Dio

cese

of A

lexa

ndria

The

Chu

rch

Toda

yP.

O. B

ox 7

417

Ale

xand

ria, L

A 7

1306

-041

7

February 14, 2011

Volume XLI, No. 2

On theInside

Louisiana’s first March for Life attracts thousands

Louisiana’s first March for Life held Jan. 22 in Baton Rouge on the 38th anniversary of Roe vs Wade attracted thousands of supporters from across the state and surrounding areas. Read more on pg. 3.

Fire destroys 155-year-oldchurch in Washington, La

Immaculate Conception Church, a 155-year-old historic church in Washington, La., burned to the ground Jan. 14. Read how it happened on pg. 6.

Father Duane Stenzeldies at age 83

Father Duane Stenzel, O.F.M., a Franciscan priest and national program director for Ra-dio Maria died Jan. 18. He was 83. Read more about him and his contributions to Catholic Ra-dio on pg. 8

St. Anthony-Bunkie parishioners

March for Life

Father Jack Michalchuk, pastor of St. Anthony Church in Bunkie, and many of his parishioners, marched in the first March for Life Jan. 22 in Baton Rouge.

February 14, 2011Page 2

WASHINGTON—Three bills currently in the U.S. House of Representatives would help ensure that adequate protections are in place for the consciences of taxpayers and health care providers and against federal funding of abortion. In three letters, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), urged House members to support the bills.

The Protect Life Act, H.R. 358, Cardinal DiNardo wrote in a Jan. 20 letter, would address flaws in the new health care reform law and bring it “into line with policies

on abortion and conscience rights that have long prevailed in other federal health programs.” It would do so by preventing funds under the new law from subsidizing abortion or health care plans that cover abortion, protecting the consciences of health care providers who decline to participate in an abortion, and ensuring that the law doesn’t override state laws on abortion and conscience.

In a second letter Jan. 20, Cardinal DiNardo urged support for the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA), H.R. 361, which will codify into law the longstanding policy of the Hyde/Weldon amendment and

give health care entities that do not provide abortions legal recourse when faced with government-sponsored discrimination. The Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services would be designated to investigate complaints.

“Passage of ANDA is urgently needed to protect the civil rights of health professionals and other health care entities,” the cardinal wrote. “This bill reaffirms a basic principle: No health care entity should be forced by government to perform or participate in abortions.”

In a January 21 letter, Cardinal DiNardo also voiced his support for the bipartisan

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, H.R. 3, which would “write into permanent law a policy on which there has been strong popular and congressional agreement for over 35 years: The federal government should not use taxpayers’ money to support and promote elective abortion.” The cardinal wrote, “Even public officials who take a ‘pro-choice’ stand on abortion, and courts that have insisted on the validity of a constitutional ‘right’ to abortion, have agreed that the government can validly use its funding power to encourage childbirth over abortion.”

Cardinal DiNardo noted that this agreement is so longstanding

Bishops support 3 bills to strengthen protections for life

By Carol ZimmermannCatholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The news of Pope John Paul II’s upcoming beatification was welcomed by many as a confirmation of something they already felt from the moment the shouts of “Santo subito!” (“Sainthood now!”) reverberated through St. Peter’s Square at the pontiff’s funeral.

Many in the crowd were young people who had a special affinity to Pope John Paul, whose pontificate started and ended with a special greeting to young people. During his installation ceremony in 1978, the newly named pope told youths: “You are the future of the world, you are the hope of the church, you are my hope.”

And his last words, reportedly

delivered hours before his death, were also to youths, in response to the thousands of young people praying and singing in St. Peter’s Square.

“I sought you and now you have come to me. ... I thank you,” said the pontiff, who died April 2, 2005 at age 84.

Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, founder and CEO of Canada’s Salt and Light Television, said it was no coincidence that he heard the news of the pontiff’s beatification while attending a meeting in Spain for the upcoming World Youth Day.

“A thunderous, sustained, standing ovation followed the announcement,” he said in a Jan. 14 statement.

The priest, national director for World Youth Day 2002 in

that, during the recent health care debate, many assumed it was already in place at all levels of the federal government, when in fact the Hyde amendment is only a rider to the annual Labor/HHS appropriations bill and only governs funds under that act.

The cardinal noted, “The benefit of H.R. 3 is that it would prevent problems and confusions on abortion funding in future legislation. Federal health bills could be debated in terms of their ability to promote the goal of universal health care, instead of being mired in debates about one lethal procedure that most Americans know is not truly ‘health care’ at all.”

Pope John Paul II to be beatified May 1 in Rome

POPE JOHN PAUL II PICTURED IN LOS ANGELES IN 1987. A relaxed Pope John Paul II answers questions from young people during a 1987 teleconference in Los Angeles. Pope Benedict XVI approved a miracle attributed to Pope John Paul’s intercession, clearing the way for the late pope’s beatification May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday. (CNS photo/Joe Rimkus Jr.)

Toronto, said the date for the beatification, May 1, is also no coincidence. Not only is it Divine Mercy Sunday, but it is also the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, known as “May Day” on secular calendars.

“Communists and socialists around the world commemorate May Day with marches, speeches and festivals,” he said, adding that it was fitting that “the man who was a unique instrument and messenger in bringing down the Iron Curtain and the deadly reign of communism and godlessness will be declared blessed” that day.

Father Rosica said the announcement is “the formal confirmation of what many of us always knew as we experienced the Holy Father in action throughout his pontificate” particularly among youths.

February 14, 2011 Page 3

By Laura Deavers, EditorCatholic Commentator

“You are the leaders of the pro-life movement,” the crowd of over 3,000 participating in the first Loui-siana Life March Jan. 22 was told as they stood at the foot of the State Capitol steps in Baton Rouge. Reli-gious and elected officials said they take their direction from the people.

“You are the leaders who are going to bring us to an abortion-free nation; an abortion-free Louisiana,” U. S. Sen. David Vitter told the pro-life advocates who had just walked the .8 miles from the Old State Capitol to show support for life from conception to natural death. Marchers had come from all over Louisiana to show their desire to put an end to abortion in their state and the nation.

The march took place on the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision making it legal for abortions to be performed in the United States.

Bishop Robert W. Muench

gave the opening prayer for the program. “We respect human life from conception until natural death with dignity,” prayed the bishop. “We boldly and unapologetically express our conscious and consci-entious commitment to be witness-es of your commandment against murder.”

Vitter said he would be attend-ing the March for Life in Washing-ton, D.C., on Jan. 24, and the next day he would be reintroducing sev-eral pieces of pro-life legislation. To the crowd’s approval, he said the legislation would concern:

Title 10 Family Planning Act to end taxpayer funding of abor-tions;

The Abortion Non-Discrimi-nation Act to make sure all health care providers have complete free-dom of conscience and do not have to perform abortions;

The Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act is to make sure pregnant women will get full health care protection for themselves.

“When we prevail, it won’t be

because of (the pro-life members of Congress) it will be because of you,” Vitter said pointing to the crowd. “Every poll indicates that Americans are becoming more pro-life, not less. We are moving in the right direction.”

Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Eth-ics and Religious Liberty Commit-tee, was the featured speaker for the program.

“Between 50 million and 55 million babies have been killed since 1973, the year of Roe v. Wade,” said Land. “This means one in three or one in four of all babies conceived have been aborted. In the last 38 years, the most dangerous place that an American has been is in his or her mother’s womb between concep-tion and birth,” said Land. “We have between 25 percent and 33 percent fatality rate between conception and birth.”

Remarking that Bishop Muench had used many of the bibli-cal quotes he had planned to use in his talk, Land said, “He and I are the liberals’ worst nightmare,” because of their work to stop abortion. “The Catholics and the Baptists are go-ing to get together and put an end to abortion.”

Referring to recent polls that have been taken, Land said 50 per-cent of Americans now describe themselves as pro-life; while 42 percent say they are pro-choice. “We are winning,” exclaimed Land. “This is the fifth survey in a row” that has shown a similar shift in pub-lic opinion.

Land said the numbers of young people participating in pro-life marches and rallies have im-pressed him. “The pro-life people have had their babies and raised them to be pro-life. The pro-choice parents have not had their babies,

and so they did not raise them to be anything.”

The pro-life movement is one Supreme Court vote away from put-ting Roe v. Wade “on the ash heap of history where it belongs,” Land emphasized. “The Supreme Court cannot tell us what is right or wrong. It is only nine justices who can say what is legal or illegal.”

Lynette Shaffett, a Redemptor-ist High School campus minister, ac-companied 60 RHS students for Life on the Louisiana Life March.

Other RHS students left Jan. 20 with seven buses of young people and chaperones to attend the March for Life in Washington.

Shaffett said the Louisiana Life March provided those Redemptorist students who cannot go to Washing-ton for the national march an oppor-tunity to take a public stand against abortion.

First Louisiana Life March draws thousands

LOUISIANA’S FIRST LIFE MARCH. Thousands of people gathered on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol to hear pro-life speakers. (Photos by Laura Deavers)

YOUNG PEOPLE lead the Life March carrying the landmark banner. Youth groups and families came from all over the state to attend the first Life March in the state with hope that Louisiana will be the first state to abolish abortion.

