Bishop Fabre Announces New Pastoral Assignments

After consultation with the Diocesan Priests’ Personnel Committee, Bishop Shelton Fabre announces the following pastoral assignments.  Please remember these priests and their parishes in your prayers during this time of transition.

 

Priest Retirements | Effective July 1, 2019

Bishop Shelton Fabre has accepted the retirement of Rev. Wilfredo (Freddie) Decal , effective July 1, 2019. Ordained December 17, 1977 and a priest for 41 years, Fr. Decal served the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for 35 years. He has most recently served as Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City since July 1, 2016.

Bishop Shelton Fabre has accepted the retirement of Rev. Scott J. Dugas , effective July 1, 2019. Ordained May 21, 1977, Rev. Dugas has been on assignment outside the diocese since June 2008.  

Bishop Shelton Fabre has accepted the retirement of Rev. Patrick (P.J.) Madden , effective July 1, 2019. Ordained May 14, 2004 and a priest for 15 years, Fr. Madden served the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for nine years. He has most recently served as Pastor of Saint Hilary Catholic Church in Mathews and St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gheens since July 1, 2015.

Bishop Shelton Fabre has accepted the retirement of Rev. Charles (Charlie) Perkins , effective July 1, 2019. Ordained February 25, 1978, Fr. Perkins has served the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for 41 years. He has most recently served as Pastor of Saint Mary’s Nativity Catholic Church in Raceland since July 1, 2014.
 

Pastor Assignments | Effective July 1, 2019

Rev. Cody Chatagnier has been appointed Pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church in Bourg, effective July 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He has most recently served as Administrator of St. Ann Catholic Church in Bourg since May, 1 2018.

Rev. Msgr. Cletus Egbi has been appointed Pastor of St. Luke Catholic Church in Thibodaux and St. Lucy Catholic Church in Houma, effective July 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He most recently served as Administrator of St. Luke Catholic Church in Thibodaux and St. Lucy Catholic Church in Houma since January 1, 2018.

Rev. Rajasekar (Raja) Karumelnathan, M.S.F.S. has been appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montegut and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Pointe-aux-Chenes, effective July 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He most recently served as Administrator of both these parishes since July 2018.

Rev. Clyde Mahler has been appointed Pastor of Saint Mary’s Nativity Catholic Church in Raceland, effective July 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He has most recently served as Pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City since July 1, 2014.

Rev. Thankachan (John) Nambusseril has been appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Golden Meadow, effective July 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He has most recently served as Pastor of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Lockport since July 1, 2015.

Rev. Joseph (Henry) Sebastian, M.S.F.S. (Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales) has been appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City, effective July 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He has most recently served as Pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Golden Meadow since July 1, 2012.

Rev. Joseph Tregre has been appointed Pastor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Houma, effective July 1, 2019, for a six-year term. He has most recently served as Chaplain of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center since July 1, 2018.

Administrator Assignments | Effective July 1, 2019

Rev. Samuel (Brice) Higginbotham has been appointed Administrator of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City, effective July 1, 2019, for a one-year term. He has most recently served as Associate Pastor of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux since January 1, 2018.

Rev. John David (J.D.) Matherne has been appointed Administrator of Saint Hilary Catholic Church in Mathews, effective July 1, 2019, for a one-year term. He has most recently served as Director of Vocations and Bishop’s Liaison for Youth Formation since July 1, 2018. He will continue to serve as Diocesan Director of Vocations.

Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu has been appointed Administrator of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Lockport, effective July 1, 2019, for a one-year term. He has most recently served as Associate Pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Houma since November 6, 2017.

Rev. Antonio Maria Speedy has been reappointed Administrator of Holy Family Catholic Church in Dulac, effective July 1, 2019, for a one-year term. He has most recently served in specialized evangelization ministry since December 2017.

 

Associate Pastor Assignments | Effective July 1, 2019

Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse has been appointed Associate Pastor of St. Genevieve Church in Thibodaux, effective July 1, 2019. His Ordination to the Priesthood is Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales in Houma.

Rev. Patrick Riviere has been appointed Associate Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Student Center at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, effective July 1, 2019. His Ordination to the Priesthood is Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales in Houma.

Rev. Romeo (Billy) Velasco has been appointed Associate Pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales in Houma, effective July 1, 2019. He has most recently served as Associate Pastor of Saint Genevieve Catholic Church in Thibodaux since July 1, 2017.

 

Diocesan Appointments | Effective July 1, 2019

Rev. Prentice Tipton , a priest of the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, has been given permission by his Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Walter Hurley, to serve in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for one year. Rev. Tipton will serve as a Senior Liaison for the Diocesan Office of Parish Support. He has also been appointed Associate Pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church in Thibodaux effective July 1, 2019.

 

Diocesan Assignments | Effective July 1, 2019

Rev. Rholando (Rholly) Grecia has been appointed Chaplain of Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma.  He has most recently served as Pastor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Houma since July 1, 2014.  He will live in residence at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.

Rev. Jacob Lipari III has been appointed Chaplain of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center in Thibodaux, effective July 1, 2019. He will live in residence at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral. He will continue to serve the Diocesan Tribunal, as well as continue his post-graduate study of Canon Law.

Rev. Mitchel (Mitch) Semar has been appointed Director of Seminarians for both College Seminary and Major Seminary. He will continue to serve as Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Student Center at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.


 

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