News and Press

(USCCB News Archives can be accessed at www.usccb.org/news/)

April 2026 Prayer Intentions of Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Glen John Provost:

Easter 2026
“I have seen the Lord.”  John 20:18

Let us hasten to the tomb with Mary Magdalen, where she is disturbed to find it empty.  The angel asks her and the two accompanying her why they seek the living among the dead (cf. Luke 24:5).    Let us sit with her as she ponders the silence of that first Easter morning and meets the Lord Himself, whom she mistakes for the gardener and does so until He speaks her name.   Let us accompany her as she goes immediately to the Apostles to announce, “I have seen the Lord.”  What amazement she must have experienced, the muted joy transformed into proclamation!

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.

Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026
Mass of the Lord's Supper
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

“Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father.”  John 13:1

A seminary burse is a permanent fund set aside to provide income for the education and training of future priests. There are currently 119 such funds with the total amount invested of $3,084,661.41.

His Excellency Bishop Glen John Provost celebrated the Mass of Chrism with the priests of the Diocese on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. At this Mass, customarily in Holy Week, the Bishop blessed the holy oils to be used throughout the year for sacramental celebrations in the Diocese of Lake Charles. He addressed his homily to the priests and offered the following reflection:

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.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

MOSS BLUFF — Bryan and Ginger LeDoux describe their marriage as being “God-centered” and took advantage of a recent opportunity to make sure it remains that way.

Longtime parishioners of St. Theodore Catholic Church, the LeDouxs were among 18 couples from around the Diocese of Lake Charles who registered for the sixth annual Together in Holiness marriage enrichment day at Camp Karol on March 28, Palm Sunday weekend.

LAKE CHARLES — The good works of Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana will be in the spotlight during its annual Jazz Brunch fundraiser to benefit its ministry of serving the poor.

The event will be Sunday, March 15, at the Historic Cash and Carry, 801 Enterprise Boulevard, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., allowing guests time to browse and bid on silent auction items before brunch begins.