BACK HOME AGAIN Cristo Rey returns to north B.R. St. Francis celebrates century of God s grace

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1 T H E C A T H O L I C Commentator Catholic Schools Week PAGE 12 February 16, 2018 Vol. 56, No. 1 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org BACK HOME AGAIN Cristo Rey returns to north B.R. By Richard Meek Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School is home again. Nearly 17 months after being flooded out of its original home, the school returned to north Baton Rouge on Feb. 9, with Bishop Robert W. Muench blessing the modular buildings that will house classes for the foreseeable future. Oh happy day! Bishop Muench exclaimed to the 113 members of the student body, as well as elected officials and others who gathered for the ribbon cutting. This (school) is a tangible, concrete evidence not only of the existence of God but the love of God and the goodness of God and all of who are here and so many more who cannot be physically present to support you, our prized students, he said. I want you the savor the moment, hold onto it. I want you to remember it, because the future isn t here yet. This is the present, and the present is a gift. The school, which is in its sophomore year, opened Aug. 5, 2016 at the former site of Redemptorist High School, which had closed June Two weeks after Bishop Muench and others cut the ribbon to usher in a new era of education, the school took up to four feet of water during the historic flood of 2016, and has since been headquartered in the Bon Carre Business Center in Baton Rouge. Bishop Muench referred to the SEE REOPENING PAGE 20 St. Francis celebrates century of God s grace By Debbie Shelley St. Francis Xavier Church in Baton Rouge s ability to celebrate during adversities as well as victories keeps the fire in the church s soul burning as it commemorates its 100th anniversary. The church opened its year-long celebration, themed Through Trials and Tribulations, by God s Grace We Triumph, with a standing-room only Mass on Jan. 21. Bishop John Huston Ricard SSJ, retired bishop of the Archdiocese of Pensacola-Tallahase, Florida, was the main celebrant of the Mass. The bishop grew up at SFX and graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in Bishop Ricard vividly remembered during his teen years at SFX going on a wilderness campout experience, which usually took place during the dead of winter. After hiking for 20 miles, the youth pitched tents, built a campfire The Sisters of the Holy Family have played a vital role in the history of St. Francis Xavier Church and School in Baton Rouge. The parish opened its celebration of its 100th anniversary with a special Mass. Photo by Christopher J. Rogers and told stories. Two of the youth stayed up most the night to keep the fire going. The bishop said St. Francis Xavier has spiritually kept the fire going despite its struggles. We have a parish that is fully alive, fully burning at St. Francis Xavier, Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School sophomore Carlisha Shy is all smiles as she walks into the new modular buildings at the site of the old Redemptorist High School. Cristo Rey was flooded two weeks after opening in August 2016, and students have spent the past 17 months at Bon Carre Business Center. Photo by Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator said Bishop Ricard. The church fuels that fire through a commitment as a faith family, say parishioners. Black Catholics in south Baton Rouge founded St. Francis Xavier with the desire to worship with SEE ANNIVERSARY PAGE 10 Fr. Gyan in good standing On Nov. 8, 2017, the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge received from a woman in her thirties a written allegation of sexual misconduct against a priest of this diocese, Father Eric Gyan, currently Father Eric Gyan pastor of St. Theresa of Avila Church in Gonzales. The alleged misconduct was said to have occurred in 1996 when the woman was a minor and Father Gyan was pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Brusly. This is the only such complaint the diocese has ever received about Father Gyan. The diocese s victim assistance coordinator, Amy Cordon, spoke SEE GYAN PAGE 4

2 2 February 16, 2018 PICTURES FROM THE PAST Receiving the grace BLESSING THE EQUIPMENT Father Gerard Burns, then pastor at Assumption Catholic Church in Plattenville, blesses sugar cane equipment after Mass on Oct. 3. Parishioners prayed for a safe, successful sugarcane crop. The machines were brought to the church grounds from 11 area farms. staff photo DID YOU KNOW Dust you shall return Red is the new black; at least it was for one day. This year, by virtue of an unusual confluence of events, St. Valentine s Day happened to coincide with Ash Wednesday, a day when Catholics and Christians worldwide have ashes placed on their forehead. So the combination of black ashes and red sartorial statements made for an unusual fashion duet on Ash Wednesday, which is one of the holiest days of the liturgical year. Although officially not a holy day of obligation, Ash Wednesday, which signals the start of the solemn season of Lent, is a day Catholics flock to churches to participate in a practice that actually is of non-christian origin, and not officially accepted in the beliefs of the Catholic Church until the Council of Nicaea in 325. That same council also set the 40- day period as the standard length of Lent. In 601 Pope Gregory added six more days to Lent, moving the beginning of the season from the Fourth Sunday of the year to Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter. By doing so, the pope allowed for 40 days of fasting, with six Sundays counting as feast days. Pope Gregory also began the tradition of marking parishioners foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross. Ash Wednesday is not mentioned in the Bible, but sprinkling oneself with ashes to show sorrow for sins certainly dates back to biblical times. It should be noted there are more than 40 biblical passages associating ashes with mourning and grief. It was not unusual to dust oneself with ashes and fast while repenting. During those times, people would sit in ashes, sprinkle them upon their heads, roll around in them or perhaps even mingle them with their food and drink to show their repentance. Lent was much harsher in those early years. On Ash Wednesday, the bishop would bless the hair covering which penitents were to wear during their 40 days of penance, and then the ashes were spread over each individual. While the Seven Penitential Psalms were being recited by the faithful, the penitents were turned out of the church, just as Adam was turned out of the Garden of Eden for his sin, and not allowed to reenter until Maundy (Holy) Thursday. Ashes used by the priest are from the burning of palms from Palm Sunday of the previous year. The ashes are sprinkled with holy water and typically fragranced with incense. Following the tradition of Pope Gregory, the priest marks the sign of the cross on a person s forehead, speaking the words, Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Even non-christians and those excommunicated from the church are invited to receive ashes. By Dina Dow Repent, and believe in the Gospel. Mk 1:15 thecatholiccommentator.org Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Richard Meek Editor Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Life-Giving FA I H The season of Lent is an invitation to slow down, pray, sacrifice, offer-up and repent. It is also a time of renewal; a turning away from that which darkens the heart to that which illuminates it. The path that leads to Easter shimmers with signs of promise, lessons of hope and glimpses of the divine. A series of covenants More than a contract, a covenant is a bond between parties having conditions and obligations, pledging something for the other. The Liturgy of the Word for both the First and Second Sundays in Lent begin with covenants: one to Noah, the other to Abraham. The first divine promise from God is to never engulf the earth with water, as Noah and his family promise to remain faithful and true to God. God sets his bow in the sky as a visible sign of this covenant with mankind and all creation. Years later, Abraham is tested to determine whether he has genuine faith in God. Proven as such, God promises Abraham abundantly with countless descendants because he completely obeyed God. A new covenant Yet, the people had difficulty with their side of the obligation. Thus through the prophets, God announces the coming of a Messiah who will fulfill all covenants and establish a new one. God sends his Son. By the Holy Spirit, he sanctifies the living waters of baptism to offer rebirth and offers himself on the wood of the cross to give new life. Why? St. Peter writes, Christ suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Am I a covenant person? Have I remained faithful to the promises of my baptism? Have I rejected sinful thoughts or actions which cause me to turn away from God? If so, have I made a commitment to repent and become embraced by God s mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation? God walks with us God accompanies the faithful on this Lenten journey. He is an intimate father who cares deeply for us, personally and collectively. He is not a distant, unapproachable entity, but rather is up-close and personal. We are his children. Along this journey, we ask the Lord, as written in Psalm 28, teach me, guide me, remember your compassion and love for me, show us the way, and guide us with humility to justice. We are called to turn to God for all we need, including how to respond to danger. This is our lesson of hope. It s tempting For 40 days Jesus remained in the desert facing temptations placed before him by Satan. St. Alphonsus writes, (Jesus) did this to show the world not to be afraid of temptation, but to face them so that we can understand our weaknesses and rely on God s grace to help us from falling. We ultimately will become detached of the things of the earth and desire heaven therefore take refuge in the arms of divine mercy. ( The Love of Our Lord Jesus, Chap. 17) God is always by our side. He even sends angels to minister to us during our desert time. St. Paul reminds us, If God is for us, who can be against us? He gives us everything, including the strength to endure the trials. He listens to us. Do I understand the extent of God s love for me? Have I asked the Lord for hope when I am in despair? When have I called on my guardian angel to help with the battle against temptations? Do I know someone in need of hope? The glory of God The superlative brightness of God is something to behold. St. Peter, St. James and St. John experienced for a moment the glory of God in the Transfiguration of Jesus. Before them, the glory of Jesus, SEE GOSPEL PAGE 3 Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager Bonny Van Staff Writer Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer (ISSN ; USPS ) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; or Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA

3 February 16, Faith cornerstone for couple married 67 years By Richard Meek Theirs is a story of love, born in the unlikeliest of places, and tightly knitted for more than six decades through the thread of faith. Calvin and Teeny Bajon of Baton Rouge will be one of an estimated 100 couples attending a special Mass on Feb. 25 at St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge for couples celebrating their 25th, 50th or 65th years and over. Bishop Robert W. Muench is scheduled to celebrate the annual Mass, which is set for 2 p.m. and sponsored by the Office of Marriage and Family Life of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. I cannot see me being with anyone else other than Calvin, said Teeny, passing a loving smile at her husband of 67 years. We haven t had it easy in our married life but we stuck together. We knew we needed one another and were there for one another. And I feel the same way, Calvin quickly added, recalling, with a chuckle, how he once told Bishop Muench that he always has the last word: Yes, ma am. Their first meeting, however, was far from romantic, unless one has an affinity for the operating room of the old Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in downtown Baton Rouge. Teeny was having an appendectomy, and Calvin, as it so happened, was the OR scrub nurse. That is how we met, with the cap on and the gown on, Teeny said. During those days, an appendectomy required a two-week hospital stay and as fate would GOSPEL From page 2 the Son of God hidden, but now revealed rendered them terrified and speechless. St. Thomas Aquinas writes, It was appropriate for him to give them an insight into his glory [Summa ], for soon they would be left in fear after his death. God prepared them for what was ahead. He knew the faith of the apostles would be shaken after the crucifixion, thus he revealed the glory of his Son, as to strengthen their hope during a time of fear and loss. God does the same for us. He anticipates our needs and fortifies us by his grace. This is why the sacraments are so necessary. Although we are have it, Calvin was reassigned from the OR to Lena s floor. During that time, he was able to meet her mother and sister, and when Teeny left the hospital, he asked her for her phone number so in case you croak, I will send you roses. Now that s something to tell someone, Teeny recalled with a genuine fondness. Three months later, when Teeny was 19 and Calvin 21, they were married. Today, Teeny admits that if her daughter had come to her saying she was going to marry a man she had only know for three months, she would have said, Are you out of your mind? At the time, Calvin did not have a car and only took out his future wife on a couple of occasions for dinner. No engagement; we decided we were going to get married and we did, he said. It wasn t much of a proposal; it was just more or less a decision, Teeny piped in. I don t know how to explain it. I liked what I saw in him. I guess at the time we knew what we wanted in a husband and a wife, in a marriage. At the time we were ready to settle down. Six decades after receiving the sacrament of marriage at St. Gerard Church in Baton Rouge, Calvin, 87, and Teeny, 85, continue to display an affection and genuine fondness normally reserved for the young. For this young-at-heart couple, humor and laughter are constant companions, and their love for each other is infectious, which lends itself to the obvious question of what is their secret. I guess it s faith, a lot of faith, Teeny said. I don t see how people can stay together if they don t have faith, if they don t go to church, or pray together. Prayer has always been, and continues to be the one constant in their lives. Each morning they pray for 45 minutes, a time that includes praying the rosary, and pray another 20 minutes in the evening. Formerly long-time parishioners at St. Louis King of France Church in Baton Rouge, the couple also attends Mass on Tuesday mornings at St. Thomas More Church in Baton Rouge. Both cradle Catholics, Calvin and Teeny instilled a strong faith among their daughter, who is the oldest, and their two sons. The family has always prayed grace before meals and until the time the children went to college, they prayed the rosary and other prayers daily. They also attended Sunday Mass as a family at St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville, near their family home in Duplessis, and always ate together in the evening. None of this watching TV, Teeny said. Now when we go out to eat it disturbs me so much to see these people with these phones. Nobody is talking to one another. We always had conversation. That s what s wrong today. There is not enough communication between the parents and the children. We always had that. Even to this day, their children, two of who live in Texas, openly express their love for their parents and when they do unable to see the graces flowing from them, we are able to experience the abundance of love coming forth. All it takes is our willingness to receive. During the season of Lent the Catholic Church offers ample opportunities to receive the grace from which mercy pours. Several church parishes schedule special times to pray the chaplet of Divine Mercy. Many have additional times for the sacrament of reconciliation and penance services. Remember to take time to pray, asking for strength to keep our promises, hope during the hard times, and eyes to see the glory of the Almighty God in front of us. Amen. Dow is the director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Teeny and Calvin Bajon of Baton Rouge, who have been married for 67 years, display the exuberance normally reserved for the young in their marriage. Both agree their commitment to the Catholic faith has played a large role in their lives. Photo by Richard Meek get together it s a Bajon hugfest. Life, however, has not always been so easy for either Calvin or Teeny. They both were raised in poor families, with Calvin and his family walking a 10-mile round trip trek to and from St. John each Sunday to attend Mass. Teeny, who was raised above a grocery store on Scenic Highway in north Baton Rouge, relied on transportation from a neighbor to attend Mass at St. Gerard. And both had careers at the former Gillis W. Long Hansen s Disease Center in Carville end prematurely. Calvin went on disability in 1975 after a near tragic accident in the warehouse where he was supervisor, and two years later health reasons forced Teeny, who worked in the finance office and the lab, to go on disability. That s where faith comes in, she readily admitted. Teeny said friends have questioned how she and her husband have been able to get along for more than 40 years spending every day together. She admitted to occasional disagreements, Into the Desert Weekly Lenten Reflections for the College Life offers weekly reflections based on the Sunday readings for the season of Lent for students. Reflections on God's Word within the context of the major areas of college life School and Grades Relationships Social Life Health Faith Life but said they remain committed to their wedding vows. She also recalled advice from a priest many years ago that left a lasting impression that resonates even today. He said never go to bed mad because you will wake up with the same problem the next day, Teeny said. If we have a disagreement we sit down (and work it out). Today, the couple lives comfortably in a Baton Rouge house they purchased in 1991, 10 years after selling their home in Duplessis, which Calvin built with his own hands by himself, with the exception of the brickwork. Age has taken its toll, to the point where Calvin is no longer able to drive. But for this couple, what matters most is that they are together, grateful for each other s company and never failing to begin and end each day in prayer. To me, prayer has really meant a lot in our life and in our marriage, Teeny said. We still have fun together. I hope we continue to do so for many years to come. A book by Father Trey Nelson $10, available through St. Jude the Apostle Parish Office 9150 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge, LA

