My name is Barry LaFleur, and I have been a member of St. Barnabas since the fall of 2005. My wife Julie came to St. Barnabas during the summer, invited me to check it out, and I was sold from the first service. I was raised Roman Catholic, but grew disillusioned with the church, and I am very happy to have found a community of faith that supports my belief in God as well as my belief that all are called to be one with God. I do believe that faith calls us to action, and that action must include love and care for our brothers and sisters in need.

 Julie and I have three children, Aimee (18), Andre (15), and Beau (8). We were received into the church last year, and Aimee was confirmed. I have been involved with the youth program for most of the past five years. I went with the youth and adults on five mission trips in the last five years. We went to Tennessee twice, Washington D.C. once, New Orleans once and Texas once. I have been involved in the youth committee for the past, three years. I was acolyte master for over three years until this past fall. I have been a worship leader for the past three years and have just joined the lay Eucharistic ministry. I helped out with the Boy Scout troop for a year and a half until my son decided to focus on other activities. I have enjoyed attending the Men’s Group when my volleyball schedule allows me the time. Finally, I have enjoyed being a facilitator for the Alpine Tower at Camp Hardtner for the past two years.

    In my professional life, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I completed my BA at then U.S.L., and later received my MSSW from UT Austin. I have practiced as a social worker for the past 17 years. The past ten to twelve years, I have worked with persons with mental illness. I am the Clinical Director at Lifecare Psychiatric Services and have worked with this company for the past seven years. My goal as a professional is to assist my clients in finding their strengths to live to their fullest potential. I supervise several MSW’s in order to support them in obtaining licensure and to help them help others.

I was asked to serve on the Calling Committee for our new Rector and did enjoy working with the other fine people on this committee. I am looking forward to possibly working with the new Rector as a member of the Vestry.