Bishop Provost recognizes 60 for dedicated service to church parishes and Diocese
By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — Diocesan honors were presented to 60 individuals in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, September 7. Representing 13 church parishes, the recipients were chosen for their profound dedication and devotion to the Catholic Church and community.
His Excellency, The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, officiated the Solemn Vespers liturgy for the Bestowal of Diocesan Honors at 5:00 p.m. on the Solemnity of St. Peter Claver, patron of the Diocese of Lake Charles, whose feast day is September 9. The bishop was assisted by Deacon Brian Soileau and Very Rev. Joseph Caraway, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
“In this the year of my Golden Jubilee of ordination to the Holy Priesthood, I am delighted to award diocesan honors to distinguished laity who have given of themselves selflessly in the work of the Church,” Bishop Provost said in his comments to those gathered.
“These good Catholic men and women have assisted their pastors, as well as the Diocese, in meeting numerous pastoral needs. Recommended for these honors by their pastors, they have faithfully witnessed to the lesson taught by our Lord in the Gospel — ‘What you did for the least of my brothers and sisters you did for me.’ The Diocese rejoices in their accomplishments, and I extend my blessings to them and their families for peace and well-being,” the bishop remarked.
Awards included the Order of Saint Charles in the Officer Class and Member Class, and the Diocesan Devoted Service Medal.
The Most Reverend Jude Speyrer, founding Bishop of Lake Charles, established the Diocesan Devoted Service Medal to be presented to men and women who have exemplified exceptional service at the church parish level. The honor is granted at the recommendation of the pastor.
Bishop Speyrer also established a personal award of recognition, which may be presented to members of the clergy and laity of the Diocese, and others, for services to the Church and the Bishop. This award — the Order of Saint Charles — is a decoration named in honor of the patron saint of the City of Lake Charles. It was established in three classes — Companion, Officer, and Member.
The Order of Saint Charles was created to afford the Bishop an opportunity to express his personal appreciation to those who have contributed in a special way to the welfare and development of the Church and the Diocese. Membership Class is granted to those whose service has had reaches throughout the Diocese, while the Officer Class is granted to those whose service has been ongoing throughout the Diocese. Companions of Saint Charles are for those who have given service that is unique and lasting throughout the Diocese.
Recipients, by medal and parish are:
Order of St. Charles
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Officer Class: Mary Alice Lauw, Michael Nodier, Consuelo “Connie” Nodier, Barbara Dubose, and Kenneth Trahan
Member Class: Stephen Broussard, Monica Broussard, Michael Fills, Karen Fills, James Bushnell, Mary Bushnell, Julie Engert, Jeanne Delahoussaye, Charles Marcantel, Vincent Lupo, Robbie LaVern, and Lavonne “Cookie” Dennison
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Officer Class: Linda Portie and Linda Ann Guilbeau
Member Class: John Leer Ardoin
St. Henry Catholic Church
Member Class: Gussie Pitre, Sr.; Carla Ann Duhon Goodly, Miguel Angel del Rosal Martinez, and Esthela Huerta del Rosal
St. Joseph Catholic Church
(DeRidder)
Member Class: Sandra Sue Kyle
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church
Member Class: Donna Grace Powers Vancherie †
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church
Officer Class: Karen Leann Savant and Wendy Rachelle LaFleur
St. Raphael Catholic Church
Member Class: Barbara Jane LeBlanc
Diocesan Devoted Service Medal
Christ the King Catholic Church — Leroy Crochet, Lisa Kay Bordelon Henry, and Susan Jane Heard Reeds
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church — August Sterling
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Jennings) — Eddie Eskew, Eileen Eskew, Dwayne Lewis, Kathy Lewis, Whitney Duplantis, and Pamela Duplantis
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church — Paul Gerald Touchet, Linda Faye Touchet, and Don Patrick Portie
Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church — Sammy Marshall Watkins
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church — Jimmy Richard, Ramona Richard, Debra Ann Hylton, Helen Louviere, and Ronald Oustalet
St. Henry Catholic Church — John Carl Broussard and Julie Theresa Dartez Broussard
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church — Rhonda Kay Marcantel and Barbara Jean Istre
St. Raphael Catholic Church — George Earl Bertrand Jr., Allice Marie Bertrand, and Judith Ann Joubert
St. Theodore Catholic Church — Jackie Breaux, Cherryle Fruge, Sherry Livingston, Robin Mathis, and Linda Mathis
Following the joyful ceremony of honors, a reception for family and friends was held in the Ave Maria Hall.
CLICK HERE to view photos of honorees and highlights from the Solemn Vespers.
