Upcoming events around the Diocese of Lake Charles and beyond:
2023 LENTEN MISSIONS
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church
JENNINGS — Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church will present a Lenten Mission with Deacon Brian Soileau, Sunday through Tuesday, March 19-21, at 6:00 p.m. each evening. The church is located at 710 North State Street. The theme for the mission is “Making a Visit: Conversion Through Eucharistic Adoration.” Deacon Soileau, who serves as Director of Saint Charles Center and Camp Karol, will share his story of being a former singer/entertainer and correctional officer and how adoration of the Holy Eucharist changed his life.
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church
LAKE CHARLES — Father Michael Champagne from the Community of Jesus Crucified in St. Martinville will lead a Lenten Mission at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Palm Sunday through Tuesday, April 2-4. Each evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the church at 2500 Enterprise Boulevard. The Mission will serve as preparation for the Triduum and Passion of the Lord during Holy Week.
St. Theodore Catholic Church
MOSS BLUFF — St. Theodore Catholic Church will host its third Lenten Evening of Reflection and Prayer on Monday, March 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Rev. Andrew DeRouen as the presenter. The church is located at 785 Sam Houston Jones Parkway.
MARCH, 2023
Saturday, March 25: ‘Radiance’ day of recollection
MOSS BLUFF — The Office of Vocations will host “Radiance” for young women on Saturday, March 25, at Camp Karol, 1087 Bozo Road. There is no cost to attend.
The day of recollection, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is open to young women in high school to 25 years old who are interested in learning how to discern where the Lord is calling them. There will be religious sisters and women who are married available to speak about on listening to the voice of God as they discern His will for them.
Register online at www.lcvocations.com by Saturday, March 15. For more information, contact Father Michael Caraway, Vocation Director, at 337-527-5261 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sunday, March 26: 'A Musical Journey Through Lent'
LAKE CHARLES — The Cathedral Chorale and Chamber Orchestra will present a special concert to mark the season of Lent entitled "A Musical Journey Through Lent" at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 26, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street.
LAKE CHARLES — The Cathedral Chorale and Chamber Orchestra will present a special concert to mark the season of Lent entitled "A Musical Journey Through Lent" at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 26, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street.
The concert will feature one piece to mark each Sunday of Lent and conclude with "The Last Seven Words of Christ" by Theodore Dubois. Soloists will include Dr. Brian Harrell, Colette Bulber Tanner, Whitney Chaumont, Danielle Stegall, Damian France, and J. Reggie Rogers, II. The concert is free of charge. A "love offering" will be taken.
March 31-April 2: ‘Come and See’ weekend
COVINGTON — If you are a Catholic young man, age 15-25, who has wondered about the priesthood, it's not too late to register for “Come and See” happening March. 31-April 2, at St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College near Covington, La. The weekend is the perfect opportunity to check out seminary life and discern the vocation God desires for you.
Register online at www.lcvocations.com by March 24. Paper packets can be dropped off to the Office of Vocations at 411 Iris Street or scanned and emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Cost is covered by the Diocese of Lake Charles. For more information, contact Father Michael Caraway, Vocation Director, at 337-439-7400, ext. 226.
Now through April 15: Free tax assistance
United Way of Southwest Louisiana announces its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide free tax help to individuals, families, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. By filing returns at local VITA sites, people receive 100% of their refund. DIAL 211 or visit unitedwayswla.org/vita to make your appointment.
APRIL, 2023
Sunday, April 2: Live Stations of the Cross at Consolata
LAKE CHARLES — A re-enactment of Christ’s Walk to Calvary will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Palm Sunday, April 2, at Consolata Cemetery. The Live Stations of the Cross is hosted by Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Reflecting on the Passion of Christ is the perfect way to enter into Holy Week. Consolata Cemetery is located at 2300 Country Club Road in Lake Charles.