4 4 NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL February 16, 2018 Diocese of Baton Rouge Seminary Scholarship Funds What is a Seminary Scholarship fund? A seminary scholarship fund is an invested sum of money, the interest of which is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men studying for the priesthood. How does someone establish a fund? It is simple. A fund may be established and named for anyone you choose friend, family, bishop, priest, religious, etc. Anyone can name or establish a fund. Who do I contact to establish or contribute to a fund? To create a fund or to make a contribution to an existing fund, please send it to the Vocations and Seminarians Department, P. O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA For information call This is only a partial list of all Seminary Scholarship Funds. Visit our website at for a complete list of Seminary Scholarship Funds. Contributions from November 2017 to January 2018 Louis and Nita Bonfanti By: Louis/Lisa Bonfanti $ $2, John Thomas Coutee Sr. By: Ellis Coutee $50.00 $10, Alvy Dee and Rezette Alleman Jenkins Family Living and Deceased In Honor of: Family of Alvy Dee and Rezette Alleman Jenkins By: Rezette A. Jenkins $1, $7, Father Aubry Osborn By: Constance Butler Chapter #9 4th Degree Knights of Peter Claver Ladies of Grace Division $50.00 $11, Bishop Stanley J. Ott In Memory of: Olga Dufresne By: Marie R. Schexnayder $ Dorothy Nobile $20.00 Phyllis Hartman $ Anonymous $75.00 Thomas/Sheila Lay $ Beverly Jackson $ Wayne/Anne Rodrigue $ Geri/Jeff Abadie $25.00 Dr./Mrs. Carl J. Poche $ Alfred/Elizabeth Webre $50.00 Paul/Pricilla Varnado $ Bruce/Robin Roussel $80.00 Colleen N. Stanton $25.00 Richard/Tania Bourgeois $15.00 Edward/Jane Babin $50.00 Jeffrey/Patricia Zeringue $50.00 Raymond/Catherine Hymel $ Fr. Vincent Defresne $ Lumina Newchurch $30.00 Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Choir $28, Russo Family In Memory of: John, Minnie and Louis Russo By: Fr. Anthony J. Russo $1, $2, Mr. and Mr. Joseph A. Sarradet, Sr. By: Anonymous $40, $60, Tomorrows Priests By: Ethel Guedry $ $32, Father Clarence Waguespack Jr. By: Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Notre Dame De La Paix No 2316 $ In Memory of: Fr. Clarence s third anniversary of his death By: Claire W. Amedee $ $15, NEW Knights of Columbus Council 9016 In Memory of: Father Maynard Hurst Jr. By: Knights of Columbus Council 9016 $75, $75, Msgr. John A. Weber By: Joyce Weber $ $61, Additional Scholarship Funds Monsignor Charles J. T. Murphy...$20, Mr. & Mrs. C. J. T. Murphy...$20, Fred Nacol...$15, Monsignor John Naughton...$20, The Ott and Berthelot Families...$20, Pioneering Fathers of Grosse Tete Ridge...$19, George R. Reymond...$20, Monsignor Leonard Robin... $21, Father James Rodrigue...$20, Alphonse and Edna B. Rodriguez...$20, Michael Romano... $13, William and Camilla Roszko...$20, Russo Family...$1, Father Louis Savoure...$20, Serra Clubs of Baton Rouge... $11, Deceased Members of Ciro Spedale Family...$20, Father John Spriggs...$20, The Parishioners of St. Pius X...$20, St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland...$9, Stine Family... $6, Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan...$11, Father Adalbert Svreck... $20, Bishop Robert E. Tracy... $20, Father David Vavasseur... $21, Vavasseur Family... $20, Father Than Vu...$8, Albert J. Waguespack... $16, Deacon Francis A. Waguespack Jr.... $5, Monsignor John A. Weber...$60, Mr. & Mrs. Weeks, Sr. and Dr. & Mrs. Wall, Jr.... $20, Father Augustine M. Wyshoff... $20, Kay M. Acosta and Ann Marie... $4, Father Thomas J. Allain... $23, Father J. D. Amedee... $20, Mr. & Mrs. Sidney V. Arbour, Sr.... $20, Archdiocese of New Orleans... $60, Mr. & Mrs. J. Andrew Bahlinger, Jr.... $20, Father John M. Barbe... $20, Father Victor Baron... $20, Monsignor D. J. Becnel... $20, Monsignor D. J. Becnel/Marie Delphine Becnel... $ Monsignor D. J. Becnel (St. Aloyouis)...$20, Marie Delphine Becnel...$20, Cecelia Cess Bergeron Father Jules Berthault...$20, Archbishop Antoine Blanc... $20, Brian Blanchard... $27, Monsignor Dominic Blasco...$20, GYAN From page 1 with the person making the allegation and offered assistance on behalf of the diocese. Following the diocese s own Policy Regarding Sexual Abuse of Minors by an Employee* when an allegation is made, and in compliance with the U.S. Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People**, the diocese immediately notified appropriate civil officials of the allegation and assured them of its full cooperation. The diocese also informed the person who made the allegation that she herself had the right to contact civil officials. As required by canon law and those policies, trained professional lay persons were appointed by the diocese to conduct an immediate inquiry into the matter. In addition, the Independent Review Board of the diocese was notified. The investigation continued with extensive interviews, a public appeal for information, and consultations with experts. The Independent Review Board received the investigative report and concurred with the findings that the allegation against Father Gyan could not be substantiated. This process found no reason to remove Father Gyan from ministry at any time. Frather Gyan has consistently cooperated in the investigation and has categorically denied the allegation. Bishop Robert W. Muench has now accepted the findings and recommendations presented to him. Father Gyan continues to serve as a priest in good standing and of good reputation. * pdf ** images/charter-for-the-pro- tection-of-children-and-young- People-revised-2011.pdf For breaking news and to keep up with the latest happenings in the Baton Rouge Diocese, visit The Catholic Commentator Online thecatholiccommentator.org

5 February 16, Honduran bishop visits Prairieville to say thanks By Richard Meek Bishop Jose Bonello recently came a long way just to say thank you. But for Bishop Bonello, his journey from Juticalpa, Honduras where he is bishop, was vital to express his appreciation to a group of missionaries who spread hope in a land of despair. The group, made up mostly of parishioners from St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville, help in a number of ways, including repairing schools and now even building houses during their annual mission trips to Olancho, Honduras, which is the largest of the 18 departments in which the country is divided. Father Eddie Martin, current parochial vicar at St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge, and his wife Jenny originally founded the mission, which is about a three-hour bus ride from the nearest airport, in Jenny Martin died in 2013, and shortly after Father Martin, who was a deacon at the time of his wife s death, joined the seminary to become a priest. Bishop Bonello addressed the missionaries at St. John on Feb. 1 at the parish hall. Not only did the bishop speak, but many of the missionaries related captivating stories of how their lives were changed through living the Gospel message by helping out those most in need. I come here to meet two ends, Bishop Bonello said in an interview with The Catholic Commentator on Feb. 1. I see the fruit (of the missionaries labor), so I come to see those who are providing this miracle. I come to say a big thank you personally to these people. Bishop Bonello said another purpose of his visit was to gain insight and advice as to how to improve educational opportunities for the poverty-stricken children of his diocese. He compared educating young minds to planting seeds, saying that if you you want a vibrant future, plant a child. He said that because most children are being raised in single parent families, most commonly the mother, educating young women is critical. Also traveling with Bishop Bonello were Carlos Najera, a native Honduran who is executive director of the Olancho Aid Foundation, an educator from Honduras and a retired educator from Boston who volunteers as a consultant in Honduras. Being in contact with American people is how we can help our country and provide opportunities because we can have small children, but if we don t have the resources to have an education or have a healthy life they will not be able to succeed, Najera said. I had opportunities from a priest to get an education. I can provide a different life to my (four) children. Bishop Bonello, who heads a diocese of 630,000 people, of whom 91 percent are Catholic, said he is also in Baton Rouge to promote a continuing project of water purification in his country. He said the mission has already assisted by installing filters. Purifying water is healthy for the future, he said. Bishop Bonello acknowledged the political unrest currently dividing his country, saying recent elections have divided family against family, community against community. He said the country s two most popular sports are soccer (the home team is the Juticapala Football Club Los Canecheros, which plays in Juan Ramon Breve Vargas Stadium) and politics. The bishop said when something disrupts the political arena, such as an election, the effects ripple down to the church and society. But he said the church s role is to help heal the wounds, and reinforce the church s mission that is open to all. Sometimes we go back and we go forward, he said. But it s a young church, very young congregations, hopeful for the future. The youth aspire for a different future. We try to overcome. He said the youth movement is strong in Honduras, but because of poor roads and no bridges communities can be difficult to reach, thus limiting pastoral activities. But we try to do our best and hope the future will be something where we can reach out, the bishop said. Most (people) are baptized, but not all practice for many reasons. As a church we are hoping; that s why are trying to humanize the person first, with dignity. The missionaries, according to Najera, paint and repair schools, and engage in outreach in nearby communities that involve such things as putting new roofs on schools and providing educational materials. Additionally, the mission group from Prairieville has been involved with building at least two homes. It s very important to the family, because some of our families are living with metal sheets (serving as a roof) and mud walls, Najera said. Father Johnny Carville, a retired priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge and a columnist for who makes regular mission trips to Honduras, remembers one family that was living in squalor in a one-room house, containing only a bed. The family, which included both parents and two young children, were cooking outside and using an outhouse for the bathroom. Father Carville said the mission group helped build them a new house. To give them a building with four rooms, a good roof, indoor plumbing, inside kitchen, made a difference, he said. Najera said his country s unrest has not hindered mission trips, and none of the missionaries have been endangered. He said the mission house is a short distance from army headquarters and a retired army member helps with security at the house. If something becomes too risky, we would stop, but now we don t see that need, he said. Father Carville said participating on a mission trip is a powerful and enlightening experience. For information on how to donate to the Olancho Aid Foundation, visit olanchoaid.org or cnajera@olanchoaid.org. Join our 2018 Groups and Friends of Baton Rouge June Normandy, Brittany, & Loire Valley July 19-Aug. 1 Best of Ireland & Scotland Sept Charming French Canada, Featuring Montreal & Quebec Sept. 30-Oct. 9 Wonders of American West (Canyon Lands) Oct Mackinac Island Oct Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes FEEDING THE HOMELESS Members of Constance Butler, Chapter No. 9, Ladies of Grace in Maringouin provided an evening meal for 52 men at the Bishop Ott Homeless Shelter on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Ladies of Grace is the 4th Degree Division of the Knights of Peter Claver and includes members from New Roads, Scotlandville, Baton Rouge, Plaquemine and Maringouin. Pictured, from left, are Louise Theresa Hollins, Wanda Kelly, Theresa Mims-Julien, Xavier Anderson and Daisy Hawkins-Thomas. All of the above are parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Maringouin. Photo provided by Daisy Hawkins-Thomas Upcoming Travel Shows Tootie Bonacorso Feb. 17 Norwegian Cruise Line 1 DAY CRUISE SALE 10a.m. 2 p.m. 10 a.m. Presentation on Cruises to Hawaii Norwegian Breakaway coming to New Orleans Feb. 20 CIE Ireland & Scotland 2 p.m. Feb. 22 Royal Caribbean 1 DAY CRUISE SALE on all RCCL ships including Vision of Seas out of New Orleans noon-7 p.m. Feb. 27 Crystal Cruise Lines 2 p.m. #1 Luxury Cruse Line in the World Pearson s Travel World 7949 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge

