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.
Our Pastor is Father Thainese Alphonse.
The Liturgy of the Word for The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Having reminded the apostles and the crowd that facing the coming judgment takes patience, Jesus now goes on to speak of how difficult it will be to wait. He tells them that he has come to set the earth on fire.
First Reading Jeremiah 38:4-6,8-10
Jeremiah is punished for criticizing the
wealthy for their corruption and their
injustice to the poor.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 40:2-4,18
A prayer for God's help
Second Reading Hebrews 12:1-4
Let us persevere in running the race
that lies before us while keeping
our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Gospel Reading Luke 12:49-53
Jesus has come not only to bring
peace
but also division.
Jesus said to his disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Luke 12:49-53
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Let Us Carry the Fire of the Holy Spirit
St. Teresa of Calcutta - Mother Teresa (died in 1997) was one of the most influential persons of our time. She was on fire with love of Christ, and she was so passionate about her beliefs that her life became an articulate expression of her Faith. She loved life, and so she hated abortion; thus, even when called to speak at the 1994 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. to a pre-dominantly elite audience that included the president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, she strongly criticized the policy of government-funded abortion.
At the end of her speech the crowd gave Mother Teresa a standing cheer and clapped profusely. While everyone else went in an uproar, the Clintons just sucked on their water bottles. Apparently, thirst overwhelmed them! Later when questioned, about Clinton’s meeting with Mother Teresa, Bill’s only response was, “I cannot argue with a life that had been so well lived.” All those who promote and fund for abortion, I am sure they thirst for life within themselves, but try to swallow up and act as if nothing wrong with them.
On the day of our Baptism, we received the light of Christ and were instructed to keep that torch burning brightly until the return of Christ Jesus. Further, the Holy Spirit was sent into our hearts at Confirmation to help set us on fire. Our Lord Jesus continues to cast fire on the earth, the fire of the Spirit, through the ministry of Word and Sacraments. As Christians, we should have fire to inflame people to care, to serve, and to bless each other with all the gifts of faith. We should work with the Holy Spirit to allow that fire to burn off the impurities in us and to bring out the purity of the gold and silver within us. We need Divine fire to inflame our hearts with the love of God and love for his children.
We Christians should blaze with the same fire with which Jesus wished his disciples to burn: “I came to cast fire upon earth and wish that it were already kindled” (Luke 12:49). Hence, let us remember the old saying, “One who is on fire cannot sit on a chair,” and let us carry the fire of the Holy Spirit wherever we go.
December 9th - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and December 10th – 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Franklin, LA.
Are you seeking an opportunity to grow in faith, hope, and love while waiting for the coming of Christ this Advent? Please join us for the Immaculee Retreat, we are excited to host the Immaculee Retreat during Advent on December 9-10 at Church of the Assumption.
Immaculee is an author and motivational speaker who is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Her testimony is one of love, forgiveness, faith, and hope. This retreat includes Immaculee's witness of the power of prayer, miracles of the Rosary, and inspirational music.
To register: go to www.immaculee.com. For questions or registration assistance: contact Heloise delaHoussaye at (337)578-8379 or Peggy Charpentier at (337)578-2525.
Prayer Tips from the Saints
Prayer at its best is a personal conversation with God and fuels our friendship with Him. Try these simple pro-tips from the saints:
St. John of the Cross: According to St. John, naming our human needs and presenting them before God in prayer are acts of love. He taught that we don’t need to spell out what we need or want, but to offer our need to God and ask Him to do what pleases Him, “...because the Lord knows what is suitable for us better than we do.”
St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “Those who are sincere and wise will not fail to ‘chew’ the psalm with their mind.” Good prayer is fed by reading and meditating upon Scripture. A good Catholic commentary can help, too.
St. Teresa of Avila: “He wants to...know the love you have for Him, whether it is present in dryness as well as in spiritual delights.” Good prayer, like true love, perseveres even in difficulty or dryness. Our sincere efforts please God.
Growing in Faith, July 2022
Bible Quiz #22 - The Gospel according to Luke Chapters 12 – 15
What sin will not be forgiven?
What does not matter to God?
What is the implication of the parable of the mustard seed?
Which Herod desired to kill Jesus?
When will you enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table?
For what you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous?
When did the master ask his servants to go and bring the poor and crippled?
