From the Editor

‘I bid you adieu’

It’s official! I have made the decision to retire at the end of March of this year. It has been great to work for the diocese for almost 37 years, 32 of those years with the Bayou Catholic.

I have many wonderful memories of the hundreds of people that I have met through the years. I have gotten to know many dedicated bishops, priests, deacons and religious while covering countless events. I have also met many wonderful lay people who have invited me into their homes and allowed me to write their stories of faith, endurance and sometimes hardships.

In 1986, I met Sister Miriam Mitchell, S.H.S.P., then executive director of Catholic Social Services for the diocese, at a meeting in Thibodaux for organizing people in the community to establish a food bank to help those in need when this area first experienced an economic downturn in the oil industry. Sister Miriam guided me and helped me to become the first manager of the three food banks at that time serving the people of Houma, Thibodaux and Central Lafourche. I will be forever grateful to her for her guidance and support through the early years of my career.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Dr. Marian Schwab, then director of Religious Education and Lay Ministry (REALM) in 1987, who introduced me to the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIMEX) program, which was being offered at the time for adult formation in pastoral studies. I also had the opportunity to work with (REALM) for a few years at the “evangelization desk.” It was a time of learning and experiencing first-hand how the church ministered to the Catholic faithful.

Sister Miriam was instrumental in introducing me to Louis Aguirre, editor of the Bayou Catholic at the time. I was seeking extra hours to work, and Louis gave me the opportunity to do some writing and photography for the weekly newspaper.

With Sister Miriam’s blessings, I made the change from food bank manager to editorial assistant at the Bayou Catholic. Sister Miriam always spoke of the importance of enabling people. Thank you, Sister Miriam for enabling me to grow in my faith and change the direction of my ministry.

To say that I have enjoyed my work at the diocese would be an understatement. I loved working for the diocese. As I mentioned before I have met so many wonderful people during my time here. I have taken thousands of photos of people at various events and during significant moments in their lives. The camera opened the door for me to explore the creativity of photography while at the same time tell the story of the diocese and the wonderful people who make up the church of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

I thank Louis Aguirre, who taught me well about the importance of the Catholic press and preserving historical moments through the print media.

During the years, I was always surrounded by gifted and talented co-workers who supported me along the way, and who were people of faith and love.

I thank my wife Debra, and my children, for allowing me to spend much time away from home on evenings at meetings or events that had to be covered. Without their support and understanding, I wouldn’t have been able to meet the demands of the job.

During my retirement, I hope to continue exploring my love of photography, enjoy the slower pace of retired living, and spend some time fishing.

I still plan to celebrate many diocesan events in the future. So, if you see me, let’s chat for a while and reminisce about the “good ole days.”

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News! BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

AmericAn indiAn mAss

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs was the main celebrant of the American Indian Mass celebrated recently at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Pointe-aux-Chenes. Parishioners and people from across the diocese gathered for the celebration. BC

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier