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 Baptism of the Lord
The baptism of Jesus is attested to in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The account that appears in Matthew is the only one to include the dialogue between Jesus and John, however. Another difference in Matthew's presentation of this event is the announcement made by the voice from heaven, which says, "This is my beloved son . . ." In Mark and Luke, this voice addresses itself to Jesus: "You are my beloved son . . ."
The baptisms that John performs prefigure Christian Baptism. John baptizes for repentance from sin. In accepting this baptism, Jesus unites himself with all sinners even though he is sinless. In Matthew's Gospel, John the Baptist distinguishes his practice of baptism from the Baptism that the Messiah brings: "I am baptizing you with water . . . He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire" (Matthew 3:11).
The baptism of Jesus is another manifestation of Christ, another epiphany. Christ's baptism inaugurates his mission. In an analogous way, our Baptism inaugurates our mission as Christians.
This Sunday marks a transition from the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. In a way, today's feast is the high point of the Christmas season. Before Jesus' birth, angels announced to Mary and to Joseph who Jesus would be. At his birth, the shepherds and the Magi recognize Jesus as the Messiah. At his baptism, Jesus accepts that he is God's son and inaugurates that mission.
First Reading
Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7
The servant of the Lord shall bring justice to all.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 29:1-2,3-4,9-10
The Lord will give peace to the people.
Second Reading
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38
God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 3:13-17
The Spirit of God comes upon Jesus as he is baptized by John.
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan
to be baptized by him.
John tried to prevent him, saying,
"I need to be baptized by you,
and yet you are coming to me?"
Jesus said to him in reply,
"Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us
to fulfill all righteousness."
Then he allowed him.
After Jesus was baptized,
he came up from the water and behold,
the heavens were opened for him,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying,
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Matthew 2:1-12
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
A Pilgrimage of Faith and Family
My dear parishioners,
I am happy to inform you of my home visit from January 5th to February 11th, 2026. This time, two priests from the Diocese of Lafayette will be accompanying me, and I will be taking them to several well-known pilgrimage centers in India. These include the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, four Marian Basilicas, several 500-year-old churches, the tomb of St. Teresa of Calcutta and the site of her first mission near a Hindu temple, the Taj Mahal, and my family home.
As you can imagine, my mother is eagerly waiting to see me. I assure you of my prayers for all of you at the holy places we will be visiting and offering Masses.
During my 14-day stay at home, I will also travel to my Diocese of Kadapa to visit my bishop on January 27th. In addition, I will attend my 1985 classmates' priests' reunion on February 4th and 5th, and I will celebrate the baptism of my nephew's baby on February 7th - he was married in September 2024. After that, I will prepare to return on February 10th and will arrive back here on the night of February 11th.
I will be away for five weekends. Fr. Mike Bergeron will cover four of those weekends, and one weekend will be covered by a priest from the Food for the Poor group. As our weekday Mass attendance is very low, I am sorry to inform you that there will be no weekday Masses during my absence. Please attend Mass at neighboring parishes on those days.
Baptism of the Lord - First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Water, Sign of Fertility:
Baptism is not a human invention. For centuries, the Jewish people practiced baptismal rites. Until the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D., it was common for Jews to use a special pool called a mikveh (a collection of water) as a means of spiritual cleansing and the removal of impurity and sin. Men took this ritual bath weekly on the eve of the Sabbath, while women did so monthly. Converts to Judaism were also expected to take this ritual bath before their initiation. Orthodox Jews still retain this practice today.
Water, used in baptism, is a sign of the fullness of human life. It is the element of fertility and regeneration-without water, there is no life. Thus, in all great religions, water symbolizes motherhood and fruitfulness. According to the Church Fathers, water is also a symbol of the maternal womb of the Church.
The Mandate Given to Jesus:
John's baptism in the River Jordan was a baptism of repentance meant for sinners. Jesus, though sinless, received baptism at John's hands. Why, then, did He do so? The answer lies in the Father's proclamation: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." This moment fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (42:1), who foretold that the Servant of God would be filled with the Spirit.
Thus, Jesus' baptism marks the acceptance and beginning of His mission as the Suffering Servant. His mission of salvation would not be achieved by force or conquest, but through the Cross. At His baptism, Jesus receives a divine mandate, and His Sonship is solemnly proclaimed. When the Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove-symbolizing gentleness-the Spirit empowers Him to preach the Good News.
The Practicing Doctor:
The Baptism of the Lord holds deep significance for each of us. His baptism institutes the Sacrament of Baptism itself. Through baptism, we profess our faith in Christ and are saved, justified, and cleansed from sin. "Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments" (CCC #1213). St. Paul teaches that through baptism, we are made new-born again of God and transformed into a new creation. The Baptism of the Lord, therefore, calls us to renew the commitment we made at our own baptism: to renounce sin and to live according to the Spirit.
