Situated in the heart of downtown New Orleans, Immaculate Conception Parish seeks to sustain a Christian community that welcomes those who live, work and visit downtown.
Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church was established in 1851 by Jesuits from Lyons, France. The current church was built in 1929, and its architectural style is Moorish. Both the interior and exterior are adorned with symbols that reflect Christian, Jewish and Islamic sensibilities, inspired by a period in Spain’s history when Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together peacefully.
Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church has been able to sustain and adapt its ministries in downtown New Orleans for 160 years. There are currently a number of ministries for parishioners to use their talents, such as the Racial Harmony Committee, which assists the parish in exploring how best to nurture a diverse and respectful community.
The Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church Ministry to the Poor provides individuals and families with direct financial assistance for food, rent or utilities. Volunteers conduct telephone intake interviews and schedule home visits to those who ask for aid.
Immaculate Conception also has a Parish School of Religion that educates children and adolescents through instruction in Christian doctrine and spirituality.