the church today, july 23, 2012

CHURCH TODAY Volume XLII, No. 7 www.diocesealex.org Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970 July 23, 2012

O N T H E INSIDEU.S. representative introduces Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act

Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., announced July 10 that he would introduce the Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act after saying that the U.S. Supreme Court's June 28 decision on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "leaves intact a grave assault to religious freedoms." Find out what's next in the struggle to protect religious freedom on pg. 3.

TEXT: freedomTO: 377377

People who want updates on religious liberty can still text “freedom” to 377377. The U.S. bishops initiated the texting campaign to keep people informed about updates on religious freedom issues. For complete story, go to pg 2.

First Communion and Confirmation section Check out pages 10-18 for a gallery of First Communion and Confirmation pictures.

God Bless AmericaSt. Peter Mission has patriotic theme for Vacation Bible School

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

ST. PETER MISSION in Elmer held its summer Vacation Bible School June 24-27 and followed a patriotic theme.

JULY 23, 2012 CHURCH TODAYPAGE 2

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By Sr. Mary Ann Walshusccblog

The July 4 closing of the Fortnight for Freedom at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington drew a standing-room-only crowd, a fact that stunned organizers given the holiday, intense heat and state of emergency situation around the District of Columbia due to power outages.

I suspected we were headed into an overflow situation at the Mass when I arrived 40 minutes early and could find only illegal parking on The Catholic University of America campus, where the shrine is located.

In the church, the crowd was unusual, so dense that the procession of bishops and priests to and from the Mass could not take its usual route up the side aisle and down the middle but had to be led outside into the sweltering heat. That turned out

to be nice for the people who were on the steps and couldn’t even get into the basilica.

The shrine church holds an estimated 3,500 people and about 5,000 made it inside. The congregation far exceeded the crowd when Pope Benedict XVI

By Daniel Linskey Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) --

Defending religious liberty is part of the bigger struggle to "convert our own hearts" and "live for God completely," Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said July 4 in Washington at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

He delivered the homily at the Mass that brought the U.S. bishops' "fortnight for freedom" to a close.

"The political and legal effort to defend religious liberty -- as vital as it is -- belongs to a much greater struggle to master and convert our own hearts, and to live for God completely, without alibis or self-delusion," the archbishop said.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for the fortnight in March, outlining several instances of "religious liberty under attack," including the federal contraceptive mandate. They asked dioceses to plan Masses, prayer services, educational events and other activities from June 21 to July 4.

Cardinal Donald W.

Wuerl of Washington was the main celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrants included Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, and Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, who is chairman of the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.

Outside the national shrine before Mass, the crowd joined in the singing of patriotic hymns. The heat was daunting, and the clergy, dressed in heavy white vestments, fanned themselves with missals as they waited to process into the shrine.

Once inside, the pews of the 3,500-capacity of the shrine's upper church quickly filled; other congregants stood, filling the side chapels dotting the church.

The crowd, estimated at 5,000, included Knights of Columbus honor guard with their feathered chapeaus to brothers in humble brown robes with dirt-stained sandals.

Rounded out with brass and a full organ, a choir welcomed the procession of bishops, priests and deacons down the aisle to the altar.

Archbishop Chaput began his homily with a quote from

MAN PRAYS AT NATIONAL SHRINE IN WASHINGTON DURING FINAL MASS OF 'FORTNIGHT' CAMPAIGN. A man prays amid the overflow crowd during Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington July 4, the final day of the bishops' "fortnight for freedom" campaign. The observance, which began with a June 21 Mass in Baltimore, was a two-week period of prayer, education and action on preserving religious freedom in the U.S. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

Fortnight for Freedom closing Mass draws 5,000 in prayer

visited there in 2008, because the U.S. Secret Service charged with his safety wouldn’t tolerate the scene on July 4: blocked aisles with people sitting everywhere, including on the floor.

Spirit was high and the crowd burst into applause several

times during the afternoon Mass. People clapped several times during Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl’s welcome and Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap’s homily. Such applause happens occasionally at Mass, but this much clapping was unusual.

“Unusual” characterized the entire Mass, especially when Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, who concelebrated the Mass, called on the congregation to open their cellphones and text the word “freedom” or “libertad”

Archbishop Lori asks congregation to text 'freedom' at end of Mass

Paul Claudel, a French poet and diplomat, who once described the Christian as "a man who knows what he is doing and where he is going in a world (that) no longer (knows) the difference between good and evil, yes and no. He is like a god standing out in a crowd of invalids. ... He alone has liberty

in a world of slaves."The archbishop talked about

the idea of freedom of conscience, of knowing right and wrong, equating it with the greater idea of liberty.

Archbishop Chaput said Claudel "spoke from a lifetime that witnessed two world wars

and the rise of atheist ideologies that murdered tens of millions of innocent people using the vocabulary of science. He knew exactly where forgetting God can lead."

The modern indifference to morality and the growing sense of moral relativism Blessed John Paul II warned of in the 1993 encyclical "Veritatis Splendor" ("The Splendor of Truth") can be countered with the values both Americans and Christians hold.

Drawing on the day's Gospel, Archbishop Chaput pointed to Jesus' words: "'Render unto Caesar those things that bear Caesar's image, but more importantly, render unto God that which bears God's image' -- in other words, you and me. All of us."

"The purpose of religious liberty is to create the context for true freedom," he said. "Religious liberty is a foundational right. It's necessary for a good society. But it can never be sufficient for human happiness. It's not an end in itself."

He continued, "In the end,

to 377377. It was part of the U.S. bishops’ religious liberty text campaign, and in two minutes about 2,500 people suddenly joined the effort. Those who texted signed up to receive text messages about the campaign, which still continues. Archbishop Lori admitted that asking people to turn on their phones at Mass was a first for him – and likely a first for everyone in the congregation. (People who want updates on religious liberty can still text “freedom” or libertad” to 377377.)

Text: freedomTo: 377377

Receive: updates on religious freedom

See RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, pg. 3

JULY 23, 2012 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 3

4.7 miles to St. Philomena Shrine

By Nancy Frazier O'Brien Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Saying that the U.S. Supreme Court's June 28 decision on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "leaves intact a grave assault to religious freedoms," Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., announced July 10 that he would introduce the Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act.

The bill, which has 57 co-sponsors, would allow employers who have religious or moral objections to covering certain preventive services mandated by the health reform law to decline to provide them through their health insurance plans without facing taxes, penalties or enforcement actions for their noncompliance.

