Together With Christ, For Our Future
Anonymous Contacts
Dear Parishioners,
Different people, parishioners and non-parishioners alike, choose to contact the Pastoral Center for a huge variety of reasons, from the most simple to the most complicated. I welcome any and all contacts because I believe the Church (and pastor) are here to serve any person with any need, at least as best I can. Obviously some requests are not resolved the way some individuals might hope; I am not capable of handling every single situation that comes my way. And likewise, I cannot do some things the way people would like. I won’t even trouble you with examples of what I mean.
However, often enough I receive “anonymous” contacts – that is, a letter, note, phone message, etc. – without any indication of who the sender might be. In such cases there is no way for me to respond directly to these persons. I would hope, without explanation, you can understand why. If someone does not want the pastor to know who he/she is, I respect that. However, that prevents any kind of response. Such individuals might choose to contact one of the Pastoral Council representatives for one of the three parishes and remain anonymous to the pastor through this form of contact.
I care about each parishioner, truly, each person, and I want to provide all that I can within reason and within my abilities. But, I will never be able to assist individuals who remain anonymous.
God bless,
Fr. Vincent
Thank you for your contribution to our iGiveCatholic Online Fund Raiser. As soon as we complete the tally, we'll let you know how we did. Again, THANK YOU!
- American Cemetery Consultants are in the parish selling mausoleum spaces for the construction of a new phase. The picture is on display along with the brochures at the entrance of the church.
- Fr. Vincent is planning a Biblical Pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece in July 2024. Anyone who would like information, please contact the Pastoral Center to be placed on Father’s “Potential Pilgrim” list.
- There is still time to join the cluster Children’s Choir. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 4pm in St. Joseph Catholic Church.
- This weekend, December 2/3, the second collection is for our Parish Building and Maintenance Fund.
- The last scheduled minister training session for all new and current Eucharistic Ministers and Sacristans is on Monday, December 4 at 6:30pm at Sacred Heart Church in Gramercy.
- The iGiveCatholic online fundraiser to raise supplemental funds to renovate the bathrooms and kitchen area in the Sacred Heart Center, the Rectory at St. Michael Church and refresh the irrigation system and landscaping at St. Joseph Church went well. Thank you for your generous support. Envelopes are still available in the pews and at the church main entrance for making a contribution.
- Friday, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Masses will be celebrated as follows: Vigil Mass on Thursday, December 7, at 6pm at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Gramercy; Friday, December 8 at 8am at St. Joseph Church with St. Peter Chanel School; and at 6pm at St. Michael Church in Convent. There will be no 8am St. Peter Chanel School Mass on Wednesday, December 6.
- Next weekend, December 9/10, the second collection is for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
- Sunday, December 17, is our cluster Blood Drive at St. Peter Chanel Cafeteria from 9am-1:30pm. Please consider donating blood to help us meet our goal to cover our cluster. Thank you.
St Michael
6476 Highway 44
Convent, LA
established 1831
St Joseph
2130 Rectory St (Hwy 44)
Paulina, LA
established 1900
Sacred Heart
615 Main St,
Gramercy, LA
established 1961
Weekend Schedule
Sunday
Confession 7:00 - 7:50 AM
Mass 8:00 AM
Weekend Schedule
Saturday
Confession 3:00 - 3:50 PM
Vigil Mass 4:00 PM
Sunday
Mass 10:00 AM
Weekend Schedule
Saturday
Mass 6:00 PM
Sunday
Confession 4:00 - 4:50 PM
Mass 5:00 PM
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Chapel
3250 Louisiana Avenue
Lutcher, LA
established 1927
Weekday Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 7:00 AM (Lutcher)
Wednesday 5:30 PM (Lutcher)
News & Events
Please see attached letter concering cemetery space availability.
The Sunday Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Church is now being live-streamed. Each weeks mass will be on the Facebook page until the next Sunday's mass is aired. The readings and Homily from each Sunday will be available on The Catholic Church of East Saint James YouTube channel.
Our live-streamed 10:00am Mass on FaceBook is offered for the spiritual enrichment and benefit of any and all viewers. However, it CANNOT fulfill the moral obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Because of their disability, the sick and infirmed are automatically dispensed from this obligation; this Mass is explicitly for their benefit. All others without a factual impediment are always under moral obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
We are in need of volunteers to help with the live-streaming. It is only for videoing at mass and is a simple process. Several volunteers will allow a schedule so that no one is asked too often. Please contact Gordon Jenkins or the Pastoral Center to volunteer or for more information.
