CLERGY & STAFF
Very Rev. Vincent J. Dufresne, J.C.L., V.F., Pastor
Pastor of St. Michael, St. Joseph, and Sacred Heart since July 1, 2009.
Born in Wallace (Vacherie) just across the River from Colonial Sugar, the son of Ferdinand J. Dufresne and Olga Faucheux Dufresne.
Ordained a priest on July 30, 1983. Have graduate degrees in Moral Theology and Canon Law.
Served as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph in Pierre Part, St. Isidore in Baker, and St. Aloysius in Baton Rouge.
Was chaplain for five years at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Deaf Center in Baton Rouge. Former pastor at St. Philomena in Labadieville, and Immaculate Conception in Denham Springs.
Currently also teach Moral Theology for the Religious Studies Institute for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and Marriage Law in the Diaconate Formation Program for the Diocese.
Also serve as Defender of the Bond on the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and as Promoter of Justice for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
And currently Dean of the Southeast Deanery of the Diocese.
Pastor of St. Michael, St. Joseph, and Sacred Heart since July 1, 2009.
Born in Wallace (Vacherie) just across the River from Colonial Sugar, the son of Ferdinand J. Dufresne and Olga Faucheux Dufresne.
Ordained a priest on July 30, 1983. Have graduate degrees in Moral Theology and Canon Law.
Served as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph in Pierre Part, St. Isidore in Baker, and St. Aloysius in Baton Rouge.
Was chaplain for five years at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Deaf Center in Baton Rouge. Former pastor at St. Philomena in Labadieville, and Immaculate Conception in Denham Springs.
Currently also teach Moral Theology for the Religious Studies Institute for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and Marriage Law in the Diaconate Formation Program for the Diocese.
Also serve as Defender of the Bond on the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and as Promoter of Justice for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
And currently Dean of the Southeast Deanery of the Diocese.
Rev. Mark B. Beard, Parochial Vicar
The son of Harold and Florence Beard, is a native of Baton Rouge and attended Our Lady of Mercy School and Catholic High School where he was a 1979 graduate. Father Beard earned both a B.S. and an M.B.A. from Louisiana State University, and then worked in his family’s business for 20 years before entering the seminary in 2004. While a deacon he was assigned to St. Thomas More Parish for a five-month parish internship under the supervision of its pastor, Father Thomas Duhé.
Effective July 1 Father Beard’s first priestly assignment is that of parochial vicar in the cluster of churches of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Convent, St. Joseph Parish in Paulina and Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Gramercy.
Deacon Alfred Adams, Sr., Deacon Assistant
I am the second son of five boys, born and raised in Vacherie, La. by my mother, Dorothy Adams. Attended Magnolia Elementary School for a half year then moved over to the east bank and started school at Cypress Grove (E/H) School in Lutcher for nine and a half years. The next two I attended and graduated from Lutcher High School.
I worked at Avondale Shipyard, Construction Maintenance (CMI), Harmony Incorporate, drove bus for St. James Parish School, and now the Catholic Church of East St. James, which is St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joseph, and Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I am married to Dianne McKinley form Convent where we reside. We have two boys and a girl, who are grown and on their own. We are also grandparents of seven, six boys (one set of twins) and one girl.
I was ordained a deacon on September 29, 1990 on the Feast of the Archangels and was assigned at St. Michael the Archangel. A few years after ordination, I attended a three years course with Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIMEX) and earned a certificate in Pastoral Studies.
On a diocesan level I’ve work with the Office of Black Catholics for fourteen years as a member of the Advisory Board. Effective February of 2005, I was appointed as the Director of the Office.
Sister Judith Couturie, CSJ, Adult Education, RCIA, Lay Ministries (SJ)
I was born in New Orleans, the third child but only daughter of J. André Couturié and Angélè Delery Couturié. After attending 4 different elementary schools (my mother was a school teacher) I graduated high school from St. Joseph Academy in 1954. I entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in New Orleans in 1955 and made my first profession on June 10, 1958. After teaching for one year at Holy Rosary in New Orleans I returned to college and received my BA in elementary education from Dominican College in 1962.
After graduation I began teaching at Sacred Heart in Baton Rouge, St Frances Cabrini in New Orleans and St. Rita in Harahan during which time I received my Masters in Religious Education from Notre Dame Seminary. In 1978 I was assigned as Principal of Sacred Heart School in Baton Rouge and began work to get my certification in school administration. In 1985 I joined the Campus Ministry team at Christ the King Church on the LSU campus where I remained for 16 years.
After spending 3 years in Pastoral ministry in Belle Rose and Paincourtville I came to the East St James cluster in August of 2004. My first task was to set up and maintain a computer network to serve all three parishes and then to become coordinator of Adult Education for the cluster and Lay Ministry for St Joseph Parish.
My ministry here on the river has been filled with many blessings and I look forward to serving as long as I am able.
Mrs. Melissa Laurent, Youth Ministry, Bulletin Editor, High School PSR
Pastoral Center (click for email)
Secretary/Receptionist
Mrs. Marilyn Hidalgo
Born the third daughter of 5 girls to Helen Waguespack Klibert and the late Adrian “Kank-Kank” Klibert of Reserve. attended Leon Goduchaux Elementary and Leon Goduchaux High School. Married to Robert “Bobby” Hidalgo for 38 years. We have two sons who are married, Blaine M. Hidalgo & Bradley P. Hidalgo. We have 3 grandchildren 2 boys and 1 girl. I started working for Sacred Heart Church in August of 1982 and have been here for 27 years. My position at the Pastoral center is Secretary serving St. Joseph St. Michael and Sacred Heart Parishes. I do all necessary Secretary duties for the parishes. I input most of the computer data, record and schedule mass intention for the cluster, in charge of all mail out for the cluster. Bring and set up St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Church for weekend masses. Keep the mailing list for the Catholic Commentator, order and keep care notes in the churches up to date. Assist in answering the door and phone and directing people with their needs.
