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Christine Bordelon, associate editor of the Clarion Herald and NOLA Catholic Parenting moderator, invited James Behan, associate director for the Young Adult Ministry & Marriage & Family Life for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Peyton Fine, the new president of the Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) New Orleans chapter – to dive into the subject of young adult ministry (18- to 39-year-olds) in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

1:00 Christine asked Peyton to describe who the young adults are.

1:12 Peyton said there isn’t an easy way to describe young adults which makes the ministry challenging. He talked about his journey through Catholic schools on high school with faith laid out clearly. Even at college had opportunities on campus to participate in faith. In the real world, there isn’t that clear faith path. You have to make a more conscientious decision to include faith in your life. It is more his own now, but can be challenging as a young adult.

2:50 Christine asked Peyton about what energized him about the Catholic faith.

2:55: Peyton said he was blessed that his parents and grandparents instilled faith in him at a very young age. He said every blessing and challenge that he has been given are only present through God. Knowing that in his mind, living a life without faith is something he couldn’t comprehend. The ideals that his parents gave him that everything we have must come through faith.

4:00: Christine asked Peyton if there were events that he and his friends look forward to to express their faith.

4:10: Peyton said Young Catholic Professionals is part of that as well as Christ in the City events that Behan’s office offers. YCP look forward to happy hours, executive speaker series. Discounted food and drink attract young adults.

5:10: Peter Finney, editor of the Clarion Herald, jumped in about speaking at a YCP event and noticing the large turnout of young Catholic adults who take their faith serious.

5:30: Peyton said every opportunity we give to young adults to express their faith, the space to practice their faith but bolsters their faith – realizing they are not alone as young adults to express their faith.

6:10 Christine asked James Behan to talk about the Young Adult Ministry office for the archdiocese.

6:27: James – it is a broad umbrella of services and programs helping parishes, college campus ministries and other groups – provide opportunities for community, prayer, service. Assists the archbishop and his work in reaching “the church of now.” Connecting like-minded young adults with same life experiences as they do who are energized and excited by their faith. To feel the call of the Holy Spirit in their hearts to deepen their faith in their lives.

8:53: Christine asked James if he’s been involved in young adult ministry for a while

8:55 James said he’s been involved for 15 years – first on college campuses, in music ministry and with Archdiocese of New Orleans for two years.

9:00: Peter Finney asked Peyton what parishes could do to serve young adults better.

9:43 Peyton said: Having an organized group in a parish is the first step. Only a few in the archdiocese, including St. Catherine who runs a GroupMe app, have one now. Shows that a parish wants to support young adults. Young Adults feel much more welcomed this way and want to maintain their faith. He said meeting young adults where they are in faith is another important aspect. Having events such as Theology on Tap that brings in social element is great. It makes a huge impact for a small

12:00: Christine asked what the YCP’s slogan of “Working in Witness for Christ” means.

12:25: It means that in each moment of my career I can offer anything that I am doing for the betterment of faith. Often as a young adult, I don’t always see the correlation of how work relates to faith. Even offer toil up to souls in purgatory.

13:55 Christine asked Peyton about what he’s enjoyed about YCP.

14:00: Peyton said the cornerstones are the monthly executive speaker series featuring Catholic executives and how faith has impacted their work role is impactful; and monthly happy hours throughout the city that helps Catholics connect and build a virtuous community

15:35: Christine asked James how COVID-19 has affected Young Adult ministry events in the archdiocese

15:49: James said it’s prevented from March 2020 to May 2021 hasn’t had Christ in the City. Returned in May 2021. Stopped regular Theology on Tap. It’s forced young adults to find more creative ways to express and expand their faith. Used social media to Divine Mercy chaplet online and other things like the 7-week Theology on Tap book series using Pope’s love letter to young church with James and Claire Gallagher. It’s help people to connect at their convenience and helped people recognize what’s sacred and unique in their lives. Have to be creative and wise when offering safe events now.

19:23: Christine asked both James and Peyton about how online events have replaced in-person events.

19:35: Peyton said virtual Zoom events definitely have, especially the Refiner’s Fire speaker events presented by the national YCP. They’ve used outdoor venues and larger spaces in New Orleans so young adults can gather safely. “Whatever it takes to bring people together socially.”

21:00: James agrees, saying they wouldn’t want to endanger young adults by producing an unsafe atmosphere and have a plan B if COVID conditions cause large, in-person events to be cancelled.

21:45: Peter Finney asked if there were online faith tools they use to keep their faith alive.

22:05: Peyton said he uses www.faithNd.edu sends a daily short Gospel reflection and prayer; and Fr. Mike Schmitz’s top-rated Bible in a Year podcast.

22:30: James also follows the “Bible in a Year’ podcast. “It’s planting seeds” of faith and easily referred to later online. He also uses an app called hallow.com – a $70 investment annually. The best Catholic artists, speakers and presenters provide daily reflections, and it’s easy to share. Using the phone/technology this way, it is a reflection of Christ, not an idol. It is digital discipleship.

26:25: Christine asked about the annual World Youth Day which is usually in October locally?

26:47: James didn’t think it was going to happen. (It has now been cancelled in person by Archbishop Gregory Aymond.) Global World Youth Day – next one is Lisbon, Portugal in 2023. James has been to three world youth days.

28:05: Peyton has been to local World youth days. He’s energized by seeing his peers energized by faith. Seeing an army of priests together and seeing long lines to go to confession is his “seared” image of World Youth Day. We are all flawed, but God always is there to forgive.

29:05: James hopes that 2022 will allow the opportunity for other youth to take part in local World Youth Day. He attended the last one with Pope John Paul and two with Pope Benedict. He called it a “Pentecost Experience” being with the vicar of Christ, the successor of St. Peter. It’s an outdoor music concert – Wood stock, the Olympics and Mass where people are so proud to declare they are part of one, holy apostolic church. Kids flood a major city in the world and get to meet others from all over to pray, dance, sing and celebrate Mass together in a variety of languages. He finds it inspiring and life changing. A “vocation-affirming” experience.

31:30: Christine asked James about the importance of building young adults since they will be the parents who are the first faith examples/givers of their children.

32:10: James sees two levels – parents of young adults and young adults who are parents. Parents of young adults can pass along bulletin announcements of events and invite them to these events, but also respect the choices these young adults make. He referred to St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine who lived a wild life. St. Monica kept praying for her son for the Holy Spirit to do something to Augustine’s heart. Offer up pain and suffering they experience because their children aren’t living up to the faith that they were brought up in. Think of a child’s gifts and talents and even suggest they help the parish by using these talents (technology, flip burgers at a men’s club event). This is where evangelization and conversion can take place. Remember the promise you make to be the first faith example to children at the baptismal font. Reinforce the faith taught at Catholic schools as husband and wife. Fastest way to get in touch young www.nolacatholic.org/YAM or Instagram.com/nola_yam.

38:00 Peyton said you can contact the Young Catholic Professionals in New Orleans and learn about events at ww.Ycpnewsorleans.org or YCP on Facebook. He sees continued growth and recognition that YCP is open for young adults to strengthen that faith. “We need that oxygen of the Holy Spirit.” He hopes YCP can play a small part in continued faith growth for young adults.

