About St. Joseph · Galliano, Louisiana
St. Joseph Parish in Galliano, Louisiana, is a vibrant Catholic community rooted in the South Lafourche area, with a rich history dating back to 1889. The parish was established as a mission and later became a separate parish in 1958, growing from humble beginnings with a palmetto chapel to a modern church dedicated in 1949. It serves a diverse congregation through regular Masses, sacraments, and active ministries, all under the patronage of Saint Joseph. The parish is part of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and continues to welcome new members through programs like OCIA.
- Established
- 1889
- Patron
- Saint Joseph
- Rector
- Father Mike Tran
- Diocese
- Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
Why belong here
Join St. Joseph Parish to experience a welcoming community rooted in faith, service, and tradition. Through ministries like OCIA, faith formation, and regular sacraments, you’ll find spiritual growth, fellowship, and opportunities to serve others. The parish offers Mass in English, Confession, Adoration, and a variety of ministries for all ages — from children’s catechesis to adult education and outreach.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:15 - 3:50pm
- 30 minutes before each Sunday Mass
About Us
The first Catholic Chapel in Galliano was built in 1889 under the supervision of Father Emile Peufier, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Larose, Louisiana. This building was constructed of a rough wooden framework covered with palmettos. It was built on the present church property, which had been purchased two years earlier, August 18, 1887 by Father Peufier. Father Peufier purchased the property in his own name from Mrs. Marguerite Charpentier Guidry. In 1889, Father Peufier wrote the following entry in his report to the Archdiocese of New Orleans: “Twelve miles from Larose, Saint Jacob at Cote Cheramie, one palmetto chapel – Mass said occasionally.” Galliano was then called “Cote Cheramie”, probably named after the Cheramie families who were first to settle in the area. The first palmetto chapel was demolished by the hurricane of 1893, which is commonly known as “l’ourangan de la Cheniere” (the Cheniere Caminada Hurricane). This storm, as well as the storms of 1909 and 1915, prompted a migration of people from the coastal areas to the banks of Bayou Lafourche. Some settled in Orange City (Leeville), others came from Golden Meadow, Cote Cheramie (Galliano), and Cote Blanche (Cut Off). On the same day as the Cheniere Store, September 30, 1893, the first burial in Saint Joseph Cemetery took place. It was that of Emile Eymard, husband of Eugenie Cheramie.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Tjebbe Bekema1958 – ?
First Pastor of the newly established parish
- Father Emile Fossier1966 – 1969
- Father Jean Villere1969 – 1970
- Father Brendon Foley1970 – 1981
- Father Henry E. Naquin1981 – 1985
- Father Albert Richardson1985 – October 1985
- Father Phillip Whitney1985 – 1988
- Father Jerome Webre1988 – 1997
- Father Shenan J. Boquet1997 – 2007
- Father Joseph Perria2007 – 2013
- Father Mario2013 – 2014
- Father Joseph Tregre2014 – 2017
- Father Peter Tai Lê2017 – 2024