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Native American Catholics in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
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American Indian Ministry
The Office of American Indian Ministry serves the Native American Catholic communities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by fostering faith, honoring cultural traditions, and strengthening the connection between the Church and Native American culture.
Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the witness of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the ministry promotes opportunities for prayer, worship, fellowship, and faith formation while celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of our Native American communities.
The Office of American Indian Ministry:- Promotes and supports Catholic American Indian celebrations and liturgies, including the annual St. Kateri Tekakwitha Memorial Mass.
- Collaborates with the Office of Liturgy to incorporate Native American traditions into diocesan worship in accordance with the teachings of the Church.
- Supports Kateri Circles by providing resources, faith formation, and opportunities for cultural enrichment.
- Encourages Native American Catholics to live and share their faith through service within their parishes and communities.
- Serves as a resource and advocate, helping diocesan leadership better understand and respond to the needs of Native American Catholics throughout the diocese.
Through prayer, collaboration, and community, the Office of American Indian Ministry seeks to strengthen the faith of Native American Catholics while celebrating the gifts they bring to the life of the Church. -
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and Saint Kateri Circles in Houma-Thibodaux
St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680), known as the "Lily of the Mohawks," is the first Native American saint. Born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon in present-day New York, she was the daughter of a Mohawk chief and an Algonquian mother.
As a young child, Kateri survived a smallpox epidemic that claimed the lives of her parents and younger brother. Although the illness left her with facial scars and impaired eyesight, it did not diminish her deep desire to know God. At the age of 20, she was baptized into the Catholic faith and took the name Kateri, the Mohawk form of Catherine, in honor of St. Catherine of Siena.
Despite facing opposition for her Christian faith, St. Kateri remained steadfast in her love for Christ and her commitment to a life of prayer, purity, and service. She died on August 17, 1680, at the age of 24. Witnesses reported that the scars from smallpox disappeared shortly after her death, a sign many believed reflected her holiness.
St. Kateri was beatified by St. John Paul II in 1980 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012, becoming the first Native American saint.
Today, St. Kateri continues to inspire Native American Catholics and the universal Church through her example of faith, courage, and devotion to Christ. Her legacy is celebrated each year through the annual St. Kateri Memorial Mass and the Tekakwitha Conference, which has brought together Native American Catholics from across North America since 1939.
We the Kateri circles of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, along with circles around the U.S., Canada and Central & South America to carry out the mandate of Jesus and the church to our environments and the world with the gospel through the life of St. Kateri. Our members are to foster peace, love compassion and forgiveness towards all people just as St. Kateri did with the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. By our evangelization work we share the gifts of our culture with others and seek to bind all tribes in unity, friendship, love and peace. We always seek to recruit new members in this mission. The American Indian Ministry is comprised of two Kateri Circles and is affiliated with the National Tekakwitha Conference. Active in the Conference, members enjoy an ongoing camaraderie with other American Indian Catholics across the United States, Canada, and Central and South American.
Saint Kateri Circles:
1. Dulac, Louisiana
St. Kateri Circle of Dulac
Meets at 6:30 p.m. on 1st Saturday at Holy Family Church
2. Pointe-Aux-Chenes, La. (Montegut, Louisiana)
St. Charles the Roch Kateri Circle
Meets at 7:00 p.m. every 4th Saturday at the Knights of Columbus building
Upcoming Dates:
St. Kateri Masses:
July 9, 2027
July 14, 2028
American Indian Masses:
November 20, 2026
November 19, 2027
November 17, 2028 -
Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk
Nicholas Black Elk (1863–1950) was a Lakota holy man, catechist, and devoted Catholic who spent his life sharing the Gospel with Native American communities in South Dakota. After his conversion to the Catholic faith, he became a respected lay missionary and is credited with helping lead hundreds of people to Christ through his witness, teaching, and service.His cause for canonization is currently under consideration by the Catholic Church, and he has been given the title Servant of God, the first step toward possible sainthood.
Prayer for the Canonization of Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk
Heavenly Father, Great Spirit, we thank You for the faithful witness of Your servant, Nicholas Black Elk. Through his example of holiness, love for Christ, and devotion to sharing the Gospel, inspire us to follow Jesus more closely. If it is Your will, may the Church one day recognize his sanctity among the saints. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. -
Antonio Cuipa and CompanionsAntonio Cuipa and his companions are among the Martyrs of La Florida Missions, Native American Catholics and missionaries who gave their lives for the faith in 1704 during attacks on the Spanish missions in present-day Florida.
Antonio, an Apalachee husband, father, chief, catechist, and skilled craftsman, remained faithful to Christ even in the face of persecution. Alongside fellow believers Francisco El Chiquito, Cui Domingo, Fernando, and Fr. Juan de Parga, O.F.M., he is remembered for his courage, steadfast faith, and unwavering witness to the Gospel.
Today, their cause for canonization continues as the Church studies their lives and testimony. Their witness reminds us that the seeds of the Catholic faith have long been present among the Indigenous peoples of North America.
To report prayers answered or favors granted through the intercessions of the Martyrs of La Florida, please send your name, contact information, and details of the request and its resolution to [email protected] or call (850 )445-1326. -
Contact Us
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Kathy Verdinkverdinhtdiocese.orgLiaison of the Office of American Indian Ministries
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