The Bayou Catholic Podcast Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:39:34 -0500 http://www.htdiocese.org en-us © 2026 The Bayou Catholic Podcast yes 62f4a394-3704-5603-bf70-2dc4ba621752 Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux episodic false A journey of faith, encouragement and hope featuring voices from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) catholic, faith, Discipleship, Catholic Church, Diocese, Spiritual Growth, Encouragement, Prayer, Inspiration, Christian Living, Scripture, Reflection, Support, Formation Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux https://storage.buzzsprout.com/7xa2gjncg6zrlitma5ddo15dgweo?.jpg The Bayou Catholic Podcast http://www.htdiocese.org When Faith Catches Fire: Life-Changing Moments with Fr. Picchignito | Bayou Catholic Podcast #015 When Faith Catches Fire: Life-Changing Moments with Fr. Picchignito | Bayou Catholic Podcast #015 [This episode contains references to suicide and substance abuse. Listener discretion is advised.]

When faith catches fire, everything changes. 

Fr. Picchignito Ferreira shares his powerful Catholic conversion story in this episode of the Bayou Catholic Podcast and how he fell in love with life and with God. 

Recorded at the newly-renovated St. Eloi Catholic Church in Theriot, Louisiana, we explore how fundamental theology helps us understand and live our faith, and what it means to encounter God in a real and personal way. We touch on aspects of faith, including suffering, forgiveness, and God’s mercy. Fr. Picchignito also reflects on the “temple” as both a physical and interior space, with an innate spark of goodness within all of us. 

Fr. Picchignito currently serves as parochial vicar at Holy Family Catholic Church in Dulac and St. Eloi Catholic Church in Theriot.

Listen now and make sure to follow for our new episodes!

More about Fr. Picchignito:
• 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 of the 𝐿𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑦 in United States of America 

• 𝐏𝐡.𝐃. (𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫) in 𝐷𝑜𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 (PUU, Rome 2020) and 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 in 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 (PUL, Rome 2013) 

• 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 of 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 in Italy (2014-2020) 

• 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 of 𝐷𝑜𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 in one University, Seminary and Theological Institute of Latin America (2021-2025)

]]> [This episode contains references to suicide and substance abuse. Listener discretion is advised.]

When faith catches fire, everything changes. 

Fr. Picchignito Ferreira shares his powerful Catholic conversion story in this episode of the Bayou Catholic Podcast and how he fell in love with life and with God. 

Recorded at the newly-renovated St. Eloi Catholic Church in Theriot, Louisiana, we explore how fundamental theology helps us understand and live our faith, and what it means to encounter God in a real and personal way. We touch on aspects of faith, including suffering, forgiveness, and God’s mercy. Fr. Picchignito also reflects on the “temple” as both a physical and interior space, with an innate spark of goodness within all of us. 

Fr. Picchignito currently serves as parochial vicar at Holy Family Catholic Church in Dulac and St. Eloi Catholic Church in Theriot.

Listen now and make sure to follow for our new episodes!

More about Fr. Picchignito:
• 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 of the 𝐿𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝐹𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑦 in United States of America 

• 𝐏𝐡.𝐃. (𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫) in 𝐷𝑜𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 (PUU, Rome 2020) and 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 in 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 (PUL, Rome 2013) 

• 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 of 𝐹𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 in Italy (2014-2020) 

• 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 of 𝐷𝑜𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 in one University, Seminary and Theological Institute of Latin America (2021-2025)

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-19092834 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500 4816 2 15 full false Shaylynn's Story: The Little Way to Dream Big | Bayou Catholic Podcast #014 Shaylynn's Story: The Little Way to Dream Big | Bayou Catholic Podcast #014 What shapes our 12th-grade Student of the Year? Shaylynn Dufrene shares her heartfelt story of family and faith that has led her up to this point, and what it means for her future.

