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There is a growing trend of uncertified teachers statewide, as well as in Vermilion Parish.
In the past four years, the number of uncertified teachers in Vermilion Parish has more than doubled. In 2021, there were only 65 uncertified teachers out of approximately 675. By last year, this number increased to 112.
This school year, the number is now 125.
In Vermilion Parish public schools, there are a total of 675 teaching positions available (excluding charter schools), with 125 of those filled by uncertified teachers. Approximately 19 percent of teachers in Vermilion Parish are uncertified, which is about one in every six teachers. For comparison, last year the ratio was one out of seven teachers.
Last year, the state average of uncertified teachers was 9%, and the national average is 4%.
Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler said, “I just think there is a shortage of teachers coming out of the university, and unfortunately, there are not enough teachers to go around. With the onset of school choice, you also have more opportunities for teachers. Many are working at charter schools, private schools, and homestudy programs. The demand for teachers is at an all-time high, but the supply is limited.”
Only eight uncertified teachers were teaching in Vermilion Parish in 2013-14.
In 2015-16, the number of uncertified teachers jumped to 34. It remained around 35 until the 2021 school year, when it jumped to 58.  In 2021, there were 61 uncertified teachers in the school system.
It jumped from eight in 2013 to 125 in 2025.
Byler hopes that the record number of 125 will eventually decrease. He mentioned that there are about 35 uncertified teachers with college degrees working in a special program to obtain certification.
Byler said, “We are excited, however, that many of our uncertified teachers, who do hold a college degree, are in a program of study and have been with us for multiple years as they work towards their certification. This consistency has helped the district continue to succeed despite more uncertified teachers than normal.”
The school district did not provide a breakdown of which school has the most uncertified teachers.
School board member Jason Roy, a former teacher,  said increasing salaries would help attract young people to education.
“I believe we are losing teachers to surrounding districts due to better pay,  said Roy.  “Also, there is a decline in young people graduating from universities as certified teachers. I also believe that we have lost some aspiring teachers due to the amount of stress we tend to put on our new teachers regarding curriculum and curriculum development, or lack thereof. We expect a lot here in Vermilion.”
Roy said he predicts there will be an increase in uncertified teachers due to the increased demands on certified teachers.
“Teachers have to be strong-skinned and be able to deal with the scrutiny of every person with a social media account who has a difference of opinion on how they deal with their class, etc. We are in difficult times here in the public education sector,” Roy said. 

Will the number of uncertified teachers continue to rise?

Byler added,  “I think it will level off as we have more programs out there that are certifying teachers from a non-traditional education route. We also have programs like Educators Rising that are introducing students to the field of teaching, and we have had some success with students majoring in Education because of an interest gained in Ed Rising.”

Would a higher salary attract more certified teachers? The starting pay for a certified teacher in Vermilion Parish is $44,300, compared to $50,000 in Lafayette Parish.

“To me, the bigger issue is not necessarily the starting teacher pay but the minimal increase in pay over each year of service,”  Byler said.  “Unfortunately, the funds are limited, and so we have to operate within our means. In what professional jobs would someone invest 10 years only to see a salary increase of $4,000? However, higher salaries always assist in the recruiting process.”

March 24, 1958 ~ August 13, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Rickey M. Perry, 67, of Abbeville, LA, passed away on August 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born on March 24, 1958, in Abbeville, LA, Rickey lived a full life, dedicated to his family and his work as an oilfield industry SCR Electrician before retiring. In retirement, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family—especially his beloved grandchildren & great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He had an eye for a bargain and a love for the thrill of the hunt as he often visited bin stores and liquidation centers in search of the best deals and treasures. Online auctions became a favorite pastime with one of his most memorable adventures being winning the bid for an entire estate in Covington—a story that he loved to tell and that perfectly captured his adventurous spirit. He lived his life with curiosity, humor, and a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a smile. His presence brought comfort, his laughter filled rooms, and his love for his family was the foundation of everything he did.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rickey's life with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on August 16, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., Reverend Daniel Picard will celebrate the mass. Visitation will be held at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville beginning on Saturday August 16, 2025 at 9 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. when the procession departs to church. A Rosary will be recited at Vincent Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m.. Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mausoleum in Leroy, LA.
Honored to serve as pallbearers: Mitchell Perry, Jody Lasseigne, Kirby Andras, Matthew Tomino, Paul Tomino, and Robert McMullen.
Honorary pallbearers: Parker Leger, Kenslee Lasseigne, Harper Ledet, Chance Richard and Blain Werner.
Rickey is survived by his loving spouse, Selina T. Perry; his daughter, Mistie Lasseigne (Jody); and his son, Mitchell Perry (Jennifer). He was a proud grandfather to Erin, Jada, Kenslee, Parker, Blain, Snowden, and Gage; and great-grandfather to Harper and Luna. His brother, Tony Perry (Kathleen) and many nieces and nephews who will also cherish the many memories they shared.
Rickey was preceded in death by his parents, Eves Perry and the former Mary Belle Guidry; two brothers, Sulie and Noah Perry; one sister, Mary Catherine Fox; his father-in-law, Leroy Trahan; and his mother-in-law, Gwendolyn T. Ewing.

