The Church Today, Sept. 17, 2012

CHURCH TODAYVolume XLIII, No. 9 www.diocesealex.org Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970 September 17, 2012

O N T H E INSIDE

Year of Faith to begin Oct. 11, 2012

The upcoming Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (Porta fidei 6). Read more about it on page 5 and related stories on pages 8 -9.

Brunch with the Bishop to be held Oct. 27

Dr. Jose Garcia and his wife Vivian, will be honored Oct. 27 as the recipients of the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian Award. In addition, 12 other people will receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Diocese of Alexandria during the 2012 Brunch with the Bishop. Find out more about these generous volunteers on page 10-11.

New church in Waterproof

Bishop Ronald Herzog will formally bless and dedicate the new building for St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Waterproof on Oct. 6 at the 4 p.m. Mass. Read more about it on page 15.

World Day of Prayer for Peace

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #1134 pray the Rosary at the Alexandria downtown mini park near City Hall Sept. 11 on the KC World Day of Prayer for Peace. The national KCs created the World Day of Prayer for Peace in 2004, after the events of Sept. 11.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 CHURCH TODAYPAGE 2

By Mark PattisonCatholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) --

It doesn't really matter whether Isaac was classified as a hurricane or a tropical storm when it hit certain points of Louisiana.

What matters is the rain dumped on the region -- as much as 20 inches from the slow-moving weather system -- as it churned and curled its way around the Gulf Coast, into the Plains states and toward the Eastern seaboard before it finally dissipated.

Five deaths were attributed to Isaac, which many had feared would be a repeat of Hurricane Katrina seven years earlier, which caused 1,827 deaths.

But the relentlessly pounding rains left hundreds of people in shelters more than a week after

the storm came through because their homes were still flooded.

One similarity to Katrina: After the 2005 hurricane, much of coastal Louisiana breathed a huge sigh of relief, thinking the area had dodged a bullet -- and then the levees broke. With Isaac, residents felt much the same, according to Carol Spruell, communications director for Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge. But "a day or so after the hurricane the bayou started to rise. The people here pitched in, sandbagging," Spruell said, "but they said they'd never seen water get so high before."

One big difference between Isaac and Katrina, according to Father Larry Snyder, executive director of Catholic Charities USA: "In the last seven years we have tried to put together a network of having local dioceses

and local Catholic Charities (affiliates) having a disaster plan, so that when a storm of this magnitude comes everybody was prepared. That was missing in Katrina. In our assessment, this worked, and it worked well."

Even so, Father Snyder said, there is not much sense in trying to judge the two by their relative fury. "We look in Mississippi, there have already been 8,000 applications for assistance -- 133,000 in Louisiana," he told Catholic News Service in a Sept. 7 telephone interview. "What I think has been good is that in most places the local church community has been able to respond to the immediate needs of people. Their needs are going back home, cleaning up the messes that were made, getting the materials to clean up your house."

Water from Isaac still hampering residents' recovery from storm

CATHOLIC CHARITIES VOLUNTEERS DELIVER RELIEF SUPPLIES TO VICTIMS OF HURRICANE ISAAC IN LOUISIANA. Catholic Charities disaster relief volunteers distribute donated food and supplies to victims still surrounded by floodwaters of Hurricane Isaac in Paulina, La., Sept. 6. Five deaths were attributed to Isaac. Many had feared the storm would be a repeat of Hurricane Katrina seven years earlier, which caused 1,827 deaths. (CNS photo/Darlene Aguillard, courtesy Catholic Charities)

U.S. CONSULATE SEEN IN FLAMES DURING PROTEST IN LIBYA. The U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, is seen in flames during a Sept. 11 protest by an armed group said to oppose a film produced in the United States.

Libyans, offended by US movie, attack US Consulate, kill 4 peopleBy Carol Glatz

Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS)

U.S. ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens, and three staff members were killed during a mob attack against the U.S. consulate in Benghazi Sept. 11.

The violence was triggered by angry reaction to the trailer of a film mocking the prophet Mohammed. Though the trailer was released online in July, it was recently dubbed into Arabic and grabbed Arab media attention.

Tensions spread the same day as thousands of unarmed

demonstrators gathered outside the United States Embassy in Cairo and some later breached the compound's walls and destroyed a flag found inside.

Libya's interim president, Mohammed Magarief, offered his condolences and apologized for the attack, describing it as "cowardly," according to the Associated Press.

U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the killings and praised Stevens' selfless service to the United States and the Libyan people.

"While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate

(unfairly criticize) the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants," Obama said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Vatican's representative in Libya lamented the violence while pleading for greater respect for religious beliefs.

Referring to the officials' deaths, Italian Bishop Giovanni Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, said "What has happened is terrible, but we need to avoid offending the people's religious sensibility."

SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 3

Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLCBrigitte KelsoOwner/Agent

2918 S. MacArthur Dr.Alexandria, La. 71301

Phone: 318.448.2226Fax: [email protected]

By Cindy WoodenCatholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) --

Catholic devotion to the saints appears to be alive and well, and Pope Benedict XVI continues to proclaim new saints at a regular pace.

The official calendar of saints' feast days will grow in October when the pope canonizes seven men and women, including Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai and three laypeople: the Native American Kateri Tekakwitha, the Filipino Peter Calungsod and the German Anna Schaffer.

The canonization Mass Oct. 21 will be one of the first big events of Pope Benedict's Year of Faith, which is designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and to launch a strengthened commitment to the new evangelization.

According to Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, the appeal of the saints and their concrete examples of holiness give them "an undeniably positive role to play in this time of new evangelization," since they are living proof that the church is holy.

In a new book, currently available only in Italian, Cardinal Amato writes that it's easy to understand how people can question the church's holiness when they see the sinful behavior of some of its members. But the good, loving and charitable activities of other members are the best evidence that the church truly is the holy body of Christ,

he says."The holiness of the church

is not the sum of the holiness of its children, but is a spiritual gift received from the spirit of the Risen Christ," he writes. "Throughout history, the church carries the treasure of its holiness in earthen vessels. Being aware of that, the historic church can do nothing other than continually convert to the cross of Christ."

The saints and martyrs officially recognized by the church are the "demonstration that the church, even if it is not already perfect, given the misery of many of its sons and daughters, is not less holy, but continues to produce the fruits of holiness and always will."

Individual Christians and Christian communities thus have an obligation to pursue holiness "to counterbalance the humiliations" Christ's body suffers because of the sins of its members, he writes.

By Tom DermodyCatholic News Service

PEORIA, Ill. (CNS) --

Calling Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen "the model of virtue our world needs today," friends and family of the famed media evangelist and author gathered Sept. 9 to give thanks for Pope Benedict XVI's recent decree of "venerable" for him, advancing his sainthood cause.

The congregation also prayed for "an even greater celebration to come."

Peoria Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, who formally opened the diocese's inquiry into the cause a decade ago, was the principal celebrant of a Mass of thanksgiving that drew an overflow crowd to St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria.

Among the concelebrants was Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark, N.J., who, as Peoria's bishop in the 1990s, was among the effort's early supporters.

On June 28, Pope Benedict XVI affirmed the heroic virtues of Archbishop Sheen and declared him venerable. If one of three documented, alleged miraculous healings through his intercession is approved, Archbishop Sheen could become the first American-born bishop to be beatified.

The beatification ceremony also could be the first to take place in the United States, perhaps in Peoria. A second miracle must be confirmed for canonization.

Archbishop Sheen, born in El Paso, Ill., and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria. He became a renowned theologian, orator, and Emmy-award winning radio and television host whose programs

were welcomed into tens of millions of homes in the mid-20th century. The former bishop of Rochester, N.Y., and national director of the Propagation of the Faith died in 1979.

"I am truly grateful for the many of you who have traveled so far, have given so much, and have prayed so hard to see this day," Msgr. Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation.

"And I remind you that there is still greater work and more prayers to be had as we thank God and beg that God's church would soon declare Venerable Fulton Sheen to be Blessed Fulton Sheen," continued Msgr. Deptula. "Let us pray for that great day."

In his homily, Msgr. Deptula said he preferred not to talk about the miracles under investigation, but the "miracle of God's transformative love" in the life of Archbishop Sheen and in all who, like him, love Jesus Christ.

7 'ordinary' men, women to be canonized saints Oct. 21Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha will be

1st Native American to become a saintIllinoisans celebrate designation of Archbishop Sheen as 'venerable

Join us onFacebook:

http://on.fb.me/Q5uFFh

Blessed Kateri Tekakwithato be canonized Oct. 21

Archbishop Fulton Sheendeclared 'venerable' June 28

Steps to becoming

A SAINTin the Catholic Church

Before a person can be considered for sainthood, he/she must have been dead for at least 5 years. (Pope John Paul II waived this requirement in Mother Teresa's case.)

1. Servant of GodA candidate's case is investigated to determine if candidate is deemed worthy for further consideration.

2. VenerablePostulator (person in charge of advocating the cause) must prove the candidate lived heroic virtues.

3. BlessedMartyrdom or one miracle (through the candidates intercession) must be recognized.

4. SaintA second miracle is required before a person can be declared a saint.

There are more than10,000

Roman Catholic saints

St. Stephenthe first Christian martyred,is considered the first saint

Pope John Paul II canonized91

saints during his 26 year papacy.


rectory. While they were both in-jured, neither was life-threatening and both are on the way to recov-ery. They will need and appreciate your continued prayers as they continue their recovery and the processing the psychological after effects of this experience.

The 2012 campaign season is now in full swing and I urge you

We all had a few anxious days during the journey of Isaac through the Gulf and across much of the United States. The Diocese of Alexandria was spared any sig-nificant damage but others in our region were not so fortunate. We continue to pray for those who en-dured the brunt of the storms fury.