]]> What shapes our 12th-grade Student of the Year? Shaylynn Dufrene shares her heartfelt story of family and faith that has led her up to this point, and what it means for her future.

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-18837767 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0500 2030 2 14 full false God With Us: Renewing our Love for the Liturgy | Bayou Catholic Podcast #013 God With Us: Renewing our Love for the Liturgy | Bayou Catholic Podcast #013 Bishop Simon Peter Engurait has inaugurated a time of liturgical renewal in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. But what does that actually mean?

In this episode, Bishop reflects on why he has called this renewal and his role as the principal liturgist of the diocese. He explains that the Church’s mission of salvation—drawing people into the Kingdom of God—is accomplished most fully through the liturgy, where Christ is truly present and where the faithful actively participate in God’s saving work.

]]> Bishop Simon Peter Engurait has inaugurated a time of liturgical renewal in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. But what does that actually mean?

In this episode, Bishop reflects on why he has called this renewal and his role as the principal liturgist of the diocese. He explains that the Church’s mission of salvation—drawing people into the Kingdom of God—is accomplished most fully through the liturgy, where Christ is truly present and where the faithful actively participate in God’s saving work.

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-18402924 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0600 1861 1 13 full false Discernment, Freedom, and Fulfillment with Fr. Mitch Semar & Fr. Josh Rodrigue | Bayou Catholic Podcast #012 Discernment, Freedom, and Fulfillment with Fr. Mitch Semar & Fr. Josh Rodrigue | Bayou Catholic Podcast #012 In this final episode of our Seminarian Series, Fr. Mitch and Fr. Josh share a candid conversation about discernment, their vocation, and how they are guiding men in the priestly formation process. 

They offer insight into the joy, fulfillment, and calling of the priesthood and how God has a plan for each of our lives. 

]]> In this final episode of our Seminarian Series, Fr. Mitch and Fr. Josh share a candid conversation about discernment, their vocation, and how they are guiding men in the priestly formation process. 

They offer insight into the joy, fulfillment, and calling of the priesthood and how God has a plan for each of our lives. 

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-18325767 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0600 4487 1 12 full false Getting to Know Our Seminarians: Meet James Silk and Chad Cheramie | Bayou Catholic Podcast #011 Getting to Know Our Seminarians: Meet James Silk and Chad Cheramie | Bayou Catholic Podcast #011 Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-18214223 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0600 3024 1 11 full false Getting to Know Our Seminarians: Meet Michael Robichaux and Caleb Sylvest | Bayou Catholic Podcast #010 Getting to Know Our Seminarians: Meet Michael Robichaux and Caleb Sylvest | Bayou Catholic Podcast #010 How do you hear God in the silence? What does it mean to walk daily with the Lord?

Seminarians Michael Robichaux and Caleb Sylvest share their journeys, from their upbringing to what inspires them about the priestly life, and how every day is a new “yes” to God’s call.

Learn how the saints come to life in their faith, what “coffice” is and why it has become a house favorite, and how yacht rock finds its way into seminary life.

Discover the joy of the Lord, the blessing of brotherhood, and what gives them hope for the Church today.

]]> How do you hear God in the silence? What does it mean to walk daily with the Lord?

Seminarians Michael Robichaux and Caleb Sylvest share their journeys, from their upbringing to what inspires them about the priestly life, and how every day is a new “yes” to God’s call.

Learn how the saints come to life in their faith, what “coffice” is and why it has become a house favorite, and how yacht rock finds its way into seminary life.

Discover the joy of the Lord, the blessing of brotherhood, and what gives them hope for the Church today.

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-18180105 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0600 3933 1 10 full false Getting to Know Our Seminarians: Meet Ethan Henry and Will Stueben | Bayou Catholic Podcast #009 Getting to Know Our Seminarians: Meet Ethan Henry and Will Stueben | Bayou Catholic Podcast #009 What really draws a young man to the priesthood? Is it a single life-changing moment, or a seed growing slowly over time?

