A Message for our New Pastor!

Well we're in Denver now having a great time dreaming and planning for the new semester after  a week of being filled up with wonder for the Church. We were so happy to learn only moments ago about the appointment of our new Pastor.
We also learned that he's been following this blog. So to our new shepherd we have this to say.....

We couldnt be more excited!!!!! We can't wait to all meet you!

Day 4: If you want to go places you've never gone before you've got to do things you've never done before.

Today we had the first part of a crash course on Catholic Evangelization. Curtis Martin inspired all of us about the Gospel and how to share it with everyone! My only wish is that the new semester were starting next week so the fire they have right now could still be blazing so strong. We'll rekindle that in each other this summer though and trust in the Holy Spirit to renew the excitement and call to evangelize the campus.
Tonight we're going to have Adoration and Confession after Mass and Dinner and I know after all of this processing and praying its going to be a powerful experience for the students. We finally got a chance this afternoon to go out as a team and take some pictures and spend a little time together. We had lots of fun and the boys still got to make it to their ultimate frizby game.

Keep praying for us and coming back to see more pictures!

Day 3: A Catholic Worldview

It feels like we've been here for such a long time. It's hard to believe it's only been 2 days. The students are really starting to bond with the other students and I can see the seeds of life long friendships forming quickly. Not only are they getting to know each other but they are getting to know the inner workings of campus ministries around the country. They are also happy to find that the other students are amazing at how many activities we already have and how active we are at Our Lady of Wisdom.
Today they had course 1 about a Catholic Worldview and once again they soaked it up and loved every minute of the education that they are getting. I can't tell you in the short time I have right now how valuable the information they are getting is going to be in their personal spiritual lives and in the ministry as a whole.
You'll also be happy to know that the Louisiana culture is catching on a nd we've already had many requests to come and visit. They're already teaching everyone how to cajun dance.
Here are some pictures from the day.

Day 2: Catholic College Summit

Well everyone got a good nights sleep and it seems like our little bouts of altitude sickness are fading quickly.  We had a wonderful breakfast followed by morning prayer with the entire group- beautiful.
Dr. Edward Sri taught the first class this morning on John Paul II's Love and Responsibility and the Theology of the Body. I was worried that the students, just having finished the semester would be a little tired of "class" but boy was I wrong. He taught for 3 hours and had their attention the entire time. They were buzzing after the class. I'm glad they are learning such beautiful Theology and getting so much out of it. This is turning out to be even better than we had originally thought. Just after a half a day I know that our whole ministry is going to be blessed by our experiences here.

After class we had a light lunch and we're on break now. They convince me to go on a little hike with them. I made it up the mountain though for a minute I thought I would need an oxygen tank. 8,000 feet is alot for us sea dwellers.

There are students from 23 other colleges here and our students are making great friends and learning about how their ministries work. So far an amazing trip. Come back later for more stories and pictures!

We Made it! Day one of the College Student Summit @ St. Malo's retreat center in the Rocky mountains of Colorado!

Well after 2 plane rides, a scavenger hunt through the Denver International Airport and a winding bus ride we've finally reached St. Malo's retreat center and wowowow! The students are having snowball fights and loving every minute of it. We're unpacking at the moment and some are being trained to be lectors and musicians for our liturgies here. In a few minutes we'll meet for dinner and an introduction session about our week. There are about 45 other students from around the country here and some great leaders from the FOCUS office and the Augustine Institute. It looks like it's going to be an incredible week. Please continue to pray for us!

I will try to update often and tonight when I have more time I will upload more pictures. My camera is gonna be click click clickin away this week!

Come back soon too see how we're doing!

To my Wisdom family...

May 8, 2010

To my “Wisdom” family,

Every encounter in life that takes great faith can lead us to a deeper intimacy with God. On Friday, April 30th, I received a phone call from Bishop Jarrell appointing me as Pastor of St. John’s Cathedral. This unexpected appointment has led me to great prayer, humility and contemplation on my last 8 years with you as your Pastor. I feel truly blessed and grateful to have served you, the students, families, faculty and staff that make up this great community, and have come to realize why so many people are drawn to Our Lady of Wisdom. It is not because of any one Pastor; it is because of the light and hope that the young adults bring to this parish. Your zeal for the faith, your quest for truth, and your desire to serve God has given me and this community hope for the future of our Church. I pray that you will continue to be faithful witnesses to the love of Christ and that you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Know that if I have failed to be present to you, disappointed or hurt you, I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I also ask that you continue to bless Our Lady of Wisdom with your generosity and your faithful service.

​In the midst of difficult transition, my prayer is that all of you welcome your new shepherd with open minds and hearts and allow his unique gifts to guide you on your spiritual journey. I pray that you make him a part of your family just as you welcomed me into yours. I pray that the bishop bless you with an Associate Pastor to help meet the growing needs of Wisdom. I also want to reassure those with whom I have made sacramental commitments, that I will do my best to fulfill them.

On June 13th, I ask you to join me in a farewell lunch after the 11 a.m. Mass. This day will mark my anniversary of 18 years of service to the priesthood, and I would feel blessed to share it with you. Know that from the youngest member to the oldest of this parish family, I will love you and cherish you always. Thanks again for all your love and support. May the peace of Christ be with you always.


Sincerely in Christ,



Father Chester Arceneaux
Pastor, Our Lady of Wisdom

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