John Patrick Cody (1907-1982)  was appointed Coadjutor to the Archbishop on August 14, 1961 then appointed Apostolic Administrator of New Orleans on June 1, 1962 .  Later he acceded to Archbishop on November 8, 1964.  He decided to look over his new archdiocese (which included at that time the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux - est. 1977).  On a helicopter ride over the archdiocese, Archbishop Cody spotted three locations in Houma where he wanted to place churches and named all three Italian names: St. Gregory Barbarigo who had just been named a saint in 1960, Maria Immacolata and Annunziata – purportedly the names of his own biological sisters who were also religious sisters (nuns).  So three new parishes were established through the Houma Development Campaign Program in 1963.  Annunziata was formed out of the western portion of Holy Rosary Parish which still maintains a close relationship since parishioners were baptized, married, or have been buried in their cemetery.  The boundaries were established from South Van Avenue, to Bayou La Carpe to Bayou Sale and also the community of Ashland.  The territory consisted of approximately 500 families.

While Annunziata was canonically established on August 16, 1963, the first building was not completed until 1965.  Annunziata’s founding pastor was Rev. Ivern Murphy Bordelon (1926-1981), a native of New Orleans.  On land purchased from the Funderburk Corporation for the sum of $75,000 and construction by Mickey Construction Co., Inc. of New Orleans for the sum of $303,700.00, the first building was built.  [The cost was a staggering sum of money when you consider that you could buy a new 3-bedroom brick home at the time for well under $10,000.]  The building was completed in December of 1964; Archbishop John Cody dedicated the new building on February 7, 1965 at a 4:30 p.m. ceremony which was attended by over 50 priests.

The building consisted of a school, cafeteria, and gymnasium.  The gymnasium served as the church.  The first rectory was a home located at 404 Hibernia Place and rented from a parishioner.   Daily mass was celebrated in a small chapel in the rear of the rectory, but Sunday masses were celebrated at Oaklawn School (now Oaklawn Junior High) cafeteria.  Parishioners who were unable to attend mass at Oaklawn Cafeteria and went to Holy Rosary were asked to make a large “A” on the Sunday envelope so it would go to Annunziata.  Catechism classes were on Saturday morning at Oaklawn.  Weddings were performed at Holy Rosary Church.

The priest moved into the second (semi-permanent) rectory at 301 Wildwood Drive during Holy Week of 1964.  (The current rectory, which for a time would also house the offices, would not be completed until almost ten years later – December 1973.)

The first baptisms were held on September 1, 1963.  The two infants were Daniel James Bergeron, son of Betty and Gerald Bergeron; and Lynette Clair Liner, daughter of Charles and Judy Liner.  The first marriage celebrated after the formation of the parish was Gayle Scott and Terry Pellegrin on October 26, 1963.  Their ceremony was performed at Holy Rosary Church.  Gayle and Terry are still active members of the parish.

The mass schedule was Sunday morning at 6:30, 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00.  There was no vigil mass then.  Ashland mass was at 8:30 a.m.  The Redemptorists priests from Holy Rosary said the masses at Ashland.  First communion was held when the child was seven years old and confirmation was in the 6^th grade.  (In 1964 confirmation was in the 4^th grade with 265 confirmed.   Archbishop Cody wanted a shorter span between first communion and confirmation.  In 1965, after Archbishop Philip Hannan (1913-      ) replaced Cody, it was moved to the 8^th grade.  Our current bishop has moved it to the 11^th grade).  Sunday collections in 1965 averaged $350-$500.  At the end of the fiscal year of June 1965, the parish debt was $463,700.00.

Throughout this history, the debt will be the central character.  The reason is that the debt itself played a major role in the history and since Annunziata carried its debt through its entire history, it affected every aspect of the parish.  Therefore, you will see it referred to often in this historical account.  To ignore it would not do justice to history.

In May of 1965, two wood carved statues from Italy (the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph) were donated by Mr. Allen Theriot and Mr. Duffy Deroche.  In October, a cake sale was held to purchase the holy water dispenser.  About 1,700 people were attending mass on Sunday.

Sister Jane Frances St. Amant, OSB, was the principal of the school which consisted of kindergarten and grades 1 through 3.  School began in September of 1965.  The school was staffed by the Benedictine Sisters whose motherhouse was in Ramsey, Louisiana.  Two sisters were sent to Annunziata and 2 were sent to Houma Central Catholic High.  The church rented the Harmount home on Grand Caillou Road to house the four sisters.  On August 25, 1965, the four sisters arrived.  Sister Jane Frances was appointed superior of the new convent.  Sister Aloysia was the other sister assigned to Annunziata.  Sr. Michael and Sr. Columba were assigned to Houma Central Catholic High.

The faculty was as follows: first grade (61 students) taught by Sr. Aloysia and Mrs. Viola Langston.  Second grade (31 students) taught by Mrs. Louis Romano.  Third grade (50 students) taught by Sr. Jane Frances and Mrs. Clay Dupont.  The following year, two more classrooms were needed so the cafeteria was divided in half to accommodate the classrooms at a cost of $5,397.48.  A second collection was added to cover the cost.  The debt in the fiscal year ending June, 1966 was $469,900.00.