Tuesday, April 4: Religious Sisters of Mercy monthly gathering
LAKE CHARLES — The Religious Sisters of Mercy will host "Cor ad Cor,” a ministry for unmarried women ages 18-39, from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at their convent, 1414 Martha Street. The monthly gathering is for women who want to deepen their capacity to hear and respond to God's voice as He leads them on their daily pilgrimage of faith, hope and charity.
The evening begins at 5:10 p.m. with a Holy Hour, followed by dinner and discussion at 6:15 p.m., then Scripture reading and discussion, and ending at 7:45 p.m. with night prayer. It is not necessary to be discerning religious life to attend.
“Cor ad Cor,” is a shortened version of “Cor ad Cor Loquitur,” a Latin phrase meaning “Heart speaks to Heart,” which comes from a letter written by St. Francis de Sales to one of his spiritual directees.
Future dates include May 2. The gathering is usually held on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information or to RSVP, call 337-564-0030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Good Friday, April 7: Seven Church Walk
LAKE CHARLES — The Religious Sisters of Mercy will host the third annual Seven Church Walk on Good Friday, April 7, beginning at 8:15 a.m. at their convent, 1414 Martha Street.
Based off a Holy Week tradition begun in Rome in the 16th century, the nine-mile walk will include stops at: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, St. Henry Catholic Church, St. Louis Catholic High School chapel, St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The walk will conclude at approximately 1:00 p.m., with bus transportation available from the Cathedral back to the convent at the conclusion of the pilgrimage. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Religious Sisters of Mercy at 337-564-0030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sunday, April 16: 'An Afternoon with Christ'
LAKE CHARLES — The Diocese of Lake Charles will present the fourth in a monthly series, "An Afternoon with Christ," on Sunday, April 16, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street. The Very Rev. Matthew Cormier, Pastor of St. Henry Catholic Church in Lake Charles, will share a reflection on the importance of Eucharistic Adoration.
As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the goal of the series is to help people foster a habit of spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. "An Afternoon with Christ" begins at 2:30 p.m. with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Father Cormier’s reflection at 3:00 p.m., ending with Benediction to conclude at 3:30 p.m.
“This is an opportunity to increase Eucharistic piety in the Diocese of Lake Charles,” said Very Rev. Ruben Buller, Vicar General and Rector of the Cathedral. “The Eucharist is how Christ decided to remain with us. Adoration offers us the chance to sit with Christ, to be with Christ.”
The schedule of presenters through June of 2023 are as follows, all on Sundays at 2:30 p.m.:
• April 16 — Very Rev. Matthew Cormier, Pastor, St. Henry Catholic Church
• May 21 — Very Rev. Daniel Torres, V.G., Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church
• June 11 — Very Rev. Ruben Buller, V.G., Rector, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
For more information on “An Afternoon with Christ,” call the Cathedral office at 337-436-7251. The Cathedral is located at 935 Bilbo Street in Lake Charles.
Wednesday, April 19: Women's luncheon with the Bishop
LAKE CHARLES — The Women's Luncheon with Bishop Provost for the Exodus series will take place Wednesday, April 19, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Ave Maria Hall across from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street. Cost is $14 for the lunch. Please RSVP by Thursday, April 13, to reserve a meal by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 377-439-7400, ext. 200.
Friday, April 21: Men's Breakfast with the Bishop
LAKE CHARLES — The Men's Breakfast and Bible Study with Bishop Provost for the Exodus series will take place Friday, April 21, at 7:00 a.m. in the Ave Maria Hall across from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street. Prior to the breakfast, Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 a.m. in the Cathedral. No RSVP is necessary for this free event. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 377-439-7400, ext. 200.
Saturday, April 29: Registration open for 'Together in Holiness'
MOSS BLUFF — The third annual Together in Holiness in the Diocese of Lake Charles will be held 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Camp Karol, 1087 Bozo Road. Registration is open for the one-day marriage enrichment conference presented in partnership with the St. John Paul II Foundation. National speaker will be Ryan Hanning, PhD, Fellow at San Juan Diego Institute, discussing the family as a believing and evangelizing community.