The Supreme Court ruled June 28 that it was constitutional for Congress to require individuals to purchase health insurance under its authority to tax.

Sensenbrenner said the health reform law "gives the federal government the tools to tax religiously affiliated schools, hospitals, universities and soup kitchens right out of existence" by imposing penalties of up to $100 per employee per day on employers who fail to provide services mandated by

the Department of Health and Human Services, which include sterilizations and contraceptives, including some abortion-causing drugs.

A religious institution with 50 employees, for example, could face penalties of up to $36,500 per employee per year, or more than $1.8 million per year, he said.

"Obviously, if these taxes are levied and they are enforced, there will be no religious-affiliated institutions left in this

country," said Sensenbrenner, former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

" R e l i g i o u s - a f f i l i a t e d institutions, I think, have been one of the ways that there has been diversity provided in education, in health care and in various types of social services and relief services," he added. "I don't think they should be taxed out of business, and neither do my co-sponsors."

To be exempt from the mandate, a religious organization

must have "the inculcation of religious values as its purpose"; primarily employ "persons who share its religious tenets"; primarily serve "persons who share its religious tenets"; and be a nonprofit organization under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has not taken a stand on the Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act, according to Mercy Sister Mary Ann Walsh, USCCB director of media

New proposal would remove mandate's penalties for religious employersSupreme Court rules health reform tax is constitutional

relations.But the leaders of a lay-led

organization called the Catholic Association said in a news release that they would "fully engage the Catholic grass-roots to support this legislation to preserve religious freedom and restore the long-standing bipartisan consensus on conscience protections."

"The president is attempting to reshape religion in this country by forcing religious organizations like Catholic Charities USA, which alone serves more than 9 million people each year, to pay millions to the government for simply practicing their faith," said Maureen Ferguson and Ashley McGuire, senior policy adviser and senior fellow, respectively, of the new organization.

The Catholic Association describes itself as a group "dedicated to being a faithful Catholic voice in the public square and the public arena."

A new interfaith organization called Conscience Cause also pledged to support the legislation.

"People of all faiths are looking to Congress to repeal this mandate, which forces religious institutions to pay for services that violate their faith and which redefines the very definition of a religious organization," the group said in a statement.

Which affords greater protection -- Freedom of Religion or Government Laws?

Religious freedom

we defend religious liberty in order to live the deeper freedom that is discipleship in Jesus Christ. What good is religious freedom, consecrated in the law, if we don't then use that freedom to seek God with our whole mind and soul and strength?"

Archbishop Chaput closed his homily by urging listeners to, "fulfill our duty as citizens of the United States, but much more importantly, as disciples of Jesus Christ."

He received a standing ovation from the congregation, with some in the crowd waving American flags.

At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Wuerl addressed the congregation, tasking his listeners with carrying forth the message of the "fortnight for freedom."

In organizing the "fortnight," foremost among the U.S. bishops' concerns is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that employers, including most religious ones, provide insurance coverage for contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs, which Catholic teaching considers "morally objectionable."

Other concerns include court rulings and policy decisions that have forced Catholic institutions out of adoption, foster care and refugee services. Threats abroad include attacks on churches in Iraq, Nigeria and Kenya.

From page 2


ing to define what constitutes reli-gion. This is what we are fighting.

Please continue your efforts through our legislators and other venues. The consequences are enormous for so many of our insti-tutions such as hospitals, schools and charitable organizations.

Thanks to all who helped in any way with the Taste of Faith. The list would be too long to try to enumerate. There did not seem to be as many as last year and the amount donated was also less but the event was still a great success. The fact that we had to change the time to early summer may have had an impact.

Don’t forget that August 15 is

We are at the mid-point of summer and very soon prepara-tions for a new school year will be the focus of attention for many of you.

One of the most significant events of this past month is the Fortnight for Freedom that many parishes were involved in. Thanks for all your prayers and other ac-tivities.

However, the battle for our religious freedom is not over. The issues remain. Some have the im-pression that the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the con-stitutionality of the law removed it from our consideration. Not true.

First of all, the issue before the Court was the mandate for individuals to have or purchase insurance. Our concern in the mandate by HHS that employers provide coverage that includes contraceptives and abortion induc-ing drugs among other things. This entire issue is still in the judicial system as a violation of our con-stitutional right to the free exercise of religion. The government is try-

a Holy Day of obligation.In the weeks ahead I will be

attending a number of events that relate to my responsibilities out-side the diocese. It is privilege to have the opportunity to work with other organizations.

Please continue to pray for deliverance from the potential of severe storms now that we are in the midst of the 2012 hurricane season.

May the Lord bless you and your loved ones and keep you safe during this summer!

ONE IN

THE LORDMost Rev. Ronald P. Herzog

Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria

CHURCH TODAYVolume XLII, No. 7 • July 23, 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

Prayer is a battle. Indeed, it is a constant battle,

not only against the wiles of the tempter, but against ourselves and the mentality of the pres-ent world. One thing is sure, we will never advance in the spiritual battle if we do not face, head on, these challenges. The Catechism is clear, “We pray as we live, be-cause we live as we pray” (CCC 2725).

The battle of prayer is an in-ternal struggle, chiefly because there are so many erroneous no-tions of prayer. Some people dis-miss prayer as simply a psycho-logical activity or a meditation in search of a “mental void.” Oth-ers fall to the temptation to con-fine prayer to mere ritual words, postures, gestures, and actions. Worst of all, many believe prayer is an activity totally incompatible with their lifestyle, as if they sim-ply don’t have the time. It may be suggested that one does not have the time not to pray!

The “present world” is no advocate of prayer, either. One of these external attacks includes dismissing the effectiveness of prayer because it cannot be veri-fied by science, yet our own ex-periences testify to the victories won by vigilant prayer. We also

live in a world that values pro-ductivity, both personal and eco-nomic, as the ultimate measure of our self-worth. With such an at-titude, the quiet solitude required for fruitful prayer is unquestion-ably unproductive and useless.

Another attack involves the hedonistic lives so many relent-lessly pursue. This philosophy exalts pleasure and finds truth only in the satisfaction of carnal desire as the path of least resis-tance to the good life. This is a philosophy that exchanges the truth for a lie (cf. Rom. 1:25), rather than being “caught up in the glory of the living and true God” (CCC 2727).

