The Oak 2022

Here are Ways to Get Involved

Alumni Committee assists with the annual family brunch, alumni outreach, and database updating.

Club Grand grandparents supporting their CCS grandchildren by volunteering on campus for annual events and supporting fundraisers.

Annual Giving Appeal donate annually to the Foundation for campus improvements, alumni development, tuition assistance, The Oak magazine, and teacher resources.

Named Endowment establish a fund which provides perpetual income to a student, a teacher, or campus improvements.

Buy a Brick purchase a personalized engraved brick to leave a permanent tribute on campus.

LETTER FROM FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Annual Golf Tournament 4-person scramble at Oakbourne Country Club in October.

www.cathedralcarmel.com Sarah A. Hyde, Development/Foundation Director shyde@cathedralcarmel.net • 337-235-5577

2022-23

Foundation Board of Directors

Robert Foard ‘84 - President

Angie Dore’ - Vice President

Jeffrey Lowry ‘98 - Treasurer

Michele D. Kaufman ‘01 – Secretary

Sarah Hyde – Executive Director

Very Rev. Chester Arceneaux – Pastor Kay B. Aillet – Principal

Robyn Boudreaux

Tony Carroll

Troy Cloutier ‘88

James Debaillon ‘99

Bernard Dumond

Trent Folse

Brandon Gardner

Christopher Guidry

Neal Guidry

Jeffrey Laborde, M.D. ‘72

Pamela D. LaFleur ‘94

Cory Lavergne Jim Lyons Glenda Matt

Cathedral-Carmel and a Catholic education has been so important for me and my family. The Foundation is critical to preserving our beloved Cathedral legacy for the future. It is a privilege to give back by serving on the Board just as my father and grandfather once did.

- Michele

Welcome to the latest edition of The Oak, an annual publication of Cathedral-Carmel Foundation. We hope you will enjoy reading about the Foundation’s efforts over the last year including the annual golf tournament and scholarships/grants awarded from several named endowment funds. These endowment funds serve as an opportunity for you to contribute to the areas focusing on tuition, campus improvement, and teacher resources. The fruits of these gifts will be enjoyed for many years to come. We appreciate the support, time, and energy of the Foundation donors. In the following pages, we recognize these donors, as well as provide ways for you to contribute and take part in this legacy. We hope you enjoy this publication, and we would love to hear how Cathedral-Carmel has helped influence you and your loved ones.

Robert Foard, Foundation President

Emeritus Members

Msgr. George A. Bodin Amb. Jefferson Caffery Dr. Frank H. Davis, Jr. Sr. M. Immaculata Garcia, O’Carm Kevin McCarthy

Bro. Joseph O Roy, FSC Judge Jerome Domengeaux Dr. James Olivier

Robert E. Trahan, CHS ‘64

Jimmy Adams’ CHS ‘66

Richard D. Chappuis, Jr. CHS ‘59 Bill Charbonnet

Jimmy H. Domengeaux CCHS ’77

Hubert “Red” Dumesnil, CHS ‘48

John Favaloro, CCHS ‘76

Joseph C. Giglio, Jr., CCHS ‘70

Karl G. “Bubba” Guidry W. Charles Hollier

David Landry, CCHS ‘71

Edward G. Landry, CHS ‘49 Art LeBlanc, CHS ‘66

A.J. Maloney, Jr., CHS ‘66

John McCarthy, CCHS ‘71

Patrick McCarthy, CHS ‘63

Ashton Mouton, Jr., CHS ’65

Frank Neuner

Judy Martin Paul, MC ‘57

Greg Roberts, CHS ’67

Russell Romero CHS ‘65

Judge Kaliste Saloom, Jr.,CHS ‘35

Dennis Smith

Frank Stagno

L. Keith Trahan

Lee Verret

Greg Voorhies, CCHS ‘70

Todd M. Trahan, CCS ‘83

Robert Eddy

Beth Ardoin

Bernard Dumond

Brett Broussard, CCS ‘88

Elisabeth Cortez, CCS, ‘92

Neal Guidry

Judi LeJeune

Emeritus Foundation Member – former board member appointed to Emeritus status for an individual’s service and contribution to the board.

Domengeaux Kaufman, Board

Member

PRESENTING Purple Sponsors

Golf Cart Sponsor

Flag Sponsor

Entry Gift Sponsor

Food & Beverage Sponsors

Food & Beverage Sponsors

Fr. Chester’s

Seafood Gumbo

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Annual Foundation Golf Tournament

Total proceeds $37,000 It was a beautiful day for golf! Thank you to the Foundation Board Members, Sponsors, the (32) Teams who participated, Oakbourne staff, Mrs. Aillet, and Fr. Chester! These funds raised assist with alumni efforts, The Oak Foundation magazine, student scholarships, and campus improvements.