Together in Holiness is a marriage conference series that inspires spouses to grow together in holiness and empowers parents to form their children in the Catholic faith. The conference offers powerful presentations from national and local speakers, Mass, Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, on-site childcare, and practical tips and insights for spouses and parents.
The Most Rev. Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, will be the celebrant for the Mass and Marriage Blessing at noon. Conference topics and speakers include:
• The Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Prophetic Mission of the Family, presented by Larry G. Freeney, Director of Education and Assessments at Rejoice Counseling Apostolate
• Enkindling and Fanning the Flame: How to Pass on the Faith to your Children, presented by Rev. Nathan Long, Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Lake Charles; and Owen and Erin Clanton, parishioners at St. Margaret
• Becoming Witnesses to the Joy of Eucharistic Love, presented by Dr. Ryan Hanning
Early-bird registration fee of $54 per couple and $35 per individual is available through March 13. After this date, registration is $64 per couple and $40 per individual. A box lunch and light afternoon snack are included in cost for each registrant. On-site childcare is available for $5 per child. Partial or full scholarships are available for families in need of financial assistance with the cost of registration.
For more information, visit togetherinholiness.org or email Conference Coordinator Ellen Clements at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 832-779-1070.
MAY, 2023
Tuesday, May 2: Religious Sisters of Mercy monthly gathering
LAKE CHARLES — The Religious Sisters of Mercy will host "Cor ad Cor,” a ministry for unmarried women ages 18-39, from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at their convent, 1414 Martha Street. The monthly gathering is for women who want to deepen their capacity to hear and respond to God's voice as He leads them on their daily pilgrimage of faith, hope and charity.
The evening begins at 5:10 p.m. with a Holy Hour, followed by dinner and discussion at 6:15 p.m., then Scripture reading and discussion, and ending at 7:45 p.m. with night prayer. It is not necessary to be discerning religious life to attend.
“Cor ad Cor,” is a shortened version of “Cor ad Cor Loquitur,” a Latin phrase meaning “Heart speaks to Heart,” which comes from a letter written by St. Francis de Sales to one of his spiritual directees.
The gathering is usually held on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information or to RSVP, call 337-564-0030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Saturday, May 6: New Life Counseling spring fundraiser
LAKE CHARLES — New Life Counseling Pregnancy Center will present “A Cajun Occasion,” its annual spring fundraiser 6-10 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Magnolia House Event Center, 932 Enterprise Boulevard. Entertainment will be provided by the Charlie Wayne Band, and food furnished by Lake Charles Toyota. Also featured will be a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will support the free and confidential services offered by New Life Counseling for families in Southwest Louisiana. For more information on ticket and table sponsorship opportunities, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 337-474-7003.
Sunday, May 21: 'An Afternoon with Christ'
LAKE CHARLES — The Diocese of Lake Charles will present the fifth in a monthly series, "An Afternoon with Christ," on Sunday, May 21, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street. The Very Rev. Daniel Torres, V.G., Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Lake Charles, will share a reflection on the importance of Eucharistic Adoration.
As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the goal of the series is to help people foster a habit of spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. "An Afternoon with Christ" begins at 2:30 p.m. with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Monsignor Torres’ reflection at 3:00 p.m., ending with Benediction to conclude at 3:30 p.m.
“This is an opportunity to increase Eucharistic piety in the Diocese of Lake Charles,” said Very Rev. Ruben Buller, Vicar General and Rector of the Cathedral. “The Eucharist is how Christ decided to remain with us. Adoration offers us the chance to sit with Christ, to be with Christ.”
The schedule of presenters through June of 2023 are as follows, all on Sundays at 2:30 p.m.:
• May 21 — Very Rev. Daniel Torres, V.G., Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church
• June 11 — Very Rev. Ruben Buller, V.G., Rector, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
For more information on “An Afternoon with Christ,” call the Cathedral office at 337-436-7251. The Cathedral is located at 935 Bilbo Street in Lake Charles.
