Society of the Divine Word
Southern Province
201 Ruella Ave.
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

(228)467-4322
Fax: (228)466-5618
E-Mail: Svduss@aol.com

March 3, 2006

Most Rev. Alfred C. Hughes, S.T.D.
Archbishop of New Orleans
7887 Walmsley Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70125-3496

Your Excellency:

I understand that one of the reasons St. Augustine's Parish will be consolidated with St. Peter Claver's Parish is due to the fact that the SVDs intend to return this parish to the archdiocese.  That is partially true but a larger background is needed to understand that decision.

Some years ago, under the former Provincial, Father Labbe, the Provincial Council noted that Father LeDoux was in arrears of Province assessment by about $26,000.00.  The reason: he was using his Society assessment to support the parish.  Father Labbe wrote to Archbishop Schulte requesting some reimbursement.  The Archbishop responded by stating Father LeDoux was in arrears in archdiocesan assessment by a larger sum, therefore, no reimbursement.  At that time the Provincial Council voted to return the parish to the Archdiocese of New Orleans upon the retirement of Father LeDoux.

In light of new information about community support for this parish and after consulting with members of my Provincial Council, I am willing to make a commitment that the SVDs will continue staffing St. Augustine's for the foreseeable future.

Respectfully,

Very Rev. Joseph d. Simon, S.V.D.
Provincial Superior