Latest from Bishop Owensby | |
Living is More than Existing | |
During the height of Western colonialism, a European adventurer set out to explore the uncharted heart of Africa. He hired local tribesmen as porters.
For days they covered miles of challenging terrain at a relentless pace. The European was obsessed with reaching his goal on the ambitious timetable he had set for himself.
One morning, the porters refused to go one step farther. There was no drama, no revolt. They simply sat down.
The European tried everything to get them moving again. Shouting, offering bribes, making threats. Nothing worked. So finally, in frustration he asked, “Why aren’t you moving?”
One of the porters explained, “Our souls have fallen behind our bodies. We must wait to let them catch up.”
| | | | Office of the Bishop will be closed on May 25 | | Postulant Daniel Manuel Receives Certificate in Theological Studies | | On Friday, May 15th, one of our postulants, Daniel Manuel (top row, second from right), received a Certificate in Theological Studies during a service held at St. James Cathedral in Chicago. Daniel will continue further studies through Bexley-Seabury in the fall. Congratulations, Daniel! | | Diaconate Ordination May 16 | | |
On Saturday, May 16, the Diocese of Western Louisiana gathered at St. James Episcopal Church for a joyful celebration as Jacob W. Owensby ordained Paul Burgess (Good Shepherd, Lake Charles), Reese Fuller (Epiphany, Opelousas), Leisa Geoghegan (St. Patrick, West Monroe), Kelton Riley (St. Barnabas, Lafayette), and Sara Miller-Schulte (St. Paul, Shreveport) to the Sacred Order of Deacons.
Clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese joined family members and friends in giving thanks for the ministry and calling of the newly ordained deacons. A reception and time of fellowship followed the service.
Please continue to keep these newly ordained deacons in your prayers as they begin this next chapter of ministry and service.
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Mississippi Civil Rights Pilgrimage | |
St. Michael’s and All Angels Launches Student Ministry Internship Program for McNeese and SOWELA Students | | |
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lake Charles is seeking students interested in finding a true “home away from home” through its Student Ministry Internship Program.
This unique opportunity invites 1–2 undergraduate students (incoming for Fall 2026) from McNeese State University and/or SOWELA Technical Community College to live in a three bedroom two bathroom house situated within the campus of St. Michael's (near McNeese's campus) for the 2026-27 academic year, with the possibility of returning for additional years.
Through the internship, students serve alongside the parish community and assist with the McNeese/SOWELA Canterbury ministry while growing in faith, fellowship, and leadership. The program is designed to complement students’ academic and social lives, while also offering meaningful opportunities for service and formation. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.
Should you be interested or know of someone within your parish who may be interested in exploring this opportunity, please contact The Rev. Andrew Christiansen at rector@stmichaelslc.com or call the church office on 337-477-1881.
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Camp Hardtner Summer Camp: Register Now! | | Diocesan Discernment Retreat | | |
Have you been discerning a call to serve God and the Church in a new way? Do you have questions about your faith and ministry that you would like to explore? Please consider joining the members of the Commission on Ministry and Bishop Owensby to explore both lay and ordained paths of living into your Baptismal Covenant. The retreat will be held at Wesley Retreat Center located in Woodworth, LA.
Please mark your calendars, and if possible, join us for this important work of the church. The Wesley Center is located in a beautiful and natural setting. Each participant will stay in a private room with a bath in an on-site lodge. Registration begins at 4:00pm on Friday, June 26, 2026 and the retreat will end at 3:00pm on Saturday, June 27. There will be no cost for your room and board.
Your response is required by May 26, 2026. Questions? Contact Canon Suzanne Wolfenbarger at canonsuzanne@epiwla.org.
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Want to see your congregation or organization featured?
Share your ministry stories, announcements, and events with us through the Communication Resources page on the diocesan website.
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Pennsylvania church's Animal Cabin gives shelter animals, caretakers a quiet break from the cage | |
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania, has expanded its animal ministry by launching the Animal Cabin, a respite space for shelter, rescue and foster dogs on the parish’s 42-acre campus.
Thousands of stray animals enter shelters throughout the Philadelphia area annually.
In 2025, ACCT Philly, the city’s only open intake animal shelter, recorded more than 20,000 intakes. Shelters can be stressful for animals because they are confined to loud, crowded spaces, which often triggers anxiety and behavioral issues. Through this designated quiet space, the ministry aims to give these animals a chance to exercise and spend more time outdoors while they wait to be adopted into their “furever” homes.
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Just in: Severe weather risks are rising.
A leading cause of property damage, severe weather is driving up insurance costs for Episcopal institutions.
The good news: There’s still time to join the May 27 webinar, with meteorologist and Vice President of Client Services Ken Jacobson.
Discover practical strategies for protecting your space—and simple steps you can take right away to reduce your risk.
| | | | Questions or comments regarding this publication can be made to Holly Davis. | | | | |
