00HUEY AND ETHEL MATHEWS ...................................... 1,000.00TOBY GUEDRY ............................................................... 1,000.00DR. LAMAR AND JEAN BOESE.......................................... 50.00MADELINE JEANSONNE .................................................. 100.00MARY JO MANSOUR ..................................................... 2,050.00GUS VOLTZ, JR. ............................................................. 3,220.00SHIRLEY ALEXANDER .................................................. 1,125.00ISMAEL AND LIBBY AGOSTO .......................................... 250.00GERRY AND CONNIE LEGLUE ........................................ 100.00DAVID STAFFORD “BROTHER” O’SHEE ..................... 7,544.66LARRY LEE WILTSE....................................................... 1,825.00GAIL T. GUTIERREZ .......................................................... 100.00NATHAN CANNELLA ......................................................... 225.00LEO DOBARD ...................................................................... 50.00MR.AND MRS. PHILIP FLYNN ............................................ 50.00MRS. CAROLYN BROUILLETTE ........................................ 50.00MRS. VIRGIE D AYMOND ................................................. 200.00ANTHONY & MARY GLORIOSO ....................................... 100.00HAROLD AND LILLIE BERIDON .................................... 2,000.00J. V. BONNETTE .................................................................. 50.00

TOTAL ....................................................................... $379,002.26

Burses

Donations in December

Knights of Columbus #9217 .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $10.00 Msgr. Molenschot BurseMs. Wanda Brumley . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $50.00 Rev. James Foster BurseMr & Mrs. Michael Lancaster .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $50.00 Rev. Ferre’ D’Cruz BurseMr. & Mrs. Louis E. Sklar, Jr. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . $50.00 Rev. Leonard Curtis BurseDr. Joseph Landreneau . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers BurseRoderick Broussard . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard BurseMrs. Kathleen Voltz .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Gus Voltz BurseBeatrice Jones . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Deacon Charles Jones BurseMr. & Mrs. Leonard Johnson.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Rev. Bernard Zagst BurseMr. & Mrs. Leonard Johnson.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Rev. Gerald Foley BurseMr. & Mrs. Louis E. Sklar, Jr. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Rev. Sam Polizzi BurseMr. & Mrs. Louis E. Sklar, Jr. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. $100.00 Rev. Dennis Curren BurseMr. & Mrs. Jules C. Lemoine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 Rev. Russell Lemoine Burse Class of PCH 1959. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120.00 In honor of the 1959 PCH ClassRev. James Roy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350.00 Rev. Ken Roy BurseAdministrative Staff OLPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400.00 Rev. Dan O’Connor BurseMr. A.R. D’Angelo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00 Angelo R. & Ena F. D’Angelo BurseMary Ann Simms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00 Joe Simms, Jr. BurseFloyd Morgan Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00 Helen Morgan Burse

Total this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,430.00

Contributions to any of the burses or to establish a new burse should be sent to the Chancery Office, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, Louisiana 71306-0417. -- Monsignor Joseph M. Susi, Chairman

January 17, 2011

EARNS PILGRIM SHELL AWARD. Pierre and Roz Allemond, of St. Rita par-ish in Alexandria were presented the Pilgrim Shell Award Nov. 3 in Jerusalem by a representative of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The Pilgrim Shell, the choicest decoration of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Je-rusalem, can be earned by any knight or lady of the Order, in good standing, who makes a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and prays at the Holy Sepulchre of Our Risen Lord. Pierre and Roz made the pilgrimage to the Holy Land Oct. 27-Nov. 6, to commemorate their 45th wedding anniversary, Oct. 23. The pilgrimage was sponsored by the Southeastern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and they were joined by 30 other pilgrims.

STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE, KOLIN ALTAR SOCIETY. The ladies of the Sts. Francis and Anne Altar Society held an open house recently at the new rectory of the church. Sts. Francis and Anne in Kolin, was established as the 50th parish of the Diocese of Alexandria on June 30, 2010, by Bishop Ronald Herzog. Fr. Joy Retnazihamoni (pictured) is serving as its first pastor.

OL OF LOURDES, FIFTH WARD ALTAR SOCIETY. The ladies of the Our Lady of Lourdes Altar Society in Fifth Ward, take a moment for a picture after preparing senior meals for the homebound and shut-ins of the parish. Meals are prepared once a month by the ladies and about 50 people are served. Pictured are Lily Dubea, Martha Bringo, Elaine Bordelon, Patrice Lemoine, Shirley Guillot, Eltelene Roberts and Marie Laborde.

January 17, 2011

1 DIOCESE OF ALEXANDRIA CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY. On Aug. 6, 2010, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral was filled to capacity, with an overflow crowd gathered at the Riverfront Center, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the transfer of the See City from Natchitoches to Alexandria.

2IMMACULATE CONCEPTION IS DEDICATED A MINOR BASILICA. Although Pope Benedict XVI officially honored the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches with the rank and title of Minor Basilica on Feb. 22, 2009, it was not until Jan. 10, 2010 that the Diocese of Alexandria gathered with Bishop Ronald Herzog and bishops from throughout the province to receive the symbols of the new basilica and set up its coat of arms.

