An updated Adoration Schedule is in the vestibule. We have many open hours available for you to spend time alone with Jesus. Call the office to let us know what time you are choosing.
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting us at Saint Bernadette Church, which is a Roman Catholic parish located in Bayou Vista - between Patterson and Berwick, Louisiana,
in the Diocese of Lafayette . St. Bernadette Church continues the Sacramental Traditions of Jesus Christ as handed down by the Apostles, we strive to live lives of Communion and Participation as we seek to fulfill the mission bestowed upon us by Christ.
Our Pastor is Father Thainese Alphonse.
The Liturgy of the Word for The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Today as a Church, we conclude our liturgical year and celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. The Gospel we proclaim shows the great mystery of our faith: In the moment of his crucifixion, Jesus is shown to be King and Savior of all.
Luke's Gospel has been loaded with surprises: the poor are rich, sinners find salvation, the Kingdom of God is found in our midst. Here we see the greatest surprise of all. We are confronted with the crucified Jesus, whom faith tells us is King and Savior of all. The irony is that the inscription placed on the cross, perhaps in mockery, contains the profoundest of truth. As the leaders jeer, the thief crucified by his side recognizes Jesus as Messiah and King, and finds salvation.
Jesus is King, but not the kind of king we might have imagined or expected. His kingship was hidden from many of his contemporaries, but those who had the eyes of faith were able to see. As modern disciples of Jesus, we, too, struggle at times to recognize Jesus as King. Today's Gospel invites us to make our own judgment. With eyes of faith, we, too, recognize that Jesus, the crucified One, is indeed King and Savior of all.
First Reading
2 Samuel 5:1-3
David is anointed king.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 122:1-2,3-4,4-5
Enter the house of the Lord rejoicing.
Second Reading
Colossians 1:12-20
Hymn to Jesus as the first-born of all creation.
Gospel Reading
Luke 23:35-43
Jesus is crucified under the title King of the Jews.
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:35-43
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
The King Who Walks Beside Us
In our world, kings and rulers are often distant figures-powerful, unreachable, surrounded by protocol. But Christ the King is different. His crown is made of thorns, his throne is a cross, and he reigns not by force but by love.
To celebrate Christ the King is to acknowledge that the One who rules the universe chooses to walk beside us, sit at our table, carry our burdens, and whisper hope into our fears. His kingdom begins not in palaces but in hearts that make room for Him.
His reign is felt whenever you forgive someone, defend the weak, choose what is right, or pray even when it's difficult. Whenever you bring peace where there was anger, or light where there was darkness-Christ reigns.
There was once a parish that had a tradition on the Feast of Christ the King: after Mass, the pastor would place a simple wooden chair at the front of the church and invite people-one by one-to come forward and sit in it for a moment.
A young teenager watched curiously as adults walked up slowly, some with tears in their eyes. When it was his turn, he sat down awkwardly, unsure of what he was supposed to feel.
Then the pastor quietly said, "Imagine Christ sitting beside you on that chair. What would you tell your King?" Suddenly, the boy felt something soften within him. He whispered, "Jesus... I don't know how to follow you well. But I want you to be part of my life. Please guide me."
The pastor asked one more question: "And what do you think your King would say back to you?" The boy felt a warmth in his heart and imagined Jesus smiling: "I already know your struggles, and I already love you. Just walk with me."
He left the chair with a peace he couldn't explain. For the first time, he understood that celebrating Christ the King wasn't about honoring a distant ruler-it was about inviting a loving King into the intimate spaces of his life.
To celebrate Christ the King is to open our hearts and let Jesus lead us-not only in church, but in the ordinary, messy, daily moments of life. It is to proclaim with our actions: "Your kingdom come, Lord-not just in heaven, but in me."
Jesus is the true Emperor of eternity-the King of the Universe. Earthly kings hold power for only a moment, but Christ holds the universe for eternity. Empires rise and fall. Kings come and go. But Jesus-crucified, risen, and reigning-remains.
On this Feast of Christ the King, we are invited to ask ourselves:
Who or what rules my heart?
Is it fear?
Is it anger?
Is it pride or the need to be in control?
Or is it Christ-who reigns with compassion, gentleness, and truth?
In our Gospel Weeklies lessons throughout the year, our children will be meeting Jesus in the Sunday Gospel, the same Gospel that will be proclaimed during Mass the upcoming weekend. As your child's first, and most important catechist, its your role to help them develop a personal relationship with God by providing them with opportunities to learn about the teachings of the Church, the sacraments, and the lives of the saints. While we are extremely grateful that your children are usually present at class weekly, it is more important for them to be in Mass every weekend. Your family belongs to the Catholic community, but in order to feel this sense of belonging, your family MUST BE involved in the life of the Church. By taking an active role in the life of the Church, you can help your children see the relevance and importance of our Catholic faith in our lives.
