Welcome to the St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe— Breaux Bridge, Louisiana’s newest youth center and cafe!

Discover the St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe, a vibrant community space across the street from St. Bernard Catholic Church in downtown Breaux Bridge, dedicated to the holistic development of youth through spiritual, educational, social, and recreational programs.

The St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe is the result of the generosity of our faithful community during our 175th Anniversary Campaign in 2022.

Creating a welcoming environment where young people can thrive and grow in faith

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Creating a welcoming environment where young people can thrive and grow in faith |

Oratory Nights

Children in 2nd-8th Grade are invited to join us for Oratory Nights in the St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm! Sign up below!

Oratory Nights provide an opportunity for community, prayer, catechesis, and life skills. These nights are led by committed volunteers from our parish community, who will be present every week to interact with the children and share their faith, hobbies, and skills.

  • Wednesdays @ 5:30-7:30pm | Starting September 18, 2024

  • Dinner Provided

  • Open to 2nd - 8th Graders

If you're a parent interested in volunteering, please fill out the Works of Mercy Survey.

Café Connect

Students are invited to join us for Café Connect in the St. Joseph Cafe on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00-5:15pm starting September 3, 2024.

Café Connect provides an opportunity for youth to gather, connect, complete homework, study, and receive tutoring.

If you're a parent interested in volunteering, please fill out the Works of Mercy Survey.

What is an Oratory?

An oratory, in the tradition of St. John Bosco, is a community space dedicated to the holistic development of the youth, particularly those marginalized or at risk.

The Four Pillars of the Oratory

  • Church

    Faith-Building Experiences
    Devotion
    Prayer
    Sacraments
    Spirituality

  • Home

    Family-Like Atmosphere
    Meal Sharing
    Virtuous Living
    Safety, Love, & Warmth

  • Education

    Life-Skills
    Catechesis
    Lifelong Learning
    Pursuit of the Truth
    Tutoring

  • Recreation

    Activities
    Joy in Christ
    Spiritual Friendship
    Sharing Hobbies

Frequently Asked Questions

  • An oratory, in the tradition of St. John Bosco, is a An oratory, in the tradition of St. John Bosco, is a community space dedicated to the holistic development of the youth, particularly those marginalized or at risk.

    The oratory model emphasizes the importance of meeting the spiritual, educational, social, and recreational needs of young people.

    The St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe at St. Bernard Parish will emphasize these same core values, based on four pillars:

    1. Church

    2. Home

    3. School

    4. Recreation

  • The oratory model emphasizes four pillars that contribute to the holistic development of the youth:

    1. CHURCH | Offering faith-building experiences for religious education and devotion.

    2. HOME | Creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where young people feel safe, loved, and valued.

    3. EDUCATION | Providing young people with access to life-skills enhancement and intellectual development.

    4. RECREATION | Giving young people opportunities to experience the joy of Christ through recreational activities and social interaction.

  • As part of our outreach efforts to the youth and our community as a whole, the Oratory & Cafe is a multi-use facility that will be a welcoming space for Bible studies, small groups, catechesis, games, after-school tutoring, social gathering after Mass, coffee and refreshments, and more.

    It will serve as an “extension” to the existing Borel Center as a space that will facilitate the continued growth of St. Bernard Parish.

  • We need your skills, gifts, and talents to ensure the future success of the Oratory & Cafe!

    We wish to personally invite you to fill out our Works of Mercy Survey and let us know how you wish to share your gifts and talents for serving our parish community, youth, and surrounding areas.

    Thank you.

  • The St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe is one of the many blessings that have come to our parish as a result of the 175th Anniversary Campaign in 2022.

    Thanks to your dedication to St. Bernard and incredible generosity, our parish has been able to execute numerous necessary endeavors, including the purchase and renovation of the "building across the street" — now the St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe of St. Bernard Church, the latest development in parish outreach.

  • Answering Christ's call to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19), the St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe is St. Bernard Church’s response to the growing needs of the youth of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana — especially those most in need.

    The Oratory & Cafe is a reflection of our dedication as a church parish to expand outreach efforts to those in our wider community.

Get involved in parish outreach!

Get involved in parish outreach!

We need your skills, gifts, and talents for the success of the St. Joseph Oratory & Cafe and for all of our parish outreach efforts!

Let us know how you wish to serve our parish community, youth, and surrounding areas by filling out our Works of Mercy Survey!