OUR EARLY HISTORY

In the 1950’s many African-American Catholics (living in small, rural civil parishes in Southern Louisiana) moved to the North Baton Rouge area primarily because of industrial and educational opportunities.  The Black community in this area worshipped at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  However, many did not feel encouraged, and their identity within the church parish was not supported because of cultural differences and attitudes.

In response to the needs of the black community, Archbishop Joseph Rummel, D.D., of New Orleans, Louisiana formed St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.   Reverend Monsignor Paul J. Gauci, Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, was particularly active in arranging the acquisition of the old Capitol Theatre on Capitol Avenue (now Gus Young Avenue) and supervising its reconstruction for St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.

The acquisition and renovation of the theatre cost approximately $100,000.  Revend Monsignor H.P. Lohmann, F., Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, also had a leading role in developing the plans for the renovation.  J. H. Haas was the building architect, and L. M. Couvillion was the contractor.

We moved into a beautiful new facility on the corner of 39th & Gus Young in 2011. Since 1960 the mission of St. Paul has been to be the very presence of Jesus in this community, in every way: spiritually, socially, academically, politically, medically, and personally lifting up the lives of every parishioner and the people within the Eden Park community. As a church, it is our joyful call to respond to the Gospel of Jesus, who said, “Whatever you do to the least of these my brothers & sisters, you do for me.” (Matthew 25:40).

OUR MISSION

Bound by our faith and guided by the Holy Spirit, We, the children of God, within the Community of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, are called to celebrate the redeeming actions of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and to teach and bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Staffed by Members of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Since 1962:

  • 2021 — Father Arockiam Arockiam, SVD

  • 2013-2020 Father Richard Andrus, SVD

  • 2013 — Father L. Joseph Jessing, SVD

  • 2008 – 2012  Father Vincent Alexius, SVD

  • 2001-2008  Father Jaison G. Mangalath, SVD

  • 1990-2001  Father Joseph I. Guidry, SVD

  • 1987-1990  Father Anthony Hemphill, SVD

  • 1984-1987  Father Jerome G. LeDoux, SVD

  • 1975-1984  Father Clifton Labbe, SVD

  • 1974-1975  Father Richard Jeschke, SVD

  • 1969-1974–Father George Artis, SVD

  • 1962-1969  Father Elmer Powell, SVD

  • 1960-1962  Father Aubry F. Osborn (The First Pastor of St.Paul)