Fr. Bordelon served Annunziata until July, 1966 when he was transferred to Sacred Heart Church in Montegut.  He was replaced by Rev. Hubert C. Broussard (1924-     ) in the summer of 1966.  In November of 1966, Fr. Broussard began writing articles on Scripture and Vatican II for the bulletin.  He also began to mail the bulletin to parishioners.  In 1967, Annunziata had over 600 students attending catechism classes on Saturday mornings at Oaklawn School.

Due to financial difficulties and decline in enrollment, Archbishop Philip Hannan ordered the school to be closed. The school was closed in June of 1967 under Fr. Broussard’s administration.  It was operated by the public school system for two years with grades 1-3 at Annunziata and 4-6 at Oaklawn School.  The Annunziata School was known during those two years as “Oaklawn Annex.”  The church which was planned for the large tract at the corner of Oaklawn and Acadian was never built.  The gymnasium is still in use as the church.

The church had to borrow additional money from the Archdiocese to pay $5,400.00 for the paving of the streets surrounding the church property and the debt rose to $504,345.00.

On April 6, 1968, Annunziata parishioner Michael Haddad was ordained to transitional deacon.  Later on March 10, 1969, he was ordained to the priesthood.

The Benedictine Sisters departed from Annunziata in May of 1968.  Sr. Jane Frances was appointed Novice Mistress for postulants in her order.  The books were closed for fiscal year ending June 1968 with the parish debt at $541,300.00.  By fiscal year June 1969, it rose further to $555,000.00 [today-2009-that would be equivalent to about $2½ million] with weekly collections about $800 to $900.  Mass attendance was about 1400 per week.

Fr. Broussard was transferred to St. John the Evangelist Church effective November 15, 1969 and the next day, November 16,  Rev. William J. McCallion (“Fr. Mac” - 1927-1978), a native of Brooklyn, New York,  was appointed to succeed Fr. Broussard.  Because of the staggering debt on the parish, which had risen to $564,000.00 by January 1, 1970, Fr. McCallion began holding yearly fairs [known as the “Spirit of ’76"] that year to help toward the debt.  It was held annually in conjunction with the 4^th of July.  (It continued until Bishop Warren Boudreaux ended all fairs in 1986 in favor of stewardship.)  Additionally, Fr. Mac began bingo and keno games as well as church raffles.  He added many creative things such as a suggestion box in the church, sponsorship of the bulletin and a spiritual phone message that could be called.

In April 1970, an 1891 bell from Mulberry Plantation was donated by South Coast Corporation.  In November, 1970, through revenues from bingo and keno games, two more Annunziata bells were obtained and added to the church.  The second bell was from Holy Trinity Church in Washington, Louisiana.  It was found by the Selig Product salesman, Mr. Dick Ayrro, and donated by Fr. Labroke at Holy Trinity Church.  It was cleaned and glass pitted by Mr. Edmund Landry and Gerald Ledet.  The other bell, known as “Big Ben” was obtained from White Castle Methodist Church.  It weighs 1800 lbs and was cast in 1867.  Mr. Irvin Russo picked it up in his truck and cleaned it.  Now Annunziata had three bells.

By September, 1970, the parish debt had dropped to $542,242.00.  Attendance climbed to between 1500 to 1700.  In 1970, there were 91 baptisms, 17 weddings and 10 funerals.  On December 26, 1970, Annunziata was blessed by adding long time volunteer Mrs. Virginia Chatagnier to the staff as housekeeper.  But over the years she has functioned in numerous capacities, most notably “fund raiser.”

By the end of the fiscal year of June, 1971, the debt  rose again to $557,595.00.  But by December 1971, the debt dropped again to $508,000.00.  Fr. Mac, who was popular with young people, was appointed in charge of the youth for the deanery.  He began CYO dances in the cafeteria.  He also offered baby sitting at the 11:00 mass.  In the summer of 1971, Annunziata had its first Vacation Bible School.  During that same summer, Governor John McKeithen attended the Spirit of ’76 fair. 

Fr. Mac’s tenure at Annunziata may well be described as the first “golden years.”  The excitement and enthusiasm could be felt throughout the parish and countless creative ideas were executed.  The parish was buzzing with activity.  This was manifested by the fact that the debt was finally dropping.  By fiscal year ending June 1972, the debt again dropped to $497,400.00.

In July, 1972 Sr. Carolyn Pelzel, SDP arrived as a full-time Religious Education Coordinator.  She was the third religious sister to come to Annunziata (the two Benedictine sisters had left five years earlier).  Sr. Carolyn lived at St. Lucy Chapel.  She stayed only one year. [She later returned to Annunziata from February 1976 to May 1977.]

During the summers of 1972 and 1973, Fr. William Bazan, a friend of Fr. Mac, served the parish.

The second rectory on Wildwood was sold in 1973 for $32,000.00.   The lowest bid for the construction of the third (and current) rectory was $61,500.00 by Mr. Lovelace Duval.  It was completed in December of 1973.  There was a transition between the sale of the second rectory and completion of the third rectory in which the priests lived in an apartment on Mary Ann Street.

During Fr. McCallion’s administration, Rev. Andrew LePage (“Fr. Andy”), a native of the Bronx, New York, came in 1970 as a deacon and was ordained on January 30, 1971.  He celebrated his first mass the next day on January 31^st and was named associate pastor until August 1, 1973.  He left the priesthood and was married in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Fr. LePage was replaced by Rev. Steven R. McIntosh (“Fr. Steve” - 1946-1993), a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, until October 1974.  Fr. Steve came from St. Edward the Confessor in Metairie.  In 1973, there were 81 baptisms 26 weddings, 12 funerals and 99 confirmations.