July 11, 1935 — August 12, 2025

ERATH — A Mass of Christian Burial for Larson “Cap” Bodin will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.  Father Clinton Sensat will be the celebrant.
 Visitation will be held at Frioux-David Funeral Home in Erath on August 16, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, with a recitation of the rosary at 10:00 AM by Boni Suire.  The funeral will be at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery following the funeral mass.
Larson "Cap" Bodin passed on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. He was 90 years old. He died with family members with him, surrounded by love.
 Cap Bodin was born to Francois and Emily (Brasseaux) Bodin on July 11, 1935, in his family's home.  He attended school in Erath and in 1953, he graduated from Erath High.  He and his wife of 60 years, Gertie (Hebert Bodin) were high school sweethearts from 1951 until they married on June 24, 1956.
 He worked for Freeport Sulphur for four years then worked in the oilfield industry. He started with Kerr-McGee, ODECO, and completed his oilfield career with Petrol Star.  He then transitioned into the food service industry with Doerle’s, and then retired in 2001.  
 Cap lived on his family's land from birth until he was married in 1956. In 1971, he and his wife, Gertie, were proud to move back onto his family's property. He remained there until his death.
From 1957 until 1970, the couple had four children, Brian, Stacy, Janine, and Sean. Other than about four years when he worked away from home, he was a lifetime resident of Erath.
He loved to read and was a jack of all trades when it came to fixing things. Later in life, he enjoyed his computer and iPad. He was a “family man” who loved spending time with his family.
 Like his parents and family, he was a devoted Catholic. He was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Parish in Erath, where he was baptized, made his First Confession, Communion, Confirmation, and, as a couple in 1956, he and Gertie celebrated their Sacrament of Marriage. His final Christian Mass will also take place in the church where he was a parishioner all his life.
 In 1989, Cap became a grandfather for the first time to his oldest grandson, Bryce. Shortly after Tate, (twins) Nick and Emily, and then Bailey added even more joy to her life.  In 2011, Cap and Gertie became great grandparents, which was a special light in their hearts.
 Music will be provided by Frances Toups, a dear friend of the family and Natial Perrin Daugereau. Musical selections will be "On Eagles Wings", "Here I am Lord", "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman", and “Jirai la vour un jour".
 The pallbearers are his grandsons Nick Hebert and Tate Bodin, son in law, Thomas Hebert, grandson in law, Justin Punch, and nephews, Garrett Hebert and Charles Hebert.
His niece, Alaina Hebert Touchet will be the reader.
 The gift bearers will be his two granddaughters, Emily Hebert, Bailey Bodin Punch, and daughter in law, Gwen Bodin.
 He is survived by his four children, Brian Bodin, Stacy Bodin, Janine Bodin Hebert, and Sean Bodin, son in law, Thomas Hebert, and daughter in law, Gwen Stoute Bodin, five grandchildren Nick Hebert (Anand), Emily Hebert, Bryce Bodin (Emily), Tate Bodin (Hailey), Bailey Bodin Punch (Justin), eight great grandchildren and another on the way, Aubrye Bodin, Graham Bodin, Chandler Bodin, Collyns Bodin, Ella Bodin, and Olivia Bodin, Levi Punch, Colter Punch and Baby Punch (Due December 2025), two brothers in law Gaylyn (Beth) and Neil Hebert (Charlene), sister-in-law, Lois Bodin, and several nieces and nephews. 
Cap is proceeded in death by his wife Gertie Hebert Bodin, his parents Francois and Emily (Brasseaux) Bodin, and brothers Mickey and Hayward Bodin, Osay and Leah (Brasseaux) Broussard, who were Cap's mother's lifetime guardians and grandparents in his heart, his biological maternal grandparents Felelon and Eva (Meyers) Brasseaux, his paternal grandparents Gregorie and Eva (Primeaux) Bodin, his great grandparents, Terence and Anastacie (Luquette) Bodin, Francois and Josphine (Harrington) Primeaux, Ophe' and Anna (Saunier) Brasseaux and Desire and Anaise (Landry) Meyers, his in laws, John Presley"Boni" Hebert and Lilly (Bouillion) Hebert, and brother in law, Johnny Hebert.  Though not biologically related, he considered the Louis and Sevannie Broussard family as his own. (Their son Osay Broussard and his wife, the former Leah Brasseaux, raised Cap's mother, Emily Brasseaux Bodin.)
 A special thanks to Boni Suire, who brought him communion at home once his health issues began. Also, Concepts of Care and their workers with a special thanks to Mel Theriot who took care of him after his heart surgery and various health issues, Vital Care, Hospice of Acadiana with a special thanks to Natalie Broussard Gray, his doctors through the years, Dr. Johnny Thibodeaux, Dr. Ronnie Lahasky, Dr. Jon Leleux, and Dr. Stephen Simpson. And a special thank you to Christy Guidry, who was always there when the family needed her through the years.
In lieu of flowers or donations, anyone who wishes to may donate to the American Heart Association in Cap’s name by going to www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give?form=FUNQCSERKQD.
Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.friouxfuneralhomes.com
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

