Announcements

Retirement of Kathy Richey

It is with sadness and deep gratitude that we announce the retirement of our friend and colleague Kathy Richey effective May 31. She has served the Diocese faithfully and effectively for 24 years, assisting three of our four Bishops.


There’s no replacing such an extraordinary talent and kind heart, but the Bishop is in conversation with the Treasurer and other lay leaders about next steps. We will celebrate Kathy’s ministry at our next Diocesan Convention.


If in the meantime you would like to contribute a gift of appreciation, please send your check to The Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana (P.O. Box 4330, Pineville, LA 71361) and mark the memo section “retirement.”


Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, dear friend!

Safe Church, Safe Communities Information Available on Diocesan Website

As required by General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Western Louisiana has revised its expectations and guidelines for ordained and lay people in the church when engaged in ministry with children, youth, and vulnerable adults.


To learn more about these changes and how they may affect you, go to the Safe Church, Safe Communities page of the diocesan website.


For any questions regarding possible incidents or violations of any Safe Church, Safe Communities principles or policies by clergy or laity, contact one of the Intake Officers: The Very Rev. Rich Snow, OR The Very Rev. Annie Etheredge.


For any administrative questions regarding program requirements or compliance at the congregational or institutional level, contact Joy Owensby.


For any administrative questions regarding background checks, contact Holly Windham.

Diocesan Events

Camp Hardtner Opens 2023 Summer Camp Registration

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.


Camp Hardtner is also seeking health care professionals to help them throughout the summer. You can join for a single session or the whole summer.


You can learn more about the position by clicking here.

Ordination to the Priesthood

God Willing, The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby will ordain The Rev. Deacon John Henson to the Sacred Order of Priests. This will be happening at Church For The Highlands on Wednesday, May 17 at 6:00 p.m.


Your prayers and presence are requested.

Ordination to the Priesthood

God Willing, The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby will ordain The Rev. Deacon Benjamin Thoms to the Sacred Order of Priests. This will be happening at St. Barnabas in Lafayette on Saturday, May 27 at 4:00 p.m.


Your prayers and presence are requested.

Diocesan Calendar

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.

Around the Diocese

Bishop Owensby's Visit to St. Mark's Cathedral in Shreveport

Over the weekend, Bishop Owensby visited St. Mark's Cathedral in Shreveport. During his visit, he confirmed twenty people into The Episcopal Church.


Congratulations to the newly confirmed!


Photo: The Rev. Thomas Nsubuga and the Rt. Rev. Jacob Owensby stand with the group of newly confirmed people.

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.

Outside the Diocese

Central Florida Priest Praised for Service to Local Zoo While Balancing Parish Duties in Retirement

The Rev. Norman Desrosiers retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel with 25 years of service, including four years during the Vietnam War. As a longtime Episcopal priest, he also retired from full-time parish ministry in 2016.


Now, at 76, Desrosiers is nearly as active in retirement as he was before.


Desrosiers balances his time being an interim priest-in-charge at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Sebastian, Florida, serving as chaplain at the fire department in Melbourne, and volunteering twice a week at Melbourne's Brevard Zoo.


You can read more by clicking here.


Photo: The Rev. Norman Desrosiers leads online liturgy on the left. On the right, he is seen taking a selfie with a rhino at the Brevard Zoo.

Resources & Formation
Bishop Owensby's Latest Blog Post

See You Down the Road - Jake Owensby

Dave stood in the threshold, waving with his right hand and propping the screen door open with his left. I was sitting behind the steering wheel of my Jeep, leaning over to wave through the passenger window. A wordless affection passed between us.

Read More

The Episcopal Church Newsletter is handled by Thomas Stodghill, IV. Click here to submit a story.