Local Resources In Louisiana

Gatherings
	• Join our Network of Former Volunteers to connect with other formers to start your own gatherings!
Volunteer programs headquartered in Louisiana
	• One way to get connected with current and/or former volunteers in the area is to plan *intercommunity volunteer gatherings* such as prayer groups, game nights, meals/picnics, etc.
Parishes that current and former volunteers have recommended
	• Loyola University Ignatius Chapel, 6363 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504-865-3226. Contact Laura Gallien for more information. The chapel, not to be confused with the main church at Loyola, is where students, faculty and others from the community get together for Mass on Sunday morning and evening. It's a good place to connect with people in the community who are committed to service and social justice. • St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1210 Governor Nicholls St., New Orleans, 504-525-5934. This parish, located in the Treme District of New Orleans, is one of the oldest churches in the city and one of the oldest African-American parishes in the country. It is full of history, and graced by a dynamic pastor who preaches like he's leading a tent revival and a wonderful gospel choir. It is worth a visit, or two or three. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours for Mass, however.
Retreat opportunities/spirituality centers
	• Ave Maria Retreat House run by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Marrero has retreats throughout the year. Call 504-689-3837. • Jesuit Spirituality Center is located in Grand Coteau. Call 337-662-5251. • Lumen Christi Retreat Center is in Shriever. Call 504-868-1523. • In St. Benedict, LA the St. Joseph Abbey has retreats. Call 504-892-3473.
Social Justice organizations and events
	• Louisiana Pro-Life Council (Functions as the Archdiocesan Respect Life Office), P.O. Box 8807, Metairie, 834-5433. • Pax Christi New Orleans, P.O. Box 50304, New Orleans, 522-3751. • Priests for Life, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, 835-9343. • Maryknoll Affiliates, 7730 Walmsley Ave., New Orleans, 504-861-4455. Contact Matt Rousso or email mklnola@yahoo.com for more information. At monthly gatherings (suspended during summer), the Maryknoll Affiliates discuss important topics that focus on social justice and service, particularly in developing countries. Anyone is welcome to these meetings. The Maryknoll office also sponsors a quarterly book club, focusing on an Orbis Publishing selection with a spiritual focus.
Volunteer opportunities
	• Catholic Charities • Catholic Community Services has offices throughout the state: 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, 318-445-2401; 1900 S. Acadian Thruway, P.O. Box 4785, Baton Rouge, 225-336-8770; 1408 Carmel Ave. Lafayette, 337-261-5654; and 2333 E Broad St., Lake Charles, LA 337-339-7436. • The Diocese of Alexandria has volunteer opportunities online. If you are interested in posting a volunteer opportunity, please contact the St. Joseph's Catholic Center at (318) 445-2401 or e-mail them at: info@diocesealex.org. You can also write to them at: websiteVolunteer Opportunities P.O. Box 7417 Alexandria, LA 71306-0417.
Music, film, and other cultural events
	• Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, LA 504-895-8477. It's hard to say whether the Neville Brothers and Dr. John put this local institution on the map or whether it was the other way around. Regardless, the city's beloved music club is still packing fans in with medium-sized shows by established and emerging local and regional acts. • New Orleans also has the thrills and spills drenched in swinging Dixieland and the lore and ambience of Acadiana's bayous at the Jazzland Theme Park. 12301 Lake Forest Blvd. Call 253-8100 for more information. • If you have the chance, follow this group anywhere it goes... James Alsanders Jazz Project which has jazz drummer's regular jam session is a forum for modern musical expression. • If you are looking for a fun night out with your volunteer community, try dining out at the French Quarter. The French Quarter is the heart of the city, filled with sights, sounds and smells of New Orleans. Cuisine here runs the gamut--from po' boys to classic Creole--but it would take a lifetime to hit every restaurant. • Canal Place Cinemas (333 Canal Street, New Orleans, 504-581-5400) just off the French Quarter, is one of the only places in town where you can find alternative films and lesser seen mainstream films.
Diocesan resources
	• Diocese of Alexandria Most Reverend Sam G. Jacobs, P.O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306-0417 • Diocese of Baton Rouge Most Reverend Robert W. Muench, Catholic Life Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028. • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Most Reverend Michael Jarrell, P.O. Box 505, 2779 Highway 311 Schriever, LA 70395. • Diocese of Lafayette Most Reverend Edward J. O'Donnell, P.O. Box Drawer 3387, Lafayette, LA 70502. • Diocese of Lake Charles Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, 414 Iris Street, Lake Charles, LA 70602. • Archdiocese of New Orleans Most Reverend Francis B. Schulte, 7887 Walmsley Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Most Reverend Alfred C. Hughes, 7887 Walmsley Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125-3496. Most Reverend Dominic Carmon, SVD, P.O. Box 641000, Kenner, LA 70064-1000. • Diocese of Shreveport Most Reverend William B. Friend, 2500 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104.
Other valuable resources
	• Dr. Donald Emge, Director Office of Special Ministries, Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport, 318-868-4441 x265.

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