Despite the cold and the cancellation of the first day, Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas in downtown Port Arthur brought the crowds with its parades, food and good times.
The Catholic Church in Southeast Texas made its presence known for the second year in a row with the Encounter Catholic booth.
Folks could come by and have their picture taken and decorate a frame for it while they waited for it to print out. Children could also decorate masks and crosses to take with them.
Throughout the weekend Father Sinclair Oubre, Deacon Willie Posey and Deacon Tim Istre were also on hand giving away rosaries, prayer cards and medals and blessing them as well other informational materials.
Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, stopped by Mardi Gras Feb. 13 to see the booth and to visit the booths belonging to St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph, Port Arthur.
Several volunteers and organizations helped make the booth possible including St. John the Evangelist, St. Joseph and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishes, Port Arthur, Legion of Mary, Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, Serra Club, Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary, Knights on Bikes, and the diocesan offices of Catholic Schools, Hispanic Ministry and young adults, Apostleship of the Sea, Campus Ministry, Youth, Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education, and Stewardship and Communications.