Keywords: Deena Cheramie, Mount Carmel Academy, summer camp, University of Holy Cross, Dr. Ryan White, keeping camps safe, prayer in camp.

NOLA Catholic Parenting ‘s Christine Bordelon recently moderated a discussion about summer activities for children as seen through the lens of parent Charla Misse, director of Mount Carmel Academy’s Catholic summer camp program and assistant principal Denna Cheramie and director of the University of Holy Cross’ counseling center’s Dr. Ryan White. Watch for suggestions to help get the most of summer with children.

1:15: Charla Misse talks about the different activities, including a St. Anthony of Padua church tour,  a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park’s Botanical Gardens  and other weekly field trips to get inspiration from architecture, art and nature, she is doing with her son.

5:05: Denna Cheramie has directed MCA’s camp for more than 20 years and talks about the popular activities and faith elements of this high school’s summer camp for kids. This year, more than 700 campers are participating in popular cooking, sewing, art, sports and dance, slime making, MakerBot and interior design.

6:44: Dr. White mentions that summer, ideally, is a time to relax and recharge. But, this summer after COVID, is a transition. It’s a time to help children and families be prepared to adjust to the new normal over the past year of the pandemic.

8 Christine asked Dr. White what he’s been hearing from families during counseling on how they have structed their 2021 summer plans for kids.

8:25: He said families had to get creative this year as things are beginning to reopen.

9:15: Christine asked Charla if her son is asking to do things.

9:30 Charla Misse said the library is stimulating the conversation about what he has an interest in.

10:45 Denna Cheramie said Mount Carmel is keeping campus safe in 2021 by expanding the number of sessions available per time frame to keep groups smaller. Masks are not mandatory but, at time, depending on the activity, masks are worn; lunch is scattered.

14: Dr. White discussed what’s he’s hearing in family counseling since 2021 has opened up activities and people aren’t experiencing cabin fever with their families and online learning has, for the most part, disappeared. Parents’ thoughts on safety at camps vary. He suggested scouting out the facility and check out safety precautions that suit them. He said another safety concert parents are expressing is hurricane season.

16:30: Christine asked about keeping faith alive during the summer.

17: In addition to doing church tours, Charla Misse wrote a holy water blog of how her family has been blessing each other with holy water when they leave the house and incorporate the Divine Mercy prayer in their life. Faith became a respite during the pandemic. It made a difference

20.15: Deena Cheramie discusses faith elements at Mount Carmel’s summer camp. Pray in the beginning of camp, at lunch and other times during the day. 100 camp counselors – Mount Carmel students - are doing service hours. Regularly doing school there is a service-learning opportunity as well. Through interaction – how we treat one another with respect, loving like Jesus loves, forgiving, being welcome and inclusive – we show our faith. Discipline goes back to what would Jesus do.

Dr. White: gives final suggestions about what families can do through the end of summer. Incorporating prayer, church going, etc. Work with clients to increase their mindfulness – to be in the moment, to incorporate their spirituality in this mindfulness individually or as a family.

1:20 Christine asks Carolyn about how the video came about, its time and how the pandemic has affected students at Dominican.

1:30 Favre explained how the video resulted from discussions she has with Hrapmann at a principals’ meeting and talking about how down the students and faculty was. Dominican’s president Dr. Cynthia Thomas was already talking to Dr. Credo about this about speaking to Dominican’s parents. The idea expanded to Cabrini, Rummel and Chapelle. They felt the urgency to have this conversation.

3:45: Hrapmann said she noticed changes in Cabrini students since COVID. Her guidance staff had expressed concern with the level of depression and anxiety in students. They were in a hybrid model – some learning in school, some at home – and all activities were cancelled early on. Lack of motivation to follow through on students’ behalf. More optimism and hope with vaccine now out. Replanning activities with safe guidelines.

5:35: Favre said all the schools were experiencing the same things with students and faculty so it was important to share any helpful hints for parents. Not to be competitive but be collaborative on a topic that was so prevalent for the good of all. Students were restless; they believed that everything was taken away. Registration took five days instead of the usual one. She encouraged students to concentrate on what they can do instead of what they lost.

7:30: Dr. Credo said if you look across the board nationally, there has been an uptick in depression in adolescents during COVID and hospital emergency visits for teens. And increase in opioid use and deaths in youth and adolescents, especially in Louisiana.  Not surprising, teens are under stress. So many pandemic-related issues – parents lost jobs – and teens noticed that; teens are isolated; teens learn by engaging with their peers and no longer can do that – no ring dance or senior prom. Many adapted beautifully, but it has been a challenge.

10:15 Dr. Credo said he decided on what to say to parents. He said he got some tips from “Raising Teens” by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology breaks down parenting into several areas – how to oversee your teen without hovering. He said it was wonderful for the schools to collaborate and put the kids first. The tips include setting limits without being overbearing; role setting of limits; connecting with teens; understanding that your teens are listening (that he’s learned in his practice). Sometimes parents feel hopeless, but they can control a great deal, more than they understand. He quoted writer James Baldwin, “Children have not been so good at listening to their parents, but they have never failed to imitate them.” Parents setting the moral and right way to do things are setting the example.

14:15 Michelle Nichols talks about her experience as a parent. Her daughter is a junior at Dominican and son is a junior at Rummel and said it’s been difficult for them. Things have improved this school year with hybrid and in-person learning with real-time class. She found that they were in a funk – lack of interaction and normal things to do. “It was stressful. Having to do things differently than before.” She congratulated the schools for what they have done.

17:00 Carolyn Favre and Yvonne Hrapmann stated how they have compensated for kids missing things. At Dominican, they had ring day, but now ring dance. They had a modified rally day – an authentic Dominican tradition. Getting ready for induction – seniors and their little sisters re-scheduled for March in a modified version.

At Cabrini, they kept a tighter grip on protocols in the fall. A ring ceremony with only parents and students. Tried to do things creatively. Student Council spirit week was modified before Mardi Gras. Returned fully to campus at the end of January and there “was just a whole new life on campus.” Re-instituted Birthday with the principal. Seniors have lunch with the president in smaller groups with pre-packaged lunch and a shorter time. They won’t have a senior prom or dance but are planning a senior celebration. Asking students what is most important to them. “Balancing social opportunity with concern for safety” for students and teacher.

22:00 Dr. Credo: How long is too long for parent to react when a student says they want to commit suicide? If they are really loud about this pronouncement, a parent needs to address this. Th University of Chicago medical school has suggestions they give – if symptoms last for more than two seeks (poor school performance, frequent crying, withdrawing from friends, sleeplessness, etc.) All teenagers have a bad day once in a while, but parents have to discern if there is something out of the ordinary and concerning. We want to make sure the young people are protected. Young adults are in need of connection. Keep them in touch with their friends and family – even by phone; going outside and kicking a soccer ball; go outside to elevate the mood. Don’t worry about getting rebuffed.

26:00 What parents can do without hovering – develop networks with other parents, teachers, school counselors to observe these young kids and understand what is going on with them. You have to remain involved.

28:00 Michelle Nichols thought the video “Arrested Development” was a good reminder of what we should already be doing, especially now. The kids are normally doing social things that they are doing now, and it is affecting them. “That is their world; friends and peers have a big influence on them.” She said it’s been important to keep kids in church and their youth group meets. It’s been a lifeline. Praying at home. “Jesus is the answer to everything.” For the kids to continue to look up to the Lord and his hope and truth and not becoming hopeless.

29:00 Dr. Credo – encouraged to keep the Catholic schools in a collaborative way.

30:00 Carolyn Favre – we all represent Catholic schools and the important thing is prayer in the students’ lives. You can pray about anything. Was happy Michelle mentioned God – we always have someone to point to and pray to.

Christine Bordelon, associate editor of the Clarion, and editor Peter Finney Jr. talk with Father Colm Cahill and Deacon Ray Duplechain, members of the Year of the Eucharist committee for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and Catholic mom of six from St. Catherine of Siena Parish Michelle Macicek about the meaning of the Eucharist for Catholics, the importance of attending in-person Mass and the Year of the Eucharist beginning Jan. 10, 2021, in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Christine asked Father Cahill to explain the true meaning of the Eucharist since a Pew study revealed that more than half think the bread and wine consecrated at Mass is only a symbol not the true body and blood of Christ.

2:00 – Father Cahill said people who are Catholics, in general – not just those attending Mass were surveyed – so we would expect a lack of catechesis. The catechism tells us that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Christian life. It is what everything flows from and what everything leads back toward. The Greek word eukharizesthai means “Thanksgiving of Christ to the Father.” The offering of Christ himself to the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit happens when the deacon holds up the chalice and priest holds the paten. We participate in this by saying in the beginning of the offertory, “Pray brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours be acceptable to God the Almighty Father,” is brought on the altar. The Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ – the total Christ. That is why it’s important to participate in this, because it gathers up everything we face in our daily lives.

4:15 Christine ask Father Cahill to explain the moment of consecration on the altar at Mass.

4:25 At the moment of consecration, there is particular theological understanding. The priest is in the person of Christ. The priest says, “This is my body, and my blood to be given up for you.” He doesn’t say this is your body. This is profound to Father Cahill as a priest.

5:35: Peter Finney ask Deacon Duplechain about the concern of whether people will return to Mass once the dispensation to attend Mass is lifted. Is this the reason Archbishop Aymond decided to declare a year devoted to the eucharist?

6:20 Deacon Duplechain the Eucharist is known as the sacrament of charity. At the end of Mass, we are all called to go out and be sent as disciples on a mission. We gather the food for the journey, and carry it out to the world. Christ’s real presence in us is manifested in our presence and in everything we do. We take the Mass for granted. Abp. Aymond, as the shepherd of the flock, what to emphasize the Eucharist this year. People always long for the Lord, whether they know him or not. This is what the Eucharist is for us as a people. It is our understanding of how Christ is made present in us.

8:50 Christine asked Deacon Duplechain about events planned in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for the “Year of the Eucharist.”

8:55: Deacon Duplechain said exciting things will occur. There will be a series of moments of prayer throughout the year – 12 different topics that break the Mass apart – to educate Christians of a better understanding of the Eucharist. There will be resources for parishes to use for their parishioners of all ages that can be implemented throughout the year. There will be a Speaker’s Bureau, too. Adoration will be added to the two main annual, archdiocesan-wide Confession opportunities. So, not only will people be able to reconcile their sins, they will have an opportunity to praise God and understand who He is. Catholics will be invited to bring gifts for the poor during these times. There also will be an art contest for all ages, and a poster will be created. – integrating prayer with art, much like icons, to tell a story.

12:15: Christine asked Michelle about returning to Mass.

12:25:  Michelle and her family returned to Mass as soon as they could by signing up and go every Sunday, albiet socially distant as a family unit.

13:10 Christine asked Michelle what she and her family were missing by just watching Mass at home.

13:13: Michelle said besides the gifts and grace we receive from the Eucharist – obviously number one – there was that missing of sense of community praying together.

13:40: Peter asked Father Cahill what his estimate about people returning to Mass after the dispensation is lifted might be.

14: Father Cahill thinks once the dispensation is lifted, there is going to have to be some teaching and understanding about what the obligation to attend Mass really is. As humans, we are naturally rebellious due to original sin. Obligation feels like something we have to do, rather than the gift that Mass is. It’s about devotion, not an obligation. “I am devoted to God and want to be with him.” He used an analogy of being part of a family, and one member is not acting as he should. The parents give an invitation to that child to do what he should – an inviting back to re-assume their obligation. It is an understanding that he is part of the family. As part of a family, the obligation makes sense. As a church, we are a family, so the invitation to return to church should be understood. The family has an opportunity to come together. He thinks every Catholic should have a responsibility to invite others to come back.

17:30 Christine asked Michelle how her children were expressing their missing being part of a community.

17:48: Michelle said her children from 15 months to age 16 had different experiences of virtual Mass. Her oldest at first liked at-home Mass, but she soon realized how much it meant to be at Mass. Her second oldest missed the Eucharist. The two youngest are easier to contain in a pew than at home. The two others who attend St. Catherine School missed celebrating with their friends.

18:57 Christine asked Father Cahill about being charged at Baptism to be missionaries, and weekly at Mass hear Jesus’ words and learn to act like him as well as get a piece of him in the Eucharist.

19:15: Father Cahill said that model is like Christ on the Road to Emmaus when he began breaking open Scripture and explaining it to the apostles walking with him. “Did our hearts not burn?” the apostles said. When they celebrated at their Emmaus destination after their long journey, Jesus leaves after the breaking of the bread. The apostles, even though it was a long journey, immediate travel back to Jerusalem and share with everyone what they had just received through Christ. That’s like our Christian faith, Father Cahill said. Everything we receive at Mass is only truly received by us when we give it away. The Greek word of Gospel means “Good News.” What is the good news? I have a savior and can give everyone hope.

21:35: Christine asked Deacon Duplechain how Abp. Aymond will kick off the Year of the Eucharist.

21:38: Deacon Duplechain said plans are being finalized now, but it will be kicked off on the Feast day of the Baptism of the Lord Jan. 19, 2021. The connection to baptism is present. At baptism, we are given a share to partake. What we receive, we become. We share the reality that God is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The hope is that the whole concept of obligation is not seen as a rule to be followed but an invitation to love, to be rejoined and reconnected so we partake is God’s presence in everywhere available.

23:00 Christine concluded with tips from “Our Sunday Visitor”: attending Mass allows us to seek forgiveness for our sins, to be part of a community, offer peace to each other, to pray for each other, to experience the miracle of the bread and wine being turned into the body and blood of Christ, it strengthens our commitment to lead moral lives and we receive a special invitation to spread the word of God.

Clarion Herald associate editor and editor Peter Finney talk with local education and mental health leaders about children’s mental health during the pandemic.

Christine: As we endure the 1-th month of the pandemic, I wondered how children were doing. I’ve invited invited Dr. RaeNell Houston, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans; Dr. Doug Walker, Ph.D., chief programs director and a clinical psychologist with Mercy Family Center which offers counseling services for all ages; and Charlotte Phillips, one of our NOLA Catholic Parenting writers and bloggers and a parent of four children.

1:40 Charlotte said being back in school has helped with kids’ happiness. They are still sad with less activities, no birthday parties.

Christine: Mercy Family Center has completed 6,000 virtual counseling sessions since the pandemic.

