Upcoming events around the Diocese of Lake Charles and beyond:
SEPTEMBER 2024
Friday, Sept. 13: Annual Red Mass
LAKE CHARLES — Bishop Glen John Provost will be the celebrant for the annual Red Mass set for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, September 13, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo Street. The Very Reverend Edward Richard, M.S., VF, will be the homilist.
The Red Mass is celebrated at the opening of the judicial year and requests guidance from the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice and offers the opportunity to reflect on what Catholics believe is the God-given power and responsibility of all in the legal profession.
Judges, attorneys, and government officials from the five civil parishes of the Diocese of Lake Charles – Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis – are invited to attend. The local St. Thomas More Society, Judge Henry Yelverton Chapter, and the Diocese sponsor the event.
Saturday, Sept. 14: Theology of the Body training
LAKE ARTHUR — Theology of the Body Basic Training for Catechists in the Diocese of Lake Charles will be offered 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 14, in the Oustalet Center at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 203 Commercial Avenue. Diocesan requirements are three hours of Basic Certification for teachers in Grades K-5. Cost is $5.00 payable to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Questions may be directed to Becky Clements at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 337-274-6800 (text or voice). Registration deadline is one week prior to training.
Sept. 12-15: True Presence Retreat
MOSS BLUFF — Saint Charles Center will host a “True Presence” Retreat for women Thursday, September 12, through Sunday, September 15, at the Center, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway. To register, call Saint Charles Center at 337-855-1232, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
True Presence Retreat emphasizes the powerful effect of the Sacraments, contains frank and open sharing, and offers loving service to every retreatant.
Tuesday, Sept. 17: "Come and See" Lay Carmelite Community
LAKE CHARLES — The St. Therese Little Flower Lay Carmelite Community in Lake Charles invites all men and women 18 and older to join them for a “Come and See” meeting to introduce the charism of Carmel. The meeting is planned for Tuesday, September 17, from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the old Adoration Chapel at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 3939 Lake Street, on the feast day of St. Albert of Jerusalem, a Carmelite.
The Community will dive deep into the teachings and practices of contemplative prayer of Carmelite saints such as St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Therese of Lisieux. Joining with a like-minded Community can offer insights and fellowship to support your faith journey to holiness. Please direct questions to Debbie Habetz, Formation Director, at 337-540-8148.
Sept. 20-22: St. Theresa Bon Ton Festival
CARLYSS — The 2024 St. Theresa Catholic Church Bon Ton Festival is planned for Friday through Sunday, September 20-22, on the church grounds at 4822 Carlyss Drive. The festival kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday with hours through 10:00 p.m., then opening at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday through 10:00 p.m., closing out the weekend on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.
Festival highlights include rides, live entertainment, and a live auction. Admission and parking are free, and pre-sale ride bracelets are available for purchase at the church office. For more information about the Bon Ton Festival, call 337-583-4800.
Saturday, Sept. 21: Annual Veritas Conference
LAKE CHARLES — The annual Veritas Conference on Saturday, September 21, will feature Father Aquinas Guibeau, OP, a Dominican friar and native of the Lafayette Diocese, as the keynote speaker. Father Aquinas is Chaplain of the Catholic University of America, and the Vice President of Mission and Ministry. He is an excellent theologian who will open up for us the topic of the Life of Virtue.
Follow the event at https://www.facebook.com/lcdiocese/events. Tickets are $40. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 337-439-7400 x200 with any questions.
Sept. 24-28: Grief to Grace Retreat
MOSS BLUFF — Saint Charles Center will host a “Grief to Grace” Retreat or anyone who has suffered degradation or violation through physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual abuse. The five-day spiritual and psychological retreat will take place Tuesday through Saturday, September 24-28, at Tabor Retreat House of Saint Charles Center, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway.
Grief to Grace is appropriate for those who have endured sexual abuse, rape, incest, or other forms of traumatic violation in childhood, adolescence, or as an adult. This retreat provides a process for helping victims of abuse to discover spiritual healing and transformation. Grief to Grace was created to end the isolation and secrets of abuse within a healing process that is fully centered upon the person and presence of Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician. It provides a model of care that is therapy for the soul.
Cost of the retreat program is $1,500, which includes lodging, food, and materials. You may pay the entire amount at the time of registration, or pay a $750 deposit and then pay the remaining $750, when your application is confirmed or at a time prior to the start of the retreat. There may also be scholarships available. To register, call Mrs. Marjorie Long at 337-489-2473.
OCTOBER 2024
Oct. 4-6: Retrouvaille marriage retreat
BATON ROUGE — Enrollment is open for an upcoming Retrouvaille weekend retreat for couples struggling in their marriage. The weekend program will be held October 4-6 in Baton Rouge. Retrouvaille is a three-phase program that helps couples face their challenges in a productive and healthy way. It begins with a weekend retreat, followed by post weekend followup sessions, and ongoing marriages support.