For the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Lectionary chooses a short passage from Luke's account of Jesus' Passion. The Passion depicts Jesus without physical or military power, yet he is dangerous enough to be put to death. As his opponents tease and taunt him, Jesus shows his divine power when he forgave the criminal on a cross near him, transforming the Cross from a place of death to a place of life and forgiveness. This man recognized his own wrongdoing and asked Jesus to help him get to heaven. That's what we do every time we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This week, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders went to confession during class. Our 6th, 7th, & 8th graders will be going on December 3rd. As parents, you are encouraged to take advantage of the sacrament as often as possible so that you may also experience the divine love, forgiveness, and mercy of God. What a beautiful way to lead your child by example.
Classes throughout the year will be held on Wednesdays from 5:45pm - 7:00pm for ALL GRADE LEVELS (Kindergarten - 8th).
Our next Family Mass is November 23rd
Discerning your vocation can be challenging, especially when you're balancing school or work. Sometimes, stepping away from your daily routine can provide the clarity you need to discern whether God is calling you to the seminary or religious life. The Diocese of Lafayette offers several retreat options designed to help you reflect and pray deeply about your path. To learn more contact Vocations Director, Rev. Blake Dubroc at 337-291-5690.
Check out the new website for the Diocese of Lafayette Office of Vocations and Seminarians - LafayetteVocations.com
How to Discern Your Vocation
PRAY Create a routine prayer life of attending Mass regularly, praying the Rosary, meditating on Scripture, making a retreat, and spending time with the Lord in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
TALK Contact your Diocesan Vocations Director to speak to them about your discernment thus far to get their advice on next steps.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION Spiritual direction by a priest or consecrated person attunes the heart to the voice of the Lord. It will help you identify how the Holy Spirit is moving in your life.
COME & SEE "Come & See" events offer a glimpse into the life of a seminarian/religious sister. They will help identify if this is the life to which God is calling you.
GET INVOLVED Volunteer in your parish or community and find trusted friends who can provide support and accountability for your discernment journey.
REST Discerning a vocation should not be considered an "accomplishment" that you check off your to do list. It's a daily walking with God that involves the whole person.
Bible Quiz # 51 - The Book of Judges (Chapters 1 to 5) ANSWERS
After Joshua's death, who did the Israelites ask the Lord to send first to fight the Canaanites? - The tribe of Judah (1:1-2).
Who captured Jerusalem? - The men of Judah (1:8).
What did the tribe of Benjamin fail to do? - Drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem (1:21).
Who came up from Gilgal to rebuke Israel for disobedience? - The Angel of the Lord (2:1).
How did the Lord punish Israel for their idolatry? - He allowed their enemies to defeat them (2:14).
What did the Lord raise up to deliver Israel? - Judges (2:16).
Who was the first judge of Israel? - Othniel (3:9).
Where did Barak assemble his men? - Mount Tabor (4:6).
Who fought from heaven on Israel's side? - The stars (5:20).
Who was called "most blessed among women"? - Jael (5:24).
How long did the land rest after Deborah and Barak's victory? - Forty years (5:31).
We thank and appreciate the following participants:
Theresa Babin, Jenny & Joe Guillot, Susan Legendre, Kenny Zimmer, Melinda Frederick, Debbie Hanagan, Alberta LeBlanc, Geneva Alcina, Michelle Tholen, Kathleen Louviere, Christina Wallace, Sybil Lasseigne, Lois Bosworth, Carlo Streva, Jr., Brenda Nelson, John Trevino, Sr., Maria Landry, Mary Jo Beadle, Kathy Shilling, Chloe Ross, Colin Lasseigne, Miles Bourgeois, Parker LaCoste, and Isabelle Neil
Bible Quiz # 52 - The Book of Judges (Chapters 6 to 10)
Who did the Lord send when Israel cried out for help?
What did the Lord command Gideon to do?
What name did Gideon give to the altar he built to the Lord?
How many men did God tell Gideon to keep after testing them at the water?
What happened when Gideon's men blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers?
Who were the kings of Midian that Gideon captured and killed?
What happened after Gideon died?
Who told the parable of the trees choosing a king?
Who judged Israel after Abimelech?
Which nations oppressed Israel after they turned to idols again?
What did God say when Israel cried for help after sinning again?
Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, oh Maria.
Hail, mother of mercy and of love, oh Maria.
Triumph all ye cherubim, Sing with us ye seraphim.
Heaven and earth resound the hymn.
Salve, Salve, Salve Regina.
The beautiful tradition of May Crowning reflects the beauty of the 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary which it evokes. Honoring Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, honors her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ Who first crowned her as His Queen. Adorning Our Lady with a crown of flowers is a custom of great devotion to Our Holy Mother and recalls the beauty of her love for us during difficult times in the world.