On December 1, 1973, Annunziata added long-time volunteer Harriet Pellegrin to the staff.  She has loyally served every pastor to this day.

In February of 1974, Fr. Mac became ill and needed rest.  Fr. Steve was named administrator of the parish.  Annunziata’s first parish council meeting was held on March 11, 1974.  Due to continuing illness, Fr. McCallion had to take a leave of absence.  He was sent to live at St. Gertrude in Des Allemands where he remained until his death in November of 1978.  By fiscal year June 1973, the debt had dropped to $451,075.20.  By June, 1974 it was $428,476.00.  Fr. Mac’s success can be seen most in the vibrant parish that he left behind and also by the fact he reduced the parish debt by $133,500.00 while at the same time building a new rectory and offices in only four and a half years!  (In today’s money that would be equal to a half million dollars).

On May 4, 1974, Rev. Anthony J. Rousso (1918-1982) replaced Fr. Mac as pastor. Fr. Rousso came from Sacred Heart in Cut Off.  He was originally from Morgan City, Louisiana and has a brother who was also a priest, Fr. Matt Rousso.  When Fr. Rousso arrived, the pastoral council was being led by Leon Toups.  At September 30, 1974, the debt stood at $405,747.00.

Rev. Bernard W. Schmaltz, Jr. (“Fr. Bernie” - 1947-     ) joined Fr. Rousso as the associate on February 15, 1975.

The first pictorial directory was said to be published in 1973 for the 10^th anniversary of the parish. But it wasn’t actually published until late 1974 after Fr. Rousso had already become pastor.  It was during this time that the parking lot was paved.

Two deacons, Rev. Bertrand Rabalais (1931-     ), a native of Hamburg, Louisiana, and Rev. Michael G. Segura (1936-1995), a native of Abbeville, Louisiana, were ordained on May 18, 1974 at St. Joseph in Thibodaux and served the parish.  Other men who were ordained as deacons from the parish were Rev. James Duthu (1931-     ), a native of Houma and Rev. Cleveland J. Marcel, Sr. (1920-1992), a native of Houma, Louisiana.  Deacon Duthu served at the Catholic Social Services and Deacon Marcel served at the Tribunal.

It was during Fr. Rousso’s administration that mandatory baptismal seminars began in November, 1974.  On March 14, 1974, communion began to be distributed under both species, but not using the cup.  The ministers dipped the host in the wine (known as “Intinction”), a practice discouraged today.  At October 30, 1975 the debt was $369,666.00.  In the summer of 1976, two seminarians (Bob Leon and Mike Dornan) came to Annunziata to conduct a census.  In March, 1976, through the generosity of the “Reid” family and the “Bourgeois” family, the formica altar in the church was replaced by a wooden altar.  The original altar stone was transferred from the formica altar to the wooden one.  By June, 1976, the debt was $354,024.00.

On June 5, 1977, the diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was carved out of the Archdiocese of New Orleans covering 3500 square miles, encompassing 3 civil parishes and parts of three others (Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Mary, Jefferson, St. Martin and Assumption).  Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (1918-1997), formerly Bishop of Beaumont, Texas was named Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.  June 30, 1977, the debt was $316,785.00.

At the end of July, 1977, after a meeting with Bishop Warren Boudreaux in which ideas for renovating the church were presented, the Bishop approved a remodeling plan at the cost of $20,000.  Annunziata began a Church Remodeling Fund Drive which raised more than enough funds.  The church renovations began in November 1977 and were completed a month later in December.  It was at that time the church was turned sideways.  The side door became the front and the front door became the side.  Additionally, the parking lot was paved.  Bishop Boudreaux rededicated the remodeled church at the 6 pm vigil mass on January 14, 1978.  By June 30, 1978, the debt was $261,396.00.

It was during Fr. Rousso’s administration that a piece of history disappeared:  for many years, Annunziata was responsible for the care and upkeep of St. Margaret’s Church in Ashland.  Brought to Ashland by barge in May of 1929, St. Margaret served the community well into the 1970s.  Rev. Felix Miller was the pastor of St. Eloi Church and St. Margaret was considered a part of St. Eloi Parish.  It is believed, according to some records, that three masses were celebrated at St. Margaret every Sunday for approximately thirty years.  Because of the close proximity to Annunziata, it became a part of Annunziata and was served by the parish.  It is not recorded when the last mass was celebrated, but the church was torn down in 1979.   The beautiful statues that now adorn the church and vestibule at Annunziata were all salvaged from St. Margaret Church.

After an extended sick leave which began in 1977, Fr. Rousso returned to the parish in May 1978.  He left Annunziata in June 1979 and a farewell mass was celebrated on June 24, 1979.

On July 2, 1979, Rev. Philip L. Whitney (“Fr. Flip” - 1920-2000) replaced Fr. Rousso as pastor.  Fr. Flip was the first graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School.  His previous assignment was Sacred Heart in Morgan City.  Fr. Flip was a joyful priest known to many as “the dancing priest” because he danced down the aisle when the choir sang “And the Father Will Dance.”  Rev. Henry Mamo (1922-1995), a native of Gibraltar, arrived at Annunziata to serve with Fr. Flip.