Some have asked if we will take up a special relief collection. We will, but I am waiting to see what is planned nationally or re-gionally to make the effort most effective. So far, I have not heard what the plan will be.

I’m sure many of you have now heard of the harrowing ex-perience the priests at St. Rita had during the home invasion at the

to examine all the complex issues and the positions held by the vari-ous candidates. As citizens we are called to be knowledgeable and to examine the issues in the light of our informed faith. I would urge you to rely on material from the USCCB rather than independent sources, even Catholic ones. Some of the material I have seen does

ONE IN

THE LORDMost Rev. Ronald P. Herzog

Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria

CHURCH TODAYVolume XLIII, No. 9 • September 17, 2012

P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA [email protected] 318-445-6424

Publisher: Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of AlexandriaEditor: Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; [email protected]: Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; [email protected]: Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; [email protected]

THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese subscriptions are $20 a year. The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306

The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association.Website: www.diocesealex.org/thechurchtoday

The start of the Year of Faith and our country's elections will take place less than a month apart. We have an excellent opportunity as Catholics to apply the prin-ciples of our faith to our politi-cal system -- not only in how we vote, but in how we choose to influence our country's political discourse, too often marred by angry and hateful rhetoric.

In this effort, two themes from Pope Benedict's message announcing the Year of Faith are of great importance to Catholic Americans.

First, he called for public witness by Catholics, writing: "Faith implies public testimony and commitment. A Christian may never think of belief as a pri-vate act. Faith, precisely because it is a free act, also demands so-cial responsibility for what one believes."

Second, he called on Catho-lics to redouble their commitment to charity: "Faith without charity bears no fruit," he wrote.

Seldom does America suffer a more profound lack of charity today than in its political process.

Often, we see that commen-tators and politicians don't see the ideas of their political adversaries as deficient. They see their politi-cal adversaries themselves as per-sonally deficient.

The result is an endless cycle of personal attacks in our coun-try's political conversation.

For the vast majority of Americans -- who know how to have civil disagreements over ev-erything including politics with family and friends -- this doesn't sit well. Our K of C-Marist poll

has found that almost 8 in 10 Americans say they are "frustrat-ed" with the tone of our political debates. Almost three-quarters say the problem is getting worse, and just under two-thirds say this is harming our political process.

But we need not accept this status quo as "good enough."

Now numbering one in four Americans, our country's Catho-lics can offer a better alternative.

Charity demands respectful discourse -- on every issue. For this reason, the Knights of Co-lumbus launched the Civility in America petition, asking politi-cians and the media to focus on debates on issues and policies rather than on personal attacks.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan has asked both presidential candi-dates and their running mates to

sign it, joining the more than 1 million members of the Knights of Columbus & more than 25,000 other Americans supporting it.

Such a project is consistent with the best of Catholic thought.

St. Thomas More wrote this prayer while awaiting execution in the Tower of London for re-fusing to take an oath supporting King Henry VIII's takeover of the Catholic Church in England:

"Almighty God, have mercy on all that bear me evil will, and would me harm, and their faults and mine together. Vouchsafe to amend and redress, make us saved souls in heaven together, where we may ever live & love together with thee and thy blessed saints."

We are called to public wit-ness in all circumstances.

In the early days of evange-

GUEST COmmENTARY

Carl A. AndersonSupreme Knight, Knights of Columbus

KCs launch Civility in America petition for upcoming electionlization, when St. Paul preached to the Athenians, he chose to do so at the Areopagus: a powerful council, and the oldest in Athens. Those men who made up the Ar-eopagus were not Christians: that was precisely why they needed to be evangelized.

With Cardinal Dolan call-ing for civility from our political candidates and delivering prayers at the conventions of both the Re-publicans and the Democrats, a descendant of the apostles is once again bringing Christ's message into the halls of power.

Today, most in both politi-cal parties are Christian -- and many are Catholic -- but the call

to conversion is endless. In what is becoming an increasingly secu-larized country -- where many believe religion ought to be kept out of our modern Areopagus -- this form of new evangelization is timely and needed.

By calling on our candidates and the media to show charity and civility, Catholics can help Car-dinal Dolan and our bishops to bring the new evangelization to our own public square as St. Paul did in Athens.

By witnessing to charity and civility in our own discussions and our own lives, we can lead the way and show that such a goal is attainable.

take a partisan view. The Church addresses only

issues, not parties or individual candidates. There is no question that we are facing some of the most grave challenges in the areas of religious freedom and many as-pects of morality.

The beginning of the “Year of Faith” proclaimed by our Holy Father will take place next month. Our Evangelization Committee is preparing a schedule and material to assist in the important obser-vance.

This October also marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

On Oct. 21, the canonization of the first Native American Saint

will take place in Rome. I will have the privilege of being present for the celebration. The communi-ty at Spanish Lake which is made up of many Native Americans will also host a local celebration mark-ing this historic event. This is a long-awaited blessing that we all rejoice in.

October is also the month of the Holy Rosary. This time of prayer is truly needed considering all that we are facing.

May the Lord continue to grant protection to all during these days of the hurricane season.

To sign the Civility in America pledge, go to www.kofc.org


What is the Year of Faith?

At certain times in the history of the Church, popes have called upon the faithful to dedicate themselves to deepening their understanding of a particular aspect of the faith.

The upcoming Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (Porta fidei 6).

In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him.

The pope has described this conversion as opening the “door of faith” (see Acts 14:27). The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover their relationship with Christ and his Church.

Why is the Year of Faith this year?

Pope Benedict XVI declared that the Year of Faith will begin on Oct. 11, 2012 and conclude on Nov. 24, 2013.

Oct. 11, the first day of the Year of Faith, is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) and also the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

During the Year of Faith, Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith.

The Year of Faith begins in October 2012 with a Synod on New Evangelization. What is a synod?

A synod of bishops is a gathering of bishops, selected

from different areas of the world, who meet with the pope to discuss questions pertaining to the activity of the Church in the world. This meeting of bishops helps to foster a closer unity between the bishops and the pope, and provides counsel to the pope. Pope Benedict XVI has situated the Synod on the New Evangelization (Oct. 7-28) at the beginning of the Year of Faith (Oct. 11).

How are Year of Faith and New Evangelization linked?

The New Evangelization is a call to each Catholic to deepen his or her own faith, have confidence in the Gospel, and possess a willingness to share the

Gospel. The New Evangelization is first and foremost a personal encounter with Jesus Christ; it is an invitation to deepen one’s relationship with Christ. It is also a call to each person to share his or her faith with others. The Year of Faith, just like the New Evangelization, calls Catholics to conversion in order to deepen their relationship with Christ and to share it with others.

How does the Year of Faith affect the average Catholic?

Every baptized Catholic is called through baptism to be a disciple of Christ and proclaim the Gospel. The Year of Faith is an opportunity for each and every Catholic to renew their baptismal call by living out the everyday moments of their lives with faith, hope and love. This everyday witness is necessary for proclaiming the Gospel to family, friends, neighbors and society. In order to witness to the Gospel, Catholics must be strengthened through celebrating weekly Sunday Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Pastors are encouraged to provide their parishioners with

BRUMFIELD vs DODD POLICY. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the following statement is published:

DIOCESE OF ALEXANDRIANON-DISCRIMINATORY SCHOOL POLICY

August, 2012

The Diocese of Alexandria School System re-affirms its non-discriminatory policy on the basis of race, sex, color, national and ethnic origin in its educational programs, activities and employment policies in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments and Sections 4.03(a) and 4.03 (c)

Revenue Procedure 75-50.

All students, faculty members and staff, without exception, are admitted to all rights, privileges and activities generally accorded or

made available at the schools which do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its

employment policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Sacred Heart School, MoreauvilleSt. Anthony of Padua School, Bunkie

St. Joseph Elementary and High, PlauchevilleSt. Mary Assumption School, Cottonport

St. Mary’s Elementary and High, NatchitochesHoly Savior Menard Central High, Alexandria

Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, AlexandriaSt. Frances Cabrini School, Alexandria

Most Rev. Ronald HerzogBishop of Alexandria

opportunities to deepen their faith during the Year of Faith through retreats, special liturgies, Bible studies, service opportunities and formation sessions on the catechism and sacraments.

What are some key resources for the Year of Faith?

Catholics wishing to deepen their faith during the Year of Faith should start by exploring the Evangelization and Catechesis section of the USCCB website. Numerous catechetical resources, prayers and other resources have been prepared for the Year of Faith and the New Evangelization that can be viewed and downloaded for free.

Catholics should also consider studying the documents of Vatican II and the catechism.

Another resource is the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, which takes the teachings of the catechism and shares them within a uniquely American context and highlights American Catholic saints and role models. Catholics can also talk to their pastors and other parish leaders to learn about what activities and opportunities will be taking place within their communities. Most importantly, Catholics seeking to deepen their faith should pray daily, study Scripture and celebrate weekly Sunday Mass.

Year of Faith -- Oct. 11, 2012 - Nov. 24, 2013Year marks 50th anniversary of Vatican II & 20th anniversary of Catholic Catechism

• Floor Finishing• Hardwood Floors

• Ceramic Tile Floors• Reseal Tile Floors

Daniel LacombeFloor Finishing

404 Bordelon Rd., Hessmer, LA 71341Specializing in installation

Ph: (318) 563-4753 • Cell (318) 305-0241

VirtusTraining

• Sunday, Sept. 23, 2:30 p.m., St. Genevieve Church, Brouillette• Monday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m., Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches• Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

To pre-register, attendees should go to www.virtus.org and click on Registration to begin the registration process. For more information, call 445-6424, ext. 213


Outdoor Rosary

Every Thursday

7:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church

Marksville

Join us in prayer, while we pray

for God's bessing upon our

families, church

and nation

Shock and disbelief were the immediate reactions of most, as news spread that Rev. Craig Scott had been shot Aug. 29 in the St. Rita Catholic Church rectory and his assistant, Rev. Marek Norjek was beaten.

