Fundraiser shines spotlight on silent heroes
who help carry out mission of serving the poor

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — One could easily agree that the good works of Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana can be described as “active love.” It is all about the day in and day out labor in showing up for the people God places in our path.

The annual Jazz Brunch fundraiser on Laetare Sunday, March 15, 2026, offered a festive opportunity at the Historic Cash & Carry for approximately 225 supporters to hear how the non-profit agency brings Christ’s merciful love to those in need throughout Southwest Louisiana.

LAKE CHARLES — The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, will celebrate Holy Week liturgies beginning with Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street. The Chrism Mass will follow later in the week on Wednesday, April 1, followed by the Sacred Triduum — Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil — April 2-4.

By Ashley Kramer
Legatus Lake Charles Chapter

The Lake Charles Chapter of Legatus marked a significant milestone on February 26, 2026, as members gathered to celebrate the chapter’s 10th anniversary. The evening was a joyful reflection on a decade of faith, fellowship, and commitment to living out Catholic values in the marketplace.

Every Catholic, to enter more deeply into the life of Christ, is to participate in some way in the spiritual and penitential disciplines of Lent. The regulations for the Catholic Church in the United States are as follows: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

WESTLAKE — Rev. Mr. Fred Reed marks his 50^th anniversary as a deacon on February 1, 2026. He was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop Jerome J. Hastrich on February 1, 1976, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Oberlin.

Deacon Reed, who has served as a deacon for 42 years at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Westlake, celebrated this milestone of his ministry with his wife Judy and their family on Saturday, January 3, at the 4:00 p.m. Mass.