Total proceeds $37,000 was a beautiful day for golf! Thank you to the Foundation Board Members, Sponsors, the (32) Teams who participated, Oakbourne staff, Mrs. Aillet, and Fr. Chester! These funds raised assist with alumni efforts, The Oak Foundation magazine, student scholarships, and campus improvements.

Letter from Foundation Director

Congratulations to the WINNERS!

It has been my pleasure working as the Foundation Director for the last nineteen years. I appreciate and enjoy working alongside the Foundation Board, our Principal, Mrs. Aillet, and our Pastor, Fr. Chester Arceneaux. I greatly value their wisdom, leadership, and support.

sponsors and players who participated.

t Place

Casbon Splane Trahan

Larraga

3rd Place

Langlinais Chastant

The Foundation continues with great accomplishments including the alumni family brunch, establishing an opportunity for named endowments, publishing the 4th issue of The Oak magazine, and the annual golf tournament. This year’s golf tournament was another success! I would like to thank the

Supporting the Foundation through your stewardship and prayers sustains Cathedral-Carmel School! We sincerely value your commitment to our mission and vision and are blessed to call you CCS family.

Sarah A. Hyde Foundation Director

Fr. Chester’s Seafood Gumbo

Josh Adams / Shelter Insurance Jambalaya

Sisters of Mt. Carmel and Christian Brothers laid the foundation for Cathedral-Carmel School

Sisters of Mt. Carmel and Christian Brothers walked the halls as living examples of Jesus Christ. They lived close to the Eucharist, had a deep spiritual life, worked, and suffered, yet with a joyful heart, and dedicated their lives to serve, teach, and love.

Sister Laura Melancon and Sister Teresa Margaret Toups were no different. Both were an inspiration and a beautiful example of living the mission of Cathedral-Carmel School “love one another, uphold one another – teach minds and touch hearts.”

Sister Laura entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1950, age 15, and devoted 53 years to Catholic education. “Laura was a saint,” stated Sr. Kathy Farrelly, fellow Mt. Carmel Sister, best friend, and roommate of 30 years.

All who knew her agreed that Sr. Laura was a gift from God and a true inspiration for the Mt. Carmel and Cathedral-Carmel community. Serving as principal and later the eighth grade Religion teacher, she retired from CCS after 20 years of service. Donna Boullion who worked with Sr. Laura stated, “one of Mother Teresa’s quotes is peace begins with a smile. Sister Laura brought smiles and peace to everyone every day.” Sr. Laura walked through life full of God’s grace before returning to God on July 17, 2022, living to the age of 87.

Sister Teresa Margaret Toups joined the sisterhood in 1955, age 16, and began her teaching career in 1970 as a first-grade teacher at Cathedral-Carmel School. She is known for her simplicity, humble influence, holiness, and legacy as the last religious presence and Mt. Carmel Sister on campus; until health complications forced her into retirement in 2018. Dedicating her life to serving others and serving God, she was also an amazing artist. Sr. TM (as the students called her) loved to volunteer in the Art Department at CCS. She loved to paint and draw, gifting them to her fellow co-workers. Retired first-grade teacher and dear friend, Marie Voorhies, who taught alongside Sr. TM for 25 years, described her as being “small in stature but strong, and a jack of all trades. My confidant, my cheerleader. We laughed, we cried, and I will always cherish my time with her.” Sr. TM returned to God on October 25, 2022, in the 64th year of her religious profession.

The Christian Brothers had a stern reputation; however, Brother Leo Baltz was fondly remembered by co-worker and friend, Lisa

Breaux stating, “He was caring and empathetic while sharing his faith and wisdom.” Brother Leo was a member of De La Salle Christian Brothers since 1936. During his years in the teaching ministry, he taught in eight different schools including CCS from 1981 to 2001.

Brother Leo was known for his gentle soul who welcomed conversation and those who knew him always felt the depth of his convictions. He found every moment to be a teachable lesson. His love for the outdoors led to spending much of his free time planting, harvesting, and raising chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

“The students loved watching the eggs hatch and picking vegetables from the garden he grew on campus,” remembers Lisa. At the age of 88, Brother Leo passed away peacefully on December 1, 2007, after an extended illness.

Rooted in Christ for 175 years, Cathedral-Carmel School still lives the mission of the Sisters of Mt. Carmel and the Christian Brothers. They may no longer physically walk this campus; however, they leave behind a spiritual presence and legacy rich in history, tradition, and holiness which continues today.