May 24-27: Women's D.E.E.P. Retreat
MOSS BLUFF — Registration is open for the upcoming Women’s D.E.E.P. Retreat scheduled Wednesday, May 24, through Saturday, May 27, at Saint Charles Center, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, in Moss Bluff. Spots are limited to 34 women.
D.E.E.P. is an acronym for Discipleship, Eucharist, Evangelization and Prayer. This retreat was developed to help women go “deeper” in their faith, with an emphasis on knowledge of the Catholic Faith, the Sacraments, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The D.E.E.P. Retreat is presented by Catholic priests and deacons, with support provided by Catholic laity. D.E.E.P. is sponsored by the Saint Charles Center and the Diocese of Lake Charles. For more information or to register, email Dianne Malveaux, director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave message at 337-540-4483. Registration closes at midnight Monday, May 15.
May 25-28: Reficio Retreat at Camp Karol
MOSS BLUFF — Reficio Retreat 2023 will be held for incoming 9th – 12th grade girls beginning at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 25, through noon Sunday, May 28, at Camp Karol Retreat Center. Reficio is Latin for renew. The goal of the retreat is to guide young women in renewing their dignity as daughters of God. The cost is $255 per person.
Registration is available at www.reficioretreat.com. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions. Camp Karol is located at 1087 Bozo Road.
JUNE, 2023
June 25-July 14: Institute for Black Catholic Studies summer session
NEW ORLEANS — The Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana announces its 2023 Master of Theology Degree Program scheduled
June 25 – July 14, with Associate Director, C. Vanessa White, D.Min. The IBCS Master of Theology Program (Th.M.) is the one graduate theology program in the USA taught from a Black Catholic perspective. Its curriculum is interdisciplinary. Courses focus on Black approaches, critiques, and contributions to systematic and pastoral theologies, family and pastoral ministry, aesthetics, philosophy, and education. New, transient and returning applicants can access the 2023 Degree program application at https://gradapply.xula.edu/apply/.
June 25 – July 14, with Associate Director, C. Vanessa White, D.Min. The IBCS Master of Theology Program (Th.M.) is the one graduate theology program in the USA taught from a Black Catholic perspective. Its curriculum is interdisciplinary. Courses focus on Black approaches, critiques, and contributions to systematic and pastoral theologies, family and pastoral ministry, aesthetics, philosophy, and education. New, transient and returning applicants can access the 2023 Degree program application at https://gradapply.xula.edu/apply/.
Continuing Education and Enrichment (C&E) Course Offerings are also scheduled June 25 — July 14, with Ms. Valerie Shields, M.A.R.S., Interim Associate Director for C&E Programs. C&E Programs provide lifelong learning and spiritual formation for pastoral leaders, clergy, religious, administrators, teachers and others who minister with Black communities or serve in multi-cultural settings. These featured courses offer unique opportunities for students to grow in their understandings of Black Catholicism and its impact on their ministry, community and the Church at-large. Students are graded on a pass/fail basis and will receive 1.5 CEUs for each course successfully completed. There is a limit of 15 students per class unless otherwise noted. Check the IBCS website https://www.xula.edu/ibcs/ for application info and other program updates.
For more information about the IBCS programs, check the website at www.xula.edu/ibcs, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 504/520-7691.
SEPTEMBER, 2023
Saturday, Sept. 9: Veritas 2023 features Dr. Brant Pitre
LAKE CHARLES — The 12th annual Veritas Conference will feature Dr. Brant Pitre, PhD, as the keynote speaker on Saturday, September 9. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. with the Opening Session beginning at 9:00 a.m. All events will be at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive.
Dr. Pitre, a Louisiana native, is a world-renowned scripture scholar who has written extensively on the topic of Our Lord, Jewish tradition, and the Scriptures. Come hear Dr. Pitre open up the scriptures for you.
Veritas, which is Latin for Truth, will also feature breakout speakers, strengthening the faith of believers and teaching us to love God more deeply in His Holy Scriptures and in the Eucharist.
