GOD brought me into this world on November 4, 1958. My parents are Lee and Jane Hebert. My father is deceased. I have three brothers and one sister. We were not rich but my father provided all we needed to live a good life.
I grew up in Abbeville, Louisiana. Growing up in a small town in south Louisiana was truly a blessing. Wonderful people, good food and sound values. Family and church are a big part of the culture. Helping each other was simply a way of life.
I attended elementary, middle and high school in Abbeville. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1980 from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now called University of Louisiana – Lafayette). In 1990 I received my Master of Arts in Human Resources Development from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.
While attending high school and college I worked for Winn Dixie full-time in Abbeville for approximately 6 years as a stock clerk. After graduation I went to work for what is now called LifeShare Blood Centers for 25 years. I held many different positions at the Blood Center beginning with a Donor Recruiter, Personnel Director, Executive Director and finally Manager, Staff Development & Training in our Corporate Office. I did leave the Blood Center for about six months to become Business Manager at a hospital but did not stay because it was not the right job for me.
I have always attended church faithfully but it was not until I moved to Shreveport and found SEAS (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church) that I realized and grew in my faith. All of a sudden it was more than just attending Mass each week. It was home and more than something I just did once a week.
Throughout my life I felt the calling to the priesthood but like many of us, fought it. While at SEAS I became involved with many different ministries and the more I got involved with Church activities, the happier I was and the more unhappy I was at work. This was a major struggle in my life. One day I got very frustrated and angry at work and went out getting drunk and having an automobile accident. I was arraigned and pled guilty to a DWI and a misdemeanor criminal property damage resulting from a car accident. I also lost my job and was faced with a major decision in my life. God gave me the choice of following His way or the way of the world. I chose to follow Him.
I attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana for my first three years of formation but due to my health had to move to a different seminary. I completed my last three years of formation at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. I graduated May 6, 2011 with my Masters Degree in Divinity. I was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood on June 11, 2011.
After ordination to the priesthood, I was assigned to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Scott, Louisiana. I served as Associate Pastor there from July 1, 2011 until July 1, 2012.
On July 2, 2012 I was assigned as pastor to St. Augustine Catholic Church in Basile, Louisiana. I served as pastor there until July 2, 2017.
As I begin a new journey in my ministry as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Lafayette I ask for your prayers. I look forward to getting to know you and to work with you for the greater glory of God. Know that I am praying for you and look forward to the day with anticipation when I will be with you.
God’s Blessings be with you all,
Fr. David
Homework for the week of May 21 – May 27