6 6 February 16, 2018 Can blessed automobile be auctioned?/ Catholics and the Girl Scouts Q A recent picture in a magazine showed Pope Francis signing a car that had been given to him. The cutline for the photo said that the pope had signed and blessed the car before putting it up for auction by Sotheby s in London, with the proceeds going to charitable work. But I had always understood that, according to church law, blessed articles cannot be sold. Would you comment, please? (Bloomington, Indiana) A What you saw in the magazine did, in fact, happen. In November, the Italian automaker Lamborghini donated to Pope Francis a new model sports car in the Vatican colors of white and gold, worth upwards of $200,000. The pope autographed and blessed the vehicle, which was then consigned to Sotheby s to be auctioned off, the proceeds going to three charities close to the pope s heart: the rebuilding of homes and Christian houses of worship in Iraq that had been destroyed by the Islamic State; assistance to women who had been victimized by prostitution and human trafficking; and specialized medical care in several African nations. It would be safe to assume that the pope would not violate canon law, and that is true here. Nowhere does the church prohibit the sale of each and every blessed object. Like most priests, I am regularly asked to bless new homes, and there are specific prayers created for such a purpose. But imagine how infrequently that would happen if such a blessing were to result in the permanent prohibition of that house s resale! What must not be sold are blessed objects of religious devotion crucifixes, medals, rosaries, etc. Such objects are to be blessed only after they are purchased. The Lamborghini company, I m quite certain, never imagined the pope would put this donated vehicle to his personal use. That would have clashed with some specific guidance already offered by the pope. In July 2013, meeting with seminarians and novices, the pontiff cautioned them against cars that were showy. I tell you, he said, it truly grieves me Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle to see a priest or a sister with the latest model. Choose a more humble car, he told them, and think of all the children who are dying of hunger. (That sensitivity is reflected in the pope s own choice for traveling around Rome a 2008 Ford Focus.) Q I have heard and read that the Girl Scouts support Planned Parenthood. What is the church s understanding of this? (New Lexington, Ohio) A In recent years, concerns have arisen about certain affiliations of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) in reference to issues of church teaching. Those concerns relate especially to GSUSA s link with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, to which GSUSA contributes more than $1 million each year particularly with the association s stated support of sexual and reproductive health/rights. Based on such concerns, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops undertook a study that resulted in its 2014 decision to leave it up to local bishops to determine whether their dioceses and parishes should affiliate with GSUSA. Among other things, it was suggested that dioceses seek a memorandum of understanding with GSUSA that parishes troops are to be free from any programming or activities contrary to the church s teaching. During interviews done as part of the study, GSUSA stressed that it has no official relationship with Planned Parenthood. And during a 2014 Girl Scouts national convention, the federation s executive director noted that no monies collected by Girl Scouts for any purpose, including our girls cookie sales, will be given to Planned Parenthood or any other organization that advocates on issues such as abortion and contraception. However, GSUSA also noted that it has no authority to prohibit local councils or troops from forming their own relationships with such organizations. In May 2017, the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, chose to cut ties with GSUSA and to affiliate instead with a Christian program called the American Heritage Girls. 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7 February 16, 2018 faith journey 7 Silencing social media top youth s Lent sacrifices By Debbie Shelley Seven men and women religious honored during jubilee Mass By Debbie Shelley St. Joseph Chapel at the Catholic Life Center in Baton Rouge was a place for thanksgiving, remembering and looking forward during a Mass Feb. 2 to honor seven religious men and women celebrating a combined 395 years of service to the church. This is the first time in many years that we have been able to gather on the exact date of the Feast of the Presentation of the All the tweets, posts, likes and chats can wait for young Catholics who plan to disconnect from social media among other things in order to connect with God during Lent. For Lent this year, I am trying something new. I am doing the 33 Days of Consecration, which is a devotion to Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary, and I am using less social media than what I usually use during the day, said Rachel Hebert, a member of the youth group at St. Thomas More Church in Baton Rouge. I realized in my life that I can do so much more than just sit at home on my cell phone for most of the day like most teenagers do. I also realized that my devotion to Jesus is through the Blessed Virgin Mary because she is our spiritual mother, and she can lead us to her son, Jesus. I m going to give up checking social media more than once a day because I spend too much time on it, giving me less time for prayer, said Monica Chasuk of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge. I will also give up sweets as a daily reminder that in Lent I m waiting for something much sweeter. I will devote 15 minutes of each day to God, during which I ll pray the Litany of Humility and either read the Bible, say the rosary or just be in silence with him. For Lent this year, I m planning on putting my phone away after 8 p.m. in order to spend more time in prayer as I close out my day, said Taylor Gautreaux, a member of the youth group at St. Joseph Church in Ponchatoula. I have a huge problem with staying on social media (particularly Pinterest) more than I spend time in prayer at night. It impacts how I sleep and how my day ends. I will also be doing a holy hour twice a week to spend a little extra time with Jesus. Lord on Feb. 2, the day designated by the church to celebrate consecrated life throughout the world, said Sister Lucy Silvio CSJ, who serves on the Representative Council for the Religious of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Sister Lucy said St. John Paul II began the celebration for three reasons: To answer the need to thank the Lord for the great gift of consecrated life, which enriches and gladdens the church by the multiplicity of charisms; Renewing their vows to consecrated life are, jubilarians from left, Sister Anja Jacob CMC, Sister Anne Michelle Ramagos CSJ, Brother Paul Montero SC, Brother Ramon Daunis SC and Brother Ray Hebert SC. Not pictured are Sister Judith Couturie CSJ and Frances Landry CSJ. Photo by Debbie Shelley to promote knowledge of and esteem of consecrated life; and allow consecrated themselves to celebrate the marvels which the Lord has accomplished in them through their irreplaceable missions in the church and in the world. This celebration was attached to the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple because it embodies the total offering of one s life in and through Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Sister Lucy said. In his homily, Bishop Robert W. Muench said as he looked out at those gathered at the chapel and thought about the importance of the celebration, he reflected on the fact that, We are not a group of religious. Each one of you represent Jesus in a very special way. He said the religious represent love and service and different charisms within the same church. He said it may be natural for jubilarians to want to live in the good old days. He said nostalgia is a wonderful thing and urged the jubilarians to remember with thanks to God. God has been faithful to us. We have a faithful God, said the Time away from social media can give youth more time to read Scriptures, they said. This Lent, I plan on strengthening my faith by praying the daily Gospel through Lectio Divina, said Emily Guagliardo, also of St. Joseph. I will read the Gospel and write about what God is saying to me and how it applies to my life. Some youth are also looking to take charge of their health during Lent. Casey Tran, a member of the youth group St. Thomas More, said she is giving up soft drinks for Lent. I believe that I drink them way too often and that it will be healthier for me to drink more water, said Tran. Even though I am giving up something small, I am still sacrificing something. Children in the PSR program at St. John the Baptist Church in Brusly talked about how ideas stepping away from the distractions of electronics and social media can change one s focus from inward to outward. Reaching out to family members often comes to mind. For Lent I ll clean the house for my mom when she s sleeping, said third-grader Lucas Cordell. I will pray for Puerto Rico, Florida and Houston, I will give up pizza, and I will share my phone with my little sisters, said fourth-grader Brody Pierce. For Lent I will give up candy and I will help my granny when needed, said Claire LeRay, who is in the fifth-grade. Helping the poor was also a top concern for children. I will pray for the homeless, the people without clothes, warmth and love, I will give up soda and I will share my basketball with my brother and my dad, said fourth-grader Addison Stein. I will give my favorite toy away because other kids don t have toys to play with, said fourth-grader Kaitlyn Garcia. I pray Thank RESTHAVEN GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME for a better farewell you God for this wonderful life and family and I will share my money with homeless people. Trey Landry, a third-grader, said, I will give up $20 and give people who have no food, healthy food and water. Some children will make other people s day brighter for Lent. I m going to give a person a compliment every day, because I ve been a little negative, and now for Lent I m going to be a nicer person, said Lauren Flatau, who is in the sixth grade. The children said walking away from social media can help them walk closer to God. For two days of the week I will read Scripture instead of watching my ipad, computer and iphone, said fourth-grader Elle Stutes. I will give up some time to pray to God because I need to pray, said sixth-grader Shelby Johnson, which may draw nods of agreement from adults thinking they should do so as well. bishop. He said they should also remember the religious who have gone before them who remain alive in heaven and the lives of those they touched on earth. The bishop urged the religious to be grateful for those whom they work with in ministry. While reminiscing, the bishop encouraged them to go forward in trust and to realize that their lives of dedication, love and service inspire others. 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8 8 February 16, 2018 Bishop Muench reflects on his love of Catholic education By Richard Meek A simple phone call from Archbishop Philip M. Hannan of New Orleans in the spring of 1968 would change the course of Bishop Robert W. Muench s priestly ministry. In May 1968, Archbishop Hannan told Bishop Muench that he was going to be re-assigned the next day to full-time SINCE 1979 FAST AFFORDABLE GUARANTEED FOR LIFE ( ) Call BATHTUB or for a free in-home consultation. Walk-in Showers The right people, doing the right thing for the right reason. Ask about our 10% discount. Mention code: Commentator and receive an additional $100 discount. STEVE DECELL Aging-In-Place Consultant high school ministry at St. John Prep in New Orleans. That one phone call launched a 50-year passion and love of Catholic schools. Bishop Muench recently reflected on his years as an educator and prominent force in Catholic education during Catholic Schools Week. Catholic schooling stands as one of my greatest gifts in my life, Bishop Muench said. First Communion Dresses Walk-in Tubs Every year, particularly during Catholic Schools Week, I reflect on the priests, religious sisters and dedicated lay people who contributed significantly to my well being and for whom I am eternally grateful. Many of them have gone on to eternal life and surely went straight to heaven, if for no other reason than putting up with me. Through his years as a priest and auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and bishop of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky and the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Bishop Muench said he is always inspired by the enthusiasm and vitality of students, from the joyous giggling of pre-k students, from knockknock jokes to the impressive accomplishments of older students. He said celebrating the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass has been what he called a singular joy. (Catholic Schools Week) allows all involved in the ministry of Catholic school clergy, religious, lay faithful to highlight the purpose, role, vision and commitment to help form, inform and transform our students, the bishop said. It recognizes the contributions of administrators, teachers, faculty, parents, board and home and school association members, Hospice is not about giving up it s about taking control We rely upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother to assist us in imitating the healing ministry of Jesus Christ as we care for terminally ill patients and their families. We call forth the compassion and kindness of our staff, who serve in this health care ministry, to respond to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families. We believe in the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, and we devote ourselves to supporting patients and families through the dying process at the end of life s journey on this earth and new life in eternity. SERVING PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS (225) Notre Dame Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, ability to pay, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. Bishop Robert W. Muench has long held a passion for Catholic education, dating from his days as a high school teacher and educator in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Photo by Richard Meek volunteers, benefactors and alumni. It underscores the nature and function of faith development as its essential purpose. Bishop Muench has always taken great delight in his annual school visits, and the warm response from students confirm that he is always a welcomed visitor. Each school year the bishop spends at least one day at each of the eight high schools in the diocese and will spend a combined 30 days a year visiting high school and elementary schools. Being in the presence of our students brings special joy and meaning to those called to serve, the bishop said. Quoting St. Matthew s Gospel, Bishop Muench added that Jesus taught the gift you receive, give itself as a gift. While a seminarian, Archbishop John P. Cody sent Bishop Muench to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. to study theology and work on his master s degree in education. Archbishop Cody told the bishop at the time to plan on being appointed as principal of a Catholic high school after ordination. Bishop Muench served four years as a teacher and counselor at St. John Prep before asking Archbishop Hannan to reassign him to a parish ministry. He also assisted in the chaplaincy program at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans. From these assignments, I had the privilege of ministering in and for Catholic schools and sought to promote their Catholic identity, catechesis and holistic promotion of student formation, Bishop Muench said.

9 February 16, Rice Bowl funds assisting needy families to stay warm By Richard Meek As January s chill turned into February s thaw many families were sent scrambling by soaring utility bills. Heating bills that in some cases tripled caused by record-setting cold in January created financial havoc for many, to the point where some families were forced to make the gut-wrenching decision as to either turn up the thermostat or buy food for the family It s a shame if we have to decide between being warm or eating food, said Jean Dresley, director of mission engagement for Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge. That should not be a choice we have to make. Fortunately, many families have found relief through the Catholic Charities Social and Community Responsibility Department. The fund helps low-income families in a number of ways, including covering utility bills during a crisis. Dresley pointed out that a portion of the funding for that department comes through the annual Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl campaign. Although the perception among many is that the Rice Bowl campaign, which concludes at Easter, assists people in far away lands, Dresley said 25 percent of the money raised in the diocese goes directly to the Social and Community Responsibility Department. (Rice Bowl) does help people here in our community, Dresley said. It allows us to serve people we would not otherwise be able to help. People are really struggling. She said utility bill assistance is the leading request of calls coming into 211, which is a resource line for community members who need help in a number of ways. Dresley said the distinctive Rice Bowl boxes, which are distributed at schools but also available through church parishes, are often used for students and families to drop loose change during Lent. It is that but it s so much more, she said. The Rice Bowl in my opinion really represents the Gospel of love that we are supposed to be all about. When people assemble those boxes and put money into those boxes, what they are really doing is assembling broken lives by helping people locally and around the world. She encouraged people that instead of stopping for that cup of coffee We are supposed to be seeing Jesus in the face of everyone, not just people that look like us. It s very hard to get that across. Catholic Relief Services annual Rice Bowl campaign is underway and runs through Easter. Twenty-five percent of the money raised stays local, and much of that money has helped low-income families pay soaring heating bills during this unusually cold winter. CNS photo or purchasing that special treat during Lent, put the money that would have been spent in the Rice Bowl box. Statistics show the money will be well spent. Catholic Relief Services, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, touches more than 120 million lives in 112 countries worldwide. Donating a dollar a day for the 40 days of Lent helps provide one month of food for a family, two years of seed for a farmer or one emergency kit Jean Dresley Director of Mission Engagement for Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge for refugees, according to CRS figures. In 2016, Rice Bowl donations totaled approximately $60,000 in the diocese, although it dropped to $33,000 in 2017 as the effects of the August 2016 flood extracted its financial toll on thousands of families. (The collection) is huge for Catholic Charities and helping people right here, Dresley said. It allows us to keep one more family warm this winter or cool in the summer. There s never enough assistance out there for these kinds of needs so every little bit of it is so important to us. She acknowledged that CRS is often confused with Catholic Charities. She pointed out that Catholic Charities is a domestic agency while CRS is an international arm. Dresley also admitted that a changing political climate could potentially present challenges since the majority of the money is going overseas. But she counters that by saying that if the argument is why don t people stay in their own countries rather than immigrating or fleeing to the United States, then we need to create sustainable lives (in foreign countries), get them educated, get them health care, get them food, help them in disasters. If we can be peacemakers, if we can have their basic needs met, if we can figure out ways to create conditions in their countries where they can stay where they are, then they don t need to come here because they are happy where they are, she said. We are supposed to be seeing Jesus in the face of everyone, not just people that look like us, Dresley said. It s very hard to get that across. 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10 10 February 16, 2018 February 16, [A] [B] [C] 100th Anniversary Celebration st. fr a ncis x av ier ABOVE Pictured is the first Communion class on May 5, 1949 in front of the old St. Francis Xavier Church, which was completed in Photo courtesy of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library The present St. Francis Xavier Church in Baton Rouge was dedicated Sept. 24, Recent renovations include new flooring and pews. Photo by Christopher J. Rogers Sr. ANNIVERSARY From page 1 respect with and dignity after years of facing discrimination and segregation in nearby downtown church parishes. They raised money to build a small brick church on the corner of Julia and 11th streets. Parishioners who were skilled craftsmen built the church. The congregation sat on borrowed chairs in their mostly completed church to celebrate their first Christmas Mass on Dec. 25, There was no heat and windows were not firmly in place, but many overlooked inconveniences because they were satisfied with a job well done and having a church of their own, according to church archive records. St. Francis Xavier flourished. In 1920, they built a three-story wood frame school building with the financial help and staffing of the Sisters of the Holy Family. The church was expanded in 1934 to accommodate the growing number of parishioners. It also built a high school in But the church also faced strong challenges. After only six graduating classes, Interstate 10 carved a path straight through the high school, destroying the community and damaging the church. The congregation was encouraged to attend other nearby churches, but because of their past experiences with them, they stayed, according to church archival records. Their efforts bore fruit. In 1963, SFX raised enough money to build the present school building. The church s golden anniversary rallied parishioners to begin plans to build its present church building, which was dedicated Sept. 24, Most recently, the church was renovated with new flooring and pews. SFX members said the church remains stable through the mountain top and valley experiences because its founders and elders clung tenaciously to their faith, which trickled down to them. Gail Vavasseur-Jones, 71, grew up in the church and attended St. Francis Xavier School. My family s house was two blocks from school and the church. A lot of our lives revolved around the church, said Jones, who remembers the Latin Masses. Even after Jones went to work for the East Baton Rouge School System, she also worked at St. Francis Xavier School. It s part of my roots, I have to stay there, said Jones, who sings in the choir, is a minister of the word, a member of a rosary making group and moms who PUSH (pray until something happens), which prays for mothers and their children and other prayer requests. Jones said the church helps its own members and people living in the area. It s a vibrant church in the middle of community reaching out to the community, said Jones. Life-long SFX member Sophia White, 84, and her eight siblings completed grammar school at SFX and had two brothers who attended the high school. White, who later graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in New Orleans, substituted at St. Francis Xavier School for a teacher who [A] Bishop John Huston Ricard greets a Sister of the Missionaries of Charity, who serves at St. Agnes Church in Baton Rouge, during St. Francis Xavier s celebration of its 100th anniversary on Jan. 21. Photo by Christopher J. Rogers Sr. was on maternity leave and was in charge of 105 first graders. It was really an adventurous time the biggest task was grading papers, mused White, who said the students were well behaved. White is proud of what SFX has done with the fishes and loaves it had, pointing to the building of the current church. We had so many good experiences raising money. We did everything you can do, said White, who talked about the church Bingos, fairs, festivals and bazaars, auctions and pledge drives. She also recalled how SFX reached out to Black Catholics in the Scotlandville area and helped them build Immaculate Conception Church. She said SFX remains the light left on at home, especially for people on the fringes of society. If you are in need of comfort, you can follow the light and be hugged and comforted, said White. State Representative Patricia Smith, who also grew up and lived near SFX, said SFX modeled for her what it means to be a public servant. She noted that before the interstate came through the area, SFX parishioners went to Washington, D.C. to talk with federal highway officials. Unfortunately, plans remained unchanged. Smith, who has advocated since her youth the need for changes in systems within society and the church that discriminate against minorities, said the Josephite priests, nuns, parents and St. Francis Xavier School faculty and staff gave youth an excellent education, skills and cared for them. I remember the priests getting out on the playground and playing marbles and basketball with us, said Smith, who warmly spoke of SFX as a community of celebrations. And like a family, when there is a divisive issue, SFX [B] Governor John Bel Edwards, who attended the opening centennial celebration Mass for St. Francis Xavier, signed a proclamation declaring Jan. 21 as St. Francis Xavier Day in the State of Louisiana. Photo by Debbie Shelley looks for the overall good. You may not agree, but you can agree to disagree, said Smith. Parish council member Peter Breaux said SFX has a can do attitude. They have overcome the adversity they have been through and remain committed and achieve their goals, said Breaux. Pointing out that the church is no more than the people who build it, he said SFX thinks about the future when making decisions. Sunday after Sunday they remain committed to moving the church forward, said Breaux. Other SFX members spoke about their hopes for the church s future. I would like to see St. Francis Xavier recognized nationwide, said Angelique Verret, who called SFX a place where you receive a hug and a kiss and respected your elders. When you think of Baton Rouge and think of Catholic churches, you think of St. Francis Xavier. Eldridge and Gwendolyn Etienne said they would like the church to continue embracing the youth through its Gospel choir, liturgical dancers and other youth-focused ministries. Gwendolyn, who grew up Protestant but joined the Catholic Church at St. Francis Xavier, said as a child her family and church stressed the importance of values. If we can continue to pass on those values, we will reap the rewards and benefits, said Gwendolyn. Pastor Father Ed Chiffriller SSJ commended SFX [C] From left, Father Ed Chiffriller, pastor of St. Francis Xavier, Bishop John Huston Ricard and Father Charbel Jamhoury, pastor of St. Agnes, celebrated Mass marking the beginning of St. Francis Xavier s 100th anniversary. Photo by Debbie Shelley Brice Butler (with microphone) and the St. Francis Xavier Youth Choir sang Break Every Chain at the SFX Mass. Photo by Debbie Shelley for keeping the faith torch burning. Our theme reminds us that in spite of all the trials and tribulations of the past 100 years, God s grace has sustained us and will continue to sustain us in the years ahead. The opening Mass of our Centennial on January 21 was a wonderful celebration of the spirit and commitment of the parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church. I am grateful to all our parishioners who contribute their time, talent and treasure each day to building up the Body of Christ here at St. Francis. SFX will have activities throughout the year and conclude with a Mass on Thursday, Dec. 27. It is also selling cookbooks with recipes by parishioners and family members of parishioners. To purchase one, call the SFX office at

