MOSS BLUFF — It has been 10 months since the dedication and blessing of Camp Karol Catholic Retreat Center, and events at the diocesan youth camp are attracting more and more people as the good news spreads.
“My goal is for Camp Karol to be the hub of everything youth related in the Diocese of Lake Charles,” said Deacon Brian Soileau, director of the youth facility and Saint Charles Center.
“We recently hired Garrett Broussard as the Programs Director for Camp Karol. Milissa Thibodeaux, who serves as Director for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Lake Charles, has relocated her office to the Moss Bluff site for the complete package,” said Soileau.
Recently, the diocesan Stella Maris Seafarers Center, through the help of Deacon Patrick Lapoint Sr., donated a used shuttle bus to Camp Karol to assist with transportation between the two retreat facilities. Deacon Lapoint retired June 30 after serving 21 years as director of the Seafarers Center.
“To give the bus a more youth-friendly look, we want to wrap the exterior and add a picture of Saint John Paul II, the Camp Karol logo, and the Diocesan Crest,” Deacon Soileau expressed. “The cost is $12,000, but with 12 generous donors giving $1,000 each; or 24 donors of $500 each, I am confident this goal can be reached.”
Soileau said the bus will be used to shuttle retreatants and guests between the two retreat facilities.
“While Camp Karol can house up to 72 guests in six bungalows, the Saint Katharine Drexel dormitory at Saint Charles Center about three miles away is used for any overflow of guests. Also, because parking is limited at Camp Karol, when there are large events, parking space is used at Saint Charles Center. The bus will be beneficial in transporting people back and forth between the locations,” said Soileau.
For anyone interested in helping youth and young adults grow in their relationship with Christ, please consider donating to Camp Karol and mail to: Saint Charles Center, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, Lake Charles, LA 70611. CLICK HERE to make donations online. For more information, call Deacon Soileau at 337-855-1232. Camp Karol is located at 1087 Bozo Road.
