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 Connor Poirrier.
The Liturgy of the Word for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, crying out on
behalf of her tormented daughter. At first, Jesus is silent. The disciples want her
sent away. Even his response seems to test her: he speaks of being sent only to the
lost sheep of Israel. Still, she persists, kneeling before him: "Lord, help me."
She doesn't argue theology. She doesn't walk away offended. She simply keeps
asking, trusting that even the smallest mercy from Jesus is enough. "Even the dogs
eat the scraps that fall from their masters' table." And Jesus responds with
astonishment and praise: "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as
you wish."
This Gospel challenges us in a world quick to give up after one closed door. The Canaanite
woman shows us that faith isn't the absence of silence or delay from God - it's what we do in
the middle of it. She kept asking. She kept trusting. She kept coming back.
This week, if you feel like your prayers are met with silence, don't stop. Persistent faith moved
the heart of Jesus once - it still does.
First Reading
Isaiah 56:1,6-7
The Lord reveals his salvation to all.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 67:2-3,5-6,8
All the nations will praise God.
Second Reading
Romans 11:13-15,29-32
God's favor to Israel is irrevocable.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman because of her great faith.
At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
"Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon."
But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.
Jesus' disciples came and asked him,
"Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."
He said in reply,
"I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me."
He said in reply,
"It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs."
She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters."
Then Jesus said to her in reply,
"O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish."
And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.
Matthew 15:21-28
A Message from Father Poirrier
Grace and peace in Jesus Christ, my name is Father Poirrier and I am glad to say that I am the new pastor for St. Bernadette! I was ordained a priest on June 5, 2021 for the Diocese of Lafayette, and Bishop Deshotel has graciously placed me here to serve this community of Bayou Vista.
Originating from Scott, I went to high school at Acadiana High after which I discerned the priesthood, entered the seminary, and graduated from St. Joseph's Seminary in 2017 and from Notre Dame Graduate Seminary in 2021. Eight years of schooling and mission work has helped prepare me for my life as a priest.
Some of my favorite hobbies are hunting, cooking, and being with people. I am blessed to have the opportunity to get to know you all and be involved in the many ministries that are here and thriving already. Being present to you all is something I am very much looking forward to.
I am glad that God has placed me here to walk with you all in your relationship with Him. If there is one thing that I wish to communicate in this writing, it is this: I would like to be a bridge between you and Jesus. I will do my best to get to know as many of you as possible while being here, and I will try to deliver my best in regards to preaching, teaching and living the faith. Please feel free to reach out to me whenever you would like. Be assured that I am here for you, Father Poirrier is your priest.
Again, I am excited about being here and hope to be able to walk with you all. Be assured of my love and prayers for you and your families. Please remember me in yours. God Bless!
In our daily lives, we constantly make choices about people - those we feel comfortable with and those we tend to avoid. Sometimes we say, "The chemistry just isn't right," and we quietly distance ourselves. At other times, our choices become more serious, even unfair, as we exclude others based on race, religion, social status, or background. We may even justify excluding those who do not believe or worship as we do.
But today's readings challenge that mindset. They remind us that God is not exclusive - He is inclusive. His love is welcoming, forgiving, and open to all. His kingdom is not limited or selective; it is wide enough to embrace everyone. And so, we are invited to examine our own attitudes and break down the barriers we build.
A Test of Faith: In the Gospels, Jesus performs miracles not only for Jews but also for Gentiles. Two well-known examples are the healing of the centurion's servant and the healing of the Canaanite woman's daughter. These moments were significant because they showed that God's saving love extends beyond one group - it is meant for all people.
In today's Gospel, we encounter the Canaanite woman. She is not from the Jewish community; in fact, her people were traditionally seen as outsiders and even enemies. By cultural standards, she would have been excluded.
Yet she approaches Jesus with courage, asking Him to heal her daughter. Surprisingly, her request is not granted immediately. Instead, Jesus seems to resist her - three times. At first, He says He has been sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Then comes a statement that sounds harsh: "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."
At first glance, this may seem like rejection. But in reality, this moment reveals something deeper. Jesus is drawing out her faith. The word He uses for "dogs" refers not to wild animals, but to household pets - still a challenging expression, but not as harsh as it may sound.
The woman does not argue or walk away. Instead, she responds with humility and trust: "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table."
Her reply is remarkable. She accepts her position, yet she also expresses complete confidence in Jesus' mercy. And this moves Jesus deeply. He responds, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Her persistence, humility, and trust lead to healing - not only for her daughter, but as a lesson for all who hear this story.
Please go to thaisprings.info to read the entire sermon.
✞
Crossing Barriers: This woman's faith stands out because it crosses every possible barrier.
✞
Never Give Up! At the heart of this Gospel is a powerful lesson: never give up.
"A vocation is not a fixed point, but a dynamic process of maturation sustained by intimacy with our Lord. To grow in one's vocation means being with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in our hearts and in the circumstances of life, and reinterpreting everything in light of this gift."
✞ Pope Leo XIV
Everyone Has a Divine Vocation
"Jesus has a specific task in life for each and every one of us. Each one of us is hand-picked, called by name by Jesus! There is no one among us who does not have a divine vocation! Some are called audibly by God, but the usual kind of call is internal, through the inner working of the Spirit."
