Our Lady of Prompt Succor's current church building was built on the site of the old Providence Central High School.  

WELCOME

Welcome to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish.    We are so delighted that you are visiting with us through this web site.    I hope that you will choose to physically visit our parish and stop in the church office and introduce yourself.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish is comprised of some 1200 families and is located in the center of the Garden District of Alexandria.  The Church and School buildings and grounds cover one city block with additional Church properties on either side.   Over three hundred of these families have children attending our elementary school.   Presently there are 532 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade with a staff of 48 teachers, which includes art, computer and music. 

Several Catholic organizations affiliated and active in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish include Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Notre Dame, Knights of Columbus Council 8029, Brownie Troops and Cub Scout Dens.    Many of our parishioners are members of the Serra Club of Alexandria, an organization that fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  Some of the parishioners from this parish that are members of the Serra Club have formed a Parish Vocations Club that adopted a program for families to sign up weekly to pray for vocations.  Parish organizations and programs include the Altar Society, Ushers, Greeters, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors, and Adult, Young Adult and Children’s choirs

Mass Schedule

Monday – Friday:           6:30 AM; 5:30 PM

Saturday :                     8:00 AM

Saturday Vigil:               4:00 PM

Sunday:                        7:00, 9:00 and 10:30 AM;  5:30 PM

Holy Days:                    6:30 and 8:00 AM;  12:05 and 5:30 PM

 Confession Schedule

Saturday:                      3:00 – 3:50 PM

Weekdays:                    15 minutes before the start of Mass

Penance Services:         Advent and Lent ( Date announced in bulletin.)

SACRAMENTAL MINISTRIES

Anointing of the Sick

This sacrament is communally available at our Program for Aging Masses as indicated.  It is offered to those who are seriously sick, impaired by advanced age, or mentally ill, and at least seven years old.  It is also available at any time by contacting either of the priests of the parish.  Come to see us or we will go to you.   Anyone anticipating surgery is encouraged to celebrate this sacrament before the surgery is scheduled.

Contact:            Fr. Dan O’Connor,     445-3693, ext 16

Baptism

All infants and children through age six are invited to celebrate this sacrament of initiation by prior arrangement with our priest.   Please contact the Church office to complete the appropriate registration form and to schedule a date and time for the sacrament.

Contact:            Church Office, 445-3693

            Pre-Jordan Seminar

Parents desiring to have their children baptized in the Church are required to attend at least one of these seminars in a lifetime.   Conducted by the parish priests, the seminars cover the theological and spiritual basis and necessity for baptism, as well as the ritual itself.  Held four times a year (January, April, July & October).  Contact: Church Office, 445-3693

Confirmation

In the Diocese of Alexandria, the sacrament of confirmation is ordinarily celebrated in the 11^th grade.  A preparation program is required during their junior year.

Eucharist

First Holy Communion is celebrated in the Spring, after Easter, for those children in the second grade who have completed the necessary religious education and have made first reconciliation.  Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic School and the parish’s Christian Formation of Children program celebrate this sacrament together.

            Contact:           

                         Our Lady of Prompt Succor School Office --  487-1862

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is held every Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM in the church.

            Contact:            Mrs. Loujean Wasson -- 443-2694                          

            Mass Times

            Weekdays:       6:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M.

            Saturday:         8:00 A.M.

            Vigil:                4:00 P.M.

            Sunday:           7:00, 9:00, and 10:30 A.M. and 5:30 P. M. (Contemporary Music)

Reconciliation /Confession

The sacrament of reconciliation is available on Saturdays 3:00 - 3:50 P.M. and 30 minutes before each weekday Mass.   It is also available by simply contacting one of our parish priests.   During Advent and Lent, communal penance services are celebrated followed by individual reception of the sacrament.

            Contact:            Fr. Dan O’Connor, 445-3693, ext 16

First Reconciliation/Confession is celebrated for our young people who are in second grade and have completed the necessary religious education through the Christian Formation of Children Program or Our Lady of Prompt Succor School.

            Contact:             Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, 487-1862

Marriage

Couples wishing to marry must contact the Church office at least six months in advance to begin the process of marriage preparation and to pick up an information packet.

Contact:                        Church Office, 445-3693

PARISH RELIGIOUS FORMATION

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children (R.C.I.A./R.C.I.C.)

Exciting parish ministry for the inquiry, formation and initiation of those expressing a desire to join the Catholic Church.  Two teams of catechists work together to share their faith with those involved in the catechumenate on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 P.M.

Christian Formation of Children

Parish religious education program for those students not enrolled in Catholic schools.  Grades served are Pre-kindergarten through sixth on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Sundays at the 10:30 AM Mass.   Children in Pre-kindergarten through First grade meet during the Liturgy of the Word to hear the Gospel and talk about God’s message and its special meaning to them.

Junior High Youth Program

Meets every Wednesday evening from 6:15 - 7:30 during the school year at our parish “Life House” for youth.  Included in our program are “Random Acts of Kindness” days which are held on designated Saturdays.  Our youth go out into the community to do works of service that make a difference.