In this episode, seminarians Ethan Henry and William Stueben take us behind the scenes of seminary life. Here’s a clue—it’s as fun as it is inspiring! They share personal stories of family, faith, and discernment, while showing the joy, humor, and personality behind it all.

From laughter to honest moments of vulnerability, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the heart—and the human side—of seminary life.


]]> What really draws a young man to the priesthood? Is it a single life-changing moment, or a seed growing slowly over time?

In this episode, seminarians Ethan Henry and William Stueben take us behind the scenes of seminary life. Here’s a clue—it’s as fun as it is inspiring! They share personal stories of family, faith, and discernment, while showing the joy, humor, and personality behind it all.

From laughter to honest moments of vulnerability, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the heart—and the human side—of seminary life.


]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-18127141 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0600 3703 1 9 full false How is our Bishop Feeling? Life after Ordination with Bishop Simon Peter Engurait | Bayou Catholic Podcast #008 How is our Bishop Feeling? Life after Ordination with Bishop Simon Peter Engurait | Bayou Catholic Podcast #008 🎙️ Everyone’s been asking — how’s our Bishop feeling?

In this episode of the Bayou Catholic Podcast, Bishop Simon Peter shares his favorite moments from ordination week, his heartfelt gratitude to all who made it possible, and what he’s been up to since.

Tune in now!

]]> 🎙️ Everyone’s been asking — how’s our Bishop feeling?

In this episode of the Bayou Catholic Podcast, Bishop Simon Peter shares his favorite moments from ordination week, his heartfelt gratitude to all who made it possible, and what he’s been up to since.

Tune in now!

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-18089741 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1226 1 8 full false Who is Simon Peter: A Personal Story of Faith, Family and God’s Grace Along the Way | Bayou Catholic Podcast #007 Who is Simon Peter: A Personal Story of Faith, Family and God’s Grace Along the Way | Bayou Catholic Podcast #007 Get to know our Bishop-Elect! Learn about his childhood, the impact and sacrifice of his parents, his time at university, and how he was formed spiritually, academically and professionally as a person. Hear about his life journey, guided by God’s grace, which has now led him to the call of serving as bishop.

]]> Get to know our Bishop-Elect! Learn about his childhood, the impact and sacrifice of his parents, his time at university, and how he was formed spiritually, academically and professionally as a person. Hear about his life journey, guided by God’s grace, which has now led him to the call of serving as bishop.

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-17546292 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0500 5990 1 7 full false You Were Made for Mission - Fr. Brice Higginbotham | Bayou Catholic Podcast #006 You Were Made for Mission - Fr. Brice Higginbotham | Bayou Catholic Podcast #006 We are all called to be missionary disciples! But what does that actually look like in our daily lives? In this episode, Fr. Brice Higginbotham shares five ways we can develop and grow as missionary disciples, relating it all back to Pope Leo XIV's motto, "In the One, we are one." He also shares a fun story of meeting the Pope in an unexpected place. 

]]> We are all called to be missionary disciples! But what does that actually look like in our daily lives? In this episode, Fr. Brice Higginbotham shares five ways we can develop and grow as missionary disciples, relating it all back to Pope Leo XIV's motto, "In the One, we are one." He also shares a fun story of meeting the Pope in an unexpected place. 

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-17360783 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0500 1895 1 6 full false All Eyes on Pope Leo XIV - Fr. JD Matherne | Bayou Catholic Podcast #005 All Eyes on Pope Leo XIV - Fr. JD Matherne | Bayou Catholic Podcast #005 Fr. JD Matherne shares his first thoughts on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV. As the world watches with hope and curiosity, we reflect on the excitement surrounding this boy from Chicago who now leads the global Church. Plus, Fr. JD offers real-life insight on where to find inspiration and how to be holy right where you are.

