BALTIMORE — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a formal statement, “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography,” at their annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 17.

Terror always seeks to separate us from those we most love. Through their suffering, courage and compassion, Parisians are reminding us that the common bond of humanity is strongest when the need is greatest. We pledge our prayers for everyone who suffers from this horrific violence and our advocacy to support all those working to build just and peaceful societies.

LAKE CHARLES –Tammy Welch, a parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hackberry, was named the “Distinguished Catholic of the Year” by St. Peter Claver Court and Council #168 of St. Henry Catholic Church at the recent Sapphire and Ice Gala fundraiser. Msgr. Daniel Torres, pastor of St. Henry and diocesan Vicar General, made the presentation to Mrs. Welch.

LAKE CHARLES  – The Diocese of Lake Charles recently concluded a planning study to test the feasibility of a major diocesan-wide fundraising effort. The study was conducted over the summer. Parishioners were invited to provide their opinions on (or their level of support for) specific needs affecting the diocese’s long-term strategic vision.

LAKE CHARLES ---A list of afternoon Masses celebrated in the Novus Ordo at churches of the Diocese of Lake Charles – on Saturday and Sunday – is found below. This information is provided to assist Catholics who may be traveling and arrive home late on Sunday, shift workers at our local industries, and all others who may wish to attend a later afternoon Mass on the weekend.

LAKE CHARLES -- Bishop Glen John Provost has appointed a nine-member Pastor Advisory Committee to assist him in making a final decision about moving forward with a capital campaign in the Diocese to aid a number of projects, including creating increased endowments for seminarian education and priest retirement.