3 STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE IS DESIGNATED THE 50TH PARISH IN THE DIOCESE. On June 30, 2010, Bishop Ronald Herzog designated Sts. Francis and Anne mission as an independent parish and assigned Rev. Joy Antony Retnazihamoni as the first resident pastor. Pictured here are some of the original members of the mission church established 50 years ago.

5 ALEXANDRIA HOSTS NATIONAL MEETING ON LITURGY. On Oct. 4-9, the Diocese of Alexandria hosted the national meeting of the FDLC (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commission). Priests and laity from across the country came to Alexandria to discuss the implementation of the revisions in the new Roman Missal.

4 CARDINAL RAYMOND BURKE VISITS ALEXANDRIA. On Dec. 1, 2010, newly-elevated Cardinal Raymond Burke celebrated Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, while he was in town as the primary speaker for the national conference of Chancery and Tribunal Officials.

January 17, 2011

Y E A R I N R E V I E W

6 IMMIGRATION CENTER OPENS IN ALEXANDRIA. On Nov. 23, 2010, local representatives of different faiths gathered to establish and dedicate an Immigration Center in Alexandria. The center, located at 4210 South MacArthur Drive, offers a wide variety of services to immigrants in the area.

7 BISHOP HERZOG ORDAINS TWO MORE PRIESTS FOR THE DIOCESE. On May 29, 2010, Bishop Ronald Herzog ordained Rev. Anthony Catella of Rockford, Ill., and Rev. Irion St. Romain of Marksville.

8 RADIO MARIA EXPANDS TO TWO MORE STATIONS. With two successful Mariathons this year, Radio Maria expanded its outreach to two more stations in the U.S. including one is D’Iberville, Miss., and Peshtigo, Wisc. With Alexandria as the national headquarters and Fr. Duane Stenzel as its national program director, Radio Maria is now broadcasting through a total of 10 stations in the U.S.

9 SNOW IN THE DIOCESE. On Feb. 12, 2010, Central Louisiana received a rare 2-4 inches of snow. Fathers Rusty Rabalais and Abraham Varghese stand by their snowman in front of St. Joseph Church in Marksville.

10 DIOCESE UPDATES WEBSITE. The Diocese updated its website (www.diocesealex.org) with a new look and joined the millions on Facebook.

January 17, 2011

Special thanks to:


At least once a year, many Christians become aware of the great diversity of ways of adoring God. Hearts are touched, and people realize that their neighbors’ ways of worship are not so strange. The event that touches off this special experience is called the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Traditionally celebrated between January 18-25 (in the northern hemisphere) or at Pentecost (in the southern hemisphere), the Week of Prayer enters into congregations and parishes all over the world. Pulpits are exchanged, and special ecumenical worship services are arranged.

The Catholic Diocese of Alexandria and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana will participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by hosting a major ecumenical service on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 1620 Murray Street, in Alexandria. The public is invited to attend.

This year, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity has chosen the theme,

One in the Apostles’ Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread and Prayer. It is taken from Acts 2:42.

Since 1908, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has been observed throughout the world as an occasion to pray for genuine ecumenism. In addition to the diocesan event, local parishes are encouraged to join with Christian denominations in their areas for prayers centering on the annual theme and the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21).

For more information, contact Fr. Scott Chemino, [email protected] or (318) 445-6424 Ext. 204.

Lord God our Father, we rejoice that in all times, places and cultures, there are people who reach out to you in prayer.

Above all, we thank you for the example and teaching of your Son, Jesus Christ, who has taught us to long in prayer for the coming of your Kingdom.

Teach us to pray better as Christians together, so that we may always be aware of your guidance and encouragement through all our joys and distress, through the power your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Week of Prayer for Christian UnityEcumenical Service to be held Jan. 20 at St. James Episcopal Church

Prayer forChristian Unity

Amicus Club Rodeo to be held Jan. 21-22

From clown shows to steer wrestling, mutton busting, and bull riding, -- people of all ages are sure to be entertained by the 49th annual Amicus Club Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Rodeo to be held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 21-22 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.

This event typically attracts more than 400 professional cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country.

Mutton bustin’ is a crowd favorite when children ages 6 and under ride sheep. Another audience favorite are the clown acts between rodeo events. Rodeo clown legend Lecile Harris will be there.

But the crowd really comes alive when the residents from St. Mary’s Training Facility meet in the center of the arena for a dance contest.

The rodeo will be held at 7:30 p.m. on both nights, and also at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are

$10 per person; children under 12 get in free with a coupon from their school. All proceeds from the PRCA sanctioned event will benefit St. Mary’s Residential Training School.

The Amicus Club is a service organization whose sole purpose is to organize this annual rodeo as its primary fundraiser for St. Mary’s Residential Training Facility.

Tickets are available at A&A Western Wear in Alexandria, Longhorn Western Store in Ball, and at the Coliseum Box Office.

January 17, 2011

Jan. 22 has become “a date that will live in infamy,” because that’s the date in 1973 that the U.S. Supreme Court made it legal to have an abortion.

Every year since that time, millions of prolifers across the country have gathered in Washington, D.C. to March for Life and stand up for the 51 million babies who have died since Roe v. Wade.