For more information, contact Randall and Robin Bellard, Community Coordinator Couple, Retrouvaille of Baton Rouge:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Phone: 225-271-4092 or 225-993-2443. Register at www.HelpOurMarriage.org before September 20. Contact Community Coordinator Couple to see if there is availability after the deadline has passed.
Oct. 5-6: Immaculate Heart of Mary Fall Bazaar
LAKE CHARLES — Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church will host its Fall Bazaar Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6. There will be food, a sweet shop, raffle, bingo, and a Kid’s Zone. Barbecue dinners will offer the option of half a chicken or pork steak. Raffle tickets are $5 per ticket with a cruise for two from Galveston (grand prize); cash prizes of $1,000, $500, $250; and many more awesome prizes. Immaculate Heart of Mary is located at 2031 Opelousas Street. Hours October 5 are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on October 6, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 8: New Life Counseling Pro-Life Banquet
LAKE CHARLES — New Life Counseling will celebrate its 40th anniversary during their annual Pro-Life Fundraising Banquet planned Tuesday, October 8, in the Lake Charles Event Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. Keynote speaker will be Dr. George Delgado, founder of the life-saving Abortion Pill Reversal (APR). Dr. Delgado is president of The Steno Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pro-life research, especially focusing on abortion pill reversal that allows women a second chance to continue their pregnancy.
Sponsorship opportunities include $10,000 (Diamond), $5,000 (Platinum), $3,000 (Gold), $1,500 (Silver), $800 (Bronze), and $100. For more information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to donate silent auction items, contact New Life Counseling at 337-474-7003 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Ticket deadline is Friday, October 4.
Oct. 9-12: D.E.E.P. Retreat
MOSS BLUFF — Saint Charles Center will host a “D.E.E.P.” Retreat for men Wednesday, October 9, through Saturday, October 12, at the Center, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway. To register, call Saint Charles Center at 337-855-1232, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
D.E.E.P. is an acronym for Discipleship, Eucharist, Evangelization, and Prayer. This retreat was developed to help attendees go "deeper" in their faith, by developing a closer relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ by focusing on the removal of the vices that stand in the way of that relationship and striving to live the virtues which counteract those vises. There is a strong emphasis on building that relationship with Christ through knowledge of the Catholic Faith, the Sacraments, and the points of the acronym — Discipleship, Eucharist, Evangelization and Prayer.
The D.E.E.P. Retreat is presented by Catholic priests, deacons and religious, with support provided by Catholic laity.
Saturday, Oct. 26: Fall festival at Our Lady of LaSalette
DEQUINCY — “Fall for Jesus,” the annual fall festival at Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church, is planned for 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26. The church grounds are located at 203 South Grand Avenue. Festival highlights include a chili cook-off, silent auction, cake walk, games, vendors, costume contest, volleyball/washer tournament, and pumpkin patch.
Saturday, Oct. 26: Trunk or Treat at St. Raphael
IOWA — St. Raphael Catholic Church will host its annual Trunk or Treat from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, in the church parking lot, 213 S. Thomson Avenue. Call 337-582-3503 to reserve your spot for a trunk. Hot dogs will be available while supplies last. Come dressed in costume and join the fun for this free family event.
Saturday, Oct. 26: All Halo's Eve
MOSS BLUFF — The fourth annual All Halo's Eve for trick-or-treaters of all ages will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26, at Camp Karol, 1087 Bozo Road. Entry and participation is free of charge.
NOVEMBER 2024
MOSS BLUFF — A Rachel's Vineyard Retreat — a retreat for healing after abortion — is scheduled the weekend of November 8-10 at Saint Charles Center, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway in Moss Bluff. The retreat, sponsored by the Diocese of Lake Charles, is strictly confidential and offers a beautiful opportunity to experience God's love, forgiveness, and compassion.
Nov. 13-16: D.E.E.P. Retreat
MOSS BLUFF — Saint Charles Center will host a “D.E.E.P.” Retreat for women Wednesday, November 13, through Saturday, November 16, at the Center, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway. To register, call Saint Charles Center at 337-855-1232, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
D.E.E.P. is an acronym for Discipleship, Eucharist, Evangelization, and Prayer. This retreat was developed to help attendees go "deeper" in their faith, by developing a closer relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ by focusing on the removal of the vices that stand in the way of that relationship and striving to live the virtues which counteract those vises. There is a strong emphasis on building that relationship with Christ through knowledge of the Catholic Faith, the Sacraments, and the points of the acronym — Discipleship, Eucharist, Evangelization and Prayer.
The D.E.E.P. Retreat is presented by Catholic priests, deacons and religious, with support provided by Catholic laity.
