Maximilian Kolbe Society
A Ministry of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana
The Catholic Foundation’s Maximilian Kolbe Society exists to build a community of Catholic lay men to grow in faith together and to support and empower the future priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by providing spiritual, fraternal, and financial assistance to seminarians within the St. Joseph the Worker Seminarian House of Formation.
Guided by the example of St. Maximilian Kolbe, we are committed to deepening our own faith formation through prayer, study, and service, fostering a vibrant community of men dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Church. Together, we strive to build a legacy of faith, charity, and spiritual growth for generations to come.
Who is Maximilian Kolbe?
Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) was a Polish Franciscan priest, martyr, and missionary, renowned for his heroic act of self-sacrifice during World War II.
His life and death are a powerful testament to the virtues of love, faith, and courage.
Interested in becoming a member? Click the link below!
This Month in Prayer
As Catholic men, husbands, and fathers, we are called to be pillars of faith in our homes and communities. Each month, the Kolbe Society invites you to set aside time to pray intentionally for these shared intentions. In unity with your brothers, lift up these needs to the Lord—asking for the strength to lead with virtue, to love with sacrifice, and to serve with humility. May our prayers be a witness to our commitment to Christ and our families.
Would you like us to pray for you? Submit your prayer intentions below.
June 2025
Week of June 1-7: Michael Robichaux, Seminarian
Week of June 8-14: Fr. Mitch Semar and Fr. Jay Baker, Chaplains of the Maximilian Kolbe Society
Week of June 15-21: For all fathers and their vocations
Week of June 23-28: Father Simon Peter Engurait, Diocesan Administrator
Week of June 29-July 5: Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, Retired
Important Dates
- August 16, 2025 – Max. Kolbe Society Mass at 6:00pm, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral
- Reception to Follow
- October 4, 2025 – Max. Kolbe Society Mass, Holy Cross at 5:30pm
- November 15, 2025 – Max. Kolbe Society Mass, St. Bernadette at 4:00pm
- 2026 Lenten Retreat (One Day Retreat)- Date TBD, Lumen Christi
- March 7, 2026 – Max Kolbe Society Mass, Holy Rosary, Larose at 4:00pm
- April 2026- Date TBD, “Kolbe Fest”
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in joining, supporting, or learning more about our mission, please reach out. Society Facilitator: Amy Ponson 985.850.3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org
Steering Committee Members
Dr. Devin Owens, Co-Chair
Stuart Faucheaux, Co-Chair
Rev. Mitchel Semar
Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, MCL, JCL
Matthew Barbier
Carleton Casey
Michael Chiasson
Roch Gernon
Blake Richard
Jamie Gravois
Dr. Stephen Morgan
David Ponson
Tommy Royster
George Toups
Bruce Wells
Amy Ponson – Facilitator
Membership Levels and Benefits: (July – June Fiscal Year)
Kolbe Guild
$240 a year (or $20 a month)
- Spiritual growth through prayer and formation activities
- Opportunities to mentor and support seminarians
- Fellowship with other Catholic men committed to their faith
- Quarterly Mass and receptions with Catholic Formation speakers
Menard Guild
$500 a year (or $42 a month)
- Spiritual growth through prayer and formation activities
- Opportunities to mentor and support seminarians
- Fellowship with other Catholic men committed to their faith
- Quarterly Mass engagement with key speakers
- Monthly email with faith formational resources
- Exclusive invitation to a One Day Spring Retreat at Lumen Christi
Good Shepherd
$1,200 a year (or $100 a month)
- All above
- Private event with the Bishop or Diocesan Administrator
- Gift from the Bishop or Diocesan Administrator
Who We Are
The Maximilian Kolbe Society is a brotherhood of Catholic men within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux united by a shared commitment to:
- Supporting Seminarians: We provide essential resources to assist seminarians in their journey toward priesthood, including financial aid, spiritual guidance, and mentorship.
- Deepening Faith: Through prayer, study, and fellowship, we grow together in our Catholic faith.
- Serving the Church: Inspired by the selfless example of St. Maximilian Kolbe, we dedicate our time and talents to strengthening the Church and its future leaders.
Support Our Mission
Your generosity makes our work possible. Whether through an annual donation or monthly ongoing support, your contribution helps ensure that our seminarians have the resources they need to thrive.
Who Should Join?
Men of any age who want to have a meaningful impact on our Catholic community.
What We Do
Spiritual Engagement
Together as a Catholic Men’s Society we will pray together with quarterly masses throughout our diocese, hear from Catholic leaders to grow in our own formation, receive resources monthly to grow in faith during our daily lives, and spiritual mentorship opportunities to encourage both the seminarians and our members in their faith journeys.
Financial Support
Through our collective annual membership (July – June), we help cover the costs of seminary education and living expenses for our seminarians. 100% of your gifts support Vocations through the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in joining, supporting, or learning more about our mission, please reach out.
Society Facilitator: Amy Ponson 985.850.3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org
Steering Committee Members
Dr. Devin Owens, Co-Chair
Stuart Faucheaux, Co-Chair
Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, MCL, JCL
Rev. Mitchel Semar
Matthew Barbier
Carleton Casey
Roch Gernon
Blake Richard
Jamie Gravois
Dr. Stephen Morgan
David Ponson
Rev. Patrick Riviere
Tommy Royster
George Toups
Mark Welch
Bruce Wells
Amy Ponson – Facilitator
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the future of the Church while growing in your own faith? Become a part of the Maximilian Kolbe Society and join a network of like-minded men dedicated to service, faith, and fraternity. Click the link below to become a member today!
Inspired by the courage and faith of St. Maximilian Kolbe, we are building a future rooted in Christ and committed to His Church.
