News Briefs - Diocese of Shreveport

VOL. 16, NO. 10 MAY 2007
This Memorial Day. . .
remember those who have served

From the Chancellor
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
The Ascension is celebrated Sunday, May 20, 2007,
in keeping with the decision of the United States
Catholic Conference in 1998.
Pro-Life Information
Intercessions for Life and Word of Life Bulletin
inserts are provided to the Chancery for use in
our parishes by the Pro-Life office of the U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops. To receive a
copy of these monthly prayers and quotations,
call the Chancellor’s office at the Catholic Center,
318-868-4441, extension 254.
Celebrating 50 Years of Priesthood
Rev. Msgr. Franz Graef
Msgr. Franz Graef celebrated 50 years of Priesthood
on Sunday, April 22 at St. Lucy Church in Hodge,
Louisiana. Five of his siblings traveled from Germany to
be a part of the celebration with a brunch reception that
followed. Msgr. Graef was ordained on April 6, 1957 in
Innsbruck, Austria and celebrated his First Mass on April
22, 1957 in Heidelberg, Germany (his home parish).
Msgr. Franz graeF’s 50th anniversary Celebration
(Left to right) Msgr. Graef and his siblings are pictured on the
bottom row: Hildegard Hufendiek, Monika Jutt, Romi Maurice, Fr.
Graef, Barbara Juenger, Mechthild Daub, Klaus Graef. Top row:
Dieter Junger, Fr. Pat Madden (homilist), Deacon Terry Walsworth.
From the Louisiana Catholic Conference
Prayer for the 2007 Hurricane Season
(Hurricane Season begins June 1)
Our Lady of Prompt Succor,
Patroness of Louisiana,
Hasten to Help Us!
We remember the souls
of those who died
in hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
May they know the peace of Christ.
We remember, too, those who are
still displaced and hurting,
and who long to return home to their
beloved city of New Orleans
and to St. Bernard, Plaquemines
and Cameron parishes.
May they find solace
in the Lord of Mercy.
Rev. Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze
Christine rivers, Chancellor
The Rev. Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze
was ordained on May 25, 1957 at
the Pontifical College Josephinum,
Columbus, Ohio and is a native of
Natchitoches Parish. His assignments
have included St. Mary’s Assumption
in Cottonport, LA, Holy Rosary in
Shreveport, Christ the King in Bossier City, St. Mary of
the Pines in Shreveport and St. John Berchmans Cathedral
in Shreveport.
Masses of Thanksgiving will be held in the following parishes:
May 6 9:00 a.m. St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Cottonport, LA
May 13 11:00 a.m. Immaculate Conception Church in Natchitoches
(his home parish)
May 19 4:00 p.m. Christ the King Church in Bossier City
May 20 9:00 a.m. St. Mary of the Pines Church in Shreveport
May 26/27 All Masses Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport.
May 29 10:30 a.m. Msgr. Franz Graef, Fr. August Thompson of the
Alexandria Diocese and hopefully Fr. Denis
Casey of the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma and
Msgr. Carson LaCaze will concelebrate Mass at
the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. (All four
were ordained for the Diocese of Alexandria)
June 6 5:30 p.m. Cathedral of St. John Berchmans concelebrated
by his classmates from the Pontifical College
Josephinum.

2nd Annual Vocations Monstrance
Eucharistic Procession
The Serra Club
of Shreveport,
an organization
of lay men and
women dedicated to
the promotion and
support of vocations
to the priesthood
and vowed religious
life, is honored to
announce the second
year of a Eucharistic
Procession in
celebration of
Corpus Christi
Sunday. Catholics
in the United
States celebrate
the solemnity of
the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ (Corpus Christi) on the
weekend of June 9 & 10, 2007.
This year, the procession will begin after an 8:00 a.m. Mass
at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church at 1558 Buena
Vista Street in Shreveport. The Eucharistic Procession with
the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the Monstrance will process
to Holy Trinity Church at 315 Marshall Street in Shreveport.
The walking procession will be approximately one hour
(distance approximately 1 mile) with a police escort. All the
priests, deacons, and the faithful are invited and urged to attend.
After being received by Monsignor Earl V. Provenza, VF, pastor
of Holy Trinity Church and Diocesan Administrator on the
steps of Holy Trinity, everyone will be invited to participate
in a Benediction Service. At the conclusion of this service the
Blessed Sacrament will be placed in the church for the next 24
hours for adoration.
Please plan on attending and asking your family members,
friends, and organizations to participate also. Donations can
be sent to the Serra Club of Shreveport, c/o The Diocese of
Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104 to
help underwrite the costs of security, parade insurance, and
shuttle buses for the procession between Our Lady of Blessed
Sacrament and Holy Trinity. F
randy G. tiller
Serra Club of Shreveport
For a free subscription, address changes or article submissions:
EMAIL: sheflin@dioshpt.org
WRITE: Catholic Connection, The Catholic Center,
3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104
CALL: 318-868-4441 OR 800-256-1542; FAX 318-868-4609
WEBSITE: www.dioshpt.org
The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
Table of
Contents
From the Chancellor ................................................2
Celebrating 50 Years of Priesthood .........................2
Working With One Another ......................................4
Trabajo el uno con el otro ........................................5
On Home Plate –
Celebration Mary–Our Blessed Mother .............6
Western Deanery Red Mass ....................................6
Holy Trinity – The old experienced the new;
the gift of our candidates ..................................7
20 Years of Hispanic Ministry – Celebration
Planned in the Diocese of Shreveport ...............8
News Briefs – Remembering Our Military ...............9
Upcoming Second Collection –
Home Missions Appeal ....................................10
Prayer for a New Bishop .......................................10
Greco Institute Summer
Schedule of Classes .................................. 11-12
Upcoming Greco Course to be Offered on
Muslim-Christian Relations .............................13
The Ultimate Gift ...................................................15
The Seven Wonders of Aging ................................15
Publisher • Diocese of shreveport
Editor • sherry swaney heflin
editorial Board
Felicia Gilliam John Mark Willcox
Christine Rivers Rev. Charles Glorioso
Mary McGill Christie Weeks
Cathy Cobb Dianne Rachal
The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service
Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our
Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the
faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission
in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family,
parish, and diocesan faith community.

