A Parish in the Heart of Downtown Breaux Bridge
St. Bernard Catholic Church sits at 204 N. Main Street in the center of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, and has been a hallmark of Catholic faith and Cajun culture there since the parish was established in 1847. The first Catholic chapel in the area was built in 1841, and the first substantial church building followed in 1857. The present church, with its twin steeples and fine French Romanesque lines, was erected in 1934 under the administration of Rev. P.A. Borel. The exterior bricks, made at a local factory, are original to the building, and the structure is considered a unique historical landmark in the heart of the town.
In 2022, the parish marked its 175th anniversary with a campaign that funded extensive renovations to the historic church building as well as the purchase and renovation of a building across the street that has become the St. Joseph Oratory and Cafe. The feast day of the patron, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, is celebrated annually with a special Mass and parish gathering, and his words "Jesus alone is honey in the mouth, song to the ear, jubilation in the heart" are quoted as the parish motto.
St. Bernard is pastored by Fr. Garrett McIntyre, with Fr. Evan Hebert serving as Parochial Vicar. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Lafayette and is part of the broader Acadiana Catholic community. The church's motto, drawn from Matthew 28:19, "Go and preach the Gospel to all nations," sets the tone for everything the parish does, from its liturgy to its outreach.
Masses, Confessions, and a French Heritage
The parish offers an unusually rich schedule of Masses, reflecting both the size of its congregation and the cultural heritage of the region.
Weekend Masses begin with the Saturday anticipated Mass at 4:00 PM and continue on Sunday at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:00 PM.
Weekday Masses are celebrated Monday and Wednesday mornings at 6:30 AM, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:30 PM, Friday at noon, and Saturday at 8:00 AM.
Messe en Français, the French Mass, is celebrated on the second Saturday of every month at 8:00 AM, a fitting tribute to the heritage of St. Martin Parish and the surrounding Cajun Country.
Confessions are heard thirty minutes before every Mass, with additional scheduled times: Saturday at 3:00 PM and Sunday at 6:30, 8:30, 10:30, and 4:30 AM and PM. Weekday confessions follow the morning and evening Mass schedule (Monday and Wednesday at 6:00 AM; Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 PM; Friday at 11:30 AM; Saturday at 7:30 AM). Confessions may be made face-to-face or anonymously behind a screen, and an Examination of Conscience guide is available to help penitents prepare.
The Eucharist is described as "the source and summit of the Christian Life," with the Catechism of the Catholic Church quoted at length on the meaning of the sacrament. First Communion is generally received in the second grade through the Parish School of Religion.
The Works of Mercy Initiative
The Works of Mercy Initiative is the parish's flagship outreach effort, made possible through the 175th Anniversary Campaign and grown out of the parish's response to the Gospel call to extend God's mercy and compassion. Modeled on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and guided by the four principles of Catholic social teaching (human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity), the Initiative reaches beyond the church walls into the wider Breaux Bridge community.
Its areas of focus include:
- The St. Bernard/St. Francis Food Pantry, which provides essential food items and meals to families and individuals facing food insecurity.
- Affordable housing assistance and resource guidance for those seeking safe and stable homes.
- Healthcare support, helping community members find affordable medical services.
- Disaster relief through the mobilization of shelter, food, and support.
- Dignified burials for families facing financial hardship.
- Tuition assistance and subsidies for St. Bernard Catholic School, making Catholic education accessible to more families.
- Seminarian support through financial and prayerful assistance for young men discerning the priesthood.
- Homebound, elderly, and mental health ministries, ensuring that those who are isolated or struggling are accompanied.
- Faith formation opportunities for individuals of all ages.
A new 24-passenger St. Bernard Bus, acquired through the Initiative, supports youth camps and retreats, parish pilgrimages, community outreach, and transportation for those in need. The Initiative is funded by the second collection on the first weekend of each month, by donations through iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday, and by online giving.
Those seeking assistance may apply through the St. Bernard Assistance Application. Financial assistance is offered for utility bills (up to three times in twelve months), rent or mortgage payments (once per year), car or insurance payments (once per year), and groceries to supplement SNAP benefits. Home repair help is also available for issues that affect utility costs or safety, including floor and window repairs, ramps and steps, and appliance repairs. Payments are made directly to service providers rather than to individuals, and assistance is generally not available after the 15th of the month.
The St. Joseph Oratory and Cafe
Across the street from the church, the St. Joseph Oratory and Cafe serves as a space dedicated to the holistic development of youth, particularly those who are marginalized or at risk. The Oratory is modeled on the oratory tradition of St. John Bosco, built around four pillars:
- Church: faith-building experiences, devotion, prayer, sacraments, and spirituality.
- Home: a family-like atmosphere, meal sharing, virtuous living, and a sense of safety, love, and warmth.
- Education: life-skills, catechesis, lifelong learning, the pursuit of truth, and tutoring.
- Recreation: activities, joy in Christ, spiritual friendship, and sharing hobbies.