Posts on Facebook and Twitter were firing up the Internet as friends and parishioners wondered what happened and if the two priests were all right.

As the story unfolded, there was a sigh of relief and a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God for a miraculous ending to what could have been a terrible tragedy.

According to a Sept. 4 article in the Town Talk, Father Scott heard a thumping noise on the back door of the rectory. Thinking it was the winds of the approaching Hurricane Isaac, he got up and opened the door.

Three young men rushed in and demanded money. Father Scott gave them $80 in cash, but they wanted more and went upstairs, where they found Father Norjek.

After beating Father Norjek with the butt of a handgun, they dragged him downstairs and

told both priests to kneel with their heads down while the three attackers ransacked the house.

When Father Scott suddenly stood up and demanded that they leave his home, one of them punched him in his left eye and shot him in the stomach, before the three attackers fled the home and a fourth jumped out of a second-floor window.

Father Scott fell to the floor, but got up after the men fled. He called 911 and assisted Father Norjeck, who was bleeding nearby.

Alexandria police arrested four young men (ages 17-18) the next day on initial charges of attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery. A fifth guy was jailed on charges of accessory after the fact and armed robbery.

"While they were both injured, neither was life-threatening and both are on the way to recovery," said Bishop Ronald Herzog. "They will need and appreciate your continued prayers as they continue their recovery and processing the psychological after-effects of this experience."

St. Rita Church dedicates new organThanks to the generosity of

the family of Dr. Perla Castor, St. Rita Church has a new organ.

The new Rodger Masterpiece Signature 356 organ was donated by Dr. Perla Castor's husband and family, who were all present at the dedication and blessing of the organ held Sunday Aug. 19.

During the organ dedication, Bishop Ronald Herzog blessed the organ followed by performances

ORGANISTS AT ST. RITA CHURCH. Guest organists who performed Aug. 19 at the dedication and blessing of the new church organ at St. Rita Church are , Thomas Robichaux, and Melva Villard.

Two St. Rita parish priests injured during home invasion

by four guest organists. The guests organists were Emily Amos, Nicholas Lena, Thomas Robichaux and Melva Villard. The three guests organists were all taught to play the organ by Mrs. Villard, director of music at St. Rita. Emily Amos is a 4th grader at Montessori, Nicholas Lena is a senior at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and Thomas Robichaux is in medical

school at LSU in Shreveport. The St. Rita Choir, John

Fryer and guests were also there to sing. Emma Brinkman, a 3rd grader at OLPS cantored “Come and Sing."

The organ was installed by Lafayette Music Company, Inc., of Lafayette. Special thanks was extended to Raymond Goodrich for his assistance in installing the organ.


Seminary BursesAugust

Knights of Columbus Council #9217 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Father Adrian L. Molenschot Burse Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 in memory of Frederick & Elizabeth Vanlangendonck Bishop Sam G. Jacobs Burse Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 in memory of Frederick & Elizabeth Vanlangendonck Msgr. Henry F. Beckers Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 in memory of Frederick & Elizabeth Vanlangendonck Msgr. Frederick J. Lyons Burse Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 in memory of Frederick & Elizabeth Vanlangendonck Msgr. Martin J. Tyrrell Burse Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 in memory of Frederick & Elizabeth Vanlangendonck Father Serafin Glasnovic Burse Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 in memory of Frederick & Elizabeth Vanlangendonck Deacon Raymond J. Dunn BurseMr. and Mrs. Robert O. Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00

Father Daniel Corkery BurseDr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250.00

Edna Rabalais Burse

Total this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,210.00

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, Colfax, recently hosted two special visitors -- Luke Lafleur (second from left) and Taylor Reynolds -- seminarians from the Alexandria diocese who will be attending different seminaries in the fall. After the 11a.m., Mass they enjoyed dinner in the Family Center. Luke be attending Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio and Taylor will attend the North American Pontifical College in Rome, Italy. Also pictured are Deacon E.J. Barre, (left) and Father Harold Imamshah, pastor.

A Seminary Burse is an invested sum of money, the interest of which is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood. A Seminary Burse may be named for anyone – bishop, priest, religious, or lay person – by the original donor, and can be added to and allowed to grow. A burse is completed when it reaches $15,000.00 but another burse of the same name can be started. Contributions to any of the burses or to establish a new burse should be sent to the Chancery Office, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, Louisiana 71306-0417. -- Rev. Scott Chemino, Chairman

Let us help your family manage your financial goals.

*Education FundingFamily Risk ManagementSmall Business Planning

*Retirement Planning*Mutual Funds*Annuities

*Securities offered through HD Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member: SIPCAdvisory services are offered through HD Vest Advisory ServicesSM

6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, Texas 75038, 972-870-6000

Oestriecher Financial Management Services is not a broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm.

4641 Windermere Place, Alexandria, LA 71303318-448-3556 • www.o-fms.com

Anne Oestriecher, CPA, CFP®Emile P. Oestriecher, III, CPA

Brian Seiler awarded renewal of Father Michael McGivney Vocations Scholarship

Alexandria seminarian Brian Seiler has been awarded the renewal of the Father Michael J. McGivney Vocations Scholarship by the national Order of the Knights of Columbus.

Seiler received the national KC scholarship last year and was recently informed of its renewal for the 2012-2013 academic year.

A check for $1,250 per semester ($2,500 for the year) will be forwarded to the rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus Ohio, where Seiler is a third year student of theology. The check may be applied to his account for tuition, room and board.

Under the program, the scholarship is renewable for up to four years of theology, based on evidence of the seminarian's continued enrollment, and also

Brian Seilerof ongoing need for financial help. The scholarship is also in abeyance (temporarily discontinued) during any year of pastoral internship.

In a letter to Seiler from

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, it was written, "We hope that this evidence of support and affirmation for you, through your affiliation with Pontifical College Josephinum Council No. 15009, as you pursue your path to the priesthood, will encourage, from time to time, a remembrance of the Order of the Knights of Columbus, its members and its famlies, in your prayers."

Seiler is a member of the Knights of Columbus Pontifical College Josephinum Council No. 15009.

In addition to Seiler, other seminarians from the Diocese of Alexandria currently attending the Josephinum are Dale Meade and Luke Lafleur.

Tuition, room, board, and fees for one year at the Josephinum is $18,640 per student.


By Christine BordelonClarion Herald

First Communion is a faith milestone for all Catholic families. But on Aug. 6, the sacrament solidified the power of prayer for Maddox family as their son, “Little Boo” Maddox V, received the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in New Orleans.

“It’s a day we’ve long awaited – Boo receiving Jesus Christ,” Renee Maddox, Little Boo’s mother, said. “You can’t be any closer to God.”

Many didn’t believe the Alexandria, La., youth, now 8 years old, would make it to his 8th birthday. Little Boo had contracted the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in November 2009 and has since been in and out of Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

He’s survived multiple organ failures, surgeries and long-term use of an ECMO machine that oxygenated his blood. Kidney failure resulted from the ECMO

machine, and Boo is now undergoing dialysis three times a week in New Orleans.

Amazing graceThrough it all, Little Boo’s

big smile and positive spirit has prevailed.

“God gave him this testament to get through this,” said Father Randy Roux who celebrated the Mass. “His attitude is amazing.”

It’s been the Catholic faith that has sustained the entire Maddox family. They believe that faith has healed him thus far and will aid his kidneys.

“God didn’t bring him through all this to have him on dialysis all his life,” Robert Maddox IV said.

Little Boo was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the hospital by Father Martin Laird, pastoral administrator and associate director of Hispanic Ministry at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Alexandria. But Communion eluded him due to an intermittent inability to swallow food or fluids.

Practice makes perfectAs a Catholic chaplain,

Father Roux got to know the Maddox family and began working with Boo – teaching him the Mass and practicing receiving unconsecrated hosts – in preparation for Holy Communion. When illness prevented Boo from receiving the sacrament a year ago in Alexandria, Father Roux suggested administering it at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in New Orleans.

“It makes this great connection that our Lady (of Prompt Succor) has brought her son to receive her son in Holy Eucharist,” Father Roux said at the Aug. 6 Mass on the Feast of the Transfiguration.

“Little Boo knows that Eucharist means thanksgiving,” Father Roux said, “and we are grateful for the many ways God has blessed Little Boo and all of us. ... I think Robert and Renee have crawled up to Calvary many times and asked for God’s mercy many times ... and have been grateful for God’s power to renew and restore.”

A memorable occasionFather Roux invited Little

Boo – dressed in a white suit that was a gift of the local St. Jude Society – and his father to walk into the sanctuary near the tabernacle, which bears the image of a pelican. Father Roux

enlightened Mass-goers how a mother pelican is the only bird that picks at her breast to provide the nourishment of her flesh and blood for her young when there is no other food.

Father Roux wanted Boo to remember the pelican as a metaphor for Jesus giving Catholics his flesh and blood. He asked how willing those at the Mass were to give themselves for others and then lauded doctors, nurses and other Children’s Hospital employees for their efforts to help children.

Father Roux likened a handmade paper heart that Boo presented his pediatric cardio-thoracic surgeon at Children’s Hospital – Dr. Timothy Pettitt – to the way in which Jesus Christ invites little Boo into the chambers of his heart. Pettitt was present at the Mass.

“In those chambers, Christ will nourish his son with his flesh and blood,” Father Roux said.

