built for belonging
All Are Welcome is a Catholic ministry in the Diocese of Baton Rouge created to ensure individuals with special and exceptional. needs - and their families - feel seen, valued, and fully welcomed in the life of the Church.
We believe every person is made in the image of God and deserves a place to belong, grow in faith, and encounter Christ in a meaningful way. Through sensory-friendly Masses, family events, retreats, support groups, and inclusive community experiences, we strive to remove barriers and create spaces where everyone can fully and authentically participate.
Our mission is simple : to help families know they are not alone, not forgotten, and always welcome here.
The hearts behind the ministry
Jodi Devore
Co-Founder
As a mother of three autistic children, Jodi knows firsthand the joys, challenges, and isolation many exception-needs families experience within church communities. What began as a personal longing for belonging became a calling to create spaces where families truly feel seen, supported, and welcomed. Through All Are Welcome, she is passionate about helping every person encounter Christ in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and rooted in love.
Edda Dupaquier
Co-Founder
Edda is a wife and mother of five children, including two autistic children. Her family’s journey has given her a deep understanding of the importance of compassion, inclusion, and community support. She is passionate about helping families feel less alone in creating spaces where every child and caregiver is embraced with dignity, patience, and joy. Through All Are Welcome, Edda hopes families can experience the Church as a place of belonging and peace.
Deacon Randall Waguespack
Best Friend/Fearless Leader/Yes Man
Deacon Randall serves as the Director of Life, Peace, and Justice for the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge and has been a guiding presence behind All Are Welcome from the very beginning. With compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering belief in the dignity of every person, he has helped lead and encourage this ministry every step of the way. Known for his kind heart and servant leadership, Deacon Randall continually reminds families that they are deeply valued, fully loved, and an essential part of the Church.