Two weekly programs anchor the Oratory's calendar. Oratory Nights invite children in 2nd through 8th grade on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 PM for an evening of community, prayer, catechesis, and life skills, with dinner provided. Volunteer catechists and parishioners share their faith, hobbies, and talents with the children each week. Cafe Connect, offered Tuesday through Thursday from 3:00 to 5:15 PM, gives middle and high school students a place to gather, complete homework, study, and receive tutoring.
The Oratory is also used for Bible studies, small groups, catechesis, games, social gatherings after Mass, and refreshments and coffee, serving as a true extension of the parish's life beyond the main church building.
Faith Formation from the Youngest Ages Through High School
St. Bernard offers a wide range of formation opportunities designed to accompany parishioners at every stage of life.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based religious education program for children ages 3 to 5. Held on Tuesday evenings during the school year from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, it introduces children to Gospel stories and the liturgy in a way that nurtures wonder, contemplation, and joyful discovery. Pre-K students at St. Bernard Catholic School attend CGS as part of their religion curriculum. Open enrollment is available to non-parishioners at $25 per child.
The Parish School of Religion (PSR) provides faith formation for children in 1st through 8th grade who attend non-Catholic schools. Classes are held on Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at St. Bernard School, with drop-off beginning at 8:45 AM and pickup at 10:30 AM. The PSR program also prepares 2nd graders for First Reconciliation and First Communion and 8th graders for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students attending Catholic school join the Confirmation preparation track in the spring of 8th grade. Kelli Leblanc directs the 1st through 5th grade program, and Kaitlin Davis coordinates the 6th through 8th grade program.
VIA is the high school youth ministry for 9th through 12th graders, with the name drawn from the Latin word for "the way" and from Jesus' words in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." VIA gathers every other Sunday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the St. Joseph Oratory and Cafe for Life Nights centered on community, prayer, service, and Scripture. Each summer, high school students are invited to attend a Life Teen summer camp, with past trips to Georgia, Texas, and Kansas City.
Small Groups bring parishioners together for faith-filled discussions in homes and across the parish. Fall offerings have included studies on the Marian virtues, Confirmation as the sacrament of evangelization, and Priestly Fatherhood. Jolie Aucoin coordinates the initiative.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) welcomes adults who wish to explore the Catholic faith, prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), or deepen their understanding of Church teaching. Sessions meet weekly for prayer, discussion, and study.
Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) serves children who have not yet received the sacraments at the usual age.
Adult Confirmation classes prepare baptized Catholics who have not yet received Confirmation, with the sacrament offered twice a year.
Theology on the Bayou is a summer speaker series held at Bayou Teche Brewery in Arnaudville, sponsored jointly with Arnaudville Catholic. Friday evenings feature Catholic theology talks, cold beer, and fellowship in a relaxed setting; the 2026 series focuses on Theology and Psychology.
Come, Lord Jesus! is a spiritual formation program of prayer, Scripture study, and weekly small-group meetings designed to form passionate disciples.
That Man Is You! is a men's ministry that gathers Catholic men for engaging discussion, fellowship, and reflective prayer, encouraging them to embrace their faith, develop leadership, and forge genuine relationships.
St. Bernard Catholic School
St. Bernard Catholic School (SBS), located at 251 East Bridge Street, educates students from Pre-K through 8th Grade in a Christ-centered environment. The school is described as "a cornerstone of our parish community," committed to challenging each student to maximize his or her individual gifts while promoting self-esteem and embracing the calling to be Christ-like.
The mission of SBS centers on academic excellence through a progressive curriculum and the use of ever-changing technology, with the goal of allowing students of every learning style to succeed. The school works to build an active faith community and is dedicated to the service of others. Pre-K students attend Catechesis of the Good Shepherd weekly as part of their religion curriculum. Tuition assistance is available through the Works of Mercy Initiative, helping make a Catholic education accessible to more families.
The school's slogan is "Once a Crusader, Always a Crusader." Admissions inquiries can be directed to Claire Broussard at ccbroussard@sbscrusaders.com or (337) 332-5350.
Liturgical Ministries
The Liturgical Ministries support the beauty and order of the parish's worship. Opportunities include:
- Church Decorating, which transforms the sacred space for liturgical seasons and feasts.
- The Adult Choir and Young Adult Choir, which lift hearts in worship through a repertoire of traditional hymns and more contemporary sacred music.
- Lectors, who proclaim the Word of God at Mass.
- Ushers, who welcome parishioners, distribute service materials, and assist with the orderly flow of liturgies.
- The Christ the King Eucharistic Procession Committee, which organizes an annual procession celebrating Christ the King.
- Altar Servers, composed mainly of young people, who assist the priest at the altar with reverence and precision.
- Fête Dieu du Teche, an annual Eucharistic procession and celebration organized by the Community of Jesus Crucified, weaving Catholic tradition with Cajun culture through a reverent procession of boats on the Bayou Teche.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, who assist with the distribution of Communion.