As difficult as these chal-lenges are, one still has to face the dangers of distraction and lack of faith. Distraction in prayer sim-ply reveals to us our worldly at-tachments and the need to serve

one master only. Lack of faith presents itself when the multitude of worldly cares and priorities overtake our attention leading us to forget that apart from Jesus, “we can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

All of these battles can be re-duced to mere skirmishes, easily won, if we resolve to cultivate the virtue of humility. First, by hum-bly recognizing that “we do not know how to pray as we ought,” and second, by giving our prayer life over to the Holy Spirit who enables us to pray “with sights too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26).

In this way, we learn that prayer is truly a gift from God, who takes the initiative and calls us to intimate communion with him, just as Jesus approached the Samaritan woman at the well and declared, “I am he, the one who is speaking with you” (Jn. 4:26).

GUEST COmmENTARY

Deacon John WhiteheadDiocese of Alexandria

Battle of prayer is an internal struggle

O God our Creator,from your provident hand we have receivedour right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.You have called us as your people and given usthe right and the duty to worship you, the only true God,and your Son, Jesus Christ.Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospelto every corner of society.

We ask you to bless usin our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.Give us the strength of mind and heartto readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;give us courage in making our voices heardon behalf of the rights of your Churchand the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughtersgathered in your Churchin this decisive hour in the history of our nation,so that, with every trial withstoodand every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,and all who come after us—this great land will always be "one nation, under God,indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer for Protecting Religious Liberty


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ST. AUGUSTINE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. An average of 30 children attended Vacation Bible School July 9-13 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isel Brevelle. The St. Augustine VBS was one of six held in the diocese during that particular week, and one of approximately 15-18 held in the diocese throughout the summer.

SACRED HEART, Pineville, MUSIC WORKSHOP participants sang for the 11:30 Mass on Sunday, June 24.

OL of LOURDES, Winnfield, celebrated Father's Day on June 17. Fathers receiving awards were David Herring, youngest father; Simon Buras, oldest father; and Thomas Ardoin, religious father award (given to the father with the most people with him in church that day). The Our Father Award went to Rev. Christian Ogbonna, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. All fathers present received a special blessing and a St. Joseph token.

STS. FRANCIS & ANNE VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY. The parish Boy Scout troop presented all veterans with a certificate of appreciation July 1 for their time and dedicated service in the various branches of the military. Pictured are (front row) Richard Walker, Ferd Smith, David Cohran. Back row: Gabi Stiltner, Richard Primeaux, Bobby Gerald Mabou, Marlene Kramel, Glenn Kramel, Jerry McNeal, Robert Bordelon, Jim Tuma, Leroy Anderson,


June

Knights of Columbus Council 9217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00 Fr. Adrian Molenschot BurseDeacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard BurseDr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers BurseMr. & Mrs. Charles D. Perot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 Fr. Dan O'Connor BurseMr. & Mrs. Robert O. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00 Fr. Daniel Corkery BurseMs. Geraldine B. Deptula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00 Fr. Bruce Miller BurseTotal this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,710.00

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 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. -- Very Rev. Stephen Scott Chemino, Chairman

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Crowds enjoy Taste of Faith benefitdinner for diocesan seminarians

Top: Seminarian Gus Voltz and Deacon Todd Marye put the finishing touches on the stuffed catfish.

Bottom left: Seminarians Dale Meade and Brian Seiler discuss how much bread crumbs to use.

Bottom right: Seminarians Taylor Reynolds, Daniel Hart and Joseph Desmoine take orders in the kitchen.


A local teacher has received national recognition for outstand-ing performance in education.

Jessica Vicknair, a 2nd grade teacher at St. Frances Cabrini School, was awarded Reading Model Classroom Certification by Renaissance Learning, for outstanding performance in edu-cation.

Reading Model Classroom certification indicates that Miss Vicknair’s dedication to imple-menting the company’s Ac-celerated Reader Best Practices to a high degree has resulted in measurable improvements in her class’s reading performance over a 12-week period. These include allocating 30 minutes daily for students to engage in independent reading practice, monitoring stu-dent progress, diagnosing reading problems, setting goals, and mo-tivating her readers.

This is Miss Vicknair’s first year reaching Reading Model Classroom certification. Miss Vicknair has attended North-western State University and is currently working towards her Master of Education in Educa-tional Technology Leadership. Miss Vicknair has worked in the Diocese of Alexandria for six years and is teaching a combina-tion classroom of first and second grade students.

“Reading has always been a passion of mine and I want to ex-tend that same enthusiasm to my students so that they can grow to be competent learners. The pro-cess of Renaissance certification

has taught me the best practices in implementing a curriculum rich in literature,” Miss Vicknair said of her classroom achievement.

Renaissance Learning de-veloped the Accelerated Reader software more than 25 years ago to help teachers accurately and ef-ficiently monitor the quantity and

comprehension of their students’ reading practice. After reading a book at the appropriate level, stu-dents take a comprehension quiz at a computer. Teachers can use Accelerated Reader’s immediate feedback on reading and vocabu-lary growth to motivate and moni-tor student growth.

St. Frances Cabrini school teacher receives national recognition for outstanding performance in education

ACCELERATED READERS. Jessica Vicknair's second grade students at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School were part of the reason she was recently recognized nationally for outstanding performance in education. She was awarded Reading Model Classroom Certification by Renaissance Learning, which means her implementation of the company Accelerated Reader Best Practices resulted in a measurable improvement in her class's reading performance over a 12-week period.

Phyllis Metoyer Scott has been named principal of St. Mary School in Natchitoches, according to Thomas Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Scott assumed the position of principal in July in order to begin preparations for the 2012-2013 academic school year.

A graduate of Holy Savior Menard Central High School, Scott has served in numerous positions in the Rapides Parish school board, including a special education teacher, coordinator of Alternative Academic Affairs, assistant principal, and principal.

She has a BA in Social Welfare from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; completed the teacher education program from Louisiana College; and earned an M.Ed. from

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

"We are very excited to have Phyllis Scott serve as principal of St. Mary School," said Roque. "As a product of our own Catholic school system and a native of this area, she will be a perfect fit for this job."

Phyllis Scott named principal of St. Mary's in Natchitoches

Phyllis M. Scott

Nathan Laborde has been named principal of St. Mary Assumption School in Cottonport.

A graduate of Marksville High School, Laborde has served as a teacher at Welsh and Marksville High schools, as well as the Louisiana School for Agricultural Sciences. He most recently served as assistant principal of Cottonport Elementary.

