Resolution Honoring Deacon Terrel J. Broussard

Whereas, Deacon Terrel J. Broussard has faithfully served the Catholic Church for 25 years as a permanent deacon, ministering with deep dedication at both St. Peter Claver and St. Maria Goretti; and

Whereas, Deacon Broussard has enriched the spiritual lives of the faithful by leading the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), performing baptisms, witnessing marriage vows, assisting at countless Masses and funerals, and providing compassionate pastoral care to the people of God; and

Whereas, he and his wife have together authored a weekly Bible Study that is shared with parishes across the Archdiocese of New Orleans and throughout the country, helping others grow in their love and understanding of Scripture; and

Whereas, Deacon Broussard has demonstrated exemplary civic and professional leadership as an attorney with Broussard Dispute Solutions, LLC in New Orleans, Louisiana, providing skilled counsel in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Litigation, Employment Litigation (Defense), and Personal Injury Defense; and

Whereas, he is a graduate of Tulane University Law School, Class of 1973, and has been a licensed member of the Louisiana Bar since that year; and

Whereas, his excellence in the legal profession has been recognized through multiple selections to Super Lawyers (2007–2008, 2013–2023), a distinction reserved for top-rated attorneys recognized by their peers; and

Whereas, in addition to his legal practice, he was appointed to serve as a Judge Pro Temp for the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, further demonstrating his legal acumen and commitment to public service; and

Whereas, Deacon Broussard has also contributed to the academic and ethical formation of future leaders as an adjunct faculty member at both Dillard University and Tulane University; and

Whereas, Deacon Broussard is a respected leader in the New Orleans community, actively serving with organizations such as Together New Orleans, the Council of African-American Deacons, the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association, and many more; and

Whereas, his tireless efforts, along with those of other dedicated leaders, contributed to the founding and continued operation of the New Orleans East Hospital, a vital institution in the life and health of the community; 

Be it resolved, that we, the parish community of St. Maria Goretti, do hereby recognize and honor Deacon Terrel J. Broussard for his outstanding service to the Church, his profession, and the wider New Orleans community; and

Be it further resolved, that in recognition of his faithful and dedicated service, Deacon Terrel J. Broussard is hereby granted the title of Deacon Emeritus of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, with all the rights, honors, and recognition befitting this distinction; and

Be it further resolved, that we express our deepest gratitude for his faith, leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice, healing, and the Gospel mission.

Given at New Orleans, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, on the 17th day of May, in the year of our Lord 2025, the fifth of our pastorate.