Although the big march in Washington, D.C., always garners the most attention for obvious reasons, we, here in Louisiana, have good reason to stand tall for life Jan. 22. We are having our own march in the capital city of Baton Rouge at 10 a.m.

The Louisiana Life March is an attempt to “gather the people to build a culture of life,” according to Benjamin Clapper, executive director of the Louisiana Right to Life Federation.

If you are a Louisiana prolifer and not planning to go to Washington, D.C., consider coming to meet us at the Old State Capitol at 10 a.m.

Speakers include state Sen.

Sharon Weston Broome, Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Rev. Shenan Boquet of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and an EWTN contributor. Gov. Bobby Jindal is invited to speak.

Afterward, near the “new” state capitol, a Life Ministry Mobilization area will equip marchers with tools needed to make a difference back home.

• The Rapides Right to Life group is chartering a bus to Baton Rouge for $25 per person. If you are interested in riding the bus, please contact Donna Domzalski at 445-7525. Seating is limited. Fr.

Jim Ferguson will celebrate a 6:30 a.m. Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on Saturday, Jan. 22 for the intentions of the Unborn and will give those traveling to Baton Rouge (bus riders will meet in the Cathedral parking lot at 7 a.m.) an opportunity to attend Mass before leaving.

• After the march, come to the Life Ministry Mobilization area and visit all of the pro-life booths including the DesOrmeaux Foundation, located in Lafayette (337-289-9366; DesOrmeauxFoundation.com).

• For those who cannot attend the march in Baton Rouge, St. Joseph Church in Marksville will be having a March for Life. The March will begin at 10 a.m. from the parking lot of St. Joseph Church and proceed to the Courthouse steps where prayers will be offered to end abortion as well of other facets of abortion. From there participants will walk back to St. Joseph Hall for refreshments. Those who can’t make the walk can gather at the courthouse ahead of time. Call 253-7810 for more information.

Are you a pro-life high school teen who has always wanted to do more for life, but not sure how to defend your position? Louisiana Camp Joshua is the answer for you.

Louisiana Camp Joshua (LCJ) is a jam packed pro-life weekend for high school teens that will train you to be a true builder of the Culture of Life. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Louisiana Right to Life, and Louisiana Students for Life, the three-day experience is offered on three dates, at three different locations:

• Feb. 11-13 Lake Charles• Mar. 11-13 Ruston• April 1-3 Baton Rouge

At Camp Joshua, you will learn how to change hearts and save lives in your own

community through interactive games, challenging training sessions, exciting events, hearing testimonies from women who do regret abortion, and receiving the tools to lead a pro-life group on campus.

Today, graduates of LCJ are pro-life leaders who have started groups on their respective college and high school campuses, or given presentations to their classes or church groups.

If you are a high school sophomore, junior, or senior who wants to be a leader in the youth pro-life movement and help to transform our culture into one of LIFE, register today for one of the Camp Joshuas nearest to you.

The cost is $75 and includes meals, t-shirt, program, field trip, and a bunch of fun! To register or for more information, contact Kacie Hampton, at [email protected]; call 1-866-463-5433 or look for a short video titled Louisiana Camp Joshua on YouTube.

Camp Joshua invites teens to learn about pro-life cause

Calling all pro-lifers:Meet in Baton Rouge Jan. 22 for first Louisiana Life March

January 17, 2011

ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL, ALEXANDRIA performs the Living Nativity as part of their annual “Reindeer Games” program.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, MOREAUVILLE. The Girls’ Choir sang at the Christmas Open House at the Paragon.

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL, NATCHITOCHES. Elementary 4-H members collected gifts for Toys for Tots. MENARD HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH CLASS, ALEXANDRIA visited and entertained the residents of St. Mary’s Training Facility for Autistic Children.

MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS CHURCH CCD, WOODWORTH had a birthday party for Jesus on Dec. 15.

NATIVITY OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, CAMPTI held a birthday party for Jesus on Dec. 15.

January 17, 2011

ST. RITA CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA celebrated St. Nicholas Day on Saturday, Dec. 4. (left)

OL of LOURDES CCD, FIFTH WARD put on a Christmas play. (left)

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, PLAUCHEVILLE also put on a Christmas play. (right)

ST. ALPHONSUS YOUTH CHOIR, HESSMER sings Christmas music during “Angels Sing” held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Fifth Ward. (middle left)

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL, BUNKIE. Preschool students wait their turn to sing at the St. Anthony School Advent program. (above)

Christmas around the Diocese

January 17, 2011

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OPEN HOUSESacred Heart School

MoreauvilleThursday, Feb. 310 a.m. -2 p.m.

HOLY SAVIOR MENARD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, ALEXANDRIA is proud of its tradition of educating students through faith development, academic excellence, and service -- just ask

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA SCHOOL, BUNKIE provides a challenging curriculum for all students . . . Montessori classes (pre-K and K), computer lab (pre-K to 8th), and French (1st to 8th). Mrs. Lise Jones, French teacher, is shown with one of the 4th graders,

What makes our Catholic schools A+?

“I think Saint Mary’s is a very disci-plined school. The academics are great and the teachers are always challenging students to put forth their best effort. It is unique because we attend Mass weekly and are able to celebrate God.”

