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.

I visited Catholic Charities today at 1225 Second Street. Sister Mary Vianney and one of her staff, Wendy, informed me of developments in the Sabine River area, which is the western-most boundary of our diocese. According to them almost 700 homes have been flooded, and the civil authorities expect over 1,000 homes to take in water following the cresting of the river. In partnership with a number of area churches, Catholic Charities is providing for the victims and their shelters.

The weather reports inform us that the Sabine River will crest at approximately 30 feet this weekend.  We are certainly keeping an alert watch for our brothers and sisters to the west.