The newsletter will be taking it easy during the warm summer months. After June 1, the newsletter will come to you every other week as opposed to every week. The pattern will resume to a weekly basis as we approach September.

Due to changes in administrative structure, the diocese is no longer able to provide online giving for congregations.

Thank you for your understanding.

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.

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 congregation below in celebrating the upcoming installment of a new Rector in our diocese!

June 4

The Very Rev. Paul White

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

10:00 a.m.

1700 Maplewood Drive

Sulphur, LA 70663

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.

St. Thomas' on the Bayou recently held its second Kids Fun Day. Children aged three and up were invited to come spend the time outdoors painting rocks, playing games, petting dogs, and planting small pots.

The children also enjoyed both a story by The Rev. Rita Jefferson and fun and spiritual songs. Inspirational words were added later in the morning to the rocks, blessed by Rita at out new outdoor altar, and then placed all around our walking path for people to find and enjoy. 

The potted flowers were taken home. On Sunday at their Children’s Service, the children sang two songs for the congregation.

Photo: Children sit at St. Thomas' outdoor pavilion doing all sorts of activities.

The Camp Hardtner staff wishes to thank Bishop Owensby for visiting with them during Training Camp. They appreciate the knowledge and wisdom that he had for us through our discussion about today’s society. The bishop's questions made us think about their role as Camp Staff and their mission in the world.

They hope to instill the love of Camp Hardtner and sense of community to the campers, so that it may be carried into the world.

The 2023 Camp Hardtner season kicks off tomorrow, June 2.

Photo: Bishop Owensby stands with the 2023 Camp Hardtner staff.

On May 27, Bishop Owensby ordained Benjamin Thoms to the Sacred Order of Priests at St. Barnabas in Lafayette. Thoms has joined St. Barnabas as their curate.

Congratulations to the Rev. Benjamin Thoms on his priestly ordination!

Photo: The Rev. Benjamin Thoms and the Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby stand near the altar at St. Barnabas.

Memorial services for the Rev. Ella Breckenridge will be held June 17 at St. James in Alexandria at 11:00 a.m. The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby will officiate.

The Rev. Ella Breckenridge was ordained to the priesthood in our diocese in May 2003. She went on to serve in Mississippi and New York state before coming back to Alexandria to retire. She will be missed by her family and friends.

You can read the obituary by clicking here.

World Refugee Day (June 20) is an international day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

This year, the members of Allies for Immigrants – a diocesan ministry supporting immigrants in detention in Louisiana – would like to encourage clergy and parishioners to mark the day by remembering these thousands of detainees in their prayers.

On the Sunday either preceding or following June 20, congregations could bear witness to these persons in a variety of ways. Some suggestions:

• Hymns that connect to themes of welcome, service, peace, and justice;

• Sermons that combine scripture reflection, storytelling, and teaching about refugees;

• Special announcements that highlight the presence of detained immigrants in Louisiana and the efforts that some parishes are making to support them;

• Special collection during the Offertory for Episcopal Migration Ministries;

• Prayers for refugees, including Prayers of the People for Refugees and Displaced Persons, written specially for Episcopal Migration Ministries.

More detailed suggestions for liturgical and other means of commemorating World Refugee Day can be found at Episcopal Migration Ministries.

Quick Facts About Immigrant Detention in Louisiana:

• Over 4,000 people from countries across the world are currently being detained in nine Louisiana facilities, eight of which are in rural areas within our diocese. In the United States, only Texas houses more detainees.

• The overwhelming majority of detained immigrants in Louisiana have committed no crimes. Rather, they are seeking asylum in the United States and are being held behind bars and barbed wire while their claims are adjudicated in immigration court.

• Through the generosity of donors, Allies for Immigrants has provided 342 Spanish-speaking people in four detention centers with a Spanish Bible.

• For more information about Allies for Immigrants, contact Joy Owensby, Missioner for Formation and Community Engagement.

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.

Over Memorial Day weekend, The Most Rev. Michael Curry was admitted to the hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he underwent testing for internal bleeding and a heart condition. He has been discharged and will be monitored while working on a reduced schedule from home.

Curry’s internal bleeding is under control, and additional test results are expected later this week. He has been receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib), which was detected in an annual physical.

Please pray for a full and speedy recovery.

You can read the statement by clicking here.