Welcome!
Thank you for visiting us at Saint Bernadette Church, which is a Roman Catholic parish located in Bayou Vista - between Patterson and Berwick, Louisiana,
in the Diocese of Lafayette . St. Bernadette Church continues the Sacramental Traditions of Jesus Christ as handed down by the Apostles, we strive to live lives of Communion and Participation as we seek to fulfill the mission bestowed upon us by Christ.
Our Pastor is Father Thainese Alphonse.
Schedule for Lent, Holy Week and Easter Triduum
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22nd
12:10pm & 6:00 pm
The Way of the Cross
Friday's, beginning February 24th
5:30 pm
Lenten Mission Talk - Mr. Daniel Martin "Dealing with Faith Crisis"
The Liturgy of the Word for The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Jesus heals the man born blind and reveals himself to him as the Son of Man.
First Reading
1 Samuel 16:1b,6-7,10-13a
Samuel is sent to anoint David as king.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is our shepherd.
Second Reading
Ephesians 5:8-14
The Ephesians are told to live as children of light.
Gospel Reading John 9:1,6-9,13-17,34-38
Jesus heals the man born blind and
reveals himself to him as the Son of Man.
As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him,
"Go wash in the Pool of Siloam" - which means Sent -.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
"Isn't this the one who used to sit and beg?"
Some said, "It is, "
but others said, "No, he just looks like him."
He said, "I am."
They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
"He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see."
So some of the Pharisees said,
"This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the sabbath."
But others said,
"How can a sinful man do such signs?"
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
"What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?"
He said, "He is a prophet."
They answered and said to him,
"You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?"
Then they threw him out.
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
He answered and said,
"Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?"
Jesus said to him,
"You have seen him, and
the one speaking with you is he."
He said,
"I do believe, Lord," and he worshiped him.
John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Allow Jesus to Enter Into Our Personal Lives
Once, there was a woman who had to make a daily trip of a mile to draw water from a public well. Over the years she grew weary of the journey. No matter how much water she brought home, she always ended up with an empty container. Then one day she was doing some work in her own garden when in a remote corner she came upon a large flagstone lying on the ground. The flagstone was completely covered with moss. Her curiosity flared up. She cleared away the moss then removed the flagstone to discover a lovely well. She was thrilled. Never again would she have to make that tiresome journey to the public well. She now had an unfailing source of water of her own.
The Gospel tells us how Jesus awakened a thirst for wholeness and integrity in the woman at the well, a thirst which he had come to satisfy. In revealing himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman, Jesus speaks to her of the fountain of water he will give. The whole episode has a seven-part dialogue. Jesus guided her progressively from ignorance to enlightenment, and from misunderstanding to understanding, thus making her the most intense catechized person.
Jesus always has a way of coming into our personal lives. When Jesus became personal with this woman and started asking embarrassing questions about her five husbands, she cleverly tried to change the subject and talk about religion. She didn't want Jesus to get personal. But Jesus wanted to free her, forgive her, shape her life in a new direction, and change her. He wanted to offer this woman Living Water. Scholars explain living water means the revelation or teaching which Jesus came to give, and it also means the Spirit he bestows. It may refer to Baptism and the gift of the Spirit, the source of life.
At the end of their long "heart-to-heart conversation" Jesus revealed himself to the woman as the Messiah, which in turn led her to faith in him. This growth in understanding on the part of the woman moved through several stages: first, she called him a Jew, then Sir or Lord, then Prophet, and finally Messiah. When the Samaritans came to hear Jesus because of her testimony, their affirmation of faith reached its climax as they declared that Jesus was the Savior of the world.
The woman in the story accidently saw the flagstone. When she removed it she found a well so that she won't be going to fetch water from a far distance. The unexpected encounter with Jesus brought dramatic changes to the woman in the Gospel and her villagers. If we allow Jesus to enter into our personal lives, unexpected good things will happen!
What Should I Give Up For Lent? Chocolate? ICE CREAM? SODA?
Many of us try to be more disciplined for Lent and give up something that we really like. That's great! Fasting has always been an important tradition of Lent. This year however, let us also consider other things that we can give up.
Give up complaining - Focus on gratitude. Philippians 2:14-15 - Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure... 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ.
Give up bitterness - Turn to forgiveness. Ephesians 4:31 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Give up worry - Trust in God. Matthew 6:25 - Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, who by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:33 - But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Give up discouragement - Be full of hope. Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you: he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Give up hatred - Return good for evil. 1 John 2:9 - Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Luke 6:27 - "But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."
