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.
December 2025/January 2026 Prayer Intentions
Week of December 1-December 6: That as we enter Advent, the Lord may prepare our hearts for His coming, strengthen our families in holiness, and inspire young men to courageously discern the priesthood.
Week of December 7-December 13: For peace in our homes and community, for all who carry burdens during this season, and for the seminarians of our diocese to be strengthened in their vocation.
Week of December 14-December 20: For comfort and hope for widowers, single fathers, and all who feel alone, and for an increase in holy, faithful priests to shepherd God’s people.
Week of December 21- December 27: In thanksgiving for the birth of Christ, for renewed faith within our parish families, and for more men to be moved by Christ’s humility to offer their lives to the priesthood.
January 2026
Week of December 28- January 3: For a grace-filled beginning to the new year, for the strengthening of marriages and families, and for the Holy Spirit to stir new priestly vocations in our diocese.
Week of January 4-January 10: For all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, for the protection of human dignity, and for our priests to be renewed in holiness, joy, and pastoral charity.
Week of January 11-January 17: For deeper devotion to the Eucharist, healing within families, and the courage for young men discerning a possible call to the priesthood to say yes to God.
Week of January 18-January 24: For growth in stewardship and servant-leadership among our men, for guidance upon our men’s society, and for abundant priestly vocations within our Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.
Week of January 25-January 31: For a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our parish and our men’s society, that we may grow in virtue, boldness, and fidelity to Christ, and for the rise of generous, faith-filled vocations to the priesthood to serve our diocese for generations to come.
Important Dates
Maximilian Kolbe Mass and Fellowship
November 15, 2025, 4:00pm
St. Bernadette, 409 Funderburk Ave. Houma, LA 70364
Speaker: Dr. Brant Pitre
Adult Men’s Reception to Follow. Invite a friend and please RSVP to join us! Is your child an Altar Server and would like to participate in the Liturgy? Sign up below.
- 2026 Lenten Retreat (One Day Retreat)- Date TBD, Lumen Christi
- March 7, 2026, 4:00pm – Max Kolbe Society Mass, Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose
- 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.
Click here to hear from Bruce Wells, a member who shares his journey of growing in faith through the Maximilian Kolbe Society.
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
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.