Fête-Dieu du Teche 2025 to take place Friday, Aug. 15.
The 40-mile Eucharistic Procession by boat this year coincides with the Great Jubilee Year celebrated in the Church around the world every 25 years. The procession this year will highlight the Christian’s Pilgrimage of Hope as we follow our Eucharistic Lord to the Father’s House au Ciel! Families and Church organizations are encouraged to participate by registering a boat and pilgrimaging down the Bayou Teche by water or by following by car and gathering at the stops along the way for recitation of the Rosary and Benediction.
The day begins at 8 AM with Sunday Mass in French by Bishop Douglas Deshotel at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville. Following the Mass there will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament and a statue of Mary and St. Joseph to the nearby boat landing. Pilgrims are encouraged to join the procession to the boat landing for Benediction. At 9:30 AM boats will depart in procession down the Teche toward St. Martinville, retracing the pilgrimage made by the Acadians 260 years ago.
August 15 is a significant date as it is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Acadian people and of Acadiana. It is also a day that marks the 260th anniversary of the arrival of French-Canadian immigrants who brought the Catholic faith to Acadiana after enduring great trials and suffering. Bishop Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette states, “Fête-Dieu du Teche has become an annual celebration in commemoration of the arrival of the first Acadians from what is now Nova Scotia.  They were the first examples of ethnic cleansing in the New World when they were forced to leave their homes and go into exile because of their Catholic Faith at the end of the French and Indian War. 
A large number of them found their homes in South Louisiana which was Catholic and French.  Many settlements were established along the Teche river where they built Churches, homes and a new life. Our observance takes place on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven at the end of her earthly life.  On that day, a boat procession is held from Leonville to St. Martinville with the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the lead.”  Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC, organizer of the event, notes that “having a Eucharistic Procession by boat on the waters of the Teche rather than by foot in the streets makes a lot of sense. Fête-Dieu du Teche on the Feast of the Assumption recalls our rich Acadian history and, in a way, re-enacts the journey made by the Acadians over 250 years ago.”
The Acadians were persecuted for their Catholic faith and sent into exile from Nova Scotia. Many ended up settling in Louisiana. Fr. Champagne explains that having a boat procession with the Blessed Sacrament and a statue of the Assumption involving priests, religious, and laity is basically what happened in 1765: “In order to serve the Acadian settlers in the Attakapas district, Fr. Jean-Louis de Civrey accompanied the Acadians on their journey down the Bayou Teche. Fr. de Civrey became the first resident priest. In his records, he refers to his new home as “la Nouvelle Acadie” and his new parish “l’Église des Attakapas (Attakapas Church)” and later, “lÉglise St-Martin de Tours (St. Martin de Tours Church)”. It is believed that St. Martinville is named after the Church. Bishop Provost of the Diocese of Lake Charles has participated in the celebration on a number of occasions. He states, “La Fête Dieu is a joyful celebration of the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in the lives of His faithful followers. I recall with great fondness my participation in the Procession, surrounded by thousands of men, women, and children, reaffirming our faith in the Eucharist, which is our Lord’s special gift. What a transcendent moment!
How privileged we are to express our faith in this way!” Not only priests and bishops, but also local and state leaders promote participation in the event. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry states, “I would encourage all to attend the upcoming Fête-Dieu du Teche. It is a wonderful tribute to our Lord and Savior and embraces the continued faith and belief that the Cajun culture stands for!”
Thousands travel from throughout Louisiana and beyond to participate in the event. Last year the Feast on the Water was moved to the Mississippi River for a two-day 130-mile pilgrimage. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 persons attended along the Mighty River and about 1000 confessions were heard in mobile units along the way. Capt. L. M. “Toby” Wattigney, President, NOBRA Pilots, helped to coordinate last year’s Blessing of the Mighty Mississippi and encourages Louisianans to
participate this year on the Bayou Teche: “I would like to encourage everyone to participate in the Blessing of the Teche. Last year’s wonderful two-day event involved travelling from Baton Rouge to New Orleans on the Mississippi River.