Saturday, Nov. 16: St. Philip Neri Golf Tournament
KINDER — The eighth annual St. Philip Neri Catholic Church Golf Tournament will be held at Koasati Pines Golf Course of Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder on Saturday, November 16, with shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. Registration and practice will be 7:00 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.
Fees are $150 per individual or $600 per four-person team. Fees include: green fees, cart fee, range balls, lunch and drinks, and golf shirt. Make checks payable to St. Philip Neri Golf Tournament and mail to P.O. Box 146, Kinder, LA 70648.
Sponsorships are available for $500 (corporate sponsor) or $100 (hole sponsor). For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call 337-738-5612.
Koasati Pines at Coushatta features a dynamic 18-hole, par 72 championship layout. Participants and sponsors will enjoy good company, food, and prizes. The event’s proceeds will provide needed funds to maintain the enduring quality and beauty of the historic church building and property of St. Philip Neri Parish.
Saturday, Nov. 16: Tolton Musical Masterpiece
LAKE CHARLES — A Tolton Musical Masterpiece will be performed at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2031 Opelousas Street, featuring the Lake Charles Community Choir. Musical Director is Don McZeal, with Hearnest Arvie as Minister of Musicians. All are welcome.
Saturday, Nov. 16: Theology of the Body training
LAKE ARTHUR — Theology of the Body Advanced Training for Catechists in the Diocese of Lake Charles will be offered 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, in the Oustalet Center at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 203 Commercial Avenue. Diocesan requirements are 10 hours of Advanced Certification for teachers in Grades 6-12. Cost is $10.00 payable to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Questions may be directed to Becky Clements at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 337-274-6800 (text or voice). Registration deadline is one week prior to training.
Saturday, Nov. 23: Maranatha Women’s Conference
CARLYSS — St. Theresa Catholic Church will host Maranatha Women’s Conference, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 23, featuring guest speaker, Emily Jaminet. The Anticipated Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. at the church, 4822 Carlyss Drive, Sulphur. The conference cost of $50 includes breakfast, lunch, and T-shirt.
Jaminet is a Catholic author, speaker, radio personality, wife, and mother of seven children and Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network (www.welcomeHisHeart.com) and co-founder of www.InspiretheFaith.com.
For more information and to register for the conference, call the church office at 337-583-4800.
DECEMBER 2024
LAKE CHARLES — Christ the King Catholic Church will host a Champagne Bingo and Dinner on Saturday, December 7, at VFW Hall 5676 Lake Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, and the dinner includes smoked pork, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, roll and dessert. Cash prizes will be awarded.
JANUARY 2025
LAKE CHARLES — Theology of the Body Basic Training for Catechists in the Diocese of Lake Charles will be offered 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 11, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School. Diocesan requirements are three hours of Basic Certification for teachers in Grades K-5. Cost is $5.00 payable to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Questions may be directed to Becky Clements at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 337-274-6800 (text or voice). Registration deadline is one week prior to training.
FEBRUARY 2025
LAKE CHARLES — Theology of the Body Advanced Training for Catechists in the Diocese of Lake Charles will be offered 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School. Diocesan requirements are 10 hours of Advanced Certification for teachers in Grades 6-12. Cost is $10.00 payable to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Questions may be directed to Becky Clements at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 337-274-6800 (text or voice). Registration deadline is one week prior to training.
JENNINGS — The annual Altar Society Conference will be held on Tuesday, February 18, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 710 North State Street, and St. Mary Center across the street. Jane Sneed, President of the Ladies Altar Society of OLHC, is requesting that church parishes across the Diocese of Lake Charles please provide the phone and email address of their Altar Society representative for future correspondence. For more information, contact Sneed at 337-329-0897 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
PILGRIMAGES
Marian Pilgrimage in 2025
Father Rommel Tolentino will lead a pilgrimage to the Marian shrines of Portugal, Spain and France, April 21-May 4, 2025. The theme for Jubilee Year 2025 is "Pilgrims of Hope." Our Lady's apparitions offer a message of hope and a testament of her motherly love. Learn about Our Blessed Mother's messages of love, hope, and warning in the various places she visited, such as Fatima, Garabandal, Lourdes, La Salette, Rue de Bac in Paris, plus a number of other holy sites — Santarem, Santiago de Compostela, Loyola, Ars, Paray-le-Monial, etc. For more information, call Sara Edwards at 504-258-7282 or visit www.trinitytourtravels.com/fr-rommel-tolentino
ONGOING
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.”
MOSS BLUFF — Deacon Brian Soileau, director of Saint Charles Center, presides over Eucharistic Adoration and Divine Mercy at 7:00 p.m. every Tuesday in the Chapel of the Assumption. Saint Charles Center is located at 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway. Please check the Saint Charles Center website calendar, Facebook, or call the office at 337-855-1232 to check for cancellations due to retreats during the week or some unforeseen situations.
