Deacon Alfred Adams retires after 33 years as deacon assistant at East St. James Parish

Note: Deacon Alfred Adams retired after 33 years of serving the parish cluster of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Convent, St. Joseph Church in Paulina and Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Gramercy. He will continue to serve as the director of the Office of Black Catholics in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

After having written an article about Alfred Adams, Sr. thirty-three years ago when he was first ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, it seems only fitting that I write one about his retirement. Our cluster has had the privilege of calling this wonderful servant of God our very own for “33” years.

Our cluster has had the privilege of calling this wonderful servant of God our very own for 33 years.  Deacon Alfred Adams, Sr., the second son of Dorothy Adams, born and raised in Vacherie, is the devoted husband of Dianne McKinley of Convent, a loving father of three children and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who has dedicated his life to service as a deacon in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.  Deacon Alfred was ordained on Sept. 29, 1990, on the Feast of the Archangels, which made his assignment to St. Michael’s even more special.  

Deacon Alfred’s 33 years of service has been here in our cluster, where he has been involved in many aspects of our Catholic faith. Besides his work here in the cluster, he has worked with the Office of Black Catholics, was a member of the Advisory Board under (Arch) Bishop Shelton Fabre and was appointed director of the office in 2005. 

He is a faithful member of the Knights of Peter Clavier, The Knights of Columbus and many ministries throughout our cluster as well as the diocese.  He has directed seminars; retreats; marriage preps; was guest speaker for many different organizations and spiritual enrichment opportunities.

He has been visible, and a constant, active, vital part of our spiritual lives along the River Road.  Deacon Alfred has baptized many babies throughout his 33 years of ministry; celebrated weddings; funeral services; communion services; served and preached at many Masses; participated in the preparation of high school students for confirmation as well as the celebration of confirmations; first Communions and has welcomed many adults and youth into our faith through the RCIA program.  His list of ministries is endless, and his work has left its mark on many lives.  

 Thank you, Deacon Alfred. You have been a wonderful blessing to all of us.  I have enjoyed working with you and feel very blessed to call you not only my deacon, but my friend.  The life lessons and experiences you have endured over these past 33 years have been lessons in faith for many of us. Your example of courage, faith and trust in God through some very difficult times have been examples we have all learned from.   

Enjoy this phase of life in leisure with Diane and your family. You have more than earned it!  Job well done, good and faithful servant. Well done!