Fr. Flip discontinued a focus on the debt and it was not mentioned until the end of his administration.  Additionally, he discontinued the tradition of reporting the weekly collections with a comparison to the weekly expenses and generally reporting a deficit.  He simply reported how much was collected.

On July 17^th, 1980, The Bayou Catholic began publication.  Annunziata’s correspondent was Mrs. Barbara LeBouef.  In December, 1980, Fr. Flip merged the two vigil masses (3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.) to a 5 p.m. mass.  He continued the Sunday 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. masses and added a 6:00 p.m. Sunday mass.

In August, 1981, Msgr. James B. Songy (1930 -      ), Chancellor and Vicar for Administration for the Diocese, established residency at Annunziata.

In May, 1982, the CCD program concluded with 105 people involved in teaching 475 young people.   There were 52 children who received First Eucharist and 66 were confirmed.

In 1979 the debt was $190,492.00 and in 1980 $140,999.00.  But then it rose again.  On August 15, 1982, prompted by the praise from Msgr. Songy, Fr. Flip issued a report which showed the debt which listed: June 30, 1981 - $238,470.00 and June 30, 1982 - $182,631.00.  In June, 1983, Fr. Flip was reassigned to St. Charles Borromeo in Pointe-Aux-Chenes.   The debt stood at $139,966.41.

Fr. Whitney was replaced by Rev. Jacob Monteleone (“Fr. Jack” -1945-     ) who served the parish from June 1983 to November, 1984.  During his administration, he established the Seder Meal and the Renew program.  He instituted the Homebound Eucharistic Lay Ministry.

In January, 1984, Rev. Jerome Weber (“Fr. Jerry” - 1942-2001) came as a part-time assistant and hospital chaplain.  He was on loan from the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey.  Additionally, Fr. Jerry did home visitations to update the parish census.  He was only able to stay three months before a family illness called him back to New Jersey.  He later returned, however, to serve the diocese in several other parishes.

After losing Fr. Jerry in April of 1984, and not having an associate in the parish with an average church attendance of 1174 people, Fr. Jack decided to drop the Sunday evening mass that had been started by Fr. Flip.

Later, a Franciscan, Rev. Leopold Skorogod, OFM (“Fr. Leo” - 1923-2003), replaced Fr. Jerry and established residency in June, 1984.  He served as Chaplain of South Louisiana Medical Center.   Fr. Jack decided to take an indefinite leave of absence in November, 1984 during which time he married.  Much later he returned to ministry and is now serving in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida.  In fiscal year June 1984, the debt was $111,286.08.

Monsignor James Songy who was in residence at the time, served as “interim pastor” from November 1984 until January 1985.  Monsignor Songy retired in 1998 and is living in Lockport.

In January, 1985 Rev. Robert L. Melancon (“Fr. Mel” - 1936-     ) became pastor of the parish.  Fr. Mel was blessed with a term where the debt was only in double digits.  In June 1985, it was $95,234.79.  During Fr. Mel’s years (1986), the church fairs were discontinued by order of Bishop Boudreaux in lieu of stewardship.

In the beginning of his administration, Fr. Mel wrote weekly commentaries which often fussed the parishioners.  He even included a section entitled “I AM IMPRESSED WITH ...” and another section “I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH ...” which seemed at times quite harsh to the casual reader.  One of his pet peeves was people leaving before mass ended which he wrote about frequently.  Yet, many positive things were reported.  There was a genuine concern, for instance, for acknowledging the work people did in the parish, for bringing the Eucharist to shut-ins, and he was very supportive of the parish council.  He often wrote that the call for stewardship was not being answered.

During his administration, Fr. Mel repeatedly complained about the low collections and decreasing attendance.  He stated that it “was embarrassing to have to wait until Bingo money to [sic] come in to pay my salary.”  (Bingo and keno were still allowed in the parish because it was sponsored by an outside group.)

As he began 1986, Fr. Mel complained “each time we meet with our finance committee we are faced with cutting back on programs, having to ask the diocese to borrow more money so we can meet expenses, [and] slicing a bit here and there.”  Fr. Mel also reminded the congregation that he needed an associate priest but could not afford one.  When he complained about not having enough money to pay a seminarian for the summer [Lawrence Cavell - later ordained to the priesthood], a group of parishioners came forth to finance it.  His fussing only caused the debt to rise by June 1986 to $96,199.93.  On June 9, 1986, Msgr. Songy left to take up residence at Lumen Christi Retreat Center.

Donations from parish societies for that year (bingo, etc.) amounted to $27,210.66.  However, shortly afterward, in February 1987, bingo and keno ended.  At the same time, Fr. Mel started a peculiar tradition of reporting in the bulletin how many families gave: over $25, $20-24, $15-19, $10-14, $5-9, and .50-$4.  He also listed how many families used envelopes and how many did not.  None of this had any effect on the collections which remained low.

In the summer of 1987, a third year seminarian, Richard Naquin, was assigned to Annunziata for five months.  In September, he discontinued his studies for the priesthood.  On May 30, 1987, Bishop Warren Boudreaux ordained Stephen Scott Decell, James Robert Morrison and Joey Soriano Pilola to the priesthood.  Fr. Mel celebrated his 25^th year of ordination at a mass and reception on June 21, 1987.   The debt for June 1987 was $93,585.44.