At last, 'Little Boo" Maddox receives precious Body and Blood of Christ

Long Road to the Altar

RECEIVING FIRST COMMUNION. Father Randy Roux, a chaplain at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, offers First Communion to 8-year-old

"Little Boo" Maddox V., who has overcome years of serious medical complications from swine flu. The Aug. 6 Mass at the national Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor marked a milestone for Little Boo and his family. (Photo by Christine Bordelon, Clarion Herald)

RECEIVING THE PRECIOUS BLOOD. Little Boo Maddox, with an assist from his father, Robert, accepts the Precious Blood from Father Randy Roux. (Photo by Christine Bordelon, Clarion Herald)

CONGRATULATIONS. Father Jeffrey Montz, and Deacon Tom Lotz, watch as Father Randy Roux congratulates Little Boo on receiving his First Communion. (Photo by Christine Bordelon, Clarion Herald)

See BOO MADDOX, pg. 14


By Christine YoungCatholic News Service DRAPER, Utah (CNS) --

Filmmakers seeking to capture American high school students as they balance the demands of the Catholic faith with life as a teenager chose a Catholic high school in Utah for their pilot documentary.

Planet Grande Pictures filmed the students at Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper during the first week of school, Aug. 20-22. The project is tentatively titled "Diary of a Catholic School."

Working with partners Octagon and Flying Kitty, Planet Grande Pictures began this project last spring by interviewing

FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY WORKS ON DOCUMENTARY ABOUT TEENS AND FAITH AT CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN UTAH. Photographer John Watkin and Roger Davis of Planet Grande Pictures capture Juan Diego Catholic High School students interacting during lunch in Draper, Utah, Aug. 22. A proposed documentary would focus on American high school students trying to balance e veryday challenges that come with being a teenager and a Catholic. (CNS photo/Christine Young, Intermountain Catholic)

90 students during a three-day period to get an idea of what was on the minds of the students.

Producers wanted to present a proposal for a series to Lifetime cable network, with Juan Diego as the featured high school in eight to 10 episodes.

"We have several networks that are interested in the documentary based on what we have already filmed," said John Watkin, Planet Grande Pictures director/producer and editor/cameraman. "We are going to take the material we have filmed over the last three days, cut it, show the networks and hopefully excite them to run the series."

The idea came from John Cronin, Flying Kitty executive producer, who grew up Catholic

and attended Catholic schools in Massachusetts.

"This is the first time this has been explored," Cronin said. "It's difficult being a teenager today, and we wanted a documentary based on the student's point of view of how a strong faith impacts important decisions, and how a religious school and home environment alter the way they see their world and their responsibility in it."

Although several shows have been set in American high schools, "what is interesting about this one is that the students deal with all the trials, tribulations and stresses of being a teenager in high school

Share your story of faith

with us!

During the Year of Faith (Oct. 11 - Nov. 25), the Church Today wants to know about you and your Catholic faith.

Will you share your faith story with us?

Here are some ideas for topics, but certainly not restricted to these:

What does your Catholic faith mean to you?

Do you have a conversion story to tell?

When did your faith pull you through an impossible or difficult situation?

Who or what shaped or formed your Catholic conscience?

How do you know that God exists?

What's your strategy for raising good Catholic kids who love Jesus?

What's it like to stand up for your faith, even when your friends, co-workers, or family won't.

If you've lived a long life, how has your faith changed over the years?

Send us your story, in any of the formats listed below, by Friday, December 14

Print -- Write a story for possible publication in the Church Today. Must be typed, double-spaced, and limited to 500 words or less. Pictures are welcomed. Send digital file (Microsoft Word document preferred to [email protected] or mail hard copy to Church Today, 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303.

Video -- Video a story for possible posting on the Diocese of Alexandria website. Must be between 3-5 minutes long and can be as simple (using webcam) or elaborate (video-editing software) as you want. It can follow a story format or a documentary format. Files must be MOV, AVI, or WMV formats. E-mail digital file to [email protected] or put on a jump drive or CD and drop off at the diocesan St. Joseph Catholic Center, 4400 Coliseum Blvd. An individual or a group may submit in this category.

Submission rules:• Must be Catholic• Open to anyone age 9 - 99. • All submissions become property of the Diocese of Alexandria and will not be returned.• By submitting an article or video, you are agreeing to have your story published in the Church Today or your video posted on the Diocese of Alexandria.• Every submission must include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address (if you have one), your age, and the school you attend (if a student) or your occupation (if not a student).• Submitting an article or video does not guarantee that your story will be published in the Church Today or that your video will be posted on the website. The Church Today reserves the right to refuse any article/video.

Filmmakers make documentary on what it's like to balance Catholic faith and life as a teen

See HIGH SCHOOL DOCUMENTARY, pg. 14

Join us onFacebook:

http://on.fb.me/Q5uFFh


By Jeannie PetrusCT editor

“Me siento mal y tengo un dolor en el estomago, aquí, en el lado," says the patient.

If you are an American doctor, chances are, you won't understand what your Spanish-speaking patient is trying to tell you . . . unless you are Dr. Jose Garcia, a local physician who volunteers his medical services once a month to local immigrants in the Forest Hill area.

Dr. Garcia and his wife Vivian, who assists him, will be honored Oct. 27 with the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian Award during the diocesan Brunch with the Bishop.

"We are honored and very humbled by this recognition by the Diocese of Alexandria," he said, "but what we do here, we do from our heart. We simply want to help others in need."

Dr. Garcia and Vivian were nominated for the award by Fr. Pedro Sierra-Posado, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Forest Hill, for their volunteer work in the parish.

"When I first came to this parish in 1996, the Garcias

approached me and asked if there was a need for their services in the parish," said Father Pedro. "Of course, I welcomed their generous offer."

When the Garcias first started their work, they saw patients in the kitchen area of the church hall.

"It was a small work area with a stove, refrigerator, sink and cabinets in the same room. But we cleared out a space for him and set up a table and this is where he saw patients," said Father Pedro.

One Saturday a month, for the past 16 years, at 3:30 p.m., men, women, and children of all ages, line up at the church hall to check in with Ms. Vivian about what ails them.

"I keep a folder of every person who comes in, so we can keep up with their medical history," said Ms. Vivian.

The medical complaints range from simple colds and high blood pressure to respiratory infections and depression.

The people are mostly legal immigrants from Mexico who live in the Forest Hill area as seasonal workers in the nurseries. Almost all speak nothing but Spanish,

aside from a few English phrases."We are so fortunate to have

the Garcias come to this place and offer their services," said Irma Felix, a patient, who spoke through a translator. "Dr. Garcia is an excellent doctor who cares about us and takes really good care of us."

"We love Dr. Garcia and his wife very much for what they do especially since they speak our language and they understand us," said another patient, Francisca Martinez, who also spoke through a translator. "Since we have no insurance, it is not possible for us to see a doctor in town. We are very grateful to Dr. Garcia and his wife.

In 2006, a small room was added to the church hall to accommodate Dr. Garcia and his medical services.

"It's a small room, but it is bright and sunny, and it helps to make the patients feel better in a more professional environment," said Dr. Garcia.

The Garcias plan to keep doing what they do as long as they can, God willing.

"We love doing this," said Dr. Garcia. "We receive much more from this than what we give."

St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian AwardDr. Jose Garcia and wife Vivian, offer free medical services to those in need

DR. JOSE GARCIA listens to the medical complaints of a Mexican legal immigrant in the Forest Hill area. Dr. Garcia volunteers his time once a month to offer free medical services to the people at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Forest Hill. He and his wife, Vivian have been doing this for the past 16 years.

MRS. VIVIAN GARCIA assists her husband by checking in the patients and maintaining the medical records for the patients he sees. Mrs. Garcia and her husband, Dr. Jose Garcia, will receive the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian Award Oct. 27 for the volunteer work they do at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

NO LANGUAGE BARRIER. As a native of Puerto Rico and his fluency in Spanish, Dr. Garcia has no problem understanding and relating to Spanish-speaking patients he sees. The patients are grateful to Garcia for his generous free medical service, but are also grateful that he speaks their language.

DR. JOSE GARCIA and VIVIAN GARCIA will receive the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian Award Oct. 27 during Brunch with the Bishop. For the past 16 years, the Garcias have volunteered medical services to local immigrants.


Dr. Jose Garcia and his wife Vivian, will be honored Oct. 27 as the recipients of the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian Award.

In addition, 12 other people will receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Diocese of Alexandria during the 2012 Brunch with the Bishop .

Distinguished Service Award honorees are Laura Clark, Immaculate Conception in

Dupont; Peggy Smith, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Campti; Aggie Neck and Donna Culotta, St. Joseph in Marksville; Rudolph Mitchel, Sts. Frances and Anne in Kolin; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hirchak, Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Alexandria; John Tuminello, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Tioga; Anna Beauxis, St. Michael in Leesville; Dot McWhorter, St. Rita in Alexandria; Amos LaCombe, St.

Brunch with the Bishop, Oct. 27Diocese to honor 12 individuals with service awards, 1 humanitarian award

Martin of Tours, in Belledeau; and Paul Desselle, St. Juliana in Alexandria.

Brunch with the Bishop is held every 2-3 years to recognize people throughout the diocese who volunteer their time and/or talents to help others in need.

Dr. Jose Garcia-Ramirez, FCCP, a local critical care/internal medicine physician, has volunteered free medical services to the legal immigrants

at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Forest Hill for the past 16 years.

Originally from Puerto Rico, the Garcias speak fluent Spanish and can listen and understand the needs of the sick in that area. While Dr. Garcia attends to the medical needs of the patients, Vivian keeps track of the medical records.

Married 42 years, Dr. and Mrs. Garcia have two sons --

Roberto and Ernesto -- who are also physicians at the Freedman Clinic.