Working With One Another
Ask not what your diocese can
do for you but what you can do
for your diocese!
There is an abundant harvest but
few laborers!
Clichés? Maybe – but what are
we, the faithful of the Diocese of
Shreveport, prepared to do?
This year started out with
major changes in the governance
and leadership of our diocese.
With these changes it is natural to
ask will our purpose as Church be
changed or altered. What should we
do differently? As Catholics how will
this affect our life?
At this time in the life of our
Diocese, I believe it is paramount
that we, as the faithful, revisit the
purpose and mission of the Diocese;
and that we stay firmly planted in
the goals and objectives necessary to
fulfill this mission.
Our Mission Statement
confirms that we, God’s people
together with our Bishop and the
entire diocese embody the universal
mission of the Catholic Church. We
believe our purpose is to praise God,
to proclaim and teach the life and
work of Jesus Christ. We are also
commissioned through preaching
and living His word to serve as a
witness to the world. We support
as well as challenge other persons
in their efforts to live as Christians,
to understand Sacred Scripture and
Tradition, and to share our resources
with them.
That mission is even more
important in a vacant See. The
Catholic Church over the past
twenty years has been a voice in
the communities that comprise
our Diocese. The Catholic Church
in the Diocese of Shreveport has
shown that Christ exists through the
efforts of Christian Services, Society
of St. Vincent de Paul, the schools
and hospitals, participation on
various civic and social boards, “The
Way of the Cross” procession during
Lent, the Eucharistic Procession
celebrated on Corpus Christi for
Vocations, participation in area fairs
and festivals, Knights of Columbus
activities, Greco Institute, adult
education, and the Slattery Library,
and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Each of us has a stake in what
happens to our diocese and a
birthright as children of God. Our
purpose and our mission have not
changed. Our pastors, priests and
deacons continue to lead us from the
pulpit and inspire us to continue our
personal ministries in cooperation
with Monsignor Earl V. Provenza,
the Diocesan Administrator and all
diocesan and parish leaders.
We are a people of God,
brothers and sisters of Christ, led
by ranDy tiller
and guided by the Holy Spirit.
What else or who else do we need?
We all have talents, time and
treasure. We all have the same
command from God to share those
talents, that treasure and our time as
we continue to do the work of the
Lord in our diocese. Good stewards
do not bury what God gives them
but takes those gifts and uses them
to achieve a mission and return them
to God with an increase.
By working with one another,
the faithful, the clergy, parish and
diocesan staffs and diocesan leaders,
we can continue achieving our
objectives, completing our goals and
fulfilling our mission as Church.
In St. Matthew’s Gospel,
Chapter 28, verse 16ff, Jesus
commissioned his apostles to go
out and make disciples of all the
nations teaching them to observe
all that I have commanded you.
And He commanded us to love one
another, to care for and to heal one
another, to celebrate the Eucharist,
the lessons of the “Sermon on the
Mount”, the Ten Commandments,
to proclaim the Word and be a
witness to Christ.
So again I ask, what are we
prepared to do?
Now IS the time for ALL
Catholics to come to the aid of
their diocese! To be counted as the
Children of God that we are!
(A copy of the Mission Statement of
the Diocese and the Strategic Goals and
Objectives can be found on the Diocesan
Web Site, www.diospht.org) F
randy G. tiller
Director of Mission Effectiveness

Trabajo el uno con el otro
No pregunte lo que su diócesis
pueda hacer para Ud., sino
¡lo que Ud. puede hacer para
su diócesis! ¡Hay una cosecha
abundante pero pocos trabajadores!
¿Son clichés? A lo mejor—pero
que estamos dispuestos hacer, los
católicos fieles de la Diócesis de
Shreveport?
Este año empezó con cambios
mayores en la gobernación y
liderazgo de nuestra diócesis cuando
se jubiló nuestro Obispo Friend.
Con estos cambios es natural hacer la
pregunta si nuestro propósito como
Iglesia cambiará. ¿Qué debemos
hacer distinto que en el pasado?
Como Católicos ¿cómo afectará
nuestras vidas?
En este momento de la
vida de nuestra Diócesis, creo
que es de suma importancia
que nosotros, como fieles, nos
recordemos del propósito y
misión de la Diócesis; y que
sigamos fuertemente arraigados en
las metas y objetivos necesarios para
cumplir esta misión.
Nuestra Declaración de Misión
confirma que nosotros, el Pueblo de
Dios junto con nuestro Obispo y la
diócesis entera, encarnamos la misión
universal de la Iglesia Católica.
Creemos que nuestro propósito es
alabar a Dios, proclamar y enseñar
la vida y obra de Jesucristo. Además
estamos comisionados a través de
predicar y vivir su Palabra para servir
como testigos al mundo. Tanto
apoyamos a otras personas como
las desafiamos en sus esfuerzos para
vivir como Cristianos, entender las
Sagradas Escrituras y la Tradición, y
compartir sus recursos con otros.
Esta misión es aún más
importante cuando no hay un Obispo
(la Sede está vacante). La Iglesia
Católica tras los últimos veinte años
ha sido una voz en las comunidades
incluídas en nuestra Diócesis. La
Iglesia Católica en la Diócesis de
Shreveport ha mostrado que Cristo
vive a través de los esfuerzos de
grupos como Servicios Cristianos y
San Vicente de Paul, por las escuelas
y hospitales, por nuestra participación
en varias juntas directivas cívicas y
sociales, por el Viacrucis en el centro
de Shreveport el Viernes Santo,
por las Procesiones Eucarísticas
que se celebran en la fiesta del
Cuerpo de Cristo para promover
vocaciones, por participar en ferias
“Todos tenemos el mismo mandato
de Dios a compartir estos talentos,
este tesoro y nuestro tiempo
mientras seguimos haciendo la obra
del Señor en nuestra diócesis. ”
y festivales del área, por actividades
de los Caballeros de Colón, el
Instituto Greco, educación adulta,
la Biblioteca Slattery en el Centro
Católico—y estos son solamente una
parte de una lista larga.
Nos importa a cada uno de
nosotros lo que pase a nuestra
diócesis por tenerlo como
nuestro patrimonio como hijos/
as de Dios. Nuestro propósito
y misión no han cambiados.
Nuestro párrocos, sacerdotes y
diáconos siguen guiándonos del
púlpito e inspirándonos a seguir
nuestros ministerios personales
en cooperación con el Monseñor
Earl V. Provenza, el Administrador
Diocesano y todos los líderes
diocesanos y parroquiales.
Somos un pueblo de Dios,
hermanos y hermanas de Cristo,
guiados por el Espíritu Santo. ¿Qué
por ranDy tiller
más o a quién más necesitamos?
Todos tenemos talentos, tiempo
y tesoro. Todos tenemos el mismo
mandato de Dios a compartir estos
talentos, este tesoro y nuestro tiempo
mientras seguimos haciendo la obra
del Señor en nuestra diócesis. Buenos
administradores no entierran lo que
Dios da sino toman estos dones y
los usan para alcanzar la misión y
volverlos a Él con un aumento.
Trabajando en conjunto, los
fieles, el clero, el personal parroquial
y diocesano y líderes diocesanos,
podemos continuar a alcanzar
nuestros objetivos, completar
nuestras metas y cumplir nuestra
misión como Iglesia.
En el Evangelio de San Mateo,
Capítulo 28, Versículo 18-20,
Jesús comisionó a sus seguidores:
“Vayan, pues, a las gentes de
todas las naciones y háganlas
mis discípulos.…y enséñenles a
obedecer todo lo que he mandado
a ustedes.” Y nos mandó a amarnos
unos a los otros, cuidar y sanar uno
al otro, celebrar la Eucaristía, vivir
las lecciones del Sermón del Monte y
los Diez Mandamientos, proclamar la
Palabra y ser testigos a Cristo.
Vuelvo a repetir: ¿Qué estamos
dispuestos hacer?
¡Ahora ES la hora para TODOS
los Católicos a ayudar a su diócesis
para que seamos contados como los
Hijos e Hijas de Dios que somos!
(Se puede encontrar una copia de la
Declaración de la Misión de la Diócesis y
las Metas y Objetivos Estratégicos en el
sitio diocesano del web www.dioshpt.org) F
randy G. tiller
Director de Efectividad de la Misión
Para recibir esta subscripcíon gratis
mensualmente o para cambio de
dirección, favor de llamar a:
Blanca Belaire 219-7311