In May, 1988, Fr. Mel reported that “Annunziata parish: 1) cannot make any major necessary repairs; 2) cannot hire anyone to give any assistance to the parish; 3) has not been able to reduce the debt which has been at the same figure for over 3 years; 4) cannot introduce any new programs; 5) cannot even think in terms of fixing up our church which parishioners so often ask about.”  He referred to the parish as “stagnant.”  The result was that the debt rose in June 1988 to $94,831.27.

In September, 1988, he stated, “Our collections have been so poor that we have to continue borrow[ing] money from the diocese to pay bills.”  Once again, it had no effect on collections.  On Sunday, August 14^th, 1988 there was a 25^th Jubilee celebration for the parish and on Sunday, October 2, 1988 there was a celebration for the “people” of the parish.  A 25^th Anniversary Commemorative Book was published in 1988 by Fr. Melancon. 

In November, 1988, 105 people were invited to a special meeting regarding stewardship.  The effort came to a halt due to lack of attendance.  The statues from St. Margaret Church in Ashland (the church was torn down 1979) were refurbished by special donations during 1989 and 1990. 

On June 1, 1990, Patrick R. Kujawa, a seminarian who graduated from St. Joseph Seminary began working in the parish.  The church directory listed him as “Pastoral Associate.”  That year the debt rose to $105,459.58.  In January, 1991, Fr. Mel purchased an elaborate Allen organ for the Pastoral Associate, who was also an experienced organist.  Patrick stayed for one year, leaving on August 1, 1991, to attend Notre Dame Seminary.  He was ordained in 1995 but left the ministry a few years later to serve a 20 year prison sentence in Butner, North Carolina.

In April, 1991, the long-awaited parish directory (the second in the parish) was received.  The various organizations in the parish continued to function well throughout the administration of Fr. Mel.  Despite Fr. Mel’s obsession with finances, the collections did not improve and the debt as June 1991 was $117,665.12.  This included the money borrowed to purchase the organ.

On June 24^th, 1991, Fr. Mel left Annunziata for an assignment at Sacred Heart in Cut Off.  In 1995 he was indicted and in 1996 convicted on charges of abuse of minors and is serving a life sentence in prison at Homer, Louisiana.

There had been a steady decline in the census and the debt continued to rise until a new priest arrived at Annunziata, Rev. James Morrison (“Fr. Jim” - 1961-    ) on July 11, 1991.  These years may well be called the second “golden years” of Annunziata.  Rev. Jeffrey Heiple, (1962-     ) a transitional deacon also arrived in July 1991.  Brian Morgan was hired as choir director and organist.

Immediately the church bulletin took on a new look and new vitality.  The weekly messages from Fr. Jim and Deacon Jeff were filled with love and excitement.  A popular “Holy Trivia!” column was added to the bulletin.

By September, Fr. Jim had added a Sunday, 7 p.m. youth mass.  He wrote that you might find “the music will be louder, the dress more casual, the hour much later, the structure more open to participation.  All in all, it will be an attempt to make our youth feel more at home within our rich Catholic tradition.”  The youth group in the parish took off and became a model for the entire diocese.

On July 1,1992, Sr. Paula Richard, OP (1923-     ) was added to the staff as Pastoral Associate.  She had worked part-time in the past with Fr. Rousso and was instrumental in developing the religious education program at Annunziata.  Prior to coming to Annunziata, she was at St. Bernadette.  Her weekly reflections have been published on the cover of the bulletin for 17 years.  Sr. Paula has also conducted countless Scripture study classes, coordinated RCIA, Baptismal Seminars, and dozens of other projects.  She has become a beloved fixture of Annunziata.

When Fr. Jim arrived at the church facility, it  was in relatively poor condition.  The roof had leaks with barrels collecting the rainwater coming in the building.  Fr. Jim then tackled the roof repairs.  On September 30^th, 1991, the old roof was removed and replaced at a cost of $85,038.00 and the air conditioners replaced at a cost of $21,499.00.  A second collection was added to cover the cost.

The rectory was cramped with the offices.  The floors were dangerous with tiles coming up.  Fr. Jim had a big job ahead of him and he tackled it with enthusiasm.  While he did most the work using volunteers and contributions, the debt continued to rise.  This was not a concern since attendance and revenue began to rise as well.

On December 29, 1992, Bishop Michael Jarrell (1940-     ) was appointed second bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux replacing Bishop Boudreaux.

In 1993, Annunziata opened the Head Start Program in the school with 40 children enrolled.  The sound of children’s laughter returned to the halls.  In the summer of 1993, Laura Lirette joined the staff as Director of Religious Education.  But her duties were expanded into family life ministry in which she coordinated numerous projects.

In February, 1994, Annunziata Tutorial Center was accredited as an alternative school by the Louisiana Department of Education.  It received students from the tri-parish area who had been expelled from public schools.  The Marist brothers joined the school in August of 1995.  The Annunziata Tutorial Center, which later became Providence High School, operated from 1994 to 2001.  It was taken over by the Terrebonne Parish School Board and was moved to become East Street Alternative School.