Brunch with the Bishop will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Country Inn Suites in Pineville.Tickets are $50 per person or $1,000 for a reserved table of 10, or $750 for a reserved table of 8. To purchase tickets or reserve a table, call 318-445-6424, ext 209.

All proceeds from the Brunch will go to Manna House.

Radio Maria to host Fall Mari-a-thon Sept. 18-22

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA OFFICIALS VOLUNTEER AT MANNA HOUSE. City of Alexandria officials volunteered at Manna House Sept. 5 to show their support for the local ecumenical soup kitchen founded by Father Gerard Foley in 1990. City officials voted unanimously to volunteer serving once a month at Manna House, as a way of “giving back” to the community. Pictured are (front row) James Branch, Capital Projects coordinator; Kay Michiels, director of Planning; Bernard Wesley, chief of the Fire Department; and Mayor Jacques Roy. Back row: Bill Hess, director of Economic Development; Albin Provosty, Alexandria attorney; T.W. Thompson, director of Public Works; Darrell Bradley, Alexandria Police Officer; and Wendy Roy, wife of the mayor.

During this time, the Catholic radio station asks its listeners to call in a pledge or donation to help support its ministry. Radio Maria is a global Catholic station (headquartered in Alexandria) that relies 100% on volunteers and donations to stay on the air. To make a tax-deductible pledge, please call 318-561-6145 or 1-888-408-0201.

In addition, hot lunches will be available for pick-up on Tuesday (Sept. 18) and Thursday (Sept. 20). On Tuesday, the lunch will be Jambalaya and on Thursday, the lunch will be Red Beans & Rice and Sausage. Cost is $7. Call 561-6145 to place your order early. Dinners will be available for curb-side pick-up from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Radio Maria will host its Fall Mari-A-thon Sept. 18-22. Times of the Mari-a-thon are:

Sept. 18- 20 (Tuesday-Thursday):

6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sept. 21 (Friday): 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 (Saturday): 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.


ST. MARTIN CHURCH VBS, Lecompte hosted Vacation Bible School July 8-14. More than 65 children attended the VBS, coordinated by Donna Wade and a host of other volunteers. Following the theme, "Operation Overboard," VBS 2012 emphasized lessons on Dare to Care, Claim Jesus, Choose to Follow, and Change the World.

PetrusF E E D & S E E D

2914 N. Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA

442-2325

ST. MARY'S ANNUAL WALK/RUN CHALLENGE. Please join St. Mary’s in honoring Father August Thompson during St. Mary’s annual Challenge Walk/Run. For 55 years, Father Thompson has dedicated his life to the people of the Diocese of Alexandria and has ministered to some of God’s most vulnerable people, including the children of St. Mary’s. Registration is at 8 a.m.; Walk/Run starts at 9 a.m. in downtown Alexandria. All participants will be walking or running through bubbles. This family friendly event is open to individuals of all ages. (Children in strollers will not be charged a participation fee.) Pre-registration fees are $15 for youth (Pre-K – High School) and $25 for adults. Pre-registration fees must be received by Sept. 28. Registration on the day of the event is $30 for all ages. Registration fees can be picked up at any Capital One Bank location or at Run/Wild on Jackson Street. There is still time to create a team or join a team. For further information contact Megan Vets at 318-445-6443, ext 2102 or via e-mail [email protected]. Please visit St. Mary’s website at www. StMarys-rts.org.

Are your Married Children

or MarriedGrandchildrenreceiving the

Church Today?Call (318) 445-6424, ext. 209

to add them to the free mailing list.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL Moreauville 911 PARADE. Faculty and students lined the streets in front of Sacred Heart School Sept. 11 to cheer on the local Police Departments, Fire Departments, and other Emergency organizations in the area to show their support.

Alexandria Business Machines

5527 Coliseum Blvd.Alexandria, LA 71303-3708

Copiers • Printers • Printer SuppliesFaxes • Office Supplies

Cost Management for your Business

SAVE up to 40% with

318-443-0435


Avoyelles churches keep flame of Steubenville burning in youthMore than 120 youth and

adults from Avoyelles parish and surrounding areas attended a Steubenville South Follow-Up event Aug. 22 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Moreauville.

The Josh Blakesley band lead

praise and worship for the group to start the evening off. Paul Hood, keynote speaker, followed with a message to everyone about continuing to live in the 8th day which followed the theme of Steubenville South.

Chandler Gremillion, Lucas Deshautelle, Leslie Saucier, and Bailie Marsh, youth who had attended the conference, shared their experiences and how they were touched by Christ through the conference.

The evening concluded with Father Marc leading adoration/benediction along with worship by the band. This was the 3rd annual and the largest Steubenville South follow up event hosted by Sacred Heart

Church in Moreauville. Sacred Heart would like to make it a tradition that will continue to grow each year.

The event was co-sponsored by Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville.

Members of the SACRED HEART YOUTH GROUP in Moreauville

Members of the STEUBENVILLE SOUTH SERVICE CREW. TESTIMONIES. from Mater Dolorosa, from Mater Dolorsa, and from Sacred Heart share their experiences at Steubenville

SELLING T-SHIRTS and CDs for the Josh Blakesley Band are , all junior

high youth from Sacred Heart Church.

THE JOSH BLAKESLEY BAND performed at the Steubenville South Follow-Up event. Members of the Josh Blakesley Band are Christian Gaudet, John Lyons, Grae McCullough, and Josh Blakesley.


Father Laird then fastened a Confirmation pin on Boo, and Little Boo received his First Communion followed by his family and others.

The Maddox family was then presented scapulars to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Father Laird and Father Jeffrey Montz, parochial vicar at Divine Mercy Parish, who had befriended the Maddox family in the hospital, prayed blessings over them.

True thanksgivingRobert Maddox expressed

his gratitude to those who have kept Boo alive.

“I thank God for bringing each and every one of you into my family’s life, and I thank God for giving you the talents, wisdom and love in your hearts,” he said. “I ask Him to bless you and to continue to use you and shape and mold me into the man he wants me to be.”

Christine Bordelon can be reached at cbordelon@clarion herald.org <http://herald.org> .

LOUISIANA CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK. Representing Louisiana as a 2012 Champion for Children's Hospital Miracle Network, Little Boo Maddox and his family travelled to Disney World Sept. 17 to meet as a group in Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Fla. For one week , the state champions from all 50 states, will conduct media interviews, meet with their state representatives, rub shoulders with celebrities, visit Walt Disney World Resort, and be celebrated for meeting their unique medical challenges.

Boo MaddoxFrom page 6

under the umbrella of the Catholic Church," Watkin said.

"They have all kinds of questions about who they are, what their parents have taught them, what the Catholic Church has taught them and what they have learned from their teachers," he added. "The process has been really fascinating, watching the students confront these questions, and we have been blessed with dropping into classrooms, cheerleader sessions, hall conversations and literally following our instincts as we shoot."

Although the filmmakers had a schedule, they did break away if something interesting happened in front of the cameras, he added. "It has been very exciting."

This was Watkin's first film in a Catholic setting and he was surprised at how open teachers

and students were in discussing sensitive topics and how seriously the students applied themselves to everything, he said.

"The standard of excellence is way above anything I've seen in America," said Watkin, who moved to the United States from England in 1980. "Let's put it this way -- I'm not a Catholic, and I don't live in Utah, but if I did, I'd put my kids in this school."

From the original 90 students who were interviewed, a number were selected to be followed more closely for the film in their daily life at school and with friends and family.

The interviews cover a wide range of subjects. "We talk about faith, their relationship with God, coping with tragedy, the pressures of school, relationships with friends, romantic relationships, conforming and rebelling and a wide area of subjects that impact

the way they are living their lives," Watkin said.

The school's emphasis on the whole person and being able to pray and talk about God are issues that can't be addressed in the public realm, said Brian Manternach, Juan Diego director of choral and vocal activities and theology teacher, who was interviewed for the documentary.

"Certainly, they are not necessary to the educational experience, but we want the students to be informed about religion and curious about faith and matters of spirituality," he said.

Ashley Ramos, a junior chosen to participate in the documentary, said having a camera and lights on her was a little unnatural. "I knew I was being filmed so I said and did things that I wouldn't normally do," she said. "Overall, the experience was fine."

High school documentaryContinued from pg. 9


A complete guide for planning your Catholic wedding!

Advertising space available now! Imagine having your ad placed in the hands of every young couple

planning a Catholic wedding in 13 Central Louisiana parishes for the

next 3-5 years! If you offer wedding products or services, you don’t

want to miss this opportunity to be part of the Diocese of Alexandria’s

comprehensive 72-page, full color, glossy 8.5 X 11 wedding guide that

will be distributed free to every Catholic couple planning a wedding.

Want more information? Email: [email protected] or

call (318) 445-6424, ext. 264 to request an advertisers packet.

Hurry! Ad space will fill up quickly!

Catholic WeddingThe

Bishop Ronald Herzog will formally bless and dedicate the new building for St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Waterproof on Oct. 6 at the 4 p.m. Mass.

According to Father Peter J. Kuligowski, pastor of St. Joseph Church in St. Joseph, La. and its mission St. Francis of Assisi in Waterproof, the public is invited to join in the celebration.

The new building was formerly an Episcopal Church in Waterproof and was purchased in 2011 to replace an aging and structurally damaged church built in the 1960s.

St. Francis of Assisi Mission was established in 1906 by Fr. Nicholas Vandergear, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Vidalia.

In 1905, Father Vandergear wrote a letter to The Most Reverend Cornelius Van de Ven, Bishop of Natchitoches from June 16, 1865 to May 8, 1932, and officially requested to form a church in Waterproof, originally as a mission of our Lady of

Lourdes parish in Vidalia, La.In 1940, Bishop Daniel

Desmond (1933-1945) invited the Josephite Fathers to take over the apostolate in Tensas Parish centering their efforts in St. Joseph and Waterproof.