6
May is Mary’s month! It is also a
good time of year to recall the
goodness of our Blessed Mother
and a good time to ask her to watch over
us in the summer months ahead.
These days we don’t seem to note
Mary’s month in the ways we once did.
Years back all our churches and Catholic
schools enjoyed celebrating Mary’s
month by crowning a statue of the
Blessed Mother with a ring of flowers.
Back in the “old days” we would always
work to prepare Marian Altars with
candles and bouquets or we’d gather to
plant a garden for the Blessed Mother
near the statue next to the rectory. Some
of us even remember the times when
children toiled over creating a small
Marian Shrine. The best one got a prize
– usually a new rosary or a small statue.
These were definitely not works of art
but when they were taken home moms
proudly kept them for a good time on
the kitchen windowsill. We can still do
things to commemorate this special saint
you know! Mary is still with us. I think
that we should still celebrate her witness
and her love as the Mother of God!
So. . .this month’s Home Plate will
involve making a small “shrine” and, as
a family, sharing the Hail Mary prayer
together, and bringing “gifts” to the
Mother of Jesus.
Celebration of Mary –
Our Blessed Mother
You can have your Marian Shrine out
all month. To prepare your shrine put a
candle in the center of a shallow bowl and
fill the bowl with some water. (Water in
the bowl will keep the flowers you bring bright
and beautiful!) You can use a picture of the
Blessed Mother from a book or Catholic
magazine – or you can use a statue of
Mary you may have in your home or can
purchase one in a Catholic supply store.
(Your grandma may still have one she’d be
willing to share.) Flowers are blooming
everywhere now. Consider bringing
these as special signs of the gifts we bring
to Mary this month.
Place your statue or picture of Mary
beside the bowl. Now – for your gifts and
prayer think of good things you can do
each day – like helping Mom with dinner
– weeding the garden – feeding the dog
– taking flowers to a neighbor – going
through your old clothes to give to a St.
Vincent de Paul group or a Goodwill
Center. At your time together – at dinner
or lunch each day – light your candle and
pray the Holy Mary Prayer. Take some
time to talk about the good things you
have done as a gift for Mary. Each time
you do something good and loving, place
another flower for Mary in the bowl.
Here’s Mary’s prayer in case you
want to cut it out and put it beside the
“shrine.”
Diocese of Shreveport Western Deanery
Red Mass
Our Prayer
Watch over us, Blessed Mother, today
and in the summer months ahead.
Hail Mary full of grace
The Lord be with you.
Blessed are you among women and
Blessed is the fruit of your womb – Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
AMEN
Share your prayer, your gifts of
service and kindness, bring flowers
and soon your bowl will be filled with
beautiful flowers – honoring Mary and
thanking her for her guidance and love
in our lives. Try to pray and bring
flowers each day. Through this month
think of ways you can follow Mary’s
example of loving God and loving
others. Mary is a perfect Patron Saint
for families! Remember her especially
this month! F
Mary MCGill
Director of Catechetics
The Annual Red Mass in the Western Deanery will be held at 9:00 a.m.
on Friday, May 4 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 315 Marshall St.
in downtown Shreveport with Msgr. Earl V. Provenza, the Diocesan
Administrator and pastor of Holy Trinity Church, as this year’s homilist.
This Solemn Votive Mass is offered to invoke the Holy Spirit as the source
of wisdom, understanding, counsel or fortitude and is sponsored annually
by the Diocese of Shreveport and the Red Mass Society, a group of lawyers most, but not all, of whom are Catholic.
The Red Mass is celebrated throughout the world. It is generally held at the beginning of the judicial year, but in
Shreveport is usually celebrated during Law Week. Judges, lawyers, law enforcement officers and public officials of all faiths,
and the public at large, participate in the Red Mass. The primary purpose of the Red Mass is to evoke God’s blessing and
guidance in the administration of justice. The tradition of the Red Mass dates back to the 13th century in Europe and is called
the Red Mass for the color of the vestments worn by the celebrants of the Mass which symbolize tongues of fire representing
the Holy Spirit.