Give up anger - Be more patient. Matthew 5:22- But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Proverbs 15:18 - A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Give up gossiping - Control your tongue. Psalm 34:13 - Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Proverbs 21:23 - He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
(Author Unknown)
Preparing Hearts for Easter Joy
Lent is the Church's gift to us to help prepare our hearts for Easter by purifying our hearts, opening up to love, and putting love into action.
Purifying our hearts:
Every heart yearns for love, yet only God's love can truly satisfy that yearning. The goal of Lenten penance is to purify ourselves of whatever blocks us from God's love or closes our heart to others. This can include excessive social media, materialism, gossip, or sinful habits like lust or deceit. From what does your heart need to detach so there's room for God and others?
Opening up to love:
Mother Teresa wrote, "Have you seen.. how [Jesus] looks at you with love?... Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you?" Strive to know God's heart. Seek Him, not just His gifts. Only by receiving God's love first, beginning with prayer, can we share it with others.
Put love in action:
"Even as I have loved you.. you also love one another" (John 13:34). God commands us to love as we've been loved - because we are loved. Find small, doable ways to serve during Lent. Commit to a Work of Mercy (corporal or spiritual). Practice patience. Give the gift of listening. True joy at Easter comes from loving Christ and imitating Him. Strive to do this throughout Lent and beyond.
Growing in Faith, Mar. 2023
Victory in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:1-11
In this passage, Jesus is tempted by the devil. Having witnessed the Father's declaration at His baptism, Satan tested Jesus' identity as the Son of God. His goal was to tempt Jesus to embrace an earthly and political mission and to distract Him from the suffering and death that would lead to the world's salvation.
Satan tempted Jesus to satisfy His hunger with a miracle - to put physical needs above spiritual needs. In His response, Jesus taught us to put spiritual needs first and to entrust both body and soul to God's care.
Next, Satan commanded Jesus to jump from the temple roof in an effort to force God to miraculously save Him. Again, Jesus refused. God is not to be forced or controlled.
Finally, Satan offered to surrender all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him. That would save Jesus from the Cross. Instead, Jesus chose the Cross because it was the only way to save us. When tempted to do what's "easy" versus what's morally right, ask for the strength to choose what's right.
Growing in Faith, Feb. 2023
Lent Leads Us Back to GOD!
On Ash Wednesday we heard from Joel 2:12-18.
"For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment" Lent may be a penitential season, but it is also a wonderful reminder that no matter how we let sin interfere in our relationship with God, He always wants us back. Gracious and merciful is He.
"Return to me with your whole heart." Throughout the year, sin creeps into our daily lives almost without our noticing. A bad habit such as using bad language or gossiping can keep us from loving God fully. Lent is a time to examine our lives and sweep aside whatever keeps us from giving God our whole heart.
"Rend your hearts, not your garments." God doesn't just want outward acts of repentance. Our Father wants a change of heart. Start with Confession and then practice virtues such as prudence, temperance, and fortitude.
"Gather the people, notify the congregation." Become more active in your parish to build it up. Consider attending Mass more often than just once a week.
Growing in Faith, Feb. 2023
Five Blessings while enduring the temptations of the evil one:
Enduring temptation and conquering it helps us see the strength of God in our lives.
Temptation humbles us, stripping away our pride and our struggle of thinking we are self reliant and self-made.
There is great value in completely rejecting the devil. It not only robs him of his power to deceive us, but also clarifies who he is so that we can continue to reject him.
Overcoming temptation strengthens us in every virtue.
The devil would not tempt us if he were not concerned about our holiness. We should see temptation as a sign that the evil one is losing hold of our lives.
Five ways to understand forgiveness:
1. His gift. All good things are from God. Don't be too proud to beg for the gift to forgive someone. How does God forgive all? Because he understands all. Pray for the gift of wisdom.
2. Not amnesia.Remember that forgiving someone does not erase the sting of a painful memory. Forgiveness does not make a painful memory happy, but it provides a new context.
3. My burden. Your grudge is your burden, not someone else's. Remember that carrying this burden means we are allowing someone else's sin to remain active in our lives. Address the evil spirit of that sin, and banish it from your life. This is usually not a one-and-done exercise. Continue each time it sneaks up and tries to lure you away from him. The way of forgiveness is the way of freedom.
4. Rewrite the story. One of the reasons we can hold onto the burden of unforgiveness is that we have told the story in only one way. The narrative usually focuses on the bad that happened to me. In prayer, retell the story, emphasizing the graces that God poured into the situation - the strength, the courage, and the fortitude he gave you. You survived and maybe even grew wiser. This is the new memory. Pray to notice his virtue, not dwell on another's vice.
