Linda Gasery
May 26, 2011
Gloria Porche
May 30, 2011
Sacred Heart pastor, the Rev. Greg Fratt, says his parish chapter of Matthew 25 is putting the Gospel of Jesus into action for the Louisiana National Guard.
For almost two weeks, the Morgan City Chapter of Matthew 25 has been making a minimum of 650 sandwiches daily for servicemen working in St. Mary Parish.
“We’re putting the gospel into action. Jesus said, ‘Whatever you do for the least of my brothers that you do for me,'” Fratt said.
“It’s also about the Theology of The Body of Christ coming together. St. Paul said we all have different gifts, meaning you can do what I can’t do, and I can do what you can do, but together, we can build up God’s Kingdom here on earth,” he added.
Guard Specialist Dominic Crenshaw of Opelousas said is he is moved by the volunteers at Sacred Heart.
“It’s unbelievable, all the love they’re showing us, making us sandwiches even when we don’t need them, bringing us ice. I’ve got friends working in other areas for this flood event, begging me to trade their assignment for mine,” he said.
Karen Duhon is the Sacred Heart Coordinator for Matthew 25. She said the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux started the ministry after Hurricane Katrina, as a way to serve first responders. She said the Morgan City chapter now has 89 volunteers.
“My biggest joy from all of this, is being able to help the National Guard, who are helping us,” she said. “We’re so thankful for them, and these guys are always thanking us.”
Don Loupe is another volunteer in the group, and also at Sacred Heart Church where he serves as sacristan. He said he feels pride in being able to lend a helping hand.
“This is such a pleasure, serving people who are protecting our city and our parish, so much love going forth and coming back,” Loupe said.
Sgt. Anthony Romero of Lake Charles added that he has one word that describes Loupe.
“He is a very awesome man. You just don’t see too much of his caliber around anymore. He and this group are always making us feel welcome,” he said. “We have no problems, and we’re very comfortable.”
Another member of Matthew 25 is Morgan City Bank President Larry Callais.
“I just can’t describe the feeling that I have, knowing that these guys are doing everything they can 24 hours a day for us, and we’re only taking three hours of our day to do something for them,” Callais said.
“[The Guards’] needs should be our top priority, not only for Matthew 25, but for all the residents of St. Mary Parish,” he said.
Sacred Heart Deacon Randall Jennings said he is always excited to jump into Matthew 25.
“We’re so lucky to have such big-hearted people in this parish,” he said.
Although he serves in Morgan City, Jennings is a resident of Bayou L’Ourse, in Assumption Parish.
Questioned about his personal plans for protecting his property from any potential flooding, Jennings said he is not worried.
“We protected as much as we can. We’re leaving the rest in God’s hands, and if he comes along and takes it all, well, to put it simply, that’s what He wanted to do.”
Loupe also thanked the City of Morgan City, for their cooperation in Matthew 25. He said they’ve issued the group a purchase order number to buy the food needed to feed the guard. The city he said, will later present the costs to FEMA.
The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s website states that Matthew 25 is the church parish disaster response program for its diocese.
Amelia, Siracusaville, Morgan City and Stephensville are members of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The remaining areas of St. Mary Parish are members of the Diocese of Lafayette.
The diocese website says the goal of the organization is for parish volunteer coordinators and team members to organize and integrate within the parish, in the event of future disasters.
The foundational scripture for the group is Matthew 25:34-30.
Members of the Morgan City chapter of Matthew 25 prepare meals for working soldiers with the Louisiana National Guard. The group has spent evenings bringing sandwiches and meals for those assisting with flood prevention. HOWARD J. CASTAY JR.