Mrs. Rachelle Oubre
Resident of Paulina, LA, born and raised in Lutcher La, daughter of the late Edgar “Hickey” Veron and Camilla Landry Veron. Married to Wesley Oubre for past 26 years. Mother of 2 children; Adam & Michael Oubre. Life long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulina.
Graduated elementary school from St. Peter Chanel in Paulina; graduated from Lutcher High in 1979, received an A.S. degree in Office Administration from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux in 1981.
Upon graduating from NSU, was employed by Brown & Root Construction Co. for 2 1/2 years. Employed 8 1/2 years with the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Employed since 1999 by the Pastoral Center in Paulina.
My current main duties at the Pastoral Center, which serves St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joseph, and Most Sacred Heart of Jesus parishes, include: Receptionist, sacramental records keeper, Baptismal registration, SJ funeral planning assistant, cemetery sales, Cluster parish facilities reservation/rental coordinator, and office assistant.
Bookeepers
Mrs. Catherine Boudreaux
Married to Roy Boudreaux and have lived in Convent all my life. We have four children and six grandchildren. After years of being a “stay at home mom”, I started working at St. Michael in 1993 when all my children were in school and my mother, Grace Waguespack, retired as secretary. My present duties include Payroll for the cluster and keeping the books for St. Michael Parish.
Mrs. Tammy Martin
I was born and raised in Gramercy, La and I am the third child of Daniel and Rowena Laroze. I graduated from Lutcher High School in 1980. I married Jerry L. Martin in 1982 and we have been residing in Grand Point ever since. We have three children, Cody, Traci, and Holly. I worked for 13 years at Kaiser’s credit union, stayed home for a few years to raise my children, and was hired part time in 1999 by St. Joseph Church as their bookkeeper.When Sacred Heart’s bookkeeper retired in 2007, I took over her duties. I am presently working full time as bookkeeper for St. Joseph Parish and for Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.
Religious Education
Elementary PSR
Ms. Carol Anne Rome, St Michael
I was born and raised on a small rural farm in Romeville, Louisiana to Audry and Frances Levet Rome. Along with my four brothers and sisters, I had to assume certain responsibilities in the fields.
My entire elementary and high school education was acquired from Romeville High School. I received my BA degree in Elementary Education from Nicholls State University. After teaching first grade for 37 years I retired. At present I am a substitute teacher for St. James Parish School System. I also do substitute work for Chanel School, as well as tutor children after school
I have attended numerous religious education workshops and courses, and have received Master Certification and Intermediate Certification from the Diocese of Baton Rouge. I am the Elementary Coordinator of Religion for St. Michael, and do help Deacon Alfred Adams with high school. For the past several years I have been preparing children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
I am also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas– Court St. Michael the Archangel #2080, an organization that has helped me grow in my faith.
Since we have been clustered with St. Joseph and Sacred Heart, it has been a pleasure to come to know and work with so many nice people.
Mrs. Donna Waguespack, St Joseph
I was born the second of five children, to Ernest “Nootsie” Veron and Mary Frances “Cooney” Lambert Veron. I was born and raised in Lutcher with a brief 18 months living in Grand Point. I attended and graduated from St. Peter Chanel School, and then I attended Lutcher High School and graduated in 1977. I attended Nicholls State University and received a BA in English Education with a Minor in Speech Education in December, 1980. I received Master Catechist Certification in 1988 and have also earned Intermediate Certification in 2005 for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. I taught at St. Peter Chanel School from 1980-2003 and in 2003 I became Coordinator of Relgion for St. Joseph Parish School of Religion and St. Peter Chanel School.
I am married to Craig Waguespack, and we have three children, Emma Adele, Benjamin Joseph, and Kate Elizabeth. We have lived in Lutcher all of our married life, and we are life-long residents of St. Joseph Church Parish and St. James civil parish.
As Coordinator of Religion for St. JosephParish, I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people in our parish school of religion and our annual summer vacation bible school. It is a great blessing to be able to lead the children of our parish to a closer relationship with Jesus. I plan to continue my work in the parish and the school as long as God wants me there!
Mrs. Diana Cantillo, Sacred Heart
My name is Diana Cantillo and I was born fifth of eight children to Randall and Lizzie Hidalgo Bourgeois on June 18, 1944. I attended Lutcher High school and graduated in 1963. I am the proud mother of three children: Keith, Troy, and Dana, and the mother-in-law to Kelly Bossier and Terry Perrilloux. I am the grandmother of six children: Kevin, Kerry, Kody, Kayla, Denver, and Cole.
After my children became school age, I began working as a food service technician at Gramercy Elementary School, and then I became Food Service Manager for Lutcher Elementary School for seventeen years. After I retired, I decided to volunteer for my church parish, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, where I proudly received all my sacraments. I received my First Communion in the original church in Gramercy which is now owned by Imperial Sugars. It is no longer a church, but it is still standing on the grounds of Imperial Sugars near the railroad track.
I am now enjoying full retirement and currently serving as a proud member of the St. James Parish School Board representing Gramercy. I am also the Director of Religious Education for Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish School of Religion which serves first through eighth grade students.
I am also involved in Catholic Daughters, Parish, State, and National School Board Organization, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the River Parishes, and most importantly, serving my church and cluster in several ministries. My family and the youth of my community give me great joy in my senior years. Volunteering keeps me young, even if my hair turns gray.
