Deacon Bill and Melissa are natives of Kaplan, Louisiana, who married in May 1996 on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They have two children and one grandchild. Together, they share a heart for service and a passion for evangelization.

Melissa has been a member of the Lay Carmelite for over six years and finds her purpose in following the teachings of Jesus and Mary. She is actively involved at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church as a member of the Catholic Daughters, a Homebound Eucharistic Minister, a Bereavement Coordinator at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, and part of the ACTS Community.

Her spirituality is rooted in prayer and a contemplative life, even while balancing her roles as a wife and mother. Her love and reverence for the Lord have shaped her identity as "a work in progress." An avid reader, Melissa has led numerous book studies for women and couples over the last ten years. She enjoys retreats and is not shy about taking selfies with holy people.

Melissa’s mission is to be a light for others, striving to bring people closer to God and to help them understand their identity as women through the love of our Blessed Mother Mary. Above all, she wants them to know that they are God's Beloved.

From an early age, Deacon Bill felt a deep calling to serve the Church. This call remained with him throughout his life, even during a period of questioning while attending McNeese State University, where he first encountered other Christian denominations. That experience ultimately deepened his love for the Catholic faith and enriched his understanding of others’ spiritual journeys.

In 2007, during a retreat, Deacon Bill discerned a call to the Permanent Diaconate. Together, they began classes and discernment for over 6 years. He was ordained in 2012 as a Deacon for the Diocese of Lafayette and has served at St. Mary Magdalen ever since. He is currently the Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for the Diocese of Lafayette.

In 2022, Melissa felt a strong calling to support and minister to women within the Catholic Church. Together, they founded Behold Catholic Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women deepen their relationship with Christ through retreats, prayer, and spiritual formation.

Deacon Bill considers it a great privilege to serve God’s people and walk with them in faith, guided by God’s grace and the example of Christ the Servant.

“Be a Catholic: When you kneel before an altar, do it in such a way that others may be able to recognize that you know before whom you kneel.” — St. Maximilian Kolbe