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.
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, March 5th
12:10pm & 6:00 pm
The Way of the Cross
Friday's, beginning March 7th
5:30 pm
Lenten Mission St. Joeseph Church, in Patterson
Monday March 10th - Wednesday, March 12th
6:00 pm
Lenten Mission Talk - Mr. Paul McClean
Sunday, March 30th
3:00 pm
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 13th
Weekend Mass Schedule
Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper
Thursday, April 17th
6:00 pm
Good Friday - The Lord's Passion
Friday, April 18th
3:00 pm
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 19th
8:00 pm
The Liturgy of the Word for the Third Sunday of Lent
Todays' Gospel from Luke describe Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. During this journey, Jesus teaches and heals. He must also respond to those who question and challenge his authority and actions. Luke tells us that some among the crowds report to Jesus a massacre of Galileans by Pilate. The intention of the crowd seems to be to ask Jesus to explain why these people suffered. It was commonplace to render people's suffering as evidence of their sinfulness. Jesus challenges this interpretation. Those who were massacred were no more or less sinful than the ones who report the situation to Jesus. Jesus replies that even a fatal accident, a natural disaster, ought not to be interpreted as punishment for sin.
Jesus says in essence, "Repent or perish as these people did; all are sinful before God and deserving of God's punishment." The tone changes, however, in the parable that follows. The parable of the barren fig tree contrasts the patience and hopefulness of the gardener with the practicality of the property owner. When told to cut down the fig tree because it is not producing fruit, the gardener counsels patience. If properly tended, the barren fig tree may yet bear fruit.
In this parable, we find an image of God's patience and hopefulness as he prepares his Kingdom. God calls us to repent, and it is within his power to punish us for our failure to turn from our sinfulness. And yet God is merciful. He delays punishment and tends to us so that we may yet bear the fruit he desires from us. This, then, is our reason for hope: Not only does God refuse to abandon us, he chooses to attend to us even when we show no evidence of his efforts.
First Reading
Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15
God speaks to Moses from the burning bush and sends him to the Israelites.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103:1-4,6-7,8,11
A prayer in praise of God's mercy
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12
Paul teaches that the Scriptures were written to set an example for us.
Gospel Reading
Luke 13:1-9
Jesus preaches a lesson on repentance.
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
Jesus said to them in reply,
"Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!
Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them -
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!"
And he told them this parable:
"There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?'
He said to him in reply,
'Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.'"
Luke 13:1-9
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
A Journey Of Being On Guard
I am privileged to celebrate the 40th anniversary of my priesthood on Thursday, March 27, 2025. It's Ruby Jubilee. Silver jubilee of my priesthood was celebrated on 21st of May 2010 in my village with my family, relatives and friends. On this auspicious day of my priestly life I am happy to be the pastor of St Bernadette Church. I am thankful to God for this grace-filled life having served the people of God both in Kadapa (India) and Lafayette (US). I am indebted to both priests and the laity who were/are instrumental to carry out my priestly ministry in a fruitful manner. On this historic milestone of my priestly life, I would like to share with you some reflections, which reveal how God led My Journey of Being on Guard.
While I was doing my college studies I was asked to discontinue from seminary formation due to stomach trouble. After a surgery in 1978, I pursued the same studies and stayed in a paid hostel run by the Jesuits. I had gone for a wedding of one my relatives where my cousin, Mary, requested me to visit her home before I returned. Upon my visit to her, I was shocked when she asked me to marry her. She was wondering why I had to become a priest not marrying her. I escaped from her before she embarrassed me more and more. With firm determination I pursued my college studies with a degree in Philosophy. Then I joined the diocese of Kadapa which is in the neighboring State where Telugu language is spoken which was unknown to me.
My parents had come to the diocese for my diaconate ordination on 24th of April 1984. On the eve of my diaconate, my bishop had a grand celebration of his sacerdotal silver jubilee. While the celebration was going on, my dad expressed his displeasure for having joined that diocese. He said, "This is very dry place, looks like a desert and it is far from our home (some 300 miles); we don't understand what they speak; don't get ordained for this god forsaken place; come let us go home by the night train." I remained silent, not wishing to say anything to him. I was ordained a deacon on the next day morning. Then my parents and some of my relatives came over there for my priestly ordination on March 27, 1985. Looking at a tiny church used as the cathedral, they didn't mince words in disappointing me.