Annunziata flourished during Fr. Jim’s administration and the church was transformed.  Offices were built in the main building and moved from the rectory.  The church pews were redone.   The cafeteria was returned to its original size by tearing out the two classrooms that had been added.  The floors were redone and beautiful garden and shrine added.  (It was dedicated November 24, 2007).  There were so many changes that they are too numerous to list.  The programs, special activities, family events, youth events are so numerous they could fill a book.  During his eleven  years, Fr. Jim transformed the appearance of the plant but also doubled and tripled attendance and collections.

Church organizations flourished.  Traditional organizations such as the Altar Society and Knights of Columbus were joined by the St. Vincent de Paul Society which began operation during Fr. Jim’s pastorate.  Placing highly qualified people in key positions, he began a collaborative ministry incorporating a true spirit of Vatican II.  The youth became extremely active in the church and a model for other parishes.  The RCIA process was strong as well as adult scripture study and doctrine classes.  Within three years of his pastorate 550 people signed up to serve in the 148 ministries of service outlined by the parish.  The spirit of hospitality was contagious as people continued to attend Annunziata even when they moved miles away.

In November, 1994, a Vietnamese Mass began on Sunday afternoon.  Two months later, in December 1994, a Spanish Mass was added on Saturday evenings.  As of February, 1995, the parish debt stood at $222,442.87.

The Stations of the Cross hanging at Annunziata were acquired in August, 1995 from St. James Mission Church in Choctaw.  They came from St. Lawrence in Kraemer when it was renovated.  Prior to that, it is speculated they came from St. Mary’s in Raceland.

In January, 1996, Fr. Leopold moved to St. Joseph Manor and on March 1, 1996, Annunziata welcomed Rev. Ronald Henery, OP, (1926-    ) a Dominican priest, as Associate Pastor.

The debt ran as follows: June 1992 - $198,353.80; June 1993 - $203,174.73; June 1994 - $212,563.06; June 1995 - $195,126.20; June 1996 - $210,735.52.  Even though tremendous renovations had been made, there was not much change in the debt.

The Annunziata Tutorial Center celebrated its first graduation on May 23, 1996 with Paul Burgueris and Joshua Guerro receiving diplomas.

On June 8, 1996, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ordained Rev. Michael Anthony Bergeron, Rev. Robert Joel-Cruz and Rev. Nghia Dinh.  That same summer, Annunziata welcomed two seminarians: Mark Toups and Lonnie Cheramie.

It was also during this time that the Melancon trial was going on, causing tremendous stress to the parish.

In August 1996, the reconciliation room was completed and in September the beautiful Poor Box in the church was made by Curtis Eschete.  Notre Dame seminarian Greg Fratt came to Annunziata in June, 1997 for his diaconate assignment and Seminarian Hoan Dinh also was assigned to Annunziata.  The same month, Fr. Jim celebrated his ten year anniversary of his ordination.

Rev. Vincente deLa Cruz (“Fr. Vic” - 1963-      ) of Olongapo, Philippines, joined the parish on June 28, 1997 as a “part-time associate.”  Fr. Vic is the Judicial Vicar for the diocese.

On October 6, 1997, Bishop Warren Boudreaux, the first bishop of the diocese, passed away.

In December, 1997, the third Pictorial Directory was published.  By February, 1998, Fr. Ron left Annunziata.  In the summer of 1998, Annunziata welcomed two seminarians: Clyde Mahler (for his diaconate training) and Mike Tran.  That same summer, on June 28, 1998, Fr. Vic bid farewell to Annunziata.

A month later, he was followed by Rev. Glenn LeCompte who took residence at Annunziata.  Fr. Glenn was teaching at Notre Dame.

On June 14, 1998, newly ordained Rev. Gregg Fratt celebrated his “Mass of Thanksgiving” at Annunziata.  He was then assigned to Sacred Heart in Cut Off.

Annunziata began it’s Vietnam mission in January of 1999 and in June of the same year began the Nicaraguan Mission.  In May of 1999, Fr. Augustine Chirikadzi of Zimbabwe came to live at Annunziata and stayed until September.

On May 30, 1999, newly ordained Rev. Clyde Mahler celebrated his “Mass of Thanksgiving” at Annunziata.  Annunziata went online with a web page in March of 2000.  There would be several web pages over the years.

The Vietnamese masses ended in April 2000 when the Vietnamese community opened Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary at 3593 Friendswood Drive.

Rev. Lonnie Cheramie was ordained by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux on May 27, 2000 and assigned to Annunziata as the Associate Pastor.  The same month, Fr. Glenn LeCompte departed for an assignment at Notre Dame Seminary.  On June 11, 2000, Rev. Leopold Skorogod, OP returned to Annunziata to celebrate a mass for his Golden Jubilee of his ordination.

On September 9, 2000, Sr. Paula Richard, OP celebrated her 50^th Anniversary of Religious Vows.

One of the healthiest signs of the community of Annunziata is its multi-cultural dimension.  As a reflection of the parish emphasis on ministry to the Hispanic people, a bilingual staff person was brought in to provide pastoral care and work with the Spanish-speaking priest who celebrates Mass each weekend.  The parish serves as one of four Centers of Hispanic Ministry in the diocese.  On March 26, 2001, long time volunteer Dora Delancey was added part-time to the staff.  (In January, 2009, she was made full-time.)

On May 26, 2001, Rev. Mark Anthony Toups was ordained and celebrated his “Mass of Thanksgiving” the following day at the youth mass.  That summer, seminarian Kyle Authement worked in the parish.  Deacon Jeff Heiple left Annunziata in July, 2001.  In September 2001, the debt was at $207,889.80.

