St. Lawrence of Swartz Celebrates 45 Years

ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SWARTZ RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS 45TH ANNIVERSARY (1978-2023). Bishop Francis Malone presided over the Mass and was concelebrated by Father John Paul Crispin, Father Tobias Obado, and assisted by Deacon Bill Goss.

St. Lawrence History: In 1978, the community of Catholics in Swartz, La., was given the mission under the direction of Bishop Graves, Diocese of Alexandria, to bring Catholic Catechism to the children and young people in Northeast Ouachita parish. Under the guidance of Fr. Anthony Cumella, the mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Swartz began. A first Mass was held at the Progressive Men’s Club with a covered pool table serving as an altar. Masses continue in people’s homes and the gym of Swartz Elementary School. Ground was broken for the building of St. Lawrence Catholic Church on June 17, 1980. The church was dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1981, by Fr. Earl Beaulieu under its current name St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

What began as a small community of about fifty members has multiplied over the years. Parishioners of St. Lawrence donate their time to volunteering not only for their local church, but throughout the community assisting with various programs throughout the Diocese of Shreveport.

Some of the original founders who are still with St. Lawrence are Dott Justice and Norma Lee Hance. These ladies have served the St. Lawrence Community for over 45 years, serving on the Altar Society, Parish Council, Meals on Wheels, in addition to serving with the St. Vincent de Paul Pharmacy.

St. Lawrence is dedicated to serving its members and its community through prayer, evangelization, service, and adoration.