Seven Cooperators Inducted at Archbishop Shaw High School

By Fr. Mike Mendl, SDB

(Marrero, La. – September 2) – The Greater New Orleans Center of the Salesian Cooperators inducted seven new members on August 28, 2026, during a school Mass at Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, La.

Attending the Mass were Shaw’s 535 students, the faculty and staff, the Salesian Cooperators of the New Orleans area, some parents and other family members, and some alumni.

Fr. Craig Spence, SDB, delegate for the local Cooperators, presided and preached at the Mass. Bernie Pontillo of the Cooperator provincial council and Rick Valladares, local coordinator, carried out the induction ceremony: the making of promises and the presentation of certificates of membership, the Cooperators’ Project of Apostolic Life, and membership pins.

The new Cooperators are Pat Brehm, Anthony DiFulco, Anne Early, Lance Ehret, Nicole Perque, Megan Sepvalado, and Macie Weaver.

In addition, ten local Cooperators were honored for 25 or more years of membership: Earnie and Bonnie Chiasson and Willie Marque, 43 years each; Mona Nunez, 39 years; Colleen and Keith Arbour, Opal Boudreaux, Joe DeBlanc, and Matt LaGrange, 29 years each; and Cheryl Welch Reine, 27 years.

The Mass solemnized the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo. Fr. Spence pointed to him as the model of a saint — a very human person who struggled with temptation, made bad decisions, and ran from God but who eventually allowed God to catch up with him, take over his life, and give peace to his restless heart. Then he pointed to the Salesian Cooperators, who have committed themselves to following Jesus in the spirit of St. John Bosco, answering Christ’s universal call to holiness. Holiness, Fr. Spence said, starts when we let Christ take hold of us and walk with him.

Fr. Steve Ryan, SDB, director, gave special recognition to Earnie and Bonnie Chiasson, Cooperators since 1983. Mr. Chiasson taught and coached at Shaw for a few years and served for over 35 years as a beloved and respected assistant principal for student affairs.

A reception for all the Cooperators followed in the Salesian residence.