'Catechism' comedy to benefit center

Section: Religion

Lisa Hollis

Do you enjoy having some laughs and helping a good cause at the same time? Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center in Algiers is holding its first spring fundraiser since Katrina, a performance of the popular "Late Nite Catechism 2" on June 2 at 8 p.m.

The theme is "Sometimes we feel guilty because we are guilty," which will be evident to the audience who will enjoy a unique, interactive "class" with "Sister" on the various aspects of heaven, hell and sins of the 21st century. The show will be performed at the Moreau Center of the neighboring Our Lady of Holy Cross College, 4123 Woodland Drive in Algiers. Tickets are $75 to $100 for the "Meet the Faculty" Patron Party, and $50 for general admission.

The show is being presented by Entertainment Events Inc., and will feature Algiers native Amanda Hebert. The proceeds from the show will benefit the residents of Our Lady of Wisdom Healthcare Center, which includes priests, sisters and brothers and laypersons living in a unique community founded in 1999 as a collaborative effort of 16 religious communities to serve their elderly and disabled members.

If you attended Catholic school, participated in parish activities at a local Catholic church, received medical care at a Catholic hospital such as Mercy Hospital, or received any of the Catholic sacraments such as baptism, first Communion or marriage, your life has most likely been enriched by a member of one of the religious communities who came together to form Our Lady of Wisdom. The religious orders include the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Christian Brothers, Daughters of Charity, Dominican Sisters, Dominican Friars, Eucharistic Missionaries of St. Dominic, Immaculate Conception Sisters, Marianites of Holy Cross, Mount Carmel Sisters, Poor Clare Nuns, Religious Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, Sisters of the Living Word, Society of Jesus, Teresian Sisters and the Ursuline Sisters.

While the show is from a Catholic perspective, many non-Catholics have attended the comedic "Catechism" series and have been delighted as well.

Today, 58 priests, brothers and sisters live at Our Lady of Wisdom, along with 72 laypersons, according to Wisdom executive director Sister Marjorie Hebert. By supporting Our Lady of Wisdom through fundraisers such as "Lite Nite Catechism 2," the community has the chance to say "thank you" to a sister, priest or brother who made a difference in their lives.

Sister Marjorie explained that the proceeds from the event will be used to buy new specialty beds, mattresses, new specialty bathing equipment including tubs and whirlpool bathing units, rehab equipment, patio chairs, new recliners/easy chairs, and medical equipment for patients, all carefully chosen to best serve the residents.

Sister Marjorie said, "Our Lady of Wisdom has served the community of New Orleans for eight years. We rely upon the generosity of friends, families and volunteers who support us in our fundraising efforts. Our elders are our treasures."

She said the home seeks to respect its residents "by providing the highest quality of care through our programs and services. We invite the people of the West Bank and the greater New Orleans area to join us for an evening of wholesome laughter and entertainment! Laughter is good for the soul!"

For more information on "Late Nite Catechism 2" or to purchase tickets for this lively evening, call Our Lady of Wisdom at (504) 304-5403.

Lisa Hollis is a Gretna resident who writes for and about senior citizens. To submit news, call her at 393-1461 or e-mail her at seasonedseniors@bellsouth.net, at least 10 days in advance.