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Diocese of Alexandria
On the
Inside
New $31 million
Catholic school opens
in New Orleans
By the time this issue of year in our three-year cycle take us In the Easter Mysteries we all
Church Today reaches you the sea- through major events in the work of once again experience of God’s
son of Lent will already be under- salvation and the Gospel readings, mercy and forgiveness as we enter
way and we will have celebrated especially for the 3rd, 4th and 5th into the Lord’s Passion, Death and
the Rite of Election in the Cathe- Sundays offers some of great mas- Resurrection. These ninety days
dral. It is always a moving expe- terpieces of biblical literature and (the Lent and Easter Seasons) en-
rience to see the large number of they fit so well with the journey of compass one quarter of the entire
Catechumens and Candidates pres- our “elect” as they continue in their liturgical year. May we all take
ent from many of our church com- experience of the Rite of Christian advantage of this annual renewal
munities for this annual ceremony. Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Since of our faith, symbolized so well in
Based on comments over the years, chosen how you will observe the do that we spend too much time on the Rite of Election, those prepar- the sacraments of initiation and the
those who come are also impacted days of Lent, but I would still ourselves and fulfilling our lenten ing for baptism, confirmation and renewal of baptismal promises on
when they see so many making the like to highlight something that promises. The readings from sa- Eucharist are no longer called cate- Easter Sunday!
same journey they are a part of. is sometimes forgotten. There is cred scripture, especially for the chumens. They are now referred to
This is particularly meaningful for a simple fact about this season: it Sunday liturgies, remind us in as “Elect” because they have cho-
those in our smaller parishes and is about God and his mercy and many ways of the loving mercy of sen or elected for receptions of the
missions. not about us! That may seem ob- God and its fulfillment in the death Easter Sacraments at the Solemn
vious, but sometimes we focus so and resurrection of Jesus. The Old Easter Vigil.
I presume you have already much on what we have chosen to Testament selections for this first
Natchitoches Parish
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March 14, 2011 Page 9
FILLING THE NEW LIBRARY WITH BOOKS. Students from St. Mary’s
Academy, Xavier Prep and St. Augustine carry books to the new St. Mary’s
library. (Photo by Frank Methe, Clarion Herald)
www.cenlacadtech.com
Page 10 March 14, 2011
SECRETARY APPECIATION DINNER. Father Edwin Rodriguez hosted his Sixth Annual Secretary Appreciation SECRETARY OF THE YEAR. Mrs. Nora Bordelon, secretary at St. Joseph’s
Supper at St. Alphonsus Church in Hessmer on Feb. 28. Every year, just before Lent begins, Father Edwin invites all Church in Marksville, was selected as Secretary of the Year in Avoyelles
of the secretaries of the Avoyelles Deanery and their spouses to dinner to show his appreciation for their hard work during Father Edwin Rodriguez’s annual secretary appeciation dinner. This
done throughout the year. This year, 10 secretaries attended. was the first time that the honor was given and she received a gift.
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outdoor locations. Call for an appointment at 888-231-1544 318-445-6424
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Page 12 March 14, 2011
PRAYER GARDEN. A person cannot help but feel inspired to pray or meditate
when visiting the Prayer Garden located at the top of the hill behind Holy
Rosary Chapel in Emmanuel. An Easter Sunrise Mass is scheduled to be
celebrated here, weather permitting.
(below) STATIONS OF THE CROSS. Large 12-ft crosses line the road that
leads to the Prayer Garden, located at the top of the hill behind Holy Rosary
Chapel in Emmanuel. During Lent parishioners gather at the crosses each
Friday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Stations of the Cross.
(bottom right) PERFECT VIEW. Father Cunningham and Cliff Delrie look out
over the valley that is behind the Prayer Garden altar. The “higher” altitude
makes you feel as though you could not possibly be in Louisiana.