11 12 February 16, 2018 [A] [B] God is calling on you to make a difference. Bishop Robert W. Muench, during the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass Catholic Schools Week By Bonny Van A week full of smiles, celebrations, awards and prayers marked Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 28 Feb. 3, in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. In some church parishes, students wore their school uniforms to weekend Mass while other schools encouraged students to dress as their favorite saints, and still others held open houses and daily activities. It was also a week of good-byes, send-offs and final messages as Bishop Robert W. Muench celebrated perhaps what was likely his last Catholic Schools Week as bishop. On his 75th birthday in December, the bishop turned in his letter of resignation to Pope Francis. At The Distinguished Graduate Awards dinner, held at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel on Jan. 29 and sponsored by the Catholic Schools Office of the diocese, the CSO surprised the bishop with a video featuring students from each of the 31 Catholic schools. Most of the messages were wishes of a happy retirement and thanks for his service through the years. Others were humorous with students telling knockknock jokes (a favorite of Bishop Muench) and advice on what to do in retirement, including going to the beach, snorkeling and becoming pope, to the delight of the bishop and the audience of students, alumni, clergy and school administrators. In his remarks at the banquet, the bishop thanked those attending for making the [A] Bishop Robert W. Muench distributes Communion during Mass at St. George Church for Catholic Schools Week. Photos by Richard Meek [B] Awards for 2018 Distinguished Clergy, Administrator and Teacher were handed out during the special Mass. Pictured, from left, Bishop Robert W. Muench, Brother Ray Hebert, Gay Hebert, Dr. Anna Bourgeois and Dr. Melanie Verges, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the diocese.

12 February 16, [C] [D] sacrifice and investment in Catholic schools. It s getting harder and harder to maintain them (Catholic schools) because it s costly, said the bishop. But, those who make the sacrifices, I sometimes tell, especially at the high school level students, your parents are affording you a Catholic school education. They are foregoing a nice wonderful car in their driveway, one they could even use, but they are sacrificing that because they are making an investment in you. The theme for this year s Catholic Schools Week was Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed., to focus on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The week also included a special Catholic Schools Week Mass at St. George Church in Baton Rouge celebrated by Bishop Muench, along with 14 members of the clergy from the diocese. Principals and their school s student representatives carried gifts and donations for Catholic Charities, of the Diocese of Baton Rouge to the altar. Students, you are privileged to be in a Catholic school, where each day you work on faith and morals, said Dr. Melanie Verges, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, to the congregation of students, administrators and parents. You are able to participate in service projects, helping others in need, which teaches you about the great gift of charity. You have the ability to take leadership roles in classrooms, clubs and on the playing field or court. Learning, serving and leading will help you to succeed now and in the future. During his homily, Bishop Muench also stressed the importance of a Catholic education. I want you to realize how fortunate you are that you are in a Catholic school because great sacrifices have been made by your parents and others for you to get a Catholic education, which doesn t just teach you about your personal and private life, and doesn t just teach you St. John Primary and St. Theresa Middle honor law enforcement and firefighters during Catholic Schools Week with prayer service and sweets. Photo provided by Teresa Landry St. John Primary/St. Theresa Middle School about the world, but teaches you about the Almighty: God; that teaches you that while you live in time right now, that s why we wear watches or have cell phones that tell us the time, but that you re preparing to live an eternity, he said. The bishop also told the students that God is calling on you to make a difference. You are important to your schools. You are important to the Church. You are important to God, he said. At the conclusion of the Mass, Dr. Verges presented Bishop Muench with a special gift from the Catholic Schools Office, a scrapbook with a page from each school and a donation of $15,000 for a very happy retirement. [C] Members of the choir at St. George School in Baton Rouge performed during a special Mass at St. George Church, celebrating Catholic Schools Week in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photo by Richard Meek [D] After the special Mass, the Catholic Schools Office gave Bishop Muench a scrapbook featuring all of the schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. This is Bishop Muench s final Catholic Schools Week as bishop since submitting his letter of resignation to Pope Francis as required by canon law. Photo by Richard Meek

13 14 ENTERTAINMENT February 16, 2018 MOVIE REVIEWS USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classifications: A-I General patronage A-II Adults and adolescents A-III Adults A-IV Adults, with reservations L Limited adult audience O Morally offensive Phantom Thread Focus All silk, organza, lace and tulle in the first half and a bizarre portrayal of marriage in the second half. In this bumpy, bizarre trip through high fashion and passive-aggressive sniping in 1950s London, a high-society dressmaker (Daniel Day-Lewis) inflicts emotional torture on his latest muse (Vicky Krieps) until she finds a disturbing way to make him dependent on her. Director-writer Paul Thomas Anderson may be trying to make a statement about necessary sacrifices to make the man-woman dynamic function properly, but despite the lush, appealing visuals, he s come up with an ugly denouement straight out of a cheap horror film. Aberrant view of marriage, frequent rough language. L; R Motion Picture Association of America ratings: G General audiences; all ages admitted PG Parental guidance suggested; some material may not be suitable for children PG-13 Parents are strongly cautioned to give special guidance for attendance of children under 13; some material may be inappropriate for young children R Restricted; under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian NC-17 No one under 17 admitted Bilal: A New Breed of Hero Vertical Entertainment Animated adventure story about seventh-century Arabian hero Bilal ibn Rabah, who eventually became a companion of the prophet Muhammad and is considered the first muezzin the prayer caller at a mosque. Someone without a grounding in the basics of the Muslim faith and history of the Arabian Peninsula is likely to have difficulty understanding certain plot points or their significance. In keeping with the proscriptions of Islam, Muhammad is not shown. It is, however, a very dark and violent story with episodes of torture, necessitating a restrictive classification. Several intense scenes of torture and physical violence. L; PG-13 Call Me by Your Name Sony Classics Set in Northern Italy during the early 1980s, this coming-of-age drama chronicles the romantic relationship between the precocious 17-yearold son (Timothee Chalamet) of an archaeology professor (Michael Stuhlbarg) and the graduate student (Armie Hammer) who lodges with the lad s family while serving as his father s temporary assistant. Amid a hothouse atmosphere, beautiful scenery and dialogue designed to show how highly cultured all the characters are, director Luca Guadagnino s adaptation of Andre Aciman s novel, written for the screen by James Ivory, veers between discreet sensuality and outright vulgarity. A misguided outlook on human sexuality, strong sexual content, including brief graphic underage activity, aberrant acts, as well as upper female and rear nudity, a mild oath, several rough and at least one crude term. O; R JUBILEE From page 7 and St. Jules Church in Belle Rose, talked about how religious men and women have inspired him. Tonight has helped me to realize all of the religious who have had an impact on my life, said Father Graham. I was baptized by a Holy Cross Father, Father Ed (Bauer) who helped to establish and run my home parish of St. Jude (Baton Rouge). I was formed by the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart at Catholic High School. I was formed as well by the monks of St. Joseph Abbey for part of my seminary formation. Sister Lucy (Silvio CSJ) also helped with that in her role with the vocations office. I have also been encouraged and supported by the Missionaries of Charity at St. Agnes as well as the Sisters of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel who are at St. Elizabeth Church in Paincourtville where I currently serve. I also have great uncles on both sides of my family who were Jesuit priests. The jubilarians expressed thanks for the opportunity to serve for so many years. I just kept moving up and down the ladder. I ve worked for schools, orphanages, camps, on missions, said Brother Ramon Daunis SC, who celebrated 70 years with the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. His ministry has taken him all over the United States. One of his biggest legacies, however, is introducing water skiing to Camp Stanislaus at Bay St. Louis in 1960, which remains a favorite activity today. One of the camp s facilities, the Brother Ramon Daunis ski lodge, is named after him. I was the post. I had two kids besides beside me and two climbed on my shoulder, said a smiling Brother Ramon of how he and the boys water skied in a Darkest Hour Focus The spotlight shines brightly on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) in this World War II drama about political leadership and backroom intrigue. Churchill was 65 years old and in the twilight of his political career when he was tapped by King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) to lead a coalition government in May Churchill succeeds the Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup), whose policy of appeasement with Germany has left Britain unprepared for war. But Chamberlain enjoys the king s favor, as does the ambitious Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane). Together, the trio schemes to disgrace Churchill and put Halifax in power. Churchill convinces his skeptical colleagues to fight and rallies the nation. The film offers an important history lesson for young and old about a time when statesmanship mattered most. Brief scenes of wartime violence and some mature themes. A-II; PG-13 pyramid formation. Additionally, Brother Ramon served at D Evereux Hall orphanage, which was on the property at Cathedral High School in Natchez, Mississippi. I was both mother and father to them, he said. He worked in the maintenance department for Catholic High School at Baton Rouge from When speaking about his decision to become a Brother of the Sacred Heart, Brother Ramon said, God calls you some answer, some don t. I said to myself this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, to be a Brother of the Sacred Heart. Sister Anne Michelle Ramagos CSJ, who celebrated her 60th jubilee, was a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Morganza, graduated from high school and went to New Orleans to join the Sisters of St. Joseph. After Hurricane Katrina, she moved to Baton Rouge. Having worked with Loyola University and Franciscan Media, Sister Anne has enjoyed integrating religion with technology and education. Her love of learning drew her to the Sisters of St. Joseph, where she has served on the leadership team. It was an exciting time with other young religious, said Sister Anne. We all had the movement toward the same theology. We were all well educated and we had great table conversations. She emphasized that there should be ongoing renewal to the consecrated life. It s not just a decision you make one time. I think it s a decision you make over and over again. You find new depth and meaning, said Sister Anne. Others celebrating jubliees were: Sister Judith Couturie CSJ, 60 years; Brother Ray Hebert SC, 60 years; Sister Frances Landry CSJ, 60 years; Brother Paul Montero SC, 60 years; and Sister Anija Jacob CMC, 25 years.

14 February 16, CHS, St. George share pride in SB win By Bonny Van When the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots for their first ever Super Bowl win Feb. 4, the cheers could be heard from the banks of the Delaware River to the banks of the Mississippi River, where friends and classmates of Eagles punter Donnie Jones and his family joined in the victory dance. Jones, his wife Aubrie, and their children, Weston and Addison, are parishioners at St. George Church in Baton Rouge. Weston, a fourth-grader, and Addison, a second-grader, both attend St. George School. The entire Bear Nation is so proud and happy for Donnie, said Richard Beaugh, director of communications for Catholic High, Jones alma mater. He has worked for so long and to get a Super Bowl win at this point in his career is so deserving. We are certainly proud of all of our graduates and the accomplishments they achieve, but when it happens on such a big stage as the Super Bowl, it s a little more special. We love all of our guys. When they come through here they are Bears and Bears for life, said Jones former CHS football coach Dale Weiner. To have a former player play in the Super Bowl, that s about as good as it gets, particularly a young man who s worked so hard, so it s really special for him and special for us, too. Helping the Eagles get fired up for the big game came courtesy of classmates of Weston and Addison. Students at the St. George School dressed in Philadelphia Eagles punter Donnie Jones is an alumnus of Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. His NFC champion teammates beat the AFC champion New England Patriots to win Super Bowl LII Feb. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Photo by Philadelphia Eagles Carter Ferachi and fellow students at St. George School in Baton Rouge cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles during a pep rally on Friday, Feb. 2 before the Super Bowl. Eagles punter Donnie Jones two children, Weston and Addison, attend St. George. A video of the pep rally was sent to Jones before the Sunday game against the New England Patriots. Photo provided by Ashley Cooper St. George School the Eagles team colors of green and white, which also happen to be the school s colors. We held a pep rally for the Eagles on Friday before the game, and sent him (Jones) the video, said Jack Nelson, principal at St. George. In an interview prior to the championship game, Jones talked about the rare opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. I ve only been once in 14 years, so it s hard, said Jones, 37. I ve tried to explain to these young guys that you don t know when you re going to get another shot. We ve got to make the most of this, enjoy the week and get ready for playing the game on Sunday. Jones said God has guided him throughout his NFL career and vocation as a husband and father. All of our blessings come from him, Jones said. We really are truly blessed I have two healthy kids, (my) wife s health, I m healthy. A lot of things to be thankful for. During football season, Jones attends Saturday evening Mass with fellow players and coaches before games. When he s home in Baton Rouge, he and his family attend Mass on Sunday. But, faith in the Jones family goes beyond Sunday Mass, with daily prayers and setting a good example for the children. I always tell them (children), Treat others the way you want to be treated and give thanks for everything we have, Jones said. Jones was first drafted in the NFL in 2004 and spent his career moving around teams until landing with the Eagles in But, he said his faith has gotten him through it all. (I) always know that he s going to be there, he s going to take care of you, Jones said of God. That s kind of been the way of my career. I ve moved around with five teams. When I didn t know things were going to work out, he always put me in the right spot. You ve got to have faith. Believe. In August, Jones was selected to be inducted into the Grizzly Greats Athletic Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be held March 10. He is the second CHS alumnus to play in a Super Bowl. Warren Capone, a 1970 graduate, played in Super Bowl X for the Dallas Cowboys. Catholic News Service contributed to this story ACROSS 1 Bishop Romero 6 Mountain range 10 Luxurious 14 Xbox ancestor 15 Where Samson slew the Philistines (Jdg 15:9) 16 boy! 17 voce 18 Semi-monthly tide 19 Rivers in Spain 20 Serpent s tail? 21 East Indian tree 23 Jonah follower 24 Fawning 26 Corp. VIPs 28 Double Fantasy artist 29 Prayers of the 33 Allot 36 Vex 37 Malt beverage 38 News 39 the Archdiocese of Accra is here 41 Fortuneteller s phrase 42 Friendly skies flier (abbr.) 43 He was in The Godfather and Misery 44 Title for Jesus 46 Odoriferous 48 Center starter 49 Eve s second 50 Possessing knowledge 54 These were waved at Jesus when he entered Jerusalem 57 Beanies 58 Color TV pioneer 59 Minute quantity 60 Member of the long grey line 62 The A, for one 64 Timber wolf 65 Monk s room 66 Tied 67 Encumbrance 68 Easy stride 69 Very hard mineral DOWN 1 Patriarch respite, perhaps Jesus referred to Himself as this, rejected by the builders 3 Provide food 4 Catholic actor Carney 5 Causing chaos 6 Forearm bones 7 Fetor 8 Expression of triumph 9 Sass 10 Aristide s In the of the Poor 11 Auricular 12 Portico 13 Slung fare 22 Lengthen 23 Speck 25 Empty 26 First murderer 27 Fine thread 29 Former Parisian exchange 30 Ash Wednesday and Good Friday requirement 31 Peter Fonda golden role 32 Sly look 33 Element of Baptism, to Pedro 34 Fly 35 Musical composition for one 40 Holy Queen 41 Egyptian goddess of fertility 43 Cars for hire 45 One of the Twelve 47 You cannot serve God and this (Mt 6:24) 50 Catholic actor of Gone with the Wind fame 51 Vestige 52 More aloof 53 Easter treat 54 Altar linen 55 To you, to Pierre 56 Roundish projection 57 Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our and shield (Ps 33:20) 60 Former DRE 61 Heavenly lion 63 An ancestor of Jesus, in Matthew 1 Solution on page 18