Early registration is open by clicking here. Cost is $30 through August 15, and $40 for regular registration. A limited number of box lunches may be purchased separately for $7.00 per lunch. Lunches are pre-purchase only. There will be a one hour, 20-minute break for lunch with several local restaurants available in the area.
Paper registration forms can be downloaded here and delivered to the Office of Religious Education, 411 Iris Street, Lake Charles. Call 337-439-7400, ext. 200 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Cash is accepted with paper registration.
ONGOING
Eucharistic Adoration in St. Bernadette Oratory
LAKE CHARLES — The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will have Eucharistic Adoration in the St. Bernadette Oratory on Fridays during the school year — each Friday following 7:00 a.m. Mass until 8:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and spend time with our Lord and pray for the protection of our children and safety of our families.
Holy Hour of Reparation at IHM
LAKE CHARLES — A Holy Hour of Reparation is held weekly on Thursday night, 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2031 Opelousas Street. This is the hour in which Our Lord agonized over our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is the same hour prescribed by the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary: “Make reparation for the ingratitude of men. Spend an hour in prayer to appease divine justice, to implore mercy for sinners, to honor Me, to console Me for My bitter suffering when abandoned by My apostles, when they did not WATCH ONE HOUR WITH ME.”
LAKE CHARLES — A Holy Hour of Reparation is held weekly on Thursday night, 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2031 Opelousas Street. This is the hour in which Our Lord agonized over our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is the same hour prescribed by the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary: “Make reparation for the ingratitude of men. Spend an hour in prayer to appease divine justice, to implore mercy for sinners, to honor Me, to console Me for My bitter suffering when abandoned by My apostles, when they did not WATCH ONE HOUR WITH ME.”
'Together for Life' marriage prep classes
LAKE CHARLES — “Together for Life,” the marriage preparation day hosted by the Office of Family Life, announces dates for classes beginning January through May 2023: April 15, May 13, June 24, August 19, September 9, October 21, November 18, and December 2. For more information, contact the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 337-439-7400 ext. 220, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Melchizedek Project: Vocation discernment groups
The Melchizedek Project hosts meetings for young men in high school and college in an environment where they can freely consider God's plan in their life. The vocation discernment groups meet bi-weekly, and food will be provided. For more information on meeting times and locations, visit http://lcvocations.com/discernment-groups
Adoration/Divine Mercy at Saint Charles Center
MOSS BLUFF — Deacon Brian Soileau, director of Saint Charles Center, presides over Eucharistic Adoration and Divine Mercy for Adults at 7 p.m. every Tuesday in the Assumption Chapel. Saint Charles Center is located at 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway. For more information, call 337-855-1232.
MOSS BLUFF — Deacon Brian Soileau, director of Saint Charles Center, presides over Eucharistic Adoration and Divine Mercy for Adults at 7 p.m. every Tuesday in the Assumption Chapel. Saint Charles Center is located at 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway. For more information, call 337-855-1232.
Saturday Rosary at the Grotto
LAKE CHARLES — Join the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at the Grotto behind the church, 935 Bilbo Street, to pray the Rosary every Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the Rosary will be prayed inside the St. Bernadette Oratory.
Religious Sisters of Mercy monthly gathering
LAKE CHARLES — The Religious Sisters of Mercy host "Cor ad Cor,” a ministry for unmarried women ages 18-39, from 5-8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at their convent, 1414 Martha Street. The gathering is for women who want to deepen their capacity to hear and respond to God's voice as He leads them on their daily pilgrimage of faith, hope and charity.
The evening begins at 5:10 p.m. with a Holy Hour, followed by dinner and discussion at 6:15 p.m., then Scripture reading and discussion, and ending at 7:45 p.m. with night prayer. It is not necessary to be discerning religious life to attend.
“Cor ad Cor,” is a shortened version of “Cor ad Cor Loquitur,” a Latin phrase meaning “Heart speaks to Heart,” which comes from a letter written by St. Francis de Sales to one of his spiritual directees. For more information or to RSVP, call 337-564-0030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