2:20 Dr. Walker: Mercy gets calls from adults and children every day. Psychiatry and social work services. In past few weeks, there has been an increase in calls for kids. Possibly due to the expectation of Christmas and grief and loss they have experienced over past year

3:10 Christine: What is Dr. Walker hearing about what kids are feeling?

3:10 Dr. Walker: Depression and anxiety are tops. Pre-existing conditions are exacerbated by pandemic and having adjustment issue to the new normal.

4:00 Christine: Asked Dr. RaeNell Houston what has been the common mental health experience of kids in Catholic schools in the archdiocese

4:40 Dr. Houston: School leaders were encouraged on Google meets to tell teacher to reach out to families so teachers could keep a pulse of students academically and socially. This started in the fourth quarter so they knew how Less than 5 percent of population chose remote learning due to underline health issues or living with people who are immune-compromised. She is seeing students having trouble paying attention, concentration for a long period of time, memory, losing spark for creativity, anxiety depression.

5:30 Christine asked Dr. Walker about Mercy Famiiy Center’s How’s Your Five cube to help disaster victims express themselves.

6:45. Dr. Walker was born in Joplin, Missouri, after its EF5 tornado and Mercy Family Center was invited due to experience with Katrina and BP Oil Spill. Peer-to-peer work and school, relationships, support, love, relationships, sleep habits and consuming food and alcohol. Conglomerate of Mercy has adopted it systemwide with its 45,00 employees as a reinforcement of support for each other.

8:00 Christine asked if How’s Your 5 has been adapted to the pandemic.

8:06: Some schools have used How’s Your Five, but they decided not to start a new or reworked program in the middle of a crisis.

8:40: Dr. Houston said Catholic School systems has always partnered with community partners like Mercy Family Center, Ascension-DePaul, Children’s Hospital to help students with mental health and behavioral health. Schools are the first line of defense and she has been leaning on partners.

9:35 Dr. Houston said they have licensed counselors and social workers that work with Catholic school families and students and are doing small group therapy sessions and guidance session to help students with emotional learning and coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. Elementary schools, instead of foreign language, are doing guidance sessions.

10:25 Christine asked Dr. Walker about 15-year-old Project fleur de Lis that had provided services in schools

10:45 Dr. Walker said Project Fleur de Lis was in transition and conducting more training/consultancy around best practices for trauma to counselors and others than direct services in the classroom to students. Will create online educational platforms. This way their boundaries could reach nationwide.

11:57 Peter asked Dr. Houston about pandemic outbreaks when students returned to on-campus learning.

12:20 Dr. Houston said most faculty and staff were glad to return to the classroom and hasn’t shut down any school due to outbreaks. Catholic schools have not had significant clusters in any school. When a positive case does crop u, they contact CDC to find out who needs to isolate, who needs to quarantine and the school follows that protocol to isolate or quarantine or how long. Teachers who might test positive or be exposed to someone who is positive, they can teach from home. They work to stop the spread.

14:45: Christine asked Dr. Houston if a student tests positive, it’s been the class quarantines on home for so many days.

14:59: Dr. Houston said there is a 48-hour protocol before classmates or teachers have to isolate.

15:45: Christine asked Dr. Houston about her daughter who has special needs and is immune-compromised.

16 Dr. Houston said her daughter is doing better than she thought. She is virtual learning and Zooming and Google Meets and is not in after-school activities because of her condition. She has been anxious at times, but she is paying close attention and gives her mechanisms to cope with the changes.

17:00 Christine asked Dr. Walker for tips to help families help their children with the stressors and changes that the pandemic has caused their children.

17:45 Dr. Walker said managing sleep is probably the best thing parents can do to help children; maybe even more than eating. These virtual lives in school and even gaming or social in the evening, the young brain sees all this as sunrise. Also, to manage routines and expectations in a world where we can’t predict what’s going to happen a day later and managing flexibility and good coping. And, if you see anything unusual, ask others who know your children if they notice something different. Talk to teachers and counselors and take action.

19:15 Charlotte is used to being outdoors with her children, so has used nature and the activities outdoors to keep her children mentally sounds and happy. She realized early on during the quarantine that not having a schedule wasn’t going to work. She created a schedule and included outdoor activities was incorporated every day – outside the four walls. She kept with bedtime routines. She thought it is important as Catholics to keep daily prayer time. Keeping her daily prayer kept her less anxious and worry and that keeps her kids with less worry. It’s a reminder that we are not here alone, God it with us, too.

Three pastors in the Archdiocese of New Orleans – Oblate Father Tony Rigoli (Our Lady of Guadalupe), Father John Asare Dankwah (St. Peter Claver) and Father Sidney Speaks (St. Joseph the Worker) – speak with the Clarion Herald's Christine Bordelon and Peter Finney about their pastoral outreach during the pandemic.

Three pastors in the Archdiocese of New Orleans – Oblate Father Tony Rigoli (Our Lady of Guadalupe), Father John Asare Dankwah (St. Peter Claver) and Father Sidney Speaks (St. Joseph the Worker) – speak with the Clarion Herald's Christine Bordelon and Peter Finney about their pastoral outreach during the pandemic.

Clarion Herald and NOLA Catholic Parenting associate editor Christine Bordelon talks with NOLA Catholic Parenting bloggers/columnists Kim Roberts and Ty Salvant as well as the Office of Catholic Education and Faith Formation Kasey Webb and Clarion Herald editor Peter Finney Jr. about the changing landscape of education in the Archdiocese of New Orleans since the COVID-19 crisis hit New Orleans in March 2020.

:30-1:30: Christine talks about the Brave New World of education since the pandemic and how she was home with her husband and grandchild fighting for internet.

1:30 Christine said brick-and-mortar school situation was the preference for Dr. RaeNell Houston, superintendent of Catholic schools

2:08: Kasey Webb talks about how all 72 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans adapted to virtual learning in the spring and how she worked with administrators and teachers to ready them for the variety of learning modes this fall. Every school was encouraged to make decisions that worked for their unique school community. She said principals, teachers, students and parents were incredible adapting to this new world. Most started back in person, while others had a virtual option and others that had virtual and in-person learning.

3:15: Peter Finney asked Webb is there was a difference in what elementary and high schools were doing.

3:30: Webb responded that secondary schools had it easier to do virtual or hybrid module since students are older, more independent and more experienced with Google and online learning. Elementary schools tried to do in-person if possible.

4:10 Christine asked what they did in the spring and what they did over the summer so teachers felt confident in teaching virtually, if necessary.

4:30: Webb said she was doing lots of virtual training and webinars to prepare teachers on the different – Zoom or Google Meet. What strategies can you use for small group discussions, time to discuss and process. Lots of training in Google Classroom that some schools had begun using previously and teaching teachers all the platforms could do. She did lots of in-person work with teachers in the classroom. The teachers were so eager to learn new strategies.

6: Christine asked now that schools have been back a month, how has learning gone?

6:20: Webb answered that it’s getting easier for teachers and they are now helping each other get stronger on the new teaching strategies. But it’s constantly changing.

7: Christine asked Kim Roberts if things have gotten better since the spring with a hybrid learning system at Dominican where her daughter is a sophomore.