Our Lady always guides as a loving Mother. Her Immaculate Heart and her maternal beauty will always triumph over the ugliness of sin and suffering.
As we crown the Blessed Virgin on Mother's Day, we ask that she intercede for us to her Son.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for everyone because, rather than a human effort, it is first and foremost a gift of God, thrice holy. The Apostle John remarks: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. It is God, therefore, who loved us first and make us his adoptive sons in Jesus. Everything in our lives is a gift of his love: how can we be indifferent before such a great mystery? How can we not respond to the heavenly Father's love by living as grateful children? In Christ, he gave us the gift of his entire self and calls us to a personal and profound relationship with him. Consequently, the more we imitate Jesus and remain united to him the more we enter into the mystery of his divine holiness. We discover that he loves us infinitely, and this prompts us in turn to love our brethren. Loving always entails an act of self-denial, "losing ourselves," and it is precisely this that makes us happy….
In truth, the blessed par excellence is only Jesus. He is, in fact, the true poor in spirit, the one afflicted, the meek one, the one hungering and thirsting for justice, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemaker. He is the one persecuted for the sake of justice.
The Beatitudes show us the spiritual features of Jesus and thus express his mystery, the mystery of his death and Resurrection, of his Passion and the joy of his Resurrection. This mystery, which is the mystery of true blessedness, invites us to follow Jesus and thus to walk toward it. To the extent that we accept his proposal and set out to follow him—each one in his own circumstances—we too can participate in his blessedness. With him, the impossible becomes possible and even a camel can pass through the eye of a needle; with his help, only with his help can we become perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.
One of the greatest graces for our parish is Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel.
To quote Pope John Paul II; "We come here to meet the Heart of Jesus pierced for us, from which water and blood gush. It is the redeeming love, which is at the origin of salvation, of our salvation, which is at the origin of the Church. Now still today, the living Christ loves us and presents His Heart to us as the source of our redemption… We are called not only to meditate and contemplate on this mystery of Christ's love; we are called to take part in it. It is the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, the center of our Faith, the center of our worship of Christ's merciful love manifested in His Sacred Heart, a mystery which is adored here night and day. In the Eucharist – this is also the meaning of perpetual adoration – we enter the movement of love from which all interior progress and all apostolate efficacy springs."
Mother Teresa taught "When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now."
This examination of conscience is not intended merely as a checklist to be used prior to confession. The purpose of this examination is to help souls to know what actions or attitudes are sinful and the gravity of the particular sin. The hope is that this knowledge will serve to keep people from committing these sins.
* Three things are necessary for a sin to be mortal: 1. Serious matter (things listed on this sheet); 2. Knowledge or firm belief that the act is seriously wrong prior to committing the act; 3. Full consent to the will.
All three of these conditions must be present simultaneously for a sin to be mortal. This means that if you did not know the act was seriously wrong, then you are not guilty of having committed a mortal sin. If you did not will the act, e.g., if you were forced or if it was in a dream, you are not guilty of having committed a mortal sin.
All mortal sins committed since your last confession must be confessed by both type and number, i.e., the title of the sin and how many times it was done. If there is a mortal sin from the past that was forgotten and has not been confessed, it should be confessed at your next confession. It is not necessary to confess venial sins, but it is a good and pious practice.
There's an old saying that goes, "Once a Catholic, always a Catholic." Maybe you have been away from the Church for a little while or quite some time, but somehow you now feel a tug at your heart calling you back home to the Catholic Church. That's why we're here.
Whether or not you know you want to return to the Catholic Church, we're here to help you take that second look. That mysterious pull inside you, driving you to look into your faith once more, comes directly from God. Your Heavenly Father is yearning for a relationship with you again, in the Church founded by Jesus 2000 years ago. He's waiting for you with open arms. Please Read More...
USCCB - Pro-Life Activities
Laws that permit or promote abortion, infanticide, human cloning, destructive embryo research or physician-assisted suicide ignore the sanctity of each human life and undermine the foundation of a just and healthy society. As citizens and people of faith, each of us should actively advance our convictions in the public square in every legitimate and ethical way. We should rededicate ourselves to upholding the sanctity of human life, and hold those elected to represent us to the same standard. Please Read More...
Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics
This voter's guide helps you cast your vote in an informed manner consistent with Catholic moral teaching.
This voter's guide identifies five issues involving "non-negotiable" moral values in current politics and helps you narrow down the list of acceptable candidates, whether they are running for national, state, or local offices. Please Read More...
Weekly Reflection
Remember Me, My God and King "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 22:42-43
What powerful words these were. As Jesus hung dying on the Cross for the salvation of the world, He hung between two thieves. These thieves represent all of us. One of them wanted Jesus to save His earthly life by coming down from the Cross and saving him at the same time. The other thief made a prayer for eternal life, asking Jesus to remember him when Jesus entered His Kingdom. To the latter, Jesus granted his request.