The prayers and a prayer card are available. Choose the approriate link.
St. Joseph Cemetery Crucifix Restoration project is completed. The new cross and its base has been erected.
ST. MICHAEL GROTTO
We are happy to announce that we are able to reopen St. Michael’s Lourdes Grotto for more regular visits. Now open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Please remember to use the handicap ramp side door to enter and exit the church.
PERPETUAL ADORATION
Our Perpetual Adoration Chapel has reopened at Prompt Succor Chapel. If you or someone you know would be willing to sign up for an hour, please contact Jason Amato, Bobby Lear, or Seth Bourgeois.
LOOK FOR THE NEW MASS STIPENDS POLICY UNDER .../MINISTRIES/SPIRITUAL LIFE AND WORSHIP
Further Information about religious services to parishioners:
BAPTISMS
Please contact Mrs. Missy Laurent at the Pastoral Center
FUNERALS
Please contact your Funeral Home and the Pastoral Center to coordinate these services.
WEDDINGS
Please contact the Pastoral Center for details.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK / COMMUNION TO THE HOME-BOUND
Please contact the Pastoral Center for a priest to address these needs.
St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Stores in Lutcher is closed due to storm damage. No word has been made as to when it may reopen.
We will strive to operate our Food Pantry on our designated days taking into account the health and well-being of our volunteers and clients. We will continue to provide emergency services as need through the Catholic Church Pastoral Center at 225-869-5751 or St. Vincent DePaul at 225-869-1078 leaving a message.
Sacred Heart Church is in need of volunteers to clean the church. Anyone interested should contact the Pastoral Center, 225-869-5751.
Is your marriage going down the right road . . . or is it a little off track? Life can be difficult, and so can the challenges you face in marriage.
Does the distance between you seem wide? Are you already separated? Looking for a better way? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have done in their own marriages. Retrouvaille is Christian-based, and Catholic in origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths as well as non-religious couples. Retrouvaille can help get your relationship back on track. For more information about the upcoming local Retrouvaille Weekend program for couples, (September 15-17, 2023) contact: Randall and Robin Bellard @ 225-271-4092 or visit our website: HelpOurMarriage.org
Are you between the ages of 18-30 and have been longing for a deeper relationship with God, but don't know where to start or searching for friends with the same passion for Christ?? Join the River Road Catholics Young Adult Ministry for an opportunity to grow closer to God through prayer, worship, community, bible study, service, and friendship. Visit our Facebook for more information: River Road Catholics YAM.
For the Stewardship of Ministry page click here
You can now learn about and join the Knights of Columbus online at KofC.org/JoinUs
Formed
FORMED has gone through some changes and is getting rave reviews. Check out the new website and all it has to offer.
Please sign up for FORMED by clicking the icon and finding the parish of East St James
Then watch the feature video for this weeks reading. During the Homily you will hear how the Readings and the videos promote God's Plan.
THIS WEEKS SUGGESTED VIEWING
Also check out the recommended topics from past months. Sorry this feature is no longer updated.
Mailing Address
Our Mailing Address
Pastoral Center
PO Box 129
2130 Rectory Street
Paulina, LA 70763-0129
Office Hours
Our School
Click image
Events
Staff
- Fr. Vincent Dufresne, Pastor
- Deacon Alfred Adams, SM HS PSR DRE/Marriage Prep/Lay Ministry Coordinator
- Mrs. Paula Poche, St. Peter Chanel Principal
- Gordon Jenkins, Facilities Administrator/IT Assistant
- Mrs. Missy Laurent, HS DRE/Confirmation/Youth Ministry/Bapt. Prep./Lay Ministry Coordinator
- Mrs. Harriet Melancon, Bulletin Editor
- Ms. Carol Ann Rome, SM Elementary PSR DRE
- Mrs. Tammy Martin, SJ & SH Finance
- Ms. Allison Badeaux, SM Finance/Payroll/HR
- Ms. Donna Rochon, Receptionist/Lay Ministry Coordinator
- Mrs. Amanda Berthelot, Secretary/Census/Sacramental Records
- Mrs. Liz Petit, SH/SJ PSR Assistant DRE