15 16 VIEWPOINT February 16, 2018 What does Jesus have to do with us? In St. Mark s Gospel the first question anyone asks Jesus is, What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? It is a question that will be asked again and again. When Jesus calms the seas and saves the lives of his apostles and other fishermen who had followed him in their boats, his apostles ask, Who is this man whom the seas and the winds obey. At another point in the Gospel, Jesus asks his apostles who do the people say he is, and St. Peter answers, John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets. Jesus then asks him, Who do you say that I am? St. Peter correctly answers, The messiah. But he doesn t understand yet what kind of messiah, nor that this messiah is truly the divine son of God. The question, what does Jesus have to do with us, is a question that every seeker of God must ask, if he or she is to understand who God really is and what is his plan for our salvation. Ironically, in St. Mark s Gospel, the question is posed by a man who was possessed by some kind of demon or unclean spirit. According to Scripture scholar Sr. Mary McGlone CSJ, his question was one of despair. The unclean spirits realized that they were going to be defeated by this Messiah, for he truly possessed the spirit, the power of God. Their time with its control of people was past. The onlookers, too, were amazed and recognized that Jesus spoke with authority. The unclean spirits knew who Jesus was because their highest self-interest was at Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor should be typed and limited to 350 words and should contain the name and address of the writer, though the address will not be printed. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor,, P. O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA , or to tcc@diobr.org. Mission Statement The mission of is to provide news, information and commentary to the people of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Catholics and their neighbors alike. In doing so, The Catholic Commentator strives to further the wider mission of the Church: to evangelize, to communicate, to educate and to give the Catholic viewpoint on important issues of the present day. Another Perspective Father John Carville stake. They represented the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. They wanted people to be selfish, greedy and looking out only for themselves. Worse for them, Jesus didn t just teach humility, poverty of spirit, loving care of neighbor and complete surrender to the will of God, but he also lived everything he taught. Unlike the scribes who spent whole lifetimes studying the Old Testament law and making 631 rules to apply it to others, not themselves, Jesus taught simple virtues and himself lived every one of them. That is teaching with authority. Jesus was the master of the show-and-tell method of teaching. He could say with all truthfulness, I am the way, the truth and the life because he lived everything he taught. He taught a new way of living in God s kingdom, not in worldly kingdoms built upon the strength and dominance of the mighty, the greed of the very wealthy, and the prestige of the famous. He didn t overpower people. He simply showed them the love of God and invited them to follow him. Everything about Jesus rang true. He never promised what he couldn t give. He never pretended that his kind of life did not mean giving oneself to the good of others. But he did promise the peace and happiness that living his way would bring. That is the kingdom of God on earth. Some left everything and followed him because they experienced what he promised. We call them saints. Through history they were people like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Vincent Pray for those who pray for us de Paul, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Like Jesus, they didn t just talk about laws or try to control people. They made God s love tangible, real, by their actions. And people followed them. Maybe none of us are saints, but we all must ask ourselves what does Jesus have to do with us. It might surprise you to know that there is a group of people in Abbeville, who did and just what the apostles and so many saints did and sold what they had and went out into missions all over the world and preached Jesus message, his Gospel, in word and deed. Today they number more than 200, all lay people, mostly families, some single. They call themselves Family Missions Company. Their words, too, speak with authority because they do what they teach. In the years after Vatican II, Pope Paul VI wrote that our technological society has succeeded in multiplying occasions of pleasure, yet has found it very difficult to engender joy. Jesus wants us to have that joy which comes from living in the Kingdom of God right now. Pope Francis wrote in his encyclical, The Joy of the Gospel that The great danger in today s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is... a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures and a blunted conscience. Jesus offers us a choice: The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent (change your goals and lifestyle) and believe in the Gospel. FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge and writes on current topics for. He can be reached at johnnycarville@gmail. com. Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Feb. 20 Rev. Charles R. Landry Dcn. Stephen G. Brunet Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Feb. 21 Rev. Keun-Soo Lee Dcn. Barry G. Campeaux Sr. Carolyn Brady CSJ Feb. 22 Rev. C. Todd Lloyd Dcn. Michael T. Chiappetta Br. Paul Montero SC Feb. 23 Rev. Matthew P. Lorrain Dcn. Randall A. Clement Sr. Judith Brun CSJ Feb. 24 Rev. P. Brent Maher Dcn. Samuel C. Collura Br. Marcus Turcotte SC Feb. 25 Rev. Cayet N. Mangiaracina OP Dcn. William Corbett Sr. Lan Thuy Buin ICM Feb. 26 Rev. Samuel C. Maranto CSsR Dcn. David L. Dawson III Br. Xavier Werneth SC Feb. 27 Feb. 28 Mar. 1 Mar. 2 Mar. 3 Mar. 4 Mar. 5 Rev. Robert G. Marcell Dcn. Guy E. Decker Sr. Helen Cahill FMOL Rev. Edwin J. Martin Dcn. Benjamin J. Dunbar Jr. Br. James Burns SC Rev. Gerard R. Martin Dcn. Kirk Duplantis Sr. Demetria Castro HMSS Rev. Patrick J. Mascarella Dcn. W. Brent Duplessis Br. William Cawley SC Rev. Matthew E. McCaughey Dcn. Jeff R. Easley Sr. M. Celian MC Rev. Paul A. McDuffie Dcn. Natale (Nat) J. Garofalo Br. Eldon Crifasi SC Rev. Roberto Merced OP Dcn. Edward J. Gauthreaux Sr. M. Christa MC editorial Senate s failure The Senate s failure to pass a late-term abortion bill may be a dagger into the beating hearts of thousands of unborn babies in the future. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would have protected unborn babies 20 weeks and older, at which point they are capable of feeling pain, failed on Jan. 29. Although garnering a majority vote, Senate rules dictate the bill required 60 votes to end debate and move to a final vote. However, it should be noted that Sen. John Kennedy and Sen. Bill Cassidy voted for the bill, which had previously passed the House of Representatives on Oct. 3 and would likely have been signed by President Donald Trump. Three Democrats approved the measure along with 48 Republicans. Pro-life leaders in Louisiana and nationwide were justifiably miffed at the outcome but have vowed to continue the fight. Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that 14 Catholic Senators opposed the measure, assuring its demise. Even if nine of the 14 had followed the basic tenets of the Catholic faith that we respect life from conception to natural death, the bill would be headed to the Oval Office. The vote, at least on its face, appears to be one more endorsement of the murder of unborn children, the most vulnerable members of society and those in most need of our protection. Yet, their silent pleas from inside the womb continue to fall on deaf ears, guaranteeing a torturous death long before they take their first breath. To be sure, the protection of unborn children should never have become a partisan debate, but through the years their right to life have become a political ping-pong ball and that is indeed unacceptable. Where is the accountability, when will lawmakers finally get the message before far too many more lives are lost?

16 February 16, 2018 VIEWPOINT 17 Confession offers good feeling that can last for weeks Many years ago the Diocese of Baton Rouge was one of the first to follow a Lenten initiative begun in the Archdiocese of Washington entitled The Light is ON for You. It involves opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) to be available. Since then countless people have taken advantage of this venture. A list of places and times in our diocese where it will be specially celebrated this Lent is available (in this issue of) The Catholic Commentator Lent pull-out section. Materials and videos to assist you in this process will be available for download on Feb. 9, on the web at evangcatbr.org/ life. Sacred Scripture records: If we say: We have not sinned, we make God a liar (I Jn 1:10). For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want (Rom 7:18-19). Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (I Pt 5:8). Thus we have the words of three apostles From The Bishop Bishop Robert W. Muench What are you looking to accomplish with your life? For you, what is the bottom line of your existence? The Catholic perspective on this question is that the supreme purpose of every human being is to save his or her soul. We do this by accepting Jesus as Lord, and by helping others to save their souls. Becoming a holy Christian takes time, so be patient with yourself. If you think you may need a little more maturing, you re probably right. I m 86, and I m just beginning to get the hang of it. One either keeps on maturing, or one falls by the wayside. I m never surprised when people slip in the practice of their faith. However, if the lapse causes them to forget their primary purpose; namely, saving their immortal soul, it sets off an alarm in my head. I recall how St. Paul was exceedingly upset when (St. John, St. Paul and St. Peter) testifying how difficult it is to be sinless. I trust we all can be honest enough with ourselves to admit we all are sinners (as is every living human being). Now the next question is: What should we do about it? Pope Francis has continued the emphasis of St. John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict in promoting the teaching of God s benevolent, abundant mercy. The current Holy Father has reminded priests that the confessional is not to be a torture chamber and that God never tires of forgiving us, but we can tire of asking for his forgiveness. One of the last things Jesus did before dying on the cross was to forgive the repentant thief (Lk 23: 40-43). While asking forgiveness can be very humbling (though not meant to be humiliating), the receipt of the forgiveness brings about a sense of comfort, peace and joy. It also frees us from any sense of guilt and shame. This is the hope of every priest for any penitent whose confession he receives. The priest confessor wants to support and assist the penitent, offering consolation, hope and encouragement, whether the confession involves a serious failure that happened once or more, or a sin that has become habitual, or consists of some less serious breach. The priest is there to represent Jesus to you. Jesus was so compassionate and sensitive to people who were prone to sin, as contrasted to those Pharisees who were hypocritical and felt because they kept the external requirements of the law they were justified. The Pharisees complained that Jesus welcomed and ate with sinners. Jesus said: I have come not for the self-righteous, but for sinners (Lk 16:2, 7). When the Pharisees brought the adulterous woman to him, asking whether she should be stoned as the Mosaic law prescribed, Jesus turned the tables on them and reassured the frightened, remorseful woman (Jn 8:1-11). Jesus taught the parable of the Merciful Father whose younger son wanted his inheritance right away (instead of waiting for it upon his father s death, when it would be expected), squandered it, and returned home in hopes of being accepted as a slave, where the father embraced and celebrated his return much to the chagrin of his older brother who felt his younger brother was being rewarded for his misbehavior (Lk 15:11-32). Remember the words of Jesus: There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine people The bottom line he found out that many of his Roman converts were falling back into paganism. He reasoned that it s one thing to lapse into neglect, but quite another to lose your faith entirely. He wrote to them to shape them up. Losing one s faith happens slowly over an extended period; it s hardly noticeable. Here s a check list to help you see how you re doing. Ask yourself the following questions: Am I a good Catholic, or merely a pagan with Catholic patches? Do I truly love Jesus Christ? Do I believe he is truly present in the Eucharist? Do I go to Mass on Sundays, and receive Holy Communion? Do I read the Word of God often, seldom or never? We re all sinners, and we all need to check our progress from time to time. One sure sign of a true believer is that he or she prays. Prayer consists of adoration, repentance, thanksgiving who have no need of repentance (Lk 15:7). The absolute confidentiality of whatever sins (great or small, many or few) you confess to the priest is assured and the consolation and joy it provides are beyond description in human language. Let me express a word to those who have not gone to confession recently or at all, or not made what is called an integral confession (confessing your most serious or mortal sins). I understand your fear, anxiety and hesitancy. I understand you may worry: What will the priest think of me? Recall the story of how Jesus treated with dignity the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn Chapter 4), whom he told he knew she had been married five times and was not married to the man with whom she was living! Remember how Jesus mercifully reacted to the woman caught in adultery (Jn Chapter 8) and brought before him: Is there no one to accuse you? he asked her after he exploited the hypocrisy of the Pharisees by challenging any of them without sin to cast the first stone. We priests are called to represent the merciful Jesus to you, especially individually in confession and collectively in the Eucharist. As a priest (and I know other priests feel the same) I would have more fear facing Jesus at the end of life in judgment if I had dealt harshly with anyone trying to overcome sinful temptations than almost anything else. and petition. It pleases the Lord when we pray for yourself and others. He wants to be your best friend. Openness means placing yourself in the hands of God, and trusting his love. Surprisingly, your holiness depends more on God s love for you, than it does on your love for God; nevertheless, you must try to make a reasonable effort to be holy. So many people are afraid and lonely. They compound their problem by falling away from the community of Faith. This is sad because it s so much more difficult to Seek first the Kingdom of God, when you try to do it on your own. You can show your love for the Lord by caring for those in need, especially if they are all alone. May the Lord be your strength and your joy. But there s more. The peace, relief, comfort, joy and the happiness of someone who has made a sincere and honest confession are indescribable. The good feeling can last for days, if not weeks. The heavy burden of carrying the interior guilt that can accompany our sins (recognized or repressed) is gloriously lifted in an honest confession of sin, where we personally experience (encounter) the risen Christ dwelling within us. What a glorious development it is to know that even though we may fail again, God gives us the perfect means (confession) of having the effect of sin removed from us. Know how much any priest available for this purpose will respect, admire, support and affirm you. Over 100 times does the sacred Scripture record: Do not be afraid; peace be with you. Whether you have received confession recently or not, hardly at all, or ever; whether your sins be more or less severe, God not only wants you to intellectually know, but also to personally experience his unconditional love for you. Whether you are comfortable with the format or feel insecure: trust God; trust the priest; trust yourself. I assure you, you will be glad you did. In Jesus personal, and my own, love for you, Robert W. Muench Bishop of Baton Rouge Spirituality For Today Father John Catoir