By May 2002, work began on the ceramic tiling of the building.   Just two months later, on July 20 and 21, 2002, farewell masses were held for Fr. Jim who had served eleven years.  Fr. Jim had been working as Director of Vocations.  The decision was made to transfer him to St. Thomas Aquinas which is on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.  This gave him opportunity to work with increasing vocations to the priesthood from university students.

The debt during the second half of Fr. Jim’s administration was as follows: June 1997 - $226,443.07; June 1998 - $229,598.55; June 1999 - $222,623.06; June 2000 - $201,782.42; June 2001 - $215,410.12; June - 2002 - $294,382.14.  The only significant rise during his eleven years was the final year when many needed repairs and renovations were done.

Fr. Jim was replaced by Rev. Francis Quyet Bui (“Fr. Francis” - 1958-     ), a native of Phuoctuy, Vietnam, who was appointed as Administrator for four months.  Fr. Francis had been pastor at Thang Gia in Amelia.

In early July, Rev. Rodolfo Nelson Fernandez Agudelo of Bogota, Columbia moved into Annunziata to minister to the Hispanic community.  He worked with Sr. Maria Emanuel Martinez, OP of Tucson, Arizona.

On August 11, 2002, newly ordained Rev. Michael Tran held his “Mass of Thanksgiving” at Annunziata.  Also that month, Andre Melancon, a parishioner of Annunziata entered St. Joseph Seminary College.

While Fr. Francis was at Annunziata, collections continued to be good.  There was an immediate push for greater stewardship, but it had no apparent effect.

Fr. Francis was replaced on December 7, 2002 by Rev. Wilfredo G. Decal (“Fr. Freddie” - 1952-     ), a native of Sariaya, Quezon, Philippines.  Fr. Freddie’s previous assignment was St. Gregory Barbarigo in Houma.  Fr. Francis went to St. Gregory and Fr. Freddie came to Annunziata.  Thus, they swapped assignments.

In December 2002, Bishop Michael Jarrell left the diocese to become Bishop of Lafayette.  On October 10, 2003, Bishop Sam G. Jacobs (1938-     ) was installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

By June 2003, the debt had jumped to $481,128.79 (almost $200,000.00 in one year).  Fr. Freddie began publishing monthly and quarterly financial reports showing losses each month.  Throughout 2003, most of the numerous celebrations and events that had begun with Fr. Jim continued.

On September 14, 2003, Fr. Leopold Skorogod, OFM passed away.  On January 16, 2004, Becky Kreller joined the staff to work with the youth.  In March 2004, Deacon Bert Rabalais formerly assigned to St. Lawrence at Chacahoula began ministerial duties at Annunziata.  By the end of 2003, mass attendance had dropped an average of 300 people.

Collections remained healthy throughout Fr. Freddie’s tenure, but every financial report continued to report a monthly loss.  By June, debt had risen to $535,339.50.  On June 30, 2004, Bishop Jacobs swapped Fr. Freddie with Rev. Etienne LeBlanc who was at Holy Family in Dulac.  Thus, Fr. Freddie went to Holy Family.  It was also at that time that Laura Lirette retired after eleven years of service.  Additionally, at the same time, after two years, Fr. Rodolfo was called back to Columbia by his Superior.  He was replaced by Rev. Daniel Principe from Peru who moved into the rectory.

When Rev. Etienne LeBlanc (1943-     ), a native of St. Charles Community near Thibodaux, Louisiana, arrived at Annunziata, the new associate was assigned as well.  Rev. Aurelio D. Luzon, Jr. (“Fr. D” - 1970-     ), a native of Bohol, Philippines, was assigned to Annunziata.  Fr. D is particularly remembered for his willingness to participate fully in all church events, his beautiful artwork and banners he painted, as well has his tremendous kindness.

Fr. Etienne held a celebration in August to close out 40 years.  (August 16, 2004 actually marked the 41^st anniversary of the parish.)  In the fall of 2004, at the request of Bishop Jacobs, Annunziata embarked on two massive projects: preparation for the Bishop Visitation at Annunziata and a parish census.  The visitation required a long process of self-evaluation and the census was door-to-door throughout the diocese.  About 200 people were needed to conduct these projects.

Collections remained healthy during the first half of 2005, but the parish still lost $30,806.22 during that period, bringing the parish debt on June 30, 2005 to $565,669.01 It was reported that almost $8,700 was needed each week to meet expenses.  The bulletin was reflecting weekly deficits of between $1,500 to $3,000 and higher.  This continued throughout 2006 and 2007.  By early 2006, mass attendance dropped by another 400 people.

In June 2006, Deacon Raymond Bourg and Deacon Connely Duplantis were assigned to Annunziata.  By July, 2006, the debt was approaching $600,000.00. ($596,681.45).  Interest payments were around $3,000.00 a month.  Fr. Etienne publicly (in the bulletin) called for staff reductions. There was no call for reduced spending, however.  The collections were still good, but the problem at this point was the spending was higher than the income.  That same month, for instance, Fr. Etienne had a walkway to the classrooms re-paved and covered.

In August, 2006, Laurie Ashley joined the staff.  In November 2006, Fr. Nelson Restrepo moved into Annunziata to minister to the Hispanic community.