- The Altar Society, which financially supports the liturgy, sanctuary, and interior of the church, providing altar cloths, vestments, hosts, candles, incense, and vesture for servers.
- Martha's Guild, a subset of the Altar Society that maintains sacred vessels and liturgical linens.
- Funerals ministry, offering compassionate support to families during times of loss.
- Sacristans, who care for liturgical items and sacred spaces.
- The Devotional Calendar Committee, which plans and coordinates the liturgical and devotional life of the parish throughout the year.
Outreach Beyond the Parish Walls
In addition to the Works of Mercy Initiative, the parish maintains several outreach ministries. The Homebound Ministry brings Holy Communion and spiritual encouragement to parishioners who cannot attend Mass. The Annulments Ministry offers guidance through the Church's process of marriage annulment. Witness to Love is a marriage preparation and renewal ministry that integrates modern psychology with Catholic virtues, equipping engaged and married couples, mentor couples, and parish leaders to deepen their relationships in Christ. All couples preparing for marriage at St. Bernard undergo preparation through Witness to Love.
Red Bird Ministries provides Catholic, pro-life, and pro-family grief support to bereaved families who have experienced child loss at any age and circumstance, including pregnancy loss through miscarriage and stillbirth. While rooted in Catholic teaching, the ministry serves anyone who has lost a child. Cursillo and Ultreya are transformative retreat ministries that foster spiritual renewal and equip participants to be active ambassadors of faith in their daily lives.
The parish also celebrates St. Joseph's Altar and Celebration on March 19 each year. The tradition, rooted in Sicily, sees families create three-tiered altars symbolizing the Holy Trinity with a statue of St. Joseph, breads, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, meatless dishes, Italian cookies, candles, flowers, and holy cards. The Tupa Tupa ritual re-enacts the Holy Family's search for shelter, reminding participants of faith, hospitality, and charity.
The Perpetual Adoration Chapel
St. Bernard is blessed with a Perpetual Adoration Chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for prayer twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Parishioners commit to spending one holy hour each week before the Eucharist. The chapel is divided into shifts: midnight to 5 AM, 5 AM to 6 AM, 6 AM to 11 AM, 11 AM to noon, noon to 5 PM, 5 PM to 6 PM, and 6 PM to 11 PM, each overseen by a chapel captain. Substitute adorers are always welcome, particularly for vacant hours.
Parish Life and Community Gatherings
The Parish Life ministries cultivate the everyday fabric of life at St. Bernard. Catholic Daughters of America is a community of devoted women strengthening Catholic identity through prayer, charitable works, and advocacy. The Knights of Columbus offer fraternal fellowship and charitable service. The Senior Luncheon provides a regular gathering for parishioners ages 55 and older to share a meal and enjoy fellowship.
The Open St. Joseph Cafe on Sundays offers coffee and conversation after Mass, with hospitality teams also serving the Easter Vigil, the St. Bernard Feast Day, and other parish celebrations. The Parish Grounds Upkeep ministry tends the church property, while the Calendar Committee (described under Liturgical Ministries) coordinates feast days and prayer services throughout the year.
Tunes on the Teche, held at Parc des Pont on the Bayou Teche in Breaux Bridge, is a family-friendly community concert series hosted by the parish. Featuring free live music, dancing, and food from Acadiana's favorite local bands, the series unites parishioners and neighbors through the joy of Cajun music and culture. A spring and fall Tunes is held in conjunction with a community cookoff, with profits supporting future parish events in Breaux Bridge.
The Seven Sacraments
All seven sacraments are celebrated at St. Bernard. Baptism is typically scheduled on the second weekend of the month following the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass, after parents and godparents complete a baptismal seminar and the appropriate paperwork. First Communion is generally received in 2nd grade, with First Reconciliation preceding it. Confirmation is celebrated in 8th grade for teens and twice a year for adults. Holy Orders and consecrated life are supported through prayer and the Lafayette Vocations office; the parish notes that "many who pursue a vocation to the priesthood or religious life were once altar servers." Anointing of the Sick is available upon request by calling the parish office, with an emergency line for after-hours needs. Marriage preparation requires at least six months of formation, typically through Witness to Love, and the parish also offers sacramental preparation for couples seeking to validate or bless a civil union. Funerals are coordinated through the parish office, where the Funerals ministry walks alongside families during their time of loss.
Becoming a Parishioner and Staying Connected
Those new to the parish, whether long-time residents of Acadiana or recent arrivals, are warmly invited to register as parishioners and join the life of the parish. Online registration is available through the parish's OSV Hub portal, and the Flocknote platform allows parishioners to receive the weekly e-newsletter and ministry-specific updates via text or email.
The parish office is located at 219 E. Bridge Street and is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with summer hours of 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday. The cemetery office shares the same hours. Sunday bulletins, the parish calendar, Mass intention forms, and online giving are all available through the parish's online resources, and the parish is blessed with a presence on Facebook and Instagram where events and announcements are shared.