Staff

Debbie Harrington – Secretary
Email: dharrington@diolaf.org
Phone: 337-334-2193 ext. 101

I am Debbie Harrington married to L. J. Harrington, we have 3 beautiful girls and 6 wonderful grandchildren. I have been in this parish all my life. I love working with the parish, helping our young; whether it be retreats, fundraisers, teaching, or saying a little extra prayer for someone in need. Working with CMJ (Religious Education) Catholic Daughters, Good Samaritans and helping with wedding rehearsals, has made my faith stronger. After volunteering for 25 years plus, I found a home here at St. Joseph Parish office. I was hired in 2010 to record all sacraments of our parish. Not long after I found myself needed in many other areas of the office; receptionist, accounting, secretary, census, weddings, mass intentions, safe environment, this keeps me very busy. I thank God every day for opening these doors. Speaking of open doors, our office is open to anyone wishing to drop by, even if it’s just to say hi.

Albert Johnson – Director of Finance and Facilities
Email: ajohnson@diolaf.org
Phone: 337-334-2193 ext. 102

I am a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Parish. Married to the former Bonnie Melancon Johnson. We have 2 children, Karris and Robert-Thomas. Karris, married to the late Jed Lucas Toups, has 4 children, John Dorman, Theunissen Josephine, Hodges Michael and Kate Manning. Robert-Thomas is a newly wed being married to Hannah Simmons Johnson.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to serve different ministries of our parish. I have served as: Coordinator of Ultreya, Extra Ordinary Minister of Communion, Renovation Decorating Committee and the Millennium Committee. I am a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1897 having served the offices of Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight and Treasurer.

The Catholic Church offers so many opportunities to renew our faith while on this life journey.   Two such opportunities that stand out to me are Cursillo and the That Man Is You program.

I have been employed with St. Joseph Parish since December 2002. It is truly a privilege to serve our Pastor/Clergy and you the parishioners as Director of Finance and Facilities.

Cares for the interior church flowers when necessary.

Deacon Denis Lacroix – Evangelization Director

Welcome to the St. Joseph Parish website! As a Catholic community of believers we welcome and encourage you to live out your gospel call to holiness as a part of our parish family!

My name is Deacon Denis LaCroix. I was baptized at St. Joseph’s, served here as an Altar Server for many years, was educated at Rayne Catholic Elementary and Notre Dame High School, received the sacraments of Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation at St. Joseph’s and married my wonderful wife in the sanctuary of our beautiful church. My roots run deep in this parish and I am so honored to call St. Joseph’s my home!

I’m the oldest child of the late Cleo LaCroix and Julia Falcon LaCroix Breaux. I’m married to an amazing Irish New Orleans lady, Shawn Murphy LaCroix, and we have two adult daughters, Rachel and Brittany.

I was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Lafayette by Bishop Michael Jarrell on August 25, 2012…19 years after receiving what I discerned as my initial call to the Diaconate. My hope for you is that you persevere in the call God has given you. The purpose of a Deacon’s ministry is to imitate “Christ the Servant” – the One who came not to be served, but to serve. My prayer is that God will use my Diaconate ministry to inspire all in our community to be of service to others…given our incredible parishioners; this prayer is constantly being answered!

Victoria Gossen – Director of Sacred Music

 “Music is the exaltation of the mind derived from things eternal, bursting forth in sound.”

Thomas Aquinas

Hey y’all! My name is Tori. I was born in New Orleans, but raised throughout the Acadiana area. I am 28 years old and have been working in a Liturgical Music setting since 2010. I’m married to my wonderful husband, Matt Gossen, and we have two beautiful baby girls! Zelie (2) and Léonie (6mo). I have had the honor of worshiping through music (piano/organ/vocals) at several parishes in our amazing diocese. It is something I love to do and praise God for all of the opportunities He has given me over the years. I taught for 2 years (2019-2021) as Director of Religious Activities and Music Teacher at Rayne Catholic Elementary. It was a pleasure learning the culture of our parish in this way. Last year, I was assigned the role of Director of Sacred Music for St. Joseph’s parish. I hope to help grow a culture here with an appreciation for beautiful music. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding music for our parish. I look forward to speaking with you. 

God Bless and remember singing is praying twice!