The emphasis on spiritual life, growth and well-being at The Oaks of Louisiana has deep roots, dating back to Live Oak Multifaith Retirement Community, which merged with Willis-Knighton Health System in 2007 to become part of The Oaks.

Live Oak’s 25 year multifaith tradition is fundamental to The Oaks’ mission to be inclusive of all faith traditions and through spiritual life services support residents’ faith journeys. It’s no wonder residents here feel blessed.

Sally Montgomery certainly does. “For me, it’s very important that we have a variety of worship and spiritual opportunities,” she says. A resident of The Oaks community for nearly three years, Montgomery says, “My faith is a big part of my life. I was always very active in my church (Noel Memorial United Methodist) and I miss that now.”

While she still attends Noel as she can, Montgomery says she is thankful that the spiritual health of those who live at The Oaks is paramount to Willis- Knighton Health System, which operates The Oaks.

“Our residents know that when they come here to live, their spiritual growth will be honored and nurtured to whatever degree they wish, no matter what their personal faith may be,” says Margaret Elrod, executive director.

“Everybody here has a strong faith background,” adds the Rev. Andrew Comeaux, director of Spiritual Life Services. “We have Christians and Jews, residents who have different beliefs but all with a faith in God. We have remained multifaith so that all can feel comfortable exercising and expressing their faith.”

Comeaux, with the help of Chaplain Mickie Cowan, draws from a variety of faith traditions each month, mindful that blending traditions benefits all by sharing life experiences and one’s journey to God.

“We try to work to reach out to everybody,” Comeaux says. And with the help of area clergy and lay leaders, who volunteer their time, that mission is achieved.

Spiritual services and events at The Oaks each month span a broad spectrum. Sunday mornings include Sunday School in two locations on campus – Health Center at Live Oak and Savannah at The Oaks – followed by worship services at Chapel at The Oaks. Throughout the week are multifaith Communion services, Spiritual Pathways, a monthly education forum, a video bible study from noted Bible teachers that include Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer, vespers and prayer and healing services.

A variety of worship and spiritual opportunities are offered throughout the month at the different residences: Tower at The Oaks, Garden Apartments at The Oaks, Savannah at The Oaks and Health Center at Live Oak. Among the offerings: bible studies on the Old Testament with the Rev. William McBride, of St. Matthias Episcopal Church, and the Book of Psalms, with the Rev. Larry Williams, of Broadmoor Baptist Church.

Both leave those attending with something to think and talk about.

“We get into some very deep discussions at our lunch table,” Montgomery says.

Nourishment for the body and soul.