Maria Immacolata Catholic Church sits on Corporate Drive in Houma, Louisiana, where it serves as a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Under the patronage of Mary, Mother of Jesus, the parish gathers around three Sunday Masses, a Saturday Vigil, and weekday noon Masses, while a wide network of ministries extends its care to the homebound, the hungry, and the next generation of Catholics in Terrebonne Parish.
Mission: "Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly"
The parish mission statement reads: "Maria Immacolata is a Catholic community, under the patronage of Mary, Mother of Jesus, celebrating with vibrant liturgy our ongoing calling to conversion and growth as we reach out 'to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God.'" Framed by a verse from Micah 6:8, that call shapes every corner of parish life, from weekend Mass to food drives, from sacramental preparation for second graders to visits to nursing homes across Houma.
Mass Times: Saturday Vigil, Three Sundays, Daily at Noon
The weekend schedule opens with the Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:30 pm. Sunday Masses follow at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and 5:30 pm. Each weekday brings a Communion service on Monday at 12:10 pm and Mass from Tuesday through Friday at 12:10 pm, all open to anyone who can step away for the midday hour.
Reconciliation is heard Saturday from 4:00 to 4:20 pm, just before the Vigil, and on Sunday from 8:00 to 8:20 am, 10:00 to 10:20 am, and 5:00 to 5:20 pm. Confessions can also be arranged by appointment with a priest.
Reconciliation, Adoration, and the Weekday Rhythm
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament anchors the middle of the week. On Wednesday evenings from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, the whole community is invited into a quiet hour of prayer that often includes the sacrament of Reconciliation, with Fr. Joey available for confessions on most Wednesday nights. Thursday mornings expand the devotion, with exposition of the Eucharist at 8 am continuing until just before the noon Mass begins.
Two weekly Bible studies grow out of the daily Mass rhythm. On Wednesday mornings, the Men's Bible Study gathers at 6:30 am, right after the 6:00 am Mass, with Fr. Joey leading the discussion. On Thursday mornings from 11:00 am to noon, the Women's Bible Study meets before the daily Mass, also with Fr. Joey as host. Both groups are open to newcomers.
The Seven Sacraments at Maria Immacolata
Like every Catholic parish, Maria Immacolata celebrates the seven sacraments as "signs and instruments of God's grace." Baptisms are held on the first Saturday of each month at 5:30 pm, right after the Vigil, and on the fourth Sunday at 11:30 am, right after the 10:30 Mass. Parents and godparents attend a required preparation class on the second Tuesday of each month, and children seven and older must complete religious education classes before being baptized.
Confirmation is celebrated at the parish level for eleventh grade students who have completed two years of formation through the Upper CCD program, while baptized adults who have not yet been confirmed are welcomed through OCIA.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion, the Eucharist, is the third of the Sacraments of Initiation. Catholics are urged to receive frequently, even daily if possible, while children in second grade receive First Eucharist as part of their CCD preparation.
Reconciliation, or Confession, is offered before every weekend Mass, and appointment-only confessions are available any time a priest is available.
Holy Matrimony requires at least six months of preparation, with Pre-Cana instruction required for engaged couples. Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick round out the parish's sacramental life, and requests for any of the seven can be made through the parish office.
CCD: Forming the Next Generation of Catholics
Children who attend local public schools receive their faith formation through the parish's Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, or CCD, split into Lower CCD for grades one through five and Upper CCD for grades six through eleven.
Lower CCD meets Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the Community Gathering Center next to the church. In second grade, students are prepared to receive First Penance and First Eucharist.
Upper CCD meets Sunday afternoons from 3:30 to 6:30 pm in the Community Gathering Center and ends with the parish's 5:30 pm Youth Mass in the main sanctuary. The two year Confirmation program culminates in the eleventh grade, when students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the parish level.
Children's Church gathers children age three through First Communion during weekend Masses. Volunteers lead the children out of the sanctuary before the Liturgy of the Word and bring them back after the homily, with weekly handouts available for kindergarten through third grade tied to the lectionary.