“Saint Mary’s is the best place for me because I can count on everyone and learn about God in a fun envi-ronment. I think the students make Saint Mary’s unique because we are all different yet very supportive of each other.”

“I like Saint Mary’s because it is a safe school and I feel I’m getting a very good education. I like attend-ing SMS because I can participate in many clubs and sports while getting my education. The teachers care about us. It’s a great place!”

ST. MARY’S SCHOOLNATCHITOCHES



ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL, ALEXANDRIA is an A+ Catholic school for America because of the use of technology in every area of its curriculum. Ms. Vicknair is using the Smartboard to help her second grade students write a letter of invitation to Governor Jindal to attend the school-wide ‘All American Festival’ during Catholic Schools Week.

January 17, 2011

OPEN HOUSEHoly Savior Menard

High SchoolThursday, Feb. 3

6- 7:30 p.m.

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR SCHOOL, ALEXANDRIA. What makes Our Lady of Prompt Succor School A+ are our wonderful students -- like

-- and our efforts to develop their spirituality, intellect, creativity, athleticism, and any other gifts that Our Lord has bestowed on them.

J A N U A R Y 3 0 - F E B R U A R Y 5

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, PLAUCHEVILLE provides the best in academics, sportsmanship, spirit, and most of all, the Roman Catholic faith. The guidance of our administration, the Brothers of the Holy Eucharist, the dedicated and qualified faculty mold and construct the future leaders of Avoyelles parish, the state, and even the nation.

ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION SCHOOL, COTTONPORT added a Pre-K 3 for 3 year old children. They are introduced to the alphabet and numbers, colors, shapes and the calendar. The children are taught to share, follow directions, and become friends with their classmates. By the end of the year they are well prepared for Pre-K 4. St. Mary’s is also proud of the fact that currently all our classrooms are equipped with a SmartBoard, projector, and laptop computer. These are used daily by the classroom teachers as a teaching tool which allows them to enhance their lessons.

January 17, 2011

Special thanks to:


By Sarah DelaneyCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- An Italian company is offering an electronic rosary with the voice of Pope John Paul II leading the prayers. The Prex Co., based in Loreto, Italy, said in a press release that the device, complete with headphones, “was conceived to promote greater use of prayers in daily life.” Electronic rosaries have been on the market for some time, but

Company offers electronic rosary with JPII’s voice leading prayers

this year’s novelty is the voice of the late pope reciting in Italian the traditional rosary prayers as well as the luminous mysteries of the rosary, which he added in 2002, the company said. A recording that follows the rosary calendar for each day of the week can be turned on with a simple click, the press release said. The electronic rosary comes in various colors and models and a choice of images including those from Our Lady of Lourdes and other Marian sanctuaries. One model is in the shape of

a heart; a red light pulses like a heartbeat when it is turned on. All are light and fit in a pocket. The makers said the electronic rosaries can be particularly useful for people who are not mobile, for example the elderly, to help them feel “less alone.” It is also a good tool for teaching children prayers, the company said on its website. The rosaries are currently offered with texts in English, French and Spanish, and others will be added, the company said.

Catholics ask: Is social media a good thing?’ A new study linking teen’s excessive use of Facebook and texting to alcohol abuse and sexual activity has ignited discussion among Catholics as to whether or not the drastic rise in impersonal communication among young people can be seen as a good thing. But no matter one’s stance on the issue, Catholics from the parish priest to the tech-savvy teen agree that parental involvement is crucial – and often, sadly lacking.Business Week sparked debate recently by reporting that teens who “hyper texted” (over 120 messages sent per school day) and “hyper social networked” (over three hours spent on networking sites per school day) showed an increase risk of dangerous health behaviors such as smoking, drinking and sexual activity. Hyper-networking was

also associated with increased likelihood of stress, depression, suicide, poor sleep, poor academics, television watching and parental permissiveness, according to researchers. Although the amount of texting and hours spent networking online cited by the study might sound drastic to the average adult, many teens don’t see it as abnormal. “Today’s young people are raised in a media saturated culture and using these various forms of communication is really like breathing to them,” said Catholic author Teresa Tomeo. Tomeo, a former journalist who also writes faith-based books for teens, said that parents are overwhelmed and often can’t keep up with their children’s ability to communicate through modern technology. She added

that many parents are also caught up in “their own addictive media habits” and lack the discipline to challenge their kids to use media responsibly. “Parents need to be more involved and really get a handle on what their children are doing online,” she stressed. “They need to educate themselves, set and stick to guidelines and not be afraid to be parents or to set limits

and restrictions on the amount and types of media usage.” “The Church in Her wisdom recognizes the advantage of online communication for faith outreach,” Tomeo said, noting both Pope Benedict and the U.S. bishop’s encourage technology for evangelization. “But moderation is the key. The important thing, is parental involvement.”

Santa Fe Communications, Inc., began airing Sunday Mass nationwide Jan. 2 on the Ion Net-work, as part of their Heart of the Nation TV Mass ministry.

“Heart of the Nation be-gan in the 1980’s with the vi-sion of gradually broadcasting the Catholic Mass nationwide,” said Bruno John, executive direc-tor. “Several factors has allowed us to expand from a small number of broadcast TV markets to mil-lions of additional TV households across the country.”

