Bishop Duckworth's Easter Message | | |
This Monday of Holy Week, our clergy and Lutheran clergy gathered together at Christ Church Cathedral for our annual Chrism Mass, renewing their vows made at ordination. During the service, Bishop Duckworth consecrated the Holy Oils used throughout the diocese for baptisms, confirmations, and the anointing of the sick in the coming year. She was joined by The Rt. Reverend Michael Rinehart, Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who preached during the service.
Other bishops in attendance were The Rt. Rev. James B. Brown and The Rt. Rev. Wayne Wright. Following the service, a delicious meal of gumbo, vegetable stew, and salad was graciously served by the Diocese’s Daughters of the King. The offertory collected during the mass was donated to Episcopal Migration Ministries.
| | A Year of Ministry as Bishop | | The 2024 Bishop's Journal is here! This day-by-day account offers a glimpse into Bishop Duckworth's year of ministry to The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. From spending time with children and visiting parishes to overseeing diocesan logistics, building fellowship, and sharing joyful moments—each entry reflects her dedication to the work that strengthens our diocese. Cover photo by Jimmy Duckworth. | | Supply Rate Increase Effective May 1, 2025 | | |
We would like to remind you that the Supply Rates will increase starting May 1, 2025. For more details, please refer to edola.org/supply-clergy.
Please remember that compensation is due on the day of the supply. Expenses should cover mileage, meals, and lodging (if required). The mileage rate follows federal guidelines for tax purposes, and the Bishop's Office publishes the current annual rate (.70/mile) each January.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Canon MacIntire at mmacintire@edola.org. We appreciate your attention to this update.
| | TENS Workshop Just for EDOLA | | |
We’re excited to announce that Tens: The Episcopal Network for Stewardship is hosting an exclusive webinar just for EDOLA! Led by Executive Director Davey Gerhard, this special session will equip you with fundraising strategies, tools, and tips tailored to your church’s unique needs in today’s environment.
Whether your church is large or small, you'll leave with fresh ideas and resources for a successful, mission-driven campaign. Don’t miss out!
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| Important Address from House of Bishops | | |
Christian Nationalism and Christian Witness
by Bishop Rob Wright, Diocese of Atlanta
| | On the recent 60th anniversary of a seminal moment in American civil rights, Atlanta Bishop Rob Wright spoke on “Christian Nationalism and Christian Witness” to the approximately 140 members of the House of Bishops. He urged this governing body to stand up to totalism just as David did to Goliath, only with five modern “stones” that every Jesus follower can carry. | | |
St. Matthew’s, Houma is spreading joy in a big way — with the Little Box of Good News™!
Every child who attends Mass at St. Matthew's gets to take home their very own box. Fr. Jim Morrison has the boxes beautifully arranged and ready to go. It’s a simple, meaningful, and wonderfully effective way to share the Good News with our youngest parishioners!
| | Ways to Stay Connected & Help The Little Box of Good News™ Grow: | | | | |
Does your child love to sing, smile, or just have fun!
The Little Box of Good News™ is teaming up with Fr. Ron Clingenpeel for another awesome music video. The video shoot is the morning of May 24. Contact Grace Rose at grose@edola.org for details. The more the merrier!
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Recovery Ministries Gathering at St. George's!
| | Worship, share, laugh, and connect with friends old and new, all with that laid-back NOLA rhythm. Think powerful speakers, honest conversations, soulful worship, and plenty of time to soak up the spirit of the city—whether that’s over a cup of chicory coffee, a plate of beignets, or a long walk under the oaks. Recovery, community, and a little bit of jazz. Let The Good Times Roll! | |
Lay Leadership Conference:
The Lens of Seeing the Beloved
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Are you feeling called to serve in your church, community, or ministry? Let Gaudet Ministries help you lead with inspiration, service, and inclusion. Come learn, grow, and enhance your leadership, all while being guided by faith, hope, and God’s love.
Interested?