OCIA: The Road to Full Communion
For adults exploring the Catholic faith, Maria Immacolata welcomes participants into the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, or OCIA. Inquiry sessions begin in late October. The four stages of OCIA, including Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification and Enlightenment, and Mystagogy, are offered in an informal setting, with Tuesday night meetings for those still asking initial questions and Sunday morning dismissal after the homily for catechumens preparing for the Easter Vigil.
The parish welcomes unbaptized adults, baptized Christians from other traditions, and baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Eucharist or Confirmation. Sponsors accompany each candidate through the process, and the OCIA team supports the journey of discernment, prayer, and study until the Easter Vigil sacraments of initiation.
Reaching Out: Food, Visits, and Disaster Response
Outreach ministries extend the parish's mission beyond its walls. The Good Samaritan Food Bank collects non-perishable items from parishioners for distribution to the needy throughout the civil parish. The Good Samaritan Volunteers, divided into four rotating groups, prepare a dish for families grieving the loss of a loved one.
The Homebound Ministry sends trained volunteers into the homes and nursing homes of parishioners who cannot come to Mass. Ministers bring the Eucharist to those who are ill, recovering, or simply unable to leave home, with visits scheduled according to individual need.
Nursing Home and Assisted Living Ministry offers spiritual support at the Homestead, Bayou Towers, Maison Deville, and Terrebonne Place.
Matthew 25 volunteers respond to disasters following hurricanes and other storms by providing food, cleanup, repair of dwellings, and laundry services to victims.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society ministers to the indigent and temporarily needy through its thrift store in Houma, accepting and distributing clothing, furniture, and sundries at minimal cost.
Knights of Columbus Council 13819
Knights of Columbus Council 13819 meets at the parish Community Center on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm. Open to practicing Catholic men aged eighteen and over, the council supports the parish and the diocese through charitable works and faith formation. Current officers include Grand Knight James Thibodaux, Chaplain Rev. Joseph Pilola, Deputy Grand Knight Clinton DeHart, Chancellor Allen Wiltz Jr., Financial Secretary Wayne Bonvillain, Treasurer Lynn Foret, and a slate of trustees, wardens, and advocates.
Liturgical Ministries: Servers, Lectors, Ushers, and More
A wide circle of liturgical ministries undergirds every Mass. Altar servers in grades four through twelve and adults assist the priest at God's altar; senior servers lead the younger ones. Boys and girls who have received First Communion are eligible, and training is provided.
Lectors proclaim the Word of God at the ambo, with preparation expected before each Mass. Auditions for the lector coordinator and a lector workshop are part of the training path.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are commissioned by the Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux to assist with the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass. Coordinators organize the ministry for each weekend Mass, including Gayle Prince at the 4:30 pm Saturday Vigil and Julie Borne, Margaret Kohman, and Dan and Georgiana Walker at the 8:30 am Sunday Mass.
Ushers serve as the first point of contact for parishioners and visitors, greeting people with a warm hello, helping with seating, attending to the elderly, holding the collection, and quietly handling the dozens of behind the scenes tasks that keep each liturgy running smoothly. They collect offerings, cue gift bearers, distribute bulletins, and stay alert to any needs that arise during the celebration.
Commentators introduce Mass themes, offer the Prayers of the Faithful, and make announcements. Mass Coordinators prepare the altar and gifts, count attendance, and confirm that all assigned ministers are present.
Music ministry includes song leaders, instrumentalists, choir, and band members. The Adult Choir leads music at the 4:30 pm Saturday Vigil, 8:30 am Sunday Mass, and 10:30 am Sunday Mass. The Youth Choir leads the 5:30 pm Sunday Youth Mass, and a children's choir performs during certain seasons.
Music, the Environment, and the Beauty of the Church
Music ministry is led by Music Director Blake Guidry, with the Adult Choir, Youth Choir, and a children's choir serving different liturgies throughout the year.
The Environment Committee turns the sanctuary into a visual expression of the liturgical seasons. Using flowers, plants, and other natural materials, the committee adorns the church and chapel from Ordinary Time through the heavy lifting of Advent and Easter. Volunteers help with set up, plant care, and maintenance of the flower garden behind the church.
