About St. Paschal · West Monroe, Louisiana
St. Paschal Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish located at 711 N. 7th Street in West Monroe, Louisiana, serving the western side of Ouachita Parish in northeast Louisiana within the Diocese of Shreveport. Established in 1940, it is the first Catholic church of West Monroe and anchors a vibrant parish that offers Mass in both English and Spanish, along with daily weekday liturgies, Eucharistic Adoration, and a full schedule of sacraments and parish ministries. The parish runs a youth group known as S.P.Y. (St. Paschal Youth) for 6th–12th graders and broadcasts the Sunday 9:00 AM Mass via livestream on its YouTube channel. It is pastored by Rev. Michael Thang'wa, F.M.H., and continues a long tradition of Catholic life in the Twin Cities area of Monroe–West Monroe.
- Established
- 1940
- Patron
- St. Paschal (Baylon)
- Rector
- Rev. Michael Thang'wa, F.M.H.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Shreveport
Why belong here
St. Paschal offers the fullness of traditional Catholic parish life in West Monroe: three Sunday Masses (including a Spanish Mass), a Saturday Vigil, and weekday Masses four days a week, plus Eucharistic Adoration multiple days a week and regular Confession. Active families can enroll children in the parish school and the dynamic S.P.Y. youth group (grades 6–12), which combines Holy Mass, dinner, small groups, service, and social activities on Wednesday nights. The parish welcomes new parishioners through an online registration process and broadcasts the Sunday 9:00 AM Mass via livestream for the homebound and those unable to attend in person.
Mass times at St. Paschal
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Adoration times
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (First Saturday only)
Parish History
St. Paschal was founded in 1940 as the first Catholic church in West Monroe. Within a year, in 1941, the parish opened its own school to 38 children, with three Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help arriving from St. Louis that September to staff it. The parish received its IRS tax-exempt status in March 1946 under the formal name St. Paschal's Roman Catholic Church. A 1945 parish history pamphlet documented the early years of this faith community.
- Established 1940 — first Catholic church in West Monroe
- Parish school opened 1941 with 38 students
- Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help arrived from St. Louis in September 1941
- IRS exempt status ruling date: March 1946
Special Devotions
In addition to weekday Masses, St. Paschal offers additional devotional Masses on First Friday and First Saturday, paired with traditional Catholic prayers.
- First Friday: 8:30 AM Mass with Divine Mercy Chaplet
- First Saturday: 9:10 AM Mass with Rosary
Parish School & Catholic Education
The parish school opened its doors in 1941 with 38 children and has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in West Monroe ever since. It was staffed originally by three Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from St. Louis.
- School founded 1941
- First staffed by Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (St. Louis)
Youth Ministry — S.P.Y. (St. Paschal Youth)
St. Paschal Youth — affectionately known as S.P.Y. — is the parish's ministry to teens in 6th through 12th grade. The Youth Leadership Team plans faith-filled activities throughout the year including Youth Masses, Adoration & Confession nights, small groups, service opportunities, speakers, social events, fun nights, and conferences.
- Open to grades 6–12
- Meets Wednesday nights
- Begins with Holy Mass at 5:30 PM (when scheduled)
- Parish Hall supper at 6:00 PM
- Activity or lesson follows, ending at 8:00 PM
- Contact: [email protected]
Parish Registration
New parishioners can register online via the parish website. The parish invites Catholics moving into the West Monroe area to join the faith community and participate in its liturgical and parish life.
- Online registration available through stpaschalchurch.org
- Office: [email protected]
Livestream Ministry
The Sunday 9:00 AM English Mass is livestreamed via the parish's YouTube channel so homebound parishioners and those traveling can still participate in the parish liturgy.
- Sunday 9:00 AM Mass livestreamed
- Access via YouTube link on the parish homepage
Diocese & Pastoral Leadership
St. Paschal is part of the Eastern Deanery of the Diocese of Shreveport. The current pastor is Rev. Michael Thang'wa, F.M.H., a member of the Fathers of Mercy, who was continued in his role as pastor in a July 15, 2025 announcement from Bishop Francis Malone of the Diocese of Shreveport.
- Diocese: Shreveport (Eastern Deanery)
- Pastor: Rev. Michael Thang'wa, F.M.H.
- Announcement confirmed by Bishop Francis Malone, July 15, 2025
Visit & Contact Information
The parish offices are open throughout the week, and the parish welcomes visitors and newcomers to its liturgy and community life.
- Address: 711 N. 7th Street, West Monroe, LA 71291
- Phone: (318) 323-1631
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–3:30 PM; Fri 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
- Directions: I-20 Exit 115 (Mill St.) → one block to 7th St. → left on 7th St. for two blocks; church on the left
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Michael Thang'wa, F.M.H.
Current pastor as of July 15, 2025, per Diocese of Shreveport announcement by Bishop Francis Malone; continues as pastor of St. Paschal Parish, West Monroe.