EDOLA Reflects on the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina | | |
As we mark 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, we invite our community to remember and reflect. Explore our podcast, oral histories, and stories of resilience. Please visit our social media for many of these offerings.
| | Frank Paskewich, Capt., USCG (Ret.), and Jimmy Duckworth, CDR, USCG (Ret.), join Bishop Shannon Rogers Duckworth and Lauren Dunn, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, in a conversation about their experiences as first responders during and after Hurricane Katrina. The discussion focuses on leadership, community service, and lessons we can apply in our own lives. | | EDOLA Remembers Hurricane Katrina at 20 |
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church & School: parishioners, staff, and Head of School recount their experiences during Katrina, reflecting on challenges, community support, and resilience.
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St. Anna’s Episcopal Church: stories highlight the church’s transformation into a full community center, offering medical services, ESL classes, children’s programming, HIV testing, music, and LGBTQ+ ministry to the broader community.
Watch now on our Facebook and Instagram.
Coming soon to the EDOLA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edola
| | Katrina 20th Anniversary Interfaith Prayer Service | | Thursday, August 28
6 PM
St. Louis Cathedral Prayer Service | | Bishop Duckworth, Rev. Stephen Craft, and Rev. Austin Wendt will join faith leaders from across the New Orleans metro area for a solemn interfaith prayer service commemorating the anniversary. All are welcome to attend. | | |
Dean David duPlantier, Nicole Barnes (CEO of Jericho Road), & Christ Church Cathedral
Highlighted in PBS 10th Anniversary Piece
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First aired on PBS on 8/21/2015.
Synopsis: A decade after Hurricane Katrina and the floods that devastated New Orleans, some neighborhoods and communities have rebuilt, and many houses of worship have reopened their doors. Even though the work of restoring the city continues, religious leaders who were in New Orleans during the destruction see reasons to hope, and they reflect on the signs of rebirth that have emerged from the tragedy.
| | | The Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth and the Very Rev. David duPlantier Preach at Historic St. Paul’s Cathedral in London | The Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, and the Very Rev. David duPlantier, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans, both recently had the honor of preaching at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, one of the most iconic churches in the world. | |
The invitations to preach at St. Paul’s came through the Very Rev. Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St. Paul’s, following his visit to New Orleans in November 2024. After preaching at Christ Church Cathedral, he extended invitations for Bishop Duckworth and Dean duPlantier to preach in London the following year.
On Sunday, June 22, Dean duPlantier preached to a congregation of nearly 3,000. The liturgy featured the Cathedral’s renowned choir and the City of London Sinfonia performing Mozart’s Missa brevis in C as part of a summer series of Orchestral Masses. In his sermon, Dean duPlantier reflected on Jesus casting out demons in the land of the Gerasenes, drawing parallels to the Diocese of Louisiana’s decades-long ministry at Angola Prison, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. He had visited inmates at Angola and preached there just a week prior; when he mentioned in his homily that he would be preaching at St. Paul’s, the inmates stood and offered prayers for safe travel and for the people of St. Paul’s who would hear his sermon. Being held in prayer by those often forgotten was a moving moment.
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Three weeks later, on Sunday, July 13, Bishop Duckworth stepped onto the same historic pulpit. This was the final Orchestral Mass of the summer, featuring Haydn’s Nelson Mass performed by the City of London Sinfonia. Bishop Duckworth described the awe of entering a space filled with “the thousands upon thousands of prayers that have been offered” over centuries. She noted the challenge of preaching in such a vast cathedral, where the acoustics create a nine-second delay.
Bishop preached on the well-known story of the Good Samaritan, but from a less considered angle. Instead of seeing oneself as trying to be the Samaritan, being kind, noticing the neighbor, helping the foreigner, Bishop Duckworth invited those listening to see oneself as the one lying in the ditch.
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“And the Samaritan…well, the Samaritan is God…in of God’s amazing grace.
The parable, then, isn’t about “trying harder” to love your neighbor. It’s not a lesson in being nicer. It’s a revelation of God’s grace for the broken. Whoever you are. Whatever your faith background. This is the profound, universal story that all of us in this grand cathedral can take with us today. We are the ones in need of healing. This beautiful and broken world requires transformation. Not just improvement. Not just a 30-day plan. But by being a beacon of light in the world, when it may seem very dark.
And, in our Christian tradition, which is also a message that spans all faiths, you are loved not because you crawled out of the ditch on your own. You are loved because God got into the ditch with you.”
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During the service, Bishop Duckworth, was deeply impressed by the children’s choir’s professionalism. They receive over one hundred pages of music only days before a service. The nine-hundred-year-old choir only opened to girls’ participation in June 2024.