He has a B.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana at Lafayette; a master's degree in educational technology with certification in supervision of student teaching from McNeese State University in Lake Charles; and a +30 degree in educational leadership with certifications in

principalship and supervision of instruction from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

He is a member of St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Brouillette, where he plays the guitar for special Masses.

Nathan Laborde is principal of St. Mary's in Cottonport

Nathan Laborde


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(top left) THE FOURTH DEGREE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, assemblies 328 Msgr. Anthony Piegay of Alexandria and 2078 Msgr. F. J. DeKeuwer of Natchitoches, installed officers July 1 at the St. Rita Holy Family Center. Receiving awards after the installation were Deborah Randolph, Civic Leader of the Year Award; Father Bruce Miller, Clergy of the Year; Jules and Kathy Lacour, Family of the Year; Larry Feldkamp, Order of Merit; and Ernest Babineaux (not pictured), Knight of the Year.

(top right) MSGR. F. J. DeKEUWER OFFICERS. Officers for 2012-2013 are Mike Menou, Faithful Navigator; David Bouchie, Faithful Captain; John Denny, Faithful Pilot; Buford Grappe, Faithful Admiral; Tom Felchle, Faithful Comptroller; Paul Sklar, Faithful Purser; Mike Yankowski, Faithful Scribe; John DoBernig and Bobby Scott, Faithful Sentinels; and Buddy Gahagan, Charles Lee, and Dewey Page, Faithful Trustees.

(bottom left) MSGR. ANTHONY PIEGAY OFFICERS. Officers for 2012-2013 are Ernest Babineaux, Faithful Navigator; Leonard Wilson, Faithful Captain; Larry Feldkamp, Faithful Pilot; Huey Campbell, Faithful Admiral; Freddie Daigrepont, Faithful Comptroller; J.T. Chestovich, Faithful Purser; Gordon Newton, Faithful Scribe; Richard Murray and Al Rafferty, Faithful Sentinels; and John Tumminello, John Morovich, and Robert Welch, Faithful Trustees.

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Local group makes three-day pilgrimage to Caritas, AlabamaA group of 33 people

from around the diocese filled a bus July 3 and travelled to Caritas, Alabama for a three-day pilgrimage.

So, why would a group from Alexandria want to make a three-day pilgrimage to Caritas, Alabama?

What's in Caritas? and where is it?

To believers, it is the site of periodic apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Medjugorje visionary Marija Pavlovic Lunetti near Birmingham, Ala.

Caritas of Birmingham is actually located in Sterrett, Ala., where it operates from the Tabernacle of Mary's Messages, a 35,000 sq. ft. building specifically built for the spreading, promoting, and safeguarding of Our Lady of Medjugorje's messages.

Marija was only 16 years old in 1981 when she and five other children claimed to have daily apparitions of Our Blessed Mother in the small town of Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzgovenia (formerly Yugoslavia).

In November 1988, after two years of prayer and fasting, Marija and her brother, Andrija were able to come to the United States where she donated her kidney. The surgery was made possible for this poor Croatian brother and sister through the efforts of a dear American friend, Terry Colafrancesco.

While recovering from the transplant, both she and her brother stayed at the home of Colafrancesco.

Since Marija says she received daily appararitions from Our Lady for the past 31 years, she continued to receive them, even while in Birmingham.

So in 1989, when CNN broke the news that a Medjugorje visionary was staying in Birmingham and continued to have her daily appararitions, crowds of believers soon began coming to the home of

Colafrancesco to be present for the apparitions. They gathering by the hundreds in the field (now known as Caritas of Birmingham) to be near Marija during the apparitions.

Marija is married and has a family now, but she often returns to Caritas in thanksgiving to the people and the nation that sponsored the life-saving surgery.

Colafrancesco has since built the Tabernacle of Mary's Messages on the field today called Caritas (which is Latin for to love all) of Birmingham. The

massive, church-like structure houses a printing operation where books and materials are printed about Mary's messages and sent to people around the world. The facility also serves as a retreat center for 700 and offers spaces for writing and meditation, and for storing all of Mary's messages received since 1981.

Year-round it serves as a quiet, peaceful retreat for visitors from around the world. But when Marija returns to Caritas, like she did July 1-5, 2012, the crowds pour in, to witness the apparitions.

During Lunetti's July visit, the shoulders of the two-lane highway that runs through the Caritas of Birmingham property were covered with long lines of cars with tags from California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and other states.

Carmen Quintana spent three days traveling from Philadelphia to Birmingham to see Lunetti.

"It's for everybody. There have been many, many Catholics who have come and felt the peace -- peace that you feel in our heart," Quintana told WVTM-TV.

Although no one but Lunetti can see the apparitions while they are taking place, the crowd watches her eyes as she looks up to a fixed point in the air.

"Whether you believe in Our Lady of Medjugorje or not, Caritas of Birmingham is a beautiful, prayerful place to visit," said Kathie Duggan, trip organizer for the Alexandria group.

In addition to visiting Caritas and witnessing the apparition, the group also visited EWTN and local churches.

Since the apparitions have not stopped, the Roman Catholic Church has not taken a position on the visions at Medjugorje or at Caritas. Priests are prohibited from holding Mass at Caritas of Birmingham, but a nearby Catholic church was allowed to offer a special service to accommodate visitors.

PILGRIMS TO CARITAS. A group of people from Alexandria made a trip to Caritas, Alabama July 3-5 to witness the apparition of the Blessed Mother to Marija Pavlovic Lunetti, one of the visionaries from Medugorje.

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IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, Tioga. Nineteen students received First Communion April 29 at IHM in Tioga.Pictured are (front row)

Rhoda Christopher, RCIC catechist. R3: Georgette Kirkland, catechist; Brett

Kirkland, catechist; , Fr. Rickey Gremillion, , Deacon L.G. Deloach, Helen Craig, DRE; and Dawn Parker, RCIC catechist.

ST. RITA CHURCH, Alexandria. Twenty-one students received First Communion on May 12 at St. Rita Church.

OL OF LOURDES, Fifth Ward-Marksville. Seven students received First Communion May 6 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Fifth Ward-Marksville. Pictured are , Father Silverino Kwebuza, pastor;


By Jeannie PetrusCT editor

12-year-old had to delay her First

Communion several times over the past few years because of her grandfather’s illness. When she was finally able to complete in-struction for receiving First Com-munion May 13 at St. Joseph Church in Colfax, she wanted her special day to be “extra” special.