In Alexandria, you can watch the Sunday Mass on TV at 8:30 a.m. on DirectTV’s Channel 305 and 347 or on Dish Network’s Channel 216 and 217.

Santa Fe Communications is also launching a new website, www.MySundayMass.org. which will include streaming video of the TV Mass, text of the homilies, inspirational prayers, a “Where to Watch” channel guide, and other elements.

“We want our website to be a resource for Eucharistic ministers who bring Communion to the sick and homebound, for chaplains in healthcare and prison settings, and for the families and friends of those in need of the TV Mass,” he said. The TV Mass also reaches Catholics who have stopped go-ing to Mass or those interested in becoming Catholic.

For more information about this ministry, go to www.heartof-thenation.org

TV Ministry now airs Sunday Masson Ion Network

January 17, 2011

Special thanks to:


Provosty Sadler & deLauney

Special thanks to:


Bishops urged to embrace social media to evangelize effectively

By Carol ZimmermannCatholic News Service

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Social media is not only here to stay but should be recognized and used as a “new form of pastoral ministry,” U.S. bishops were told recently in their annual meeting. “Social media is proving itself to be a force with which to be reckoned. If not, the

church may be facing as great a challenge as that of the Protestant Reformation,” said Bishop Ronald P. Herzog of Alexandria, La., a member of the bishops’ Committee on Communications, in an address to the USCCB in Baltimore. Bishop Herzog noted that although social media has been around for less than 10 years, it lacks the “makings of a fad” and

is “causing as fundamental a shift in communication patterns and behavior as the printing press did 500 years ago.” He delivered the committee report on behalf of its chairman, Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala of Los Angeles, who was unable to attend the meeting because he was undergoing back surgery. Bishop Herzog used Pope Benedict XVI’s description of a “digital continent” to describe the multiple media platforms used today and likewise compared it to new mission territory. “We digital immigrants need lessons on the digital culture, just as we expect missionaries to learn the cultures of the people they are evangelizing. We have to be enculturated. It’s more than just learning how to create a Facebook account. It’s learning how to think, live and embrace life” in forms of blogs, Twitter feeds and online social networking.” For starters, he said the church must be a voice in this frontier especially when “anyone can create a blog (and) everyone’s opinion is valid.” He said once a question or

BISHOP HERZOG TALKS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA AT MEETING IN BALTIMORE. Bishop Ronald P. Herzog of Alexandria, La., talks about social media and the church during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops annual fall meeting in Baltimore recently. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

contradiction is posted in a blog, Twitter feed or Facebook status, viewers “expect a response and something resembling a conversation.” “We can choose not to enter into that cultural mindset, but we do so at great peril to the church’s credibility and approachability,” he said. Young people often use social media as their first point of reference in obtaining everything from news of the world to updates on their friends. “The implications of that for a church which is struggling to get those same young people to enter our churches on Sunday are staggering,” he said. Or put another way: “If the church is not on their mobile device, it doesn’t exist.” The bishop also noted that even with staggering numbers of those who use new media, the church should not abandon what he termed “legacy communication outlets,” stressing that many people still rely on newspapers, radio, television and books for information.

January 17, 2011

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PDS TRAINING FOR CHURCH SECRETARIES AND OFFICE MANAGERS. A training class on how to use Parish Data Systems was held Jan. 11 at the St. Joseph Catholic Center for all church secretaries and office managers. Father Rick Gremillion, director of Special Ministries, was the presenter for the approximately 30 attendees.

DONATION TO ST. ANTHONY CHURCH. Father John O’Brien, pastor of St. Anthony Church in Natchitoches, accepts a check for $10,000 from Deacon Joseph Peltier, to be used for completing the stained glass window project for the church.

River Oaks to showcase Menard art on Feb. 25Barbara Clover, art teacher

at Holy Savior Menard, and her art students will be honored at a reception Friday, Feb. 25 from 5 – 7 p.m. at River Oaks Artist Community.

Clover was named the National Secondary Art Educator of the Year for 2010 for her exemplary contributions toward the promotion of art education. She and her students will offer a class on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. teaching the

artwork project to be exhibited—Kaleidoscopes: Circles of Color. The cost of the class is $10 per participant and is open to the public.

Clover has been a teacher at Menard for more than 16 years and is the current president of the Louisiana Art Educator’s Association (LAEA), which is a two-year term.

As a 16-year member of the LAEA, Clover has been recognized five times with the

CDA 1459. Members of Catholic Daughters Court Bishop Desmond 1459, visited two assisted living facilities in Alexandria on Dec. 20 and brought gifts to the residents. Pictured are some of the members and Msgr. Joseph Susi.

Flanagan Memorial Grand Award, the highest award by the organization, commending her contributions to art education. She also has served in the same organization as secondary art representative, vice president for the central region and has chaired the Youth Arts Month, the main vehicle the organization uses to promote the arts.

The NAEA represents more than 20,000 members from across the world.

January 17, 2011

St. Frances Cabrini Church in Alexandria will host its first In Your Cute Face mini conference on Saturday, Feb. 26 for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.