Oftentimes we pray for earthly goods and pay little attention to eternal ones. Today, as we celebrate the last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. On this day, we are invited to pray this prayer with the good thief, acknowledging that we are sinners deserving death, but hoping and praying for mercy and a share in the Eternal Kingdom of God.
Nothing makes the soul of our Lord more joyful than saving His children. He endured suffering and death out of love. He knew that His death would destroy our death if we cling to Him in hope. On the Cross, Jesus' gaze was on eternal, not earthly, redemption. He beheld the glorious throne that He mounted. It began with a cross but would end with glory, power and splendor beyond imagination.
As we honor Jesus as the great and glorious King of the Universe, we are encouraged to invite Him to establish His kingship in our lives more fully. Though Jesus' permanent, lasting and visible Kingdom will be established only in the future when He returns at the end of time, His Kingdom must begin now.
The Kingdom of God is established here and now every time you allow Him to exercise His kingship in your life. As a King, Jesus desires to order your life. He demands perfect submission of your will to Him. He demands complete obedience. And He demands that you embrace this kingship of His freely, of your own choosing. These are demands of perfect love that bring about a sharing in His eternal Kingdom. How well do you do this?
Throughout our world, there are many forms of governments. Democracies are thought by many to be the best form of government because no one person is capable of being the perfect king. Therefore a democracy is more of a safeguard against tyranny and abusive leadership. But when it comes to the end of time, the governance of humanity will take place by a King-the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the only one Who is capable of governing humanity with justice and love. He is the only one under Whose leadership we will all flourish. He is the only one Who will be able to establish universal peace and harmony.
Reflect, today, upon the glorious end of the world when our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, will return in splendor and majesty to judge the living and the dead and to establish His permanent and unending Kingdom. Though we are not able to comprehend what this Kingdom will be at this time, we must believe in it with faith and have supernatural hope that we will share in it. Reflect, especially, upon your mission to allow that Kingdom of grace and mercy to begin now, within the depths of your own soul. Surrender all to Him. Invite Him to reign over your thoughts, will, body and soul. Do not hesitate. Trust in this one and only glorious King Who is worthy of our total obedience.
My Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, You and You alone are worthy of our total trust and surrender in all things. I do choose You as my King today. I join with the good thief and come to You with all my sin, praying that You will remember me when You come into Your glorious Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You. Source: mycatholic.life
Join us for Mass on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th at 9:00 am.
Come experience God's infinite mercy this Advent Season.
The light will be on for you the following evenings:
December 3rd, 10th, & 17th from 6:30-7:30pm
If you have any questions regarding Religious Education, please call Becky at 395-2470.
Get Involved-
Catholics have a long history of action - feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the poor, praying for souls. Are you doing all you can to help? If not, find out if there is a parish ministry that could use your time, talent, or treasure. Catholics are meant to make a difference.
Lay people who place their time and talent as acolytes (altar servers), lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, and ushers become more fully in union with Christ and with each other.
Our current ministers are ready to partner up with any and all who are willing to say yes. At one time, we were all nervous and feared stepping into the sanctuary of the church - some of us are still nervous today. You don't have to do it alone. We will support and guide you.
Bishop Services Appeal 2025 - Stepping Through the Holy Doors
When someone wants to show you their affection and friendship, they invite you to their home. There are two important things which occur next: conversation and a meal. In the celebration of the Mass, it is Jesus who invites us to participate in his friendship, during which we also encounter these two important moments: conversation, which is when Jesus speaks to us through his Word and we respond with our prayers; and a meal, when Jesus offers us the Eucharistic banquet giving us his Body and Blood.
Knights of Columbus Council 6211 is located in Bayou Vista, La. We are currently recruiting new members from the Parish.
Monthly Meetings for the Bayou Vista Knights Council are held on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
Location for the meeting is at 113 Sunset Rd, Bayou Vista, LA 70380. KC Council 6211 Contact Info... Knights
of Columbus Info...
St. Bernadette Parsih Pastoral Council and Finance Committee
Holiness demands a constant effort, but it is possible for everyone because, rather than a human effort, it is first and foremost a gift of God, thrice holy. The Apostle John remarks: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. It is God, therefore, who loved us first and make us his adoptive sons in Jesus. Everything in our lives is a gift of his love: how can we be indifferent before such a great mystery? How can we not respond to the heavenly Father's love by living as grateful children? In Christ, he gave us the gift of his entire self and calls us to a personal and profound relationship with him. Consequently, the more we imitate Jesus and remain united to him the more we enter into the mystery of his divine holiness. We discover that he loves us infinitely, and this prompts us in turn to love our brethren. Loving always entails an act of self-denial, "losing ourselves," and it is precisely this that makes us happy….
One of the greatest graces for our parish is Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in our chapel. 