7:28: Kim said it’s gotten much better. Her daughter goes to school several days a week, and is home the other days. Learning is real-time with teachers and students, and her daughter is self-motivated and has her routine down. She has As. Kim is comfortable that her daughter isn’t in the classroom every day.

9: Christine asked Ty about her home schooling situation during COVID-19.

9:28: Ty said the beauty of homeschool is in the flexibility. Had to shift from homeschool in community, but returned back this fall and hand-sanitizing and cleaning in between. The concern is that the common colds might be something else now, so keeping things clean is important. Her high school graduate son has stared at the University of Alabama. She’s been comfortable with testing, daily checks in at college and tests they are taking to keep COVID_19 numbers low. Separate dorms for COVID students. He has hybrid and online classes, like most colleges, an continue through Thanksgiving and won’t go back to school until January.

13: Christine asked Kasey Webb how safe it’s been at schools.

13:15: Webb said in the spring was helping with technology. When the decision was made – a committee of 85-page manual of guidelines and best practices, CDC, state Department of Health, virtual learning for reopening for all schools. Each school had to create their own committee and submit their own plan for reopening to the Office of Education and Christian formation. The documents are ever-changing. The schools are taking every possible thing into consideration to keep things safe and offer a quality education. Back and forth conversation with the schools.

16: Peter Finney told Webb that he thought it was great that Catholic schools gave parents a choice in mode of learning they felt would be safest for their child. He said he’s heard that some principals have gotten calls from public school parents to possible switch to Catholic schools

16:35: Webb said she’s heard that people have been calling, but she had no firm data. Catholic schools have taken in Lake Charles hurricane evacuees who are children in their schools.

17:15: Christine asked Webb about extracurriculars at high school and elementary levels since Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) is starting football.

Webb

17:40: she said yes. Michael Buras in OCS office sent a survey out to all schools and how they felt about starting sports and other activities – choirs, band rehearsal. Extra-curriculars are important. She was a theater person as a child, but how can you do these things safely?

Podcast#12 Catholic education (13:20 total running time without intro and exit music)

:05 – Christine mentioned the 46th annual Catholic Schools week celebration held nationwide in late January, with a local Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic schools Mass Jan. 31 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Metairie. The national 2020 theme of learn, serve, lead and succeed describes what Catholic schools do.

1:00 – Dr. RaeNell Houston is grateful to have Archbishop Aymond celebrate Mass annually. “He makes it a priority. He truly values and embraces the young church.“

1:25 – Dr. Houston said the Mass’ significance is we don’t have a lot of opportunities to celebrate Catholic schools with students from different schools all in one place. Coming together to see that they are part of the larger part of the ministry of Catholic schools in New Orleans. It gives students a different perspective seeing all these others students. Their efforts along with all schools in archdiocese make a big impact.

2:05 – Dr. Houston has been involved in Catholic school education for than 20 years.

2:15 – Dr. Houston used the themes of 2020 Catholic Schools Week in a recent Clarion Herald column. And said we should believe in Catholic schools because of what they offer. There is rigorous learning, achievement of students evidented in many ways – ACT scores, standardized test scores, National Merit finalists, winners of arts and music, service (more than 400,000 service hours annually by Catholic high school students that impact local communities), state athletic championships. Students are succeeding in academics, sports and faith formation.”

3:45 – Christine asked about servant leadership that starts at a young age and service hours. Gaby remembers doing service hours during the summertime. She went to senior homes and realized the difference she was making in the community through service hours. You have a purpose.

5:11 – Ana Borden sent her four children and she and her husband attended Catholic schools. “It was a gift from our parents to us.” She looks at Catholic schools as not only being strong academically but also looking at her kids as person as a whole as God’s children to put her children in healthy, happy environment where they would thrive and to have a community sense – church or choir and teachers looking out for her kids as their own.

6:00 – Gaby went to Catholic schools her whole life, but said she moved to New Orleans a few months before her son started kindergarten. She chose a school that had a welcoming environment. “My son has never been happier. He loves going to school.” I am at peace.

6:55 – Christine asked how important is the emphasis on morals and being with like-minded people. Ana said it’s critical in today’s age. Amazing they are having the extension of home life at school – faith and trust in God is first and foremost.

7:25 – Ana said when society is saying God isn’t important, it is refreshing to be around like-mind parents and knowing children are with like-minded children.

7:45 – Dr. Houston chimed in that a number of students in Catholic schools are not Catholic but their parents are Christians and value Christian values

8:15 – Dr. Houston talked about the strides that Catholic schools have made to educate children with learning differences. She’s most proud of the progress of giving students with learning differences a home in Catholic schools. Her daughter is 12, in 6th grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) in Belle Chasse. She is part of an inclusion program to help her succeed and given opportunities to engage with her peers. OLPH’s Gospel value is empathy this year. This ties into the inclusion piece. Her classmates embrace her, knowing she is created in the likeness and image of God just like everyone else in school. Have CORE Pack program at St. Paul’s. Other students invited a student with special needs in this program to an athletic game. Also have blended learning for students with learning differences or who need a little more attention in 11 Catholic schools.

11:50 – It’s been so successful, said Dr. Houston, that the Office of Catholic Schools is offering a symposium in March on blended learning with 40 educators from across the country attending learning from what our archdiocese is doing.

12:20 – Registration is open for new students in Catholic schools as are tours and spend-a-days exist to determine if the school is a right fit.

13:00 – What a gift we have in our Catholic Schools.

Podcast#12 Catholic education (13:20 total running time without intro and exit music)

:05 – Christine mentioned the 46th annual Catholic Schools week celebration held nationwide in late January, with a local Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic schools Mass Jan. 31 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Metairie. The national 2020 theme of learn, serve, lead and succeed describes what Catholic schools do.

1:00 – Dr. RaeNell Houston is grateful to have Archbishop Aymond celebrate Mass annually. “He makes it a priority. He truly values and embraces the young church.“

1:25 – Dr. Houston said the Mass’ significance is we don’t have a lot of opportunities to celebrate Catholic schools with students from different schools all in one place. Coming together to see that they are part of the larger part of the ministry of Catholic schools in New Orleans. It gives students a different perspective seeing all these others students. Their efforts along with all schools in archdiocese make a big impact.

2:05 – Dr. Houston has been involved in Catholic school education for than 20 years.

2:15 – Dr. Houston used the themes of 2020 Catholic Schools Week in a recent Clarion Herald column. And said we should believe in Catholic schools because of what they offer. There is rigorous learning, achievement of students evidented in many ways – ACT scores, standardized test scores, National Merit finalists, winners of arts and music, service (more than 400,000 service hours annually by Catholic high school students that impact local communities), state athletic championships. Students are succeeding in academics, sports and faith formation.”

3:45 – Christine asked about servant leadership that starts at a young age and service hours. Gaby remembers doing service hours during the summertime. She went to senior homes and realized the difference she was making in the community through service hours. You have a purpose.

5:11 – Ana Borden sent her four children and she and her husband attended Catholic schools. “It was a gift from our parents to us.” She looks at Catholic schools as not only being strong academically but also looking at her kids as person as a whole as God’s children to put her children in healthy, happy environment where they would thrive and to have a community sense – church or choir and teachers looking out for her kids as their own.