March 14, 2011 Page 13
* * *
CONFIRMATION – ST. MARTIN CHURCH, LECOMPTE. Seven students IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, NATCHITOCHES, CONFIRMATION. Pictured are (front row):
from St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte were confirmed Feb. 6 by Bishop
Ronald Herzog. Pictured are (front row)
Virtus Training
Thursday. March 17
6:00 p.m.
St. Joseph School
Plaucheville, LA
Monday, March 28
6:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s School
Natchitoches, LA
To register, go to www.virtus.com
March 14, 2011 Page 15
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY AT ST. RITA CHURCH. St. Rita Church celebrat-
ed wedding anniversaries on Feb. 13 (World Marriage Day) at the 9:30 a.m.
Mass. Couples who were honored are Gerald and Mary Robichaux, 60 years;
Fr. Craig Scott, pastor of St. Rita; Victor and Margaret Tolito, 60 years; and
John and Beverly Wilmore, 50 years. Each couple was honored with a Papal
Blessing from Pope Benedict. Not pictured are Jacques and Brenda Tauzin,
40 years; and James and Phyllis St. Romain, 50 years.
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Vidalia celebrated World Marriage Day with a Mass on
Feb. 13. Pictured above are some of the married couples who participated.
Marriage-related Workshops
One-night seminar on marriage prep to be held April 5 and 6 in two locations
Evening workshop for those for those seeking to boost their Diocese of Alexandria Office Counselor. Titled, The Lord of Beginning Experience
teaching Marriage Prep appreciation of the Theology of of Adult Faith Formation and Our Rings, the one-day workshop Maryhill
the Body. St. Rita’s Parish Young Adult is based on the rich deposit of
Man and Woman: in the Plan The Merts have been married Ministry. Child care will be Catholic faith and draws from Register now for Beginning
of God, a one-night session meant for 33 years and have been in available at St. Rita. experts in the field of marriage Experience, a weekend of new
to help us better understand God’s full-time marriage preparation For more information, call and relationship building. beginning for divorced, widowed,
plan for Christ-centered marriage, ministry for more than a decade. 318-445-7141 or 318-352-2615. Whether your marriage needs or separated people. It will be held
will be presented by Christian and Topics to be discussed include: hope for the future, practical skills March 25-27 at Maryhill Renewal
Christina Mert April 4 and 5 in • our dignity as God’s beloved One-day Marriage Workshop for daily living, or simply a time Center.
Natchitoches and in Alexandria. creatures Lafayette of refreshment, this series will The program helps grieving
Join us on Monday, April • the vocation of humanity as a help you learn how to build an single-again persons emerge from
4 at 6 p.m. at St. Rita’s Holy whole The Diocese of Lafayette even more satisfying relationship the darkness of grief into the light
Family Center in Alexandria or • specific vocations of man and will host a marriage workshop with your spouse. of a new beginning, and move
on Tuesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at woman on Saturday March 26 from 8:30 Registration is $150 before into the future with renewed hope.
the KC Hall next to St. Mary’s • and how to function better a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at Holy Cross March 14 or $175 after March The cost is $185 and includes two
School in Natchitoches. together. Catholic Church (415 Robley 14. (Less than the cost of one nights’ lodging and meals.
The event is free and open to Christian and Christine will also Drive Lafayette, LA). marriage therapy session.) To register or for more
the public, but may be particularly discuss Paul’s message to Man The presenter will be For more information, call information, call Anna at (318)
helpful to parish DREs, catechists, and Woman in Ephesiosn 5, and Daniel J. Jurek, M.Min., M.A., the Pax Renewal Center at 337- 448-1990 or (318) 452-2678 or
couples mentoring the engaged what it means for us today. a Licensed Marriage and Family 993-1960. Rose at (504) 920-0770.
in preparation for marriage, or The event is hosted by the Therapist, Licensed Professional
Page 16 March 14, 2011
Revive Lord
MARDI GRAS IN MOREAUVILLE. Sacred Heart School held its annual Mardi
Gras Parade on March 4. Students made box floats. Both sections of PRE-K,
Kindergarten and the 8th Grade threw beads to the student body. Everyone
enjoyed the festivities.