What was the complaint on Jesus by the Pharisees and scribes?
When is more joy in heaven?
What did the father tell the older son about his grievance against throwing a party for his younger son?
Answers Due - August 16th
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.
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...
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
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.”
For many Catholics, going to Confession is unsettling. Facing and admitting our faults to another person—even in a confidential setting—is uncomfortable, even painful. In this case, the priest is acting in the person of God and it takes courage and humility to present ourselves before God. In Confession we say to God, “Please forgive me for intentionally rejecting You and Your love.”
If you feel uncomfortable while waiting in the Confession line, it’s a good sign. It means your conscience is healthy and working. Remember that God sees us standing in line and He is ready to welcome us back. He isn’t angry or brooding, or smug because your poor choices proved He was right. In fact, when we are sincerely repentant, He and all of heaven celebrate because we’re returning to Him (Luke 15:10) . When the priest says the words of absolution, imagine God embracing you, saying, “My child, your sins are forgiven you...Go and sin no more.” We receive powerful graces, and are asked to make amends where possible. Rejoice in the chance to start again.
Examination of Conscience for Adults
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...
Roe v. Wade Overturned
Washington D.C., June 24, 2022
The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade in a historic 6 - 3 decision released Friday that brings a sudden and dramatic end to nearly a half-century of nationwide legalized abortion in the U.S.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called the decision a “historic day in the life of our country, one that stirs our thoughts, emotions, and prayers.”
"We give thanks to God for this decision … This just decision will save countless innocent children simply waiting to be born.”
- New York Catholic Bishops
Fr. Joseph Mary Wolfe will celebrate Masses on August 20-21, 2022.
His talk on Eucharistic Evangelization is Sunday, August 21, Monday, August 22, and Tuesday August 23 at 6:30 pm
50 Year Celebration
Faith Formation
Join us as we thank Mrs. Becky Blanchard for her years of service at St. Bernadette. We wish you a Blessed Retirement.
Becky Wiggins has been appointed as the new Director of Religious Education at St. Bernadette. This appointment is in addition to her other responsibilities as secretary/bookkeeper. She has 18 years of experience teaching Faith Formation/CCD and will be working from the hall on Wednesdays. We wish her the best.
Regular attendance at Mass is an essential part of showing your child what being a Catholic is about.
If you have any questions regarding Religious Education, please call Becky at 395-2470.
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. Faith in Action, Aug. 2022
Pulpit to Pew Books- Cycle C
We have some copies of the Pulpit to Pews- Cycle C books available at the office for a donation of $10. Call the office (985-395-2470) for your copy.
Bishop Services Appeal 2022- Growing in Charity and Love
As Devoted Catholics, we know we honor the words of the psalmist when we humble ourselves in worship and service. “Let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us” (Psalm 95:6).In such a pose of humility, Jesus Himself demonstrated the heart of a servant at the Last Supper, our inspiration for the Bishop’s Services Appeal this year, Growing in Charity and Love.
Like all the faithful before us, we apply His lesson of servanthood when we focus on the concerns of other people. The annual Bishop’s Services Appeal is our opportunity to build one another up as we share Charity and Love.
Through your gifts to the Bishop’s Services Appeal, you lovingly provide for the future of our Church with seminarian and deacon formation. You ensure that the hungry receive food and that those in prison are lifted up by the Word of God. Each time we extend Christ’s compassion for others, we ourselves are Growing in Charity and Love.
The Lord calls us to follow His loving model and to do for others as He has done for us. The master became the servant as He washed the feet of His apostles. He reached out, and I am asking you to do the same. Embrace a servant’s heart and give to support the ongoing work of the BSA. Each and every day as your donation lifts up people throughout our diocese, you will be sharing the Charity and Love of Christ with those who truly need you.
*
BSA envelopes are included in your offering set on March 20th, May 22nd, & September 18th.
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.
Bible Quiz #22 - The Gospel according to Luke Chapters 12 – 15 
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….
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.” 
The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade in a historic 6 - 3 decision released Friday that brings a sudden and dramatic end to nearly a half-century of nationwide legalized abortion in the U.S.
Fr. Joseph Mary Wolfe will celebrate Masses on August 20-21, 2022. 
Regular attendance at Mass is an essential part of showing your child what being a Catholic is about.
