DIGEST of the News
The Specialized News and Information You Need in Your Work for the Diocese.
VOL. XXXIV, No. 21 Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24
APPOINTMENTS
Effective Sept. 15, 2010
Rev. Thomas Paul has been appointed
primary sacramental minister pro tem of Holy
Ghost Church in Marksville and its mission of
St. Richard Chapel in Hickory Hill, with the
faculties of parochial vicar. Under the
coordination of Father Rusty Rabalais,
pastoral administrator pro tem, he will serve
until Father Ignatius Ibe, who remains pastor,
returns to his ministry in the parish after basic
training.
Rev. Jorge Antonio Velez Lopez has been
appointed parochial vicar of St. Frances
Cabrini Church in Alexandria.
Effective Oct. 1, 2010
Rev. Rickey Gremillion has been appointed
pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in
Tioga, for a term of six years.
CLERGY
EVERY PASTOR IN U.S. TO RECEIVE
FREE YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION TO THE
WORD AMONG US. Through the generosity
of an anonymous donor, every Catholic
pastor in our country will be receiving a year’s
subscription to The Word Among Us. The free
subscription will start with the October 2010
issue.
The Word Among Us is a source for daily
meditations on the readings for Mass and
stories to help our people in their journey of
faith. Through its readers and Catholic
donors, The Word Among Us also supports a
variety of ministries, such as the formation of
seminarians, pro-life and pro-marriage
ministries, and the evangelization of youth.
Oct. 12, 2010
POPE MAKES UNPRECENDENTED
REQUEST FOR A WORLDWIDE VIGIL
NOV. 27 FOR ALL NASCENT HUMAN LIFE.
– On Saturday, Nov. 27, Pope Benedict XVI
will celebrate a “Vigil for all Nascent Human
Life” to coincide with first vespers of the First
Sunday of Advent. The Holy Father requests
that this vigil be observed in dioceses and
respective parishes.
Given the importance of the Holy Father’s
request, the USCCB Secretariat of Divine
Worship and the Secretariat of Pro-Life
Activities have collaborated to develop user-
friendly resources for dioceses and parishes.
The program templates are easily customized
for local use and will be posted on the
USCCB web site at:
www.usccb.org/prolife/papalvigil.
Pastors, pro-life representatives, and
members of the faithful are encouraged to
observe this prayer vigil according to what
may best be adapted to local parish and/or
deanery settings. Collaboration and further
information will be forthcoming as the date
approaches. Rev. Scott Chemino, V.G.
OCT. 15 NAMES FOR BEREAVEMENT
MASS NEEDED. Don’t forget – please send
the name(s) of families from your parish who
have lost loved ones since Nov. 1, 2009. The
annual Bereavement Mass will be held
Thursday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the St.
Joseph Catholic Center and we would like to
send personal invitations to attend this Mass
to those in your parish who have suffered the
loss of a family member in the past year. The
family’s name & address should be sent to
Pam Delrie by Oct. 15: fax 318-448-6121;
email pdelrie@diocesealex.org.
OCT. 25 ROAST FOR MSG. CARSON
LACAZE. The Diocese of Shreveport invites
all clergy and friends to the 80th birthday
 VOL. XXXIV, No. 21 Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24
celebration and roast of Rev. Msgr. J. Carson
LaCaze, native of Natchitoches Parish, and
current parochial vicar of the Cathedral of St.
John Berchmans, Shreveport. The roast /
dinner will be held Monday, Oct. 25 at 6:30
p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John. Tickets are
$100 or $1,500 for reserved table for 8.
Proceeds go towards the Cathedral’s Organ
Completion Campaign. For tickets and more
information, call the St. John’s Church Office,
221-5296.
DOA FOUND IN COMPLIANCE AFTER
SAFE ENVIRONMENT AUDIT. I have
received the following formal notification from
William A. Gavin of The Gavin Group:
Based on the analysis of the results of the
2010 Full Audit of the Diocese of Alexandria
LA, you have been found to be in compliance
with the Charter for the Protection of Children
and Young People.
Thank you for your vigilance and dedication to
this cause. While it may be constraining at
times, let us continue to be diligent in the
training of our volunteers, children and young
people. – Bishop Herzog
MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND
ENRICHMENT RESOURCES can be found at
National Association of Catholic Family Life
Ministers, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH
45469-2512, Phone: (937) 431-5443,
http://www.nacflm.org/.