February 14, 2011

was impossible until recently. Even Pope Benedict XVI was not given permission. I have recently accepted the invitation to be the spiritual director for the pilgrim-age sponsored by the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in April 2012 so my recent trip pro-

February 14, 2011 Vol. XLI, No. 2

Page 4

It seems like I am away more than at home this time of year. As you can see from the photo-story in this issue, my trip to Nigeria was extremely interesting and reward-ing. Father Remi was a very good ‘tour guide’ and managed to make sure everything went as planned.

I recently returned from the trip to the Holy Land during which I had the privilege of visiting a number of the shrines and historic sites such as Capernaum, Naza-reth, and Jerusalem. The schedule was tight, but the trip was very worthwhile. One of the highlights was the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist at the Cenacle. This

vided a good preview.

The season of Lent will soon begin. Because Easter is very late this year, almost as late as is pos-sible and, therefore, Lent does not begin until March 9. These days offer us the chance to once again

set aside several weeks to prepare for the great celebrations surround-ing Our Lord’s death and resurrec-tion. This marks the final journey leading to baptism for those in the parish RCIA programs. The Rite of Election is scheduled at the ca-thedral on Sunday, March 13, at 2:30 pm. It is always inspiring to see people from throughout the diocese gathered as one family of faith supporting those who will be received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Please keep them in your prayers.

As you already know, we will begin using the English translation of the 3rd Edition of the Roman

Missal on the First Sunday of Ad-vent this fall. We will be scheduling some additional training sessions to assist our priests and other min-isters, especially music ministers, in the month ahead. Hopefully, this will make the transition as smooth as possible.

Thank you for all you do in the rich variety of ministries in your parishes and may all of us be granted abundant blessings during the days of Lent that lie before us!

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE. Copies of the New American Bible, a Catholic Bible in English first published in 1970, are pictured in the bookstore at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Feb. 2. Revisions were published in 1986 and now this Bible has undergone its first major update since then, with a revised edition to be released March 9, Ash Wednesday, and made in available various print, electronic and audio formats. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

By Patricia ZaporCatholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The revised New American Bible that will be released on Ash Wednesday, March 9, may seem most notably different to casual readers for its efforts at providing context and clarity in how the passages fit together, according to the coordinator of its publication.

“It will be like going from regular TV to high-definition,” said Mary Elizabeth Sperry, associate director of New American Bible utilization for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “You’ll have the same programs but more clarity, more detail.”

What is being called the New American Bible Revised Edition, or NABRE, will include the first revised translation since 1970 of the Old Testament. The New Testament translation is the same as in 1986’s Second Edition of the New American Bible.

The NABRE also will include the updated Book of Psalms, which was revised in three phases between 1991 and 2010 and has been included in Third Edition versions of the New American Bible published since 1991.

The new Bible will be available in an assortment of print, audio and electronic formats, from a variety of publishers. Individual publishers will roll out their versions on their own schedules. For instance, Oxford University Press announced its line of compact NABRE editions will be available by Easter, April 24, and its study Bibles will be on

Revised Bible offers more clarity for today’s Catholic

the market for fall 2011 courses.The NABRE’s publication

will not affect what Scripture texts are used for Mass. The Lectionary translation has already been updated recently.

Sperry explained that some of the updating in the Old Testament resulted from developments in biblical scholarship since the last time it was translated. For instance, recent archaeological discoveries have provided better texts, which affected scholarly views on how certain passages should be translated, she said.

The goal of retranslating the Old Testament was to “get it closer to the original language,” Sperry said. Scholars start with the original Hebrew or Greek

text, for instance, rather than simply working from the 1970 New American Bible version, or from translations used in other Bible editions.

For the most part, the changes will be hard to spot, except by those who are serious students or scholars, she said.

In other places in the NABRE, even casual readers may catch the differences.

She and Benedictine Father Joseph Jensen, executive secretary of the Catholic Biblical Association and one of the scholars who worked on the translation, both gave two examples of the type of changes everyday readers might notice: the disappearance of the words

“cereal” and “booty.”The goal when possible was

“to make the language more contemporary,” said Father Jensen. In today’s culture the phrase “cereal offering” conjures up images of Wheaties and Cheerios, not the bushels of wheat type of offering that the term is intended to mean, he said.

The word “booty” also has taken on the slang meanings of “buttocks” or sometimes, “sexual intercourse,” instead of its primary meaning of “plunder,” such as a marauding army might acquire.

Sperry said another change

made for contemporary readers was the elimination of the word “holocaust” in favor of “burnt offerings.” Since millions of Jews were killed in German death camps before and during World War II, the word Holocaust has gradually come to specifically refer only to that period of history, she explained.

The completed Old Testament revision was approved by the bishops at their November 2008 meeting.

In 2010 the bishops signed off on the latest revision of the Psalter, as the book of Psalms is called.

February 14, 2011 Page 5

LITURGICAL YEAR A

ASH WEDNESDAY

March 9

Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, is NOT a holy day of obligation, but is a day of fasting and abstinence.

Ashes are usually distributed at all Masses on Ash Wednesday. Check with your local parish for Mass schedules.

LENTEN REGULATIONS

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. This means that we do not eat meat and we have only one full meal.

The other Fridays of the season of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

The obligation to abstain from meat binds Catholics 14 years of age and older.

The obligation to fast, limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals in the course of the day, binds Catholics from the age of 18 to 59.

Those who are younger or older may freely embrace these disciplines. But Lenten disciples should never endanger your health.

It is obvious that abstaining from meat is meaningless for vegetarians, who must choose some other form of abstinence.

It is equally obvious that replacing meat with a gourmet seafood meal is not in keeping with the spirit of Lent.

By Beth GriffinCatholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) “Lectio divina,” an ancient scriptural meditative practice, is an ideal way for contemporary Catholics to unplug from worldly distractions and establish holy intimacy, permanent friendship and fruitful companionship with Jesus Christ, according to Trappist Brother Simeon Leiva.

And, it’s an ideal practice to start during Lent.

Brother Leiva, a Scripture scholar and monk at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Mass., said encountering the living Christ in mutual knowledge and love is transformative and challenging.

“The word of God must never be a soothing narcotic. God calls us out of our comfort zone and offers us new life on his own conditions,” he said.

“The movement toward Jesus requires courage and generosity and is both thrilling and frightening,” Brother Leiva

said.“Lectio divina” -- “the

reading of the sacred” or “the divine reading” -- dates from the second century. It uses a pattern of reading, reflection, prayer, contemplation and action to meditate on short scriptural passages.

The American Bible Society recently launched two books devoted to the practice: “The Catholic Prayer Bible -- ‘Lectio Divina’ Edition” and “Pray With the Bible, Meditate With the Word

-- a Manual for the Prayerful Reading of the Bible.”

The new books are a timely response to a post-synodal document in which Pope Benedict XVI urged Christians to get to know the Scriptures better.

“Verbum Domini” (“The Word of the Lord”) is an apostolic exhortation on the 2008 Synod of Bishops on the Word of God. In it and in earlier statements, Pope Benedict recommended “lectio divina” as an effective way to encounter Christ in Scripture and respond with openness and generosity.

Brother Leiva said “lectio divina” cultivates the human heart to activate to its highest potential and helps bring Christian souls to their natural state with Jesus Christ at the center of their being. “Union with Jesus is the whole of my life and my relationship with

him is the primal relationship that invigorates all others,” he said.

He described “lectio divina” as leisurely, ruminative, cordial, contemplative, disinterested, provocative, ecclesial and mystagogical. “Each session of ‘lectio’ is a modest foretaste of heavenly experiences,” he said.

He called “lectio divina” a tool to “make our lives themselves a living exegesis of the Word.”

Brother Leiva told Catholic News Service that “lectio divina” is “a Catholic way to decompress and pray at the same time. For whatever reason you practice it, it requires you to slow down and unplug yourself. It’s healthy and it’s very doable.”

Paraphrasing St. Bernard, the Trappist said, “’Stay at home, you may receive an important visitor.’ “’Lectio divina’ is coming home to oneself.”

Lectio divina is ideal for Catholics to practice during Lent

February 14, 2011Page 6

By Deacon Tom SommersAcadian Catholic editor

WASHINGTON, LA. --It took only a few minutes for fire to race through the historic 155-year-

old Church of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, La. Friday, Jan. 14.

The St. Landry Parish Fire Department received the first alarm at about 9:43 a.m. Other fire

departments from Washington, Ville Platte, Opelousas and Leonvville were also called out to battle the blaze. Firefighters arrived within three minutes but the church was already engulfed in flames. Deputies from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Washington police secured the area.

There were no injuries reported, although morning Mass had been celebrated just a couple of hours earlier. There has been no official cause given as of press time. Parishioners reported that there had been strange noises coming from the heating system in the back of the church and women who had just finished cleaning the church said that they had seen smoke coming from some of the ducts in the building.

Immaculate Conception Church was established in 1756, and the current building was constructed in 1836.

Father Albert Nunez is the pastor of Immaculate Conception as well as pastor of Holy Trinity Church, also in Washington. He has served the two congregations for more than eight years.