Thousands of people lined the shoreline along the route. The five ports on the lower Mississippi River include the Port of Baton Rouge, Port of South Louisiana, Port of New Orleans, Port of St. Bernard and the Port of Plaquemine and collectively they comprise the largest port complex in the world. Billions of tons of cargo transit the Mississippi River annually from the headwaters in Minnesota to Louisiana.
The Teche and Mississippi continue to irrigate their shores with a fresh water source that life depends upon. Just as the arteries and veins in the human body distribute blood for our survival, the waterways help provide fresh water for our sustenance.
The annual Fête-Dieu du Teche is the perfect way to ask God for continued Blessings on the waterways of Louisiana.”
This year the procession which was born on the bayou makes its way back to the bayou. Many participate in the Eucharistic Procession by boat and others follow by car and gather along the banks of the bayou at the various stops. Fr. Jeremy Zipple, SJ traveled from New York to do a documentary on the Fête in 2017. He recounts, “I found the whole thing incredibly moving.
It was beautiful to see an entire town coming together for prayer. It’s a sense of communal identity we just don’t see much anymore in the Western world.” Fr. Jason Vidrine, a long-time participant and pastor of St. Martin de Tours Church in St. Martinville says, “Fête-Dieu du Teche has been a tremendous blessing on several levels: it has helped to increase love and devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament, to celebrate the feast of Our Lady’s Assumption as it should be kept, and to bring awareness to our culture and heritage of love for Our Lady and our Holy Catholic Faith received from our ancestors. I’ve had the great joy of participating in it from its beginning and in different ways - from concelebrating the Mass in French, hearing confessions, and riding in the boat procession with different Parishioners each year. I always look forward to the graces Our Lord bestows upon all who participate in it.”
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15) is also the Feast of the Acadians who settled here in 1765. The Acadians originally sailed to Nouvelle-Écosse (Nova Scotia) under the star of Our Lady of the Assumption and again during the Grand Dérangement.
The Acadian flag, both Canadian and Louisiana Acadian, highlights the centrality of Our Lady of the Assumption for the Acadian people. The gold star on a white field represents “Our Lady of the Assumption”, Patroness of the Acadians.
When the first settlers departed France for the New World, the Virgin Mary was highly revered. It was a period of great devotion to the Virgin. The King of France, Louis XIII, and Pope Pius XI declared the Virgin Mary the patroness of the kingdom, (Patronne de Royaume) and Patroness Saint of all the Acadians in Canada, Louisiana, and elsewhere. On August 15, 1638, France and her colonies were consecrated to Mary under the title “Our Lady of the Assumption”.
During Fȇte-Dieu du Teche the Blessed Sacrament will be fixed on an altar on the lead boat under a canopy. Another boat will carry the statue of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as a St. Joseph boat with a statue of the husband of Mary. The Eucharistic Procession will stop and disembark at makeshift altars along the Bayou Teche for recitation of the Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For those who are unable to participate by boat, all are invited to join for Mass at St. Leo the Great in Leonville at 8 am and then to drive and gather at any of the planned stops along the banks behind the various churches along Bayou Teche. The prayers will be broadcast live on radio, so persons with compromised health can listen while remaining in their vehicles. Priests will be available at each stop for Confessions.
Bishop Provost, reflecting on Fête-Dieu du Teche says, “Let us remember that the Acadians and French who first settled in our area were Catholic, and in the case of the Acadians were expelled from Nova Scotia primarily because they were Catholic.    It is our history we remember.   It is our faith we celebrate.    It is our Lord we adore and worship.” Bishop Deshotel encourages his faithful of the diocese to participate in Fête-Dieu du Teche and expresses the importance of commemorating and learning from the faith of our ancestors:
“I look forward each year on August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the Fête-Dieu du Teche. It is a reminder to me of the strong Catholic Faith of the original Acadians who endured suffering, loss of life and property as they were expelled from their homeland in what is now Nova Scotia. Their faith and determination to start a new life and plant their faith in South Louisiana inspires me to be firm in faith no matter what challenges come our way. May our celebration this year be a time of spiritual renewal and rededication to pass on our faith in our day and time.”