It so happened, my Bishop took up construction of a new cathedral and I was appointed as pastor of the cathedral in May 1990. In addition to being the pastor of the cathedral which had 8 mission stations, I was put in charge of supervising the construction of the cathedral. When my parents came for the cathedral dedication on February 19, 1992 they were surprised to see a massive structure of the cathedral with lots of flowers and lawn. They asked me, "is it the same place that we had come earlier; now everything looks so different and beautiful." My mind voice was: 'God writes in crooked lines.'
March 27th always falls in the Lenten season. This Thursday in the gospel, Jesus says "he who is not with me is against me" (Lk 11:23). Jesus implies that such a person is on the side of Satan. This statement speaks about the priestly life. An ordained priest is expected to be on the side of Jesus, not on Satan. A question often haunts me is - 'how I am going to be on guard against Satan so that I will be with Jesus?'
When I recall my priestly life the following things pop up my mind. I need to be on guard against Satan means doing God's works by exercising ministerial priesthood in the local church. It also means to say – 'bloom where you are planted' which remains as the motto of my priestly life. For me to be on guard against Satan involves a strict discipline. Structuring and prioritizing the time of the day, equipping knowledge on the Bible and theology, having some pastoral programs in the parish and being busy with the ministry, a strong desire to do something for the local community etc., were all part of my 40 years as a priest. On the whole, I had the work culture of being with the people, for the people, and by the people that brought me to this level.
There are many times I struggled to keep up the promise I made to God on the day of my ordination. But the good Lord always lifted me up time to time to continue serving the Lord and the people. No doubt, my personal prayer life and the celebration of the Holy Mass with devotion kept me going. And I am grateful to all those who were/are part of my JOURNEY OF BEING ON GUARD.
In their classroom lessons throughout the year, our young people will meet Jesus in the Sunday Gospels. Our lessons will always focus on the upcoming Sunday Gospel. For example, in classes this week our lesson included discussions based on the Gospel according to Luke.
The Gospel reading on this third Sunday of Lent help us reflect on God's call, repentance, and growth. The readings guide us to understand our faith journey better.
Importance of Repentance: Jesus speaks about the need to repent. He warns that without repentance, we will perish, showing the importance of turning back to God.
God's Patience: The parable of the fig tree highlights God's patience. He gives us time to change and grow in faith, but we must respond.
Fruitfulness in Faith: The fig tree parable also teaches about bearing fruit. We are called to live fruitful lives, showing our faith through actions.
*Faith Formation Family Mass is this Sunday, March 23rd at 10:30 am.
God Bless! BWM, DRE
Lent Reflections Week 3 - Three refreshing gifts of Lent
Lent is a beautiful time of renewal that is often missed. Yet, just like an unexpected afternoon free, a chance to walk quietly alone in the forest or along the beach, Lent can provide the space to lean back into the now and take a deep refreshing breath with God when we see it in the proper perspective.
The two questions remain though:
Will we take this opportunity?
If we do, how should we best go about it in a simple, sincere way?
Sacrifice, almsgiving, and prayer are beautiful guides to living this season to the full. We need to revisit these, though, in ways they can offer us spiritual refreshment and new perspectives so that we do not run the danger of seeing Lent as just another thing to do in our already overburdened lives.
Freedom: When we think of fasting, it is often seen as a negative act: We are giving up what we like and sometimes even feel we need. Yet, if we reframe the sacrifice of Lent as asceticism, then we see it in a different light - Making our desires and needs smaller so we can appreciate all that is already in our life more deeply. Sacrifice, the first element of Lenten discipline, then becomes something so much more.
Spiritual writer Henri Nouwen once said, "when you prune something properly, it blossoms more deeply - not less." The same can be said of what we "give up" or sacrifice during Lent. Hopefully, what we choose - be it something to eat or drink, or a behavior that is not serving us or others well, such a sacred blossoming will take place.
