A Visit That Lit Up the Room at St Helens

Fr. Tony Ricard

St Helens School hosted Fr. Tony Ricard this week and the gym came alive the moment he walked in. He has a bold presence, a quick sense of humour, and a way of speaking that keeps every student locked in. He moves, he jokes, he connected with students, and he holds the room with a level of confidence few speakers bring to a school setting. The students were enthralled.

Fr. Ricard is a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and a national leader in Catholic education. He directs Black Catholic Ministries in New Orleans, teaches theology at St. Augustine High School, lectures at Xavier University of Louisiana, leads the Knight Time Ministry, and serves as the Catholic chaplain for the New Orleans Saints. His background gives him a unique ability to relate to young people and speak to their lives with honesty and clarity.

Students from several CISVA schools gathered to hear him. He spoke about the need to aim for sainthood and to take daily actions that shape character and purpose. He shared a lesson about people who stay close to what feels easy and familiar compared with those who rise above low expectations. He pushed students to view themselves with higher standards and to see their future through the lens of faith, discipline, and direction.

His delivery kept the students fully engaged. He asked for volunteers, reacted to their answers, and brought a level of joy that filled the space. When the question period started, hands shot up right away. Students asked about faith, choices, and his work with the New Orleans Saints. He answered each question with humour, direct guidance, and a straightforward tone the students respected.

The visit highlighted how connected our schools are to influential Catholic leaders who speak to real issues in a way students understand. It created a strong moment of unity as we move through Advent and gave students a clear call to think seriously about the path they choose.

Fr. Tony Ricard left an impact that students will talk about for a long time. We look forward to seeing him again.

Students From St. Helens School

Students from Notre Dame School

Students from St Mary’s School