About ABIDE

After attending a local women's ACTS retreat in 2017, Kessie Thomas sat in her prayer chair asking God to direct her in how she could further serve her community. There, she heard a call to create a women’s conference which had not happened in the Acadiana area in eight years. Through deep discernment, the encouragement of a few friends, and trust in the process, the Abide Catholic Women’s Conference was born! Since 2019, there have been three Abide Catholic Women’s Conferences, serving over 2,000 women in the Lafayette area and beyond. Kessie and a team of dedicated women have spent years investing in the experience of the women’s conference.

After more prayer and discernment, Kessie and Coby felt it was time to serve the Acadiana area together as a couple by adding more service opportunities to the Abide family of ministries. It was here that the nonprofit, Abide Catholic Ministries, was born. Its purpose is to share the image of God as the Good Father, who desires to participate fully in our every moment with Him through unceasing prayer and devotion. Kessie and Coby wish to create and perpetuate an awareness of God’s immutability in all of our lives and help others obtain a deeper connection with Him through constant conversation. They hope God continues to accomplish these goals by developing the umbrella of Abide through retreats, conferences, and other opportunities the Lord may bring their way.