Two years after the groundbreaking ceremony of St. Jude Catholic Church, the building project is complete.
The church will have a dedication Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. at the church’s location on 4700 Palmetto Road in Benton.
Bishop Michael G. Duca will officiate the Solemn Mass of Dedication, attended also by retired Bishop William B Friend now of South Florida. The Mass includes a ceremonial “blessing of the doors and walls,” as well as the Great Altar. This is a sacred and striking visual celebration in which St. Jude parishoners will join the Bishops and Priests from throughout the Diocese in prayer and song. The dedication happily coincides with St. Jude’s 50th anniversary as a parish.
Pastor of St. Jude Catholic Church Fr. Pike Thomas, said, “I view this project as having multiple benefits, for our own congregation, for the Catholic presence in Northwest Louisiana, and for spiritual life in general in Bossier Parish. We intend, with a presence on the major thoroughfare of our area, to be able to be much more present and involved in our surrounding community, and partner with our surrounding churches to bring a stronger Christian flavor to our community.”
The largest construction project in the history of the Shreveport Catholic Diocese includes a church accomodating 650 worshippers on a regular basis, expandable to 900 when needed, Pre-K school and Family Life Center.
A reception and light lunch will follow at noon.
