Posted by. Tre Williams on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 2:51 PM
2020 Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule
MASS:
8:30am, 12 noon and 6:00pm. Ashes given out after all masses.
Latest News
Posted by. Tre Williams on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 9:44 AM
Story by Christine Bordelon, Clarion Herald:
Ten rows of priests concelebrated with Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes Feb. 15 at the Funeral Mass for Msgr. L. Earl Gauthreaux at the parish he led for 52 years – St. Maria Goretti.
“My sisters and brothers, we gather this morning as a family of faith, a family belonging to our God but also to Msgr. Gauthreaux,” Archbishop Aymond said. “And we come together to thank God for the gift of Msgr. Gauthreaux, his life, his faith, his family and the many ways in which he has served and led God’s people for over 60 years.”
His relatives from his native Plaquemines, Louisiana, outside of Baton Rouge, were in attendance at the Mass as were many of the people he served for half a century. In 1968, he became the second pastor of St. Maria Goretti, located in what Father Pat Williams, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, said was the “near East” of New Orleans.
Friendship grew
Father Williams first got to know Msgr. Gauthreaux as a student in his canon law class at Notre Dame Seminary.
“I learned then how much he loved the priesthood and how much he loved being with the priests – a tradition he carried on with his Thanksgiving luncheons all the way to this day,” Father Williams said. “I also learned, like his good friend Msgr. (Clinton) Doskey, that the law was not an end to itself. The law was always about the people and how it could serve them and help them in their relationship with God.”
Father Williams told the packed church of his many memories of his friend, Msgr. Gauthreaux, and he knew those attending had their memories, too. In bidding him farewell by celebrating the Eucharist, “our remembering is the work of the Spirit, and that means when we come together today in this place, we remember in love, and we remember in faith, and that gives us hope. We remember in love all the ways that Msgr. Gauthreaux touched the hearts of everyone here.
Father Williams told the packed church of his many memories of his friend, Msgr. Gauthreaux, and he knew those attending had their memories, too. In bidding him farewell by celebrating the Eucharist, “our remembering is the work of the Spirit, and that means when we come together today in this place, we remember in love, and we remember in faith, and that gives us hope. We remember in love all the ways that Msgr. Gauthreaux touched the hearts of everyone here.
“The book of Ecclesiastes (the first reading) tells us there is a time and place for everything. I’m sure you can remember those times in which you weeped at funerals, and Msgr. Gauthreaux was there. In times of joy – baptisms and weddings; the times in which he stood right here (at the ambo), so many many times that he proclaimed the Good News. The times that he offered counsel and guidance for his family, whom he loved so much, for his church. He dedicated his life to serving.
“It’s through the Spirit that we remember in love, because St. Paul (letter to the Romans in the second reading) tells us that love never ends. He tells the Romans that there is nothing more powerful than the love of God in Christ Jesus. So, as we gather and remember in love, our hearts are saddened, yes, but whenever we remember, there will be love. And, that love gives us hope.
“We also, in this funeral liturgy, gather to remember in faith – faith that is so beautifully proclaimed in the Beatitudes. To remember in faith means that we can proclaim, ‘Lord, for your faithful, life has changed not ended.’ For remembering in faith tells us that what we do at this table is not just a memory, but it is making present the very presence of God, the presence that Msgr. Gauthreaux celebrated so faithfully for such a long time. This is the faith that we live. This is the faith that Msgr. Gauthreaux lived and taught throughout his priesthood. Remembering in that faith sustains us in hope.”
Father Williams urged everyone to always remember that in the midst of our dark valleys, God is always with us.
“That is my prayer for each one of us – for monsignor’s family, friends, his parish family, his brother priests, all those who loved him and knew him,” Father Williams said. “My prayer is that with God’s help, every time we remember, there will be love. Every time we remember, there will be faith. In love and faith, may each of us find hope and peace.”
Had the last words
Mentioning that Msgr. Gauthreaux was not shy about expressing his opinion, Father Williams thought it apropos to let Msgr. Gauthreaux’s own written words be the last before departing the Funeral Mass:
“I have loved as God wants us to love. I could never be a politician, especially an ecclesiastical politician. I must be honest, truthful, just, a good, kind friend to all, even the bishop, who may not appreciate what I stand for. I am happy with what I am and what I have achieved and the work I have done, all I have helped in my priesthood. I have been in the company of the best, and have been in great places and great times. I think I have helped and taught much to many priests and people. Thank you, God. Be merciful to me, a sinner. Let me forever be in the company and presence of my best friend and family. Deo gratias (thanks be to God).”
