LAKE CHARLES — 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, where he was a native and a long time educator. He 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. Here in the diocese, Deacon Viau served on the administrative staff of 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, he 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, was interim principal at St. Louis for the 2017-18 academic year.
A 1977 graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans, where he earned a B.S. in Secondary Education, he also took 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 served three terms as Chairperson of the Council of Deacons, and was the Assistant to the Vicar for Clergy in the diocese at the time of his death.
Deacon Viau taught two Holy Cross theology courses offered through the Diocese of Lake Charles, Morality and Adolescent Faith Development and served on the teaching staff for the most recent Diaconate Formation Program of the Diocese, 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 and was currently teaching a dual-enrollment course, Religion 201, at St. Louis Catholic High School through McNeese State University.
Deacon Viau enjoyed volunteering back to his community through the Covenant House, where he served as an educational tutor, for Hunger Walk-Bread for the World, sSpiritual 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 27 years, Rosalie Sparacio Viau of Westlake; daughter, Christina “Tina” Burleigh and husband Phillip, also of Westlake; 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 grand-doggie, Lucy.
Donations can be made in Deacon Viau’s name to St. Louis Catholic 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.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 3, in Our Lady of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Bishop Glen John Provost officiated with many priests of the diocese concelebrating Burial followed in New Bethany Cemetery on the campus of Saint Charles Center in Moss Bluff.