“As you can imagine, there are a lot of memories for the people here,” he said. “The Church is its people. But there are a lot of memories,” Father Nunez said. Father Nunez said that Mass would be celebrated in St. Joseph Hall, next door to the church.

Fire destroys 155-year-old church in Washington, La

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH in Washington, La. was destroyed by fire Jan. 14, a couple of hours after Mass had been celebrated that day. Although the cause of the fire has not been determined, several parishioners reported seeing smoke coming from the ducts in the building.

Parishioners were able to safely remove the tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament and several of the service books used to celebrate Mass.

The rectory, located next door to the church was spared by the quick action of the firefighters, but there was some scorching of the siding, not serious enough to keep the building from being used. A 100-year old live oak was also destroyed.

This is more than the loss of an historic building. Many of

those who watched from across the street, as well as their ancestors were baptized, received their first Communions, were married from Immaculate Conception. Many of the early residents of St. Landry Parish were buried from Immaculate Conception.

Before I left the scene, I heard one of the parishioners say, and I’m paraphrasing, “The Church is not the building. It’s the people.” And these people will rebuild; the Church cannot be destroyed as long as two or three gather.

BURNED TO THE GROUND. The 155-year-old church was completely destroyed by fire Jan. 14. Parishioners were able to safely remove the tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament. A 110-year-old live oak was also destroyed in the fire.

February 14, 2011 Page 7

The Diocese of Alexandria received funding from Catholic Extension in 2010 in the amount of $175,844.

The diocese received a $150,000 grant from Catholic Extension for programs and min-istries.

The diocese also received $25,844 for two grants awarded to Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Marksville and St. Joseph Church in Trichel.

Holy Ghost Church’s portion of the grant was $21,844 to sup-port phase one of the renovation/upgrade of the Gymnasium/Ac-tivity Center building. Phase one of the project included installing

a fire alarm system, a sprinkler system, plumbing and the cost of a building floor plan. The renovation/upgrade project was necessary after the state fire mar-shal’s office mandated that the 51-year-old facility meet all state fire and safety regulations after the intended use of the building was altered.

St. Joseph Church in Trichel received a grant for $4,000 for repairs and renovations to the 26-year-old parish hall. The proj-ect included replacing damaged wood, insulating window and doorframes, and installing vinyl siding. The hall is used for re-ceptions, weekly bingo, monthly

suppers, and other parish events.“Challenge grants are de-

signed to help change a com-munity’s self-perception – from thinking they live in a world of deficit and need to realizing they have assets and opportunity,” said Joseph Boland, senior director of grants management for Catholic Extension.

“Our role is not to fund an entire project, but to help dioces-es and parishes reach their goals. Time and time again, these chal-lenge grants give faith communi-ties the momentum they need to finish.”

Catholic Extension remains one of the only organizations that continue to support church build-ing projects. In 2010, Catholic Extension awarded approximate-ly $2.3 million to support church building and repair efforts to par-ishes in 18 U.S. dioceses through-out the country.

Many people don’t realize that there is missionary work going on right here in America - in our own back yards! Catholic Extension is the leading supporter of that missionary work. In fact, almost every diocese in the United States has been touched in some way by Catholic Extension. Since 1905, more than $450 million has been distributed to dioceses to help them staff and operate their small, struggling parishes.

2 churches in diocese receive grants from Catholic Extension for repairs

IN NEED OF REPAIR. The windows and sides of the St. Joseph church hall in Trichel were in dire need of repair. Catholic Extension gave the parish $4,000 to install vinyl siding to the 26-year-old building. Catholic Extension remains one of the only organizations that continue to support church building projects.

February 14, 2011Page 8

Father Duane Stenzel, O.F.M. dies at age 83Rev. Duane Stenzel, a

Franciscan priest and national program director of Radio Maria, passed away Jan. 18 at the age of 83 after a long battle with a chronic blood disorder.

Fr. Duane was ordained a Franciscan priest of the Order of Friars Minor (O.F.M.) in 1954. After ordination he returned to school and received a masters degree in history in Ohio and some pre-doctoral hours in New Orleans. For the next 12 years,

he taught history on both the high school and college level.

In 1966, he began a ministry with the Cursillos for the Archdiocese of Louisville; followed by another ministry that led him to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, where he served as director of Lumen Christi Retreat Center. As part of this ministry, Father Duane conducted a daily TV program titled, “The Lord Among Us.”

He was also involved in

Mississippi, and Wisconsin. He served as host to seven programs on the air, including House Calls, one of the most popular programs on Radio Maria besides the celebration of the Holy Mass.

“Over the years, Fr. Duane has touched countless lives with his words of wisdom, love, understanding and encouragement,” said Frank Hare, production manager. “Words could never express the how much he has meant or how much he will be missed.”

Donations in January

Knights of Columbus #9217 ........................................................... $10.00 Msgr. Molenschot BurseMs. Wanda Brumley ........................................................................ $50.00 Fr. James Foster BurseDr. Joseph Landreneau ................................................................. $100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers BurseMrs. Kathleen Voltz ....................................................................... $100.00 Gus Voltz Burse

Total this month ............................................................................. $260.00

Burses

AA and other 12-Step programs for addictions and conducted workshops at national conferences.

Shortly after his retirement in 2000, while giving a private retreat in Alexandria, he was asked to take over as national program director for Radio Maria, a new Catholic radio station that was being started in Alexandria.

During his 10 years at Radio Maria, Father Duane and his staff expanded to 10 broadcasting station in Louisiana, Texas, Ohio, Father Duane Stenzel, O.F.M.

Seminarian Charles Ray of the Diocese of Alexandria made the Profession of Faith Feb. 5 and took the Oath of Fidelity in the presence of the seminary community at the Pontifical College Josephinum in preparation for ordination to the diaconate.

Candidates for ordination pledge to always remain faithful to the teachings of the Church and, with their hand on the Book of Gospels, swear before almighty God to be faithful teachers of the Gospel and never to lead the people astray with false teachings.

Very Reverend James A. Wehner, STD, rector and president of the Josephinum, instructed the seminarians.

“Too often in the Church, priests have confused the People of God by offering opinions or false teachings either as a result of arrogance or improper training,” said Father Wehner. “Today, the Church thanks you for your commitment to the Gospel, for saying ‘yes’ to Jesus Christ, and for your willingness to be heralds of the Good News.”

Seminarian prepares for diaconate ordination

OATH OF FIDELITY. Msgr. James Wehner, rector of Pontifical College Josephinum, holds the Book of Gospels, while seminarian Charles Ray takes the Oath of Fidelity in preparation for ordination to the diaconate.

February 14, 2011 Page 9

Sr. Ann Petrus named superior general of CDPsThe Congregation of Divine

Providence (CDP) recently met Jan. 26-30 in San Antonio, Texas to elect its leadership team for the next six-year term.

Sister Ann Petrus, a native of Alexandria, La., was elected superior general of the congregation. She is a professor of mathematics at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.

“I am very happy for the opportunity to serve the Congregation,” said Sister Ann. “While I know that I will miss teaching and the interaction with students, I am also looking forward to working with the leadership team and ministering to the needs of the congregation.”

Sister Ann attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Pineville and graduated from Providence Central Academy in 1960. She immediately entered Our Lady of the Lake Convent in San Antonio, where she

received a BA in mathematics in 1965. After professing final vows in 1969, she earned an MA in mathematics from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1971, and a PhD. in mathematics from Tulane in 1976.

From 1965-69, Sister Ann taught math at Providence Central Academy and then also at Holy Savior Menard Central High School, during the transitional merging of the two schools.

She was director of formation for the Sisters of Divine Providence from 1981-87; served on the CDP General Council from 1987-93; taught at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. from 1993-95; and returned to teaching at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1995. She served as department chair of mathematics at OLL from 1997-2002.

As superior general, she will be responsible for the spiritual leadership of the community as

well as the adminstrative work of the congregation including budgeting, planning, attending

congregational meetings and conferences, and representing the congregation at events.

Members of the General Council are Sister Lourdes Leal, a native of San Antonio and currently serving as deanery resource coordinator at the Northwest Urban Deanery in the Archdiocese of San Antonio; Sister Helen Marie Miksch, from Schulenburg, Texas, currently serving as the director of faith formation at St. Ignatius, Martyr Church in Austin, Texas; and Sister Theresa Anne Billeaud, from Broussard, La. who is currently living in New Orleans where she is involved in mathematics tutoring. Sister Theresa Ann also taught at Holy Savior Menard at one time.

The new Council will assume their responsibilities on June 18, after an installation ceremony in San Antonio.

Sister Ann is the daughter of the late James and Edith Petrus, and the sister of seven siblings.

SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE SUPERIOR GENERAL. Sr. Ann Petrus, (left) a native of Alexandria, is congratulated by Sister Jane Ann Slater, the outgoing superior general of the CDPs. Sister Ann was recently elected the new superior general of the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP).

KC COUNCIL 9217 CELEBRATE 25 YEARS. Tom Wacker, Grand Knight of KC Council 9217, Fr. Adrian Molenschot, Belledeau, presents a certificate Jan. 16 to the council’s chaplain, Fr. Silverino Kwebuza, MSFS to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the council.