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Please coordinate with your Clergy or Rector’s Warden to complete the pre-conference packet
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Attend the Information Session on ZOOM: April 30 @ 6:30 PM
For more info, contact Tamika Gerhardt at tgerhardt@edola.org.
| | New Employment Opportunities | | Other Employment in the Diocese | | Deacons Around the Diocese | | Archdeacon Charles DeGravelles Reading from the Gospel of Luke at a school-wide Eucharist service. | | On Monday, April 7, a dedication and blessing service was held to inaugurate The Peace Place at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. A collaborative project of Episcopal students, faculty, administration and staff. The Peace Place project was initiated in 2022 by Deacon Charles deGravelles. Bishop Shannon Duckworth officiated at a school-wide Eucharist before the dedication and did the blessing of The Peace Place. | | Artist and architect Robert (Bob) Obier shares his concept for this multi-use space. | | Episcopal School of Baton Rouge seventh grader Ben deGravelles leading the Prayer of St. Francis | | |
In 2022, Deacon deGravelles challenged students to find an overlooked or underutilized space on campus. Once a site was selected, students submitted their own designs for what should be in that space and how it should be utilized. Student designs, which included space for art, poetry, academic presentations, and lots of natural features, were then consolidated into one design by artist and architect Robert Obier, a 1975 alumni of the school and husband of Deacon Cindy Obier.
Episcopal Chaplain, The Rev. Patrick Edwards, organized both services which included student acolytes, readers, and other servers. Deacon deGravelles preached.
| |  | Attending the dedication and blessing services were The Hon. John deGravelles, twin brother of Deacon deGravelles, and his wife, Jan, primary benefactors of the project. Other members of the deGravelles family attending included Deacon deGravelles’ wife, Angela, and five grandchildren of the deGravelles brothers who are students at the school. George Marks and Peg Ramier of NUNU’s Arts Collaborative of Arnaudville, LA also attended. Marks and Ramier previously worked with students to inspire and help them conceptualize designs for the space. Episcopal teachers, students and administrators, including Head of School, Dr. Carrie Steakley, also attended the service. | | |
The "Peace Pole" has messages of peace written in
several languages--including Braille.
| | Episcopal School of Baton Rouge fourth grader Elizabeth deGravelles reads about the "peaceable kingdom" from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. | Episcopal School of Baton Rouge senior, Rainier deGravelles. | | The initial installation included four umbrella-covered benches, four planter benches, and two art walls. The Peace Place will grow and evolve, reflecting the unique ideas and character of the student body. | | L-R. Dr. Karin deGravelles, Rainier deGravelles, Rhodes deGravelles, Emmett deGravelles, Jan deGravelles, The Hon. .John deGravelles, and Angela deGravelles. | | Photos by Vito Cheong, Director of Marketing and Communications at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. | | Happenings Around the Diocese | | St. George's Creation Care Event | | |
On Saturday, April 5, three members of the Diocesan Environmental Evangelism Commission, Molly Blackwell, from St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, along with Penny Dralle and Bart Reilly, from St. George's Episcopal Church in New Orleans, conducted a Lenten Creation Care session in Audubon Park. Twelve congregants from St. George's and from St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Metairie participated in the session on a beautiful, sunny, and slightly windy day in God's creation.
Using the book by Robert Gottfried of the Center for Deep Green Faith, Living in an Icon, as a guide for the session, Molly, Penny, and Bart shared a three-hour series of Creation Care activities that were focused on "Waking Up" and "Going Out," along with "Delight, Surprise, and Wonder" with the EDOLA group members.
As Lent is a time for reflection and contemplation, the participating church members were able to accomplish both by spending time alone in nature and then sharing their reflective observations in a participant group. One of the participants in the session, Lauren Dunn, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, is incorporating a Creation Care segment in the Diocesan Youth Mountain Top Gathering in City Park on April 26.
| | A Successful First One Diocese, One Book | | Throughout Lent, Tamika Gerhardt and Mother Liz Embler-Beazley led a meaningful weekly book study over Zoom, using The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning by Catherine Meeks as both a guide and a lens to explore the profound intersections of race, faith, healing, and justice. It was a time of honest dialogue, spiritual growth, and a shared commitment to the work of reconciliation. | | St. James Place Receives Award from U.S. News & World Report | | |
St. James named Named a Best Independent Living Community by U.S. News & World Report!
