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Lenten Regulations
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Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. This means that we do not eat meat and we have only one full meal. The other Fridays of the season of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.
The obligation to abstain from meat binds Catholics 14 years of age and older. The obligation to fast, limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals in the course of the day, binds Catholics from the age of 18 to 59. Those who are younger or older may freely embrace these disciplines.
But Lenten disciples should never endanger your health. It is obvious that abstaining from meat is meaningless for vegetarians, who must choose some other form of abstinence. It is equally obvious that replacing meat with a gourmet seafood meal is not in keeping with the spirit of Lent.
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Bishops Golf Tournament in Avoyelles March 20
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The Diocese of Alexandria will sponsor the Bishop’s Invitational Golf Tournament in Avoyelles Parish March 20 at the Bay Hills Golf Club in Marksville. All proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit the Seminarian Education Fund.
The cost to enter the four-man scramble tournament is $100 per person or $400 per team. The entry fee includes green fees, cart, range balls and refreshments. In addition, lunch will be served and a Cochon de Lait dinner at the end of the tournament. Beverages will be provided throughout the day.
Anyone who would like to consider becoming part of the tournament by becoming a sponsor should call the Development Office at 318-445-6424, ext. 209. The levels of sponsorship include a Hole sponsor for $100, Silver sponsor for $250; Team sponsor for $400, Gold Chalice sponsor for $500, and Platinum Chalice sponsor for $1,500. All sponsorships are tax deductible.
The Planning Committee is working to secure hole-in-one prizes. There will also be tournament prizes awarded at the end of the day. This promises to be a great event. For more information call 318-445-6424, ext 209.
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Hospital spiritual care helps heal spirit of the sick
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Before 48 year old John, the owner of a successful local business, was rushed to the ER after an apparent heart attack, he went to church for baptisms, weddings, and funerals, but religion, he decided, was not for him.
With his family by his side, he was barely able to speak, but managed to utter the words, “I want to see a priest.”
Within minutes, one of the hospital chaplains was there, praying at his bedside, giving him a blessing, and providing spiritual comfort to his family. The chaplain, an Ordained Protestant Minister or a Catholic lay person, then called the hospital’s priest-chaplain.
Read more here...
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Young Adult Conference offers Hope
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As young adults, we face special issues, and while we cannot address every topic over one weekend, we hope to provide some basic principles to living life as a Catholic young adult.
The Crossroads Young Adult Conference will be held at Maryhill Renewal Center March 19-21 and is open to those age 18 and up, Catholic and not. It is our hope to provide a place of community, an opportunity to receive the Sacraments, a time for fellowship, and resources to take home.
But don’t wait. Start now by talking to your priest, getting involved on your college campus, in your family, at work, and simplest of all - pray. Join the apostles and the Blessed Mother in seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to form a personal relationship with God.
The keynote speaker will be Chris Padgett. Chris was part of the Christian band Scarecrow and Tinmen and has been in ministry on his own for the past 8 years. Doing keynotes and concerts, writing articles or giving interviews has all been utilized to convey the importance of who Jesus is and what He has, is and will do in the lives of His people. Chris became Catholic in 1999. He is married to his wife, Linda, and they have 8 children.
Paul Hood is the host of the YAC. Paul was born and raised in Avoyelles Parish. Paul has spent the last decade and a half working in various ministries throughout the country. By using his love for music, comedy, and anything that isn’t bolted to the floor, he has ministered to all ages. He is currently director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Alexandria. He and his wife, Rosa have three children.
Worship leader will be Grae McCullough. Grae is a contemporary Christian crossover singer/songwriter. His music reflects his relationship with God, with others, and with the world in general, in a candidly honest way. He writes about joy, frustration, and even apathy; feelings that everyone is prone to experience every day in real life.
Online registration is available at www.diocesealex.org through March 15. A discounted price of $50 is available through March 1. Registration and payment must be received by this date to receive the discount. The price then increases to $60 through March 19, with registration also available at the door.
All registration fees are non-refundable and cover attendance, materials, and meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Sunday breakfast).
For more information, visit www.diocesealex.org or call 318-445-6424, ext 221, or toll-free 1-866-447-7088.
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Anniversary books available for jubilee year
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For the first time, five, full-color, history books about the Diocese of Alexandria will be available to commemorate the 100th Anniversary celebration.
 Three of the books are (8 x 8) “souvenir books,” that are 64-page full-color books, hard-bound with a full-color jacket. Souvenir books include one about St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and Avoyelles Parish.
A fourth book, also an 8 x 8 sourvenir book but with a soft cover, is a children’s book about the history of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. From the eyes of an 8-year old altar boy giving a tour of the Cathedral, the story appeals to young readers. The entire book is hand illustrated. 
The fifth book is a larger (coffee table style) 144-page book. It too, is hard bound with a glossy wrap-around cover. The full-color inside pages tell the story of the Diocese of Alexandria beginning in 1628 when LaSalle and Father Membre first brought Christianity to the Indians along the Mississippi River, near St. Joseph. Every church, Catholic school and certain ministries in the diocese are featured.
The books were written by Father Chad Partain; assisted in production by Jeannie Petrus, editor of the Church Today; and published by Editions du Signe in Strassburg, France.
Orders will be taken through the parishes in February or March.
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Year for Priests will show pride in, love for priests
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 The 2009-10 Year for Priests will demonstrate that the
Catholic Church "is proud of her priests, loves them, honors them (and)
admires them," said Cardinal Claudio Hummes, prefect of the Congregation
for Clergy.
In a letter released in late May, the cardinal said the
yearlong celebration, which was proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI and will be
inaugurated by him June 19, also will recognize the variety of pastoral work
performed by priests and the witness of their lives.
Addressing Italian bishops May 28, Pope Benedict said the
year should help priests "rediscover the grace and the goal of priestly
ministry."
"It is a service to the church and to the Christian
people that requires a deep spirituality," the pope said, because only by
being united with the Lord can priests minister effectively through their
preaching, their celebration of the sacraments and their assistance to the
poor.
Read more about it here...
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Special plenary indulgence is granted during Year for Priests
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During the Year for Priests (June 19, 2009 - June 19, 2010)
a special Plenary Indulgence is being offered to those who devoutly complete
its requirements, some of which include visits to historical churches in the
Diocese of Alexandria.The Plenary Indulgence is granted to all the faithful who (1)
are truly repentant for their sins through sacramental confession (2) devoutly
receive Holy Communion (3) offer prayers to Jesus for the priests of the
Church, and for the intentions of the Holy Father; on the first Thursday (or
First Friday in the Diocese of Alexandria) of each month during the Year for
Priests.
Read more about it here...
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Question of the Week
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1. A life-size reproduction of the Shroud of Turin (the original is believed to
be the burial cloth of Jesus) is currently on display in a permanent exhibit
at Regina Apostolorum University in Rome that opened Jan. 21, 2010.
Do you believe the Shroud of Turn is the actual burial cloth of Jesus?
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