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 Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday
The Gospel reading for Divine Mercy Sunday highlights Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection, offering peace and forgiveness despite their fear and doubt. Thomas' encounter with the risen Christ illustrates that God meets us in our doubts and invites us to believe, showing that mercy is patient, personal, and transformative.
Divine Mercy Sunday invites us to trust in God's boundless mercy, seek forgiveness, and extend compassion to others. Celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, Divine Mercy emphasizes the infinite mercy of God revealed through the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and was instituted by Pope John Paul II in 2000 following the canonization of St. Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy. St. Faustina received revelations from Jesus urging the world to approach His mercy with trust and repentance, encapsulated in her famous prayer: "Jesus, I trust in You".
Divine Mercy is also described as the fruit of God's love, flowing abundantly to all who turn to Him in prayer and repentance. The feast reminds us that God's mercy is infinite, and the only limit is our willingness to trust and receive it. By embracing this mercy, we are empowered to share it with others, bringing joy, healing, and reconciliation into the world.
First Reading
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47
The first community of Christians grows as its members meet to pray and break bread.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118:2-4,13-15,22-24
God's love is everlasting.
Second Reading
1 Peter 1:3-9
We have new hope because of Jesus' Resurrection.
Gospel Reading
John 20:19-31
Thomas believes because he sees Jesus.
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."
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But he said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
John 20:19-31
A WORD FROM THE PASTOR
Open Your Heart To God's Mercy
On this beautiful feast of Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on one of the greatest gifts God offers us - His mercy. Yet mercy is not something imposed upon us. It is a gift freely given, but it must also be freely received.
To receive mercy, we must first ask for it. But asking is not enough. We must also be ready to accept it sincerely, with open hearts. Without this openness, mercy cannot transform us. It remains at the door, waiting.
History gives us a powerful example. In 1829, a man named George Wilson was sentenced to death for robbing the mail and killing a police officer. The President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, granted him a pardon - an act of mercy. Yet, astonishingly, Wilson refused to accept it. The court ruled that a pardon only takes effect if it is accepted. And so, despite mercy being offered, he lost his life.
This striking story reveals a profound truth: mercy, no matter how generously offered, has no effect unless it is accepted.
We find a similar lesson in the life of Voltaire. Near the end of his life, he desired more time to repent, but time ran out. Mercy stood at his door, yet it was not embraced.
These stories are not meant to judge but to awaken us.
God's mercy is infinitely greater than any human pardon. Through Jesus Christ, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, mercy is constantly offered to us. On this feast, that invitation becomes even more urgent and abundant.
But the question remains: Will we accept it?
Acceptance of mercy requires humility. It asks us to acknowledge our sins, turn away from them, and trust in God's love. It means allowing his mercy to change our hearts, our attitudes, and our lives.
If we refuse - through pride, fear, or delay - we risk remaining unchanged. Like George Wilson, we may reject the very gift that could save us. Like Voltaire, we may wait too long.
Perhaps some of us feel unworthy. Perhaps we carry regrets, sins, or wounds from the past. This day reminds us that nothing is stronger than God's love. No sin is greater than his mercy. So what holds us back?
Sometimes it is pride. Sometimes it is fear. Sometimes we say, "I will come back later." But the Lord is inviting us today - not tomorrow, but now. To accept his mercy means to trust him. It means allowing his love to heal us, forgive us, and begin something new within us.
Dear friends, do not leave mercy waiting at the door of your heart. Open that door. Let God's mercy enter. Let it forgive you, renew you, and fill you with peace.
For when mercy is truly received, it does not only forgive - it transforms everything.
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. The message is simple but powerful: we experience God's mercy best-not alone-but in community.
Think about it. Easter didn't just give us the risen Jesus-it gave us the Church. It created a community of believers. And being part of that community means more than just showing up; it means belonging to a group that helps us become who God created us to be.
In the Gospel, the risen Jesus appears to the disciples and says, "Peace be with you." Imagine their fear, their confusion-and then Jesus comes with peace. Not judgment. Not anger. Peace. Because that's exactly what they needed.
And then he does something even more important. He gives them a mission: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." In other words, "My mission is now your mission."