St. Francis of Assisi was once an active and bustling church in the small river town of Waterproof, located off of

Bishop to bless, dedicate 'new' church in Waterproof Oct. 6

THE NEW ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MISSION CHURCH wil be formally blessed and dedicated Oct. 6 by Bishop Ronald Herzog. The new church is a former Episcopal church purchased in 2011 to replace the aging and structurally damaged church built in the 60s.

Hwy. 165. Over the years, as the town declined, so did its church members.

In the later 1960s the original wooden structure was demolished and the brick church was built. This church served the people until Feb. 27, 2011.

Today, the church members are few, especially during the winter months. But during the

summer months, attendance is significantly up due to people visiting the surrounding lakes who are fondly referred to as the “lake people.”

On July 1, 2010, Father Peter J. Kuligowski was appointed the new pastor of St. Joseph and St. Francis. Within a few months of him being there, he noticed severe problems at St. Francis with the

THE OLD ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MISSION CHURCH, built in the 1960s had serious foundation and structure problems and was unsafe for use. It was donated to a religious group of another denomination. St. Francis of Assisi is a mission of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Vidalia.

foundation and the structure itself.

"The foundation was sinking and the walls were visibly buckling," said David Brook, Financial CEO for the Diocese of Alexandria. "The building had become a liability instead of an asset."

Father Peter made the decision to raise money from many faithful in the state and out of state and purchase a nearby vacant Episcopal Church.

After renovating the building and transforming it into a "Catholic" place of worship, the new St. Francis of Assisi mission was ready for its new congregation.

The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on March 5, 2011 only eight months after Father Peter was assigned as pastor there.

"The special 4 p.m. Mass and celebration on Oct. 6 will be the final step in completing this tranformation," said Father Peter. "We invite everyone to come."


Sept. 29St. Mary's Assumption, Cottonport

St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport, will host the annual Cooking for the King dinner, on Saturday, Sept 29 beginning with a 6 p.m. floral design exhibit and a silent auction, followed by the dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, contact Cindy at 337-257-9992 or Adrienne at 318-305-5820.

Oct. 6OL of Prompt Succor, Alexandria

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the OLPS playground for the annual Fall Festival. Games, food booths, fire truck rides, and

music entertainment throughout the day. Don't miss the Silent Auction in Olinger Hall. For more information, call Valerie at 613-2106 or Renee Hicks at 542-3490.

Oct. 13-14Sts. Francis & Anne, Kolin

Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin will host its Fall Fair Oct. 13-14, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join us for games, horse and kiddy train rides, sweet shop, cake walk, food booths and more. Saturday night cookoff is at 6 p.m. and Bingo at 7 p.m. A Sunday dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for $6 per plate. For more information, call 443-5118, ext. 1 or ext. 4.

Oct. 13-14St. Augustine Fair, Isle Brevelle

Join us for a weekend of good food, fun and family entertainment.

Oct. 13-14St. Joseph School, Plaucheville

The St. Joseph annual fair will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy a weekend of music, games, jupiter jump, water slide, Bingo and delicious food. On Saturday, there will be a jambalaya dinner for $5 and on Sunday, cochon de lait pork and chicken dinner from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Buy a raffle ticket and you might win two Saints tickets, or $250 in

cash, or a custom-made Hope Chest, or one of 14 prizes donated by each class.

Oct. 19St. Juliana, Alexandria

St. Juliana parish will host the annual Taste of Creole night on Friday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. in the parish Activity Building. Creole foods of all kinds, fun and games, and a Country Store, featuring the famous Taste of Creole aprons and book, will highlight the event. Tickets are $12 per person. Door prizes will be awarded every hour on the hour. For more information, call Tommy at 445-8743 or Sylvia at 487-4969.

Oct. 20-21Sacred Heart, Moreauville

The fun starts Oct. 20 with registration at 7:30 a.m. for a 5K Run and Fun Walk. Races begin at 8:30 a.m. Food and all other booths open at 3 p.m. Fried catfish with all the trimmings served on Saturday evening after 5 p.m. Mass. Live music begins at 7 p.m. on the school ground. Food booths and lots of family fun. Cochon de Lait dinners served after 9 a.m. Mass with all booths continuing. Silent Auction closes at 3 p.m. Sponsorships for 5k run t-shirt, and silent auction welcome! For more information contact Karen at 318- 359-1943.

Church fairs bring out the best in good food and family fun


By Jeannie PetrusCT editor

Two local marriage and fam-ily counselors from Our Lady of Prompt Succor parish have pub-lished a pair of marriage prepara-tion books through Twenty-Third Publications, a Catholic publish-ing company.

Strong Foundations: A Mar-riage Preparation Program for Catholic Couples was written by Holly B. Carbo and Mandi M. Chapman, both licensed pro-fessional counselors (LPC) and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT). They teach a marriage prep program, under the same name, using these newly published materials.

The books, however, can be used by any marriage prep facili-tator (leader’s guide) and a couple (couple’s book) as a resource guide for any parish marriage prep course. In the Diocese of Alexandria, all engaged Catholic couples are required to attend a marriage preparation program be-fore getting married.

“For many couples, marriage prep is just another thing on the checklist to do before they can get married in a Catholic church,” said Chapman. “But if is done well, it’s absolutely necessary for making it through that first year or two of marriage. What ini-tially seems like a total pain can be an eye-opening experience for a couple.”

Carbo and Chapman began working on the book three years ago after realizing the struggles and failed marriages among some of their friends.

“It was a challenge for us when we realized that, as pro-fessional marriage and family counselors, we had the tools that could help them with their rela-

tionships,” said Chapman. “But more than anything, we wanted to emphasize the role of God and faith in a successful marriage,” said Carbo.

In addition to their profes-sional knowledge, information for the books was compiled from a community of priests, lawyers, married couples in various stages of life and marriage, and from the USCCB’s website, ForYourMar-riage.com.

According to the USCCB’s findings, there are seven conver-sations that all couples should have before partaking in the sacrament of marriage. Strong Foundations follows these seven and adds one more: faith and spir-ituality, family of origin, cohabi-tation, children, career, finances, intimacy, and commitment.

“The key word here is con-versations,” said Chapman. “Our marriage prep program does not mean that we talk and you listen. Our program is couples-oriented, which means the couples do the talking -- not in a group, -- but between each other. We merely

334 Acton Road • Marksville, LAOffice Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Available 24-7

Jason Aymond, Manager(318) 240-7188

Affiliated with Kilpatrick Life Insurance Co.since 1932

facilitate what to talk about us-ing these eight conversations as a guide.”

Chapman said the Strong Foundations program is attended by not only engaged couples, but by married couples who have is-sues to resolve, or who may just want to enrich/strengthen their marriage, or who may want to have their marriage blessed.

In addition to teaching the marriage prep program, Carbo and Chapman also conduct train-ing seminars -- using the Strong Foundations program -- for laity who teach marriage prep pro-grams in the parish.

(“The book is great and I use it in my parish,” from Father Dan) (not the actual quote. I’m getting one from him right now.)

The book has also received an imprimatur (stamp of approval that it adheres to Catholic teach-ing) from Bishop Ronald Herzog.

For more information, email Holly Carbo at [email protected] or Mandi Chapman at [email protected] or go to www.pastoralplanning.com.

MARRIAGE PREP PROGRAM OCT. 21The next “Strong Foundations” marriage prep program is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 21 at Sacred Heart of Jesus

Church in Pineville from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. To register, go to: www.comprehensivetherapygroup.com or call 318-445-1651.

Local counselors publish Strong Foundations marriage prep books

AUTHORS OF NEW MARRIAGE PREP PROGRAM. Holly Carbo and Mandi Chapman, both licensed professional counselors (LPC) and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) have published two books (a leader's guide and a couple's book) as part of their marriage prep program, Strong Foundations: A Marriage Preparation Program for Catholic Couplies.


Working as a summer missionary, doesn't always mean going to a third-world country and working with poor young children.

For Erin Riche, a 2010 graduate of Holy Savior Menard High School and a junior at LSU, summer missionary work was spent at Life Teen International's Covecrest Summer Camp, May 13 - Aug. 11 in Tiger, Georgia.

Life Teen is an international Catholic ministry that believes Eucharist-based ministry has the power to transform teens, transform parishes, and transform culture. Each week, for 13 weeks, more than 250 junior high and high school students from all over the south came to deepen their Roman Catholic faith.

"I was the camp photographer, so week-in and

week-out, my duties were taking pictures, editing and uploading them for all the events that were held at the camp," said Erin.

Campers attended Mass daily, Adoration three times a week, and the opportunity for reconciliation, often. On the grounds of the camp, there is an Art Barn, the Outpost (where food, drink, and souvenirs could be purchased), and Mary's Rosary walk, where campers could just sit and reflect on the talks given that day. Campers could also take a stroll through the foothills of the Smokey Mountains and participate in the Stations of the Cross, or walk to the waterfall.

"And, there is the most

beautiful little chapel at the camp," said Erin. "The doors are never locked and you can truly feel the presence of our Lord there.

LSU junior volunteers as missionary at Life Teen summer camp

There are lots of opportunities for reflection."

On the flip side, camp would not be camp, without games, pie

in the face, and at the end of the week, a white water rafting trip on the Chattanooga River.

"There were so many activities and events to keep them busy," said Erin. "From playing games in the mud pit to riding the zip line, every event was an exciting experience."

At night, there was music and praise and worship. Local talents Grae McCullough and Josh Blakesley, both from Alexandria served as music ministers and worship leaders, while Father Jose Robles-Sanchez, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Church served as the main celebrant for the camp.