Holy Trinity –
The Old Experienced
the New; The Gift of
Our Candidates
Holy Trinity is the oldest church
of any denomination that is still
in use in our city. Yet, the old
experienced the new this past Easter
vigil when it had a record number
of candidates fully initiated into full
communion with the Church.
Without an empty seat in the
Church, hearts were nonetheless filled
with the true author of the night’s
events….the Holy Spirit. Monsignor
Earl Provenza has repeatedly backed
away from any compliments directed
toward him giving him credit for what
he says is the “Lord’s Work.”
No one can remember in recent
history a formal RCIA program at Holy
Trinity. Monsignor Provenza, whom
I had known from the RCIA program
at Mary Queen of Peace, made the
development of an RCIA program one
of his top priorities. He formed a team
of existing and new members, laity,
religious, and those of Holy Orders in
a very deliberate fashion. He consulted
directors of other programs and has
participated in EVERY session. Yet
he gave every instructor the latitude to
listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit
in preparing their assignments.
But the success of any such program
is having seeds to plant. And Monsignor
Earl is the perfect farmer. That is one
of his special charisms, in my opinion,
is how he welcomes not only new
non-Catholics into the Church, but
disenfranchised, returning Catholics.
And let me point this out. For
nearly every new member that was
initiated this past Easter, we had nearly
an equal number of sponsors, spouses,
fiancés and friends that went through the
program for their own enrichment.
Because Holy Trinity has no
community center, there was no space
for an RCIA program. Monsignor
Earl quickly cleared out one of the
upstairs bedrooms. Instructors started
organizing and donated time and
materials. Staff rolled up their sleeves
and pitched in every week. But the real
motivation for all of us on the team was
the catechumens and candidates.
Every day or so, I would get a call
from Monsignor Earl to add another
candidate to our roster. It was not
uncommon to do private instruction
with later members to bring them up to
speed. Our make-shift classroom was
almost always filled to capacity.
As with any new group, our
members listened more in the beginning
and asked more and more questions as
time went on. This past week we began
our first session entering the Mystogogy
discussing conversion. One of our
members, braced with the Holy Spirit
said that we instructors do too much
talking and he had something to say
and was going to be heard. His remarks
about his personal conversion were
moving and inspirational.
Another candidate talked about how
he was compelled to spread the word of
Christ with his co-workers, something
he never had any inclination before.
Some remarked that they had no
purpose in life before.
Another said that other religions did
not hold the sacredness unique to the
Catholic Church.
Still another remarked that they did
not want to figure out the “reason” why
they felt this way, but wanted to accept
the gift given to him.
A common statement was that the
appeal of the Catholic Church was it
was the only church with an apostolic
succession to Christ.
After our study of the history of the
Church, many embraced the Catholic
faith even deeper because of the
centuries of defending the faith.
But the most telling of all was when
one of the candidates asked their fellow
converts how they felt at this point in
their lives. It resulted in a unanimous
agreement that they all felt happier and
more peaceful than before they started.
And some commented that this is the
happiest they had ever felt in their lives.
Holy Trinity has truly been blessed
with the gift of these candidates and
returning Catholics. My faith grew
because their faith inspired me. And
the diversity with our new family was
remarkable. From high school to M.D.,
black and white, male and female, child
and adult, poor and fortunate….all
wanting and needing the same thing.
The only thing that can satisfy any of
us…. the one true God.
From now on I know that when I say
the Creed in Mass, my heart will be filled
with deeper feeling and meaning in the
part that says, “I believe in One, Holy,
Catholic…. (and Apostolic Church). A
cornerstone of our faith is Christ died
for all sinners and opened the doors
of salvation to everyone. We realized
that diversity, that universal (Catholic)
quality in our church at Holy Trinity
this past Easter. And, we all experienced
the fullness of the Trinity this year. And
what more appropriate a place than after
His namesake, Holy Trinity Catholic
Church.
Special thanks to all the people on
our team…..and especially to Rev. Msgr.
Earl V. Provenza, VF, our Pastor. F
randy Watson
RCIA Instructor
7