17 18 COMING EVENTS February 16, 2018 Cub Scouts Emblem Training The Catholic Committee on Scouting will have a training for religious emblem counselors for Boy and Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls on Sunday, Feb. 18, 1 5 p.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. For more information and an application, visit info.ccosbr.net or call Kathy Gora at Women in Spirit Father Tom Clark, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Baton Rouge, will speak on the topic, Come and You will See (John 1:39) at the interfaith meeting of Women in Spirit on Thursday, Feb. 22, noon, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Fourth and Main streets in Baton Rouge. Women in Spirit provides women an opportunity to deepen their faith and network. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP, wis@cathedralbr.org or call the Cathedral office at Secular Franciscans Meetings of the Secular Franciscan Order are held on the fourth Sunday of each SEE EVENTS PAGE 19 PO Box 3316 Baton Rouge LA CLASSIFIEDS For help placing your classified ad, call All classified ads are prepaid. Credit cards are now accepted. ANNOUNCEMENTS While we at do our best to bring reliable advertisers to our readers, we are not responsible for any claims made by any advertiser. THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA Accounting and taxes for businesses, non-profits and individuals; business, computer, financial and management services. 30 years experience; professional, prompt and personal attention. Call Donnie s Furniture Repair & Upholstery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning, painting of furniture and upholstery. In business 43 years. Pick up and delivery Greenwell Springs Road See our showroom. CALL TYRONE WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING LEAKING SINKS, FAUCETS, TOILETS AND GARBAGE DISPOSALS PLUS OTHER REPAIRS CALL OR HOUSEKEEPER OFFICE CLEANING MATURE DEPENDABLE 20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE HAVE REFERENCES CALL DEBBIE Circle Category: Announcements Business Services Cards of Thanks For Rent For Sale Help Wanted Positions Wanted Legal Notices (other ) Mail to:, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15 for each word thereafter + 25 per line for each special effect (all caps, centered line, bold lettering); for a total of $ for each issue. Call for charging on your credit card. NAME Advertisements will not be published without ADDRESS full payment in advance. CITY FOR SALE Two plots in Greenoaks Memorial Park Garden of Prayer. Lot 2 spaces 1 & 2. Both $4650. Call BUSINESS SERVICE BROUSSEAU'S Painting Interior and exterior painting. Experienced and reliable. Free estimates. Call David Thomas Realty Tonya Robinson Realtor Residential, Commercial, Property Management Buying/Selling Home? Call (office) (direct) Tonya@dtrealty.org BUSINESS SERVICE NEED HELP MOVING? CALL TYRONE OR LEBLANC S TREE & STUMP REMOVAL, INC. Prompt service Free estimates FULLY INSURED E. H. Eddie LeBlanc Phone Tutoring available for grades 1 st thru college. (Math and Science.) Cost: $30/ hour. Contact: Mona Seals Flowerbeds, landscaping, general yard work, and debris removal. Commercial and residential. Quality work. Licensed with references. Free estimates. Call Mr. D s Tree Service 3 Licensed Arborists Free Estimates Fully Insured Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners HELP WANTED Print Your Ad Here PHONE Dave s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free pickup and delivery, free estimates, expert economical repair on all brands. Call or com. Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We restore hurricane damaged furniture. If it's furniture, we do it all! Refinishing, re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc Florida Blvd., BR TURNING 65? MEDICARE QUESTIONS? WE CAN HELP JOE GOODSON JOHNNY STUART DATES TO RUN: BUSINESS SERVICE Childcare in my home. Many years experience. Small group. Sherwood area. Call A P Tree Debris Removal LLC Fully insured, Free Estimates Call or HELP WANTED Our Lady Academy Bay St. Louis, Mississippi is now accepting APPLICATIONS FOR PRINCIPAL FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR Masters Degree in Educational Administration/Leadership Active Member of the Catholic Faith Complete application at Forward with resume and license to Dr. Rhonda Clark Associate Superintendent of Education rclark@biloxidiocese.org 1790 Popps Ferry Road $ Biloxi, MS Applications accepted through February 28, 2018 HELP WANTED In sales employment advertisements, the advertiser must name the product or service to be sold. Ads must state how wages will be paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if money is mentioned. The ad must also state if there is an investment required. HELP WANTED Housekeeper needed. Three days a week (1/2 days) for a busy family with a large house and pets. Call If you need a job or provide a service, place an ad in the classifieds! CALL Teaching Positions Available St. George Catholic School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence located in Baton Rouge, is seeking teacher applications for all grade levels and subjects for the school year. St. George has an enrollment of 1,100 students in grades K-8. Additionally, a Pre-K program (6 classes) we will be added for the school year, increasing our enrollment to nearly 1,200 students. We are seeking highly qualified, dedicated and motivated educators. Teachers at St. George Catholic School: Are excellent educators, able to provide rigorous, relevant, and engaging lessons, cultivating student growth and achievement Demonstrate through their actions that they are Catholic/ Christian role models for their students and community Are willing to be a part of a team of highly motivated, dedicated educators who put students needs first Teachers should hold a State of Louisiana Teacher Credential or be eligible to receive one. If you desire to work in a supportive, caring environment that brings out the best in both teachers and students, please apply. Interested candidates should submit a letter of introduction and resume to: Mr. Jack Nelson, Principal Jack.nelson@sgschoolbr.org PLACE YOUR AD HERE. Reach some 95,000 readers by placing your ad in! CALL Credit cards accepted. O S C A R U R A L P O S H A T A R I L E H I A T T A S O T T O N E A P R I O S I N E T E A K M I C A H S E R V I L E C F O S O N O F A I T H F U L A S S I G N R I L E A L E G O O D G H A N A I S E E U A L C A A N M A S T E R A R O M A T I C E P I A B E L G N O S T I C P A L M S H A T S R C A A T O M P L E B T R A I N L O B O C E L L L A C E D L I E N L O P E E M E R Y

18 February 16, Senate vote rankles pro-life leaders EVENTS From page 18 Staff Report Louisiana pro-life leaders decried the U.S. Senate s failure to pass a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of gestation. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would have banned late-term abortions on the basis that the fetus is capable of feeling pain during an abortion at and after that point of pregnancy. It failed to pass the Senate Jan. 29 in a vote of The Senate s failure to pass this bill is very disappointing, said Danielle Van Haute, Respect Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The bill was an opportunity to move beyond party politics and advance protection for the unborn and their mothers. Despite this setback, the Church will continue to work towards bringing about a culture of life in all aspects of society. Although the bill received 51 votes, under Senate rules it needed 60 votes to end debate and move to a final vote. The final vote was 51-46, with 14 Catholic Senators voting against the bill. It is tragic that 46 U.S. Senators voted to support the legalized destruction of an unborn baby who can feel pain and may be able to live outside the womb, said Benjamin Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life. I believe these 46 Senators are on the wrong side of history and one day, we will look back on votes like this as an example of perpetuating the injustice of abortion. Public opinion is mounting in favor of this common-sense legislation and these Senators will have to justify their vote in future elections. Even with this unfortunate result, I applaud our U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) for voting to protect these innocent babies. It is a blessing month in the chapel St. Francis of Assisi at Maryville Convent, 4200 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, beginning at 1:10 p.m. with the recitation of the Franciscan Crown. The next meeting will be Feb. 25. Contact Patsy T. Burgess OFS at pthibodeauxofs@ gmail.com or call for further information. Suicide Presentation Kevin Hines, nationally known speaker on mental illness, will present a talk about coping when going through a crisis to prevent thoughts of attempting suicide on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m., at the St. Michael High School Gym, Monitor Avenue, Baton Rouge. All diocesan middle school students, along with their parents/guardians are invited to attend. For more information, call and for Hines personal story visit kevinhinesstory.com. Pray for the Unborn KC Council 9247 of St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge invites people to join them in praying for the unborn at Delta Women s Clinic at 756 Colonial Drive, Baton Rouge on Tuesdays, 7:30 8:30 a.m. that both our Senators will speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We encourage citizens across this country to contact their U.S. Senators until all 100 Senators realize that every baby needs our protection. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York called on senators to rethink their stance on late-term abortions. The cardinal, chairman of the U.S. bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, called the vote appalling in a statement released late Jan. 29, the day of the vote. Cardinal Dolan expressed concern that abortions carried out in the second half of pregnancy usually involve dismemberment of the unborn child and pose dangers to the mother. Furthermore, the United States is currently one of only seven countries that allows abortions beyond 20 weeks, he said, naming Canada, China, Netherlands, North Korea, Singapore and Vietnam as the other six. The House of Representatives passed the same bill Oct. 3. The legislation would have punished doctors who perform an abortion after 20 weeks, except in cases of rape, incest or if the life of the mother is threatened. Physicians would have faced up to five years in prison. Women seeking abortions would not have been penalized under the bill. The bill is based on the finding that an unborn child can feel pain at 20 weeks of development. Similar laws are on the books in 17 states, including Louisiana. Mississippi lawmakers are currently considering a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, which would be the earliest ban in the country. (Catholic News Services contributed to this report.) Retrouvaille Couples who are experiencing trouble in their marriage are invited to attend a Retrouvaille weekend on Friday, March 16 Sunday, March 18. For more information, call , retrovibrcomcoor@gmail.com or visit HelpOurMarriage.com. Chesterton Conference The annual 2018 Chesterton Conference, What s Wrong with the World? will be held Saturday, March 24, 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m., at Chesterton Hall in Chesterton Square, 143 NW Railroad Ave., Ponchatoula. Speakers will include Dale Ahlquist, Joseph Pearce, Nancy Carpentier Brown, Chuck Chalberg and Martin Cothran. For more information and to register, visit MudHouseArt.com. St. Katharine Drexel Mass The Baton Rouge Chapter of the Xavier University Alumni Association will celebrate the life of St. Katharine Drexel, founder of Xavier University and Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, during the 10:30 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge on Sunday, March 4. Planning a St. Joseph Altar? HOLY SMOKE Seventh-grade students at St. Aloysius School in Baton Rouge burn blessed palms from Palm Sunday 2017 for the ashes the will be distributed on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14. Photo by Bonny Van The Catholic Commentator will be publishing a list of St. Joseph Altars in the Diocese of Baton Rouge in our March 2 issue. The deadline to be included is Feb. 21. If you would like to submit a listing, include: Date and time(s) Place of viewing including street address Contact name and phone number and send to wkoch@diobr.org; or FAX to The St. Joseph Altar form is on our website thecatholiccommentator.org T H E C A T H O L I C COMMENTATOR

19 20 February 16, 2018 REOPENING From page 1 original ceremony, saying with a hearty chuckle, I changed the blessing from two years ago. Cristo Rey sophomore Carlisha Shy, who works in the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney s office as part of her work study curriculum, also referenced those difficult days, telling those gathered, the great flood may never be forgotten. It gave us more than we felt like we could handle. Not only did it flood our school, it also flooded our bodies with emotion, stress, anxiety and depression. She added the choice was to either tread through the flood or let it drown us. Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School decided to stay strong and tread through the flood like we knew we could. We ve prayed to God and we made it, we didn t lose our faith, not a bit. She concluded we ve been knocked out once but came back stronger. We ve put hope into the Lord; now we will no longer Bishop Robert W. Muench helped cut the ribbon at Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School on Feb. 9. The school returned to its north Baton Rouge campus after spending 17 months at the Bon Carre Business Center after the flood of Pictured, from left, Cristo Rey president Brian Moscona, Sister Barbara Arceneaux FMOL of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Bishop Muench, Cristo Rey Board chairman Vic Howell, student Melelyah Murphy, Cristo Rey principal Claire Willis and Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. Photo by Richard Meek struggle. FEMA picked up 90 percent of the tab for the seven modular buildings that include two buildings totaling a combined 20 classrooms, an administrative building, a Corporate Work Study building, a cafetorium, teacher s work room/supply room and a student service center. Sometimes the best part of our lives is when we go through challenges, and this challenge brought us closer together, said Cristo Rey Board chairman Vic Howell. I think the kids are ready to move here and get out of those four walls at Bon Carre and get into a place that actually, really looks like a campus. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome said she was honored to be a part of the ceremony and expressed her enthusiasm that Cristo Rey has returned to the north Baton Rouge community. School officials have been resolute in their resolve to return to the neighborhood, where many of their students live, and to also serve as an economic development anchor in the struggling area. Broome also praised her own Catholic education, saying those four years instilled in her the faith, intellect and confidence that has served as the foundation to becoming a leader for life. I expect you (the students) to be the life of this community, Broome said. Volunteers from the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System spent the afternoon emptying an 18-wheeler of the desks that were brought over from Bon Carre and setting up classrooms to be ready to welcome students when they return Feb. 14. Paid Advertisement Learn How The Tax Act, Effective January 2018, Impacts You, Including The New Death Tax Rules! Yesterday, I met with a nice couple about their estate plan because the wife attended one of my seminars and thought they needed a plan. It was immediately apparent that the husband took care of all of the finances and the wife never engaged in the process. The husband did all the talking for the two of them and thought that by simply having a hand-written Will, everything was covered. WRONG! 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Laura Poché Author & Estate Planning & Administration Attorney Attend A Workshop With Laura Poche And Discover How To: Avoid Costs And Delays Of A Louisiana Succession; Avoid losing your life savings to nursing home costs; Create a fast and simple estate plan for your family; Avoid the NEW 40% estate tax; Determine whether you need a Will or Trust (or both!); Keep the government out of your estate settlement; Start the five year look-back period for nursing homes; Enrich your family relationships! STOP worrying about your estate once and for all! IMPORTANT: Seating is limited, so please call or register online as soon as possible! These events are specifically suited for people who want/need to put a Legal estate plan in place in the near future. If married, both spouses Must attend the event for maximum benefit (unless, of course, a spouse is homebound or has physical limitations making attendance impossible). Gonzales Workshop 1 Monday February 26th Cabelas 2200 W. Cabelas Pkwy. 10:00am - 12:00pm Refreshments After Workshop! Mandeville Workshop 3 Tuesday February 27th Brownstone Office Park 2315 Florida St 10:00am - 12:00pm Refreshments After Workshop! Baton Rouge Workshop 5 Wednesday February 28th Poche Estate Planning Office 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd. Suite C 10:00am - 12:00pm Refreshments After Workshop! Baton Rouge Workshop 2 Monday February 26th Poche Estate Planning Office 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd. Suite C 2:00pm - 4:00pm Refreshments After Workshop! Ponchatoula Workshop 4 Tuesday February 27th Roux & Brew 135 SW Railroad Ave 5:30pm - 7:30pm Refreshments After Workshop! Baton Rouge Workshop 6 Wednesday February 28th Drusilla Seafood 3482 Drusilla Ln 6:30pm - 8:30pm Refreshments After Workshop! When we received your advertisement in the newspaper, it seemed to be what we were looking for. We made the reservation of one of your seminars and we were not disappointed. 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20 February 16, 2018 LENT THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR FEBRUARY 16, Prayer Services The Light is ON for You! Penance Services Stations of the Cross

