St. Gerard School Holds First Fundraiser in Baton Rouge
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February 17, 2022Redemptorist St. Gerard School’s first “Messengers of Hope” fundraiser is the direct result of Fr. Tat Hoang dreaming big and casting the net into deep water.
As pastor of St. Gerard Majella Church in the lower-income area of north Baton Rouge, Fr. Tat serves a primarily African American, immigrant and migrant community. He also is responsible for overseeing Redemptorist St. Gerard School, one of only two parochial schools that still serve primarily African American and low-income families in Baton Rouge.
Assigned at the helm two years ago, the energetic and dynamic Redemptorist missionary has had to be very creative, and scramble to meet the immediate needs of the parish and school. Yet he dreams big, and has been focused on the future from the start. Maintaining Redemptorist St. Gerard School’s proud tradition of educational excellence is his top priority. And that takes money – much more than he can expect the predominantly lower-income community to provide.
As he recalls, Fr. Tat received several text messages from an unknown phone number before he cautiously responded. He was surprised to be speaking directly with John Folse – a world-renowned executive chef who has owned the exclusive White Oak Estate & Gardens in Baton Rouge for 25 years.
“Chef Folse told me that I could count on him to sponsor a fundraiser,” Fr. Tat explained. “He may be in the kitchen, but he is certainly working in the vineyard of the Lord.”
The two quickly planned and scheduled the inaugural “Messengers of Hope” fundraiser on March 20. The event will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, live music, and both silent and live auctions.
Special guests who have been invited include Provincial Superior Stephen Rehrauer, Bishop Robert Muench, and Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.
“We are hoping that many alumni of the school will support us. Generations of the most influential leaders in this area attended this school. We have been offering a quality Catholic education for 76 years,” Fr. Tat said.
“When Redemptorist High School closed in 2015, everybody thought that the elementary school closed, too. We still exists. Our school has been resurrected. It is very vibrant, with a new mission.” Changing demographics have created major financial challenges for the beloved school. The historic building with halls safeguarding 76 years of memories requires constant repair. Student enrollment is currently about 150, but Fr. Tat’s ultimate goal is to serve as many as 200 students. “We need money to hire good teachers and staff, and maintain the building,” he stressed. Proceeds also will be used for student scholarships and academic enhancements, including the potential offering of STEM and TEAM courses.
Fr. Tat and Cheryl Domino, principal, agree that preserving and extending the school’s legacy is important for the entire community, especially their neighbors in North Baton Rouge.
Redemptorist St. Gerard maintains a strong Catholic discipline, which separates it from charter schools or even some private schools. “We have good kids, they love God, they go to church on Friday and they pray every morning and every afternoon. I’m very proud of our students,” Fr. Tat said. “Every day, we serve a community of 200 people, predominantly African-American and immigrant Latinos.”
He is notably excited about the possibility of adding STEM classes, adding that the students excel in liberal arts. “They have already shown that they are talented musicians,” he said. “I want them to develop liberal arts, reading, writing, speaking, history and even politics because they are good at it. Hopefully, Redemptorist St. Gerard will become a school known for its liberal arts and music programs.”
To support the Redemptorist ministry in Baton Rouge and contribute to the “Messengers of Hope” gala, please contact the parish office at 225.355.2553.
