Announcements

Upcoming Diocesan Office Closure

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The Diocesan Office will be closed Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

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 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.

Celebrating New Ministries

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

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 Installed as Chancellor of Sewanee: The University of The South

On May 13, Bishop Owensby was installed as the 26th Chancellor at The University of The South. He was presented to the Board of Trustees by the Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi.


Bishop Owensby reminded the graduating class that Ecce Quam Bonum (Behold how good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity) is more than just the University's Motto. It is the aspiration that governs and motivates not only their shared experience on the Mountain but also the aspiration that sends them out into a fractured world and asks them to be a inspiration to it.


You can learn more about the service by clicking here.


Photo: Bishop Owensby accepts the chancellor's crosier.

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

As Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Term Winds Down, Committee Calls For Nominees to Succeed Him

The committee tasked with producing a slate of candidates for The Episcopal Church’s next presiding bishop issued a call for nominations on May 15 based on what it identified as the central challenges facing the church in the coming decade.


These include the need to foster evangelism, discipleship and formation while responding to a changing world filled with environmental crises, violence, war, inequality and division.


The committee, established under Episcopal Church canons as the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop, emphasized in its introductory letter that the newly released profile for qualified candidates was developed with input from across the church. 


You can read more by clicking here.


Photo: The Most Rev. Michael Curry speaks during ReviveATL in Atlanta, Georgia.

Resources & Formation
Bishop Owensby's Latest Blog Post

How Truth Makes Us Whole - Jake Owensby

Neil Armstrong stepped out of the Apollo 11 lunar module onto the moon's surface on July 20, 1969. I was eleven years old. My mother and I watched Armstrong's "giant leap for mankind" on a black and white TV in a cheap motel room.

Read More

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