In the spirit of the Lenten emphasis on Prayers, Fasting, Almsgiving, and Evangelization, the Diocese of Lake Charles has initiated a small charitable giving challenge to support some of the diocesan endeavors that best mirror these pillars of faith.
Entitled the #IGiveCatholic $20 Lenten Challenge, parishioners are simply asked to make a small one-time donation in special envelopes at a weekend Mass of the pastor’s choosing during the season of Lent, selecting Catholic Charities, Seminarian Education, Communication or all three as recipients of their generosity. For those who prefer electronic giving, click here.
As stunning progress continues on the restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the seminarians returned to their studies after a short holiday break, retired priests continue serving the Lord and God’s people in a multitude of ways, progress continues on Camp Karol that will serve the spiritual needs of our youth in a very unique way, and Catholic Charities meets the varied and growing needs of our brothers and sisters, the latest Return to the Parish Share to the parishes of the Diocese of Lake Charles has reached $2,663,127.79 in total payments
The fifth payment, issued in February, totaled $576,048.61, and covered payments on pledges made from January 1 through June 30 of 2018. Four parishes, specifically Our Lady of the Lake, St. Mary of the Lake, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and St. Pius X have payments that have exceeded their parish goals during this time span, so their payments are now at 80 percent. Other parishes will meet the 80 percent criteria with the next Parish Share payments in July of 2019 that will cover the June 30 through December 31, 2018 timeframe.
“By all accounts, the 80 percent return to the parishes concept is virtually unheard of in other dioceses and is a testament to the diligence of the Priests’ Advisory Council and the approval of Bishop Provost in making these payments a reality”, according to Stephanie Rodrigue, Director of the Office of Development for the Diocese of Lake Charles.