“My grandmother (Theresa Dubois) said I could pick out ANY dress I wanted for my First Communion,” said . “Father Harold (Imamshah, pas-tor) and I both love the Blessed Virgin Mary, so when I saw the one with Our Lady of Guadalupe, I said, ‘that’s the one! “

The beautiful Roses Virgin Mary embroidered, organza silk Communion gown is accent-ed with sequins, embroidery, pearls side ties and a back bow. It can be found on Amazon.com and retails for $139 - $159.

“When we received the gown in the mail, it fit Katha-rine perfectly,” said Theresa. But there was one small prob-lem. “The sleeves fell “off” the shoulders, which I didn’t find appropriate for First Commu-nion.”

A simple solution was to

make a silk white cape to cover the bare shoulders. “It turned out beautifully. I think Kather-ine liked it even more with the cape,” she said.

On the same day of First Communion, Katharine’s younger sister, Emily, was bap-tized. A self-proclaimed ‘tom-boy,’ Emily was also given the offer to pick out any dress she wanted for her baptism.

“We were all relieved when Emily picked out a simple white dress,” said Theresa. “It’s not as ornate as Katharine’s, but it is beautiful too and it’s a dress. We were afraid she might have wanted to be baptized in a white shirt and jeans!”

Theresa said she was so proud of both of her grand-daughters on May 13, Mother’s Day.

“All of my children and grandchildren were present for Katharine’s First Communion and Emily’s baptism. I was one happy woman that day,” she said.

After the memorable day, she plans to have both gowns specially packed as an heir-loom to pass down to her future great-granddaughter’s extra-special First Communion and Baptism Day.

First Communion • ConfirmationS p e c i a l S e c t i o n

Special dress makes First Communion extra-special

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, Colfax. May 13, 2012 was a big day for four students at St. Joseph Church in Colfax. Pictured are

who all received First Communion, except did not receive First Communion, but was baptized.

ST MARTIN, Lecompte. Five students from St. Martin Church in Lecompte received First Communion on April 29. Pictured are

., and Father Pedro Sierra-Posada, pastor.

chose a dress embroidered with OL of Guadalupe.


ST. FRANCES CABRINI CHURCH, Alexandria. 17 students received First Communion at St. Frances Cabrini Church. Pictured are

. Back row is Jessica Vicknair, John Harden, Deacon William Travis, Tamara Harden, Fr. Jose Robles-Sanchez, pastor; Gennie Ashy, Fr. Antonio Velez, parochial vicar; and Joseph Weiderholt, principal.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, Forest Hill. Nineteen students received First Communion May 20 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Forest Hill. Pictured are (front row)

. Middle row: . Third row:

. Top row: Maria Flor Nolasco, Father Pedro Sierra-

Posada, pastor and Maria Elena Vargas, First Communion teachers.

ST. ANTHONY CHURCH, Bunkie. Twenty-five students received First Communion April 15 at St. Anthony Church in Bunkie. Pictured are (front row)

, and Fr. Jack Michalchuk, pastor.

OL of PROMPT SUCCOR, Mansura. Four students received First Communion at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Mansura. Pictured are

with Fr. Jose Palathara, CMI, pastor.

Congratulations to the

358 First Communion students

205 Confirmation students

pictured in these nine pages of the Church Today. All churches and schools were asked to send in pictures and the names of the

students. Pictured on these pages are the ones who responded.


OUR LADY OF SORROWS, Moreauville. Five students received First Com-munion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Moreauville. Pictured are

and Father Jose Palathara, CMI, pastor.

OL of PROMPT SUCCOR SCHOOL, Alexandria. 83 students received First Communion at OLPS in Alexandria. Pictured are

SACRED HEART CHURCH, Pineville. Twelve students received First Communion on April 21 at Sacred Heart Church in Pineville. Pictured are (front row)

. Back row: Denise Richard (teacher),

and Father Bruce Miller, pastor.

HOLY GHOST CHURCH, Marksville. Twelve students received First Communion April 21 at Holy Ghost Church in Marksville. Pictured are

Adults pictured are Fr. Rusty Rabalais,

pastoral administrator, Angie Champ, and Frances Guillot.

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL and MATER DOLOROSA CHURCH CCD, Plaucheville. Seven students from St. Joseph School and 13 students from Mater Dolorosa Church CCD received First Communion April 1 at Mater Dolorosa Church in Plaucheville.


ST. AUGUSTINE, Isle Brevelle. Six students received First Communion May 6 at St. Augustine Church in Isle Brevelle. Pictured are (l-r)

. Back row: Father Jacob Thomas, pastor and Sister Elizabeth Ann Holmes, First Communion teacher.

ST. JAMES CHURCH, Alexandria. Six students received First Communion May 20 at St. James Church in Alexandria. Pictured are

. Also pictured are Father Remi Owuamanamm pastor (front and center) and Deacon Benny Broussard (back row).

ST. GENEVIEVE CHURCH, Brouillette. Seven students from St. Genevieve Church in Brouillette received First Communion on April 1. Pictured are

and

Father Jose Pallipurath, pastor. Class instructor is Mrs. Judy Decuir.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, Cloutierville. Two students re-ceived First Communion April 29 at St. John the Baptist Church in Cloutierville. Pictured are , Jannie LaCour,DRE, Fr. Kenneth Obiekwe, pastor; and .

ST. JULIANA CHURCH, Alexandria. Two students received First Communion at St Juliana Church in Alexandria. Pictured are

with their pastor Fr. Remi Owuamanam.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL, Alexandria. Two second grade children received First Holy Communion May 6 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Pictured are

, and Father Jim Ferguson, pastor.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH, Natchitoches. 13 students received First Communion at St. Anthony Church in Natchitoches. Pictured are (front row)

R2: Fr. Thomas Paul, parochial vicar; , Fr. John O'Brien, pastor;

and Vallery Washington, teacher.


ST. PETER MISSION, Elmer. received her First

Holy Communion on June 24 at St. Peter Mission in Elmer.

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, Mansura. Nine students received First Communion April 29 from St. Paul the Apostle Church in Mansura. Pictured are

and Father Chad Partain, pastor.

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, Marksville. Twenty-one students from St. Joseph Church in Marksville received First Communion on April 22. Pictured are (front row)

Fr. Blake Deshautelle assisted in the celebration of the Mass since his nephew, made his First Communion. Thanks to Nancy Desselle, DRE.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, Leesville. Nineteen students received First Communion at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leesville. Pictured are (front row)

R3: Sandra Ortego, Carol Laughlin, Fr. Kenneth Michiels, Fr. Anthony Catella, and Vanessa Gozaine.

