Catholic churches across Avoyelles Parish will begin operating under a new structure July 1, 2026, as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria implements its “Together as One Church” pastoral plan.
In a Dec. 3 letter to parishioners, Robert W. Marshall Jr. announced the completion of the nearly two-year planning process. The first visible step will come June 1, 2026, when new clergy assignments are announced. From that point, pastors will have up to one year to carry out the required adjustments in their parishes.
For many rural congregations in Avoyelles Parish, the changes will mean new leadership structures, shared pastoral resources, and, in some cases, the closing of missions.
What is changing in Avoyelles Parish
According to diocesan documents, several missions in the parish are scheduled to close within one year of implementation:
- Our Lady of Lourdes Mission in Fifth Ward
- St. Martin of Tours Mission in Belledeau
- St. Richard Mission in Hickory Hill
- St. Thomas Mission in Bordelonville
Several churches will remain open but will share pastors or serve existing missions under a new collaborative structure:
- St. Anthony of Padua Church (Mansura) and Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church (Mansura) will operate in a shared pastorate.
- Holy Ghost Church (Marksville) and St. Richard Church (Hickory Hill) will share a pastorate (until the mission closure is finalized).
- St. Mary’s Assumption (Cottonport) will serve the Mission of St. Thomas in Bordelonville.
- St. Joseph Church (Marksville) will serve the Mission of St. Martin of Tours in Belledeau.
- Sacred Heart Church (Moreauville) will serve the Mission of St. Genevieve in Brouillette.
Larger parishes in the area will continue with resident pastors, though some remain contingent on priest availability:
- Marksville: St. Joseph Church.
- Moreauville: Sacred Heart Church.
- Plaucheville: Mater Dolorosa Church.
- Bunkie: St. Anthony of Padua Church.
- Simmesport: Christ the King Church.
- Hessmer: St. Alphonsus Church (as long as sufficient priests are available).
What “closing,” “amalgamating,” and “suppressing” mean
Diocesan leaders emphasized that these terms have specific meanings in church law but may feel very personal to parishioners.
- A closure means the church building will no longer be used regularly for Mass or parish activities. The final decision about what happens to the building — whether it becomes a chapel used occasionally, is sold, repurposed, or demolished — will be made following church procedures.
- Suppression means a parish’s legal identity within the Church is extinguished. The parish no longer exists as its own entity, and its territory becomes part of another parish.
- Amalgamation is a merger. One parish remains active while another is suppressed and folded into it. Assets, debts, and sacramental records transfer to the receiving parish.
What a shared pastor means
In shared pastorates, one priest or pastoral team oversees more than one parish. Each parish keeps its own finance and pastoral councils, bank accounts, and sacramental records. However, Mass schedules may be coordinated so the priest can travel between churches.
Priest salaries, benefits, and living expenses are shared among the participating parishes. For parishioners, this could mean changes in Mass times or combined ministries such as religious education and youth groups.
Why the changes are happening
The diocese cited several factors behind the restructuring, including a shortage of priests, declining Mass attendance, and financial challenges. In Avoyelles Parish, the focus is on creating a sustainable structure that ensures vibrant sacramental life for future generations.
Bishop Marshall acknowledged that these changes may be difficult for families in rural communities. However, diocesan leaders say the goal is to strengthen parish life and maintain pastoral care across the region.
As July 1 approaches, parishioners can expect continued communication from their pastors regarding specific timelines and Mass schedule adjustments.