“I have loved as God wants us to love. I could never be a politician, especially an ecclesiastical politician. I must be honest, truthful, just, a good, kind friend to all, even the bishop, who may not appreciate what I stand for. I am happy with what I am and what I have achieved and the work I have done, all I have helped in my priesthood. I have been in the company of the best, and have been in great places and great times. I think I have helped and taught much to many priests and people. Thank you, God. Be merciful to me, a sinner. Let me forever be in the company and presence of my best friend and family. Deo gratias (thanks be to God).”
“Deo gratias, indeed,” Father Williams said.
A second funeral liturgy was held for Msgr. Gauthreaux, who died Feb. 8, at age 89, at his childhood parish, St. John the Evangelist in Plaquemines, Louisiana, Feb. 18.
Posted by. Tre Williams on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM
Pastor, Professor, Judicial Vicar Archdiocese of New Orleans VIRIUSTUS ET IUSTITIAE. November 2nd, 1930 – February 8th, 2020. Reverend Monsignor Lawrence Earl Gauthreaux, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2020. He was 89 years of age. Msgr. Gauthreaux was born on November 2, 1930 in Plaquemine, LA. He attended St. John Elementary School and St. John High School in Plaquemine where he graduated Valedictorian of the 1947 class. He earned a B.B.A in Business at Loyola University in New Orleans and attended St. Joseph Seminary in Covington and studied Philosophy and Theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He earned a Baccalaureate in Canon Law and Licentiate in Canon Law from Catholic University in Washington, DC. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1956 in New Orleans by Bishop L. Abel Caillouet in St. Louis Cathedral. "One kneels in the consciousness of his own nothingness and rises…A priest forever." Father Earl celebrated his first mass on June 10, 1956 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine, La. Msgr. Gauthreaux served as Associate Pastor at St. Francis de Sales Church in Houma, Vicar Substitute at St. Michael's Church in New Orleans, Associate Pastor at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in New Orleans, St. Leo the Great Church in New Orleans, St. Catherine of Siena Church in Metairie, and St. Mary Magdalen Church in Metairie. His pastorate began at St. Maria Goretti Church in New Orleans on June 1st, 1968. In addition to his pastoral assignments, he served in the Metropolitan Tribunal as Secretary, Pro-Synodal Judge, Examiner, Vice-Officialis, and Judge. He also served as Dean of the City-Park Gentilly Deanery and New Orleans East Deanery, as well as holding the position of Archdiocesan Censor, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Canon Law at Notre Dame Seminary, Vice-Chairman of the Ecumenical Committee, Spiritual Director of the Particular Council No. 2, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Confessor and Counselor at St. John Vianney Prep School, Moderator of the St. Thomas More Lawyers Association, Director of college level vocations and a member of the College of Consultors. Msgr. Gauthreaux was made a Prelate of Honor by Pope Paul VI in 1975. Until shortly before his death, Msgr. Gauthreaux was residing at St. Maria Goretti Parish, where he served as pastor for 53 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul Edward Gauthreaux, Sr. and Mabel Agnes Chriss Gauthreaux, a sister Blanche Marie Comeaux and husband Ralph Joseph Comeaux, Sr., and brothers Paul Edward "Toby" Gauthreaux and wife Betty Banta Gauthreaux, John Alfred Gauthreaux and wife Joan Eby Gauthreaux, Leonard Gordon Gauthreaux, Robert Gauthreaux (infant), niece Brenda Marie Comeaux, nephews Michael and Christopher Gauthreaux (infants), and great-nephew Derek Joseph Comeaux. Monsignor Gauthreaux is survived by his sister-in-law Jocelyn Myhand Gauthreaux of Addis, 24 nieces and nephews and their spouses, numerous great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and great-great-great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at St. Maria Goretti church on Friday, February 14th from 10 a.m. with a vigil service at 6 p.m. The visitation will continue through the night until the funeral mass. