The Diocese of Lafayette has released a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) regarding the sexual abuse crisis, with answers to questions people may have about past events, as well as ongoing efforts to address the issue.  The seven page document can be downloaded here:  Abuse Crisis FAQ

The Central Deanery of the Diocese of Lafayette presents “Food for the Journey”, a monthly lunchtime speakers series designed to help Catholics live out our faith in our daily lives. Our speaker for September is Sister Mildred Leonards, Sisters of the Divine Providence, Lafayette. “Food for the Journey”will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at River Oaks Catering and Event Center Lafayette, 520 East Kaliste Saloom Road, beginning at 12:00 noon. An optional buffet is available for purchase beginning at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to come “eat and be fed” – please bring a friend! Pre-registration is not required.  For more information, please call Danielle Huval (232-1322).

July 24, 2018, the Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Lafayette, Msgr. Robie Robichaux, will be presenting workshops on Declaration of Nullity and what is needed to begin the process.  Two workshop times are offered:  10:00 am – noon, or 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at the Diocesan offices, Immaculata Center, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA.  All are invited to attend.  Prior to attending one of the sessions, please register by calling 261-5623, or via email to catrahan@diolaf.org.  There is no charge for this workshop.

A special “Mass for Protection during Hurricane & Storm Season” will be held on Wednesday, June 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette. Please join us for this important Mass for Protection sponsored by the Cathedral and supported by the Central Deanery.
Our “Mass” is open to all, and along with services being held in the West, North, and South Deaneries, provides an area-wide opportunity for prayer and awareness at the start of Hurricane Season, which runs June 1–November 30, 2018.  For more information, call Danielle Huval at Cathedral (232-1322) or email dhuval@saintjohncathedral.org).

Les Jeunes Chanteurs d’Acadie, a renowned Catholic youth choir from the Acadian Region of Canada will perform at two Diocese of Lafayette Masses during the weekend of Festival International.  The 50 member choir of children ages 10-14 will sing the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.  The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Douglas Deshotel.  The choir will also sing the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, April 28 at St. Martin de Tours Church in St. Martinville, and will perform a free concert in the church immediately following Mass.  The group will also perform on stage at Festival International. Please join us to be part of this goodwill tour celebrating the strong ties between members of the Acadian Community of Canada and their Louisiana cousins.

Below is Les Jeunes Chanteurs d’Acadie’s schedule during their visit to Acadiana. Continue reading “Canadian Catholic Youth Choir” →

St. Joseph Church in Broussard will host “Resting in God’s Goodness”, with Linda Brooks, on May 5th, 2018, from 9 am – 12:00 pm. (232 St. de Porres Street, Broussard, LA).  Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., cost is $10 per person.  More info available from the Church Office: 337-837-6218.

The Central Deanery of the Diocese of Lafayette presents “Food for the Journey”, a monthly lunchtime speakers series designed to help Catholics live out our faith in our daily lives. Our speaker for March will be Rev. Matthew Hebert, Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Eunice. Food for the Journey will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at River Oaks Catering and Event Center Lafayette, 520 East Kaliste Saloom Road, beginning at 12:00 noon. An optional buffet is available for purchase beginning at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to come “eat and be fed” – please bring a friend! Pre-registration is not required.  For more information, please call Danielle Huval (232-1322).

In honor of the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, the Office of Marriage and Family Life will offer a Mass to remember loved ones lost to suicide. Join us at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Church on Saturday, November 11^th at 10:00 AM.  Please bring a framed picture to the Mass. For more information and to register the name of your loved one that died by suicide to be read during the Mass, please call the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 337-261-5653.

Survivor of Suicide Support Group

The death of a loved one is never easy and grief is experienced differently for everyone.  The Jacob Crouch Suicide Prevention Services and the Office of Marriage and Family Life have formed a support group especially tailored for survivors of suicide. This group provides a safe place for those who have lost a loved one to suicide to share their struggles, experiences, and pain as they struggle to regain hope and strength.  The group is facilitated by a licensed counselor and is open to all survivors of suicide over the age of 18and meets on two evenings a month.  Please call Kelley Chapman at 337-261-5653 for more information or to register.

In honor of the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, the Office of Marriage and Family Life will offer a Mass to remember loved ones lost to suicide. Join us at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Church on Saturday, November 11^th at 10:00 AM.  Please bring a framed picture to the Mass. For more information and to register the name of your loved one that died by suicide to be read during the Mass, please call the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 337-261-5653.

with Fr. Jude Halphen

Fr. Jude Halphen will be giving two marriage enrichment presentations in the Fall. The second one, “Just Married: The Catholic Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the First Five Years of Marriage” will be held at St. Pius X  from 6-8pm on October 4, 2017. Please go to www.diolaf.org/marriage-enrichment to register. This is a free event, but preregistration is required.