Us AgAin, O
By Peter Finney Jr. the use of corporal punishment While calling the issue
Catholic News Service and asked that the moratorium be “complicated,” Archbishop
lifted. Aymond did not retreat from
NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- St. Augustine is the only what he called “a fundamental
For the past 60 years, teachers and Catholic school in the United disagreement.”
administrators at St. Augustine States to have permitted corporal The archbishop said parents
High School in New Orleans have punishment as recently as 2010. have the authority to use corporal
wielded an 18-inch-long wooden Father Raphael shared punishment in their homes to
paddle -- euphemistically called historical references to the discipline their children, but he
“the board of education” -- to school’s founding principal, reiterated he could not “possibly
administer corporal punishment Josephite Father Matthew condone corporal punishment,
to students for tardiness, sloppy
uniform dress or other minor
rules infractions.
O’Rourke, who instituted
paddling in 1951 as a deterrent
especially in a Catholic school.”
“I believe in my conscience
Bring It to the Cross
to unacceptable behavior. He that this is not in line with the A UNIFIED, Faith Formation night
When Archbishop Gregory even introduced his parents, who values of Jesus,” he said, adding
M. Aymond and Josephite Father were sitting in the audience, and that was why the Archdiocese of
Edward Chiffriller, his order’s praised them for spanking him as New Orleans has for decades not Sunday, March 27
superior general and head of the a child as a way of instruction. permitted corporal punishment in
school’s board of trustees, ordered
5 p.m. Mass - 8 p.m.
Father Raphael made a point its schools.
the practice stopped following an of telling the crowd that Father Archbishop Aymond said
Sacred Heart Church, Moreauville
intensive review process, their Chiffriller, his religious superior, numerous studies have indicated
decision was met with outspoken had given a speech at the 50th corporal punishment can Presented by
opposition from parents, alumni, anniversary of the school in 2001 cause physical, emotional and
students, the school’s board of
Father Keith Ishmael
on the historic value of the paddle psychological damage, including
directors, and both current and as a deterrent. loss of self-esteem and increased
former administrators.
The night is filled with music, prayer, evangelism, and
When it was his turn to hostility toward authority, and catechesis. It is designed to bring high school students,
That disagreement played out speak, Father Chiffriller said, “In that “violence -- hitting another
during a three-hour, 50-minute young adults, and adults closer to Christ and His Church.
light of the archbishop’s concern person -- fosters violence.”
“disciplinary town-hall meeting” and the Josephites’ own internal “Nothing was resolved (at the
Feb. 24 at the St. Augustine gym. concerns, the board of trustees meeting),” he said. “Whenever For more information, contact
About 600 people attended. reviewed the practice of corporal there is a split in the family, we Luc Noel at 1-866-447-7088, extension 221,
As Archbishop Aymond punishment and determined need to pray, we need to dialogue or e-mail at lnoel@diocesealex.org
and members of the Josephites’ that its continued use is simply and we need to ask, ‘What
board of trustees sat at a table and inconsistent with our Catholic does God want out of this?’ I
listened, speaker after speaker ideals, ethics and principles.” certainly will be meeting with the
-- including Josephite Father Of the more than two dozen Josephites as well as the board of
John Raphael, St. Augustine’s alumni, parents and students who directors to see how we can come
president -- passionately spoke, none expressed opposition to a better understanding and
explained why they supported to the paddling policy. resolution of the issues.”
Marian Lenten
Pilgrimage
March 21-23
Make a Marian Lenten Pil-
grimage to EWTN and Caritas,
Ala. March 21-23 with Fr. An-
thony Catella and other priests for
EWTN “live” Mass and program.
Be present at Caritas while Marija
Lunetti of Medjugorje will be vis-
iting and the Queen of Peace ap-
pears to her.
Trip will include daily Mass,
spiritual enrichment, Rosary,
songs and more. Bus reservation
is $135 with room; (some free
meals).
Call Kathie at 640-4570 or Pat-
sy at 640-0065 for itinerary and
room reservations before March
5, 2011.
