-
-
-
-
“…For I have called you by name: you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) And what are we called to do or to be? We are called quite profoundly to holiness and to sainthood. Holiness is not to be found anywhere else but right in front of us. Our families, children, neighbors, co-workers, schools, grocery stores, hospital rooms, military assignments, sporting events, social media channels—these are the people and places we are called to make holy and convert to Christ.
We have only to look to the three from our diocese who were recently proposed for canonization—the young Charlene Richard, the war hero Fr. Verbis Lafleur, and lay apostle Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue. These three Servants of God showed what a life of faithfulness and purpose can mean.
What does it mean to be called? It means that our Lord sees us, hears us, is with us. And He is asking us an important question that needs an answer: How will you deliberately live out His legacy with faithfulness and purpose?
The Bishop’s Services Appeal and all that it represents can and should be part of our answer. It is our mission ground as Catholics in the Diocese of Lafayette. Fifty years ago, Bishop Gerard Frey issued the first call to the faithful to grow our charitable and spiritual works through the BSA. There is no better time to answer our Lord’s calling than now. We do so by extending the faith passed down to us. By committing to being more than just good people. By actually Living a Legacy of Faithfulness and Purpose wherever we find ourselves.
-
-
-
Through acts both large and small, we bring positive change into our own lives and the lives of others. We have only to look to the examples of 12-year old Charlene Richard, the young Fr. Verbis Lafleur, and the humble “Nonco” Auguste Pelafigue. Holiness is not a lofty ideal. It is born of generous hearts. It is love lived to the full in service to others. We are all called to everyday sainthood. It is in the striving that we build and Live a Legacy of Faithfulness and Purpose. The ministries supported by the Bishop’s Services Appeal are part of how we answer God’s call.
-
-
-
Why the Bishop's Services Appeal
The annual appeal meets the needs of our Church here and now. It was established by Bishop Gerard Frey in
response to the call from Vatican II for lay people and clergy to engage in widespread apostolic service, an undertaking that would require greater financial resources. From family life to Catholic formation to crisis response and support for vocations, the BSA offers loving charity and practical assistance to those in our communities in need of God’s provision and care today. Through the generous support of people throughout the diocese, the BSA has been Supporting the Works of Christ by serving others and ministering to those in need since 1973. Together, 122 church parishes and 28 missions located across 8 civil parishes make this possible.
For 50 years, the BSA has been a backbone source of funding for sustaining and expanding vital direct service ministries. Today, contributions to the BSA support the following:
-
Donate today by scanning the QR Code below
or text DIOCESE to 50155.
Checks made payable to the Bishop's Services Appeal may be mailed to:Bishop's Services Appeal
Diocese of Lafayette
1408 Carmel Drive
Lafayette, LA 70501-5215
-
-
Donate Today
-
-
-
Contact Us
-
Director, Office of Stewardship and Development -
Laurie Suirelsuirediolaf.orgAssistant Director, Stewardship and Development -
Administrative Assistant, Stewardship & Development -
Gift Entry & Constituent Records Specialist, Stewardship & Development -
Gift Processing Clerk, Stewardship & Development
-
-
-