5. At the foot of the Cross. At the foot of the Cross, we experience the transformative power of mercy. Jesus took away my sins, my anger, my unforgiveness and nailed them to the Cross. He has taken even death itself, upon himself, for me. In the Resurrection, Jesus transforms my sins by his love for me. In the shadow of that Cross, as I look upon him who cries out for my forgiveness, how can I but not forgive those who have trespassed against me?
Fr. William Byrne, Washington, D.C.
Sharing in the Blessedness of Christ
Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for everyone because, rather than a human effort, it is first and foremost a gift of God, thrice holy. The Apostle John remarks: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. It is God, therefore, who loved us first and make us his adoptive sons in Jesus. Everything in our lives is a gift of his love: how can we be indifferent before such a great mystery? How can we not respond to the heavenly Father’s love by living as grateful children? In Christ, he gave us the gift of his entire self and calls us to a personal and profound relationship with him. Consequently, the more we imitate Jesus and remain united to him the more we enter into the mystery of his divine holiness. We discover that he loves us infinitely, and this prompts us in turn to love our brethren. Loving always entails an act of self-denial, “losing ourselves,” and it is precisely this that makes us happy….
In truth, the blessed par excellence is only Jesus. He is, in fact, the true poor in spirit, the one afflicted, the meek one, the one hungering and thirsting for justice, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemaker. He is the one persecuted for the sake of justice.
The Beatitudes show us the spiritual features of Jesus and thus express his mystery, the mystery of his death and Resurrection, of his Passion and the joy of his Resurrection. This mystery, which is the mystery of true blessedness, invites us to follow Jesus and thus to walk toward it. To the extent that we accept his proposal and set out to follow him—each one in his own circumstances—we too can participate in his blessedness. With him, the impossible becomes possible and even a camel can pass through the eye of a needle; with his help, only with his help can we become perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.
One of the greatest graces for our parish is Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel.
To quote Pope John Paul II; “We come here to meet the Heart of Jesus pierced for us, from which water and blood gush. It is the redeeming love, which is at the origin of salvation, of our salvation, which is at the origin of the Church. Now still today, the living Christ loves us and presents His Heart to us as the source of our redemption… We are called not only to meditate and contemplate on this mystery of Christ's love; we are called to take part in it. It is the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, the center of our Faith, the center of our worship of Christ's merciful love manifested in His Sacred Heart, a mystery which is adored here night and day. In the Eucharist – this is also the meaning of perpetual adoration – we enter the movement of love from which all interior progress and all apostolate efficacy springs.”
Mother Teresa taught “When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now.”
This examination of conscience is not intended merely as a checklist to be used prior to confession. The purpose of this examination is to help souls to know what actions or attitudes are sinful and the gravity of the particular sin. The hope is that this knowledge will serve to keep people from committing these sins.
* Three things are necessary for a sin to be mortal: 1. Serious matter (things listed on this sheet); 2. Knowledge or firm belief that the act is seriously wrong prior to committing the act; 3. Full consent to the will.
All three of these conditions must be present simultaneously for a sin to be mortal. This means that if you did not know the act was seriously wrong, then you are not guilty of having committed a mortal sin. If you did not will the act, e.g., if you were forced or if it was in a dream, you are not guilty of having committed a mortal sin.
All mortal sins committed since your last confession must be confessed by both type and number, i.e., the title of the sin and how many times it was done. If there is a mortal sin from the past that was forgotten and has not been confessed, it should be confessed at your next confession. It is not necessary to confess venial sins, but it is a good and pious practice.
There's an old saying that goes, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” Maybe you have been away from the Church for a little while or quite some time, but somehow you now feel a tug at your heart calling you back home to the Catholic Church. That's why we're here.
Whether or not you know you want to return to the Catholic Church, we're here to help you take that second look. That mysterious pull inside you, driving you to look into your faith once more, comes directly from God. Your Heavenly Father is yearning for a relationship with you again, in the Church founded by Jesus 2000 years ago. He's waiting for you with open arms. Please Read More...
This voter's guide helps you cast your vote in an informed manner consistent with Catholic moral teaching.
This voter's guide identifies five issues involving "non-negotiable" moral values in current politics and helps you narrow down the list of acceptable candidates, whether they are running for national, state, or local offices. Please Read More...
Stations of the Cross / KC Lenten Fish Fry
Everyone is invited to the Stations of the Cross here at St. Bernadette - Fridays during Lent at 5:30 pm. The Bayou Vista Knights of Columbus Council 6211 will be sponsoring their Lenten Fish Fry every Friday during Lent (February 24th through March 31st).
They will be selling dinners for $10.00, includes Fried Fish, French Fries or White beans/rice, and Bread. You may pick up dinners at St. Bernadette parish hall 5:00-7:00 pm. Please support our Knights.