21 2B LENT 2018 February 16, 2018 Stations of the Cross during Lent in diocese FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 Holy Ghost Church 601 N. Oak St., Hammond 6:00 6:30 p.m. Deacon Mauricio Salazar OP Deacon Richard Grant Joyce Paille followed by reconciliation Deacon Al Levy Our Lady of Mercy Church 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Ferdinand St., St. Francisville 5:30 p.m. Mater Dolorosa Church 609 Third St., Independence 9:00 a.m. Mater Dolorosa School St. Dominic Chapel 5572 Hwy. 445, Husser Joyce Paille Our Lady of Pompeii Church Hwy. 442 W., Tickfaw St. Anthony of Padua and Le Van Phung Church 2305 Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge 4:30 p.m. English 7:00 p.m. Vietnamese Rev. Tan Viet Nguyen SEE STATIONS PAGE 6B Lenten regulations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge As per the Pagella Policies of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, as in the rest of the church in the United States, Catholics aged 18 through 59 are bound by a grave obligation to observe a solemn fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Catholics aged 14 and up are to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday as well. These norms have been established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in accord with the norms of canons in the revised Code of Canon Law of To fast means to consume only one full meal a day at most, although taking of other smaller quantities of food at the other customary mealtimes is permitted. Food and drink between meals (excepting only water and medicine) is not permitted on fast days. To abstain from meat means refraining from eating beef, veal, pork or poultry at least, although not necessarily eggs, milk products or meat broths, or condiments made from animal fat. The consumption of fish, shellfish and reptiles is permitted if desired. Beyond the mandatory days listed above, abstinence from meat on every Friday throughout the year which is not a solemnity and fasting on all Lenten weekdays (especially Wednesdays and Fridays), and on Holy Saturday, is strongly recommended to all the faithful. There always remains, of course, the grave obligation to participate at Holy Mass on all Sundays and days of obligation. Each in his or her own way, every Christian is bound to do penance by virtue of divine law. Only ill health or some similar situation of urgency excuses. During the Lenten season, Christ Jesus own challenges to prayer, fasting and almsgiving are paramount. Clergy (priests and deacons) who have legitimate residence and active ministry within the Diocese of Baton Rouge have been delegated the power to dispense the faithful of the diocese, in individual cases and for a just reason, from the obligation to observe a particular day of penance, or to commute some or all of its obligations to other pious works. Included in this is the faculty to dispense from the Lenten obligations to fast and abstain from meat. Yet the obligation to do some kind of penance remains a serious one, and will not be taken lightly by a good Catholic. THE C ARPENTER HOUSE S T JOSEPH u HOSPICE

22 February 16, 2018 LENT B 5 Lenten fundraisers throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge FEBRUARY 16 Fish/Shrimp Stew Dinner Fr. Van Baast Ct. 23, KPC Ladies Auxiliary St. Benedict the Moor Center 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. $8 plate Jerry Williams FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 2, 9 Fish Fry St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland Church, Albany Catholic Hall Rd. Hammond 4:00 6:30 p.m. $8 plate includes fried fish, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, dessert Mary E. Herbert FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 2, 9, 16 KC Seafood Suppers KC Hall 679 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 5:30 7:00 p.m. $7 plate includes fried fish, potato salad, bread and dessert Adrian Genre FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 Lenten Suppers Immaculate Conception Church 865 Hatchell Lane Denham Springs Main Hall (enter Admin. Bldg. near flagpoles) 5:00 7:30 p.m. $8 (tickets available at the door) Feb. 16 Youth Ministry TBA Feb. 23 Crawfish etouffee, salad, dessert, bread (sponsored by Catholic Daughters) March 2 Fried catfish, potato salad, dessert, bread (sponsored by KC s) March 9 Shrimp and pasta, dessert, bread (sponsored by RCIA) March 23 Men s Club TBA For tickets or Lent Dinners Most Blessed Sacrament Church Bishop Ott Center 8033 Baringer Rd., Baton Rouge 5:00 p.m. orders to go 6:00 7:30 p.m. $7 plate fried fish or fried shrimp. Special entrée served weekly. Chad Rossi or rossichad@gmailcom Visit mbsmensclub.org for weekly special. KC Fish Fry St. Joseph Church Pavilion LA Hwy. 16 French Settlement 4:00 7:00 p.m. $8 plate Pick up orders only Office Seafood Dinners St. Jean Vianney Church S. Harrell s Ferry Rd. Baton Rouge 5:00 7:00 p.m. $8 plate Church office Lenten Fish Fries St. Jude Men s Club 9150 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge Parish Hall corner of Highland and Gardere Lane 5:00 7:00 p.m. $8 plate includes fish, french fries, salad Charmaine Biossat KC Fish Fry St. Patrick Church Brogdon Lane Baton Rouge 5:00 7:00 p.m. $7 includes fried fish, french fries and coleslaw $9 includes baked tilapia, sweet potato and coleslaw Church office KC Fish Fry Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Church Hall Ferdinand St. St. Francisville $9 includes fried or grilled catfish filets, garlic bread, coleslaw, french fries or potato salad, dessert, cold drink Lenten Fish Fry St. Paul Church 3912 Gus Young Ave. Baton Rouge 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. $9 plate includes fried fish or shrimp, potato salad, green peas, bread, dessert to place orders to fax orders Will deliver 5 or more ordered Parish office FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Lenten Fish Fry St. Francis Xavier Church 1120 Myrtle St., Baton Rouge $9 includes fried fish, peas, potato salad, mac & cheese, bread and dessert 7:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. call-in orders 10:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. walk-in orders Delivery available for orders of 10 or more dinners Mary Williams or church office to place orders Lenten Meals St. Mark Church Hwy. 621 Gonzales $10 plate includes fried fish or shrimp, coleslaw, bread, dessert Cecile Haley FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 9, 16 Lenten Fish Fry KC Council 6389 Holy Rosary Parish Center Hwy. 429 St. Amant 6:30 p.m. $7 plate includes fried fish, french fries, coleslaw and bread. Ladies Auxiliary will be selling sweets and drinks FEBRUARY 16 & MARCH 23 Fish Fry Knights of Columbus 4874 KC Hall 1701 E. Pecan St., Ponchatoula 4:00 7:00 p.m. $8 ticket Buddy Williams FEBRUARY 23, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 Lenten Dinners Holy Ghost Dad s Club Holy Ghost Church (Carpool area) 507 N. Oak St. Hammond 5:00 7:00 p.m. $8 fried fish plate Feb. 23, Mar. 2, Mar. 16 $7 seafood potatoes, Mar. 9 & 23 Charlie Cormier MARCH 2 Lenten Dinner Catholic Daughters Holy Rosary Parish Center Hwy. 429, St. Amant 6:30 p.m. $8 includes shrimp stew, salad, green beans, french bread MARCH 9 24th Annual Fish Fry St. Aloysius Child Care Center 2025 Stuart Ave. Baton Rouge $8 lunch plate ordered on website; 10 or more will be delivered 4:00 p.m. drive thru (by administration building) 5:00 8:00 p.m. (in school cafeteria) $8 dinner plate ordered on website $10 dinner plate at door Lunch and dinner tickets are not interchangeable Plate includes fish, french fries, coleslaw and bread. Raffle tickets $5 (minimum prize $2500) Entertainment by DJ, Trixie the Clown & Friends, face painting and balloon twisting in the Parish Hall Buy tickets at sacccfishfry.org by March 5 Theresa Jones SHRIMP! FRIDAYS IN LENT Shrimp Spaghetti and Italian-Style Marinated Shrimp PoBoys MARCH 16 Seafood Supper St. Joseph s Academy Athletic Department 3080 Kleinert Ave. Baton Rouge 5:00 7:00 p.m. $10 plate includes seafood etouffee, salad and bread Meals delivered to cars on Kleinert carpool line Dorinda Beaumont beaumontd@sjabr.org MARCH 23 KC Seafood Suppers Holy Family Parish Hall 368 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 5:30 7:00 p.m. $12 plate includes crawfish bisque, corn maque choux, bread and dessert Adrian Genre SEE FUNDRAISER PAGE 6 Anthony s Italian Deli 5575 GOVERNMENT ST., JUST WEST OF JEFFERSON HWY. PHONE ORDERS WELCOME! OPEN MON.-SAT. 9:30-6:00 PM Baton Rouge s only TRUE ITALIAN DELI Since 1978 Food for the Soul this Lent Stations of the Cross Chaplet Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary & Devotions Statues Candles For Parishes - Ashes Palm Paschal Candles Stations of the Cross Daily Meditations Divine Mercy Devotionals Personal Retreats Catholic Art & Gifts 6184 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge Hours: M-F 9am-5pm; Sat. 9:30am-4:30pm

23 4B LENT 2018 February 16, 2018 Spiritual renewal opportunities of the Lenten season FEBRUARY 17, 24, MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24 Lent Prayer Service Most Blessed Sacrament Church Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge 8:00 a.m. Includes the Divine Mercy Chaplet, rosary, benediction, Communion service Deacon Don Musso FEBRUARY 18, 19, 20 Lenten Parish Mission St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Albany Catholic Hall Rd., Hammond 7:00 p.m. Feb. 18 Feb Mary E. Herbert FEBRUARY 18, 25, MARCH 4, 11, 18, days to Morning Glory Adult Formation St. Joseph Church School classroom 175 N.8th St., Ponchatoula 9:30 10:30 a.m. Terri Albert Planning a St. Joseph Altar? Praying with the Catechism Adult Formation St. Joseph Church Conference room 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 9:30 10:30 a.m. Terri Albert FEBRUARY 18, 25, MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25, APRIL 15, 22, 29 Bible and the Sacrament Adult Formation School library St. Joseph Church 175 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 9:30 10:30 a.m. Terri Albert FEBRUARY 19, 20, 21 Parish Mission Holy Rosary Church Hwy. 429, St. Amant 7:00 p.m. Father Michael Champagne speaker The Catholic Commentator will be publishing a list of St. Joseph Altars in the Diocese of Baton Rouge in our March 2 issue. The deadline to be included is Feb. 21. If you would like to submit a listing, include: Date and time(s) Place of viewing including street address Contact name and phone number and send to wkoch@diobr.org; or FAX to The St. Joseph Altar form is on our website thecatholiccommentator.org T H E C A T H O L I C COMMENTATOR FEBRUARY 19, 26, MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26 Lenten Vespers Holy Ghost Church 601 N Oak St., Hammond 5:50 p.m. Includes Chaplet of Divine Mercy, vespers, speakers, soup supper FEBRUARY 19, 26, MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26, APRIL 2 Divine Mercy Novena St. Jules Church 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose 6:30 7:15 p.m FEBRUARY 19, 28, MARCH 12, 21 Lenten Personal Prayer Days Rosaryville Spirit Life Center Rosaryville Rd., Ponchatoula 9:00 a.m 3:00 p.m. $35, pre-registration online Retreatants will be able to use the facilities with a room for rest, lunch, coffee, tea and an opportunity to meet with a spiritual director. Suzette Callais or scallais@oppeace.org Register catholicretreatcenter.org FEBRUARY 20, 27, MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27 Mass, Novena, Benediction Holy Family Church Chapel located backside of church 474 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 5:00 p.m. Church office FEBRUARY 20, 27, MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27, APRIL 3 Divine Mercy Chaplet Most Blessed Sacrament Church Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge 6:30 p.m. Includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction Kathy Duplessis Divine Mercy Novena Our Lady of Mercy Church 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge Deacon Richard Grant Divine Mercy Mass, Sung Chaplet Ascension of Our Lord Church 716 Mississippi St., Donaldsonville 5:15 p.m. reconciliation followed by Mass, chaplet Dana Schexnayder FEBRUARY 20, 27, MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27, APRIL 3, 8 Divine Mercy Novena St. Thomas More Church Goodwood Blvd, Baton Rouge Following Mass; Feb. 13 sung; April 8 4:30 p.m. followed by Mass Parish Office FEBRUARY 21, 28, MARCH 7, 14, 21, 28 Eucharistic Adoration Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge 12 Clare Coulon Divine Mercy Chaplet St. Anne Church 417 St. Joseph St., Napoleonville 6 6:45 p.m. Cheryl Arboneaux Divine Mercy Chaplet St. Agnes Church 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge After 5:30 p.m. Mass lead by Mary Rosenbloom Eileen Caroll In the Midst of My Suffering: Salvation Reflection St. Agnes Church 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge 6:30 7:30 p.m. Donations accepted Eileen Carroll Holy Hour, Reconciliation St. Joseph Cathedral 412 North St., Baton Rouge 5:00 Office office@cathedralbr.org Lenten Longings by Small Christian Communities 601 N. Oak St., Hammond in Annex of Parish Hall 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Call to register by Monday, Feb. 19 Vicky Gaydos FEBRUARY 22, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Eucharistic Adoration Mater Dolorosa Church 609 Third St., Independence 1:00 7:00 p.m. Joyce Paille FEBRUARY 22, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Eucharistic Adoration St. Jules Church 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose SEE SPIRITUALITY PAGE 5B

24 February 16, 2018 LENT B 5 SPIRITUALITY From page 4B 6:00 7:00 p.m. family time 7:00 9:00 p.m. silent prayer FEBRUARY Christ Renews His Parish Women s Retreat St. Jean Vianney Church S. Harrell s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge 9:00 a.m 3:00 p.m., pre-register online at stjeanvianney.org Church office FEBRUARY Signed and Sealed with the Cross Mission St. Patrick Church Brogdon Lane, Baton Rouge 7:00 8:00 p.m. Led by Fr. Albert Haase OFM, missionary, author, spiritual director and radio personality; visit AlbertOFM.org to view video clip Sandra Colomb FEBRUARY 27 Day of Prayer Rosaryville Spirit Life Center Rosaryville Rd., Ponchatoula 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. $35 pre-register online at catholicretreatcenter.org Led by Sr. Pat Thomas OP, a member of the Peace Center in New Orleans founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace Suzette Callais Evening of Prayer St. Jean Vianney Church S. Harrell s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge 7:00 8:00 p.m. Church office FEBRUARY 27, MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27, APR. 3 Mass, Chaplet of Divine Mercy Novena St. John the Evangelist Church Main St., Plaquemine Marsha A. Dupont FEBRUARY 27 & MARCH 20 Coffee and Prayer Holy Family Church Marian Hall 474 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 9:30 10:30 a.m. Jennifer LeJeune MARCH 2 Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge 11:00 a.m. reconciliation, Mass, novena MARCH 4 6 Parish Lenten Mission St. John the Baptist Church 402 S. Kirkland Dr., Brusly 7:00 8:00 p.m. Led by Becky Eldredge Pat Durbin MARCH 5 7 Parish Mission Our Lady of Mercy Church 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge 7:00 p.m. Led by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers Jason Romero MARCH 6 Morning of Reflection: Mysteries of Suffering Holy Ghost Church 601 N. Oak St., Hammond 7:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Led by Sandra Martin and the Marian Servants of the Precious Blood of Jesus MARCH 8 Day of Reflection by the Rosary Altar Society Holy Ghost Church 601 N. Oak St., Hammond 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. $20 Led by Father Mark Beard, pastor of St. Helena Church, Amite Mrs. Bridget Fugarino MARCH Discovering, Entering and Walking in the Divine Mission Lenten Revival St. Benedict the Moor Church 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville 6:15 p.m. Praise and worship followed by revival message Led by Deacon Larry Oney, Hope and Purpose Ministries Jerry Williams MARCH 13 Taize Service: Prayer Around the Cross St. Mark Church Hwy. 621,Gonzales 6:30 p.m. Cecile Haley MARCH 15 Taize Service: Prayer Around the Cross Holy Family Church 474 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 6:30 p.m. Church office MARCH Retreats/Days of Reflection St. Anthony of Padua and Le Van Phung Church 2305 Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge 7:30 p.m. Vietnamese Rev. Tan Viet Nguyen MARCH The Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Youth Lenten Play St. Francis Cabrini Church Parish Hall 3424 Church St., Livonia 7:30 9:00 p.m. Friday 6:00 7:30 p.m. Saturday followed by pot luck dinner Donations accepted Peggy Champagne MARCH 24 Day of Prayer Rosaryville Spirit and Life Center Rosaryville Rd., Ponchatoula 9:00 a.m. (registration) 5:00 p.m. $40 Led by Father Albert Haase OFM, missionary, author, spiritual director and radio personality; visit AlbertOFM.org Suzette Callais MARCH Days Annunciation Consecration Day Adult Formation St. Joseph Church 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 9:30 a.m. 10:30 p.m. with Father McDuffie Terri Albert MARCH 29 Mass, Chaplet of Divine Mercy St. John the Evangelist Church Main St., Plaquemine Marsha A. Dupont MARCH 29 The Lord s Supper St. Mark Church Hwy. 621, Gonzales 7:00 p.m. Church office Mass of the Lord s Supper St. Joseph Church 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 7:00 8:00 p.m. Terri Albert Holy Thursday Mass St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Albany Catholic Hall Rd., Hammond 7:00 p.m. followed by eucharistic adoration until midnight Mary E. Herbert Mass of the Lord s Supper St. Paul the Apostle Church 3912 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge Meal following Mass Church office Holy Thursday Service St. Gerard Majella Church 5354 Plank Road, Baton Rouge SEE SPIRITUALITY PAGE 6B Life of a Modern Day Disciple Applying the Faith to Your Life Seminar Given by Jeff Cavins Catholic Evangelist, Author, Biblical Scholar, National and International Speaker and Founding Member of EWTN Saturday, March 24 Life of a Modern Day Disciple is a series of studies designed to help you make real and lasting changes in your life. Through a prayerful reading of Scripture, personal reflection and a commitment to action, you will grow in faith and be given the means to practice these changes in you daily life. Registration 7:30 8:45 a.m. Seminar 9 a.m. 3 p.m. $60 includes seminar, continental breakfast and lunch provided. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Call today to reserve your seat The Chapel of Divine Providence Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center George O Neal Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817