20 Years of Hispanic Ministry –
Celebration Planned in the Diocese of Shreveport
One of the fastest growing areas in our diocese
is that of the Hispanic community. This is an
overview of the history and the many places and
people in the 20+ years of Hispanic Ministry in
our diocese:
St. Paschal, West Monroe: The
first Mass in Spanish was that of the Feast
of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1972 at
St. Paschal Church by Fr. Jasper Mauss,
O.F.M. Though celebrated
annually in different churches
after that, a monthly Mass began
around 1991at Our Lady of
Fatima, Monroe and through
the years moved to St. Joseph,
Christ the King Chapel at ULM
and today has come full circle
back to St. Paschal. Volunteers
have coordinated the community
through the years: Hayde Sandlin,
Lily Mann, Cristobal Ramos and
now Lorena Chaparro.
St. Mary of the Pines,
Shreveport: In 1987 Bishop
Friend gave the go-ahead to Fr. Mario
Vizcaíno—Director of the Southeast
Pastoral Institute for Hispanic Ministry
(SEPI)—to have Yvonne Leon begin to
call Hispanic names in the phone book
to come to the first official meeting of
Hispanic Catholics in the still new Diocese
of Shreveport. The first monthly Mass
was held toward the end of May that
year. Since last fall Spanish Masses are
again celebrated here bimonthly under
the direction of Fr. Rothell Price and
coordinator Carmen Bradford.
Christ the King, Bossier City:
Within the first year or two the community
began to travel here for another Mass
in Spanish each month. In 2002 with
Fr. Rigoberto Betancurt’s moving there,
ministry to Hispanics began to blossom.
Today it has the largest number of active
Spanish-speaking members, as well as
English-speaking participants, and includes
Hispanic leaders Pancho Trejo and Marilú
Rodriguez on the Pastoral Council.
Catholic Center, Shreveport:
Beginning in 1987, Carmen Taylor served
as the first (volunteer) coordinator of a
ministry that was considered diocesan
rather than parish-based at that point.
In 1991 Elisa Milazzo became the first
Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry
employed by the diocese. During her
tenure Fr. Rigo was named Chaplain of
Hispanic Ministry and later served as
Associate Director. On Elisa’s retirement
in 2001, Sister Dolores Sánchez accepted
the now full-time position of Director
of Hispanic Ministry and Immigration
Services. Currently Rosalba Quiroz
serves as the fulltime Coordinator of the
diocesan Office of Immigration Services.
Highlights of the diocesan ministry include
approval of the Diocesan Hispanic Pastoral
Plan in 2002, the increasing number of
communities (now 9 going on 10), the
School of Ministries brought here by SEPI,
participation in Encuentro 2000 and in the
First National Hispanic Youth Encuentro,
the Greco Institute offering classes in
Spanish and the annual Anniversary
Conference/ Fiesta.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Chapel, Farmerville: Around 1995
Fr. Adrian Fisher, O.F.M., arranged for
Fr. Rigoberto to come monthly for the
growing population of Hispanics in Union
and Lincoln parishes. Fr. John Eaton
subsequently began a weekly service,
currently continued by Fr. Nicholas
Onyach.
St. Joseph, Mansfield: Around the
fall of 1990 Fr. John Scanlon celebrated
baptisms for the Spanish-speaking. In
1993 Richard Norsworthy arranged for Fr.
Rigo to come for monthly services which
are now bimonthly. Since that time Juanita
(“Bonnie”) Knapp Ibarra has served as
volunteer coordinator.
Cathedral of St. John Berchmans:
In 1996 with Fr. Juan Garcia’s being
named Chaplain of Hispanic Ministry,
the ministry in the Shreveport-Bossier
area became centered at the Cathedral,
eventually outgrowing St. Michael’s Chapel
and moving into the Cathedral itself. Over
the last 7 years or so, Jose Luis Garcia has
coordinated the community there with the
help of other experienced volunteers
St. Paul in Minden: At first this was
one of the sites to which Fr. Rigo would
go with a choir from Shreveport-Bossier
to celebrate Mass occasionally. In 2001 he
started a weekly service coordinated
since that time by Margarita Bratton.
Sacred Heart Church in Oak
Grove: Since the Feast of Our Lady
of Guadalupe 2005 Hispanics in the
northeastern corner of the diocese
(along with some who come down
from Arkansas) gather weekly for
Mass in Oak Grove that was initiated
by leaders Evelyn Ridings and Cathy
Couey with the help of Fr. Zacharias
Prakuzhy. Occasionally Fr. Mark
Watson celebrates for the migrants
working in the sweet potato fields in
Forest.
St. Thomas Aquinas, Ruston: The
newest “kid on the block”, the Spanishspeaking
in a radius around Ruston
gathered for the first time this March 11,
2007 with the help of bilingual Fr. Blane
O’Neill, O.F.M. who began bimonthly
Hispanic services at the parish.
St. John the Baptist, Many: For
about the last 3 years Jeanette Polson,
Deacon Mike Sullivan and Fr. Joe Martina
have begun to prepare the way for services
for Hispanics in the far Southern Deanery.
Throughout the diocese many have
served the Spanish-speaking in different
ways through the years, notably Fr. Murray
Clayton who has been an advocate and
resource throughout his priesthood. This
growing community has and will continue
to bless the life of the local Church, as well
as challenge it to recognize and provide for
the “many faces in God’s House.”
Gather with us as we give thanks and
CELEBRATE these 20 years of Hispanic
Ministry in our diocese on Saturday,
May 26 at Christ the King in Bossier. A
conference in Spanish by Fr. Mario will be
held from 10:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.; Mass at
4:00 p.m. followed by a potluck and Fiesta/
Talent Show. F
sr. dolores sanChez
Director of Hispanic Ministry

