St. Bernadette Church, Houma, LA

“Where Heaven Meets Earth”

In every Catholic church, the sanctuary stands as the heart of our worship — the sacred space where Heaven meets Earth. Elevated above the congregation, this holy ground draws our eyes and hearts toward the altar of sacrifice, reminding us that what happens there is not ordinary, but divine.

At St. Bernadette, we are blessed with a beautiful church that has nurtured countless moments of grace, prayer, and community. Yet, as our parish continues to grow and our liturgy evolves, it is time to renew the sanctuary — the very center of our sacred worship.

Our Vision

We are embarking on a project to create a unified raised platform that will bring together the altar, ambo, credence table, and presider’s chairs on the same level — a true “holy of holies” that visibly expresses the unity of our sacred liturgy. This design honors our Catholic tradition while providing a dignified, accessible, and lasting foundation for worship.

This improvement will also prepare us for future pious enhancements, such as the potential addition of an altar rail, which invites deeper reverence and participation in the Holy Eucharist. The renewed sanctuary will also harmonize beautifully with ongoing chorus area renovations and the sound improvements being made throughout our church.

Why It Matters

The sanctuary is not just a platform — it is the visible meeting point of Heaven and Earth. When the priest stands at the altar, he stands in persona Christi — in the person of Christ — offering the sacrifice of the Mass on behalf of us all. The beauty and design of the sanctuary help lift our hearts and minds to God, drawing us deeper into the mystery we celebrate.

Your generosity through iGive Catholic will directly support these sacred improvements, helping to ensure that future generations at St. Bernadette experience the liturgy with beauty, dignity, and reverence.

How You Can Help

Please prayerfully consider making a gift through our #iGiveCatholic campaign. Every contribution — large or small — brings us one step closer to renewing the sanctuary where we gather as one family in faith.

Together, we can ensure that St. Bernadette’s sanctuary continues to reflect the holiness and beauty of the God we worship.