An excellent alternative for marriage
preparation when the parties to a marriage do
not live near each other can be found at,
Catholic Marriage Prep, 1925 Spicewood
Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80920-1593,
Phone: (866) 425-7193,
http://catholicmarriagepreponline.com/.
-- Rev. Bruce Miller
PEWS AVAILABLE. St. Frances and Anne
have 8 pews available if a parish needs them.
They are 20 feet long. Please call the church
office for more information.
Oct. 12, 2010
FREE FLU SHOTS. The 2010 - 2011 flu
vaccine will protect against three different flu
viruses: an H3N2 virus, influenza B virus, and
the H1N1 virus that caused wide-spread
illness last season. Getting a flu shot is easy if
you are a member of Christian Brothers, and
there are four ways to take advantage of the
program:
• Use the coupon program and visit
findaflushot.com to locate a clinic - Coupons
have been pre-printed for you and all of your
eligible family members. They will be sent to
your employer and distributed at your
workplace.
• Participate in an on-site clinic being held at
your workplace.
• Visit a local pharmacy hosting a flu shot
clinic, and get reimbursed.
• Make an appointment with your family
physician; see plan benefits for details.
For more information on the Christian
Brothers Employee Benefit Trust Free Flu
Shot Program or to reprint a lost coupon,
please visit mycbs.org/health.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
IMMIGRATION CENTER SERVICES. The
Central Louisiana Interfaith Immigration
Center offers the following services:
Processing of family petitions, employee
visas, naturalizations, and much more. For
more information call José Colls at 445-6424
Ext. 211.
OCT. 12-30 ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION
PUMPKIN PATCH. St. Mary’s Assumption
Church in Cottonport is hosting the 6th
Annual Pumpkin Patch Oct. 12 – Oct. 30.
Pumpkins, gourds and ornamental corn may
be purchased from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Sundays in front the church
community center located at 820 Front Street,
Cottonport. To schedule a field trip please call
318.876.3681.
 VOL. XXXIV, No. 21 Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24
OCT. 15 ST. JULIANA’S TASTE OF
CREOLE NIGHT. St. Juliana Church in
Alexandria invites everyone to their 6th annual
“Taste of Creole Night” on Friday, Oct. 15
from 6 -10 p.m. Food will be served from 6-8
p.m., followed by games from 8-10 p.m. Door
prizes will be awarded every hour on the
hour. Tickets are $10 per person. The St.
Juliana Taste of Creole Cookbook will also be
available for $15 per book. For more
information call 442-7066 or 487-4969.
OCT. 16 PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY.
A Public Square Rosary will take place at
noon on Oct. 16, in front of CHRISTUS
Cabrini Surgery Center on 3436 Masonic
Drive. Please join in prayer to honor Blessed
Virgin Mary and seek her intercession. The
Public Square Rosary is national movement
to show our devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary
and pray for conversion to a life of Gospel
values. For details, please contact Mark or
Patricia Schneider at 318-449-9427 or 318-
623-1140.
OCT. 16 PUBLIC ROSARY RALLY IN
BELLEDEAU. A Public Rosary Rally will be
held Saturday, Oct. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at St.
Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Belledeau.
Through the intercession of our Blessed
Virgin Mother, Our Lady of Fatima, we join all
our intentions to pray for our Nation.
Everyone is invited.
OCT. 19-21 RADIO MARIA MARIATHON.
Radio Maria’s annual fall fund raising
Mariathon will be held Oct. 19-21. Tune in to
your local Radio Maria station (580 AM in
Alexandria) for special programming and
participate with your pledge and prayer for
Our Lady’s radio ministry. Thank you in
advance for your donation to help keep Radio
Maria on the air. – Fr. Duane Stenzel, OFM.
OCT. 20 HEALING MASS FOR VICTIMS OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. A special healing
Mass will be held Wednesday, Oct. 20 at
12:05 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in
Oct. 12, 2010
Pineville for anyone who is a victim or knows
a victim of domestic violence. The Mass is
part of the Pineville Concerned Citizens’
Domestic Violence Awareness Program, and
Turning Point Shelter, a safe-haven for
victims escaping from domestic violence.
OCT. 21 LYNN BAUMAN ORGAN
CONCERT & GUMBO DINNER. St. Francis
Xavier Cathedral will feature Lynn Bauman,
SFXC director of music, in an organ concert
on Oct. 21 at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free
and open to the public.