Sr. Kathy Farrelly and Sr. Laura Melancon

Marie Voorhies, fellow 1st grade teacher, and Sr. Teresa Margaret Toups

Brother Leo Baltz

Campus Ministry embraces the past and brings new beginnings to Cathedral-Carmel School

Mrs. Kay Aillet and Fr. Chester Arceneaux created a new position this year, Director of Campus Ministry, hiring Mr. Brian Moscona. In his new role, Mr. Moscona will work closely with Mrs. Nicole Helo, hired as Religion Administrator, after the retirement of Mrs. Jill Spikes. “Jill built an incredibly strong faith formation program. She enhanced the liturgical events that have been pillars at CCS, and she was instrumental in creating the CCS Chapel, making this a sacred space for students and staff,” Mrs. Helo comments.

experience of communal prayer, praise and worship, testimony, and catechesis. The Blessed Sacrament will now be present in the chapel throughout the school day, providing students and faculty the opportunity to visit the Lord spending time in adoration. In addition to weekly school Mass, members of the clergy will celebrate grade-level masses in the chapel tailored to each age group. Mrs. Aillet states, “Our faculty, staff, clergy, and religious work to form Christ-centered students and to help them fulfill their destiny to become saints. Our prayer is that our students truly live with Jesus in their hearts forever.”

Behold, I make all things new.

-Revelations 21:5

Mr. Moscona is tasked with enhancing the spiritual life of the students, through small groups, retreats, liturgy, praise and worship, Eucharistic adoration, sacraments, and other formative experiences. “Our school has been rooted in Christ for 175 years, and we continuously explore ways to enhance the Catholic identity of our school and the faith formation provided to our students,” states Fr. Chester Arceneaux.

Beginning this year, campus ministry opportunities include Lunch Bunch offered to students in grades 5-8th to feed the spirit through faith sharing, conversation, and prayer. Students meet in small groups during their lunch break to build relationships with one another and with a mentor in faith. LIFT Days (Love in Faith and Truth) are mini retreats planned for students providing the

8th grade students enjoy Lunch Bunch with Mr. Brian Moscona.

While Cathedral-Carmel School has a rich history of faith formation, we embrace the words of our savior Jesus Christ who promises to “make all things new.” In closing, Mr. Moscona explains, “The students at CCS will experience new beginnings this school year to enhance their faith journey, and we pray that the Lord will bring about abundant fruit in their lives through these offerings.”

Students gather in the CCS Chapel to sit in the Lord’s presence for Eucharistic adoration.

Named Endowments

Dr. & Mrs. Elmo Laborde Capital Improvement Endowment

Annual endowment distributions are used for CCS campus improvements.

Linden J. Bercegeay, Jr. Tuition Endowment

Scholarship awarded to a student to assist with CCS tuition who have demonstrated perseverance in the classroom, in school activities, and in their spiritual life. Scholarship has not yet been awarded.

Robyn & Phil Boudreaux Teacher Endowment

Grant awarded to a CCS teacher to purchase materials aligned with an Academic, Resource, or Enrichment program which directly enhances the learning proficiency of the student. Tara Cramer will utilize this grant for the newest Reading Intervention Program affording all CCS students with reading challenges to reach their maximum growth potential. Jennifer Cortese will utilize this grant for the newest 7/8th grade elective, Tiger Media, as an introduction to Broadcast Journalism engaging students in story filming and editing.

Cathedral-Carmel Foundation Tuition Endowment

Scholarship awarded to a male and female seventh-grade student to assist with eighth-grade tuition. Recipients are recognized for attending CCS since PreK, school leadership and involvement in campus life, academic excellence, a positive influence on peers, and a willingness to serve others.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Tuition Endowment

Scholarship awarded to a CCS student who is a parishioner of the church to assist with tuition. Scholarship has not yet been awarded.

Msgr. Keith DeRouen

Tuition Endowment

Scholarship awarded to a CCS eigth-grade student to assist with high school tuition who exemplifies the principals of leadership, faith, and fellowship.

This year’s gift was used to build beautiful bench seating around the two magnolia trees on the front lawn of campus. Dr. Jeff Laborde, son of the late Dr. & Mrs. Laborde, designed and assisted in the construction of these benches.

Sarah Hyde, Director, with recipients, Adam Ransonet & Jocelyn Rabalais

Paul Zehnder Teacher Endowment

Grant awarded to the Teacher of the Year to assist with professional development or the purchase of materials, aligned with the CCS academic curriculum to enhance student learning.