Rev. Blake Deshautelle

Is appointed pastoral administrator pro tem of St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Cottonport. He will continue all present diocesan assignments.

Rev. Thomas Paul

Is appointed sacramental minister of St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Cottonport. He will reside in the rectory of St. Mary’s Assumption.

Rev. Jamie Medina Cruz

Is appointed parochial vicar of OLPS Church, Alexandria and St. Rita Church in Alexandria. He will reside in the rectory of OLPS Church.

Appointments

Advertise in

The Church Today

Call

318-445-6424

ext. 264

February 14, 2011Page 10

By Jeannie PetrusCT Editor

On Dec. 3, 1954, the first issue of the North-Central Louisiana Register rolled off the press as the first Catholic newspaper for the Diocese of Alexandria. This first issue marked the beginning of the Catholic Press in central Louisiana.

Its predecessor, the Catholic Action of the South, covered news and events from the Diocese of New Orleans, but was available to people in the diocese.

As bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria, Charles P. Greco was named president of the Register; Msgr. A. Olinger was business manager; and Rev. Marvin Bordelon was its first editor.

“Getting out this first issue has been most exciting,” wrote Father Bordelon in his first column titled, Week By Week. “Three weeks ago, we looked at three empty offices in the Chancery Building on East Texas Avenue. Three days before our first deadline, Msgr. Olinger asked me how our first issue was coming . . . well, I’m glad it did come out.”

And it’s a wonder how it did come out. Since it was a part of the National Register, (which is printed in Denver, Colo.) all of the copy and ads (typed on one

borrowed manual typewriter) had to be put on a 7:50 a.m. flight out of Alexandria on Monday to arrive in Denver at 10 a.m. that same morning. The layouts (designed pages of copy, headlines, pictures, and ads) were created by the Denver staff, printed in Denver, and then put on a train (the City of St. Louis) on Tuesday night at 6:30. The printed papers arrived at the Alexandria Post Office on Thursday night, ready for mailing on Friday.

Although only four-pages, the first issue was filled with local diocesan news, features, and advertisements.

“Our diocesan Register will carry important religious news of home and of the world, actual Church history enacted by clergy and laity, pronouncements by our Holy Father and other church leaders, leading articles of live interest, editorials by competent writers, religious instruction, Bible lessons, stories from the Old and New Testaments in pictures, a woman’s corner, household hints, a page of good comics – all this and more,” wrote Bishop Greco in the first issue. “Your new weekly [paper] will be as good a Catholic newspaper as any in the land.”

There were no paid staff members, but volunteers like Mrs. Jack Hubley, Miss Johnnie

Fletcher, and Mrs. Jewel Casteix, assisted Fr. Bordelon in writing articles.

[They] have been a tremendous help these past few weeks,” wrote Father Bordelon. “Had it not been for them, I assure you, we would not have appeared in print this week.”

Advertisements, representing businesses in Avoyelles, Rapides, and Natchitoches, were sold by the first advertising salesman, Noah Chatelain. Most of the businesses in the first issue are no longer in business, except Kramer Funeral Home in Alexandria and Hixon (now Hixon Ducote) Funeral Home in Bunkie, which advertised in that first issue and are still loyal advertisers today.

* * * * *

On June 27, 1958, Rev. Murray Clayton, was appointed the new editor and Rev. Joseph Kidd (chancellor), the new business manager. Father Bordelon was assigned to St. Joseph parish in Shreveport, and Father Clayton was a young priest ordained only a year earlier.

“It was a sad day for me,” joked Father Clayton during a recent interview, “the day I found out I was going to be the new editor. Why me? I didn’t know a thing about journalism or what ‘putting the paper to bed’ meant. My dream was to be a missionary in Mexico, but Bishop Greco told me that ‘Alexandria needed me more than Mexico.’ And besides, when Bishop Greco asks (a.k.a. ‘tells’) you to do something, you don’t say no.”

As it turned out, he received a lot of guidance and instruction from Father Bordelon before he left. An 18-year-old Judy Michiels began working after school to help out with filing and typing articles. Jeannette Ashley helped out by selling advertising and keeping up with circulation. Mary Lou Suhor, a seasoned journalist who taught journalism at Loyola in New Orleans, quickly became his right hand man (lady).

“She was the ‘assistant editor,’ but in reality, she taught me everything,” said Father Clayton. “I wrote a column, but spent much of my time learning how to be an editor. It was a lot

harder than I ever imagined.”Fr. Clayton quickly learned

the ropes and served as editor of the paper for the next 17 years. He remembers one event, in particular, that he considers the highlight of his career as editor.

The year was 1963 and it was Alexandria’s turn to host the national convention of the Catholic Press Association, a national organization of Catholic newspaper editors. It was his responsibility to find a notable speaker for the convention. The first three people he asked declined his invitation, including Catholic actress and mega star-of-the-day Loretta Young, who declined because she had not been feeling well.

“I finally got an acceptance from Archbishop Philip Hannan of New Orleans to be the primary speaker,” said Fr. Clayton. “But at the last moment, I received a call from Ms. Young, who announced that ‘she was feeling much better and would be happy to come.”

When it was unexpectedly announced at the convention that the famous Loretta Young would be making an appearance, everyone thought it was joke, recalls Fr. Clayton.

“But in she walked, with her famous dramatic Hollywood glide, and the convention gasped out loud with excitement!” he said. “It was a wonderful moment. I spent the day escorting her around and taking her to and from the airport. For years after that, CPA participants talked about the ‘big surprise at the Alexandria convention.”

* * * * *

Big changes came to the Catholic newspaper in Jan. 1970, when the paper changed its name from the North-Central Register to the Church Today. Father Murray Clayton continued as editor, but Al Nassif, a seasoned sports writer from the Town Talk, joined the staff as associate editor.

Nassif was a journalist by profession and had more than 20 years experience as a sports and news writer for the Alexandria

Catholic Press molded by past editors and new technology

LORETTA YOUNG, famous hollywood star of the 1960s, made an appearance at the Catholic Press Association’s national meeting held in Alexandria in 1963 when Rev. Murray Clayton (escorting Young) was the editor of the North-Central Louisiana Register.(File photo).

North-Central Louisiana Register predecessor of Church Today

FATHER MURRAY CLAYTON, the second editor of the North-Central Louisiana Register, glances through the first issue of the paper published in 1954. Father Marvin Bordelon was the first editor and Bishop Charles P. Greco was the president. Father Clayton served as editor for 17 years.

February 14, 2011 Page 11

Daily Town Talk. His experience, coupled with his many contacts in the community and his deep Catholic faith, made him a perfect asset to the staff.

By January, 1975, Bishop Greco released Father Clayton from his duties as editor and appointed him to St. Joseph Church in Shreveport. Nassif moved up and assumed the role of editor. By this time, the three-year-old Church Today newspaper had a staff of five people – Nassif, Judy Michiels Moreau as secretary, Ashley as advertising rep, and two writers.

Between 1978 and 1988, the newspaper industry underwent a major technology transformation. Prior to 1978, newspapers required the services of several people to set type, manually layout ads and design pages using cutting and pasting, and pictures were still being developed with film. Being the traditional news editor that he was, Nasssif continued to embrace his manual, and later electric typewriter to write all of news stories, while the new computer technology of pagination (designing page layouts on computer) was farmed

Catholic Press molded by past editors and new technology

AL NASSIF, joined the staff in 1970 as associate editor of the North-Central Louisiana Register. When he was named editor on Jan. 1, 1975 the name of the paper was changed to The Church Today. He served as editor until his death on Dec. 19, 2000. (File photo)

out to outside publishers. He eventually began using the computer in the 1990s.

Nassif served as editor of the Church Today for 30 years, covering a wide array of events including the death of Bishop Greco in 1987. His failing health caused him to go part time in

1999, and sadly, Al Nassif died in 2000, after a long illness.

In the next five years, three people served as editor including Kay Yerby, Ann Vanderslice, and Mark Adams. Even though each editor did not serve long, major strides were made in the Church Today office, upgrading equipment, and ushering in the new computer technology that was now available.

When Jeannie Petrus was named the 7th editor of the Church Today in 2005, Judy Michiels Moreau Mcclaran was still working as secretary, and Jeannette Ashley was still selling ads for the Church Today – a career, both loyally worked for almost 50 years. Both Moreau and Ashley retired in 2006, with a combined 98 years of service to the Catholic Press in central Louisiana.

Today, the Church Today is published monthly and mailed free to every Catholic household in the diocese, a decision made by Bishop Ronald Herzog in 2006. While Joan Ferguson manages the advertising and Sandi Tarver manages circulation, Petrus writes and edits all stories, and designs each of the 24 pages on

By Catholic News Service

IRONDALE, Ala. (CNS) -- The Eternal Word Television Network, based in Irondale, has signed a letter of intent to acquire the National Catholic Register, which describes itself as “the nation’s leading Catholic newspaper.”

Effective Feb. 1, EWTN will take full control and ownership of the Register, now based in Irondale. Its editorial and business offices had been based in North Haven, Conn., since 1995, when the Legionaries of Christ bought the paper and moved it to New England from California.

