Through the Corporal Works of Mercy, Catholic Charities of Acadiana focuses on providing essential services to restore the dignity of our most vulnerable neighbors throughout Acadiana.
Click on any of our programs below to learn more!
Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty
St. Joseph Diner has served free meals to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity since 1983. St. Joseph Diner currently serves three meals per day, seven days a week.
Founded in 1986 by Marcelle Citron and acquired by Catholic Charities of Acadiana in 2019, FoodNet Food Bank exists to reduce hunger in Acadiana by providing food to those in need, generating community support, and creating awareness. We do this through a viable process for the collection and distribution of food in an accountable and compassionate manner.
Clothe the Naked
Built in 2012, Stella Maris Center was able to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness because of a generous lead contribution from Lourdes Foundation and continued support from other local foundations. The Stella Maris Center is a hygiene facility that provides a place for those who are experiencing homelessness to take a shower, use the restroom, do laundry, and take care of other basic hygiene needs.
Visit the Imprisoned
Not the incarcerated, but individuals with limited mobility or restricted access within their homes
A program of Catholic Charities of Acadiana, Rebuilding Together Acadiana serves the parishes of Lafayette, Iberia, Acadia, and Vermilion. We provide home repairs and renovations to homeowners who are unable to make necessary improvements to their homes due to financial hardship, age, or disability.
Disaster Response provides immediate response and long-term recovery assistance. Our staff provides leadership, guidance and resources in our community and provides direct support with a unique understanding of needs before, during and long after a disaster strikes.
Shelter the Homeless
Catholic Charities of Acadiana strives to respond to men, women, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness within the eight-parish region that encompasses the Diocese of Lafayette. We focus on ensuring that experiences of homelessness are rare, brief, and non-recurring.
The Msgr. Sigur Center offers resources for individuals and families in financial crisis. We serve both impoverished families and individuals, as well as people experiencing homelessness. Households facing a situational crisis can apply for financial assistance with utility bills, funeral expenses, and bus fare.
We affirm the inherent dignity bestowed by God on every human person, including immigrants and refugees, no matter the circumstances that compel a person to begin a new life in our community. Our Office of Immigration Services provides comprehensive, low-cost legal aid services to immigrants and newcomers to this country that allows them an opportunity to contribute and participate more fully in our communities.
Visit the Sick
The Deaf Action Center works with Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing people to provide sign language interpreting through a network of qualified sign language interpreters. We strive to educate the community on the necessity of effective communication with the Deaf and Deaf-Blind of our area.
Although the St. Bernadette Clinic is not a program of Catholic Charities of Acadiana, it is located on our St. John campus. The clinic is operated by Our Lady of Lourdes and provides free medical services to the non-working elderly, uninsured, homeless, or otherwise needy.
Bury the Dead
We give the unclaimed in our community a dignified memorial service and burial each year at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral on November 2, All Souls Day.