News Briefs
from the Catholic News Service
Knights of Columbus Raise Funds for
Families of Wounded, Dead Marines
SAN DIEGO (CNS) -- Knights of Columbus in the San
Diego area recently joined with others around the country
in providing some much-needed help to the families of U.S.
Marines killed or wounded in wartime.
“Although all military members have specific benefits when
injured, such as free medical care, physical therapy, etc.,” said
Capt. Neil May, “they are not compensated to help dependents
and/or immediate family to travel to their bed(sides) or
gravesides.
“Many of our military come from poor families who wish
to but cannot afford to miss work to be with their injured loved
ones,” added May, who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy as
an aviator and is former deputy grand knight of the Valley of
Angels council of the Knights at San Rafael Parish in Rancho
Bernardo, near San Diego.
This is where the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund steps
in to help. The fund provides financial assistance to Marines
injured in combat and training, other service members injured
while in direct support of Marine units and their families.
Grants may help with immediate financial needs such as
travel, child care, lodging or lost wages. Assistance is also given
for long-term needs such as modified homes and vans.
Since its inception in May 2004, the Semper Fi Fund has
provided more than $9 million in assistance to wounded heroes.
During the weekend of March 10-11, the Knights of
Columbus at San Rafael held a special collection for the Semper
Fi Fund, during which more than $13,500 was collected at five
Masses.
According to Paul Thoreson, the council’s grand knight,
$10,000 of the donation will go to the Semper Fi Fund, with
the remaining monies to be donated to Camp Pendleton
chaplains in the form of small-denomination gift certificates
from local stores, to be given by the chaplains to Marine
families in need.
The collection was just one of the efforts by district and
national Knights of Columbus councils in support of the
nation’s military. Councils in several local parishes have
been actively raising funds and collecting items in support
of U.S. troops.
In addition to the funds, the Knights of Columbus councils
also send prayer books overseas to the troops. The Knights
joined with the Archdiocese for the Military Services to publish
“Armed With the Faith,” a book of Catholic prayers and
readings. Nearly half a million copies of the book have been
distributed to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan,
and on military bases throughout the world.
Military Chaplain Brings Stories From
Iraq to Indianapolis Catholics
INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) – “Dear Brave Soldier, I want to
thank you for what you are doing for our country. I feel you
are brave because you are serving our country and because
you are fighting for justice.” The child’s letter, decorated
with hearts carefully colored with a red crayon, brought
smiles to the faces of soldiers who read it while serving
their country in Iraq. Father Eric Albertson, a priest of the
Diocese of Arlington, Va., working with the Archdiocese
for the Military Services as a U.S. Army major, included a
picture of that letter in his slide show of photographs aimed
at sharing the true story of soldiers’ lives in combat in Iraq.
Dressed in his Army uniform, Father Albertson narrated
“Dear Brave Soldier: A Pictorial Account of a Chaplain’s
Experience in Iraq” at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Parish in Indianapolis March 7 as part of the “Spaghetti and
Spirituality” Lenten speaker series. From the first slide to the
last, the audience was caught up in his personal look at the
courage, humor and grief of enlisted men and women serving
in America’s all-volunteer armed forces.
Knights Express Profound Gratitude to
Armed Forces
Delegates to the 124th annual Knights of Columbus convention
held this past August adopted a resolution expressing “steadfast
support” and “profound gratitude” to “our servicemen and
servicewomen now deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle
East, and other dangerous regions of the world.”
The resolution pledges continued prayer “for the success
of those military personnel currently deployed around the
world and for their safe return home.”
The resolution lists the many programs that the Knights
of Columbus conducts on behalf of veterans and active duty
military personnel, including “support for military chaplains,
the World War II Memorial, its Veterans Hospital visitation
program, and its military prayerbook program as well as
Matthews and Swift Educational Trust Fund Scholarship
Program.” Many of the programs are carried out by Fourth
Degree Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus.
The delegates observed a moment of silence to
remember and honor “those men and women who have
courageously given their lives in defense of their country
and those who have suffered serious injury while engaged in
combat.” Four members of the Knights of Columbus have
died in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past year.

10
UPCOMING SECOND COLLECTION
Home Mission Appeal
COLLECTION DATE: MAy 26 & 27
What do you think is the largest Catholic diocese
(in land area) in the continental United States?
The answer is the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming,
which covers the entire state. There are 50,000
Catholics scattered across 100,000 square miles.
Having been there myself, I have seen the vastness of
the prairie and the isolation of small-town parishes
connected only by fifty miles of two-lane highways.
I once drove across the state at night unable to find
even a radio station.
The diocese has few resources of its own. The people struggle to keep small rural parishes open so that the Church
can provide the sacraments, teach religious education, travel to outlying missions, and pay the utility bills.
Our Diocese of Shreveport benefits from the Catholic Home Missions appeal, receiving many more dollars than
we raise from this collection. I encourage you to do what you can to support this important work. F
rev. david riChter, Jv
Moderator of the Curia
dianne raChal
Director of Worship

Greco Institute
SUMMER 2007
Faculty
Rev. Patrick J. Madden, Ph.D. Director of Greco Institute
Mr. James McGill, M.A. Instructor of Theology/Sacred Scripture
Adjunct Faculty for Summer 2007
Debi Book, M.P.S. Cathy Cobb, M.P.S. Peter Huff, Ph.D.
Wilfred Guerin, Ph.D. Claire Justice, M.D. Dianne Rachal, M.A
Rev. Pike Thomas, S.T.M. Rev. André McGrath, S.T.D. Holly Wilson, Ph.D.
Rev. Job Edathinatt, M.A.
Location Course Instructor Day Dates Time
Bossier City
St. Jude Gospel of Luke Madden T 6/5–7/24 9:30-11:30 am
St. Jude F What Catholics Believe Thomas W 5/9–6/27 7:00-9:00 pm
Hodge
St. Lucy (Webcast) F What Catholics Believe McGill W 4/25–6/13 9:30-11:30 am
Homer
David Wade The Crusades Wilson W 4/18–6/27 5:00-6:10 pm
Keithville
Forcht Wade Discussions in Sacred Scripture McGill Th 4/19–6/21 5:00-6:15 pm
Monroe
ULM Catholic Center GIFT: The Beatitudes Edathinatt Th 5/31–6/21 6:30-8:30 pm
Ruston
St. Thomas Aquinas F Church History Justice Su 6/3–7/22 4:30-6:30 pm
Shreveport
Catholic Center F What Catholics Believe McGill W 4/25–6/13 9:30-11:30 am
Catholic Center F Church History McGill Th 4/26–6/14 9:30-11:30 am
Catholic Center F Catholic Morality Madden F 6/1–7/20 9:30-11:30 am
Sacred Heart of Jesus (Webcast) F Church History McGill Th 4/26–6/14 9:30-11:30 am
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton GIFT: World Religions Cobb Su 6/13–7/15 9:30-11:00 am
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton F Sacraments Cobb W 6/6–8/1 9:30-11:30 am
St. Catherine of Siena Second Great Commandment Guerin M 6/4–7/23 6:30-8:30 pm
St. John Berchman Cathedral Muslim-Catholic Dialogue Huff W 6/13–7/25 6:30-8:30 pm
West Monroe
St. Pascal LIMEX Focus Courses Book M 5/21–8/27 6:10 -9:00 pm
Zwolle
St. Joseph F Church at Prayer Rachal W 6/6–7/25 5:00-7:00 pm
Online
F Catholic Morality Madden NA 6/1–7/20 NA
F Church History McGill NA 4/25–6/13 NA
F What Catholics Believe McGill NA 4/26–6/14 NA
11