ST. EDWARD CHURCH, Tallulah. Four students received First Communion June 10 at St. Edward Church in Tallulah, where Father Ferre D’Cruz is pastor.Pictured are Kim Donham, teacher;

STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE, Kolin. Fifteen students from Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin received First Communion.


OUR LADY OF LOURDES, Winnfield. Five students from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Winnfield received the Sacrament of Confirmation April 11. Pictured are Fr. Christian Ogbonna, pastor;

Bishop Ronald Herzog,

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, HOLY GHOST CHURCH, and ST. RICHARD MISSION, Marksville. Thirty-three students from St. Joseph Church, St. Richard Mission and Holy Ghost Church received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 3 at St. Joseph Church in Marksville. Pictured are (front row)

Top row: Fr. Abraham Verghese, Bishop Herzog,

, and Fr. Rusty Rabalais, pastor. Not Pictured:

CHURCH OF THE LITTLE FLOWER, Evergreen. Three students were confirmed recently at the Church of the Little Flower in Evergreen. Bishop Ronald Herzog confirmed

during a Mass concelebrated by Rev. Bartholomew Ibe, pastor, and his twin brother, Rev. Captain Ignatius Ibe, SMMM.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, BUNKIE. , daughter of Dwayne and Angela Juneau of St. Anthony Church in Bunkie, was confirmed May 27 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR CHURCH, Alexandria. Fifty-three students from OLPS, Alexandria were confirmed.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL, Alexandria, ADULT CONFIRMATION. 17 adults were confirmed May 27 at the Cathedral. Those confirmed are Valerie Lynn Bayone Bandy, Jacqueline Ann Borrero, Gabrielle Nicole Cangelosi, Michael Lee Coolman, Candice Dauzat, Jonathan Michael Fakes, David Hall Foshee, Jr., Edna Aracely Hernandez, Emily Erin Juneau, Rachel Mathews, Katherine Nicole Mitchell, David Antonio Murillo, Brian Edward Naviaux, Nelson Josue Orellana, Beverly Sue Phillips, Antonia Lee Sullivan Schermerhorn, and Wanel Elaine Williams.


SACRED HEART OF JESUS, Pineville. Twenty-three students received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 13 at the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pineville. Pictured are

R2: R3:

Fr. Bruce Miller, , and Fr. Stephen Soares. R4: , Bishop Ronald Herzog,

ST. EDWARD CHURCH, Tallulah. Eight students were confirmed May 19 at St. Edward Church in Tallulah. Pictured are Father Ferre D’Cruz, Bishop Ronald Herzog,

Back row is

ST. PETER MISSION, Elmer. Three young men received the Sacrament of Confirmation April 29 at St. Peter Mission in Elmer. Pictured are Father Bino Pallipparambil, pastor; , Bishop Ronald Herzog,

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, Natchitoches. 23 students from the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 9. Pictured are (front row l-r)

Middle row (L to R):

row

(L to R):

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, Tioga. Sixteen students were confirmed recently at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Tioga. Pictured are (front row) Helen Craig, DRE;

and Deacon L.G. Deloach. Back row is Father Rickey Gremillion, pastor;

Bishop Ronald Herzog, , Roger Christopher, catechist;


STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE, Kolin. Eleven students were confirmed recently at Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin. Pictured are (front row)

R2: R3:

, Bishop Ronald Herzog, and

OUR LADY OF LOURDES, Fifth Ward-Marksville. Six students were confirmed May 12 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Fifth Ward. Pictured are (front row)

. R2: Deacon Ted Moulard, Bishop Ronald Herzog, and Father Silverino Kwebuza, pastor.

PetrusF E E D & S E E D

2914 N. Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA

442-2325

(at left) STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE RCIA. RCIA members who were received into full membership at the Easter Vigil Mass are (left to right) Lynn Ray, Johnnie and Stacy Mayeaux, Sara Pintapano, Kayla Delacerda, Tracey Daigrepont, Father Blake Deshautelle, Kendall Delacerda, Bobbye Farris, Gabi Stiltner, and Father Joy Retnaziha moni, pastor.

NEW HOURS for

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CENTER

Closed for lunch from noon - 1 p.m.

New office hours are:

Monday - Thursday

8 a.m. - noon; 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Rising Catholic music artist Josh Blakesley was named Am-bassador to Children and Fami-lies by the Forum de la Famiglie during this year’s World Meeting of Families in Milan, Italy.

Along with other influen-tial Catholic leaders to families and young people from all over the globe, Blakesley was pre-sented with the Charter of Fam-ily Rights. Outlining articles of rights of families that were in-troduced by Pope John Paul II in 1983. The charter says “…all persons have the right to the free choice of their state of life and

Blakesley named Ambassador to Children & Families

Josh Blakesley

thus to marry and establish a fam-ily or remain single.”

Blakesley, who rose to in-ternational recognition with his contemporary hit “You Are the Light” earlier this year, was asked to bring the charter back to the U.S. and carry the message of Pope John Paul II—the impor-tance and celebration of families in modern society—to those he touches through his music and ministry.

The World Meeting of Fami-lies occurs every three years. This year’s celebration was held May 30 – June 3 in Milan, Italy. It was

Steubenville 2012 marked with many 'last times'With the close of the 2012

Steubenville South Catholic Youth Conference, it was also the end of many things that have been a part of the annual gathering of spirited youth for the past 10-12 years.

It was the last time that Christina Theriot, coordinator of Steubenville South for the past seven years, would be coordinating the event. Christina is planning to be married in September and will be moving to Phoenix, Ariz.

Father Jose Robles-Sanchez, who has been the Steubenville priest director for the past several years, will take over next year as coordinator of the conference.

It was also the last time for 10-year staff member Cari Williams, who will also be

leaving the Steubenville office. Cari has been working in the Steubenville Office for more than 10 years.

One of the biggest changes however is the change in venue -- from the Rapides Parish Coliseum, where it has been held since its inception in 1995 -- to the Riverfront Center in downtown Alexandria. In a 3-minute slap-stick video, produced by Tamara McNulty, associate director of development, it was announced at the end of the conference that Steubenville 2013 would be moving to the Riverfront.