"It was rewarding and very special to me to have folks from my hometown come to the camp and be the leaders in the celebration of Mass" she said.

Erin said she attended Covecrest as a high school student and wanted to give back to the camp by volunteering her time and talent as a missionary for the kids.

"One of the most important things I want to stress to all parents is that EVERY active Catholic who practices their faith, should send their child to a Life Teen Catholic Camp," she said. "It is money well spent and the rewards are boundless."

For more information about Life Teen Covecrest Catholic Camp, go to www.lifeteen.com <http://www.lifeteen.com>

Thomas Robichaux, Jr., principal organist at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Pineville, recently graduated from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. and has been accepted at the LSU-S School of Medicine.

Robichaux graduated with a BS in biology Summa Cum Laude, and a minor in chemistry.

He is the first biology major in the history of the university to

Local student graduates from Catholic Universitybe honored as Phi Beta Kappa's top graduate with the Monsignor Paul M. Campbell Award. He also received university honors in classical philosophy and departmental honors in biology.

Extracurricular activities included music ministry for Campus Ministry at CUA as an organist, pianist and vocalist. He assisted professors with research in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry and was

employed as a tutor in the Center for Academic Success.

Having joined the CUA Knights of Columbus, Thomas participated in the annual March for Life and wrote for CUA’s pro-life magazine. He also volunteered in the Emergency Department of the Washington Hospital Center.

Thomas is the son of G. T. “Tommy” and Marika Michiels Robichaux, Sr. of Woodworth. Thomas Robichaux

ERIN RICHE (center) poses with Grae and Morgan McCullough, (all from Alexandria) at Life Teen Camp, an international Catholic ministry that believes Eucharist-based ministry has the power to transform teens.


Reach Your Catholic

neighbors directly.

Advertise in theChurch Today

Call 318-445-6424 x 264

By Missy LaBordeOLPS volunteer

Combine two charter bus-ses, 17 chaperones, 85 teens, $25,000 in fundraisers, and over 100 hearts open to the Holy Spirit and you’ve got the wonderful ex-perience that was Catholic Heart Work Camp 2012 (CHWC).

Two fully loaded busses left the OLPS church parking lot in the early morning hours of June 30 with teens and chaperones ready to offer a week of their summer vacations to serve the less fortunate in the communities of Charlotte, NC and Knoxville, TN.

The junior high trip headed to Charlotte for a combined high school/junior high camp while the high school group set out for Knoxville for a Next Level camp which included daily mass.

On the way to Knoxville, the high school group spent the night in Birmingham and enjoyed a tour of Eternal Word Television Network.

During CHWC, teens are assigned to work groups for the week which include a variety of assignments from working with children, painting houses, and serving meals to shut-ins, to building wheelchair ramps, pack-ing care packages for cancer pa-tients and working in community gardens.

Participants spend five to six hours each day at their respective worksites and then return to the base camp for evening meal, fel-lowship and praise and worship.

OLPS had a special presence at the Charlotte camp with Josh Blakesley serving as the music minister for the week.

For the July 4 holiday, the campers enjoyed a free day activ-ity. The Charlotte group visited the US National Whitewater Cen-ter while the Knoxville campers headed to Pigeon Forge for a day at Dollywood.

This year marked 20 sum-mers of service for Catholic Heart Work Camp. Special thanks to Carol Hirchak for coordinating

102 OLPS teens, chaperones spend week helping others in NC, TNCatholic Heart Work Camp

the junior high trip and to Renee Aldridge for heading up the high school trip.

Catholic Heart Workcamp is about service, connection, and loving others. It started in 1993 in Orlando, Fla. with 100 par-ticipants and has grown to over 11,000 serving in 2011.

CHWC provides parish youth groups, teens and adult

leaders service opportunities to restore homes and hearts, feed the hungry, lift the spirits of children, bring joy to the elderly and dis-abled, and offer assistance while partnering with social agencies.

Each Workcamp is equipped with a summer staff, director, manager, musician, nurse and priests to celebrate mass/confes-sion. It is a youth friendly Christ

centered Week of caring for others. Catholic Heart Work-camp faithfully and enthusiasti-cally serves the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings and is an excellent opportunity to “love the least of these."

For a list of 2013 Catholic Heart Camps to be held during the summer of 2013, go to http://heartworkcamp.com/Dates.htm.

OLPS HIGH SCHOOL GROUP (above) went to Knoxville, TN, where they attedned daily Mass. The group also spent the night in Birmingham where they visited the EWTN Studio and then went to Knoxville, where they visited Pigeon Forge for a day at Dollywood.

OLPS JUNIOR HIGH GROUP (at left) went to Charlotte, NC, where Josh Blakesley provided music for the week. The group also visited the US National Whitewater Center. This is the 20th year, groups have participated in the Catholic Heart Work Camp.


4.7 miles to St. Philomena Shrine

Part Time Business for SaleNets $60K

Christian themed magazine.No experience necessary, will train.

Clients are established. Work from your location. Retiring.$24,900

(828) 667-5371

Times change, but human nature does not. Neither do the daily struggles that all Christians experience in their walk with the Lord. Today, as 2,000 years ago, we fight anger, pride, lust, spiritual sloth. Now, as then, we strive to be more diligent in prayer, more faithful to the commandments, more patient and charitable toward others. And in our time, no less than in the earliest centuries of Christianity, we need wise guidance to direct us on the road to holiness.

In A Year with the Church Fathers, popular Patristics expert

Mike Aquilina gathers the wisest, most practical teachings and exhortations from the Fathers of the Church, and presents them in a format perfect for daily meditation and inspiration. The Fathers were the immediate inheritors of the riches of the Apostolic Age, and their intimacy with the revelation of Jesus Christ is beautifully evident throughout their theological and pastoral

writings: a profound patrimony that is ours to read and cherish and profit from.

Learn to humbly accept correction from St. Clement of Rome. Let Tertullian teach you how to clear your mind before prayer. Read St. Gregory the Great and deepen your love for the Eucharist. Do you suffer from pain or illness? St. John Chrysostom's counsels will

pages. New from Saint Benedict Press.Item No. SB0109ISBN: 9781935302353

In his previous release, you were invited to a year long retreat with the Church Fathers; now, Mike Aquilina presents a new volume of contemplations and prayers about those most mysterious of all created beings: the Angels. Drawing again from the deep well of the Fathers' wisdom, Aquilina has compiled a year's worth of reflections on the Nine Choirs of Angels.

A Year With The Angels invites you to discover the

authority and strength of the Heavenly Host. Angels embody virtues, graces, and knowledge of the Truth because they stand before the very Throne of God. Among the Angels' responsibilities are governing the universe and the movements of nature, defending creation from the attacks of the devil, and acting as messengers of God to

St. Benedict press releases 2 new faith books by Mike Aquilinarefresh you. Do you have trouble curbing your appetite for food and other fleshly things? St. John Cassian will teach you the true way to moderation and self-control.

A Year with the Church Fathers is different from a study guide, and more than a collection of pious passages. It is a year-long retreat that in just a few minutes every day will lead you on a cycle of contemplation, prayer, resolution, and spiritual growth that is guaranteed to bring you closer to God and His truth. From the Church Fathers we should expect nothing less.

Beautiful gift edition, with two- tone ultra soft cover, ribbon marker, and designed interior

A Year with the Church Fathers

A Year with the Angels

mankind.This year, learn to appreciate

our unique relationship with the Angels - especially those assigned to protect us during our sojourn on earth. What better protectors and intercessors could we ask for than the first of all creatures who have beheld the face of God from

their very beginning? Beautifully crafted pages,

with durable Premium UltraSoft dual tone binding, ribbon marker, gold edges.

To order either book, go to: https://tanbooks.benedictpress.com/index.php/A-Year-With-Angels or https://tanbooks.benedictpress.com/index.php/Year-wi th-Church-Fa thers -Patristic-Wisdom-For-Daily-Living

Both books sell for $44.95, but are on sale now for a limited time for $35.24. Visit the website at www.SaintBenedictPress.com or call 1.800.437.5876.

New from Saint Benedict Press. Item No. SB0130ISBN: 9781935302520


Odd Life of Timothy Green is not just 'odd' but somewhat puzzlingBy Kurt Jensen

Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The first thing to understand about "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" (Disney) is that, despite its genuinely wholesome approach, its themes of infertility and death make it unsuitable for younger children.

The film strains not to offend. But even older children may find parts of this fable -- in which the enchanted 10-year-old boy of the title (CJ Adams) passes through life leading others by cheerfulness and good example -- somewhat puzzling.

Let's put it this way: This film has "Discuss it with your child afterward" written into nearly every scene. There's nothing contrary to, or derogatory of, Christian faith. But there's a mishmash of imagery, since the original story by Ahmet Zappa draws on both Christian and wiccan beliefs -- a little too heavily on the wiccan, it must be said, for the comfort of many viewers of faith.

However, there's no indoctrination going on. There's just a lot to think about. And, on the upside, from start to finish, the story celebrates familial love.

Opening scenes show Jim and Cindy Green (Joel Edgerton

mOVIE

REVIEWNow Playing at

Grand 14 TheatreAlexandria

• 2016: Obama's America (PG)• Hit and Run (PG-13)• Hope Springs (PG-13)• Marvel's the Avengers (PG-13)• Paranorman in 3D (PG)• Premium Rush (PG-13)• Sparkle (PG-13)• The Apparition (PG-13)• The Bourne Legacy (PG-13)• The Cold Light of Day (PG-13)• The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13)• The Odd Life of Timothy Green (PG)• The Possession (PG-13)• The Words (PG-13)• Expendables 2 (R)• Lawless (R)• The Campaign (R)

and Jennifer Garner) at an adoption agency explaining why they're qualified to become parents. To do so, they first have to explain what has just happened to them, which is where Timothy Green comes in.