Compassion: As children we were often given a little cardboard container, a rice bowl, in which we would place coins, allowances, or the money we would spend on extras. This almsgiving was to provide money for the poor and vulnerable. But, what if we also saw almsgiving from the perspective of giving of ourselves? What if we did things for others without expecting anything in return: not a "thank you," not a smile, nothing. What a true gift that would be - not only to them but also to ourselves as we would learn one of the essences of Grace: giving and expecting nothing in return.
Spiritual Awareness: Finally, what if we changed our view of prayer during Lent. In other words, rather than simply adding a few prayers, we also sought periodic momentary periods of alone time during the day? Lent is designed to help us move from chronos (secular time and ways of viewing the world) to Chairos (embracing God's perspective more deeply). Taking a few moments in the morning, can help us lean back, breathe deeply, and know God more deeply.
Don't miss this Lent. Greater inner freedom, a richer sense of compassion, and a deeper sense of our relationship with God are waiting. Catholic author and physician Walker Percy in one of his novels wrote, "What if life is like a plane and you miss it?" Well, that is easy to do in today's stressful world. And so, since Lent can help us prevent that from happening, isn't this season a pure gift to us when we look at it, and act upon it, from that perspective?
Bible Quiz #45 - The Book of Exodus (Chapters 21 - 25)
What is the punishment for a man who strikes another man a mortal blow?
While burning over a field or a vineyard if the man lets the fires spread to another's field, what restitution he has to make?
What is the punishment given to a man who wrongs a widow or orphan?
What are those three feasts in a year a Jew has to make a pilgrimage to celebrate feasts to God?
Whom the Lord will drive out for the Israelites to occupy the land?
Why are the Israelites not allowed to make covenant with other gods?
What did Moses do at the end of reading the book of the covenant?
What was the sign of the glory of the Lord settled upon Mount Sinai?
Why did the Lord ask Moses to take a collection from the people?
What was the aid/model that God showed Moses to make the Ark and its furnishings?
DUE DATE - Monday March 24th
What Is the Jubilee?
"Jubilee" is the name given to a particular year and comes from the instrument used to mark its launch. In this case, the instrument in question is the yobel, the ram's horn, used to proclaim the Day of Atonement. This Jewish holiday occurs every year, but it takes on special significance when it marks the beginning of a Jubilee year. We can find an early indication of it in the Bible: a Jubilee year was to be marked every 50 years, since this would be an "extra" year, one which would happen every seven weeks of seven years, i.e., every 49 years (cf. Leviticus 25:8-13). Even though it wasn't easy to organize, it was intended to be marked as a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. It involved the forgiveness of debts, the return of misappropriated land, and a fallow period for the fields.
Quoting the prophet Isaiah, the Gospel of Luke describes Jesus' mission in this way: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord," (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus lives out these words in his daily life, in his encounters with others and in his relationships, all of which bring about liberation and conversion.
In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called the first Jubilee, also known as a "Holy Year," since it is a time in which God's holiness transforms us. The frequency of Holy Years has changed over time: at first, they were celebrated every 100 years; later, in 1343 Pope Clement VI reduced the gap between Jubilees to every 50 years, and in 1470 Pope Paul II made it every 25 years. There have also been "extraordinary" Holy Years: for example, in 1933 Pope Pius XI chose to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the Redemption, and in 2015 Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of Mercy as an extraordinary jubilee. The way in which Jubilee Years are marked has also changed through the centuries: originally the Holy Year consisted of a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul, later other signs were added, such as the Holy Door. By participating in the Holy Year, one is granted a plenary indulgence.
Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, oh Maria.
Hail, mother of mercy and of love, oh Maria.
Triumph all ye cherubim, Sing with us ye seraphim.
Heaven and earth resound the hymn.
Salve, Salve, Salve Regina.
The beautiful tradition of May Crowning reflects the beauty of the 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary which it evokes. Honoring Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, honors her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ Who first crowned her as His Queen. Adorning Our Lady with a crown of flowers is a custom of great devotion to Our Holy Mother and recalls the beauty of her love for us during difficult times in the world.
