LAKE CHARLES -- Rachel’s Vineyard of Southwest Louisiana, sponsored by the Office of Pro-Life of the Diocese of Lake Charles, will host two retreats this year, the first  Friday through Sunday, February 9-11 and the second July 6-8, at Tabor Retreat House of Saint Charles Center.

LAKE CHARLES — Operational hours for the Perry Ministries Building of the Diocese of Lake Charles, located at 411 Iris Street, will see a revision beginning Thursday, Nov. 2. The building will be closed from 12 noon until 1 p.m. for lunch, opening from 8:30 a.m. until noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday.

We know earthly death is not the end, but rather the door through which we must pass to gain eternal life. Because of our belief and hope in the Resurrection, we can face death not with fear, but with preparation. Although certainly not comprehensive, the following considerations are provided as starting points for understanding and preparing for this transition, whether it is imminent or not.

WASHINGTON — In a statement to mark Respect Life Month, October 2017, Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York reiterated the need to build a culture of life throughout the year. Cardinal Dolan chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The Cardinal’s statement launches the year-long 2017-18 Respect Life Program (www.usccb.org/respectlife), which provides materials exploring the theme, “Be Not Afraid.”

LAKE CHARLES -- This weekend in the parishes of the Diocese of Lake Charles people will hear Bishop Glen John Provost's special audio message announcing the start of the 2017-2018 Bishop’s Services Appeal - "Heed the Call of Christ" - for 2017-2018.

The outpouring of assistance for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in our area has been overwhelming.   All of those helping out and contributing remain in our thoughts and prayers.