In a clip, the video shows a guy going to the restroom at the Riverfront. From behind a closed door, you can hear the boy say, "Wow, it has doors in here!" and

"Wow, the toilet even flushes!" in humorous reference to some of the issues faced by the youth conference in the past.

"The Coliseum has served us well for many years. We made the decision to leave the Coliseum because it just made sense in so many areas," said Father Jose. "Next year, we will move to a newer, more accommodating facility that will offer a number of advantages that we did not have before."

Other facilities in the downtown area will also be used for meeting facilities and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, right across the street, will offer a more sacred atmosphere for confession and spiritual contemplation.

VirtusTraining

• Monday, July 30, 6 p.m., St. Michael Church, Leesville

• Tuesday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

• Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Natchitoches

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

attended by thousands of families from nearly every country in the world.

FAREWELL. Christina Theriot, coordinator of Steubenville for the past several years, is presented a bouquet of flowers by Father Jose Robles-Sanchez, the new Steubenville coordinator, while Bishop Herzog applauds.

ST. JOSEPH, Marksville YOUTH GROUP attended Steubenville South Youth Conference this year. The group was among the almost 3,000 students who attended the three-day weekend event at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.

Photo by lilybphotography


By Daniel LinskeyCatholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) --

The Catechism of the Catholic Church now has more of a presence in the increasingly popular world of e-books.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has made the catechism available as a browser-based e-book at www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/index.cfm.

The catechism is a compendium of Catholic beliefs structured around the four pillars of faith: creed, sacraments, commandments and prayer.

The USCCB announcement about the latest e-book format comes at a time when more active readers are moving to e-books from traditional formats. A Pew study conducted in February shows 21 percent of adults say they read an e-book in the past year, compared with 17 percent in December 2011 who said they

had done so.Additional research shows

that overall e-book owners are more likely to read than those who read via print formats.

In late 2011, the USCCB accommodated that trend by releasing the e-book edition of the catechism through Amazon, iTunes and the USCCB online bookstore. Why make it available through browsers?

"Providing the catechism in this particular electronic format will make this foundational resource even more accessible to people," explained Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City. "It is free to anyone who has access to the Internet."

The bishop, who is chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Communications, made the comments in a statement.

The Pew study reports 42 percent of e-book users read their e-books on a computer. Therefore, not only is the catechism now more available but, statistically, readers may be

more inclined to access it."The Catechism of the

E-BOOK VERSION OF CATHOLIC CATECHISM. A woman displays the e-book version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on an iPad in Washington June 14. The e-book version, which has been available through iTunes, Amazon and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' online bookstore, can now be br owsed and read for free on the USCCB website. Authorized by Pope John Paul II in 1986, the catechism was first published in 1992, with a revised second edition released in 2000. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec)

Catholic Church is proving to be as compelling if not more,

of an influence on the faithful," said Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wis., chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.

"Our ability to use the new technologies means that many more millions will be able to find the Catholic Church's teachings on their tablets, their smartphones and their laptops," he said in a statement.

The catechism was approved by Pope John Paul II and issued in French in 1992. The Vatican completed final revisions of English translation in 1994, and it was published June 22 of that year in the United States and Canada. A revised second edition was published in 2000.

Since its release, it has become a best-seller for the Catholic Church. The USCCB said it has sold more than 988,000 print copies. Since 2011, the e-book version on Amazon, iTunes and the USCCB online bookstore has sold more than 7,100 copies.

Catechism of Catholic Church available as browser-based e-book

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


Ignoring role of divine providence, Brave controls own destinyBy Joseph McAleer

Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Hell

hath no fury like a Scottish princess scorned in "Brave" (Disney). This 3-D animated adventure carries a worthy reminder for rambunctious teens: Evil actions have dire consequences.

Directed by Brenda Chapman ("The Prince of Egypt") and newcomer Mark Andrews, "Brave" is Pixar's first fairy tale and its darkest film to date, which suits the atmosphere of myths and legends. Parents should be warned that the action sequences may be too intense for young children.

"Brave" also marks a number of other, rather unwelcome firsts for Pixar: Much of the slapstick humor is bawdy and ample jiggling cartoon cleavage is on display, as are bare buttocks when the menfolk remove their kilts.

The setting is medieval Scotland, with its lush landscapes and mighty castles rendered in colorful detail. King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) leads a peaceable kingdom with his devoted wife, Queen Elinor

mOVIE

REVIEWNow Playing at

Grand 14 TheatreAlexandria

• Brave (PG)• Ice Age: Continental Drift (PG)• Katy Perry: Part of Me (PG)• Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (PG)

• Madea"s Witness Protection (PG-13)• The Amazing Spiderman (PG-13)• The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13)

• Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (R)• Magic Mike (R)• Savages (R)• Ted (R)

(voice of Emma Thompson), at his side. They have four children: a set of mischievous young triplets named Harris, Hubert and Hamish, and a teenage daughter, Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald).

With unruly red hair to match her wild nature, Merida longs to be free from the customs and conventions expected of a royal princess. A tomboy at heart, she

prefers using her bow and arrow to preening and bowing in royal robes.

Mother and daughter clash frequently. "A princess strives for perfection," Queen Elinor reminds Merida. "You can't just run away from who you are." But thoroughly modern Merida wants to decide her own fate, whatever the cost.

When three suitors are presented for her hand in marriage, it's the last straw. Merida breaks with her mother and flees to the forest. There she encounters will o' the wisps -- fairy spirits which, legend holds, light the path to your destiny.

In her case, Merida is led to the cottage of the (wisecracking) Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters). She's a woodcarver with a particular obsession:

bears, rendered in every shape, size and situation -- including an unfortunate imitation of Michelangelo's "Creation of Man" from the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

In truth, the Wise Woman is the local witch, and Merida, seeking revenge, buys a spell to change her mother's mind about the arranged marriage. She winds up changing a whole lot more, wreaking havoc on the entire kingdom.

As she tries to undo the spell (a take on Disney's 2003 animated film "Brother Bear"), Merida learns the hard way that selfishness and revenge are wrong, and family, duty and honor are paramount. Still, she insists, "Our fate lies within us. We control our own destiny."

"Brave" is meticulous in

'BRAVE'. The rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland serve as the backdrop for the movie "Brave." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested , some material may not be suitable for children. (CNS/Disney/Pixar)

its period detail, with one key exception: There's no place for Christianity, which was the dominant religious and philosophical force in medieval Scotland.