- St. James Place is the first and only community in Louisiana to receive this award
- St. James Place received two Emblem Awards for Food & Dining and Activities & Enrichment
- This is the first time St. James Place has applied
| | Christ Episcopal Church, Slidell - March 16, 2025 | | St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, NOLA - March 30, 2025 | | |
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: | | Retreats & Special Events | | |
Women’s Gathering in Community Series:
Join women from across the Diocese for a monthly retreat.
When: Second Thursday of each month
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
Loranger, Louisiana
Cost: $50 (Lunch included)
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May 8, 2025
Topic: Creative Writing and More
Retreat Leader: Jan Risher, Editor and Columnist for The Advocate
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04/25-27
Walk Slowy, and Bow Often:
Adventurers on a Contemplative Path
@ Solomon Episcopal Conference Center
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Adventure means exploring unknown territory and that can be exciting, transformative, and scary. Walking a contemplative path is an adventure in that we engage The Way of Unknowing.
Thee retreat will be led by William Thiele, PhD, LPC, founding director of the School for Contemplative Living.
Early Bird pricing before Jan 25.
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06/28 - 6/29
Lay Leadership Conference
Gaudet Umbrella Ministries
@ Solomon Center
| | Other Events Around the Diocese | | |
04/26
Youth Mountain Top Gathering
@ City Park, NOLA
11 AM - 5 PM
| | Registration has formally ended. Contact Lauren Dunn, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, at ldunn@edola.org if you have questions or are interested in attending. | | |
05/02 - 05/03
138th Annual Gathering of EDOLA ECW
@ St. Margaret's, Baton Rouge
Friday Fiesta and Saturday Fellowship & Fun
For more information, contact Debby Fortier at roux1@comcast.net.
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05/03
Whitney Pilgramage
TBA
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05/18
Third Sunday Concert Series: Tim Laughlin
@ Christ Episcopal Church, Covington
5 PM
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LAST CONCERT OF THE SEASON!
New Orleans clarinetist Tim Laughlin will perform jazz standards.
Concerts are free and open to the public and are held beginning at 5 p.m. in the main church located at 120 S. New Hampshire Street near downtown Covington. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
A reception with refreshments is held following each concert for the audience and the performing artists. For more information call (985) 892-3177.
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05/22
TENS Annual Pledge Campaign Best Practices: Shape up your Stewardship Program!
@ Zoom
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM CT
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06/05
Inclusive Louisiana: Pride Eucharist Celebration & Reception
Gaudet Umbrella Ministries
@ St. Anna's, NOLA
6 PM
Join Inclusive Louisiana for a Eucharist Celebration and Reception in honor of Pride month!
Celebrant: Bishop Shannon Duckworth, Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana
Preacher: Bishop Thomas Brown, Episcopal Diocese of Maine
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06/14
Inclusive Louisiana: NOLA Pride & Parade
Gaudet Umbrella Ministries
@ NOLA
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06/21 - 22
Little Weekend of Good News
@ Grace Church, St. Francisville
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Cost: $25/person ($100 max/family)
The Little Weekend of Good News is a fun-filled two day retreat that will leave your whole family feeling energized and empowered to live your faith in your family life. Registration deadline is May 1.
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06/28
Inclusive Louisiana: BR Pride & Parade
Gaudet Umbrella Ministries
@ Baton Rouge, River Center
Inclusive Louisiana will have a table at the BR Pride Exchange. Opportunities will be available to help at the table. Please email The Rev. John Pitzer at jpitzer@trinitynola.com or Anita Byrne at abyrne@consultssa.com
to learn more about how you and/or members of your congregation can sign up to help.
| | JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY | | Sign up to stay informed, learn more, and get involved. We send a diocesan newsletter once/month and occasional updates. | | | | |
