To be love and prayer in the heart of the Church.

Sister Catherine, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, was born to Anita and James Arceneaux as the fourth of their children. She was named Teresa Ann Arceneaux at her baptism and was inspired by her patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux. As a child, she discovered her vocation to the Carmelite Order and the contemplative life of prayer, which she kept to herself until the time was right. Sister Catherine was an active member of her parish, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in New Orleans, and served with the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul during her teens. Many anticipated that she would become a Daughter of Charity herself, but to the surprise of her family and friends, she expressed her desire to become a Carmelite nun. On August 27, 1961, Teresa Arceneaux entered the Carmelite Monastery of Lafayette, LA, and received the religious name of Sr. Catherine of the Holy Family – Catherine for St. Catherine Labouré, a well-known Daughter of Charity.

Throughout the past 60 years, Sr. Catherine has lived her Carmelite vocation with great joy and has served her community in various capacities, including cook, kitchen manager, bookkeeper, counselor, prioress, and now as Turn Sister and devoted correspondent. Her mission has been to be a living prayer on behalf of the Church and the world in imitation of Mary. Let us give thanks to God for Sr. Catherine’s 60 years of Religious Profession!