Fr. Etienne was kept busy by his role as Director of Worship and the coordinator of Priest Continuing Education.  Being torn between diocesan responsibilities and parish life created some tension in the parish.  Additionally, his management style created some dissension.

In January, 2007, the Bishop gave Annunziata permission to hold certain fund raisers that were not allowed in the past.  He also asked that Annunziata start a debt reduction capital campaign.  In February, 2007, Fr. Etienne reported in the bulletin, “We can no longer borrow from the diocese because our debt is almost $700,000.00.”  And, for the second time, he publicly stated his desire to reduce the staff.  In May, 2007, Fr. Etienne reported that the monthly interest on the debt was $3,200.00.  Finally, in May, Fr. Etienne began the capital campaign.  In June, the debt was $628,260.49.

By July 21, 2007, Annunziata said goodbye to Fr. D who was replaced by Rev. Nilo Batausa (Fr. “Nilo ” - 1969-     ) of Loboc, Bohol, Philippines.  By September, 2007, the Capital Campaign had $120,000 pledged and had collected $50,000.00 of that amount.

It was in the first week of September that Fr. Etienne was removed from Annunziata due to allegations made against him at a previous parish.

On September 3, 2007, the bishop appointed  Rev. Josekutty Varghese (“Fr. Joe” - 1964-     ) of Thakazhy, Alappuzha, Kerala, India to take over his ministerial duties.  The bishop took on the role of Administrator of the parish.  The collections had always been healthy but by December, collections began to falter.  The Capital Campaign, however, continued to rally.  The weekly budget also dropped.  The parish held a garage sale in May for the debt reduction that made $3,500.00.

It was during this time that projects that had always been part of the parish vanished.  The Nicaragua mission, Octoberfest, and other celebrations.  Mass attendance from 2003 to this point was now half of what it had been.

On June 26, 2008, Bishop Jacobs appointed Rev. Michael Anthony Bergeron (“Fr. Mike” - 1951-      ), a native of Houma, Louisiana, as pastor of Annunziata.  His previous assignment was Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Golden Meadow.  The bishop reassigned Fr. Joe to St. Lawrence in Chacahoula and Fr. Nilo to Maria Immaculata in Houma.

Msgr. Donald Ledet ( 1936-     ), a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, a retired priest, joined Fr. Mike in residence at Annunziata to assist in ministerial duties.  Msgr. Ledet’s last assignment previous to retirement was St. Mary Nativity in Raceland, Louisiana.  Cody Chatagnier, a seminarian who had lived with the two in Golden Meadow, also moved briefly to Annunziata until he entered St. Benedict.  Fr. Nelson changed residence from Annunziata to Holy Rosary in Houma.

Upon Fr. Mike’s arrival, the debt stood at $508,600.31.  Within weeks, the weekly deficits began to slowly shrink, showing occasional surpluses.  Fr. Mike, known for his Boudreaux jokes in his homilies, brought much needed laughter to the parish.  Fr. Mike was not even slightly intimidated by the debt and stated that the debt was “no problem” and would be taken care of.  He dove into his job.  Fundraising events, such as a talent show, were held.  The parish had already planned a raffle and gala at the Municipal Auditorium, and with the renewed life of the parish, the $100 tickets sold out early.  The event brought in about $25,485.60 but also brought everyone together for a joyous evening.   On August 16, 2008, Annunziata celebrated 45 years.

But as the parish began to gear up, Mother Nature had other ideas.  On September 1, 2008, Hurricane Gustav hit and then on September 11, 2008 Hurricane Ike.  Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes were completely evacuated for two weeks.  Fr. Mike stayed, although the church and rectory were without power for almost three weeks.  Mass was held in the hallways for a handful of people.  The loss of revenue for three weeks and the damages to the plant was a burden for the church.  The insurance company had changed their policies after Hurricane Katrina and most churches found themselves with high deductibles, leaving little money to do repairs.

Regardless of their problems, during those weeks, Annunziata opened its doors to feed people who had stayed behind during the evacuation.  The community banded together to cut down twelve damaged trees and remove the stumps, saving the parish $13,000.00.  Since the Nicaragua mission was disbanded, Annunziata turned to its eyes toward its own Hispanic community to help with housing, clothing, and services for the significant number of people showing up at its doors.

Annunziata bounced back as people returned after the hurricanes.  Numerous benefits were held including garage sales (raising $6,600 and $11,000), cake sales, sale of kumquats from the yard, religious items, New Years Eve party, Karaoke Night, Concerts by Joyous Sounds and the Dusenberrys, Café-Atta Coffee Shop, Jewelry Sales, and countless other benefits.

Expenses were cut significantly in all areas.  During Halloween, Christmas, Valentine, Mardi Gras and Easter, Fr. Mike decorated the building without spending money.  The joke circulated that if you stood around too long, Fr. Mike would either put a price tag on you or decorate you.

Annunziata also reached out beyond itself by focusing on boosting the St. Vincent de Paul with finances and food, participating in Relay for Life for cancer, collecting eye glasses for the Lions Club, and so forth.  A family trip to Disney World was organized and numerous celebrations took place.

In June, 2009, Fr. Nelson left for an assignment in a Florida diocese.  By September, 2009, despite setbacks from the Hurricane, in 15 months, the debt had dropped $220,943.58 to $287,656.73.