Meeting Pope Leo

As a member of the Catholic Charities USA Board of Directors, I had the opportunity to travel to Rome this spring for a private audience with our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. It was my first time traveling to the Vatican, to Rome, or even to Italy. In his address, the Holy Father shared a message of hope and encouragement for the work of Catholic Charities across the United States, as we continue the essential tradition of our faith: caring for the poor. He reminded us that "love for our neighbor is tangible proof of the authenticity of our love for God" (Dilexi Te, 26).

BlogKim BoudreauxJuly 16, 2026Pope, Vatican, Rome, Charity, ServiceComment

Press Release: FoodNet’s Summer “Grab One Extra” Food Drive Encourages Shoppers to Help Feed Acadiana Families

While hunger affects families year-round, summer often presents unique challenges for households already struggling to make ends meet. When school is out of session, many children lose access to free and reduced-price meal programs, placing additional strain on family budgets and increasing demand at local food pantries. Across Acadiana, FoodNet's network of partner agencies regularly experiences a rise in requests for assistance during the summer months as families work to stretch limited resources.

FoodNet, Food Drive, Grab One Extra, BlogBen BroussardJune 22, 2026food drive, hunger, community, acadiana, donations, food bank, summerComment

Press Release: Catholic Charities of Acadiana Launches Summer Volunteer Drive to Serve Neighbors in Crisis

Each summer, many regular volunteers experience changes in schedules and routines due to vacations, travel, and school breaks. To help continue meeting the growing needs of the community, Catholic Charities of Acadiana is launching a summer volunteer initiative to welcome new volunteers into four key ministry areas:

Ben BroussardMay 11, 2026Comment

Press Release: Catholic Charities of Acadiana Launches Give Drink to the Thirsty Bottled Water Drive

“These critical water donations put us in a position to say yes to our neighbors who stand to suffer in the heat, made worse by housing instability and an experience of homelessness,” said Ben Broussard, Chief of External Affairs at Catholic Charities of Acadiana. “In a very real way, this is an opportunity to live out the corporal works of mercy, giving drink to the thirsty and caring for those most vulnerable among us.”

Ben BroussardApril 27, 2026Comment

Mrs. Betty: CCUSA 2026 Volunteer of the Year Finalist

When I think of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s quote ‘Do small things with great love,’ I think of Mrs. Betty. Mrs. Betty, 84 years old, stands 4’ 11” tall. Small Mrs. Betty does small things and she does them with great love! She cares deeply for the common good, and extends that care to those who eat in the St. Joseph Diner, each staff member she serves alongside, and each volunteer she welcomes.

St. Joseph Diner, VolunteeringSarah MarrApril 24, 2026Catholic Charities of AcadianavolunteersComment

For Neighbors Like the Landrys

These groceries did more than fill their pantry; they filled the space between worry and relief, anxiety and security. Each delivery brought a small measure of peace, a sense that they were not alone in navigating this hardship.

Ben BroussardNovember 27, 2025Comment