But Jesus doesn't leave them on their own. He breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven." This is powerful. It's like a new creation moment-just as God breathed life into Adam, Jesus breathes new life into his disciples.
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.
Bible Quiz # 55 The Book of Ruth (Chapters 1 - 4) ANSWERS
Who was Ruth's mother-in-law? - Naomi
Why did Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their sons go from Bethlehem to Moab? - Because of a famine in the land.
Ruth was originally from which country? - B. Moab
True or False: Naomi's husband and her two sons after their marriage died in Moab. - True
In what town did Naomi and Ruth return to when they left Moab? - Bethlehem
True or False: Ruth was the widow of Naomi's son Mahlon. - True
What famous statement did Ruth say to Naomi? - "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay" (1:16).
What was Ruth doing in the fields when Boaz noticed her? - B. Gleaning leftover grain
True or False: Boaz was a close relative of Naomi's family. - True
What did Naomi tell Ruth to do at the threshing floor? - Lie down at Boaz's feet.
Yes or No: There was another relative who had the right to redeem Naomi's land before Boaz. - Yes
What object was used to confirm the agreement when the closer relative gave up his right? - C. Sandal
What was the name of the son born to Ruth and Boaz? - Obed
True or False: Obed became the grandfather of King David. - True
What was Boaz called because he had the right to marry Ruth and restore the family line? - B. Redeemer (Kinsman Redeemer)
Thank you to the following for participating:
Sammy & Cindy Viola, Rachel Torres, Kenny Zimmer, Brenda Nelson, Geneva Alcina, Christina Wallace, David Stansbury, Judy & Roland Brannon, Michelle Tholen, Susan Legendre, Alberta LeBlanc, Kathleen Louviere, Debbie Hannegan, Julia Hepler, Mary Jo Beadle, Lois Bosworth, Landry Family.
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
The Inexhaustible Depths of Divine Mercy Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31
Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through that belief you will inherit eternal life? Belief begins with an intellectual assent but must continuously deepen. The belief Saint John speaks of in today's Gospel is one that draws us deeper into the mystery of Christ's Paschal Mystery-His Life, Death, and Resurrection-so as to receive the gift of His abundant and transforming Mercy.
Today is the eighth day of Easter. The Church, in Her wisdom, celebrates the most important days of the liturgical year for eight days. Historically, there were a number of feasts celebrated with octaves: Easter, Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Ascension, All Saints, and in some locales, the Sacred Heart and various Marian feasts. After Vatican II, the Church focused on two-Christmas and Easter-so as to give greater emphasis to the core of the Paschal Mystery.
In the year 2000, the Octave of Easter took on a new focus when Pope John Paul II instituted the Solemnity of Divine Mercy on the eighth day of Easter. This was done in response to Jesus' personal request, communicated to the Church through a humble cloistered Polish nun. Canonized in 2000, she is known as Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.
Between 1931 and 1938, Sister Faustina received numerous mystical visions that she recorded in six notebooks, now referred to collectively as Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. Almost two years before her death, Sister Faustina recorded the following entry in her diary:
On one occasion, I heard these words: "My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flows are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy" (Diary #699).
When we reflect on this beautiful private revelation in the light of today's Gospel, we are invited to consider that even though the Gospels present us with all we need to know in order to come to faith in Christ and share in the new life He bestows, the treasure of His Divine Mercy is inexhaustible. Just as "Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book," so also the depths of His ongoing work, His Divine Mercy, will only be seen in Heaven.
Divine Mercy Sunday is a day on which we are to profess our belief in this Mercy. To do so, we must ponder these inexhaustible treasures, probe their depths with the aid of Saint Faustina's private revelations, and then allow our Lord to reveal them to us within the depths of our souls.
Reflect today on the infinite and inexhaustible treasures found in the Person of Christ and His Divine Mercy. His Mercy draws us into countless unrecorded and glorious graces that we are called to receive and rejoice in. Believe in His Mercy. Be open to it. Call upon it today, and receive it more abundantly.
Most Merciful Jesus, Your mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, I pray that You will pour out Your Mercy upon me and on the whole world. Fill us with the grace You won through Your Paschal Mystery so that all people will come to believe in You as their Lord and God. 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. 