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 15th at 11 a.m., by The Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond. Pallbearers will be Joe Thibeaux, Gary Singletary, Joe Simon, James Young, Lester Thomas, and Ralph Clary. Honorary Pallbearers will be James Singletary, Raymond August, Alton Lombard, and Kenneth Boyd. A second visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine on Monday, February 17th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will resume on Tuesday, February 18th from 8 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., celebrated by The Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Interment in Grace Memorial Park, Plaquemine will follow. Pallbearers will be Mark Comeaux, Donnie Gauthreaux, John Gauthreaux, Chris Gauthreaux, Joe Thibeaux, and Joe Simon. At the age of 37, because of his expertise in Canon Law, Father Gauthreaux was called to Rome to assist with the writing of Vatican II laws of the Catholic church. At the age of 75, Katrina destroyed his church, rectory, and the adjacent Monsignor Gauthreaux education center. It was an emotional loss for Monsignor, who oversaw the re- construction of the 10.5-acre parish complex. In 2007, Monsignor Gauthreaux was named Distinguished Graduate of St. John High School, Plaquemine. He was chosen in 2013 to be Grand Marshal of the inaugural Krewe of Comogo parade, a parade formed to honor his beloved niece, Brenda. Father loved his family. Special thanks to The Archbishop Gregory Aymond, his brothers in the priesthood, his assistant and friend Father Cyril Buyeera, his dining partner Father Jon Koehler, his family of parishioners at St. Maria Goretti, his faithful staff, nurse parishioner Angela Agochukeu, and his own family of caregivers. A very special thank you to his dedicated and faithful housekeeper of 37 years, his very close friend, Gilda and her husband Joe Thibeaux, who helped care for Monsignor with love of family. He loved all of you. Many thanks to his team of doctors and staff at Ochsner Medical Center who treated Monsignor with care, respect, and nobility. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine, St. John the Baptist in Brusly, or St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in New Orleans. 'Heavenly Father, we pray for your blessings through the intercession of our patroness, Saint Maria Goretti. May all of us be young at heart, vibrant in spirit, and strong in our faith, so that, like Maria Goretti, we may attain the happiness of heaven. Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us.' In Monsignor's own words, "My life as a priest has been a rich blessing to me as I thank God, my good family, and my special friends who were such an important part of my priesthood." And so, farewell our pastor, our brother, our friend, our uncle. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Published in TheAdvocate.com from Feb. 11 to Feb. 18, 2020
Posted by. Tre Williams on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 4:20 PM
Msgr. L. Earl Gauthreaux, the longest-tenured pastor in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, died Feb. 8 at the age of 89. He had served as pastor of St. Maria Goretti Church since 1968.
Funeral Services
Visitation: Friday, February 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd., New Orleans.
Vigil Service: Friday, February 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Maria Goretti Church
Funeral Mass: Saturday, February 15, 2020 11:00 a.m. at St. Maria Goretti Church
Visitation: Monday, February 17, 2020 from 5:00 pm. – 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine, LA
Funeral Mass: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, Plaquemine, LA
Biographical Information
Lawrence Earl Gauthreaux was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, the third of six children of Paul Edward Gauthreaux, Sr. and Mabel Agnes Chriss. He was educated in Plaquemine from 1936 and graduated Valedictorian of the 1947 St. John High School Class. He continued his education at St. Joseph Seminary College, Covington, La. from 1947 until 1950 and then entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he studied until 1956. Monsignor Gauthreaux was ordained on June 9, 1956 serving in the priesthood for over 63 years. In 1960, Archbishop Joseph Rummel sent him to the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. to study Canon Law and upon completion of his studies he returned to New Orleans in 1962 with a Licentiate in Canon Law. Upon completion of his studies, he returned to New Orleans in 1962 with a Baccalaureate and a Licentiate in Canon Law. At the age of 37, because of his expertise in Canon Law, Father Gauthreaux was called to Rome to assist with the writing of Vatican II laws of the Catholic church. On June 1, 1968 Father Gauthreaux was appointed Pastor of St. Maria Goretti Church, New Orleans. He was named a prelate of honor by Pope Paul VI on April 12, 1975 with the title Monsignor. He was pastor of St. Maria Goretti Church in New Orleans, Archdiocese of New Orleans for 53 years.
Posted by. Joseph Simon on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 11:01 AM
The January- February 2020 Edition of the St. Maria Goretti Catholic Men's Fellowship Newsletter is now available. Click on the link to read or download it.
Posted by. Joseph Simon on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 9:07 AM
Saint Maria Goretti will host the Lord Teach Me To Pray Part 1, Praying the Virtues program for women beginning on January 25, 2020.
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