Seeds of Spirituality

With the simple scoop of ribbon-laced shovels and a sprinkling of holy water by Bishop Michael G. Duca, the seeds of the future were planted in the present at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Baton Rouge.

More than bricks and mortar, however, MBS pastor Father Lloyd also hopes the groundbreaking ceremony for new buildings was the start of a more robust spiritual foundation for the south Baton Rouge parish. 

Father Lloyd, along with several others, including former longtime pastor Father Phil Spano, parishioners and project leaders broke ground for a new multi-purpose facility and a parish hall.

“It’s really exciting,” Father Lloyd said. “We didn’t have enough space for any of our events. It was hard for us to have anything.”

That is about to change, and planning is already underway. The multipurpose building will house three to four classrooms, as well as a practice gym and offices for the athletic staff.

The parish hall will accommodate up to 100 people and will be available to host a multitude of events, from spiritually enriching to socially entertaining.

“The (new buildings) could enhance the spiritual life of the parish,” he said, his voice rising with enthusiasm. “We can host catechesis events, youth ministry events, all sorts of things that we have not had the ability to do.”

His mind in full planning mode, Father Lloyd ticked off a list of potential ministry events, such as meeting space for the parish’s ACTS retreat team, additional space for a rapidly expanding Bible study group for men and hosting adult catechesis events featuring guest speakers. 

“The grand scheme is the hope to have year-round adult catechesis,” Father Lloyd said. 

Expanded social events, especially at the parish hall, may also soon be on a burgeoning MBS calendar. Father Lloyd said the hall, because of its commercial grade kitchen, will be able to host receptions, parties and other event outings such as Supper and Substance, which is a blend of the spiritual and social.

For many parishioners, especially for the old-timers, some of whom have been parish members since MBS was founded in 1979, the groundbreaking was a welcome sight. Father Lloyd said the parish hall was originally scheduled to be part of the new church project, which was completed in 2007, but that did not happen because of fiscal challenges.

“The parishioners are excited,” he said “They have been wanting this for 15 years.”

MBS,  nestled in flourishing south Baton Rouge along the Prairieville corridor, has experienced remarkable growth during the past few decades, expanding from what was once a cow pasture to a parish with nearly 3,000 families. The church is one of the largest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge with a seating capacity of 950.

“In order for the parish to grow we need to grow (the facilities),” Father Lloyd said.  “(The new structures) will help us with all of that.” 

Construction is expected to take six months, and Father Lloyd is hopeful to be in both buildings by the start of the 2023-24 school year.