Small Faith Groups and the Spiritual Life of the Parish
The parish's Faith Deepening Ministries include several smaller gatherings. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament draws the community into the quiet hours on Thursday mornings. The Legion of Mary promotes devotion to the Blessed Mother through prayer and service to the sick, poor, and needy. Small Faith Groups include the Rosary Sisters, who meet at the church on Wednesday afternoons at 2:00 pm, and those who gather for the rosary before the 8:30 am Sunday Mass.
Baptismal Preparation helps parents and godparents understand the sacrament and the role of godparents. Marriage Preparation pairs volunteer couples with engaged pairs to share the graces of Holy Matrimony. St. Joseph Altar preparations bring the parish together each March 19 to bake Sicilian foods and decorate the altar in honor of the patron.
The Bakers and Community Affairs ministries keep fellowship rolling, with confections for Youth Group bake sales, food for special events throughout the year, and trays for the annual Bishop visit and Back to School Weekend.
A Pastor Shaped by the Bayou Country
Pastor Rev. Joseph "Joey" Pilola, born on December 3, 1958, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, is the seventh of nine children of Command Sergeant Major Felicisimo and Luz Soriano Pilola. After growing up between Alaska and Leesville, Louisiana, he joined the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese and was ordained to the priesthood in May 1987. Before Maria Immacolata, he served St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, parishes in Larose, Cut Off, Amelia, Thibodaux, Lockport, Dulac, Bayou Dularge, the campus ministry at Nicholls State University, the cathedral in Houma, and churches in Morgan City. He served as liaison for the deaf community through his American Sign Language skills, was Vocation Director for the Diocese for three years, and has been a spiritual director for seminarians at St. Joseph Seminary College for over twelve years.
"I am constantly amazed at the wonderful people God has blessed me with and I strive to love them as God Wills," Fr. Joey writes.
Two permanent deacons assist him. Deacon Chris Prestenback and his wife Katherine are active across many parish ministries and outreach efforts. Deacon Bill Dunckelman ministers as a permanent deacon and coordinates the Homebound Ministry.
Parish Staff and Governance
Tina Charpentier serves as Office Manager, with Aimee Toups as Administrative Assistant. Fern Tabor serves as Director of Religious Education, Michael Disalvo as Coordinator of Youth Formation, and Blake Guidry as Music Director. Doyle Prince is the Maintenance Technician and Katrina Doiron the janitor.
The Pastoral Council advises the pastor on parish initiatives, with eight to twelve members serving three year terms. Current officers are Ellen Dillard (President), Camille Boudreaux (Vice President), and Jan Yakupzack (Secretary), joined by members Kathleen Abboud, Cecile Allemand, Patrick Dunbar, Lynn Foret, Rafe Matherne, Barry McNamara, Gayle Prince, Dawn Prosperie, and Adeline Rodrigue.
The Finance Council examines the needs, resources, and budget of the parish and advises on the appropriate distribution of funds. Members include Chairperson Jay Walker, Blake Aucoin, Michelle Gauthreaux, Casey Liner, Tina Charpentier, and Gretchen Autin.
Visiting Maria Immacolata
The parish welcomes new faces warmly. The address is 246 Corporate Drive, Houma, Louisiana 70360. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and the phone line is staffed throughout office hours. Paved parking is ample, with handicap spaces on the front row closest to the church and between the church and the Community Center.
For attire, the parish asks only that visitors dress modestly and conservatively. In the summer, sandals, shorts, and a shirt are common, though the parish asks that shorts be of a conservative length. Others still prefer to put on their Sunday best; both are welcome.
Visitors who are not Catholic are invited to follow the lead of parishioners during postures and responses. Missalettes are available in each pew. Non-Catholics are asked not to receive Communion but may come forward with arms crossed for a blessing.
Hearing assistance is available. Visitors are not expected to give to the collection; online giving through WeShare is available for those who wish to enroll. Masses are livestreamed on Facebook at least once each weekend and weekday by weekday at 12:10 pm.
The parish also serves the wider Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, with the Outreach Line and Victim Assistance Coordinator offering support for people who have been hurt by Church personnel. The Catholic Bishop's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is honored through a Safe Environment certification process required of anyone working with children and teens.