Deacon Glenn Christopher Viau

“We are not called to be Comfortable; we are just called to holiness”

Deacon Glenn Christopher Viau, 64, of Westlake, LA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Deacon Viau was born January 17, 1954 in New Orleans, LA, where he was a native and a long time educator. Deacon Viau began his educational ministry in 1977 in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, serving for 14 years, first as a teacher and assistant principal at St. James Major High School, and then as principal of St. Louise de Marillac School, where he met the love of his life, Rosalie Viau.  He served on the administrative staff at St. Louis Catholic High School from 1991 through 2001, and again from 2002 through 2007, serving as Academic Assistant Principal (1991-1998), Campus Minister (1998-2001), and Academic Administrator (2002-2007).  While at St. Louis, Deacon Viau also taught Theology, English, Social Studies, and Journalism.  He also served as interim principal at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic School in Jennings during the 2001-2002 school year, and most recently, at St. Louis Catholic High School for the 2017-18 school year.

Deacon Viau is a 1977 graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans, where he earned a B.S. in Secondary Education.  He has also earned two graduate degrees from Loyola, an M. Ed. in Secondary Education and an M.P.S. in Pastoral Studies.  In 2004, he completed the Spiritual Directors program offered by the Diocese of Lake Charles, and served as a supervisor in the program.  He has served three terms as Chairperson of the Council of Deacons, and is currently the Assistant to the Vicar for Clergy.

Deacon Viau taught two Holy Cross theology courses offered through the Diocese of Lake Charles, Morality and Adolescent Faith Development.  He served on the teaching staff for the most recent Diaconate Formation Program for the Diocese of Lake Charles, teaching New Testament Letters and Gospels to deacon candidates.  He has also taught Introduction to Catholicism and The Catholic Novel for the Center for Catholic Studies. He was currently teaching a dual enrolment course, Religion 201, at St. Louis Catholic High School through McNeese State University.

Deacon Viau also enjoyed volunteering back to his community through the Covenant House, where he served as an educational tutor, for Hunger Walk-Bread for the World, Spiritual director for the Acts Community and with many other organizations.

Deacon Viau lived by Micah 6:8 “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Deacon Viau was known for his great memory, recalling facts, practical level-headed advice and willingness to do anything for his family and friends and those in need. He was a Spiritual director, known for his wisdom and guidance. He loved sports for entertainment and the knowledge of facts. His many interests included books and literature, the theater, opera, and science fiction. He loved his Acts Community family, but his true passions in life were for God and his family, especially his grandchildren and yorkie Lucy.

Deacon Viau was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Doris Viau; and his in-laws, John and Teresa Sparacio. He is survived by his wife of twenty-seven years, Rosalie Sparacio Viau of Westlake, LA; daughter, Christina “Tina” Burleigh and husband Phillip, also of Westlake, LA; sister, Deborah Viau Valiente and husband Joseph; nephew, Stephen Valiente; niece, Kristen V. Romig and husband Neil; grandchildren, Brooks, Brennum, and Brecken Burleigh; and his beloved granddoggie, Lucy.

Flowers are appreciated, or donations can be made in Deacon Viau’s name to St. Louis High School, 1620 Bank Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 221 Aqua Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70605, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, 1536 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, or to Camp Karol Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat, 2151 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, Lake Charles, LA 70611.

His funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 3, 2018 at Our Lady of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Bishop Glen John Provost will officiate, along with numerous other co-celebrants. Burial will follow in New Bethany Cemetery at the St. Charles Retreat Center in Moss Bluff, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM and a rosary at 7:30 PM. During the church Mass at 6:00 PM, visitation will move to the church student center. Visitation will continue on Monday at the church from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.