The Cathedral Choir will offer a gumbo meal
before Lynn’s concert on Oct. 21 beginning at
4:45 p.m. to help underwrite the performance
of a Russian choir that will be performing Nov.
4 at Cathedral. Gumbo meal tickets will be
sold for $6 by Cathedral Choir members or by
calling the Music Office at 445-1451 ext 13.
OCT. 23 NFP FALL PICNIC.The local Couple
to Couple League chapter of Natural Family
Planning (NFP) is hosting a Fall Picnic at
Kees Park in Pineville on Saturday, Oct. 23 at
11:30 am. Pizza and drinks will be provided!
Come visit and let the children play! Please
RSVP so we can get a head count to Michael
and Leah Pelto at 318.640.8678 or
michaelandleah@suddenlink.net! (Cancel in
case of rain.)
OCT. 22-23 MUSIC MINISTERS
WORKSHOP. St. Joseph Parish in Gulfport,
MS will host a music ministry workshop Oct.
22-23 with Paul Tate and Deanna Light as the
presenters. The presentation will include
scripture, music, meditation and reflections,
followed by breakout sessions where Deanna
will work with lectors and Paul with cantors
and instrumentalists. The cost for participants
will be $10, which includes lunch and all
workshop materials. For more information, go
to StJosChoir@aol.com or contact Judith
D'Angelo, 228-493-9793.
OCT. 23-24 RED RIVER CHORALE
CONCERT. The Red River Chorale, in
 VOL. XXXIV, No. 21 Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24
collaboration with the Rapides Symphony
Orchestra, will perform a special concert Oct.
23-24 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary
of LSU-A, the 60th Anniversary of Christus St.
Frances Cabrini Hospital, and the 100th
Anniversary of the Diocese of Alexandria. The
concert will be performed at the Coughlin
Saunders Performing Arts Center, on
Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m., and again on
Sunday, Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10
for adults and $5 for children. Call 318-484-
4463 for ticket information.
OCT. 28 LAST DAY FOR OUTDOOR
ROSARY IN MARKSVILLE. The public
outdoor rosary, that has been prayed each
week since June at St. Joseph Church in
Marksville, will end after Oct. 28. The
gathering on Thursday, Oct. 28 will be the last
outdoor rosary in Marksville until the spring,
when it will begin again. The rosary begins at
7:15 p.m.
OCT. 30 ST. MARY’S GARDEN CLUB OF
COTTONPORT TO HOST TOUR OF
HOMES. St. Mary’s Garden Club of
Cottonport will host a tour of homes along the
beautiful banks of Bayou Rouge on Saturday,
Oct. 30, beginning at 9 a.m. Homes on tour
include the Taft Dupuy home with a breakfast
brunch (1894), the Joe Montalvo home with
wine tasting (1890), the historic St. Mary’s
Community Center with lunch (1889), the Dr.
& Mrs. Jacob Gauthier home with dessert,
and Ducote Oaks with cheese tasting.
Admission is $25. Only 60 tickets will be sold.
Call 876-2486, or 876-2372, or 876-2699 or
318-201-9321 for tickets.
NOV. 4 BEREAVEMENT MASS. The annual
Bereavement Mass will be held Thursday,
Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic
Center for those who have suffered the loss
of a family member in the past year.
NOV. 4 RUSSIAN CHOIR CONCERT. The
State Symphony Chorus of Russia will
perform Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis
Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria. The concert,
Oct. 12, 2010
which is part of the SFXC Concert Series, is
free and open to the public.
NOV. 5-6 ST. JOSEPH GARAGE SALE. The
St. Joseph (Marksville) Altar Society is having
a garage sale Nov. 5 -6, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
at the church hall.
NOV. 8 OLL –FIFTH WARD MISSION. Our
Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Fifth
Ward (Marksville) will host a Parish Mission
Nov. 8-11 at 6:30 p.m. Deacon Glenn and
Linda Harmon will be the presenters for the
mission, themed Building a Strong
Foundation. Topics during the 4-day mission
include Catholic Identity, Agape-Love,
Mountain-moving Faith, Forgiveness is a Gift,
Commitment is a Decision, and Catholic
Community of Disciples. Don't miss this
opportunity to strengthen your relationship
with God, your Church and with one another.
The mission is free and open to the public.
