Barbara Sherman, Pastoral Coordinator

I'm originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. My role at OLP is Director of Music and Liturgy..

My experience in ministry is varied. I taught junior high for eight years, teaching English, Earth Science, Biology, and Religion. I directed a youth choir for 5 years and an adult choir for 15 years. I am a certified High School Catechist in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

I have been in music ministry for 30 plus years – studied voice under the direction of Ellen Frohmeyer, a nationally known opera soprano; and also sang as a First Soprano for the New Orleans Symphony Chorus for 10 years before coming to OLP.

Eleven years before coming to OLP, I worked at Loyola University, New Orleans where I honed my liturgical skills and was Master of Ceremonies for University Liturgies. At the same time I worked with LUCAP (Loyola University Community Action Program) teaching children and adults to read, serving meals to the homeless, participating in civil disobedience, building and repairing housing, working in the "Projects" in after school programs. My husband entered the Deaconate program in the Archdiocesan of New Orleans and it was required that the wives go through the same program with their husbands -- so for 4 years I attended classes, did papers, community service, and am certified in Clinical Pastoral Counseling.

My hubby and I raise Alpacas. No, not Llamas but the cute ones—Alpacas. We use their fleece to make scarves, hats, sweaters—you know the warm stuff! We go to alpaca shows to "show" our animals and their products, and educate the public. I make baskets, do wood turning, and make stained glass windows.