The Mel Ott Multipurpose Center was beautifully decorated and rolled out the red carpet for the large audience that attended the City of Gretna's 30th inauguration on June 30. When Rev. Gary P. Copping, the new pastor of St. Joseph Church and Shrine, heard about the special anniversary inauguration, he wanted to commemorate the special event for the city and create a wonderful memory for himself. He scheduled a special service for the next night, July 1. Usually at St. Joseph's there is just one Saturday vigil Mass at 4 p.m., but Copping added a 6 p.m. Mass, becoming the first Mass he would celebrate at his new church. The Mass was offered for the city officials, the city itself and all Gretna citizens. Deacons Jerry Labadot and Len Enger served at the special Mass. "The most important part of society is the family and both the church and the local community should work together to strengthen and foster the family. In the family, the education and ethical upbringing belong both to religion and public service," Copping said. "Good children mean later upstanding and moral adults. It is my firm hope that both St. Joseph Church and the city of Gretna can work side by side to promote civic and moral values and that we can grow together in this community." Gretna Mayor Belinda Constant, Councilman at Large Wayne Rau and Councilmembers Milton Crosby, Jackie Berthelot, Mark Miller and Michael Hinyub were included in the service by offering readings. The offertory gifts were presented by the Mayor, Police Chief Arthur Lawson and his wife, Brenda Lawson. "Father Gary," as he likes to be called, was born and raised in New Orleans. He attended H.C. Schaumburg Elementary, St. James Major Middle and graduated from Brother Martin High School. He attended UNO to study biophysics and was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. After three years of study at UNO, he enrolled in St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington and graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in liberal arts in 1991. He attended Notre Dame Seminary from 1991-93 but left before graduating or taking vows as a Catholic priest. In 1996, he married Judy Bennett and lived in uptown New Orleans. After his wife's death in 2009, he re-entered the seminary to fulfill his calling. He was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in May 2012 and completed his Deacon Internship at St. Francis Assisi Parish in uptown New Orleans. He completed his Masters of Divinity Degree from Notre Dame Seminary on May 9, 2013, graduating magna cum laude and was ordained June 1, 2013 at St. Louis Cathedral. He served his first Mass at St. Francis of Assisi on June 2, 2013 before being appointed to St. Anselm Catholic Church as Parochial Vicar. Copping ministered three years to the parishioners of St. Anselm before being reassigned to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Slidell where he served for one year. Effective July 1, he was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph Church and Shrine on the West Bank and St Anthony Mission Church where he said he was looking forward to being a shepherd to his new flock. Copping enjoys several hobbies including making chain link rosaries and religious medal earrings. An avid reader, he especially enjoys reading J.R.R. Tolkien books and theology. The 30th inauguration program went off without a hitch. Retired State Rep. and "Gretna Boy" Joseph F. Toomy served as master of ceremonies. "Term in Review 2013-2017" was presented. All of the officials were unopposed in the election process and were sworn in by various officials of their choosing. Constant was sworn in by retired Judge Marion F. Edwards; Arthur Lawson by Judge Roy M. Cascio; Rau by Edwards; Crosby by Judge E. Adrian Adams; Berthelot by Judge Henry G. Sullivan; Miller by State Rep. Joseph Marino III; Hinyub by Sullivan. Presentation of Swords was smartly presented by T. J. Larkin Knights of Columbus #322 and Presentation of Colors by Gretna Police and David Crockett Fire Company. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gretna Police Sgt. Alton Savage Jr. and VFW Post 3127/District 2 Commander Gerald G. Dugas. Young Gretna soprano Mia Ditta sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, Copping gave the invocation and Rev. Warren E. Johnson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church offered the benediction. The inauguration committee included Cheryl Amacker, Allison Cuny, Ronnie Gauthreaux, Amie Hebert, Deborah LaBruzza, Susan Percle, Dodie Rackley, Azalea Roussel, Rebecca Schouest, Judy Sullivan, Wendy Thibodeaux and Jo Ann Toomy. Helen Williams is a Gretna resident who writes about people and events of community interest. She can be reached at 504.367.8481 or email her at [email protected].