Deeply saddened to learn they were infertile, the Greens

wrote down all of their ideas about what the perfect child ought to be: Honest to a fault, able to love and be loved, possessing a lively sense of humor, and so on. They then buried the notes in a wooden box in their backyard garden.

That night, there was a heavy rainstorm, and the next morning, the couple discovered a precocious, dirt-covered naked boy, freshly sprung from their garden, exploring their house.

He's just what they hoped to have, except that he has what

looks like vine leaves on his shins. (This is the wiccan imagery.) These leaves cannot be cut off.

No problem there: They simply advise him to keep his socks on at all times. And they begin the process of becoming involved and dedicated parents.

Timothy is extremely kind, very patient, very much an outsider among other children and endures suffering in a Christ-like way (thus the Christian analogy).

He is smitten with Joni Jerome (Odeya Rush), a slightly

'THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN'. CJ Adams and Odeya Rush star in a scene from the movie "The Odd Life of Timothy Green." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Som e material may not be suitable for children.(CNS photo/Disney)

older girl who also feels like an outsider because of a large birthmark. Together, they construct a sort of chapel in the woods with "stained glass" made from colorful autumn leaves (This is the mixed aspect).

Later on, in classic Hollywood style, Timothy comes up with a way to keep the town's pencil factory -- at which his father is a foreman -- from closing.

It's not a spoiler to disclose that, with the arrival of autumn, Timothy finds that his leaves are deciduous, and knows his time is drawing short. Yet it's made clear that his life has had a purpose.

Writer-director Peter Hedges has a little trouble keeping his sentimental tale on an even keel. The uplifting, break-out-the-hankies ending, though, is likely to appeal to anyone who enjoys a good cry.

The film contains mature themes, some pagan overtones and a single scatological reference. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Louis Lowrey, M.A.Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Offices located at 207 Church Street, Natchitoches(318) 332-8422 • Pager (318) 252-2945

[email protected]

Mail: 109 Royal Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457


DIOCESAN

BRIEFS

Miracles of the Eucharist ExhibitMiracles of the Eucharist Exhibit will be open at St. Mary's Church in Winnsboro on Sept. 23 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the church hall The exhibit will also be open Saturday, Sept. 22 from 12 noon - 4 p.m. The exhibit consists of 126-Vatican approved Eucharistic miracles that are explained on 142 beautiful, large posters and maps. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Franciscan Healing ConferenceThis year's Franciscan Healing Conference will be held Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Maryhill Renewal Center. The one-day conference is presented by Jim & Christy Gootee and the Two Hearts Team and so-sponsored by the FHHS Community. Teachings and prayers, as well as the evening Healing Service, will help break bondages, change thinking and behavior, and bring the healing grace of Jesus to body, mind and spirit. The cost is $30 per person -- meal not included. Overnight stay can be arranged for $35 extra per night but must be reserved in advance. To register, call 318-627-5015.

Celebration of Life Dinner The Women's Resource Center (a pregnancy help medical clinic) in Natchitoches, will host its annual Celebration of Life Fundraising Gala on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Natchitoches Events Center. The event begins at 5:45 p.m. with a meet & greet with hors d'oeuvres followed by the program that starts at 6:30 p.m. Carey Casey, CEO of the National Center for Fathering, will be the guest speaker. Casey played in the 1971 Virginia State Championship football game -- the game later dramatized in the award-winning movie, Remember the Titans.

Exchange students need host families

h

School in Plaucheville. At least 20 more Asian students are ready to pay tution for Catholic school and eager to come to America for 10 months, but host families are needed to welcome them into their homes. If you think you may be interested in being a host family for ISE (International Student Exchange, please call Helen Lamartiniere, area ISE representative, at 318-264-5957 and she can explain all the details. For more information, you can also go to www.iseusa.com

Red MassThe annual Red Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on Friday, Sept. 28, at 9:30 a.m. Any law professional is invited to participate in the Mass. Everyone is invited to attend the Sept. 28 Red Mass at the Cathedral to pray for the U.S. Supreme Court justices and locally, for all law professionals in our area, including judges and attorneys.

40 Days for Life40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God's power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion. Even if there is not a 40 Days for Life campaign conducted in your area, anyone can participate by praying and/or fasting on your own. Pray for an end to abortion. Pray for those involved in prayer vigils and pro-life action around the country. And, consider fasting or doing without a favorite activity, like video games, TV or the internet. Beginning Sept. 26, there will be daily devotions online at www.40daysforlife.com

Bishop's Golf TournamentThe 2012 Bishop Invitational Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 8 at the Oak Wing Golf Course. Lunch begins at 11 a.m. followed by tee-off time at noon. The cost for the four-person scramble is $135 per person ($540 per team) and includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch, and refreshments. Sponsorships are available at $100 for Hole sponsor; $250 for Silver sponsor; $540 for Team sponsor; $1,000 for Gold Chalice sponsor; and $2,500 for Platinum Chalice sponsor. To register or to be a sponsor, call 318-445-6424, ext. 209.

In Your Junior High FaceIn Your Junior High Face 2012' will be held Saturday, Oct. 13 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church from 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. It is an experience to grow and learn about our Catholic faith at the junior high level. Come and share with us a day of renewal, reconciliation and Eucharist.

Leading the experience will be Kevin Hickey, speaker; Grae McCullough, worship leader; and Fr. Jose Robles Sanchez, celebrant for the Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. Early registration is $20 for the day (includes lunch and supper) if you register by Sept. 28; and $25 if you register by Oct. 9. To register, go to the website at www.cabrinichurch.com or call Gennie at 318-445-4588 . We are looking forward to seeing you in October!

Red River Chorale ConcertThe Red River Chorale will present a musical expression of Old Testament Texts on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim at 2021 Turner Street in Alexandria. Tickets in advance are $10 for adults and $5 for students or $15 for adults and $7 for students at the door. Season tickets and Season Memberships are also available. For more information call 318-484-4463.

Cathedral Concert SeriesPianist Cahill Smith and soprano Yunjin Kim will perform a duo concert on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral as part of the Fall Cathedral Concert Series. The performance will include a selection of Goethe songs as well as solo piano music by Medtner and others. Admission is free and is open to the public.

Pro-Life Conference The La Right to Life will host the first Pro-Life Conference "Beyond the Vote 2012" on Oct. 26-27 (Friday-Saturday) at the River Oaks Conference Center in Lafayette. Some of the speakers include Lila Rose, Senator David Vitter, Ben Clapper, Kelly Boggs, and Fr. Shenan Boquet. The cost is $35 for adults and $15 for students. For more info or to register go to www.prolifelouisiana.org.

CDA COURT BISHOP DESMOND was awarded third prize for the amount of cans they delivered to the Rapides Right to Life in Alexandria. Pictured are Gail Randall, regent; Donna Domzalski, RRTL president; Ada Bergeron, education chairman; Rose Marie Francis, and Helen Brittain, treasurer

Visit our websitewww.diocesealex.

orgfor the latest

in diocesan news


September -- October

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Bishop's Golf Tournament11:00 a.m.Oak Wing Golf CourseAlexandria

40 Days of Life Campaign begins

Outdoor Rosary7:15 p.m.St. Joseph, Marksville


YEAR of FAITH begins


LAST NIGHTOutdoor Rosary7:15 p.m.St. Joseph, Marksville

Red Mass9:30 a.m.St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

Taste of Creole Night6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.St. Juliana, Alexandria

Cathedral Concert Series7:00 p.m.St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

Cooking for the King6:00 p.m.St. Mary's Assumption, Cottonport

St. Mary's Walk/Run 9:00 a.m. Alexandria

OLPS Fall Festival9 a.m.-3 p.m. Alexandria

Dedication of New Church4:00 p.m.St. Francis of Assisi, Waterproof

In Your Jr. High Face8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria

Natural Family Planning10:00 a.m.-12 noonMaryhill Renewal Center

Miracles of the Eucharist Exhibit3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.St. Mary's Church, Winnsboro

VIRTUS Training2:30 p.m.St. Genevieve, Broulliette

Marriage Prep Course9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Sacred Heart Church, Pineville

PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO

PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE

PRAY FOR FR. A. VELEZ

PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN

PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY

PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK

PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO

PRAY FOR FR. R. BORDELON

PRAY FOR FR. R. COURVILLE

PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON

PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER

PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW

PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM

PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY

PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG

PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET

PRAY FOR FR. F. D'CRUZ

PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE

PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH

PRAY FOR FR. (CAPT.) J. BROCATO

PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE

PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE

PRAY FOR FR. A. CATELLA

PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS

PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION

OCTOBER

FIRST SATURDAY

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA

FIRST FRIDAY

Red River ChoraleOld Testament Texts7:30 p.m.Gemiluth Chassodim

Celebration of Life Gala5:45 p.m.Natchitoches


FranciscanHealing Conf.9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.Maryhill Renewal Center

Miracles of the Eucharist Exhibit12 noon-4:00 p.m.St. Mary's, Winnsboro

PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON PRAY FOR FR. J. TIMMERMANS PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS

COLUMBUS DAY

Radio Maria Mari-A-Thon -- Tuesday-Friday: 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m./Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

St. Joseph School, Plaucheville, Fall Fair

St. Augustine, Isle Brevelle, Fall Fair

Sts. Francis & Anne, Kolin, Fall Fair

Sacred Heart, Moreauville, Fall Fair

The Church Today, Sept. 17, 2012

Documents

kc world day of prayer

repeat of hurricane

coastal louisiana

new church

diocese of alexandria

certain points of louisiana

distinguished service

church todaypage