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 Pentecost
The Season of Easter concludes with today's celebration, the Feast of Pentecost. In the first reading from Acts; the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples as a violent wind and tongues of fire. They are miraculously empowered to speak in different languages, allowing the gathered international crowds to hear the "mighty acts of God" in their native tongues. This event marks the beginning of the Church.
In the Gospel from John; the Risen Jesus appears to his fearful disciples locked in the upper room. He offers them peace, breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, and gives them the authority to forgive sins.
First Reading
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles gathered in Jerusalem.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34
God's Spirit renews the earth.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gospel Reading
John 20:19-23
Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, "Peace be with you."
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
"Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained."
John 20:19-23
A husband messes up-big time. He apologizes, his wife forgives him, and peace returns... for a while. But every now and then, she brings it up again. Finally, he says, "I thought we agreed to forgive and forget?" And she replies, "We did-I just don't want you to forget that I forgave you!"
It's funny... but it hits close to home, doesn't it? Because forgiveness is hard. Real forgiveness-where we truly let go-is even harder. And that's exactly where Pentecost meets us.
Peace That Actually Lasts
Pentecost isn't just about wind and fire. It's about something deeper: peace that comes from forgiveness. Not the kind of peace that avoids problems. Not the kind that pretends nothing happened. But the kind that heals.
The risen Jesus appears to his disciples and says, "Peace be with you." Think about that. These are the same disciples who ran away, who denied him, who locked themselves in fear.
And what does Jesus bring them? Not blame. Not anger. Peace.
That's the kind of peace the Holy Spirit brings into our lives too.
Please go to thaisprings.info to read the entire sermon.
✞
From Locked Doors to Open Hearts
✞
The Church Is Born-and Keeps Being Born
✞
Two Powerful Gifts
✞
A World That Needs Healing
✞
Your Mission Starts Now
✞
Keep the Fire Burning
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Thank You "Little Flock"
My Dear Parishioners - Little Flock,
While I was at St. Peter's Church in Carencro on May 29, 2019, Bishop Deshotel called me to inform me that he was appointing me Pastor of St. Bernadette Church in Bayou Vista. Since I was not even sure where Bayou Vista was located within the Diocese, I asked him where it was. He explained that it was in the southern region, near Morgan City. Surprised by the distance, I asked, "Why are you sending me so far away?" With a smile in his voice, he replied, "You will like the place because you have a nice rectory there!"
Indeed, for the past seven years-less than a month-I have enjoyed a comfortable and peaceful life in this beautiful rectory. I must especially thank Fr. Rogalla, who did an excellent job maintaining and improving the rectory.
I lovingly call you my "Little Flock" because, though small in number, you have witnessed your faith in a truly marvelous way.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, some parishioners stopped coming to church, while others moved to different parishes. Honestly, that period tested my pastoral spirit deeply. We upgraded the speakers and microphones, and I even began distributing printed copies of my sermons. Yet attendance at our three Sunday Masses never rose beyond 220 people, whereas it had been over 300 when I first arrived.
Still, you remained faithful to St. Bernadette Church. Thank you, my Little Flock.
You generously shared from your fixed incomes to support many important projects: repairing the roofs of the church and hall, replacing the church flooring, improving the air-conditioning units, renovating adoration chapel, and meeting many other needs. Over time, many of you encouraged me by saying, "Father, the people who are here week after week-the ones who love you and support this church-are the ones who truly matter. Be assured that they care about you, want you to be happy here, and appreciate all that you do. Please do not worry about those who are no longer here."
Eventually, I realized how true those words were. Thank you, my Little Flock.
As time passed, some of you became very close to me. You asked about my family and my life, and I too became deeply attached to many of you, especially some of our senior parishioners. It was very difficult for me to celebrate their funerals. I truly felt as though I was burying members of my own family.
That is the beauty of the Catholic Church: wherever a priest serves, the parish community becomes his own people. Thank you, my Little Flock, for this precious emotional bond that I have cherished so deeply.