During a solemn Baptism ceremony in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Benedict XVI reflected, "Baptism is not only a word; it is not only something spiritual, but also implies matter-substance. All the realities of the earth are involved in it. Baptism does not only concern the soul. Human spirituality includes the totality of the person-body and soul. God's action in Jesus Christ is an action of universal efficacy and for the totality of the person."
There is a story of a married couple-both doctors, one of theology and the other of medicine. One day, the doorbell rang and the maid answered. The visitor asked for "the doctor." The maid replied, "Do you want the one who preaches or the one who practices?" Likewise, many know the theory of Christian living, but few practice it. We have many baptized Christians, but only a few practicing ones.
To Produce Its Effects:
Baptism cannot produce its effects in a social vacuum. That is why the Church does not baptize those who have no likelihood of experiencing Christian community. Like Jesus, our baptism brings with it a serious obligation to share our faith-both by word and example.
Baptism involves more than merely "saving our souls" or "avoiding sin." It calls us to be living witnesses of the Gospel-to be the salt of the earth, a city on a hill, and a candle radiating light amid the darkness. Our baptism is not merely a past event recorded in a dusty parish register; it is a living reality meant to be continually deepened and renewed.
May God our Father be able to say of us, as He said of Jesus: "This is my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased."
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.
The Baptism of the Lord is recounted this week from the Gospel of Matthew. When Jesus approached John the Baptist to be baptized, John hesitated saying, "I need to be baptized by you." Still, Jesus said it was fitting for him to be baptized by John. But, why did Jesus choose to be baptized, even though he had no sin? Jesus wanted to be close to us, to have a relationship with us , and to walk with us through all parts of life.
Our faith is not just about rules or beliefs. It's about this relationship. Jesus didn't come to show off. He came to show up. He came to be near us - in our joy, in our struggles, in our mistakes, and in our hopes. He knows what it's like to be human and what we go through. He came to to stand with us.
As soon as Jesus is baptized, the sky opens up, the Holy Spirit comes down, and God says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." It's a moment where we see the Holy Trinity-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-all present. And it shows that Jesus is fully known, fully loved, and fully sent.
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 January 25th
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...
The Mass Explained
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.
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
An Indelible Spiritual Mark Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him.
Matthew 3:13-15
John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets, entrusted with the mission to immediately prepare the way for the Messiah. Today's feast marks a pivotal transition from the Old Law to the New. Prior to Jesus' baptism, John's mission was in full motion. With Jesus' baptism, the mission of the Old Testament prophets is fulfilled, and the New Law of grace begins.
Why did Jesus enter the waters of baptism? He was sinless and had no need of repentance. Yet, in His divine wisdom, Jesus chose to be baptized to sanctify the waters, opening the gateway of grace for all who would follow. By entering the waters of baptism, Jesus set a precedent. Every Christian who enters the waters of baptism meets our Lord there, sharing in His life of grace.
As we reflect on Christ's baptism today, we are invited to consider our own. Most of us were baptized as infants and have no memory of the event. Others came to baptism later in life, fully aware of the grace they were receiving. Regardless of when it occurred, baptism's effects are profound and enduring. That singular moment of sanctification forever changed us, and its transformative power remains active within us.
Through baptism, Jesus meets us under the waters. When baptism is performed by full immersion, it powerfully symbolizes the reality of this encounter. We enter the waters of repentance, as John offered, but we emerge united with Christ. Just as the Father's voice declared at Jesus' baptism, "You are my beloved Son.." so too does the Father continually speak to us after our baptism, affirming our identity as His beloved children. The Holy Spirit descends upon us, and we are offered every gift of the Spirit, provided our hearts remain open.
Baptism occurs only once in our lives and imprints on our souls an "indelible spiritual mark (character)" (see Catechism of the Catholic Church #1272 and 1274). This mark configures us to Christ and signifies our permanent belonging to Him and His Church. It cannot be lost or removed, even by mortal sin. However, while this character endures forever, the state of sanctifying grace within our souls can be lost through mortal sin. In such cases, the grace of baptism is restored through the Sacrament of Reconciliation in which our souls are once again cleansed and brought back into full communion with God. Marked as members of Christ's Body, we are continually disposed to receive sanctifying grace through the other sacraments, as long as we remain in a state of grace. Baptism accomplishes this disposition, enabling us to participate fully in the life of grace that flows from Christ.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, reflect today on your own baptism. You are forever marked as a child of God. You encountered our Lord under the waters of baptism, were cleansed of all sin, and were filled with sanctifying grace. Though sin diminishes or even extinguishes that grace when it is mortal, the Sacrament of Reconciliation restores it, and the Eucharist and other sacraments increase it. Always return to your baptismal grace, seeking to live out your identity as God's son or daughter, as this sacred mark intends.
My sanctifying Lord, through the waters of baptism, I encountered You and received the abundant grace You bestowed upon me. Please help me to keep my soul free from sin and to live with the true dignity of a child of God. Thank You for meeting me under those waters. May I remain with You, growing ever closer to You by the ongoing gift of all the Sacraments. Jesus, I trust in You. Source: mycatholic.life
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
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. 