]]> Fr. JD Matherne shares his first thoughts on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV. As the world watches with hope and curiosity, we reflect on the excitement surrounding this boy from Chicago who now leads the global Church. Plus, Fr. JD offers real-life insight on where to find inspiration and how to be holy right where you are.

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-17216697 Fri, 23 May 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2786 1 5 full false A Peek Into Heaven - Fr. Simon Peter Engurait | Bayou Catholic Podcast #004 A Peek Into Heaven - Fr. Simon Peter Engurait | Bayou Catholic Podcast #004 The Resurrection of Jesus defines us and is the center of who we are as Christians. How should it change the way we live? May we gaze upward with our heads held high as Pilgrims of Hope.

#htdiocese #resurrection #easteroctave #podcast

]]> The Resurrection of Jesus defines us and is the center of who we are as Christians. How should it change the way we live? May we gaze upward with our heads held high as Pilgrims of Hope.

#htdiocese #resurrection #easteroctave #podcast

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-17023193 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0500 1733 1 4 full false Imagine The Mass - Fr. Alex Gaudet | Bayou Catholic Podcast #003 Imagine The Mass - Fr. Alex Gaudet | Bayou Catholic Podcast #003 Let your mind run free! From masses to musicals, how can your imagination make you an active participant? 

As we enter into Holy Week, let us pray that we may unlock the invisible realities that await us. 


]]> Let your mind run free! From masses to musicals, how can your imagination make you an active participant? 

As we enter into Holy Week, let us pray that we may unlock the invisible realities that await us. 


]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-16962824 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0500 3806 1 3 full false Where Does Lent Come From? – Fr. Andre Melancon | Bayou Catholic Podcast #002 Where Does Lent Come From? – Fr. Andre Melancon | Bayou Catholic Podcast #002 Fr. Andre Melancon shares insight into the origins of Lent and why the Church sets forth this season for us. He discusses the power of self-denial, how to celebrate Lent in the Jubilee year, and the incredible opportunity available to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Fr. Andre Melancon is currently the pastor at St. Bernadette Soubirous in Houma. Bevi Fontenot is the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Bayou Catholic Podcast exists to help you in your faith journey through impactful discussions on the most relevant and current spiritual topics. 

 

#bayoucatholicpodcast #htdiocese #lent #jubileeyear #reconciliation

]]> Fr. Andre Melancon shares insight into the origins of Lent and why the Church sets forth this season for us. He discusses the power of self-denial, how to celebrate Lent in the Jubilee year, and the incredible opportunity available to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Fr. Andre Melancon is currently the pastor at St. Bernadette Soubirous in Houma. Bevi Fontenot is the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Bayou Catholic Podcast exists to help you in your faith journey through impactful discussions on the most relevant and current spiritual topics. 

 

#bayoucatholicpodcast #htdiocese #lent #jubileeyear #reconciliation

]]> Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Buzzsprout-16877902 Fri, 28 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2098 1 2 full false Why Sacrifice During Lent? - Fr. Patrick Riviere | Bayou Catholic Podcast #001 Why Sacrifice During Lent? - Fr. Patrick Riviere | Bayou Catholic Podcast #001 Bevi Fontenot sits down with Fr. Patrick Riviere to discuss the importance of sacrifice during Lent. Fr. Patrick Riviere is a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He currently serves as the administrator of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City, Louisiana and Secretary to the Office of the Bishop. Bevi Fontenot is the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Bayou Catholic Podcast exists to help you in your faith journey through impactful discussions on the most relevant and current spiritual topics. 

]]> Bevi Fontenot sits down with Fr. Patrick Riviere to discuss the importance of sacrifice during Lent. Fr. Patrick Riviere is a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He currently serves as the administrator of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City, Louisiana and Secretary to the Office of the Bishop. Bevi Fontenot is the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Bayou Catholic Podcast exists to help you in your faith journey through impactful discussions on the most relevant and current spiritual topics. 

]]> Bevi Fontenot Buzzsprout-16793161 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0500 1760 1 1 full false