25 6B LENT 2018 February 16, 2018 STATIONS From page 2B St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Albany Catholic Hall Rd., Hammond 5:30 Mary E. Herbert St. Joseph Church 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 1:45 p.m. with school children Terri Albert St. Francis of Assisi Church 818 W. 10th St., Donaldsonville 6:00 7:00 p.m. followed by lite Lenten meal Free; donations accepted Dana Schexnayder Holy Rosary Church Hwy. 429, St. Amant Church office Most Blessed Sacrament Church Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge Kathy Duplessis St. Jean Vianney Church S. Harrell s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge 6:00 6:30 p.m. Church office St. Helena Church 122 S. First St., Amite followed by a meal St. John the Evangelist Church Main St., Plaquemine 12:00 p.m. Mass & stations Marsha A. Dupont Immaculate Conception Church 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs Following Mass Before 7:00 p.m. Mass March St. Mark Church Hwy. 621, Gonzales 8:30 a.m. following morning Mass Cecile Haley St. Paul the Apostle Church 3912 Gus Young Ave. Baton Rouge Parish office FEBRUARY 16, 23, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 St. Elizabeth Church 119 LA Hwy. 403, Paincourtville 6:00 6:30 p.m. Looking for Daily Mass schedules? Please refer to the annual Mass Schedule that was released in the Jan. 5 issue of The Catholic Commentator. January 5, MASS SCHEDULE Mass Schedule D I O C E S E O F B A T O N R O U G E SUPPLEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR FEBRUARY 20, 27, MARCH 6, 13, 20, 27 St. Benedict the Moor Church 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville 5:00 p.m. following Mass Jerry Williams FEBRUARY 21, 28, MARCH 7, 14, 21 St. John the Baptist Church 402 S. Kirkland Dr., Brusly 6:30 p.m. Pat Durbin St. Augustine Church 174 LA Hwy. 1003, Klotzville 5:30 p.m. Father Eliseus Ibeh FEBRUARY 23, MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge 2:00 p.m. St. Gerard Church 5354 Plank Rd., Baton Rouge 11:20 a.m. followed by Mass MARCH 29 Living Way of the Cross St. Michael High School Gym Monitor Ave., Baton Rouge 8:40 10:00 a.m. Emily Froeba Ext. 605 MARCH 30 St. John the Evangelist Church Main St., Plaquemine 12:00 p.m. stations 3:00 p.m. Veneration of the Cross Marsha A. Dupont St. Joseph Church 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 12:00 1:00 p.m. Terri Albert Mater Dolorosa Church 609 Third St., Independence 12:00 p.m. Joyce Paille Take Up Your Cross, Come Follow Me Carrying the cross from Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant to St. Anne Church in Sorrento, then back More info visit holyrcc.org/men-of-the- Cross Tim Lessard Don Scioneaux doncno@eatel.net St. Gerard Church 5354 Plank Rd., Baton Rouge 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Veneration of the Cross St. Paul the Apostle Church 3912 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge 2:00 p.m. Parish Office St. Mark Church Hwy. 621, Gonzales Following 3:00 p.m. Passion of the Lord Cecile Haley SPIRITUALITY From page 5B Mass of the Last Supper St. John the Evangelist Church Main St., Plaquemine Marsha A. Dupont MARCH 30 The Passion of the Lord St. Mark Church Hwy. 621, Gonzales 3:00 p.m. followed by Stations of the Cross Youth Line Passion Play St. Augustine Church 174 LA Hwy. 1003, Klotzville 3:00 p.m. followed by Good Friday Service Jerry Carter The Passion of Jesus St. Paul the Apostle Church 3912 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge 3:00 p.m. Parish Office Seven Last Words St. Paul the Apostle Church 3912 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge Parish Office Good Friday Service St. Anthony of Padua and Le Van Phung Church 2305 Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge 2 4:00 p.m. English 7:30 p.m. Vietnamese Rev. Tan Viet Nguyen or Veronica Good Friday Service St. Joseph Church 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 3:00 p.m. Terri Albert FUNDRAISER From page 3B MARCH 24 St. Michael High School Nacho Ordinary Auction School Gym Monitor Ave., Baton Rouge 6:30 11:30 p.m. $50/person, $40/alumni with tickets Food and drink included with ticket. After Eight Band will play from 8:00 p.m. 11:30 p.m. Josh Galasso jgalasso@smhsbr.org or ext. 20

26 February 16, 2018 LENT B 5 The Light is ON for YOU, sacrament of reconciliation FEBRUARY 19, 26, MARCH 5, 12, 26 St. Jean Vianney Church S. Harrell s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge 6:00 7:00 p.m. 5:00 6:15 p.m. (Mar. 26) Church office FEBRUARY 21 Holy Ghost Church 601 North Oak St., Hammond 7:30 p.m FEBRUARY 21, MARCH 7, 14, 21 St. Patrick Church Brogdon Lane, Baton Rouge 7:00 8:00 p.m. Church office FEBRUARY 21, 28, MARCH 7, 14, 21 Holy Family Church 474 N. Jefferson Ave., Baton Rouge 6:00 6:45 p.m. Church office St. John the Baptist Church 402 S. Kirkland, Brusly 6:30 p.m. Pat Durbin FEBRUARY 21, 28, MARCH 7, 14, 21, 28 Immaculate Conception Church 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs 6:00 7:30 p.m Our Lady of Mercy Church 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge 6-7:30 p.m. Deacon Richard Grant FEBRUARY 21, 28, MARCH 7, 21 St. John the Evangelist Church Main St., Plaquemine 6:00 7:00 p.m. Marsha A. Dupont FEBRUARY 23, MARCH 16 Holy Family Church 474 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen 5:00-5:30 p.m. Church office FEBRUARY 28 St. Helena Church 122 S. First St., Amite 6:00 7:30 p.m MARCH 1 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Ferdinand St., St. Francisville 5:30 7:00 p.m / MARCH 7 St. Joseph Church 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 6:00 7:30 p.m. Terri Albert MARCH 13 St. Mark Church Hwy. 621, Gonzales Cecile Haley MARCH St. Anthony of Padua and Le Van Phung Church 2305 Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge 7:00 9:00 p.m. Lenten breakfast treat Glazed Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits Stella Patricia Steele LeBlanc, Immaculate Conception Church, Lakeland 2 cups self-rising flour 1/3 cup sugar or sugar free 1/2 cup raisins 1 tsp. cinnamon, ground 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup oil Heat oven to 450 degrees. Glaze: 1 cup confection sugar 1 Tbsp. butter, soft 1/2 tsp. vanilla 2 3 tsp. milk Heat oven to 450 degrees. Stir dry ingredients. Add milk. Shape into round biscuits. Place on greased pan with sides touching. Bake 20 minutes. Make glaze by combining confection sugar, butter, vanilla. Add milk one teaspoon at a time. Spread on biscuits. Rev. Tan Viet Nguyen MARCH 14 St. Joseph Church Hwy. 16, French Settlement St. Michael Church 6490 Hwy. 44, Convent 7:00 p.m MARCH 15 Our Lady of Pompeii Church Hwy. 442W, Tickfaw Deacon Al Levy Holy Rosary Church Hwy. 429, St. Amant 7:00 p.m MARCH 20 St. Jean Vianney Church S. Harrell s Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge 7:00 p.m. Church office C T H E C A T H O L I C COMMENTATOR M TOR MARCH 20 & 27 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 2250 Main St., Baton Rouge 5:00 6:30 p.m. Church office MARCH 21 Mater Dolorosa Church 609 Third St., Independence 6:00 7:30 p.m MARCH 22 St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Albany Catholic Hall Rd., Hammond 6:00 8:00 p.m. Mary E. Herbert MARCH 30 St. Joseph Church 255 N. 8th St., Ponchatoula 10:00 a.m. Terri Albert Give the Gift of Catholic News will be delivered to their mailbox every other week all year long. ENCLOSE Check Money order for $14 per person per year. Send a gift card. I want to subscribe as well for an additional $14 per year. To pay by credit card, call at PLEASE SEND SUBSCRIPTION TO: NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP GIVEN BY AND TO NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP GIVEN BY MAIL TO: THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR, P. O. BOX 3316, BATON ROUGE, LA

27 8B LENT 2018 February 16, 2018 Thin Spaghetti Aglio E Olio (with oil and garlic) Ethel Boagni Our Lady of Mercy Church, Baton Rouge 1 lb. thin spaghetti 5 Tbsp. olive oil 6 7 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced 1/2 tsp. pepper flakes 1/2 cup Italian parsley 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano Boil spaghetti in salted water until tender but not soft. Save pasta water. In a large skillet heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic cooking until garlic is golden about 2 minutes. Add crushed peppers, stir in 1 cup of pasta water, parsley and remaining oil. Bring to a boil and add pasta with large fork or tongs. Cook until the consistency desired. Add extra olive oil and seasoning if necessary. Add cheese and serve. Readers share their favorite Lenten recipes Crawfish Fettuccini Eleanor Mitchell St. Thomas More Church, Baton Rouge #4 pkg. noodles, boiled and drained 1 large onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 3 garlic pods, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 stick margarine 1 pint half and half 1/4 cup flour 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed Tony Chachere s Seasoning 1 lb. Louisiana crawfish Saute vegetables in margarine. Add flour, half and half, cook on low. Add cheese and crawfish. Season to taste with Tony s. Pour over noodles in greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Speedy Shrimp Creole Stella Patricia Steele LeBlanc Immaculate Conception Church, Lakeland 1-20 oz. pkg. frozen seasoning (blend of onion, peppers, parsley) 1 cup mushrooms, fresh 1-14 oz. Rotel tomatoes with liquid 1 lb. shrimp, frozen, peeled, deveined Hot pepper sauce Cook and stir seasonings in skillet until tender. Add tomatoes and simmer minutes. Add shrimp and a little hot sauce. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Serve over rice. Cabbage Jambalaya Camilia Lorio St. Alphonsus Church, Greenwell Springs 2 cups cabbage, shredded 1 lb. crawfish tails or shrimp 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 cup rice, uncooked 1 cup water 1 cup onions, chopped 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped Garlic to taste Brown crawfish or shrimp with onions, bell pepper and garlic. Add cabbage, rice water and Rotel tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Cook at lease 20 minutes or until cabbage is tender. Best Salad Recipe Ethel Boagni Our Lady of Mercy Church, Baton Rouge 1 head of Bibb lettuce (Boston or Butter) 1/2 cup walnuts, large dice Pickled onions Maison Lacour salad dressing For pickled onions: 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1 cup water 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 red onion, sliced in rings Whisk first four ingredients until sugar and salt are dissolved. Taste for sweetness. Pour over onions in a jar or bowl. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Drain onion rings before serving. To serve: Lightly coat lettuce with dressing. Place full leaves of lettuce, 2 or 3 around salad plate. Top with pickled onion rings, 2 or 3. Sprinkle with walnuts. Ways You Can Help the Needy this Lenten Season! Join Bishop Robert Muench, Chef John Folse and Father Cleo Milano at the 23 rd Annual Count Your Blessings Supper Friday, March 2, 2017 at 7:00 PM - Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center Bishop Robert Muench and Chef John Folse are ready to Stir it Up! Come and Count Your Blessings with us. Join us for a simple Lenten supper of soup and bread a meal that will nourish you physically and spiritually. This year s Count Your Blessings Supper is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2 nd, at Our Lady of Mercy s Parish Activity Center. Order your tickets today using the order form below, or give us a call at (225) , extension O. Tickets will also be available at the door. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a Count Your Blessings Lenten gift to St. Vincent de Paul to help in our work with God s poor. Financial gifts can be mailed to: Count Your Blessings, P. O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA , or made online at Build A Basket For Needy Kids When families are struggling to exist on minimum-wage incomes, just paying the rent and putting food on the table is difficult. Needy children learn at an early age that there s nothing in the budget for extras. Things like Easter baskets are luxuries their families simply cannot afford. Join St. Vincent de Paul in providing Easter baskets for needy children. To find out how you can help with this year s Build a Basket effort, call us at (225) , ext. O or visit us at svdpbr.org. Ticket Order Form Clip and send in Yes, my family and I want to attend the Count Your Blessings Supper. We would like tickets at $10.00 per person. We are enclosing a check for $. Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Make checks payable and mail to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA For more information, call us at (225) , extension O. You Can Answer a Prayer and Save a Life Today! Join WBRZ-Channel 2, Pat Shingleton, the Baton Rouge Clinic and St. Vincent de Paul in filling prescriptions for the needy. Retail prices for brand name and generic prescription drugs have risen greatly in the past year. Our St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy provides a solution for low-income individuals who cannot keep pace with the rising cost of prescription medicine. We are seeing more people who are breaking tablets in half and skipping doses of life-sustaining medicines in a desperate attempt to make ends meet. For more details on how you can save someone s life by filling a prescription, visit our website at

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