By RACHEL HARRIS

DESTREHAN – St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church has been a home to life-long parishioner Michael Hebert and his family.

Hebert was baptized in the venerable Destrehan house of worship, received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation, attended school and was even married to his wife Janet there. For the past 15 years, Hebert has dedicated a significant amount of time to the church as a faithful volunteer.

“I enjoy helping people. I felt there was time that God has been so good to me. I felt it was time to give some time back,” Hebert said. “It helps to balance your life.”

He is head coordinator of the perpetual adoration chapel at the church. The chapel began in 1996 after he asked specifically for it. At the chapel, the blessed sacrament is exposed 24 hours a day. Parishioners sign up to spend one hour praying with the sacrament.

Hebert humbly admitted to spending a great deal of time organizing and starting the chapel and he proudly said someone has been with the Eucharist 24 hours a day for the past six years. This, he said, is a real blessing.

Hebert also volunteers for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a charitable organization of the Catholic church. He currently serves as parish president of the society. The society is a lay-run organization. It provides relief to families in need including food, clothing, medication, transportation, and help with utility bills and rent.

Hebert works on the society’s help line two days a week with about eight other volunteers. People in need can call and have their situation assessed for proper assistance.

Hebert attends Mass every morning and has served as a Eucharistic minister since 1991. He is also a lector for weekday Masses.

Hebert joins prayer meetings regularly and hosts prayer meetings at his home on Friday nights.

Since his retirement from Shell, two years ago, Hebert is able to spend a larger amount of time working for the church, which makes him happy. It was difficult for him to juggle everything when he was working, his wife said.

Janet Hebert decorates the church for holy week, takes care of the alter cloths, and has been a church fair organizer in the past.

Michael Hebert said he tries to view the world and deal with things in a Christian way, a necessary virtue in child-rearing. The Heberts have five children and although Michael, Stephanie, Derek and John are grown and out of the house, the youngest child, Jake, 13, keeps the couple busy.

The Heberts like to travel and have visited places throughout the country. With children residing in Houston, Oklahoma, and Ohio, the Heberts are often on the road. Last year, the couple, and along with Jake, went on a pilgrimage to Ireland. They went back in July to continue the pilgrimage.

In May Michael and Jane were awarded the Order of St. Louis given by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for volunteerism. They both said they were shocked at receiving the award.

“It is the effort of all the people working together that makes it a wonderful parish,” Michael Hebert said.

In his free time, he likes to run, work in the garden with Janet, and tinker on his 1989 Ford Mustang.

“We love God and try to be good people,” Michael Hebert said.

Editor’s Note: As often as possible, L’Observateur will feature an article about a special River Parishes’ resident and the good works associated with the person. If you would like to nominate someone, contact Robert Roan at 985-652-9545 or send an e-mail to lobnews@bellsouth.net.