✞ Homily by Pope Saint John Paul II
I KEEP ROSARIES TUCKED AWAY IN SEVERAL PLACES - IN MY CAR, IN MY DESK DRAWER, IN THE POCKET OF MY COAT - READY WHEN I NEED THEM.
Each mystery of the rosary calls us not just to remember the life of Christ, but to be transformed by it. When I pray the rosary, I'm reminded of our faith's call to mercy, to humility, to sacrifice. And that doesn't stay in the chapel or the car - it moves into daily life.
This year, with our 2026 Bishop's Services Appeal theme Holding the Faith: Decades of Prayer & Service, we reflect on how our collective acts of charity form a powerful chain, much like the rosary itself.
Every act of generosity is like a bead on the rosary, creating the chain of prayer and service that is the Diocese of Lafayette. Your gift becomes more than a donation - it becomes a whispered prayer that links us in an unbroken circle of faith. In this, you bring the Mysteries of the Rosary to life.
Honoring the Queen of Heaven: The Tradition of May Crowning
In May, a month of renewal-of new life and new beginnings-blossoms return and creation awakens. This is when the Catholic Church turns with love and reverence to the Blessed Virgin Mary-our Mother and Queen. Among the most cherished devotions of this season is the May Crowning, a time-honored tradition that lifts our hearts toward heaven through Mary, who always leads us to her Son.
For generations, parishes, schools, and families around the world have marked the month of May with processions, hymns, and flower offerings in honor of Mary. At the heart of these celebrations is the crowning of a statue of the Blessed Virgin-a visible sign of our love for the one who is both Mother of God and Queen of Heaven. We crown Mary because she is, in every way, a queen-not in the worldly sense, but in the kingdom of God. As the Mother of Jesus, the King of Kings, Mary holds a unique and exalted place. Her perfect discipleship, her faithful "yes" to God's will, and her enduring presence with the Church make her the crown of all creation. ✞ St. John's Seminary Blog
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
Divine Humiliation "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish."
Matthew 15:26 - 28
Imagine the Son of God referring to you as a dog. For most people, that would be deeply offensive. So why would Jesus do such a thing? He did so, in part, to draw forth from this woman an act of profound humility and faith. Through this moment of divine humiliation, Jesus invited her to rise to a heroic response, prompting Him to exclaim, "O woman, great is your faith!" He desires to do the same with each one of us.
When Jesus first encountered this woman, He saw into her soul and perceived the depth of her faith. As God, He knew everything about her - her suffering, her love for her daughter, her perseverance. He also knew He would heal the girl, yet He did not do so immediately. Instead, He engaged in what theology refers to as divine pedagogy - a method of instruction by which God teaches slowly, carefully, and with purpose. In this case, Jesus used the moment to teach His disciples - and us - a profound lesson about humility and unwavering faith. He tested her, and she passed the test marvelously.
The location of this encounter is also significant. It took place in the region of Tyre and Sidon, in modern-day Lebanon - a Gentile territory known for its Greek-speaking population and pagan customs. The woman is specifically identified as a Canaanite, evoking the memory of Israel's ancient enemies. And yet, it is precisely this outsider - this woman of seemingly little spiritual privilege - who becomes a model of the faith the chosen people were meant to embody.
She first approaches Jesus, crying out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." By calling Him, "Son of David," she reveals her belief in His messianic identity. But what does Jesus do? Nothing. He appears to ignore her - not because He is displeased or uncaring, but because He is testing her faith, knowing full well she will persevere and shine.
God often allows similar experiences in the lives of the faithful. It's easy to assume that if we follow Christ, we will be shielded from difficulty. On the contrary, one of the most powerful ways God forms His saints is by allowing them to undergo trials. These trials, far from being signs of abandonment, are invitations to heroic virtue. They are divine tests. And God never permits more than we can endure by His grace.
If that seems confusing or difficult to accept, we need only look to the Son of God Himself. Though Jesus was perfect, it was the Father's will that He endure the deepest depths of humiliation: rejection, persecution, suffering, and death. Through this ultimate "divine pedagogy," the Son not only conquered sin and death but also taught us how to follow Him - by transforming our humiliation into humility, our weakness into strength, and our suffering into sanctification. In this way, God's power is made perfect in our weakness (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9).
As the conversation with the woman unfolds, Jesus continues to appear distant, yet He knows she will not give up. Her faith and her love for her daughter drive her to persevere. She humbly persists through every trial, and in doing so, she wins grace - not only for herself and her daughter, but also for the disciples who witnessed the exchange and for all who read her story today.
Reflect today on the ways God may be inviting you to a deeper faith through silence, delay, or trial. Could He be calling you, like this woman, to heroic humility and steadfast trust? Embrace those moments of divine testing, for they are often the very means by which His greatest works of grace are accomplished - in you and through you.
Divine Teacher and Guide, You teach us through Your Word, Your actions, and even through Your silence. When You are silent in the midst of trials and tribulations, grant me the grace to persevere in faith, trusting that You will never abandon me. Help me to understand that every trial You permit is an invitation to deeper trust, so that Your grace and glory may be revealed in me, and through me, shine forth to others. Jesus, I trust in You. Source: mycatholic.life
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.
Knights
of Columbus
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. 