The conference, which begins at 9 a.m., will be a fun day filled with music, good talks, games, fun outside activities, and will conclude with anticipated Mass at 4:30 on Saturday afternoon.

“Our hope is to give the message of Christ to these youth before junior high school, when many times the secular message has already been introduced and practiced,” said Father Jose

Cabrini Church to offer In Your Cute Face rally

F E B R U A R Y 2 6

Robles-Sanchez, pastor. “We want these youth to leave the conference with three important truths; God is real, God is merciful and God loves all of us.”

Lizzie Gormley, a senior at Notre Dame University in Southbend, Ind., will be the guest speaker. Lizzie, better known as “Lizzie G.,” has worked with Lifeteen for the past two years. She has been a witness at Covecrest Summer Camp, and has done mission trips around the world. Her mission in life, which she is very open about, is to become a saint. She is passionate

about her mission, and lives her life for Christ. Lizzie G, is very funny, full of life, and has a special way of connecting with younger kids. Her favorite things to do when not attending school are playing guitar, playing with puppies, swimming, painting and cheering for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

“We are very excited to have her come to Alexandria in February to share her laughter and excitement about Christ with elementary aged students,” said Father Jose. “I will have the honor of celebrating Mass at 4:30, and

will also be speaking throughout the day. We will have a great time with some good surprises.”

Dale dePerrodil, coordinator for Catechesis for the Dioocese

of Alexandria, will also be one of the speakers.

Any adult who would like to volunteer as a chaperone for the event is most welcome and is asked to please call the rectory for more information.

The cost per participant is $20 if you register by Feb. 11. After Feb. 11, the cost is $25. To register online, go to www.cabrinichurch.com.

For more information, call 318-445-4588 or e-mail Denise at [email protected] or Liz Hines at lizhines@cabrinichurch.

See you there!

CLIENTS AND STAFF OF OLS COMMUNITY HOMES GIVE TO MANNA HOUSE. In lieu of drawing names for gifts and having a company Christmas party, the clients and staff of Our Lady of Sorrows Community Homes asked everyone to donate to Manna House this year. On Dec. 21, clients and staff of the Community Homes brought 15 boxes of food and supplies along with $1,200 to the Manna House.

GIVING TO MANNA HOUSE. Sister Carla Bertaini, administrator of St. Mary’s Training Facility, and two residents of the OLS Community Homes, load one of 15 boxes of food and supplies to the Manna House.

January 17, 2011

By Monica Rafie on behalf of National Cathholic

Partnership for Disability

At the close of the 2005 school year at Cathedral-Carmel Catholic School, in Lafayette, La. 7th & 8th grade Social Studies teacher and basketball coach Chad Judice allowed his students to ask him a question about himself. It would be his last year at CCCS, and he would be teaching some of these same students in the fall at his new position at St. Thomas More High School. He wanted them to know that he was both a teacher and a friend. In all his years there, it was the first time anyone had asked the question, “What do you fear most?”

“My greatest fear would be to have a child with a mental or physical handicap.”

In the dark of an ultrasound room four years later, he would revisit those words. He and his wife Ashley had only wanted to find out if their toddler son Ephraim would have a brother or sister. Instead, they were suddenly

thrust headlong into a new world. If the baby survived, he would at the very least have numerous physical disabilities. What does a man of action do when there is nothing within his own power that can be done? He turns to prayer and he brings everyone else along with him.

From the beginning, it’s clear this story is bigger than Chad and Eli. The hundreds of students and community of St Thomas More High School “walk” with the Judice family, and model a beautiful response of a Christian community of care: prayers with and for the family, post-it notes throughout the school daily reminding Chad that students had entrusted Eli to the heart of Jesus.

Another story unfolds through the letters students wrote and shared with Judice during the time they prayed both privately and communally for his unborn baby. They are beautiful and remarkable accounts of students finding their faith, returning to their faith, re-ordering their

priorities, and even the healing of family members.

Waiting for Eli: A Father’s Journey from Fear to Faith will captivate any reader, particularly parents who have had a prenatal diagnosis experience. It is a very “Catholic” book, saints both obscure and well-known pop up everywhere. To order, go to www.waitingforeli.com

Waiting for Eli: a story of faith, hope, power of prayer

Lafayette, Louisiana author to speak Feb. 11 at fundraiser

Chad Judice, author of Waiting for Eli, will speak at the Celebrate Life Banquet, Feb. 11 at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette. Tickets are $50 per person and all proceeds go to the DesOrmeaux Foundation for pregnant women.

January 17, 2011

‘THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: ‘THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER’. A lion named Aslan, voiced by Catholic actor Liam Neeson, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes and Ben Barnes are seen in the movie “The Chroni-cles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. (CNS photo/Fox)

tide carries all three children off to Narnia’s Eastern Sea.

Saved from drowning by their old friend, Caspian (Ben Barnes), now the king of Nar-nia, the siblings are delighted to be reunited with him aboard the “Dawn Treader,” pride of the kingdom’s fleet. They’ve arrived at an opportune time, since Cas-pian is in the midst of a quest to

Chronicles of Narnia keeps need for faith up frontBy John Mulderig

Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- “We have nothing if not belief,” says a character in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” (Fox).