“I am very pleased and excited that the Register will now be a part of the EWTN family,” said Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN’s president and chief executive officer. “All of us at EWTN have great respect for the Register and the role it has played throughout its history. It’s a tremendous legacy that deserves to not only be preserved, but also to grow and to flourish.”

The National Catholic Register grew out of the Denver Catholic Register, launched Aug.

EARLY JANUARY EDITION OF NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER. The early January edition of the National Catholic Register shows a photo of Pope Benedict XVI on the front page. Eternal World Television Network announced Jan. 19 that it had acquired the newspaper. The paper’s first national edition appeared in 1927. It has been operated by the Legionaries of Christ since 1995. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

EWTN buys National Catholic Register

11, 1905. Under the leadership of Msgr. Matthew Smith, the Register system of newspapers was developed, with the first national edition appearing Nov. 8, 1927.

In the inaugural issue, Msgr. Smith wrote: “If you like a Catholic paper with snap, vigor, courage, here it is. If you like one that is easy to read, here it is. If you like one that will always be loyal to the church and has no selfish axe to grind, here it is.”

The Register system eventually produced 35 diocesan editions, (including the Diocese of Alexandria -Shreveport’s North-Central Louisiana Register published from 1954-1970) reaching its high point in the 1950s with a combined national and diocesan circulation of more than 700,000.

In 1970, California businessman Patrick Frawley purchased the Register, which was on the decline at that point, and moved it to Los Angeles. In 1995, the Legionaries of Christ and other investors saved the newspaper from closing and moved it to New England.

See CATHOLIC PRESS, pg. 18

February 14, 2011Page 12

VILLAGE ARTIFACT. Bishop Herzog holds an artifact presented to him by Isiama of Autonomous Community in Imo State Nigeria, the hometown of Fr. Remi. The three faces on the artifact signify the villages that make up the Autonomous Community – Umuihim, Umukaku, and Umuokwaraobi. (Above)

DAUGHTERS OF MARY, MOTHER OF MERCY. Bishop Herzog celebrated Mass for the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy (DMMM), who operate a hospital and an orphanage in Ahiaeke, Umuahia in Abia State Nigeria. (left)

ORDINATION OF DEACONS. Bishop Ronald Herzog was invited to Nigeria by the congregation of the Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy (SMMM) to ordain 14 deacons. (Above)

SOLEMN PRAYER. Bishop Herzog prays at the grave of Fr. Remi Owuamanam’s mother in Isiama Autonomous Community in Imo State Nigeria. Fr. Remi, who serves as pastor of St. James and St. Juliana Churches in Alexandria, accompanied Bishop Herzog on his trip to Nigeria. (Below)

CHIEF HERZOG. Bishop Herzog was installed as a chief by Eze Sir Philip K. Ukaegbu, head of the Afara Ukum Community. Being designated a “chief” is considered a highly coveted honor not given to many, but given to those with high moral rectitude and patriotism. It means he is a friend of all Igbo people and is welcomed in all Igbo communities. (Right)

February 14, 2011 Page 13

Nigerian priests currently serving in the Diocese of Alexandria:

• Rev. Remigius Owuamanam, SMMM• Rev. Ignatius Ibe, SMMM• Rev. Bartholomew Ibe• Rev. Christian I. Ogbonna• Rev. Kenneth Obiekwe

Our Nigerian Priests

VISITING THE BISHOP. Bishop Herzog and Fr. Remi visited with Bishop Solomon Amatu, the Catholic bishop of Okigwe. He is the bishop of Fr. Kenneth Obiekwe and Fr. Bartholomew Ibe. (Above)

SEMINARIANS. Bishop Herzog and Fr. Remi sit among the more than 50 seminarians currently studying at the Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary in Ulakwu Community. (Middle left)

COMMUNITY SUPPORT. A large crowd of villagers came out to attend a Mass celebrated by Bishop Ronald Herzog in the Afaraukwu Autonomous Community. (Left)

GIFT FROM VILLAGE. Bishop Ronald Herzog unwraps a gift presented to him by Isiama of Autonomous Community in Imo State Nigeria. Bishop Herzog spent 10 days in Nigeria after being invited by Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna, of Owerri and the Sons of Mary, Mother of Mercy congregation to ordain 14 of its deacons.

Bishop Herzog ordains 14 deacons in Nigeria, Africa

February 14, 2011Page 14

St. Romain OilConvenient, High-Quality Fuels, Food & More

(318) 240-9494

Three students selected Students of the Year in district competition

Three students from non-public schools around the area were recently selected as district winners in the annual Louisiana State Department of Education Student of the Year Awards Pro-gram. These three students ad-vanced to the regional competi-tion that was held Feb. 8 in Baton Rouge.

Andre enjoys reading, swimming, cycling, and running. He participates in triathlons and

has quali

is involved in dance, piano, tumbling, choir, Girl Scouts, and Beta Club. She recently coordinated an information booth at the Relay for Life to promote information on kidney cancer, and sings every Sunday in the choir at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oakdale. She is the oldest of four

participates in basketball, track and field, and loves art. She is currently president of Student Council and has spent her last two summers

participating in a Catholic Heart Work Camp mission trip and attending a weeklong retreat called Franciscan LEAD. Upon graduation from high school this spring, she plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and major in English. She has one older brother, and younger twin

Winners from the Feb.

8 regional competition will advance to the state competition on Thursday, March 3 against other regional winners in the state. State winners in each grade level (5, 8, 12) will be announced at the reception to be held March 3 at 6 p.m. in Baton Rouge.

EXPLAINING AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP. Ian Kho, father of Lianne Kho, a first grader at St Frances Cabrini School, gave a presentation recently in the school library for 5th and 6th graders. The presentation was about his experience with becoming an American citizen last year. Pictured from left to right are

100 BOOKS IN 100 DAYS. How did you celebrate the 100th day of school? Reading for pleasure? That’s what a 7th grader at St. Mary’s, does on a regular basis. Her reading teacher set a goal for students to read 30 books in one year. eached that goal in one month then set herself another goal to read 100 books by the 100th day of school. was able to reach her new goal by February 3, the 100th day of school at St. Mary’s. The reading program is designed to encourage students to read for pleasure. Research shows that the more a child reads, the better reader he or she becomes, which in turn increases test scores in all subject areas.

Barbara 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 RiverOaks Artist Community. An exhibit of artwork by the students and Mrs. Clover, titled Kaleidoscopes, will be showcased in the opening

night. The event is free and open to the public.

Mrs. Clover was named the National Secondary Art Educator of the Year for 2010. She was recently presented a Senate Resolution by Senator Joe McPherson commending her on the honor.

On Saturday, Feb. 26, Mrs. Clover and her art students will be conducting a workshop titled Kaleidoscopes -- Circles of Color. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River Oaks. The cost of the workshop is $10. To register for the workshop, call River Oaks to reserve a space. Limited availability.

River Oaks to feature Menard artwork, teacher

Natchitoches Parish

Businesses

Advertise in

The Church Today

Contact the Church Today

318-445-6424, ext. 264

February 14, 2011 Page 15

OLPS PRESENTS DISNEY’S ARIS-TOCATS. More than 100 Our Lady of Prompt Succor School K-6th grade students participated in the annual school play, this year titled Disney’s Aristocats. Three performances held on the weekend of Jan. 15-16, net-ted more than 1,200 tickets. This is the 4th year that OLPS and Family Playhouse have partnered under the direction of Tina Smith & Catherine Pears. The production would not be a success without the participation and volunteerism of our OLPS par-ents.

100TH DAY OF SCHOOL AT ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL. Jenny Jeanise’s pre-K class at St Frances Cabrini School celebrate the 100th day of school.

Virtus Training Thursday, Feb. 17

6:00 p.m.St. Joseph Catholic Center

Alexandria, LA

To register, go to www.virtus.com

ROBOTICS TEAM AT ST. MARY’S. The Robotics Team at St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches, allows students to design and operate a robotic car to autonomously navigate through a LEGO. The Saint Mary’s Robotics team will be competing against schools throughout Louisiana at the Mini-Urban Challenge in Bossier City on Feb. 19. The 1st and 2nd place winners will be united to compete at the national competition which will be held in Washington, D.C. Pictured above is Mr. Ken Gardner and some of the members of the Robotics Team.

February 14, 2011Page 16

World Marriage Day February 13, 2011

Sponsored byWorldwide Marriage Encounter

Love One Another

Fr. Matthew Habiger OSB www.nfpoutreach.org

It is estimated nationwide that 80 percent of young couples who ask to be married within the Church are already living togeth-er. There are still others cohabi-tating who never ask to be mar-ried.

This is not God’s plan for young couple; far from it. Young couples feel strong pressures from their peers and from the dominant culture to begin their sex lives early. Some say they did not intend for this to happen, but they were caught in the current that pulled them in this direction. That is where they drifted.

There is a vast difference be-tween God’s plan for marriage, spousal love and family and what our contemporary culture thinks. We all know that morality is not determined by opinion polls, trendsetters, or cultural elites. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it. Right is right, even if nobody is doing it. One, on the side of the right, is a majority. God alone determines the moral order, what is right and what is wrong. God alone designs such basic human realities as human nature, marriage, spousal love and family.