6:00 – Gaby went to Catholic schools her whole life, but said she moved to New Orleans a few months before her son started kindergarten. She chose a school that had a welcoming environment. “My son has never been happier. He loves going to school.” I am at peace.

6:55 – Christine asked how important is the emphasis on morals and being with like-minded people. Ana said it’s critical in today’s age. Amazing they are having the extension of home life at school – faith and trust in God is first and foremost.

7:25 – Ana said when society is saying God isn’t important, it is refreshing to be around like-mind parents and knowing children are with like-minded children.

7:45 – Dr. Houston chimed in that a number of students in Catholic schools are not Catholic but their parents are Christians and value Christian values

8:15 – Dr. Houston talked about the strides that Catholic schools have made to educate children with learning differences. She’s most proud of the progress of giving students with learning differences a home in Catholic schools. Her daughter is 12, in 6th grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) in Belle Chasse. She is part of an inclusion program to help her succeed and given opportunities to engage with her peers. OLPH’s Gospel value is empathy this year. This ties into the inclusion piece. Her classmates embrace her, knowing she is created in the likeness and image of God just like everyone else in school. Have CORE Pack program at St. Paul’s. Other students invited a student with special needs in this program to an athletic game. Also have blended learning for students with learning differences or who need a little more attention in 11 Catholic schools.

11:50 – It’s been so successful, said Dr. Houston, that the Office of Catholic Schools is offering a symposium in March on blended learning with 40 educators from across the country attending learning from what our archdiocese is doing.

12:20 – Registration is open for new students in Catholic schools as are tours and spend-a-days exist to determine if the school is a right fit.

13:00 – What a gift we have in our Catholic Schools.

NOLA Catholic Parenting host Christine Bordelon talks with bloggers and columnists Ana Borden, Sarah McDonald and Gaby Smith about the Catholic aspects of Carnival and how Catholic families celebrate in New Orleans and include family, food and Mass.

:18 - Mardi Gras is coming up Feb. 25. Sarah said growing up she was aware of it going to Catholic schools. Historian Roger Baudier traced the celebrate back to 1699 with Iberville and Bienville landed near New Orleans and named Pointe du Mardi Gras, celebrated Mass and

Mardi Gras has been here 321 years.

1:20 They found a way to celebrate Mass even without a physical church building. How do New Orleanians today fit Mass in with the hubbub of the secular celebration.

1:39: Sarah McDonald said church parishes on the parade route have particular ways they celebrate the weekend before Mardi Gras, especially welcoming people to their site. That’s what Catholics are –  a welcoming church in spirit and by offering bathrooms and concessions. “Doing in such a way that’s that hospitality we are known for in New Orleans.” Those who are used to getting to Mass right on time, need to get there earlier because more people go to Mass at different parishes close to parade routes.  St. Francis of Assisi has a jazz Mass before Thoth. Our Lady of the Rosary has welcomed Endymion parade goers with parking and handing out Mass cards with Mass times.

 4:35: Gaby said she thinks it is genius for parishes to be welcoming to crowds – advertising without spending a lot of money and giving people a sense of a secure parking in a safe spot. Msgr. Nalty does a good job at Good Shepherd Parish (Uptown on Napoleon Avenue). Where Gaby lives, she cannot leave her house by car along parade routes after a certain time. She goes to Masses where she can get to it.

5:56: Ana and her family have hung out with other families along St. Charles for the past seven years. She brings homemade king cakes to the parties she is invited to.

6:47: Sarah is a St. Charles Avenue parade-goer, too, with other families, music and food, especially the weekend before Mardi Gras Day. “It is such a family-friendly time.”

7:55: Ana loves to compare the photos from previous years – seeing how the children have grown. She likes to walk along route, too.

8:15: Sarah said her crowd takes a photo Mardi Gras day. It started with only two kids about a decade ago and has grown to 20 kids today. They’ve progressed from ladders to platform.

8:57:  Christine – used to go St. Charles and Napoleon when her children were younger. It really was a fun time.

9:40: Ana makes homemade king cakes. She sStarted making them when she left New Orleans and moved to Chicago for a time. Jan. 6 was her favorite day. She made four this year. It’s hours of work, but I love it. She Cubanizes it with guava and cream cheese and Mardi Gras colors. “It’s a family tradition.”

10:45: Sarah said her husband’s family also has a tradition of king cakes dating to her husband’s grandmother who made one every year. Three of the cousins still have the recipe, including her husband. She had does cinnamon rolls in a can that her kids decorate.

11:45: Christine said Jan.6  –  Feast of the Epiphany when the three kings visited the baby Jesus in the manger. It’s the start of king cake season also. When she was a youngster, there were king cake parties with classmates.

Mardi Gras is last big blow out before the sacrifices of Lent that start Ash Wednesday. Usually we give up meat on Fridays and fast on Good Friday. Special traditions exit among families.

12:30: Ana said fish fries are a big tradition in her family. Her husband helps fry the fish in her parish with the Knights of Columbus, so her kids are proud to see their dad helping.

12:45: In Sarah’s parish, it’s a big community-based tradition beyond parishioners. Many people pick up the food and. Her oldest son has developed a love for homemade tomato soup with grilled cheese on Fridays when they don’t go buy fish.

13: Gaby said she experiments with creative alternatives to seafood because her husband is allergic to seafood. She also goes to the Stations of the Cross on Fridays after work.

14:15: Christine mentioned a new challenge this year among parishes sponsored by the Clarion Herald and Archdiocese of New Orleans – a fish fry contest called Fantastic NOLA Catholic Friday Fish Fry. The public has a chance to participate by voting. Visit www.clarionherald.org.

Clarion Herald and NOLA Catholic Parenting associate editor Christine Bordelon talks with bloggers and columnists Gaby Smith LaMorte discuss the “5 Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman, physical touch, quality time, acts of service.

1:05: Stacy LaMorte wrote about it in September 2019. It is something important to her. It was introduced to her in 1998 after being in several bad relationships. A social worker asked if she was speaking the same love language as the people she dated and recommended the book. She said the first thing you do is take a quiz, and the love language that fits you the best will have the highest score, but there is usually another that comes close.

2:15. Practicing these love languages has changed Stacy’s life. Her primary love language is acts of service and just knowing that and having people do things for her is the biggest gift someone can give her. She give acts of service all the time to other people because it is her way of showing love. She was dating someone who gave her gifts, but that’s not how she received love, so that relationship didn’t work. He probably felt unloved, she now recalls, because she was broke and not buying him gifts in return. It can be stifling if you are giving the wrong kind of love.

3:10 Gaby: has read the books four or five times and made her husband take the quiz. She discovered his was acts of service, so what she does makes him happy. Her love language is quality time. She could be binge watching Netflix for hours, and she’s happy. Her secondary is gifts – small tokens like a flower from her son are appreciated. The languages made her think of members of her family like her mom who appreciates acts of service. She highly recommends everyone to read the book for concrete ways to give love.

4:40: Christine asks them if it’s easy to practice. They said yes.

4:50: Stacy said her son’s language is quality time; another of her children is a snuggler so hers is physical touch.

5:40  Gaby’s son is quality time and physical touch. So him showing a magic trick, tossing football makes him feel loved because he is getting undivided attention.