And, indeed, with its youth-ful protagonists confronting forces of darkness both within themselves and around them, this screen version of the third in C.S. Lewis’ classic series of Christian-themed allegorical novels -- a mix of live action and animation -- keeps the need for faith front and center.

A murky backstory and slightly sketchy plot, though, make director Michael Apted’s addition to the franchise -- which began with 2005’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” and continued with “Prince Caspian” in 2008 -- somewhat less impres-sive dramatically than themati-cally.

The opening scenes, set in World War II-era Britain, find brother and sister Edmund and Lucy Pevensie (Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley) -- two of the four original human visitors to Narnia -- lodging with relatives, including their obnoxious, cyni-

cal cousin, Eustace Scrubb (Will Poulter).

Resentful at having to share his room with Edmund, Eustace, as the facts-only embodiment of modern rationalism, also sneers at his cousins’ tales of travel to a magical kingdom. So it comes as a surprise when a seascape paint-ing hanging on the wall suddenly floods the boys’ bedroom, and the

vanquish a menacing manifesta-tion of evil that takes the form of a green mist capable of making its victims disappear.

It’s here that the exposition in Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely and Michael Petroni’s script begins to feel a little bur-densome. Suffice it to say that the siblings -- and, more reluc-tantly, their traveling companion

-- agree to join Caspian on his mission.

This eventually requires them to bring together at the table of the noble lion Aslan (voice of Liam Neeson) -- Narnia’s spiri-tual lord whose redeeming death and resurrection are recounted in Lewis’ first volume and in the first film -- seven magical swords empowered to protect the land from harm.

During the adventures that ensue, Edmund and Lucy battle temptations ranging from vanity and envy to ambition, greed and cowardice. Meanwhile, helped along by the wisdom of one of Caspian’s sidekicks, plucky war-rior mouse Reepicheep (voice of Simon Pegg), Eustace endures an unwelcome physical transforma-tion which ultimately leads him down the path toward a far more positive spiritual conversion.

Richly cargoed with Gos-pel-based moral lessons and Christian overtones, this swash-buckling sequel, despite its occa-sionally rocky progress through the waves, bears viewers on an enjoyable, and mostly kid-friend-ly, voyage.

The film contains consider-able peril and bloodless violence and a couple of mild bathroom jokes. The Catholic News Ser-vice classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Pic-ture Association of America rat-ing is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

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January 17, 2011

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JAN. 24 EARLY REGISTRATION FOR ABBEY YOUTH FESTIVAL Register now for the Abbey Youth Festival to be held March 26 in St. Benedict, La. Festival speakers include Matt Maher, Paul George, Judy McDonald, Archbishop Gregory Aymond, and the monks and seminarians of St. Joseph Abbey+Seminary College. Early registration is going on now through Jan. 24. The Abbey Youth Festival is an apostolic service of St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, designed to provide young people with an opportunity to experience a day of prayer and faith formation with an exposure to the Benedictine tradition. Its focus is evangelization and vocational discernment by means of Liturgy, prayer, worship, music and education appropriate for Catholic young people. For more information, go to www.abbeyyouthfest.com

JAN. 28 ST. MARY’S AUTISM CONFERENCE St. Mary’s Residential Training School is hosting its

6th annual autism conference in Shreveport on Jan. 28. Four distinguished speakers will present topics including the treatment of feeding problems typically associated with autism, early identification of autism, and improving family ties, as well as treating self-injury.

The registration fee is $100 per person and $75 per student (with proof of enrollment). For more information please visit St. Mary’s website at www.stmarys-rts.org, or call Bo Vets at (318) 445-6443 ext: 2149.

JAN. 29-30 CHRISTIAN DREAM THERAPY Jim and Christy Gootee and the Two Hearts Team will offer a weekend on Wholeness and Holiness Through Christian Dream Therapy, Jan. 29-30 from 9 a.m. -5:30 p.m. at Maryhill Renewal Center. This is an opportunity grow spiritually by finding out how to pay attention to God’s symbolic language communicated in our dreams. The retreat will look at the importance of dreams in both the Old and the New Testament, as well as in the lives of some of the early saints. Bring a Bible and a ‘dream notebook’ in which you have written about one or two of your dreams. Cost is $115. For more information, go to www.jimandchristygootee.com or call (318) 641-6827.

FEB. 12 RECEIVING THE MIRACLE OF GOD’S HEALING LOVE

Jim and Christy Gootee and the Two Hearts Team will present a day retreat titled, Receiving the Miracle of God’s Healing Love on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville. Learn to follow God’s direction in Scripture to help remove the blocks in your miracle and learn about the doors to receive more miracles in your life. If you need a miracle, don’t miss this opportunity from God! The cost for the day is $40. For

those too ill to stay for the entire day, a healing service will be held from 7-9 p.m. The cost is a love offering if attending only the healing service. For more information, go to www.jimandchristygootee.com or call (318) 641-6827. Don’t forget to bring your Bible.

FEB. 12-13 S.A.L.T. RETREATThe Office of Religious Formation and Training will

offer a S.A.L.T. Retreat Feb. 12-13 at Marhill Renewal Center for all students in grades 9-12. The weekend retreat is filled with fun, music, talks on the faith, adoration, reconciliation and Mass. The last S.A.L.T. retreat for the spring will be March 5-6. For more information, call 318-445-6424, ext 221 or go to www.diocesealex.org and click on “Youth Ministry.”