If our young people think that cohabitation is morally accept-

able because everyone is doing it, and they have not heard anything to the contrary from the pulpit, then I want to correct that. As an ordained priest, God demands that I teach His plan for marriage, spousal love and family. As my parishioners, you have a right to hear clear and unconfused teach-ing from this pulpit about God’s plan for us. And I hope that you will help bring this message to cohabitating couples.

What is wrong with cohabi-tation, and why save sex for mar-riage? The best way to answer this is to explain what marriage is, because that is what most young people are preparing themselves for. Marriage is God’s plan for the vast majority of people.

Marriage is a lifetime com-mitment. When a man and a woman fall in love, and want to share their lives completely with one another, then they begin to move towards an engagement and then to the sacrament of mar-riage. Marriage requires total commitment, total offering of self to the other, and a willingness to share together whatever the fu-ture holds for them. It is “until death do us part.” And marriage demands total fidelity. Jesus’ love for his bride, the Church, and the Church’s love for her spouse, is the model for all Christian mar-riage.

If you are not married, then you are not ready for the great act of marriage, called the marital act, or the spousal act. Outside of marriage you can have a sexual act, but you cannot have a marital act. Outside of marriage we call sex fornication or adultery. These are serious violations of God’s plan for sex. They are serious sins against the Sixth Command-ment that must be repented of and confessed.

Why is the marital act re-served only to husbands and wives in marriage? What I say here about a man can be said equally of a woman. Because marriage transforms, or changes, the man from being a single and unattached bachelor to become a husband who is totally committed to the woman who has become his wife. A husband is a man who has vowed to love his wife all the days of his life, in good times and bad times, in health and in sickness, for better or for

worse. This marriage vow is irre-vocable. It is a bond upon which God has placed his blessing. This is God’s plan for marriage.

The husband and wife begin a new life together, which is their marriage. Their relationship is uniquely theirs. They share them-selves, their love, their hopes for the future, and their disappoint-ments at a depth they cannot share with anyone else. They enter into what are called the goods of mar-riage: 1) total fidelity in their re-lationship as a married couple throughout their lives; 2) the gift of the child; and 3) a special ac-cess to God’s grace, called their sacrament of marriage.

Only a man and a woman who have capacitated themselves, who have made themselves suit-

able, by their conscious choice of making an irrevocable com-mitment to marriage, are capable of entering into the marital act. Only spouses can share fully in the various goods of marriage: fidelity, children and the sacra-ment. Unless and until you have become a spouse, you cannot act as a spouse. If you are not mar-ried, it is wrong to pretend that you are married.

Save sex for marriage. That is its only proper home. Outside of marriage, having sex is pre-tending to be someone you are not. Fornication does not build a strong relationship. There is so much missing from a relationship built upon cohabitation. Cohabi-tation is a very flimsy construct.

There are many natural reasons why cohabitation does not work, does not bring lasting happiness. You should already know these. I am concentrating upon the most important reason why cohabitation is wrong. It is wrong because it directly violates God’s plan for marriage, spousal love and family.

Is it OK to live together before marriage?80 percent of couples live together before marriage and think it’s OK

See LIVING TOGETHER pg. 18

February 14, 2011 Page 17

Popularity of USCCB’s marriage website increases 23% in 2010

By Cindy WoodenCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Men and women have a natural right to marry, but that does not mean they have a right to a Catholic wedding, Pope Benedict XVI said.

For the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacrament that is witnessed by a priest or deacon, but performed by the couple who pledge their union will be forever and that they will be open to having and educating children, the pope said.

“The right to contract marriage presupposes that one is able to and intends to truly celebrate it, that is, in the truth of its essence as taught by the church,” Pope Benedict said Jan. 22 when he met with members of the Roman Rota, a Vatican-based tribunal that deals mainly with marriage cases.

Because the church has a very

specific religious understanding of what marriage is, “no one can claim the right to a marriage ceremony” in the church, the pope said.

In his annual meeting with the tribunal officials, Pope Benedict said he wanted to focus on the legal or juridical aspect of Catholic marriage preparation programs, because too often engaged couples -- and even those preparing them for marriage -- consider the courses simply a bureaucratic hurdle to overcome before the wedding.

“In fact, often it is assumed that the priest must act with largesse, since the natural right of persons to marry is at stake,” the pope said, but for the Catholic Church, there exists only one kind of marriage -- sacramental -- and the right of Catholic couples to celebrate the sacrament can be exercised only if they fully understand what they are doing.

Pope Benedict said anyone

involved in marriage preparation programs, but especially the priest or other pastoral worker conducting the obligatory pre-marriage interviews with the potential bride and potential groom, has an obligation to ensure there is nothing standing in the way of a valid and licit celebration of the sacrament. For the marriage to be valid, the couple must understand the commitment being undertaken, he said.

Pastoral workers and marriage tribunal officials together “must work to interrupt to the extent possible the vicious cycle frequently noted of too easily allowing couples to marry without adequate preparation” and “the sometimes equally easy judicial declaration” that a marriage is invalid, the pope said. Both approaches give people a sense that the Catholic Church no longer sees marriage as truly being binding forever, he said.

WA S H I N G T O N — T h e popularity of the U.S. bishops’ website for strengthening and supporting marriage, www.foryourmarriage.org, continued to grow in 2010. According to a report from Google Analytics, the website received nearly half a million visits, a 23 percent increase over 2009.

The website offers practical information and resources for married and engaged couples and people in serious dating relationships. In addition to articles on all stages of married life, the website features a Daily

Marriage Tip, blogs, quizzes, book reviews, and Marriage in the News.

“People visit For Your Marriage because they want useful and reliable information,” said Sheila Garcia, USCCB staff member and the site’s content editor. “Whether you’re interested in marriage preparation or

enrichment, or what the Catholic Church teaches about marriage, you’ll almost certainly find what you need.”

The report found that articles on preparing for a Catholic wedding are especially popular. For Your Marriage has extensive resources for engaged couples, including the texts of suggested wedding readings and commentaries. It also offers information about music, ceremony options, interchurch marriages, and “Ten Tips” for planning a memorable wedding.

According to the report, visitors came from 213 countries or territories. Significant numbers came from the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines and India. Visitors from Ireland increased 500 percent over 2009.

The For Your Marriage website was launched in 2007 as part of the Bishops’ National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage. Strengthening marriage and family life is one of the USCCB’s five priorities.

Catholic wedding must mean couple knows church teaching

COUPLE LIGHTS UNITY CANDLE DURING WEDDING CEREMONY AT NEW YORK CHURCH Megan Ward and Bryce Horsley smile after lighting the unity candle during their wedding at Sts. Philip and James Church in St. James, N.Y., this past summer. Pope Benedict recently said that while all couples have the right to marry, not all couples have the right to a Catholic wedding, unless they truly understand what they are doing and accept the union as a sacramental marriage. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

www.foryourmarriage.org

February 14, 2011Page 18

Fr. Matthew Habiger OSB www.nfpoutreach.org

If you are caught in the trap of cohabitation, what can be done to correct the situation and repair the damage? Let me briefly set out some sound recommenda-tions.

1. Start learning about God’s plan for marriage, spousal love and family. Ask your pastor for some good literature on this. Read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about marriage. Strengthen your prayer life, and use the Sacraments regu-larly, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eu-charist.

2. Begin to acquire the virtue of self-possession, of self-control, the virtue of chastity. This is a task that everyone must master, and there are no excep-tions. Even in marriage you will need to draw upon this virtue. Periodic abstinence is part of natural family planning, which is the only morally acceptable way of spacing pregnancies.

3. Make separate living arrangements with you and your partner. Since you are not mar-

ried, it is wrong to pretend that you are married.

4. If you plan to marry each other, then go through the normal steps that lead to making a permanent commitment in mar-riage. This means taking a full marriage preparation course. It means learning the basic dynam-ics that go into building a strong relationship between two imper-fect, and very complex, persons of complementary sexuality.

5. I strongly recommend that you take the full course in Natural Family Planning. More and more dioceses are mandating this for all couples taking mar-riage preparation.

When you have done all these things, then you will be ready for marriage, ready to enjoy all the various goods of marriage, and ready to shoulder the serious responsibilities that accompany this vocation in life.

God wants all couples, in-cluding cohabitating couples, to discover his wonderful plan for marriage, spousal love and fam-ily. He wants them to enjoy the greatly rewarding goods that are to be found in authentic marriage and spousal love.

Living together:How to break the trap of living together

& prepare for sacramental marriage

a computer. After photos are imported from a digital camera and the paper is completed, it is sent to the printer in Lafayette via the internet – a process that takes about 3 minutes.

But in spite of the new technology, the change in names, and the change in editors, the ultimate goal of the Catholic Press has not changed over the years. The Catholic Press remains an integral and necessary evangelization tool for the Church today.

In Your Cute Face Youth Rally For kids in Grades 3rd-5th

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 p.m.

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 denise@cabrinichurch.com or Liz Hines at lizhines@cabrinichurch.

S.A.L.T. RetreatFor high school teens

The Office Religious Formation and Training will

offer the last S.A.L.T. Retreat for this spring March 5-6 at Maryhill 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.

