Attorney gives financial aid

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A priest-in-training from Houma just received a financial blessing for his studies from a local lawyer.


Carl Hebert Jr., a seminarian studying for Catholic priesthood in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, received a $3,000 scholarship from local attorney Damon Baldone. The scholarship money will go toward Hebert’s incidental costs as he continues his studies.

Hebert begins a four-year theology program at the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans next month. The 26-year-old graduated from Nicholls State University in 2012 and worked with the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government until 2014, when he left his government job to pursue the priesthood. Hebert studied philosophy at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington for two years, finishing this May.

The Diocese of H-T is paying for the tuition, room and board for Hebert, but he will still have general living costs not covered. Seminarians are not allowed to have a job while they study for the priesthood, so Hebert will not have a steady income stream to cover those costs. Baldone said Hebert has been a family and personal friend, and he wanted to do what he could to help.


“The cost of living today is high—going to the doctor, paying a phone bill, getting a prescription filled, stopping for a tank of gas—all costs. I’ve always believed in helping people achieve their goals and I really admire what he’s doing,” Baldone said. “I know it isn’t an easy path, he left a good job and everything behind to pursue this calling, but I want to help.” •

Carl Hebert Jr. receives financial aid