Every three years, the Episcopal Church convenes an international youth event so “that the energy of the youth of the Episcopal Church can continue to be utilized in active ministry as members of the Body of Christ.” 

The next Episcopal Youth Event (EYE23) will be held from July 4-8, 2023 on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, MD, which sits approximately four miles from the northeast border of Washington, D.C. EYE23 participants must have turned at least 15 and be no older than 19 by July 4, 2023.

Participants should be enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2022–2023 school year, or equivalent for non-traditional or non-US school settings.

Registration is due February 10. The cost for youth is $100. You can register by clicking here. If you have any questions, you can contact Etienna Wright or Joy Owensby.

Does your church need some renovations and maintenance? Maybe there is a church project you want to tackle in the new year.

The Diocesan Council could help make those goals a reality. They are offering grants and loans in a new, exciting program for our diocese.

Mission and Ministry Grants serve two main purposes:

1. Mission, Ministry, and Outreach Programs.
2. Incentivizing Care of Creation Programs throughout Western Louisiana.

These grants can help existing ministries, help foster new ones, address areas of unmet need, and support ministries that serve their communities.

Capital Improvement & Deferred Maintenance Loans will enable congregations and ministries to realize capital improvement needs and address maintenance issues. These loans will bear no interest.

Clicking on those links will take you to a Google form. Applications will be considered by the Finance Committee on behalf of the Diocesan Council. These forms can also be found here on the Diocesan website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Will Harp, Diocesan Treasurer.

The new ministry of a Rector is celebrated in the context of a eucharist. The bishop is normally the chief celebrant. During the service, a Letter of Institution is read by the bishop after the wardens state that the new minister is well qualified, and that they have been prayerfully and lawfully selected.

Join Bishop Owensby and the congregations below in celebrating the upcoming installment of two new Rectors in our Diocese!

February 1

The Rev. Drew Christiansen

St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church

6:00 p.m.

123 West Sale Road

Lake Charles, LA US 70605

February 13

The Very Rev. Annie Etheredge

Episcopal Church of The Epiphany, New Iberia

6:00 p.m.

303 W Main St

New Iberia, LA US 70560

February 15

The Rev. Laurent de Prins

Episcopal Church of The Epiphany, Opelousas

6:00 p.m.

1103 S Union St

Opelousas, LA 70570

Registration is open now through February 17

Registration for our 44th Annual Convention is now available and will remain open until February 17. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you register:

• There is NO COST to attend Convention. A meal will be included for each registrant. 
• ANYONE WHO ONLY WANTS TO ATTEND FRIDAY NIGHT EUCHARIST AND RECEPTION should register as a guest and indicate their preference for Friday night only. 
• CLERGY/GUESTS/VENDORS must individually register for Convention.
• DELEGATES/ALTERNATES must individually register for Convention after they have been elected at their church's annual meeting.
• DELEGATE/ALTERNATE CERTIFICATION: This form serves as the delegate/alternate certification and is for certification only. It is to be completed by one appointed person per congregation. Only one registration should be submitted for each church.
• Questions? Please contact Joy Owensby.

Nomination Forms Due February 10

2023 Diocesan Nomination forms for Disciplinary Board, Standing Committee, and Trustee to University of the South are open. The deadline for submissions is February 10. The nomination form can be found here.

Annual Report and Necrology Forms Due February 10

The 2023 Annual Report and Necrology forms are open. The deadline for these forms is February 10. Both forms can be found here.

Hotel Information Now Available

Room blocks have been secured at two hotels in Pineville for those wishing to stay overnight on February 24. Please make your reservations quickly as space is limited. Lodging is optional and at your own expense.

Click here to view hotel information.

If there are any complications getting a hotel room, please contact Kathy Richey.

All of this information and more can be found on the Convention Hub. Please remember to check back often for updates.

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.

Camp Hardtner has enriched the lives of many people over the years. Making lifelong friends, learning about your faith, and unconditional love are all part of the camp experience. Now you can sign your children up for the 2023 Season.

Camp Hardtner provides summer camp sessions for different age ranges. Plus they are bringing back Camp Able this year, which is for adults 18 years or older with special needs. This is a great way for your children to spend their summer.

You can register by clicking here.

Over the weekend, Bishop Owensby visited St. Thomas' On The Bayou in Monroe. During his visit, he confirmed Zoe Vallejo, Angelina Cartagena, and Zoe Agundiz from Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas (the Latinx ministry in our Diocese) and Betty Mitchell from St. Alban's. The service was well attended by the Monroe convocation.

Congratulations to Zoe Vallejo, Angelina Cartagena, Zoe Agundiz, and Betty Mitchell on their confirmations!

Photo (Left to Right): Angelina Cartagena, Zoe Vallejo, Betty Mitchell, and Zoe Agundiz stand next to Bishop Owensby and The Rev. Rita Jefferson.

St. James in Alexandria is going to be hosting a concert that will be raising money for relief from Hurricane Ian in Florida. This will be held tonight, January 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at St. James and St. Timothy's, both in Alexandria. The cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. In addition to ticket sales, they will be accepting donations.

St. James in Shreveport is going to be hosting their annual Mardi Gras Ball. This will be held January 27 at 7:00 p.m. They invite you to join us for an evening of celebration, live music, and fun. Put on your best Mardi Gras attire and come party with them. 

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 Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine in New York City has been home to three famous resident peacocks for 20 years. Now they are strutting off into the sunset for a well-deserved retirement.

The peacocks, Jim, Harry, and Phil, have been sent to an animal sanctuary north of the city so they can receive the best care. Peacocks have been a famous attraction of the Cathedral for over 50 years.

You can read more by clicking here.

Photo: One of the peacocks stands on the grounds of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

Lent will begin this year on February 22, and the Episcopal Church's website offers plenty of good resources for this period in our Church year. These include Lent curriculums, sermons, bulletin inserts, and more.

Click here to view the Lent Resources.