6:15: Christiie said columnist/blogger Courtney Elmer said it’s easy to determine people’s languages. Just watch what people do and see how they give love or just ask so you know what type of love language suits them best. Christine thought words of affirmation was an interesting love language. She discovered her was quality time with her husband over any gift that could be given. We should read the book together

7:40 Stacy: There is great resource  online www.5lovelanguages.com that has quizzes for couples, singles, teens or children to assess the different love languages. You can do it even if you don’t read the book. It immediately shows a person’s primary love languages.

8:55 Gaby: The book gives concrete examples of what you can do, like sending simple texts or words of affirmation throughout the day since affirmation is her husband’s secondary love language.

Episode #8

Christine Bordelon talks to columnists and bloggers Gavin Lewis and Gaby Smith about getting kids back on track after the Christmas break.

:29 – Gavin Lewis has four kids at home, so it’s not so much of a break. His family tries to take a trip out of town to at least one family’s house. They went to Tennessee once, and they try to take a trip, but scheduling all the kids’ activities makes it different.

2:10: Gaby has family all over country and travels to at least one family’s home during the holidays. When she was young, her family stayed home. She has family in the military, so it is unpredictable where they go, depending on where they have moved. In between, several friends/relatives have been getting married around Christmas holidays. Spends time with her grandfather in New Roads. This year, they are going to Disney for a day.

4:15: Christine talks about getting her kids back to school. She used to let her children, when they were young to slide during holidays.

4:54: Gavin, who has been a teacher, principal and is a parent, said try not to let the kids get out of the swing of things. He encourages parents to let the kids do something educational every day to keep the brain flowing. This way they don’t get their kids totally out of using their brain. He doesn’t let his kids watch TV during school week. About four days before they start school in January, he restarts their bedtime routine. Their kids had to adjust to go to sleep without TV. Don’t wait until the night before they go back to school to try to return to routine. Talk to their kids about their expectations about the new semesters – how can they improve.

7:17: Gaby talks about what she does to get her son ready to returning to school. She has chores her son has to do. Tries to train him to remember to do things himself without reminders. The devices kids use – especially the tablets – mesmerize them.

8:40: Gavin- for every hour on the iPad, give him 10 to 15 minutes of doing math or reading. When he was a principal, he would send home a packet with some written work and even websites that parents could peruse with their children in an effort to make sure they didn’t lose students academically over the two-week break. It wasn’t heavily graded, but it kept them on track, Gavin said. He knows the kids need a break. He encouraged parents to read books with their children to bond. “Be involved in your child’s education.” He said it was received well by the parents as long as it wasn’t too much work for them to do.

11:20: Christine found the parenting toolbook online with suggestions to get the kids ready to return to school. Focused on working individually on things they might have trouble with.

Episode #7

Host Christine Bordelon talks with the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Catholic Counseling Service director Joey Pistorius and bloggers and columnists Sarah McDonald and Gaby Smith about how they have peaceful holidays with family.

Christine Bordelon finds holidays can be fun but also stressful. Professor Dr. Stephen Cook of Virginia Theological Seminary Christmas, an Old Testament Scholar suggested calling a truce about talking about partisan politics ahead of time. He jokingly mentioned that Biblical families also were dysfunctional.

1:49: Joey Pistorius, who has a master’s degree in counseling, doesn’t like the word dysfunction but says a commonality in all families that is consistent – families are messy, complex, have different world and political views. They understand that they belong to each other whether they like it or not. It can be a challenge to people. He wasn’t sure a cease fire would work. Families have to think they are at war or at odds to begin to have a cease fire, when they may just be thinking they are just expressing an opinion.

3:30: Sarah said you can’t call a cease fire and take certain topics off the table. Families need to talk. The better idea is to model conversation, not avoid conversation. Avoiding conversation is how we’ve gotten in this mess, she said. We need to understand there is an innate connection between each family member. People can agree to disagree and have a civil conversation.

4:30: Context. Joey asked if holiday dinner is really the appropriate setting to discuss politics anyway. No one can control another person’s words or action. We can only choose how to respond, react and act ourselves. We can’t control how others respond to us. Put it in that context.

5:30: To combat some of the stress, Sarah said she and her family decided to avoid running from house to house on Christmas Day. When she was a child, her parents did that and it was stressful. Her way of seeing everybody involves having separate Christmas celebrations with different family members. We have been able to keep our holidays happy and respectful. We respect our time together and as family. “Nobody is running out the door.” She wants her kids to be home Christmas morning with their gifts. Is present with everyone and respectful to everyone’s time.

7:40: Christine said she began to cook at her house when the kids were young and having holiday dinners at her house.

8:30: Gaby has family living nationwide, but previously been spending Christmas morning with her family in New Roads with her grandfather and family ever since she was a child. But New Year’s they pick one destination to see one family member. In her family, there are lots of alpha males who like to talk and say what they want to say. Deciding to not talk about politics – that Christmas truce – didn’t work.

10:00: Joey said people with strong opinions are going to share their opinions, no matter what. He said it’s about finding how to respond appropriately, in a supportive way that might be educational if your opinion is different. If someone feels attacked, they will go on the defensive, others might chime in to egg on the conversation, and it will be challenging to keep the temperature down.

11:00: Sarah said the men in her family have their discussions outside over cigars and a drink, but end the discussion civilly. She said maybe they learned how to do it right.

11:30: Christine asks Joey about if there is an uptick in clients at Catholic Counseling during the holidays maybe feeling depression. He said holidays in general can be tough – a reminder of the loss of a loved one or that you are alone or that there are challenges within family that make holidays difficult. Catholic Counseling Service doesn’t see uptick around holidays. It’s more about when the New Orleans Saints team lose. There may be a strong correlation between sports teams and emotions.

13:20: Sarah, director of communications for the archdiocese, gets emails from people asking if the archbishop was at the game when they lose. People are invested in the Saints.

14: If people are struggling with holidays, what should people do. Counseling is specific to the individuals, but the holidays are filled with family obligations. And, people can get lost in those in other peoples’ expectations. We tell people to balance other peoples’ expectations with the clients’ needs. Attending an obligated event, but leaving early or attending with a trusted friend or relative who can be a buffer for difficult situations or challenging situations. During this holiday, give people the gift of not feeling obligated if it’s detrimental to their mental health.

Episode #6

Host Christine Bordelon, associate editor of the Clarion Herald Catholic newspaper, talks to NOLA Catholic Parenting bloggers and columnists Sarah McDonald and Gaby Smith about Catholic traditions during Advent leading up to Christmas.

:15 – Sarah: Everyone is happier December!

:35 – Gaby’s love language is giving gifts and so enjoys Christmas present giving.

:50 – When Sarah’s kids say it is Christmas season, she gently reminds them that they are Catholic it’s Advent season.

1:14 – Christine mentions how hope and anticipation fill everyone’s life this time of year.

1:32 – Gaby has relatives out of town but stays close to home for Christmas and travels for New Year.

1:42 – Sarah is one of five children and said her family tries to keep Christmas focused on home where everyone comes home for Christmas. They keep the Christmas spirit all the way to the Epiphany.

2:28 – We anticipate the birth of the Lord. Christine says someone big is coming – Jesus Christ. Some activities such as caroling and lighting the Advent wreath are easy to do as a family.

