Abide Catholic Ministries

After attending a local women’s ACTS retreat in 2017, Kessie Thomas sat in her prayer chair asking God how she could further serve her community. In that quiet moment, she sensed a call to create a women’s conference—something the Acadiana area had not seen in eight years. Through prayer, discernment, and the encouragement of a few trusted friends, the Abide Catholic Women’s Conference was born.

Since 2019, Abide has hosted three conferences, serving over 2,000 women throughout Lafayette and beyond. We are now preparing to host our fourth Abide Women’s Conference in January 2026, one of the ministries supported by this year’s iGiveCatholic campaign. In 2024, Abide Catholic Ministries also launched the highly successful Rescue event, welcoming more than 1,300 people for a powerful night of worship and renewal.

Through continued prayer and discernment, Kessie and her husband, Deacon Coby Thomas, felt called to expand the mission by serving the Acadiana community together. From this desire, Abide Catholic Ministries was formed—a nonprofit dedicated to revealing God as the Good Father who longs to be present in every moment of our lives. Through retreats, conferences, prayer resources, and any opportunities the Lord provides, Kessie and Coby hope to help others grow in unceasing prayer, deeper connection, and lasting transformation in Christ.