Ash Wednesday 2025: Where to Attend Mass in South Louisiana

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) — As Lent begins, many Catholics in Southwest Louisiana will gather to observe Ash Wednesday on March 5, 2025. This solemn day marks the beginning of a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter Sunday. Across Acadiana, several Catholic churches will be holding Masses and Ash services to help the faithful begin this sacred season.

Here is a breakdown of Ash Wednesday Mass times at parishes across the region:

Lafayette

• Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church
  
  • 12:00 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:00 PM
  • Confessions available at 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM, 4:30 PM – 5:20 PM, and 7:00 PM – 7:50 PM
• Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
  
  • 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM
  • Communion Service at 12:00 PM with Ashes distributed at all services.
• Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
  
  • 12:05 PM Mass celebrated by Bishop Deshotel

Breaux Bridge

• St. Bernard Catholic Church
  
  • 6:30 AM | 8:00 AM | 6:00 PM
  • The 8:00 AM Mass includes participation from St. Bernard School students.

Cecilia

• St. Joseph and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Churchs
  • 6:00 AM at St. Joseph
  • 12:00 PM at St. Joseph
  • 6:00 PM at St. Rose of Lima

Opelousas

• Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
  
  • 7:00 AM | 12:05 PM | 5:15 PM

St. Martinville

• St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church
  
  • Please contact the parish directly for specific Mass times.

Read More: CONFIRMED: Alligator Allowed for Lent, Says Louisiana Archbishop |

Read More: Lent in Southwest Louisiana: What Every Catholic Needs to Know | 

Observing Ash Wednesday in Acadiana

Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics, meaning:

• Fasting (ages 18-59): Only one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.
• Abstinence (ages 14 and older): No meat consumption.

Parishes across Acadiana encourage the faithful to use this day as a time for reflection, prayer, and preparation for the Lenten journey ahead. Whether attending a morning, midday, or evening service, there are plenty of options for Southwest Louisiana Catholics to receive ashes and begin the season of Lent in a meaningful way.

For more information, visit the websites of the Diocese of Lafayette or individual church bulletins. What are your plans for Lent this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!