In addition to preaching, Dean duPlantier was invited to vest and participate in the annual service of commemoration of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem on Saturday, June 21. The Cathedral was at capacity and was attended by the Lord Mayor of London. The Order, established under royal charter, is renowned for its humanitarian work, including St. John Ambulance.
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Bishop Duckworth also enjoyed fellowship with Dean Tremlett and his wife, the Rev. Professor Maggie Dawn. The couple hosted her family for a private tour of the Cathedral, followed by Evensong and dinner. The St. Paul’s children’s choir and former choir members were also present at the Evensong.
The timing of her visit was especially meaningful, as the children’s and adult choirs of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, were also in England. They had traveled to Worcester for a summer residency after years of preparation and fundraising. Bishop Duckworth made a special trip to surprise them during Evensong, a highlight of her journey.
| | Dean Andrew Tremlett gives a tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral to Bishop Duckworth, her brother, Dr. Stephen Rogers, and his wife, Shelly Rogers. | | (From L-R) Heidi Young, Karla Sikaffy duPlantier, Dean Malcolm Young, and Dean David duPlantier. | | |
Both Bishop Duckworth and Dean duPlantier were honored and humbled to be guests at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a sacred space that has spanned history and hosted so many influential preachers. But even in a setting so grand and renowned as St. Paul’s, Bishop Duckworth’s husband Jimmy reflected, “at its core, it is a worshiping community.”
Among those accompanying Dean duPlantier at St. Paul’s on June 22 were his wife, Karla Sikaffy duPlantier; Dean Malcolm Young of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and his wife, Heidi; and Lord John Cope and Lady Djemila Cope. Dean duPlantier also served for over twenty years on the Board of the Spafford Children’s Center in Jerusalem with Lady Djemila Cope, whose grandmother, Bertha Spafford Vester, founded the center in 1925.
| | (From L-R) Patrick Comer, Christina Comer, Jimmy Duckworth, Bishop Duckworth, Nicholas Manning, and Tucker Manning. | | Bishop Duckworth was accompanied by her husband, Jimmy Duckworth; her sons, Nicholas and Tucker; and her brother, Dr. Stephen Rogers, and his wife, Shelly Rogers. Patrick and Christina Comer were also present at St. Paul’s. | | How do I Join the Zoom Conversation? | | |
Listen to the Podcast HERE.
Watch the Video on YouTube HERE.
Go deeper with our Episode One Resource Guide HERE.
| | 2025 Clergy Day Gathering | | |
Clergy from across the diocese came together for a day of learning, fellowship, and worship.
A special thanks to the following:
The Rev. Austin Wendt: leading an introspective meditation
The Rev. Dcn. Ángel Gabriel Roque (visiting from Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande): guiding dynamic and thoughtful plenary sessions
The Rev. Joan Weber: presenting “Disability and Accessibility in the Church”
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LISTEN to the podcast HERE
| | Grace and Lauren dive into everything from family dinners and youth ministry to favorite book recommendations and how they think about time! | | How to Rate & Review Little Box of Good News Podcast | | Just open Little Podcast of Good News in your favorite podcast app, scroll to Rate & Review, give us stars and share your thoughts. It's a super effective way to help the podcast continue to grow! | | Do you know someone who cares about giving New Orleans kids the support and opportunities they deserve? Invite them to be part of this impactful, long-standing organization. | | To help spread the word of their fundraiing campaign and deepen community support, Anna’s Place NOLA has created a new brochure that shares the impact of their work, their inspiring results, and how you can be part of the change. | | Do you know any students at LSU? | | | | |
Tell them to check out St. Alban’s Episcopal Chapel, centrally located on LSU’s campus. The mission of St. Alban’s is to share the Good News of God’s grace in Jesus Christ with the LSU community. We offer Sunday worship services; Bible studies; free meals; fellowship; spiritual direction; abundant coffee and a cozy place to study or hang out.
If you know any LSU students who might appreciate learning more about the ministry of St. Alban’s Chapel, please contact Anne Craven, Director of Campus Ministry at (225) 772-0570 or office@stalban.org.