Julie Evans, 4th grade Teacher of the Year, & Robert Foard, Foundation President

Teacher Recipients, Jennifer Cortese & Tara Cramer with Robyn & Phil Boudreaux

Jill Spikes, Religion Administrator, with recipient, Amielle Courville

Cathedral-Carmel

Fr. Chester Arceneaux, Pastor, and Fr. Michael Richard, Associate Pastor greet CCS students arriving each morning.

Our REC students push the Rolling Café through the halls selling handmade treats to our teachers.

STEAM Lab promotes hands-on creativity, exploration, and problem-solving for CCS students.

Carmel, our resident campus feline, seems to really love her namesake!

Mrs. Aillet, Sr. Fatima, and Mrs. Helo lead Praise & Worship every Friday in the gym.

CCS Grandparents’ Day is our favorite day of the school year.

Annual Giving Appeal

Monica & Tony Carroll

Angela Rothermel

Alfred Lemmon

Adam Cormier

Beth Oubre

James LeBlanc

Lynn Comeaux

Melanie Stokes

Bruce Bentley

Marilyn Martin

Laurie & Jack McElligott

Bernard & Joleah Dumond

Robert Breaux

Marie & Glen Raggio

Juliet Zeik

Leslie Patout

Robert Foard

Jim Lyons

Brittany Ramirez

Trent Folse/BOA Matching

Loretta Giglio

Lewis Rigaud

Laurie & Brandon Soebbing

Jennifer & Jean-Paul Coussan

Dennis Gautreaux

Brad Breaux

Sean Ebner/Shell Oil Matching Nanette Pirie

Sarah Blanchard

Coni Trahan

William Lowry Mary Kellner

*Kathleen Fournet

Geraldine Chauffe

*Debbie Landry

Steve & Liz Kilchrist

Melanie Stokes

Air Plus

Anne Brennan

Grass Roots

Elizabeth Bernstein

Justin Shapiro

*Michael O. Mouton

Georgie Mouton

Christy Cart

CCS / PBA

Mary Katherine Buzhardt

Heather Duplantis

Kim Carbo

Summer Viator

Julie McCoy

Patti Domengeaux

*Jack Patin

Melanie Stokes

Madeleine Patin Bill & Camille Claiborne Mary Mose Nicole Billeaud

*Edith & Paul Calais, Jr. Madeleine Patin

*Ann Mouton Martin Mouton

*Curman Martin Ross Martin

Stephen Angers

Edward Breaux

Rob Eddy

Ryan Dartez

Glenda Matt

James Debaillon

Jennifer Laperouse

Betty Lowry

Trent Folse

Leslie & Richard Brauns

Dianne & John Beauregard M. Annette Glod

Broussard Poche Matthew Nugent

Daryl Patin

Steve & Missy Dupuis

**Memorials

*Charles Louis Saltzman

Kenny & Sharon Higginbotham Therese Higginbotham

*Antoinette Boustany Vic & Andie Toce

*Bob & Geraldine Angers Steve Angers

*Expadie Laperouse, Jr. Brigitte Quebedeaux

Buy a Brick

Coni Trahan

Leslie Bienvenu

Brigitte Quebedeaux

Mimi Francez

Roz Saloom

Hunter Perret Courtney Kahn Brandi Guidry

Errin Landry

Lindsey Glass

James (Rick) LeBlanc

Donald Arceneaux

Rachel Clark

Alice Kerne

Edward Daigle

Ashley Schugg

Katherine Barras

Lynne Suire

Danny Domingue

James Adams

Eloy & Judy Placer

Don & Donna Romero

Lew Rigaud

Linden Bercegeay, Jr

Tarra Bercegeay

Allyson Bercegeay

Bruce & Stacy Montesano

Troy Cloutier

Judi LeJeune

Allyson Hebert

Elizabeth Oubre

Robert Foard

*Deceased Members of Class of 1962

Martha & Richard Dugas

*Sr. Laura Melancon Melanie Stokes

*Era Gauthreaux

Darnall, Sikes & Frederick Wright, Moore, DeHart, Dupuis & Hutchison Edward Daigle

Brian Broussard

Glenda Matt

Jenny Monceaux

Frances Guillory

Mary Katherine Bertrand

Beth Oubre

Kelli Woods

Alex Alleman

Cathedral-Carmel Foundation

848 Saint John Street Lafayette, LA 70501

We give thanks for this faithful school community and the supporters of this Foundation. May we continue to strive for the betterment of Catholic education and lead each student closer to God.

- Angie Dore, Board Vice President