3:30 – Sarah says parishes are now embracing the Advent wreath tradition. She says she lights her family’s wreath every night with her family at dinner.

4:40 – Parishes put together Advent wreaths for parishioners for a donation. Gaby said her mother-in-law makes sure she keeps the tradition.

5:14 – Sarah said she buys new candles every year because by the end of Advent the candle you lit the first is so little. In 2018, Sarah started a new tradition with her family. She found ceramic Jesus’ at her parish’ craft fair. It had a separate bag of hay. When the kids’ did a good deed, they would put a piece of hay in the manger, so a soft, comfortable manger would be awaiting Jesus on his birth on Christmas Day. They would discuss the It helps them to focus on preparing for the Lord and the idea of Christian kindness – people for others.

6:46 – Christine puts out her first Nativity set bought at Sears and her grandmother’s ceramic nativity. “It’s a beautiful way to remember a loved one and celebrate Christ’s birth.”

7:38 – Gaby said her family when she was young would hold out putting baby Jesus in the manger at midnight – she and her brother alternated every year – and could open presents her parents gave them, and EWTN was on in the background with Midnight Mass from the Vatican.

7:56 – Sarah said in In Italy, there’s the Bambinelli Sunday (the third Sunday in Advent – Gaudete Sunday) where children and families bring baby Jesus to St. Peter’s Square and the Pope would bless the baby Jesus from the window of his Apostolic Palace and then they would go home. Her husband is very Italian and keeps the traditions alive. Brought their baby Jesus.

8:52 – Christine; Bene wrapping baby Jesus up. Sarah and Gaby’s parents and they just hid him until Christmas Day.

9:24 – Gaby’s first Chrsitmas together with new husband. Her grandfather is 93 and lives 2 hours away, so she’s been going to his house the day before Christmas and spends time with him to go to Mass, watch football eat.

10:07 – Invite those listeners to share their Christmas traditions.

Episode #5

Christine Bordelon and columnists and bloggers Sarah McDonald and Gaby Smith focus on Thanksgiving traditions

:25 - Over the past year, our columnists and bloggers have given great suggestions about being thankful. One of our bloggers Dawn wrote a beautiful blog about a giving tree and I took her suggestion

:49 – Sarah did something different. She created a wreath with paper leaves and wrote the things they were thankful for hung inside their homes so on Thanksgiving people could see it. 1:25: Gaby’s loves this time of year to be together with family and be thankful and likes

1:46: Sarah says Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday. She and her husband got married Thanksgiving weekend. Such a feeling of warmth around a Thanksgiving table. Doesn’t have the craziness of Christmas. It’s really about family coming together, food and football. They start Thanksgiving by going to Mass to start the day of gratitude.

2:50 Christine loves how churches now bless the bread. They bless wine, too.

3:05: Noticing more people at Mass for Thanksgiving, even though kids miss part of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

3:35 Gaby loves the tradition of watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV.

3:45: Christine thanked the columnists for participating over the past year and mentioned how blessed she is to have her dad and father-in-law in her life.

4:36: Sarah is grateful for her husband who is so good to her and her kids and grateful for the family they have built together in their tiny house. She is also grateful for her job - using her gifts and talents to serve the church and express her faith and serve the people of God.

5:37: Christine is also grateful to work with the archdiocese and being made aware of the need in the community and how Catholic Charities and Second Harvest serve the need, and having enough to help them in their mission.

6:21: Gaby is thankful for her husband, a roof over her head, a warm bed and food on the table and family across the country and her friends.

7:20: Christine mentioned how she will put a recipe for oyster patties online.

8:00 Christine also gave a Thanksgiving prayer written by Harry Jewell.

9:00 Shout out to inaugural Christmas caroling event with St. Nicholas telling his story, with cookies, hot chocolate and coffee.

Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Seminary, 2901 South Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, after the lighting of the creche.

Thanksgiving prayer

Our Father in Heaven, we give thanks for the pleasure of gathering together for this occasion.

We give thanks for this food prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, the freedom to enjoy it and all other blessings.

As we partake of this food, we pray for health and strength to carry on and try to live as you would have us.

This we ask in the name of Christ, our Heavenly Father. - Harry Jewell

Here is a recipe that Chris promised.

Oyster Patties (from former McKenzie’s Bakery)

4 dozen oysters and oyster liquor (juice that comes with oysters)

1 onion, chopped fine

1 tablespoon flour

2 tablespoons butter

½ cup chopped mushrooms and juice

Salt (Oysters are usually salty enough without extra salt)

Black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

¼ teaspoon of lemon juice (I like more)

3 dozen mini patty shells (Available at Tastee Donuts, Zuppardo’s or Dorignac’s grocery stores in the New Orleans area) 

Bring oysters in their liquor to a slow boil and simmer 10 minutes. (When cooked, I put in food processor and chop finely). In another pot, saute’ onions in butter and stir in flour until smooth. Add remaining ingredients plus the chopped oysters. Cook five minutes. If too watery, either add a little cornstarch or bread crumbs (but don’t make lumpy or too thick). Pour into patty shells and bake in a 375 oven for about 5 to 8 minutes.

Episode #4

Host Christine Bordelon speaks with NOLA Catholic Parenting columnists/bloggers Ana Borden and Gaby Smith, and she’s joined by Friar Sergio Serrano, director of the Hispanic Apostolate for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We discuss the rich traditions in each of the Hispanic cultures – Ana’s ancestry is Cuban; Gaby’s mother is from Chile; and Friar Sergio is from Colombia.

Friar Sergio was on his way to a conference of directors of Hispanic ministries nationwide where they were to discuss the Fifth Encuentro and how the Hispanic culture is infused in the Catholic faith.

2-3:10 in: Friar Sergio discusses the special faith traditions in his native Colombia. From Dec. 16-24 Colombians have a special novena for Christmas with fireworks.  Beautiful decorations can be seen during Holy Week and Christmas and some hold a procession with statues for the patron saint of their country.

3:17: Ana says her parents passed down beautiful Cuban traditions that were held originally in Spain. Because her family fled Cuba only with the clothes on their backs, traditions are held dear. One of the few heirlooms her mother has is a baptismal gown she made for Ana’s father. She and all her siblings have worn it as have her children. Another special baptismal tradition is to wear a pin with a black pearl on the gown and said, “Dios te bendiga” or “God bless you” to ward off evil spirits. To wear the scent of violets – agua de violetas – also is synonymous with Cuba babies at baptism. Her grandmother also passed down a Bible that her father used when he celebrated his first Communion. A guardian angel is another important symbol to Cubans, and Ana’s family recites the Guardian Angel prayer at night.

5:44: Gaby’s Chilean mom married her dad from New Roads, La., but brought her traditions here. She prepares empanadas for birthdays, feast days and holidays. Holy Days of Obligation are also big in Chile. Gaby said people take off work to go to Mass. The rosary is another important Catholic tradition for Chileans.

7:08 Friar Sergio mentioned a few of the celebrations of various Hispanic cultures at the Hispanic Apostolate and in the archdiocese. The Dec. 7 feast of the Immaculate Conception is one that is celebrated here as is the Nicaraguan La Griteri’a which is a tradition where Nicaraguans shout out that they are happy because of the immaculate conception of Mary, Jesus’ mother.