Out of pastoral zeal, whenever I noticed someone who had stopped coming to church, I would reach out and ask why. Later, I understood that some may have felt I was interfering in their personal worship life. I would like to apologize if I offended anyone in this regard.
Throughout my 41 years of priestly ministry, my mission has always been to encourage active participation in the Church. I have reached out to those who had drifted away from the faith. I have helped couples regularize their marriages in the Church. I have guided people back to Holy Communion. Above all, I have worked to bring souls closer to Christ.
In fact, my doctoral dissertation was on the theme of a "Participatory Church." To the many of you who cooperated with me in this mission, I offer my heartfelt thanks.
Faith formation is a lifelong journey. During these years, we conducted 55 Bible quizzes, published many faith-centered articles in the bulletin, and occasionally organized classes and spiritual programs. Thank you, my Little Flock, for your support and participation in these efforts.
Thank you also for your many kind compliments regarding my writings, sermons, availability to listen, and visits to the sick in hospitals and to the homebound. I will carry with me all these beautiful memories-both the ones expressed in words and the countless others too deep to put into writing. You shall always remain in my heart.
I would also like to thank all those who, directly or indirectly, supported and assisted in the smooth administration of the parish, the celebration of the Church liturgy, and the many programs and activities we were able to carry out together. Your generosity, dedication, and willingness to serve have been a great blessing to our parish community.
Let us continue to remember one another in prayer and lift each other up before the Lord.
You are always welcome to stay in touch with me through email at thainese1958@gmail.com or through WhatsApp at my India number:
+91 90959 26002.
"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
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!
To Christ through Mary,
Reverend Connor Poirrier
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.
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
The Wind and Fire of Pentecost Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
John 20:21-23
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, which took place fifty days after Jesus rose from the dead. Today's Gospel recounts Jesus' first appearance to the Apostles as a group-Thomas being absent-on the evening of the Resurrection. During this appearance, Jesus conferred on them the authority to forgive sins, a power foundational to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This gift anticipates the fuller outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, when the Apostles were empowered to carry out their mission with boldness and divine strength.
By breathing on the Apostles, Jesus recalls the creation account in Genesis, when God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7). Now Christ, the New Adam, breathes new life-the divine life of grace-into His Apostles. While this breathing conveys the Holy Spirit in an anticipatory manner, Pentecost represents the full bestowal of the Spirit upon the Church, sanctifying and empowering the Apostles and all disciples.
Our knowledge of Pentecost comes to us from the Acts of the Apostles, Luke's continuation of his Gospel in which he details the beginning of the Church: "And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them" (Acts 2:2-3).
The "strong driving wind" that "filled the entire house" symbolizes the ongoing, life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. Like the wind, the Spirit is unseen yet powerful, moving where He wills and producing visible effects in the lives of believers. Though we understand the natural causes of wind today, its mystery and uncontrollable nature remain, reflecting the Holy Spirit's divine origin and unstoppable work in the world. He comes from God's hidden presence, unseen but active, bringing about a new creation in the Church and in every soul He touches.
The "tongues as of fire" signify the Spirit's purifying and transforming action, burning away sin and igniting hearts with zeal for God's mission. Together, these signs reveal the Spirit as the powerful, life-giving, and sanctifying presence of God, animating the Church and guiding her to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Before Pentecost, the disciples hid in the Upper Room, fearful and uncertain. Though Jesus had taught them, performed miracles, and revealed His perfect love, their hearts were not yet fully transformed. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came as a divine fire, emboldening them to become fearless witnesses.
When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the same gift bestowed upon the disciples at Pentecost. We might not feel a strong driving wind or see tongues of fire descend from Heaven, but the reality is the same. The signs at Pentecost were not only for the disciples, they were also for us, revealing the Holy Spirit's workings and power in our lives.
Reflect today on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced the Spirit's presence in your life? Like the first disciples, have you allowed the Holy Spirit to fill you with power from on high, emboldening you, purifying you, and setting you on fire with zeal to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to you? The Holy Spirit will transform us-if we let Him-setting our feet on the path to eternal glory.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 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.
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. 