FEB. 12 VALENTINE’S DAY DANCESt. John the Baptist Church in Cloutierville will sponsor

a Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the church hall. Music provided by DJ “Doc” Couty. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. For tickets, call David @ 357-3030 or Ray @ 379-2779.

FEB. 19 DAY OF RENEWALThe Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic

Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Alexandria will host its annual Day of Renewal at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Colfax, on Saturday, Feb. 19. The guest speaker, Johnny Bertucci, is a member of the National Service Committee of the Charismatic Renewal and a member of the steering committee of the Southern Regional Charismatic Conference. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will include Praise and

Worship music, talks, lunch (at a cost of $12 per person), testimonies, and will end with a Mass at 4 p.m. For more information please call Jo Mabou @ 318-442-0584 or Diane Ardoin 318-419-1547.

MARCH 18-20 YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCEThe annual Young Adult Conference will be held

March 18-20 at Maryhill Renewal Center. The conference is open to all young adults, ages 18-40. Speakers include Paul George, host Paul Hood, and music by Grae McCullough. The theme is Faith: Our Generation. For more information, go to www.diocesealex.org and click on Young Adult Ministry.

MAR. 26 FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR FR. LUKE MELCHER

On Saturday, March 26, Sacred Heart Church will host a farewell reception for Fr. Luke Melcher in the church Activities Building immediately following the 4 p.m. Mass. Fr. Melcher will be leaving for Rome soon to begin studies on a doctorate degree. Everyone is invited.

IMMIGRATION CENTER SERVICESThe Central Louisiana Interfaith Immigration Center

offers the following services: Processing of family petitions, employee visas, naturalizations, and much more. For more information call José Colls at 445-6424 Ext. 211.

FEB. 10 ST. MARY’S SCHOOL DRAW DOWNSt. Mary’s School in Natchitoches will hold its 5th

Annual “Draw Down” raffle fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the school gym.

Only 400 tickets will be sold. Cash and prizes will be awarded throughout the event, with a grand prize of $5,000 awarded to the last ticket remaining. The event will feature a buffet-style meal and cash bar. A silent auction will also be held.

A “Draw Down” is a type of reverse raffle in which the last ticket drawn – not the first – is the winner. Viewing of the silent auction packages will begin at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the Draw Down will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the numbers of ticket holders displayed on the Big Board. As each name/number is called, it is removed from the board. The last ten ticket holders may choose to divide the grand prize or continue to “draw down.”

Tickets are $100 each, which admits two, with an optional $25 insurance fee. Insured tickets drawn among the first one hundred names receive a second chance at play. In addition, a 4-wheeler will be raffled for $25 per ticket.

Tickets are available at the St. Mary’s School office and the Immaculate Conception rectory. For more information, call 352-8394.

Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLCBrigitte KelsoOwner/Agent

2918 S. MacArthur Dr.Alexandria, La. 71301

Phone: 318.448.2226Fax: [email protected]

HAPPY 65TH ANNIVERSARY! Mary and Lloyd Lachney celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a Mass by Msgr. Joseph Susi at Kingsley Place Assisted Living.

January 17, 2011

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All Catholic Schools closed

Diocesan Offices Closed

Deadline to register forAbbey Youth Festival

Menard 10th Grade Retreat--Maryhill Renewal Center

Prayer Service for Christian Unity7:00 p.m.St. James Episcopal Church, Alexandria

FEAST OF ST. BLAISEBlessing of the Throats

St. Mary’s Draw Down5:00-9:00 p.m.St. Mary’s GymNatchitoches

St. Mary’s Autism ConferenceShreveport

Louisiana’s 1st March for Life10:00 a.m.Baton Rouge

CHRISTUS Cabrini Foundation Winter Ball7:00 p.m.Paragon Casino, Marksville

Healing Retreat10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.Maryhill Renewal Center

PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA

PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON

PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO

PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW

PRAY FOR FR. F. D’CRUZ

PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR

PRAY FOR MSGR. J. TIMMERMANS

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET

PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE

PRAY FOR FR. D. STENZEL

PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS

PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH

PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO

PRAY FOR FR. D. DE JESUS

PRAY FOR MSGR. J. SUSI

PRAY FOR FR. O. WILLIAM

PRAY FOR FR. B. ZAGST

PRAY FOR FR. A. CATELLA

PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE

PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA

PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE

PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA

PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO

PRAY FOR FR. A. DHARMARAJ

PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA

PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD

PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN

PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY

PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK

PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS

PRAY FOR MSGR. R. BORDELON

PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM

PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON

FEBRUARY

FIRST SATURDAY

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

PRAY FOR FR. J. VELEZ-LOPEZ

Amicus Club Rodeo -- Rapides Coliseum

FIRST FRIDAY

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

Cenla Mens Mini Retreat -- Maryhill Renewal Ctr.

Christian Dream Therapy Retreat -- Maryhill

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

S.A.L.T. Retreat -- Maryhill Renewal Center

VALENTINE’S DAY

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