For more information, call 318-445-6424, ext 221 or go to www.diocesealex.org and click on “Youth Ministry.”

Camp JoshuaFor high school teens

Louisiana Camp Joshua, a jam packed pro-life weekend for high school teens that trains you to be a true supporter of the Pro-Life effort, is being offered at three locations in Louisiana:

Mar. 11-13 in RustonApril 1-3 in Baton Rouge. 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 khampton@prolifelouisiana.org; or call 1-866-463-5433 or look for a short video titled Louisiana Camp Joshua on YouTube.

Upcoming Youth EventsAbbey Youth FestivalFor high school teens

Registration continues through March 11 for the Abbey Youth Festival to be held Saturday, March 26 in St. Benedict, La.

This year’s theme is “Forever Ancient, Forever New.” Festival speakers include Matt Maher, Paul George, Judy McDonald, Archbishop Gregory Aymond, and the monks and seminarians of St. Joseph Abbey+Seminary College.

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

Catholic Press

Continued from pg 11

World Marriage Day February 13, 2011

Sponsored by Worldwide Marriage EncounterLove One Another

February 14, 2011 Page 19

“Faith: Our Generation” is the theme of the 2011 Crossroads Young Adult Conference to be held March 18-20 at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville. The three-day conference is sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria.

Young adults, single or married between the ages of 18 and 40, are invited to attend this up-lifting spiritual encounter, designed to recognize the participant’s relationship with Jesus and to recognize the need to move forward with that relationship. The annual event offers an encounter with Jesus Christ through Sacred Scripture, official Church teaching, and fellow believers.

The keynote speaker, Paul George, is the director and co-founder of ADORE Ministries, which reaches out to thousands of people each year across the globe. Paul currently lives in Houma, La., where he serves the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux as director of evangelization and young adult ministry.

The host for the weekend will be Paul Hood, the director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria, La. By using his love for music, comedy, and anything that isn’t bolted down to the floor, Paul has ministered to all ages at home and abroad.

Worship leader, Grae McCullough, is a contemporary

Christian crossover singer/songwriter. His music reflects his relationship with God, with others and with the world in general, in a candidly honest way. He writes about feelings that everyone is prone to experience everyday.

Rev. Jack Michalchuk, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Bunkie, will celebrate Mass at the conclusion of the conference on Sunday morning.

The registration fee to attend the 3-day conference is $50 through March 1; afterwards it is $60. The fee includes meals; housing is extra.

For more information, or to register, go to www.youngadults@diocesealex.org or call 318-445-2401, ext. 221.

Young Adult Conference to be held March 18-20

LOUISIANA CATHOLIC COLLEGE STUDENTS (LCCS). Students from the LSU-A Catholic Student Center recently attended the LCCS conference at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.

LSU-A Catholic Student Center gears up for Spring events

AWAKENING RETREAT. An Awakening Retreat was held recently at the LSU-A Catholic Student Center.

FREE MEALS. Catholic adult organizations (like these CDAs from Court Padre Pio in Cottonport, the Knights of Columbus, and LSU professors) volunteer to cook a free meal for the Catholic students and faculty every Wednesday at noon at the LSU-A Catholic Student Center.

February 14, 2011Page 20

By Richard SzczepanowskiCatholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl marked the Feb. 1 publica-tion of his new book, “The Mass: The Glory, The Mystery, The Tra-dition,” by hosting a book signing the same day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immacu-late Conception.

More than 100 people braved cold, wet winter weather and icy streets to have copies of their books signed by the cardinal, who co-wrote “The Mass” with Mike Aquilina.

“Thank you for being in-terested in the book, but more importantly, thank you for being interested in the subject of the book,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

“The Mass: The Glory, The Mystery, The Tradition,” explains every facet of the liturgy. The authors say they wrote the book because while the Mass “is ever ancient and ever new, ... it’s time for us to take a fresh look, from where we sit now -- and from where we stand and kneel.”

Beth Garcia, a mother of three and a parishioner at Our Lady of Victory Church in Wash-ington, said she wanted to have a

copy of the book because “we’re raising our kids in the faith, and it’s great for my husband and me to have a book like this.”

“You find that the church is like an onion -- there is always another layer to peel away and more to discover,” Garcia said. “Having Cardinal Wuerl’s leader-ship guiding us is a great asset, a great help, to us as we pass on the faith to our kids.”

Robert Polkiewicz, a parish-ioner at St. Mary of the Mills Par-ish in the Washington suburb of Laurel, Md., also noted that he would share the book with his family.

“I’m on my faith journey, and I’ve been looking for a book like this for a long time,” he said.. “From what I’ve read so far, this is stuff I wish I knew when I was a kid, and it’s something I’m go-ing to share with my wife and kids.”

Polkiewicz said he purchased the book, because “I don’t want to just attend Mass anymore, I want to participate in it.”

Msgr. Walter Rossi, the shrine’s rector, said he was not surprised that people were look-ing to the book to learn more about the Mass.

“It has been well known for

many years that Cardinal Wuerl is the consummate teaching bishop. His Eminence helps us along the path to holiness by helping us learn our faith and deepen our faith,” the rector said. “Since the Mass is our highest form and most perfect prayer as Catholics, his book on the Mass helps us better understand that prayer and enter even more deeply into the Mass when we come to church on Sundays.”

Mike Hayes, a parishioner at St. Hugh of Grenoble Parish in Greenbelt, Md. said that he bought six copies to pass on to

members of his family.“It is good to be reminded

just how important the Mass is. As he says in the book, ‘This is who we are,’” Hayes said. “We don’t want to be sedate or complacent in the pew. The Mass is something from Jesus until now that we’ve done every day. Through it, we’re connected to the eternal.”

- - -Editor’s Note: “The Mass:

The Glory, The Mystery, The Tradition,” is available at lo-cal Catholic book sellers, and online. It was published by Doubleday and costs $21.99. 

Wuerl’s book urges Catholics to take ‘fresh look’ at Mass

TheRomanCatholicDioceseofAlexandriaiscurrentlyseekingapplicationsforanAssistantDevelopmentDirectortoworkwithchurchparishesandschools.

Experience: Must be proficient in technology, havethe ability to communicate effectively, both verballyand in writing, and a strong development/fundraisingbackground. Two years of nonprofit developmentexperiencedesired,preferablyinchurchorsocialserviceenvironmentandknowledgeofchurchorganizationandprocedures.PracticingCatholicstronglypreferred.

Education:BSorBAinCommunications,Marketing,orPublicRelationsorequivalentcombinationofeducationandexperience.

Sendresume,coverletter,referencesandsalaryrequirementsto:info@diocesealex.orgorto:Diocese of Alexandria, ATTN: Assistant Development Director, P.O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306-0417.

Position Available:Assistant Development Director

Diocese of Alexandria

February 14, 2011

THE RITE. Anthony Hopkins stars in a scene from the movie “The Rite.” The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture As-sociation of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some ma-terial may be inappropriate for children under 13. (CNS photo/Warner Bros.)

Page 21

So, to forestall his departure, Fa-ther Matthew dispatches Michael to Rome to complete a Vatican-sponsored course in exorcism.

There Michael vents his on-going doubts -- not just about devils and such, but about the very existence of God as well -- both to fellow student Angeline

The Rite: weak effort to show spiritual journey as ‘chillfest’ By John Mulderig

Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Any movie that opens with a quota-tion from Pope John Paul II and ends with the sight of a dedicated priest hearing his parishioners’ confessions is well calculated to win the support and approval of viewers of faith. And so it is with the religiously honorable drama “The Rite” (Warner Bros.).

Considered purely as a piece of cinema, however, this descent into the tortured world of the de-monically possessed, and of those who courageously minister to them, proves aesthetically tenta-tive, its ultimate impact weak-ened by the effort to showcase its main character’s spiritual jour-ney -- a conversion tale based on real events -- as an old-fashioned chillfest.

That central character is skeptical seminarian Michael Ko-vak, played by feature film new-comer Colin O’Donoghue in an impressive first outing.

Having pursued priestly studies mainly to get a free col-lege education and avoid fol-lowing in the footsteps of his undertaker father, Istvan (Rutger Hauer) -- with whom he shares

a tangled relationship -- Michael sends off a resignation e-mail soon after his ordination as a tran-sitional deacon.

But the recipient of his mes-sage -- his superior, Father Mat-thew (Toby Jones) -- is convinced that Michael possesses at least the pastoral qualities of a good priest.

(Alice Braga), an Italian reporter who has enrolled in the class for research purposes, and to their in-structor, Dominican Father Xavi-er (Ciaran Hinds).

Knowing a hard case when he sees one, Father Xavier ar-ranges for Michael to serve an informal apprenticeship with vet-eran demon fighter Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), a forthright Welshman renowned for his un-usual but effective approach to his work.

The inexplicable experiences that follow, as Father Lucas and his initially reluctant protege wrestle with the dark forces at work on pregnant teen Rosaria (Marta Gastini, another newcom-er), force Michael to reassess his secular certainties.

The idea that a contemporary doubter should be moved toward belief in the source of absolute good by witnessing the effects of absolute evil run amok is certain-ly an intriguing one.