Our Lady always guides as a loving Mother. Her Immaculate Heart and her maternal beauty will always triumph over the ugliness of sin and suffering.
As we crown the Blessed Virgin on Mother's Day, we ask that she intercede for us to her Son.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
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...
USCCB - Pro-Life Activities
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...
Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics
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...
Weekly Reflection
The Divine Gardener "'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"Luke 13:7-9
Imagine for a moment that you were the owner of the orchard in which this fig tree was planted. After the gardener asked you to wait for one more year and promised to fertilize the unfruitful fig tree and cultivate the ground around it, you agreed. Then imagine coming to inspect that same fig tree the next year. Imagine three scenarios. First, what would you do if, once again, there were no figs present? Second, what if there were only a few figs? Third, what if the tree suddenly produced an abundance of good fruit?
It seems clear that in the first scenario, if for the fourth year in a row not a single fig was produced, it would be time to cut down the tree. This depicts the justice of God sent forth on those who obstinately resist His grace. In the second scenario, the decision might be more difficult. If the tree produced only a few figs for the first time, then perhaps that would provide enough hope for the future of that tree to ask the gardener to continue caring for it. This depicts those who are in a state of grace but are still lazy in their service of the will of God. In the third scenario, however, the reaction of the owner of the orchard would be clear. There would be much excitement and gratitude that the gardener's good work paid off.
Jesus is the Gardener, and we are the fig tree. This parable should lead us to look at our lives and examine whether or not we bear good fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus comes to you to cultivate the soil of your heart, fertilizing it with His holy Word, watering it with His Sacraments and doing all He can to give you the opportunity to produce the fruit of charity in your life. How successful are these actions of our Lord in your life?
Too often, when we see only a little good fruit being borne from our lives, we are satisfied. And though any good fruit is good, we are wasting our lives if we do not do all we can to become as abundantly fruitful as possible. Imagine the joy in the Hearts of our Lord and the Father in Heaven if they were to look upon you and see good fruit being produced beyond expectation. Why wouldn't this be your goal in life? Our Lord is patient, but He is also just. Do not try His patience, and do not succumb to His justice.
Reflect, today, upon the image of you being this fig tree and our Lord as the divine Gardener. Commit yourself to His actions of tilling and fertilizing. You do so by strengthening your commitment to reading and understanding the Word of God, by participating more fully in the Sacraments, by being more focused upon your daily prayer, by examining your conscience more fully, and by sincerely confessing your sins. Do all you can to cooperate with the action of our divine Gardener and you will be amazed at the good fruit that begins to pour forth from your life.
My divine Gardener, You have committed Yourself to the humble work of tilling the soil of my heart and fertilizing it with Your abundant mercy. I choose, this day, to respond to Your grace and pray that my cooperation with You will produce an abundance of good fruit in my life for Your glory and the building up of Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.
Source: mycatholic.life
Are you desiring to become Catholic and participate in the Sacraments instituted by Christ? Already baptized Catholic but have not completed all of the Sacraments for Initiaton?
Would you just like to know more about the Sacraments?
Reach out to Father Thainese to begin your Journey of Faith
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.
Lay people who place their time and talent as acolytes (altar servers), lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, and ushers become more fully in union with Christ and with each other.
Our current ministers are ready to partner up with any and all who are willing to say yes. At one time, we were all nervous and feared stepping into the sanctuary of the church - some of us are still nervous today. You don't have to do it alone. We will support and guide you.
Bishop Services Appeal 2025 - Stepping Through the Holy Doors
When someone wants to show you their affection and friendship, they invite you to their home. There are two important things which occur next: conversation and a meal. In the celebration of the Mass, it is Jesus who invites us to participate in his friendship, during which we also encounter these two important moments: conversation, which is when Jesus speaks to us through his Word and we respond with our prayers; and a meal, when Jesus offers us the Eucharistic banquet giving us his Body and Blood.
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...
St. Bernadette Parsih Pastoral Council and Finance Committee
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. 