12
THE BEATITUDES (GIFT) We have lost touch with
how revolutionary the Beatitudes really are! The astounding
truth is that the Beatitudes reveal to us the very heart of God.
When you begin to comprehend the beauty of living the
Beatitudes that Jesus gave us, you will discover that he has
placed heaven in our hands.
F WHAT CATHOLICS BELIEVE By analyzing the Creed,
this course provides an understanding of what constitutes the
basis of Catholic faith and identity. It surveys the topics of faith,
grace, Christian Community, Trinity, Christology,
Pneumatology (belief about the Holy Spirit), Eschatology (belief
about “the end”), Mariology, the Seven Sacraments, Scripture &
Tradition.
FCATHOLIC MORALITY Participants study the sources of
Christian Morality from a Catholic perspective, examining how
Catholic Faith affects the way one forms and in-forms
conscience and the moral decisions one makes
F CHURCH AT PRAYER This course examines the basic
principles of Catholic worship and the structure of the Mass.
Special attention is given to our Catholic expressions of ritual
and symbols. The course also addresses the difference between
public and private prayer and explores how the emphasis of
worship has changed over the centuries.
F CHURCH HISTORY This course provides an historical
survey of the Catholic Church from the Apostolic Era to the
present. It focuses on how the characteristics of the times
continue to influence the history and theology of the Church. It
includes several strands of development, such as liturgy, creedal
matters, organization and structure, and politics and church/state
matters.
THE CRUSADES Most people have vague and confused
impressions about the Crusades. Yet the Crusades have had a
lasting impact on the three Abrahamic traditions: Christianity,
Islam, and Judaism, an impact that can still be seen today in
contemporary conflicts. We will look at the Crusades in terms of
their effects on all three Abrahamic traditions, and look at the
Crusades from these three different perspectives. We will study
not so much a story of the battles as how people perceived and
understood those battles. By doing this we get at the vision of
reality that still motivates conflict today.
DISCUSSIONS ON SCRIPTURE This course reviews a
number of biblical themes including: salvation, repentance,
covenant, creation, exodus, exile, decalogue, messiah, sin,
resurrection and such. The instructor will guide the students in
ways of approaching these various issues through examination
of biblical texts from the Old and New Testaments.
FOCUS COURSES Students in the LIMEX program pursue
two focus area courses during their program. Students prepare
themselves in-depth for a particular interest. This semester our
students will be studying: Marketplace Ministry; Christian
Spirituality for Pastoral Ministry; Pastoral Life and
Administration; Youth Ministry; Religious Education.
Students must be currently enrolled in the LIMEX
program.
GOSPEL OF LUKE This course will examine the
formation, structure, theology, purpose and enduring value
of the third Gospel of the New Testament, Luke. Luke's
view presents Jesus as the reconciling Son of God whose
prophetic life and saving death bring healing to all humanity
especially the poor and lowly. Luke's witness to Jesus Christ
speaks deeply to the hearts and lives of the faithful today.
GOSPEL OF LUKE This course will examine the
formation, structure, theology, purpose and enduring value of
the third Gospel of the New Testament, Luke. Luke's view
presents Jesus as the reconciling Son of God whose
prophetic life and saving death bring healing to all humanity
especially the poor and lowly. Luke's witness to Jesus Christ
speaks deeply to the hearts and lives of the faithful today.
MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN RELATIONS: This course will
examine the relationship between Christianity and Islam
from historical and theological perspectives. Students will
read the Qur'an, learn the basics of Islamic spirituality, and
study the principles of interfaith dialogue as defined by the
Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council.
F SACRAMENTS This course explores the importance,
history, and expression of the seven sacraments in symbol
and theology. It also examines how sacraments continue to
teach the ministry of Jesus and meet basic human needs.
THE SECOND GREAT COMMANDMENT Jesus
commands us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves,
which has social implications. From minimum wage, to the
role of capital, to the theory of private ownership, to a
century of interaction between economics and moral
theology, a succession of popes has given us a magnificent
collection of the church's teachings on social
concerns. Since Pope Leo XIII in 1891, and Pius XI in 1931,
other popes, often at ten year intervals, have updated and
reinterpreted these concerns in a consistent fashion, coming
down to John Paul II's letter in 1991. Time permitting, we
might even look at Pope Benedict XVI's first and only
encyclical thus far, to see it in that context.
WORLD RELIGIONS (GIFT) This intergenerational
course will explore five major world religions: Judaism,
Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. It will feature
catechesis and activities for both children and adults.
Acknowledging God’s goodness and creativity as it exists in
various religions can help us celebrate our own Catholic
identity and better relate to those who are different from us
in today’s complex world.
GIFT Courses do not meet the requirements for
catechist or liturgical certification and are
ineligible for college credit.
F Foundations Courses are REQUIRED for
catechist and liturgical certification

Upcoming Greco Course to be Offered on
Muslim-Christian Relations
A
topic much in the news today is the tension between
Islam and Christianity. Christianity and Islam are the
two largest and fastest growing religions on earth. They
are both multi-ethnic, preeminently international, and truly
global in scope. They share many of the same fundamental
convictions regarding the unity of God and the moral and
spiritual responsibility of humanity. They differ dramatically on
issues such as the nature of divine revelation and the person of
Jesus Christ. Throughout the centuries the two traditions have
sometimes co-existed in peaceful harmony. At other times, they
have represented the world’s two great religious rivals--both
programmed for global success.
Dr. Peter Huff will be offering an eight week Greco
series entitled, MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN RELATIONS at the
Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Dr. Huff is an Associate
Professor of Theology at Centenary College. He earned his
Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Saint Louis University.
Dr Huff has authored several books and articles, and is locally
active on several inter-religious boards.
This course will examine the relationship between
Christianity and Islam from historical and theological
perspectives. Students will read the Qur’an, learn the basics
of Islamic spirituality, and study the principles of interfaith
dialogue as defined by the Catholic Church since the
Second Vatican Council. It is designed to promote interfaith
understanding, respect, and appreciation. Participants will be
introduced to the vigorous dialogue going on among Christian
and Muslim leaders around the world. It will specifically
critique misinformation about the Islamic tradition that often
circulates in the Christian community. The course is intended
to foster bridge-building between local Christian communities
and the Muslim community of the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Participants will have an opportunity to meet and dialogue with
leaders of local Muslim groups.
This eight week Greco course will meet at St. John
Berchmans Cathedral 939 Jordan Shreveport. We will gather
in the Library on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting
June 13th. Call 221-5296 for more information.
Our Lady of Fatima 6th grade students nominated for the U.S. Presidential
Leadership Award in Washington D.C. Pictured on top are Krystin Swanner,
Michael Theriot, Zara Collins, Worth Stewart. On bottom: Haley Cohenour,
Quinn Haze, Danielle Wallace.
Black History Month celebration held at St. Joseph Bastrop
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bastrop, LA held its second annual Black
History Month celebration in February. Pictured left to right are Marvey
Bowman, Miche Aaron, Lela White, Alfred Twymon, Brenda Moore,
Roosevelt Lenard and Kathy Lenard.
Jesus the Good Shepherd students in Monroe, LA participated in their
annual Stations of the Cross.
The Beta Club students at Our Lady of Fatima School made Easter baskets
for the residents of the St. Joseph’s Nursing Home. The Pre-K4, K5 and
1st grade students cheered up the residents by presenting the baskets. Gabe
Haney, Chandler Chism & Clare Haney.
13

