Steubenville South podcasts available online now
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The 15th annual Steubenville South Catholic Youth Conference was held on June 26-28, 2009 in Alexandria. Want to listen to and download the talks and homilies given throughout the weekend?

Click here to listen to podcasts of Steubenville South!
Photo Gallery
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Click here to view the photo galleries of First Communion, Confirmation and Graduation 2009.
Year for Priests will show pride in, love for priests
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year-for-priests-logo.jpgThe 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...
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...

Rev. Kenneth Roy dies in his home
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FrKennethRoy2.jpg Reverend Kenneth Roy, a Vicar General for the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria and president of Holy Savior Menard Central High School died June 16 in his home.  He was 67 years old.

Father Roy was born and raised in Avoyelles parish and was one of 13 children. He was a graduate of Mansura High School and Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.  He attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio. He was ordained a priest on January 7, 1978.

Father Roy served as pastor of several parishes including Christ the King Church in Bossier City, Our Lady of Lourdes in Fifth Ward, Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches, and Sacred Heart in Pineville.  He received the St. Vincent de Paul Humanitarian Award in 2001 for his compassion for the poor and for his efforts in establishing the Helping Hands Soup Kitchen in Natchitoches.

On behalf of the Diocese of Alexandria, Bishop Ronald Herzog extends his deepest sympathy to the large family of Father Roy.  "Please keep them all in your prayers as we remember Fr. Roy as a good, kind-hearted priest and a beloved friend," he said.

Jubilarian Mass celebrated
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jubilarians.jpgA special Jubilarian Mass was held May 22 for all of the priests in the Diocese of Alexandria who are celebrating anniversaries to the priesthood this year. 

Bishop William B. Friend, retired Bishop of Shreveport, participated in the celebration of his 50 years as a priest and 30 years as a Bishop. 

Those celebrating anniversaries in addition to Bishop Friend, are Rev. John Ryan, 55 years; Rev. Duane Stenzel, O.F.M., 55 years; Rev. Ferreolus D'Cruz, V.F., 50 years; Rev. Monsignor Steve J. Testa, V.F., 45 years; Rev. Nino G. Viviano, 45 years; Rev. Charles J. Morgan, 30 years; Rev. James Nellikunnel, C.M.I., 30 years; Rev. Christian I. Ogbonna, 30 years; Rev. Robert Garrione, 20 years; Rev. David Braquet, 15 years; Rev. Jason Gootee, 10 years; Rev. Jamie Medina, 10 years; Rev. Okot William, 10 years.

Transitional Deacon ordained
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Deacon-Irion.jpgDeacon Irion St. Romain, a 3rd year theology student at the Pontifical College Josephinum, was ordained as a transitional deacon on Saturday, May 30 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, by the Most Rev. Ronald Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria. He has been assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in Natchitoches as a transitional deacon.

 

Permanent Deacons Admitted to candidacy
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deacons.jpgSeventeen men were admitted to Candidacy for the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, May 23 st St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. 

Pictured are (front row) Bill Shaidnagle, Richard Mitchell, Bishop Ronald Herzog, and John Whitehead.  R2: (to right of the Bishop) Michael Young and Don Collins. R3: Emile “E.J.” Barre, Gary Schupbach, Todd Marye, and William “Bill” Travis. Back row: Ray Gibson, Clifford “Kip” Pelto, Pat McCusker, Rodrick “Benny” Broussard, L.G. Deloach, Joe Roque, Greg LeBlanc, and Ted Moulard.

Father (Cpt.) John Brocato tends to spiritual needs of soldiers
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jb-flying.jpgFr. John Brocato, a priest from the Diocese of Alexandria, is currently serving as a Catholic Chaplain in the U.S. Army and is stationed in Baghdad, Iraq.

The following interview with him was conducted via e-mails....
Vacation Bible Schools
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June 22-26, St. Joseph Church, Marksville, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., free, for elementary and Jr. high students. The Vacation Bible School will be combined with the Junior High Camp. For more info, call 253-7561.

June 22-26, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
, Tioga, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Pre-K through 5th grade. $5 donations accepted. For more info, call 640-9446.

June 22-26, St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leesville, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., free, for kids Pre-K - 6th grade.  For more info, call 337-239-2670.

June 22-25 and June 29-July 3 St. Frances Cabrini Church, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., cost is $80 per child for two weeks, for kids K-5.  For more info, call 445-7156.

July 13-17, St. Mary's Assumption Church, Cottonport, 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., ages 5-12, cost is $15 (includes t-shirt, snacks). For more info, call 876-3681.

July 13-17, Christ the King Church, Simmesport, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, ages 3-11, cost is $15. Registration is June 1-30. For more info, call Liz at 305-8102.

July 20-24, St. Rita Catholic Church, Alexandria, 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Pre-K -6th grade.  Free for registered parishioners; $25 for all others.  For more info, call 445-7141, ext. 15.
Plans for Catholic high school in Avoyelles progress
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Catholic high school students in Avoyelles, could be attending the newest, state of the art high school in the parish soon if the proposed  50,000 sq. ft., $8 million centrally-located Catholic facility receives proper funding and support.

“The architect plans for the proposed diocesan school are beautiful,” said Sister Ann Lacour, superintendent of Catholic schools. “Everyone involved in this project is very excited about the way the school will look, the high tech learning environment, the spiritual leadership, and the opportunities it will offer the entire community.

Read more about it here...
Immaculate Conception Natchitoches designated minor Basilica by Pope
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immac-concept.jpgBishop Ronald P. Herzog announced April 7 that Immaculate Conception Church in Natchitoches has been designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.

“This is indeed a historic moment for the diocese,” said Bishop Herzog. “This beautiful church served as the first cathedral in our state outside of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. It remains the mother church for all North Louisiana and is a true spiritual icon in the state and surrounding region.”

According to Father Scott Chemino, coordinator of the project, the entire process took seven months and multiple trips to Natchitoches for documents, photographs and consultation.

Read more about it here...

 
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