About Mater Dolorosa · Independence, Louisiana
Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence, Louisiana, is part of a multi-parish community that includes St. Helena and St. Dominic, committed to educating, directing, and sustaining parishioners through the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. The parish emphasizes active participation in liturgy, spiritual growth through faith formation, and service rooted in the Cardinal virtues. It encourages a deep personal encounter with Jesus and invites community involvement through ministries, sacraments, and communal practices like fasting. The parish also operates a Catholic school and offers multiple Mass and confession times in English and Spanish.
- Established
- 1868
- Diocese
- Diocese of Baton Rouge
Why belong here
Join a parish that fosters deep friendship with Jesus through active liturgical participation, faith formation for all ages, and a strong emphasis on community service. Engage in ministries, sacraments, and spiritual practices like fasting to grow in faith, hope, and love. The parish also offers a Catholic school and welcomes new members with pastoral care and support.
Mass times at Mater Dolorosa
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 3:00pm
- 11:00am
- 7:00am
- 7:30am
- 5:00pm
- 8:00am
- 11:30am
- 8:00am
History
St. Helena was founded in 1868 after missionary priest Father John Scollard arrived in 1860. The first church was completed in 1868, and after destruction by tornadoes in 1908 and 1940, new churches were built in 1910 and 1941. The Spanish Dominicans served from 1912 to 1938, followed by American Dominicans until 1991, when the Diocese of Baton Rouge assumed care. The text cuts off mid-sentence at the end of the history section, leaving the full story incomplete.
Faith Formation
The parish offers education programs for all ages to deepen faith and knowledge. Youth programs and sacramental preparation are available, and adults are invited to participate in faith development. The parish emphasizes learning to serve as Jesus did.
- Youth Programs
- Sacramental Preparation
- Adult Education
Sacraments
The parish celebrates the sacraments in accordance with the Second Vatican Council’s directives, encouraging full, active, and conscious participation. Sacraments offered include Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Penance, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Communion
- Penance
- Marriage
- Anointing of the Sick
Ministries
The parish offers various ministries to support community life and spiritual growth, though specific names are not listed in the text. Parishioners are encouraged to get involved in community activities and spiritual practices like fasting.