Merida's insistence that destiny is self-controlled, moreover, ignores the role of divine providence. We are meant to look to God for guidance in all our actions, not rely simply on our own moods and desires, nor are we ever to do anything contrary to his will, such as breaking the Fifth Commandment.

Preceding "Brave" is a charming short film, "La Luna," directed by Enrico Casarosa, about a young boy's adventures on the moon.

The film contains intense action and scenes of peril, the use of sorcery, brief rear animated nudity, and some rude humor. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested, some material may not be suitable for children.

- - -McAleer is a guest reviewer

for Catholic News Service.


DIOCESAN

BRIEFS

Life in the Spirit SeminarA Life in the Spirit Seminar will be held Saturday,

August 25, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Sts. Francis and Anne's Church hall located at 143 Booner Miller Road in Kolin. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks and desserts will be provided. The seminar is a tool to re-evangelize His people and help them make a renewed commitment to the Lord allowing them to experience a fuller life in the Spirit. The seminar is free and open to the public. To register, call Diane at 318-419-1547 or Jo at 318-442-0584.

Camp Maryhill Reunion A reunion of all counselors or anyone who attended Camp Maryhill will be held on Aug. 4 from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Fatima Knights of Columbus Hall (515 Rena Drive) in Lafayette. This is NOT a function of the Diocese of Alexandria, but a private endeavor of someone who once attended the camp. For more information, call Hope Mazzeno at 504-994-9204.

Outdoor Rosary

Every Thursday

8:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church

Marksville

ACTS Teen Retreat The first ACTS Teen Retreat in the diocese will be held Aug. 9-12 at St. Anthony of Pauda Church in Bunkie. For more information, go to www.bunkiecatholic.org and click on Youth Events. The registration form is on the left under Documents. For more information, contact Angie at 318-346-7274.

Fr. Chemino selected for ND programRev. Scott Chemino, vicar general for the Diocese of

Alexandria and pastor of St. Anthony, Bunkie, received a $3,000 scholarship to attend a Catholic leadership pro-gram July 9-19 at Notre Dame University, in South Bend, Ind.

The Mendoza College of Business of the University of Notre Dame offered the Executive Program for Catho-lic Leadership to only 20 select recipients from across the nation. The comprehensive two-week program featured nationally-recognized specialists in a variety of church, legal, financial, and immigrant topics.

“Because of my work in service to the diocese and as a pastor, the program provided beneficial insights in a wide area of managerial styles and trends within the Church,” said Father Chemino. “It was a comprehensive program of business and executive board management.”

Some of the key presenters included Jimmie Alford, from The Alford Group; Sister Melanie DiPietro, from Se-ton Hall University; and Rev. Daniel Groody, CSC, and Barbara Fick, both from Notre Dame.

Father Chemino holds degrees in both canon and civil laws.

Job openings

• Substitute Part-Time Delivery Driver. This person will only be used as a fill-in during the absence of our reg-

CDA COURT BISHOP GRECO. Ladies of the Catholic Daugh-ters of the Americas Court Bishop Greco present a check to Bishop Ronald Herzog for the Seminarian Education Fund. Pic-tured are Nita St. Andria, secretary; Edna Smith, treasurer; and Emma Rachal, regent.

Join us in prayer, while we pray

for God's bessing upon our

families, church

and nation

ular part-time driver. This person will be responsible for pick-up and delivery of commodities to St. Mary’s School cafeteria in Natchitoches. Requirements: Age 25 or older AND able to lift up to 50 lbs. For more information, call the Child Nutrition Department at the Diocese of Alexan-dria, (318) 445-6424 ext. 232 or ext. 234.

Retrouvaille A Lifeline for Marriage -- Retrouvaille (pronounced retr-vi, with a long i) helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. It is designed to provide the tools to help get your marriage back on track. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positve way. This program has helped 10s of 1000s of couple experiencing marital difficult at all levels, including disillusionment and deep misery. For confidential information or to register for the Retrovaille of Acadiana August program, which begins with the weekend of August 24-26, call 800-470-2230 or visit the website at www.HelpOur Marriage.com.

60 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. Sisters Cecile Clare Vanderlick and her real-life sister, Sister Virginia Lee Vanderlick, recently celebrated their 60th anniversary as a Sister of Divine Providence. OLPS, Alexandria held a reception in their honor June 16 and Our Lady of the Lake Convent, the mother house for CDPs, held a reception in their honor June 24 in San Antonio. A reception and Open House was also held in their honor of the 60th anniversary on Oct. 23, 2011. See the full story on the two sisters in the Nov. 14, 2011 issue of the Church Today at www.diocesealex.org.


July -- August

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30 31 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

VIRTUS Training6:00 pmSt. Michael's Church, Leesville

School starts:• Menard• St. Mary's, Cottonport• St. Anthony, Bunkie

VIRTUS Training6:00 pmImmaculate Conception, Natchitoches

School starts:• St. Mary's, Natchitoches• St. Joseph, Plaucheville• Sacred Heart School

School starts:• Our Lady of Prompt Succor• St. Frances Cabrini

Camp Maryhill Reunion1:00-5:00 pmLafayette

Magnificat10:30 am-1:30 pmSt. Judes, Bossier City

Life in the Spirit Seminar8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Sts. Francis & AnneKolin

Wedding Anniversary Mass2:30 pmSt. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH

PRAY FOR FR. M. LAIRD

PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS

PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL

PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL

PRAY FOR FR. R. MATHEWS

PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER

PRAY FOR FR. J. O'BRIEN

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. C. MAURICIO

PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN

PRAY FOR FR. D. O'CONNOR

PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD

PRAY FOR FR. J. MEDINA-CRUZ

PRAY FOR FR. J. MONTALBANO

PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE

PRAY FOR FR. P KULIGOWSKI

PRAY FOR FR. L. MELCHER

PRAY FOR FR. P. NADAMKUZHY

PRAY FOR FR. C. OGBONNA

PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM

PRAY FOR FR. A. MESSINA

PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK

PRAY FOR FR. R. OWUAMANAM

PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK

PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL

PRAY FOR FR. J. PALATHARA

AUGUST

FIRST SATURDAY

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

PRAY FOR FR. S. KWEBUZAFIRST FRIDAY

Workshop: Working with Returning Military Heroes

VIRTUS Training1:00 pmSt. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE

FEAST of the ASSUMPTION

of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Holy Day of Obligation

ACTS Teen Retreat -- St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie

Retrouvaille -- Lafayette