On Monday, October 26, Vandebilt Catholic High School hosted a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the new Brothers Hall and Football Fieldhouse in front of consultative board members, diocesan officials, Brothers of the Sacred Heart leaders, partnering contractors and architects, and school supporters.

The event began with a school-wide Mass, presided by Fr. Andre Melancon ‘02 and sponsored by our Consultative School Board. At the end of Mass, renderings of both new buildings were displayed for the students and guests with a few words from Mr. Jeremy Gueldner, VCHS President, Brother Ronnie Hingle, Provincial of the United States - Brothers of the Sacred Heart, as well as Coach Brian Wallace, VCHS Co-Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.

Mr. Gueldner began with a fitting quote from Fr. Andre Coidre, Founder of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart., “When we go alone on a long and difficult journey, we soon grow weary. On the contrary when several go together, they walk with assurance, courage and fresh support.”

He added, “It is part of the human experience that we will have difficulties along our journey. I think the thing that we are trying to teach you [the students] more than anything else is that in those moments when your journey is difficult, that you should rely on your faith, trust in God, and you should rely on those that love you. And in the moments that you are not struggling in your journey, and this is just as important, you should find others who are struggling and you should be their ‘fresh support.’ Sitting on the front row are the people that have been our support in the most trying times in the 126 year history of our school.” 

Brother Hingle reflected on the seven decades that the Brothers of the Sacred Heart served the VCHS and St. Francis de Sales communities. He stated, “Though the physical house [Brothers Hall] that Hurricane Ida took away is no longer there, we know our mission remains alive… in every teacher, student and every leader that carries this school forward. Fr. Coindre’s charism and the Brothers’ legacy is still strong in Houma… because of all of you.”

Coach Wallace shared on the building of the new football fieldhouse, “Our program’s motto is ‘Best is the Standard.’ The standard isn’t just about winning or hanging banners, it’s about developing young boys into young men… who understand the importance of hard work, discipline, accountability, leadership and serving others. This building will represent that motto and be a place where these standards are taught and practiced every day. We’re not just building something for the players we have right now, we’re building something for generations of Terriers that will come after them.” 

The ceremony began with a blessing of each site from Bishop Simon Peter Engurait, offering prayers of gratitude and hope for the future. Following the blessing, school leaders, partnering contractors and architects, diocesan leaders, as well as our SGA President, Grace Magee (for the Brothers Hall), and football senior captains, Philip Cenac and Gerard Moore, Jr. (for the football fieldhouse)  participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking, turning the first shovels of dirt to mark the official beginning of the project.

Both facilities were severely impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021 and were ultimately condemned following the storm. Their rebuilding represents one of the final major pieces of Vandebilt Catholic’s post-Ida campus recovery and Master Plan.

The new facilities will provide updated spaces to support Vandebilt Catholic students, student-athletes, coaches and the broader school community. Construction is expected to continue through Fall 2027.