Thank you for supporting our mission, and Geaux Tigers!
www.stalban.org
| | 2026 Summer Pilgrimage to Scotland | | |
Join Fr. Seth Donald and Christ Episcopal Church, Covington parishioners for a pilgrimage, "Celtic Christianity in Scotland," June 3rd through 13th. You will see the “bonny, bonny banks” of Loch Lomond as you make your way north to Celtic Scotland and the coast of Oban. Ferry to Lismore and explore 13th-century castles. Continue to Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Tour Glasgow. Visit the Church of St. Mungo, the coastal town of Whithorn, Candida Casa, and St. Ninian’s Cave. Tour Edinburgh and St. Andrews and learn about the lives of the Scottish Celtic Saints, and much more.
https://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/st26060326d62614/#eotours
(Please note: There will be uneven terrain. You will need the mobility to walk 10,000+ steps per day unaided at a pace of 2.5 miles per hour)
Questions: email Fr. Seth Donald at rector@christchurchcovington.com.
| | Happenings Around the Diocese | | TEC Latino Hispanic Ministry Tri-History Conference | | The Tri-History Conference, which examines the history and heritage of the Episcopal Church, was held June 17-20, 2025, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Washington DC. This year’s theme was “Caminemos con Jesús” (Let’s Walk with Jesus): History of Latino Ministry in the Episcopal Church. | | | |
I had the opportunity to attend the first full day of the conference, June 18, due to the generosity of the Diocese of Louisiana and my local parish, St. Margaret’s in Baton Rouge. I was grateful for the opportunity to represent our diocese and to celebrate the ministry and work of the Rev. Dr. Anthony Guillén, who was the keynote speaker at a banquet and fiesta on June 18. Padre Anthony recently retired from his position as the Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries of the Episcopal Church. We hold him especially dear in Louisiana, as multiple members from our parishes have attended the Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course (ELMC) in the past several years. Padre Anthony developed this training and led it for many years, and it was instrumental in the initiation of Latino and Hispanic Ministry in our diocese. Now, with Padre Anthony’s retirement, Karla Sikaffy duPlantier, the Diocesan Coordinator for Latino/Hispanic Ministries in Louisiana, is stepping into a leadership and facilitation role with ELMC.
Read Full Article
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Acolyte Day 2025
@ Christ Church Cathedral
| | VBS at St. Andrew's, Bayou Dularge | | |
We'd love to feature your happenings, parish, and parishioners here, too!
Please share photos of your ministries and community events so we can all see and celebrate the good work that is happening all around the diocese. Send photos to Nicole Eiden at neiden@edola.org.
| | To share photos from Bishop Duckworth's Visitations, UPLOAD photos HERE: | | New Employment Opportunities | | |
Head of School, Christ Episcopal School, Covington
Job description and details HERE.
| | Retreats & Special Events | | |
10/17-10/19
28th Women's Creative Process Retreat
Theme: Breath Deep - Love Wide
@ Solomon Center
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10/23-10/26
Silent Retreat led by Paula D'Arcy
@ Solomon Center
9 AM - 4 PM
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Paula D'Arcy is a retreat leader and speaker, the author of 12 books, including, Gift of the Red Bird, Waking Up to This Day, Stars at Night and Winter of the Heart.
In 1975 Paula D’Arcy’s husband and daughter were killed in a drunken driving accident. She was twenty-seven years old and three months pregnant, yet survived. Six months later she gave birth to her second daughter, Beth, and began the long process of healing. Since that time, she has authored many books, worked as a therapist in private practice, and established a retreat and speaking ministry. Paula’s ministry is to serve the very movement of love that changed her own destiny. Her guiding focus is embedded in an intention to assist others in the opening of the heart and awakening to a greater love.
| | Other Events Around the Diocese | | |
08/28
TENS Webinar
Noon CT on Zoom
Inviting all lay and clergy stewardship leaders in the Diocese of Louisiana!
Join this free webinar with our partner, TENS: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship to review proven practices, learn some new tips and tools, and test out strategies for your annual campaign.
- Fundraising strategies
- Practical tools & tips
- Fresh ideas for every size church
Free to attend.
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08/28
Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Interfaith Prayer Service
6 PM
@St. Louis Cathedral, NOLA
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08/29
20th Anniversary of Katrina Healing Prayers & Holy Eucharist
Noon - 1:30 PM
@Historic St. Luke's, NOLA
On Friday August 29th the sanctuary is open at 12pm for quiet reflection and at 12:30pm a simple Eucharist will be offered with prayers for healing.
On this 20th anniversary of those affected by Hurricane Katrina, our gratitude extends to the many volunteers and first responders who gave of themselves to rebuild St. Luke’s and New Orleans.
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09/21
Jazz Mass and Jazz Revival Brunch featuring Matt Lemmler
@ St. Mark's, Harvey
10 AM / 11 AM - 1 PM
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09/29
With God's Help: Faith-filled Conversations in Uncertain Times
ON ZOOM
6:00 - 7:00 PM CT
Conversation guest: The Rev. Ollie V. Rencher
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09/30
Discernment Application Packets Due
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10/07-10/31
St. Mark's Pumpkin Patch
@ St. Mark's, Harvey
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10/24-10/25
188th Annual Convention
@ St. Martin's Episcopal School
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