High School Youth Program

A dynamic Eucharist centered program for high school teens designed for encountering Christ.  They meet each Sunday evening year round beginning with Mass at 5:30 in the Church followed by Life Night in the Life House.

Contact:                      

FAITH  FORMATION

Vacation Bible School

A joyful and fun week for children in Pre-kindergarten through Sixth in the month of June.  The effort is coordinated by parishioners of the Catholic Family Life Ministry and is supported by many volunteers in the parish community.   A nursery is available for babies and small children of adult helpers.  Teens from our youth programs also volunteer their gift of time and talent.

Contact:                       

High School Bible Sharing

High School age (9^th - 12^th grade students) meet every Wednesday evening at the Church Rectory for scripture sharing and prayer at 6:30 p.m.  

Contact:                  

                           CATHOLIC LIFE OUTREACH

 A Parish ministry program that reaches out to a variety of parishioners.

1.             Monday Prayer and Note Writing Ministry

Each Monday at 11 AM a group gets together to pray for those who have requested our prayers as well as those who are sick, lonely, shut-in, hospitalized, in nursing homes or going through other difficult times.  Cards are written and sent on behalf of the parish extending our prayers and support. 

            Contact:          

2.             Cooking Ministry

We are fortunate to have 12 cooking teams with approximately 8 members each who rotate turns preparing meals for members of our parish who have had a death or birth in their family.

            Contact:       

3.             Prayer Line

Parishioners have come forward to offer prayers for those who call with requests.  Immediately prayer intentions are dispersed to a prayer network.

4.             Prison Ministry

Comprised of members of OLPS parish that go into the civil parish prisons to conduct Bible study and Eucharistic Services.

            Contact:            Sister JoAnn DeLoach, 445-3693

5.             Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Complexes

Parishioners of various organizations go to the Nursing Homes in our Church parish and conduct Eucharistic  Services, recite the rosary and visit with our parishioners who are confined.

            Contact:            Sister JoAnn DeLoach, Church Office, 445-3693

6.             Christmas Cheer Program

A program sponsored by The Shepherd Center in which individual churches, organizations, etc. participate by  purchasing Christmas presents for needy families of Central Louisiana.  Our parishioners are afforded the opportunity to pick a family from the Advent Tree that is set up in the foyer of the Church during the first week of Advent.   The individual or  family purchases a gift for each child in that family.   These gifts, along with a food basket that has been compiled through monetary contributions and food donations from our parish and OLPS school children, are put together and presented to the family before Christmas.

                        PARISH ORGANIZATIONS/AFFILIATIONS

Altar Society

Vital lay organization whose membership includes both men and women of the parish.  Active members are primarily ladies who donate their time to hosting parish receptions for First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and First Masses of newly ordained Priests of our Parish; preparing and decorating of the Church for special feast days such as Christmas and Easter; care and cleaning of altar linens and other works of service for the Church and parish.

Contact:                        Church Office:    445-3693                      

Program for Aging (Senior Citizens)

A parish organization open to senior parishioners 60 and older.  Meet September-May on the third Wednesday at 2:00 PM for Mass and meeting.  Anointing of the Sick twice a year, Day of Reflection, Visitation, Communion, Mass, Rosary recitation at nursing home facilities within our parish boundaries.  Weekly communion to all homebound in our parish community.  Its purpose is to enable our senior citizens and homebound parishioners to live out the mystery of their lives with dignity and worth, sharing their treasures of goodness, faith and wisdom to enrich our faith community.

Contact:                        Sr. JoAnn DeLoach, M.S.C., 445-3693

Catholic Daughters Court Notre Dame

Catholic Daughters is an organization of strong Catholic women worldwide.  Catholic women age 18 and older who would like to give of themselves and share their faith, talent and concern for others on a local, state and national level are invited to join.  Meetings are held the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Madonna Room.

Contact:                        Sharon Vandersypen, Grand Regent, 443-1247

Knights of Columbus Council 8029

A fraternal organization supporting church, community, family and youth.  This council meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in Olinger Hall.

Contact:                        Louis Guidry, Grand Knight,   442-5896               

Scouting

Cub Scouts and Webelos:   Children ages Kindergarten to 10 years old.  

Parent volunteers are welcomed.

Contact:                                   

PRAYER LIFE

Rosary Cenacles

Monday evenings at 6:00 in the Church

Thursday mornings at 10:00 in the Church

Prayer-line

Parishioners have come forward to offer prayers for those who call with requests.   Immediately, prayer intentions are dispersed to a prayer network.   

Contact:            Carol Daviston,   443-6042          Paulette Gallagher,  487-0931

Stations of the Cross

Fridays during Lent at 5:00 PM, followed by 5:30 PM. Mass.

PARISH SCHOOL

Our Lady of Prompt Succor School

A parish school for grades Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade.  It is open to members of the parish community, other Catholic families outside Prompt Succor Church and non-Catholics in that order. 

Contact: School Office, 487-1862

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

Altar Servers

Young boys and girls of the parish community who have completed third grade and beyond whom assist the priest during the Mass.

