From the Rev. Whit Stodghill:

We, in the Church, love sacraments. Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace. Following Jesus’s lead, we use tangible things to communicate, and teach about intangible things.

By participating in the Safe Church process (courses and background checks), we outwardly demonstrate what cannot be seen - our love and concern for one another, especially the vulnerable and those with little power.

Our Safe Church practices are a sacramental sign of our deep commitment to love and protect others from abuse, harm, or injury inside and outside the Church.

We are currently in the process of updating the online information and Safe Church process on the diocesan website. It remains active, but we want to make it easier to use, and understand - a better and more friendly resource.

In the meantime, I invite all of our Churches and Missions to find a dedicated person to serve as your own Safe Church Minister. It is so much easier for someone in your place - who knows all the folks involved - to help with, and encourage Safe Church Training, and manage your participation.

As we work together to accomplish this work, please reach out to me with questions, or concerns - then let me know who wants to be your Safe Church Administrator. You can reach me by clicking here.

Bishop Owensby's Executive Assistant, Holly Davis, is on maternity leave from January to April 2024. However, the other Diocesan Staff members are available for any questions you might have.

Click here to see who to contact.

• The 45th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana will open May 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. with Eucharist at St. James, Alexandria, followed by a catered reception in the Parish Hall.
• On Saturday, May 4, Convention registration will commence at 9:00 a.m. in the Pineville Convention Center at Country Inn & Suites. The business meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.
• Childcare will be available for all Convention events.
• Convention delegates and alternates should be elected at each church’s annual meeting in January and their names submitted to the diocese for certification no later than February 20. An online certification form will be made available in early January.
• Stay informed on the latest updates by visiting the Convention Hub on the diocesan website.

Mark your calendars now: the Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will visit our diocese September 20-22, 2024. His agenda will include a diocesan-wide event, a gathering for clergy only, and preaching at Sunday morning worship.

Given his recent health issues, keep in mind that his itinerary will be limited to what is appropriate for his energy levels and continued well-being, and his travel will be restricted to the diocesan see (the Alexandria area).

We are very excited Bishop Curry will be with us, and we will provide more details about his visit as they become available.

Have you seen the calendar of events on the new diocesan website? Find diocesan events for various categories: Bishop's Visitation, Youth Events, Christian Formation Workshops, and more. Explore the diocesan calendar of events by clicking here.

Summer is right around the corner, and it’s not too late to sign your child up for an experience like no other at Louisiana’s premier Episcopal summer camp!

Selected as one of “America’s Best Summer Camps 2023” by Newsweek, Camp Hardtner isn’t just about games; it’s about making memories, finding joy, and discovering new things about yourself.

Campers will find an experience that will stick with them all year long and possibly for life. An experience of relationship, community, belonging, and self-worth–all built upon the foundation that God’s love surrounds us and transforms our lives.

You can sign up by clicking here.

Want to see your congregation or organization featured?

Share your ministry stories, announcements, and events with us through the Digital Hub on the diocesan website.

The building housing St. Luke’s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was destroyed by a fire in the early morning hours of Feb. 17, along with the church library and Pope Hall (a fellowship space). Other buildings on the campus, including its K-8 school, were unaffected.

“Despite the flames that consumed buildings, our faith remains strong and our spirits unbroken,” the Rev. Bryan Owen, the church’s rector, said.

You can read more by clicking here.

The Rt. Rev. Shannon Duckworth, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, offered this statement:

Many of you have reached out to offer assistance. As they [St. Luke’s] continue to assess needs, a donation page has been established.

You may also send checks to the diocese. They will receive all funds received. Make payable to: The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Bishop's Fund with "St. Luke's" in the memo line.

The donation page can be found here.

Photo: Fire engulfs the church building of St. Luke’s in Baton Rouge in the early morning hours of Feb. 17. 

Bishop Jake is providing a Lenten Devotional each Wednesday at his newsletter “The Woodlands.” The devotional is called “Wisdom of the Psalms.” Subscribe for free by clicking here. You will receive the devotional in your email inbox each Wednesday morning.

The written version of the devotional is available to everyone. Paid subscribers can listen to the audio version and will receive additional offerings. (Proceeds from paid subscriptions are used for alms. If a paid subscription is not for you right now, but you would like access to the audio, just shoot Bishop Jake an email.)

In addition to the Wednesday devotional all subscribers (free and paid) receive a reflection on Holy Scripture each Friday morning along with occasional special offerings.

Cursillo has been a tradition in our diocese for decades. It is an opportunity to grow in faith and spirituality. Plus you can gain a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how to serve him.

The next Cursillo event will be held April 12-14 at The Wesley Center in Woodworth. Applications are due March 25, and space is limited.

You can sign up by filling this application.

If you are looking for something new to try this Lent, you can start following Lenten Meditations. Here are just a few examples:

• From the parishioners of St. Mark's Cathedral in Shreveport: their meditation can be found here.
• From Episcopal Relief and Development: their meditation can be found here.
• If you are looking for something a little different, you can participate in Lent Madness and see which saint will win the Golden Halo. You can learn more by clicking here.