St. Eugene Catholic Church in Grand Chenier, LA will have its first service since Hurricane Rita tore apart the church. Services will be Sunday, November 13 at 10am. Everyone is asked to bring a lawn chair to sit on. When I stopped by the church on October 1st the east and west walls were missing from the church. The front glass doors were gone and so were all the pews. The alter was on the floor but the curifix was still fixed to the north wall. St. Eugene holds a lot of memories for me as well as anyone from Grand Chenier. I make my first communion, confession, comfirmation and marriage in this church. My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversity in this church as well as my grandmother, aunt, uncle and numerous relatives funerals. My daughter was baptised in this church the same as everyone one elses children. There has been much discussion about rebuilding this church. Please attend this service to worship for our lord and renew your faith in God. During hurricane season, prior to mass the hurricane prayer is said to protect the people. This prayer was answer. The people of Cameron Parish were given advanced warning to get out and many lives were saved. Yes people lost their homes, but compared to Hurrican Audrey, the loss of lives were few. Our lord protected everyone so please join in this celebration of the mass.

The cars lined the highway to the east and west of St. Eugene Church. The church was packed with standing room in the entrance and and front steps. The choir sang and the parishioners prayed. Participants came from as far away as Houston, TX and Lafayette, LA. Everyone was so happy to talk with their friends and relatives. I spoke with a few of my classmates and was happy that everyone is ok. I'm not sure when mass will be celebrated again, but I hope it is soon.
After mass, I drove to Cameron to see the Court House. If you have not taken the opportunity, you should. Yes, Cameron is damaged, but there are some homes that can be saved. It was hard to recoginze some homes, but make the trip. Words can not explain what you see.
On my way home I stopped in Pecan Island and spoke with Donald Broussard. His home is moved back off its blocks. He's moved a camper trailor on his property and is now staying in Pecan Island. If you get a chance, stop by and see Mr. Broussard, he remembers everyone and he still looks the same.