NOV. 30-DEC. 23 DIOCESAN ADVENT
SERIES. The Diocese of Alexandria will offer
a Catholic Classics Advent Series in each
deanery. Each deanery’s series will be held
once a week and cover a different faith topic
presented by a different captivating priest.
Avoyelles Deanery: 6:30 pm at St. Mary’s
Assumption CYO, Cottonport
“Where’s that in the Bible?”, Catechism and
Sacred Scripture - by Fr. Jack Michalchuk
Tuesdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21
Central Deanery: 5:30 pm at St. Joseph
Catholic Center, Alexandria
The Church Praying, God Working as We
Pray – by Fr. Luke Melcher
Tuesdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21
Eastern Deanery: 6:00 pm at St. Patrick
Church Parish Hall, Ferriday
Advent Topics with Apologetics and Q&A – by
Fr. Louis Sklar
Tuesdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21
 VOL. XXXIV, No. 21 Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24
Natchitoches Deanery: 6:00 pm at K.C. Hall,
Natchitoches (Next to St. Mary’s H.S.)
The Book of Revelation: Right Here, Right
Now, For You and For Me – by Fr. Ryan
Humphries
Thursdays: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23
ADVENT SERIES
For more information, call the Office of RFT,
318-445-2401 Ext. 221
DEC. 5 CARLOW CHOIR CONCERT. The
Carlow Choir will perform a Christmas concert
Dec. 5 at 2.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Assumption
Church in Cottonport. The concert is free and
open to the public.
DEC. 17 DRAWING FOR LSU RAFFLE. The
St. Joseph Altar Society in Marksville is
sponsoring a raffle for a chance to win more
than $1,000 worth of LSU tailgating
merchandise. First prize ($700 value) is a
LSU Tailgate package that includes a folding
LSU table, a 10 X 10 LSU tent with a
backdrop, a 9-qt. LSU cast iron Dutch oven, 2
LSU folding chairs, a butane BBQ pit, and
much more. Second prize ($300 value) is a
night at Paragon Casino, dinner for two, and
an LSU tote package of goodies. Third prize
($175 value) is a 3-ft stuffed LSU tiger and an
LSU gift basket. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for
$10. Call the office at 253-7561 or any Altar
Society member.
FALL FESTIVALS & FAIRS
Oct. 30-31 St. Rita Church, Alexandria –
The fun begins Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
at the Holy Family Life Center. Come enjoy
good, games, a silent auction, a train ride,
and a hayride. Outside activities close from 3
– 6:30 p.m. to allow for Mass. The fair
continues from 6:30 -8 p.m. On Sunday, a
dinner will be available after the 8 a.m. Mass
for pick up only, and served at the Family Life
Center from 10:30 until. Activities continue
Sunday until 3 p.m.
Nov. 5-7 St. Mary’s Assumption,
Cottonport . The fun begins Friday, Nov. 5 at
Oct. 12, 2010
7 p.m. when St. Mary’s school will sponsor an
“all class” reunion and dance in the school
gym. $10 per person. On Saturday, Nov. 6
the activities includes a 2K Walk and 5K Run
at 7 a.m.; College football games telecasted
in the gym at 2:30 p.m.; Vigil Mass in the
church at 4:30 p.m. and games, food, bingo
and music from 5:30 p.m. until. On Sunday,
the fair activities continue. A delicious pork
dinner will be served at noon for $6 per plate.
Nov. 13 St. Martin of Tours, Belledeau-
Hessmer. St.Martin of Tours Catholic Church
in Belledeau-Hessmer, is having its annual
Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 13 following
the 4 p.m. Mass. Come join us for the best
and most delicious gumbo for $5 a bowl.
Games, bingo, raffle for a 6’swing, and lots of
cakes so typical of Avoyelles.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
OCT. 15-17 AWAKENING RETREAT. LSU-
Alexandria will host an Awakening Retreat
Oct 15-17. Awakening is a retreat for college
students that is open to any denomination
and is centered on Catholic teachings. The
three-day retreat involves talks, activities,
small group discussions, Mass, reconciliation
and much more. It is a great way to meet life-
long friends as well as re-awaken a sense of
God’s love for each one of us. The cost is $25
per student and includes meals and a t-shirt.
For more info or to sponsor a college student
for this event, e-mail lray@diocesealex.org or
call the Catholic Student Center @ 473-6494.