March 14, 2011 Page 19
Did you
Know?
A recent update of a geographic
census for the residents of St.
Mary’s Residential Training Facility
showed that our 202 residents
have families who reside in 45
of Louisiana’s 64 parishes that
include 86 cities and communities.
When you add up all of the family
members, St. Mary’s directly
impacts over 1,500 individuals!
Page 22 March 14, 2011
March - April
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
14 PENANCE SERVICE
6:30 p.m. 15
St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie
PENANCE SERVICES
6:00 p.m. 16
St. Patrick Church, Montgomery VIRTUS Training
17 18 19 20
6:00 p.m. Immaculate Conception,
6:00 p.m.
LENT SERIES Natchitchoches
5:30 p.m. St. Joseph School,
St. Joseph Catholic Ctr, Alexandria Plaucheville
RADIO MARIA Mariathon Young Adult Conference -- Maryhill Renewal Center
Mission with Fr. Pinto -- Sts. Frances & Anne Church, Kolin
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FEAST of ST. JOSEPH
PRAY FOR FR. C. OGBONNA PRAY FOR FR. R. OWUAMANAM PRAY FOR FR. J. PALATHARA PRAY FOR FR. B. PALLIPPARAMBIL PRAY FOR FR. J. PALLIPURATH PRAY FOR FR. J. PARDUE PRAY FOR FR. C. PARTAIN
LENTEN MISSION
21 LENT SERIES
22 LENT SERIES
6:00 p.m.
St. Mary, Winnsboro 23 24 25 Marriage
Workshop
Fr. Ken Roy Memorial Golf 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
26 27
UNIFIED Faith Formation
6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. PENANCE SERVICES
Tournament Holy Cross Church, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
St. Anthony of Padua, St. Joseph Catholic Ctr, Alexandria 5:30 p.m. Lafayette
Natchitoches St. Anthony, Natchitoches Alexandria Golf and Sacred Heart, Moreauville
LENT SERIES 6:00 p.m. St. Joseph, Colfax Country Club
6:30 p.m. Abbey Youth Festival
St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie St. Benedict, LA
28 29 30 31 1 2 3
St. Anthony of
Padua School Fair, Bunkie
APRIL
VIRTUS Training LENT SERIES LENT SERIES PENANCE SERVICE Carlow Choir Concert
6:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic Ctr, Alexandria St. Mary, Winnsboro St. Rita Church, Alexandria Lenten Mission -- St. Augustine -- Isle Brevelle St. Joseph, Marksville
St. Mary’s School,
Natchitoches LENT SERIES PENANCE SERVICE
Catholic Charismatic Conference -- Kenner
6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie
Camp Joshua -- Baton Rouge
Sacred Heart Church, Pineville
Menard presents “The Wizard of Oz” -- Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center
Lenten Mission -- 6:00 p.m. -- Spanish Lake FIRST FRIDAY FIRST SATURDAY LENTEN MISSION
PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG PRAY FOR MSGR. J. SUSI PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Clergy Day
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Maryhill Renewal Center
LENT SERIES Consequences of
LENT SERIES 6:00 p.m. Pornography Seminar
5:30 p.m. St. Mary, Winnsboro 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Catholic Ctr, Alexandria Lafayette
PENANCE SERVICES
LENT SERIES 6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. St. Peter Church, Elmer
St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie 6:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor,
LENTEN MISSION -- Hessmer Alexandria Sondra Abrahams -- St. Juliana, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON PRAY FOR MSGR. J. TIMMERMANS PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS PRAY FOR FR. O. WILLIAMS PRAY FOR FR. ABRAHAM VARGHESE
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
LENT SERIES
6:00 p.m.
St. Mary, Winnsboro
LENT SERIES PENANCE SERVICE
6:30 p.m. PENANCE SERVICES 6:00 p.m.
St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie 6:30 p.m. St. Louis Church, Glenmora
St. Joseph Church, Marksville
6:30 p.m.
St. Augustine Church,
Isle Brevelle