LAPLACE – Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church recently celebrated its 40^th anniversary.  The church was established on July 2, 1979, by Archbishop Hannan and its founding pastor was Rev. Benjamin Piovan. The original congregation had been parishioners of St. Joan of Arc.

It took several years for the building that currently stands at 1900 Greenwood Drive in LaPlace to become a reality. Until construction was complete, services were held at the music room at St. Charles Catholic High School.

In May of 1982, the first Mass was held in Don Bosco Hall. This building, which is the present day Ascension of our Lord School, was used as a multi purpose facility for six years.

As the congregation continued to grow with developing subdivisions during 80s, so did the need for a bigger church.

In 1987, permission was given for a fund drive and a temporary church was built on a “pay as you go basis.” This new church would not be finished until 1989, the same year the 10^th anniversary was celebrated.

The land the church currently stands was purchased in 1994, and the first Mass was celebrated in May 2001. The church was dedicated by Bishop Carmon.

In 2006 Rev. Benjamin retired and Rev. Walter J Austin became the spiritual leader of the AOL flock.

An anniversary celebration was held at Belle Terre Country Club with the theme, “Building a Future Full of Hope.”