About Holy Cross · Natchitoches, Louisiana
Holy Cross Church is a Roman Catholic parish in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana, established in 1968 and part of the Diocese of Alexandria's Natchitoches Deanery. Located at 129 Second Street, the parish serves the local Catholic community of central Louisiana while also functioning as the Catholic hub for Northwestern State University (NSU) through its on-campus NSU Catholic Student Center at 120 Second Street. The parish is currently served by Fr. Jose Pallipurath (who also serves as NSU chaplain) and secretary Lisa Powell, and is known for its perpetual adoration chapel, weekday Mass schedule, and active FOCUS Missionaries presence among NSU students.
- Established
- 1968
- Patron
- Holy Cross (the Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
- Rector
- Rev. Jose Pallipurath
- Diocese
- Diocese of Alexandria (Natchitoches Deanery)
Why belong here
Holy Cross Church welcomes parishioners and visitors with a daily Mass schedule, a perpetual adoration chapel open 24/7, and a faithful witness to traditional Catholic devotions like First Friday Mass and Stations of the Cross during Lent. The parish is also a vibrant Catholic hub for Northwestern State University students, with FOCUS Missionaries hosting Bible studies, conferences, mission trips, and retreats — making it an ideal community for both families rooted in Natchitoches and college students seeking a strong Catholic life on campus.
Mass times at Holy Cross
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:00-3:45 pm
- Tuesday 5:00-5:25 pm
- Wednesday 5:00-5:25 pm
- Thursday 5:00-5:25 pm
- Sacred Heart Thursday before First Friday 6:00-7:00 pm (September–May)
Adoration times
- Adoration Chapel: Open 24/7 (code required to enter — get code from the parish secretary)
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Adoration, Confession & Benediction: Thursdays before the First Friday, 6:00-7:00 pm (September through May)
About Holy Cross Church
Holy Cross Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Natchitoches, Louisiana, founded in 1968 and part of the Diocese of Alexandria's Natchitoches Deanery. The parish is located at 129 Second Street and shares a close connection with Northwestern State University through its campus ministry site at 120 Second Street. The current pastor is Rev. Jose Pallipurath, who also serves as Chaplain of NSU, and Lisa Powell serves as parish secretary. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the office closed on Mondays.
- Established: 1968
- Pastor: Rev. Jose Pallipurath (also NSU Chaplain)
- Secretary: Lisa Powell
- Office Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 8:30 am–3:00 pm (Closed Monday)
- Deanery: Natchitoches Deanery, Diocese of Alexandria
Campus Ministry at NSU
Holy Cross serves as the Catholic chaplaincy site for Northwestern State University students. The NSU Catholic Student Center (also called the Catholic Student Organization, or CSO) is located at 120 Second Street. The campus ministry team, supported by FOCUS Missionaries, hosts Bible studies, conferences, mission trips, and retreats for NSU students throughout the academic year. The NSU Catholic Student Center shares the parish phone number (318) 352-2615.
- NSU Catholic Student Center / Catholic Student Organization (CSO)
- Location: 120 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA
- FOCUS Missionaries — Bible Studies, Conferences, Mission Trips, Retreats
- Contact: (318) 352-2615
Parish Staff
The parish is led by a pastor who also serves as university chaplain, with secretarial support for daily operations.
- Rev. Jose Pallipurath — Pastor and Chaplain of NSU
- Lisa Powell — Secretary
Visit & Contact
Holy Cross Church is located in the historic district of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish office by phone during business hours. The parish does not currently list a public email address; the office is closed Mondays.
- Address: 129 Second St., Natchitoches, LA 71458-0211
- Phone: (318) 352-2615
- Office Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 8:30 am–3:00 pm (Closed Monday)
- Campus Ministry (NSU): 120 Second Street — same phone number