KEY TAKEAWAYS: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church reopened Aug. 15 after an eight-week closure for renovations. The parish has raised more than $2.1 million toward its $2.6 million capital campaign without taking on debt. Improvements include a new roof, waterproofing, HVAC work, asbestos abatement, refurbished pews and new flooring. Additional projects are planned ahead of the historic church’s 100th anniversary in 2027.   A Mass, a dedication and a reception marked the return into the Catholic church sanctuary that has been a Plaquemine landmark for almost a century. A ribbon-cutting prior to the 4 p.m. Mass Aug. 15 marked the official reopening of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, which had been closed eight weeks to allow work on “The Cathedral on the Bayou” as the sanctuary approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027. The reopening followed completion of major renovations and repairs as part of the upgrade to what is regarded as of Plaquemine’s most recognizable landmarks. The work marked completion of the “100 Years Capital Campaign” efforts led by Rudy Comeeaux, Chairman of the Capital Campaign Committee, along with Vice Chairman Ruel Seneca. “Serving in this role is an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly,” Comeaux told his fellow parishioners during the Mass. St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church reopened is sanctuary for Mass on Aug. 15 upon completion of renovations in preparation for the Church parish’s centennial anniversary in 2027. Source: USA TODAY Network The journey began in November 2023 under the leadership of the late pastor, Father Greg Daigle, who died unexpectedly in June 2025. The project was launched to invest resources into the Church building and campus for its centennial celebration in fall 2027. The work has been implemented with due diligence. Since 2023, work crews have completed a vast array of improvements to the church, including a new roof and waterproofing, finalization of a new chiller and boiler in the central plant and. During the eight-week closure of the church, work included the refurbishment of pews, completion of asbestos abatement, installation of a new flooring under the pews and a deep cleaning of the church’s interior spaces. In addition, project included restoration of the fountain and a soft wash of the plaza. One week before the reopening, more than 60 parishioners gathered to help put the finishing touches on each of those projects. “Their generosity of time and talent reminds us that this project is about much more than buildings — it’s about people,” Comeaux said. The Church parish raised and collected $2,108,773, which is 81% of its goal of $2.6 million for all phases of work. Those gifts have come from more than 760 parishioners, the friends of the Church parish, and anonymous donors. No debt was made to carry out those improvements, according to Comeaux. Upcoming items on the priority list included interior and exterior lighting upgrades, the church bell and bell tower refurbishments, and improvements to the St. John Parish Hall building. Comeaux also acknowledged the Church’s Capital Campaign Committee, which contributed much of the planning, organization and execution of the mission of investing in the church sanctuary. Many others stepped up to the task of bringing the project into fruition. Ruel Seneca served as vice chairman for the project. “I’ve told Ruel more than once that if he ever gets tired of retirement, I’d hire him in a heartbeat,” Comeaux said. “Fortunately for him, and probably for his wife, he has no interest in that.” Comeaux also commended Pat Landry for the work on the doors, hardware and other items. Others who were instrumental in work and arrangements for the church included Donna Carville, Christina Cedotol, Malori Bezet, Bart Schlatre and Houston “Moosie” LaBauve. Mike Hawkins and Mid-South Church Construction refurbished and the church pews. “I also want to thank Capital Campaign Committee who contribute so much to planning, organizing, and executing our mission of investing in our beautiful church, Comeaux said. “I can’t thank everyone enough for the countless hours they’ve devoted to helping make this work a reality,” He also thanked Father Martin for his leadership, guidance, and vision for the future of our parish. In addition, he acknowledged the church staff for its support and patience. “St. John the Evangelist has been part of nearly every important chapter of my life,” Comeaux said. “I was baptized here, received my First Communion here, I was confirmed here, I graduated here, I was married here, and today I have the privilege of watching my children do the same. “I know many of you have similar stories, and that’s why this work matters,” he said. “We are not simply restoring a building — we are preserving a place where faith is nurtured, families are formed, and future generations will gather to worship and celebrate God’s blessings. As we continue our journey toward our Centennial Celebration in 2027, I am honored to serve alongside so many dedicated parishioners as we invest in the future of this parish we all love.” This article originally appeared on Plaquemine Post South: Historic St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church reopens after upgrades Reporting by John Ory Dupont, Post South / Plaquemine Post South USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less