OCT. 24 STS. FRANCIS & ANNE TRUNK
OR TREAT. Sts. Francis & Anne in Kolin will
sponsor a Trunk or Treat in their parking lot
on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 3-5 p.m. with
Sunday evening Youth Mass to follow at 6
p.m. The event will include fall scene picture
props, story time, crafts, games and
refreshments inside the parish hall. Any child
up to 13 years old is welcome to come. A
“Best Decorated Car or Truck” contest will be
 VOL. XXXIV, No. 21 Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24
judged at 3:30 p.m., winner receives $25. For
more information, call Debbie at 715-4010.
DEC. 9-12 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY. Plan now to
attend the National Conference on Catholic
Youth Ministry, Dec. 9-12 in New Orleans.
The NCCYM is the largest adult conference
for Catholic youth ministers in the country.
Thousands of youth and campus ministers,
religious ed leaders, performers, artists and
volunteers from every level come together for
four days of inspiring keynotes, challenging
workshops, dynamic prayer and worship,
helpful networking, extensive resources, and
good-hearted entertainment. Registration
began in June. For more information or to
register, go to www.nfcym. org/nccym
JAN. 8-9 S.A.L.T. RETREAT. The dates for
the January S.A.L.T. Retreat have been
changed to Jan. 8-9, 2011. The registration
deadline for this retreat is still Dec. 15. You
can download an updated brochure from our
website at <http://www.diocesealex.org/> .
For more information, call Cathy at 318-445-
6424 x221. Thank you.
MARCH 18-20, 2011 YOUNG ADULT
CONFERENCE. Mark your calendars now for
the annual Young Adult Conference to be
held March 18-20, 2011 at Maryhill Renewal
Center. The conference is open to all young
adults, ages 18-40. Speakers include Paul
George, host Paul Hood, and music by Grae
McCullough. Our theme is Faith: Our
Generation. For more information, go to
www.diocesealex.org and click on Young
Adult Ministry.
VIRTUS© Safe Environment Program
Upcoming Virtus sessions are:
Oct. 20 St. Michael the Archangel Church,
Leesville, 6 p.m.
Oct. 12, 2010
SPECIAL DATES
BIRTHDAYS –. Rev. Joseph Montalbano,
Oct. 2; Rev. Chris Nayak, Oct. 4; Rev.
Bernard Zagst, Oct. 4; Rev. Duane Stenzel,
Oct. 6; Seminarian Brian Seiler, Oct. 11; Rev.
Terry Allen, Oct. 17; Rev. Harold Imamshah,
Oct. 17; Rev. John Brocato, Jr., Oct. 18; Rev.
Rickey Gremillion, Oct. 21; Rev. Jack
Michalchuk, Oct. 23; Rev. Vic Vead, Oct. 25;
Rev. Paul Kunnumpuram, Oct. 29
NECROLOGY – Fr. Louis Gergaud, Oct. 1,
1873; Fr. S. Forge, Oct. 3, 1905; Fr. Francois
LeVezouet, Oct. 8; Fr. Clement Neudling, Oct.
11, 1948; Fr. Joseph Gentille, Oct. 15, 1896;
Fr. Rudolph Engelen, Oct. 15, 2002; Msgr.
Anthony Piegay, Oct. 16, 1939; Msgr. Mozart
Pelletier, Oct. 16, 1980; Fr. Theodore
Lelieveld, Oct. 21, 1976; Fr. Louis Senesac,
Oct. 22, 1966; Msgr. Robert Friend, Oct. 22,
1977; Msgr. Joseph Damiens, Oct. 28, 1975.
MARYHILL SCHEDULE
OCTOBER
15-17 Myers, Baton Rouge, Youth Center
20 Holy Savior Menard 7th grade retreat
Youth Center
22-24 Ladies Monroe ACTS, Entire Campus
29-31 Ladies Cenla ACTS, Entire Campus
To schedule an event a Maryhill, call Catsy at
318-445-6424, ext. 221.
The DIGEST is published
every other Tuesday of the month.
The next issue will be published on
Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010
The deadline for turning in news
for the next issue is
Monday, Oct. 25 at 4:30 p.m.
E-mail: jpetrus@diocesealex.org
Visit our website at www. diocesealex.org
VOL. XXXIV, No. 21 Oct. 16-17, Oct. 23-24 Oct. 12, 2010