Touch the + icon to learn more about each.
Call Jessica Viator at (318) 445-9053.
We ask that you consider volunteering or provide a donation of food or a monetary donation. Details of the types of food can be found below.
Mention that you are participating in the Diocese of Alexandria’s Pilgrims of Hope pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year.
What is Manna House?
Manna House is a place where people of all ages and all walks of life receive a hot, nutritious meal served 365 days a year in a clean, welcoming environment. Many of the people who come to Manna House are either homeless or living on very meager earnings.
However, anyone who comes to Manna House is welcome to eat. There is no fee. No ID is required. No questions are asked. An average of 230 people — men, women, and children — are fed each day.
How is Manna House supported?
Manna House is a community volunteer effort that does not receive government funding of any kind. It exists because people from near and far contribute funds to keep the ministry operating. Individuals in the community give monetary donations. School children and civic organizations conduct canned food drives to supplement the pantry. Businesses donate surplus foods.
All workers are volunteers except for five paid employees.
Fr. Gerard Foley, the founder of Manna House, said, “We are fortunate to have two outstanding cooks who are not only expert chefs, but have the knack of making the best use of foods available and without waste. We don’t waste anything around here!”
How can I help?
• Monetary gifts. Manna House needs cash for its operational expenses, such as food, kitchen items, cleaning supplies, utility bills, equipment maintenance and facility repairs. Due to limited storage space, having funds available allows Manna House to purchase food items in bulk as needed. It allows the chef to do menu planning to provide a nutritious meal. Consider making a donation in memory or in honor of a loved one. Donations of $800 or more, we will dedicated the day to them. To make a tax deductible donation, send to Attn: Manna House, P.O. Box 6011, Alexandria, LA 71307, or you can make a donation online by clicking on this link: https://givetomannahouse.com/cost-giving
• Volunteer. Volunteers are always needed, particularly on weekends, to help on the serving line. Individuals or organized groups can serve on a regular basis or when their time allows. If you would like to donate your time please call (318) 445-9053 or email cenlamannahouse@gmail.com to volunteer.
• Donate Food. Non-perishable food items such as large cans of vegetables, fruit, tomato sauce, Tony Chachare seasoning, peanut butter and Pam cooking spray are always welcome. All donations must be in original packaging, in date and no dented or rusted cans. Drop off food donations at Manna House during operating hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 1:30pm – 2:00pm. For large quantities, call and a pick up can be arranged.
• Prayers. Pray for the success of Manna House. Ask God for blessings on the volunteers, the cooks, those who donate, but most of all, for those who come to eat at Manna House. The men, women, and children; the homeless and the working poor — pray that they may know God’s love for them through the efforts of this community.
During your visit to Maryhill for the Jubilee pilgrimage, please consider doing any of the following:
Pray the Rosary walk through the woods.
Pray the Stations of the Cross: on the North side around the lake. On the South side it is behind the dining hall.
Visit the Priests Cemetery near the front gate.
Make a donation at the kiosk (contact Deacon Luke White for its location).
Pray in the Main Chapel.
The Jubilee Pilgrimage station is located within the Main Chapel.
The front gate is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We ask that you visit only during these hours.
Physical Address: 600 Maryhill Road, Pineville, LA 71360
Phone: (318) 542-1707
Call Tamara McNulty to schedule a tour of the facilities, (318) 445-6443, and mention that you are participating in the Diocese of Alexandria’s Pilgrims of Hope pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year.
St. Mary’s was founded on the belief that every child deserves to thrive in a joyful environment. Today, we continue this mission by providing a loving home where individuals with intellectual disabilities can reach their fullest potential.
Our 55-acre campus in Central Louisiana is designed to meet the unique needs of our residents, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including an on-site ABA Learning Center. Here, young residents with autism and other developmental disabilities receive personalized therapy and skill-building activities to enhance their well-being.
At St. Mary’s, we are committed to a holistic approach, ensuring each individual receives the care, education, and support they need to succeed in a community where everyone is valued and empowered.
Please consider initiating a S.O.S. team or participating on a Season of Service team this Lenten Season.
The Season of Service (S.O.S.) program is a coordinated effort to promote service and build community throughout the Diocese of Alexandria during the Lenten Season. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, sacrifice, and almsgiving. In 1 Peter 4:10, we read “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” The S.O.S. gives us an opportunity to use our gifts to help our Church and those in need in our Community.
The program is designed to recruit S.O.S. Team Captains who in turn recruit members to be on their team. The group will name their team and then discern and decide on a project to complete during the Lenten Season (March 5-April 17, 2025).
Examples of projects:
Projects can be prioritized and/or ongoing:
• cut grass or regular yard maintenance at the church or for parishioners who are not able
• repairing and maintaining the sign in front of the church
• painting
• parking lot maintenance
• preparing or purchasing food to distribute to the needy in the parish
• other community service
• simply praying for those who need them
Any photos taken of teams performing their projects will be published in the Church Today diocesan newspaper and on the diocesan website and social media.
Team sign up will be forthcoming on www.diocesealex.org.
We ask that you volunteer or attend a Catholic Conference within the Diocese of Alexandria in 2025.
Catholic Conferences are held throughout the year in the diocese. Conference dates this year are:
Fullness of Truth Conference: March 7-9 2025
To register for the Fullness of Truth Conference, please visit: www.fullnessoftruth.org/2025-alx/
Steubenville South Youth Conference: June 20-22, 2025
To volunteer for Steubenville South visit https://steubenvillesouth.com/register/
Genesis of Eve Women’s Conference: Sept. 5-7, 2025
To register for the Genesis of Eve Conference, please visit https://www.genesisofeve.org/
Attend a special mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria.
626 4th Street, Alexandria, LA
Special Masses are held throughout the year at the Cathedral.
Chrism Mass during Holy Week: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
White Coat Mass honoring healthcare workers: Typically held in mid-October. Location varies.
Blue Mass honoring law enforcement and first responders of all faiths: typically held in November. This year’s date will be announced this summer.
Red Mass: every other year in September. Celebrated generally at the beginning of the judicial year, the Mass is attended by judges, lawyers, and officials of all faiths for the purpose of evoking God’s blessing and guidance in the administration of justice.
Other special masses are announced at the Bishop’s discretion.