Boat Registration

Register your boat on-line at www.fetedieuduteche.org and sign the on-line waiver. Once the registration form is completed and waivers signed, the boat coordinator will contact you with details. The procession will travel at about 8 mph and thus only motorized vessels are allowed. Catholic schools are encouraged to send their students or a representative group to be present at the opening French Mass in Leonville with Bishop Deshotel, at one or more of the stops along the procession, and especially to participate in the final foot procession in St. Martinville. Church parishes, ecclesial movements, KC and St. Peter Claver councils, Catholic schools, etc. are encouraged to register a boat and decorate it accordingly. Fifty boats will be allowed to participate which will yield a one-mile procession. Boaters are asked to have an FM radio so that they can participate in the continuous prayers live as they are led by the Eucharist Boat. Additionally, participants in the procession as well as those in their cars or on the banks of the Bayou can participate in the prayers and devotions which will be live streamed from the Eucharist boat and available at www.facebook.com/CommunityofJesusCrucified.

Itinerary for the Eleventh Annual Eucharistic Boat Procession on Bayou Teche
Friday, August 15, 2025
(Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary)

8:00 a.m. Holy Mass in French with Bishop John Douglas Deshotel, D.D. at St. Leo the Great Church, Leonville
9:00 a.m. Procession from St. Leo’s to Leonville boat landing
9:30 a.m. Boat Procession departs
10:20 a.m. Arrive at Arnaudville and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
11:45 a.m. Arrive at Cecilia and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
1:35 p.m. Arrive at Breaux Bridge and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
3:15 p.m. Arrive at Parks and disembark for Rosary and Benediction
4:45 p.m. Flotilla arrives at St. Martinville behind Notre Dame; Foot Procession to Notre Dame de Perpetuel Secours for Benediction
5:00 p.m. Procession from Notre Dame to St. Martin de Tours Church for Benediction
5:30 p.m. Procession down Main Street to Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel for Solemn Vespers & Final Benediction
6:00 p.m. Solemn Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at Mater Dolorosa Chapel

Fête-Dieu du Teche Participants are Granted a Plenary Indulgence

Fête-Dieu du Teche participants have been granted by Pope Francis of happy memory a 7-year renewable Plenary Indulgence. The indulgence is valid on August 15 for those who attend the 8 am French Mass in Leonville, those who make the procession by boat, and those who participate in the devotions at one of the many stops along the Teche.
Those who are impeded for a serious reason from physically attending the procession may also gain the indulgence by spiritually uniting their prayers and trials. The Holy Father asks participants to pray for fidelity to the Christian vocation, for the good of the family, and for priestly and religious vocations.
This grant is under the normal conditions which means that the faithful must have the intention to gain the indulgence, perform one of the indulgenced acts as given above, be in the state of grace at the time of the event, have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance within 20 days, receive Holy Communion, pray for the Holy Father’s intention, and be free from all attachment to sin, mortal and venial. To help facilitate the gaining of the indulgence, confessions will be available at all stops in Mobile Units along the Procession.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the website www.fetedieuduteche.org or Fete-Dieu du Teche on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityofJesusCrucified/ or contact Fr. Michael Champagne, CJC by telephone at (337) 394-6550 or email at fetedieuduteche@gmail.com.