And a few shaky details along the way -- as when Mi-chael, though only a deacon, ap-pears to be giving absolution to a dying victim at the scene of a car accident -- can easily be over-looked in light of screenwriter Michael Petroni and director Mi-

kael Hafstrom’s resounding af-firmation faith and the value of priestly ministry.

But Michael’s story -- a fictionalized version of the life of Father Gary Thomas of the Diocese of San Jose, Calif., as recounted in journalist Matt Ba-glio’s 2009 book, “The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist” -- would have been more effec-tively presented on its own terms.

Instead, it has been wedged, somewhat uncomfortably, into the mold of a conventional horror movie. The effect is to diffuse -- and slightly diminish -- its valu-able underlying message, though enough of that endures to make the picture, despite the objection-able features listed below, possi-bly acceptable for mature teens.

The film contains incest and suicide themes, some gruesome imagery, incidental irreverence, a couple of uses of profanity and a few rough and crude terms. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (CNS) In his message for the 2011 World Communications Day, Pope Benedict XVI said it’s not enough to just “proclaim the Gospel through the new media,” but one must also “witness consistently.”

The developers of “Confession: A Roman Catholic App” for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch think their product helps people do both.

Brothers Patrick and Chip

Leinen and their friend Ryan Kreager said feedback has been positive. The app, reportedly the only one with an imprimatur, is designed to help people make a better confession. Given in this case by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, an imprimatur is an official declaration by a church authority that a book or other printed work may be published.

It declares the published work contains nothing offensive

Confession: a new app for examination of conscienceto Catholic teaching on faith and morals.

“The app is really built for two kinds of people,” Kreager explained. “For Catholics who go to confession regularly, it gives the user information. They enter their name, age, their sex, their vocation and their last confession date, and it generates an examination of conscience based on that information.”

Centered on the Ten

Commandments, the examination would be different for a young mother than for a teenage boy, for example.

The examinations were provided by two different priests, the app developers said. In addition to helping Catholics who already make use of the sacrament of reconciliation, Kreager said the confession app is helping another group of people.

“It’s also for people who’ve been away from the church and want the opportunity to go to confession,” he told Today’s Catholic, newspaper of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. “You go to the examination of conscience and it literally walks you through, step by step, your confessions as you’re in the confessional.”

The app can be downloaded from iTunes App Store for $1.99.w w w . c e n l a c a d t e c h . c o m

Drafting and DesignArchitectural, Civil, Mechanical,

3-D design and rendering

318.542.8539

February 14, 2011Page 22

Avoyelles Parish

Businesses

Advertise in

The Church Today

Contact Carla Moreau

318-346-7829

Catholic Charismatic Day of Renewal

The Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Alexandria will host its annual Day of Renewal at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Colfax, on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 9 a.m..

The guest speaker, Johnny Bertucci, is a member of the National Service Committee of the Charismatic Renewal and the steering committee of the Southern Regional Charismatic Conference. The event will include praise and worship music, talks, lunch ($12 per person). testimonies, and will end with a Mass at 4 p.m.

For more information call Jo Mabou @ 318-442-0584 or Diane Ardoin 318-419-1547.

Heaven’s Chefs

Heaven’s Chefs, an annual food tasting and fellowship time sponsored by St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Cottonport, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the St. Mary’s gym. Tickets are $10 and include all you can eat from 20+ food booths. Drinks and cookbooks will also be available for purchase.

Please contact Charlene Tigner (201-3717) or Adrienne Blackledge (305-5820) for tickets or for more information.

Mission with Father Pinto

Sts. Francis & Anne Church, Kolin, will host a Lenten Mission March 14-20. All are invited to come and be with us for this special occasion. The theme is ”Precepts of the Catholic Church” with Fr. Santan Pinto, S.O.L.T. The mission will include prayer, confessions, Mass, teachings, healing services, Adoration and Benediction.

For more information, call 443-5118, or Pam Funderburk at 619-9111, or email at Fundyfam@bellsouth.net, or Sissy Rice at 449-9420 or email at Dschcrice@aol.com”

Beginning Experience

Hope for a new beginning for divorced, widowed, or separated people. Register now for Beginning Experience, a weekend away toward a lifetime of change on March 25-27 at Maryhill Renewal Center, in Pineville.

The program helps grieving single-again persons emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning, and move into the future with renewed hope. The cost is $185 and includes two nights’ lodging and meals.

To register or for more information, call Anna at (318) 448-1990 or (318) 452-2678 or Rose at (504) 920-0770.

Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLCBrigitte KelsoOwner/Agent

2918 S. MacArthur Dr.Alexandria, La. 71301

Phone: 318.448.2226Fax: 318.448.2800brigittekelso@att.net

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. Amahl ), as the little crippled boy, King Kaspar ( ) sitting, and King Melchior ( ) were part of the production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” presented Jan. 16 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria. Other performers were Tynan Davis, Louis Nabors, and Aaron McConnel. (Photo by Laura Voltz)

ST. PETER MISSION, ELMER. The children at St. Peter Mission in Elmer put on a Christmas play in December.

YARD OF THE MONTH. Saint Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph LA was recognized by St. Joseph Town as a “Yard of the Month.” (January 2011) Pastor, Fr. Peter J. Kuligowski

Local Mardi Gras Parades

FEB. 27 MARKSVILLE MARDI GRAS PARADE.

The Krewe of Cyllenlus Mardi Gras Parade, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Avoyelles, will be held Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. in Marksville.

FEB. 27 BUNKIE MARDI GRAS PARADE.

The Krewe of Cronus Mardi Gras Parade, sponsored by the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce, will be held Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. in Bunkie.

MARCH 5 NATCHITOCHES MARDI GRAS MAGIC

Enjoy a day of family-friendly Mardi Gras fun in Natchitoches, including a children’s and pet parade, children’s activities, live entertainment and food vendors. Krewe of Wag-uns Parade is at 2 p.m., Pre-Parade activities from 3-6 p.m., Krewe of Dionysus Mardi Gras Parade is at 6 p.m.

MARCH 5 LEESVILLE MARDI GRADE PARADE

The Leesville Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras Parade will be held Saturday, March 5 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Leesville.

MARCH 5 ALEXANDRIA CHILDREN’S MARDI GRAS PARADE

The 15th annual Children’s Parade will be held at 10:45 a.m. beginning on Murray Street in downtown Alexandria.

MARCH 6 ALEXANDRIA MARDI GRAS PARADE The 17th annual Mardi Gras Parade will be held at 2 p.m. in

Alexandria beginning on Texas Avenue.

MARCH 8 SIMMESPORT MARDI GRAS PARADE

The Mardi Gras Parade in Simmesport will be held March 8 at 10 a.m.

Marian Lenten Pilgrimage

Make a Marian Lenten Pilgrimage to EWTN and Caritas, Ala. March 21-23 with Fr. Anthony Catella and other priests for EWTN “live” Mass and program. Be present at Caritas while Marija Lunetti of Medjugorje will be visiting and the Queen of Peace appears to her. Trip will include daily Mass, spiritual enrichment, Rosary, songs and more. Bus reservation is $135 with room; (some free meals). Call Kathie at 640-4570 or Patsy at 640-0065 for itinerary and room reservations before March 5.

February 14, 2011 Page 23

February - March

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Mardi Gras Parade10:00 a.m.Simmesport

Showcase of Menard Art at River Oaks5:00-7:00 p.m.River Oaks Square, Downtown Alexandria

Diocesan Service Committee Day of Renewal9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.St. Joseph Church, Colfax

In Your Cute Face9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria

Heaven’s Chefs5:30-7:30 p.m.St. Mary’s Assumption, Cottonport

Mardi Gras:Children’s Parade10:45 a.m.Downtown Alexandria

4:30 p.m. Leesville2:00 p.m. Children’s Natchitoches6:00 p.m. Natchitoches

Mardi Gras Parade:1:00 p.m.Marksville

2:00 p.m. Bunkie

Mardi Gras Parade2:00 p.m.Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD

PRAY FOR FR. J. MEDINA-CRUZ

PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN

PRAY FOR FR. J. FOSTER

PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. L. MELCHER

PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK

PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE

PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES

PRAY FOR FR. P. KULIGOWSKI

PRAY FOR FR. A. MESSINA

PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL

PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE

PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE

PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM

PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK

PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL

PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION

PRAY FOR FR. I. IBE

PRAY FOR FR. M. LAIRD

PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS

PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE

PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER

PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH

PRAY FOR FR. R. LEMOINE

PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER

PRAY FOR FR. J. O’BRIEN

PRAY FOR FR. A. HERNANDEZ

PRAY FOR FR. R. MATHEWS

PRAY FOR FR. J. MONTALBANO

PRAY FOR FR. D. O’CONNOR

MARCH

FIRST SATURDAY

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL

Rite of Election2:30 p.m.St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

FIRST FRIDAY

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

VALENTINE’S DAY

Camp Joshua -- Ruston, LA

Young Adult Conference -- Maryhill Renewal Center

Mission with Fr. Pinto -- Sts. Frances & Anne Church, Kolin

ASH WEDNESDAYMARDI GRAS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY