Grand Coteau, Louisiana
337-662-5279
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The Mission of the Church (See CCC #s 849-856)
St. Charles Borromeo Parish
St Charles Parish is a people, a people of God, empowered by the Spirit, who desire:
All Christian faithful, through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are called to participate actively and co-responsibly in the Church's mission of salvation in the world, in a new evangelization. This means sharing the good news of Christ through witness of our lives.
Apostolate
The whole Church is apostolic, in that she remains, through the successors of St. Peter and the other apostles, in communion of faith and life with her origin: and in that she is “sent out” into the whole world. All members of the Church share in this mission, though in various ways. “The Christian vocation is, of its nature, a vocation to the apostolate as well.” Indeed, we call an apostolate “every activity of the Mystical Body” that aims “to spread the Kingdom of Christ over all the earth.”
Marriage and Family Life (Vocation)
The family unit is where we first learn who God is and prayerfully seek His will for us. In this sense, Vatican II considers the family as a "domestic" church. (Lumen Gentium 11)
The following points offer suggestions on how to see and build your family as a “domestic church” through a life of prayer that can help all the members of your family.
Children's Ministry
The Children's Ministry is for children of parishioners in grades K, 1st and 2nd grade. The program does NOT take the place of religious education classes currently offered. This program is intended to supplement what they are learning at home and during CCD. Any 3rd grader who has NOT attended any religious education class will be considered for this ministry but it is NOT fulfilling the current requirements of the Office of Religious Education. The classes will include the following: prayer time, Bible time, craft and music time, snack time. Contact Amy Lowery for any questions at 948-3922.
St. Charles Parish Pastoral Council
To learn more about the Parish's Pastoral Council and its Commissions, scroll down to view the respective documents which covers the functions and purpose of each.
Religious Education and Faith Formation
Those involved in religious education and faith formation participate in the Church's mission of evangelization and responds to the missionary mandate of the Church found in Matthew 28—to go out, to make disciples, ... to teach.
The Diocese of Lafayette has partnered with Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, to give everyone in the diocese access to workshops that can help in their religious formation. Although some of the workshops are geared towards teachers, many simply give information on topics that many of us want to know more about (i.e. the Eucharist, Mary, New Testament, Old Testament). All you have to do is go to www.franciscanathome.com/diolaf to begin to create your account. The Office of Catechetics has a short 3 minute video on their webpage www.diolaf.org/christian-formation that will direct you on how to create an account. St. Charles Parish has already been placed in the system, so all you have to do is create your personal account. We believe this is a wonderful opportunity for us to grow in our faith.
If you feel you are called or just wish to inquire - contact the pastor or our DRE, Becky Smith at the Religious Education Department at 662-5279 email at [email protected]
Homebound Ministry
This ministry provides a social connection to individuals who would benefit from a visit from a fellow parishioner. This ministry, through volunteer effort, visits residences, nursing facilities and other home situations of parish members. The goal is to offer parishioners an encounter with other parishioners to experience God’s goodness through the kindness of others.
Through home visits, reassuring phone calls and sending cards or letters on a regular basis, our ministers will engage the elderly/homebound person through conversation and social support. Volunteers who are Eucharistic Ministers can deliver the Holy Eucharist to those who ask, and training is offered to our ministers.
For more information contact: Deacon David Menard
Knights of Peter Claver
The Knights of Peter Claver organization was founded in 1909 in Mobile, Alabama. It is the largest African American Catholic lay organization in the United States. The organization was founded by the Josephites, a Catholic order whose mission was to serve Catholic African Americans. (www.kofpc.org)
Our purpose is to render service to God and His Holy Church, render aid and assistance to the sick and disabled, and promote social and intellectual association among our members.
Meche Council #34 - Est. Oct. 30, 1921
St. Sophie Barat Court 3 34 - Est. Oct 12, 1930
Grand Coteau, LA
Council #114
Annunciation Court 114
(Christ the King - Bellevue)
Altar Society
The Altar Society cares for the altar, sacristy and sanctuary. Their purpose is to help maintain the liturgical needs of our daily worship, to beautify our worship area, and to grow in the community and common service.
Some of their duties and responsibilities, to name a few, include the purchase of altar supplies, including hosts, wine, candles, linens, priests’ vestments and altar server robes. They decorate the Sanctuary prior to Masses and holidays, clean the holy water fonts, along with anything else that needs to be done. Many of the Altar Society members provide individual assistance which includes the washing, ironing, folding, repair and maintenance of the linens and robes.
The Altar Society pray as a group to further spiritual growth in the Church and community and support church families in their time of sorrow.
Prayer Blanket Ministry
St. Charles Prayer Blanket Ministry involves intercessory prayer and sewing lap-size blankets. These are given to anyone needing the gift of love and prayer. Prayers are offered for recipients as the blankets are constructed and thereafter by both the ministry and other members of the staff and parish community. All blankets are given free of charge and materials for construction are provided. The Prayer Blanket is a tangible sign that each recipient is lifted up in prayer by our Faith Community. The Group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 9:30am.
If you are among those who love cleaning and just can’t get enough of it or just need a quiet, peaceful place to spend some energy in solitude, we could use your help.
The Cleaning Ministry consists of volunteers who clean the church and sanctuary, especially in preparation for Christmas & Easter. Keeping our place of worship clean is an important contribution to the parish and many hands make light work!
Rosary Group
Immediately following the Wednesday morning 8am Mass, parishioners coordinate the praying of the Rosary in Church, all are welcome to join in.