Contact: Church office, 445-3693

Choirs

            Adult Choir

Leads in singing praise to God on Sundays at the 10:30 AM Mass; Christmas; Holy Week, and Easter Liturgies.  Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM in the Saint Cecilia Room.

Junior Choir - Meets Tuesdays from 3:00 - 4:00 PM, September - May, in the Saint Cecilia Room.  Open to all parish children in grades 4, 5, & 6.   This Children’s Choir sings at various Masses & Celebrations as announced.

Contact for all above Choirs:        Linda Perot, 487-8528

Youth/Young Adult Music Ministry

A contemporary Christian music ministry that plays at the Sunday  5:30 PM Mass.

Contact: Josh Blakesley, 445-8473, ext. 14

Eucharistic Ministers

Lay people of the Church parish who are active and practicing Catholics who assist with distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during the Masses and/or to the sick and shut-in.

Contact:Jennifer Stevens, 445-9071        

Communion to Sick & Homebound

Eucharistic Ministers bring communion to the sick and shut-ins of our Parish.  Assist with the rosary and Masses in the nursing homes in our parish boundaries.

Contact: Sister JoAnn DeLoach, M.S.C., 445-3693

Readers

Lay people of the Church parish who are active and practicing Catholics who proclaim the Word of God at the readings during the Masses.

Contact: Dee Gilbert, 445-0054

Ushers

Lay people of the Church parish who assist with seating and with collection of gifts during the Mass.

Contact: Church Office, 445-3693                                    

Greeters

Men and women of the parish community who welcome parishioners and visitors at the front doors of the Church as they arrive at weekend Masses.

Contact:Church Office 445-3693

PARISH ACTIVITIES

Parish Suppers

Wednesday evenings (September - November; January - April) from 5:00 - 6:30 in Olinger Hall.  Meals are prepared and served by the Knights of Columbus, Council 8029, to parish families and individuals.  Cost is $3.00/plate.

First Sunday Donut Social

Each month of the year different families of the parish prepare and serve coffee, juice and donuts after the 9:00 and 10:30 AM Sunday Mass in the Madonna Room to parishioners and visitors.

Parish Picnic - Held annually at Maryhill Renewal Center.  Date to be announced through Church Bulletin.

Fall Festival - Sponsored by the Home & School Association of Our Lady of Prompt Succor School.  This festival is held on the last weekend of September and proceeds are used to fund new textbooks and/or projects for the school.

Parish Mission  - (TBA)

OTHER  EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Trunk or Treat – (Occurs in October  - date to be announced)

Back-to-School Luau  (Occurs in August – date to be announced)

Lenten “Fast and Fellowship” (Friday evenings during Lent after 6:00 PM Stations of the Cross)

Keeping the Faith and Feed the Spirit Nights – (2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, Sept. – May)

HISTORY

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Charles P. Greco, D.D. canonically erected the Parish of Our Lady of Prompt Succor on March 1, 1947.   The Rev. Aloysius Olinger was appointed the first Pastor.

When the parish began there were 549 families contributing to the regular collections and/or building drive.  Today we have over 1250 registered families.

In February 1949 construction of the parochial school began and was completed and lay teachers were hired.  Sister Helen Margaret Schad, C.D.P. was the first principal.

Under the pastorate of Monsignor Frederick J. Lyons, the present church building was completed in September 1974 on property that was once the site of Providence Academy, an all girl’s high school, which was run by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence. 

Monsignor Steve J. Testa was appointed administrator of the Parish July 1, 1983 and Pastor on January 16, 1984.  During his pastorate the Phillips’ property located behind the school was finally purchased after many years of negotiations and prayer.  The houses were moved and the property concerted into much needed playground space for the school.  The house next door to the Rectory was also purchased during this time and renovated into a Youth House.

On July 1, 1993 Father H. Gerald Bordelon was appointed the new Pastor of Prompt Succor Church. During his tenure as Pastor a Capital Campaign was initiated to add much needed classroom space to the school.  The parish raised $450,000 and with some existing funds built four additional classrooms and two additional bathrooms, which added two new wings to our school building. 

On July 1, 1999 Father Scott Chemino was appointed the Pastor of Prompt Succor Church and guided us through the celebration of the Jubilee Year 2000.   He stayed with the parish until June 30, 2001.

On July 1, 2001 Father Victor Vead was appointed the new Pastor of Prompt Succor Church until June 30, 2002.  Father Vead began renovations on the Church sound and lighting systems.

On July 1, 2002 Father Daniel P. O’Connor was appointed the new Pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church.  Father Dan served as Parochial Vicar at OLPS as a newly ordained priest from 1990-92.    Under Father Dan’s pastorate, the renovations to the church sound and lighting systems have been completed.

Buildings are tangible evidence of growth and development but they do not tell the whole story.  The number of vocations since 1947 of Sisters and Priests witnesses the faith and spirituality of the parish.  Those who have preceded us have left us a wonderful foundation in faith, good example and hard work-our task is to maintain what we have received from them.