The Community of St. Thomas Aquinas

Over the years, our Parish has been enhanced by all of those that have been involved in its evolution–our priests, nuns, campus ministers, students, families, and the general congregation.

We are a strong, compassionate people that have demonstrated what it means to be “A Community of Believers.”

The university parish of St. Thomas Aquinas was founded in 1970 as a “personal parish” to serve the students, faculty, staff and administrators of Nicholls State University and their spouses, children and dependents. Membership in the community is open to anyone who wishes to register.

Founding pastor Rev. Wilmer Todd (1968-1979) was followed by Rev. Richard Hemmingway as pastor in 1979-1980. Rev. Etienne LeBlanc then became pastor in 1980-1986 followed by Rev. Scott Dugas in 1986-1988, Rev. Charles Perkins in 1988-1994, Rev. Alexander Francisco in 1994-1997, Rev. Jay Baker in 1997, Rev. Vincente DeLa Cruz, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese, in 1998-2002, Rev. James Morrison in 2002-2007, and Rev. Joseph Pilola in 2007-present.

Lay Campus Ministers began working at the Catholic Center in 1988 with Tina “Tiki” Vial (1988-1994), Lisa Waguespack (1995-1996), Madeline Cheramie (1997-1999), Roch Gernon (2008-2010), and Monique Legendre (2010-present).

During the years, various activities and programs have been introduced for students. Father LeBlanc started the weekend retreat called “The Awakening”. Father Francisco introduced a once-a-week free meal called “Not on Bread Alone”. This free meal was served to students, faculty and staff by various parishes in the Diocese, and continues today on a monthly basis. Father Vic began a Children’s Nativity Play and the Parish Family Fun Day. Fr. Jim Morrison reinvigorated the Catholic Student Organizations and grew student participation by 200%. A student chapter of the Knights of Columbus and The Catholic Daughters was a result of this growth in student involvement. Fr. Pilola added the Vocations Office to the facility which brought additional staff such as the Vocations Administrative Director who moved to the new Diocesan Pastoral Center in May 2010.

Each pastor has contributed in the improvement of the center. Father Todd was instrumental in building the stained glass window. Father Perkins installed the patio canopy and the glass partition wall between the church and the auditorium. Father Francisco repainted and waterproofed the buildings. Father Baker built the storage closet, and improved the upstairs living quarters. Father DeLa Cruz was responsible for improvements and upgrades of the building. During this time, the community purchased a 100-year-old Stations of the Cross which is currently housed in the Library. The sound system and light fixtures were replaced in the Church. Father Morrison built the Common Grounds Café, replaced the kitchen, renovated the office spaces and improved the outside appearance of the building and grounds with the help of the Knights of Columbus Council.

In 2004, a Parish Mission Team was established. The selected mission was Nicaragua and members of the parish and students were involved with this effort. Trips were made to Nicaragua during the summer of 2005, 2006, and 2007. Besides ministering to the people of Nicaragua, this parish built 5 homes during this time.

In August of 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, St. Thomas Aquinas opened its doors to evacuees with pets, who had no other options for shelter. Within a few hours of the first evacuee’s arrival, our Parish came alive. Parishioners volunteered en masse with donations of supplies, clothes, time, talent and treasure. Anyone with a special skill went right to work. We had doctors, nurses, cooks, veterinarians, plumbers, electricians, social workers and case managers working 24/7 to assist these evacuees with meeting their most basic needs and reuniting them with their loved ones. Our students and parishioners worked hand in hand, developed lasting relationships and formed solid bonds that would strengthen our community for years to come. Media coverage referred to the facility as Noah’s Ark. Letters of gratitude and monetary support came pouring in from animal lovers all over the world, which made it possible to help some of these families get back on their feet.

Fr. Joseph Pilola was appointed Pastor in July of 2007. He shared responsibilities as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas and Vocations Director for the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux (until March 2010). Fr. Joey brings a talent for sign language to our Parish, which has increased participation of the hearing impaired to our community. Many of our parishioners are amazed by the ease at which Fr. Joey can celebrate the Mass while signing to the hearing impaired in the congregation. The increased participation in our community by the hearing impaired is another example of how God is calling us to embrace our differences, understand the needs of others, and live our faith as one people.