WE ARE HERE TO HELP.  Our Victims' Assistance Coordinator is Sister Carmelita Centanni, M.S.C., Ph.D. Sister Carmelita is a religious Sister of the Marianites of Holy Cross. Sister Carmelita is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Before joining the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, she served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans where she also served as the Victims' Assistance Coordinator. Sister Carmelita has over 30 years of counseling experience, as well as 16 years as a Victims' Assistance Coordinator. You may reach Sister Carmelita directly at (985) 850-3172 or by email at [email protected].

If you have been a victim of child sexual abuse by a priest, we, with great reverence, say to you now: The door is open. We invite you to come forward. Sister Carmelita is here to assist you. I, as your bishop, am here to assist you. We are committed, now more than ever, to walking with you toward healing.



REPORTING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE. 

If you have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being or has been abused by anyone, please do the following.

If abuse is within the home or by a Licensed Daycare Staff:

Call the LA Department of Children and Family Services

1-855-4LA-KIDS  (1-855-452-5437)  |  24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If abuse is outside of the home:

Call local Police or Sheriff’s Department

Lafourche Parish: (985) 446-2255

St. Mary’s Parish (337) 828-1960

Terrebonne Parish: (985) 876-2500

Jefferson Parish: (504) 364-5300

If you suspect that the abuser is a priest, deacon or member of Church personnel, please also call Sister Carmelita at (985) 850-3172. You may also call the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line at (985) 873-0026.