1
May
2007
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Dunc Dimittis
Please pray for the repose
of the souls of
Rev. Calvin Charles Burleigh,
Rev. Msgr. Albert Richardson
and Rev. Gilles Boyer
Knights of St. Peter
Claver Convention
Monroe
Jewish observance:
Lag b’Omer
Mother’s Day
Ascension Sunday
Pentecost
2nd Collection:
Home Missions
1 2 3
6 7 10 11 12
Western Deanery
Clergy Meeting
Catholic Center
10:30 a.m.-12 Noon
Joseph the Worker
LSUHSC
Catholic Student
Program
Vocation Board
Meeting
Catholic Center
Noon
13 1 1 16 17 1 1
20 21 22 23 2 2 26
National Maritime
Day
Athanasius, bishop,
doctor
Philip and James,
apostles
Knights of Columbus
Catholic Center
7-9 p.m.
Catholic Connection
Deadline for June
Serra Club Meeting
Catholic Center
Noon
Rita of Cascia, virgin Jewish observance:
Bede, doctor/Gregory VII/
Shavuot Mary Magdalene dei Pazzi
Philip Neri, priest
27 2 2 30 31
Memorial Day
Catholic Center
Closed
LSUHSC
Catholic Student
Program
Golden Jubilee
Celebration for
Msgr. Franz Graef
and
Msgr. Carson
LaCaze
Visitation of the
Virgin Mary
RED MASS
Holy Trinity
Church
Shreveport
9 a.m.
Canada: Bl. Marie-
Leonie Paradis
Pope Benedict XVI visits Brazil May 9-13
John I, pope, martyr
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Knights of St. Peter
Claver Convention
Monroe
Rosary at the Rose
Bowl - Pasadena,
California
20th Anniversary
of Diocesan
Hispanic Ministry
2nd Collection:
Home Missions
June 1 – LCC Day of Prayer
and Fasting for a Storm Free
Hurricane Season
June 3 – Trinity Sunday

The Ultimate Gift
I
once heard planned giving,
especially the leaving of money or
property to the Church in your will,
described as “The Ultimate Gift”.
The word ultimate conjures up
two main notions…the first being the
best, greatest, or most memorable,
and the second meaning the final or
last. When a Christian Steward makes
provisions in their will to provide
support for their parish or Diocese,
they are indeed making The Ultimate
Gift.
Why leave the Church in your
will? Well, there can be various
reasons, however the most simple is
that your will is a final statement of
who you were during life. If during
your life, you were a dedicated steward
to the church, who committed yourself
and your financial support generously,
leaving the Church a portion of
your estate continues this history of
stewardship with your final wishes.
Perhaps you were unable to give
as generously in life as you would
have liked due to fixed income or
circumstances. Many people are able
Diocese of shreveport
the catholic center
3500 fairfielD avenue
shreveport, la 71104
$10,000
$7,500
$5,000
$3,500
to give an “Ultimate” gift that was not
possible for them to give during their
lifetimes.
If you do not have a will, please
consider taking the time to make
one. Many people have numerous
excuses, but failing to make a will can
be emotionally and financially difficult
on your family at the time of your
death. Having a will and including
the Church among your bequests can
continue your path of stewardship
at the end of your life, as well as
preventing loss of your estate to taxes.
If you already have a will,
there is an easy and cost-free way
of adding a gift to your parish or
Diocese without having to visit an
attorney. For more information on
the subject of making The Ultimate
Gift to the Church, please contact the
Office of Stewardship and Diocesan
Development at the Catholic Center.
318-868-4441, ext. 261.
$2,500
$2,000
$1,500
$1,000
Please send monthly reminders to:
Katie h. sMith
Director of Stewardship and Diocesan
Development
$800
$750
$650
$500
7The Seven Wonders of Aging:
• An Aging Body, Mind, Spirit, in
an Ageless Soul. This includes
a God-filled prayer life, deep
faith, wholeness, mercy, trust,
vision, etc.
• Positive attitudes, beliefs and
values (Aging as a positive
attitude)
• Joyful Humor (Laughter as the
greatest wonder to possess)
• Aging with a courageous,
adaptable and forgiving heart
• Aging as spiritual gratitude
• Aging as a good listener with a
loving heart
• Aging as mystery and wonder.
2 0 0 7 D I O C E S A N S T E W A R D S H I P A P P E A L
I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a yearly pledge of:
$400
$350
$300
$250
By Sister Martinette Rivers
$200
$150
$100
$_______
At this time I / we are enclosing: $_____________
Print Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________State_________Zip Code____________
My / Our Church Parish ___________________________________________________________________
Signature ________________________________________________________________________________
You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Development)
1

16
D I O C E S E O F S H R E V E P O R T
3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104
The Stations of the Cross
Eighth grade students of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans School
participated in the Stations of the Cross this past Easter.
Pictured at left is Dr. Richard Gaillardetz who was the keynote speaker at the Diocesan Liturgical Conference . Pictured in the center is
Msgr. Earl V. Provenza, the Diocesan Administrator and to the right is Carole Moon who led us in prayer and song.
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SHREVEPORT, LA
71104
PERMIT NO. 111