Thoughtful Moments
Penance vs. Punishment Penance isn't punishment. Real penance helps us undergo a change of heart that helps us become better people who positively affect others. Our sin affects others, and our penance and reparation can, too.
Foster Loving Kindness In a time that seems to be full of bad news, selfless acts can result in an emotional uplift for the giver and the recipient. Practice acts of kindness each day. Use a gentle voice in every circumstance. Smile at someone who looks like they need it. Allow others to get ahead of you in line. Sit with someone who looks as if they need a friend. Pray for those who are unkind to you.
As God Loves... "Charity, love, is sharing with the one we love in all things. Love makes us similar, it creates equality, it breaks down walls and eliminates distances. God did this with us." - Pope Francis
Partners in Faith, March 2021
Faith Formation
Regular attendance at Mass is an essential part of showing your child what being a Catholic is about.
March 22nd - Confirmation Practice 6:30 pm -(Candidates & Sponsors)
March 23rd - CONFIRMATION 6:00 pm - Fr. William Blanda
If you have any questions regarding Religious Education, please call Becky at 395-2470.
By participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, whether our first time in days, weeks, months or years, we are experiencing God's individual and unwavering love for us, and one of the true graces made available to us by our Catholic faith. God loves us just the way we are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way. When we return to the Church for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus rejoices like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It is never "too late" to return to Jesus and ask for forgiveness. Imagine how joyful you will feel upon confessing your sins, big or small!
Currently we have only 17 of our parishioners serving as a Sacristans, Lectors, and/or Ministers of Holy Communion for our three weekend Masses. Ideally, we’d like to be able to schedule each person once a month. We need your help to do this! Please prayerfully consider where God is calling you to serve and call the office to volunteer.
Get Involved-
Catholics have a long history of action - feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the poor, praying for souls. Are you doing all you can to help? If not, find out if there is a parish ministry that could use your time, talent, or treasure. Catholics are meant to make a difference.
Bishop Services Appeal 2023- Living a Legacy of Faithfulness and Purpose
Through acts both large and small, we bring positive change into our own lives and the lives of others. We have only to look to the examples of 12-year old Charlene Richard, the young Fr. Verbis Lafleur, and the humble "Nonco" Auguste Pelafigue. Holiness is not a lofty ideal. It is born of generous hearts. It is love lived to the full in service to others. We are all called to everyday sainthood. It is in the striving that we build and Live a Legacy of Faithfulness and Purpose. The ministries supported by the Bishop's Services Appeal are part of how we answer God's call.
Laws that permit or promote abortion, infanticide, human cloning, destructive embryo research or physician-assisted suicide ignore the sanctity of each human life and undermine the foundation of a just and healthy society. As citizens and people of faith, each of us should actively advance our convictions in the public square in every legitimate and ethical way. We should rededicate ourselves to upholding the sanctity of human life, and hold those elected to represent us to the same standard. Please Read More...
Knights
of Columbus
Knights of Columbus Council 6211 is located in Bayou Vista, La. We are currently recruiting new members from the Parish.
Monthly Meetings for the Bayou Vista Knights Council are held on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
Location for the meeting is at 113 Sunset Rd, Bayou Vista, LA 70380. KC Council 6211 Contact Info... Knights
of Columbus Info...
An updated Adoration Schedule is in the vestibule. We have many open hours available for you to spend time alone with Jesus. Call the office to let us know what time you are choosing.
Fiscal Year (July 2021 - June 2022) Annual Report for St.Bernadette
Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for everyone because, rather than a human effort, it is first and foremost a gift of God, thrice holy. The Apostle John remarks: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. It is God, therefore, who loved us first and make us his adoptive sons in Jesus. Everything in our lives is a gift of his love: how can we be indifferent before such a great mystery? How can we not respond to the heavenly Father’s love by living as grateful children? In Christ, he gave us the gift of his entire self and calls us to a personal and profound relationship with him. Consequently, the more we imitate Jesus and remain united to him the more we enter into the mystery of his divine holiness. We discover that he loves us infinitely, and this prompts us in turn to love our brethren. Loving always entails an act of self-denial, “losing ourselves,” and it is precisely this that makes us happy….
One of the greatest graces for our parish is Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel. 
Everyone is invited to the Stations of the Cross here at St. Bernadette - Fridays during Lent at 5:30 pm. 
The Bayou Vista Knights of Columbus Council 6211 will be sponsoring their Lenten Fish Fry every Friday during Lent (February 24th through March 31st).
They will be selling dinners for $10.00, includes Fried Fish, French Fries or White beans/rice, and Bread. You may pick up dinners at St. Bernadette parish hall 5:00-7:00 pm. Please support our Knights.
Regular attendance at Mass is an essential part of showing your child what being a Catholic is about.
