We live in a time when our nation is thrashing about in fear of the stranger – the foreigner, the refugee, the alien.  All our supposed toughness, our “zero tolerance”, our willingness to strip children from their parents’ arms is a result of that fear and insecurity.  We fear they make take from us something we have (to which we are certainly entitled!), or keep us from getting something we think we need.  People who are afraid build walls, rather than bridges, and take refuge in hatred and prejudice.

Three videos from Catholic Relief Services invite us to begin to turn the tide, three conversations that invite us to “Be Unafraid”.

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Broussard, Louisiana  is hosting a Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, June 16, 2018, 9:00 am, at St. Joseph Church – Bishop Perry Learning Center (232 St. de Porres St., Broussard, LA. Cost:  $10 per person, paid at the door. The organizers of this event are extending an invitation to all men of the diocese.  For additional information please feel free to contact call the Church’s office at:  (337) 837-6218.
Download the flyer here.

An Art Therapy Workshop:

Date changed to May 13th.

Our Lady of Fatima Church (2319 Johnston Street) will host Ms Gail Archer, Concert Organist, in recital on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at 2:30 p.m.  Included will be works by Back, Schumann, Reger & others. Ms Archer is concert organist at Vassar College and chair of the music program at Barnard College of Columbia University.  She also serves as director of the artist and young organ artist recitals at historic Central Synagogue in New York City.  The concert is free and open to the public. Flyer available here.

 

A time of recreation, fellowship, prayer and discussion to aid young men in discerning their vocations in life. June 26-28, 2018, at Community of Jesus Crucified, 103 Railroad Ave, St. Martinville, LA.  There will be priests, seminarians, and other young men like yourself gathered together for these days. No charge. To register:  http://www.lafayettevocations.org or 337-261-5690.

 

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 May is Rev. Anthony Anala, SVD, Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church, Lafayette. “Food for the Journey” will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 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).

Register Now for an Aquinas Institute Course!  Summer Course:  THE 293 Augustine and the Dawn of the Christian Era 3 sem. hours will be taught by Fr. Clinton Sensat, STL on Saturdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at John Paul the Great Academy in Lafayette.  Classes start June 2 and end August 4.  Fall Courses:  THE 203 Jesus, Son of God by Fr. Michael Russo, STB, MA (Tuesdays 6:15 – 9:00 PM at Knight Hall at Our Lady of Fatima – Classes begin Aug. 21 and end Dec. 4) and PHI 101 Introduction to Philosophy 3 sem. hrs. by Fr. Brian Harrington, MA, PhL (Wednesdays 6-8:45 PM at ULL – Classes begin Aug. 22 and end Dec. 5).  The classes can be taken for college credit (accredited through University of Holy Cross) or for catechetical credit (audit).  For more info or to register call (337) 394-6550, email frchampagne@yahoo.com, or go to www.aquinaslafayette.org. Flyer available here.

On April 9th, 2018, Pope Francis released a third Apostolic Exhortation, entitled “Rejoice and Be Glad”, on the Call the Holiness in the World.  You can download the entire text here.

Here is an excerpt, paragraphs 14 – 16 of the letter:

14. To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious. We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves. Are you called to the consecrated life? Be holy by living out your commitment with joy. Are you married? Be holy by loving and caring for your husband or wife, as Christ does for the Church. Do you work for a living? Be holy by labouring with integrity and skill in the service of your brothers and sisters. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by patiently teaching the little ones how to follow Jesus. Are you in a position of authority? Be holy by working for the common good and renouncing personal gain.[14]  Continue reading “Guadete et Exsultate” →

April 17, 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.  Additionally, the Office of Marriage and Family Life will provide information and resources available to individuals dealing with divorce and grief recovery.  The two hour workshop will be held at 10:00 am or 6:00 pm at the Diocesan offices, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA.  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.

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 April is Rev. David Hebert, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Lafayette. “Food for the Journey” will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 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).