Father Reed

1935 - 2006

Fr. H. William Reed was ordained on June 2, 1962. He served as Assistant Pastor at St. Joseph the Worker in Marrero, St. Gabriel in Gentilly, and St. Cecelia in New Orleans. He then became the Archdiocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians before being appointed Pastor at Our Lady of Divine Providence in Metairie, St. Rose of Lima in New Orleans, and Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell. Fr. Reed became the Parochial Vicar at Visitation in 2002.

In addition to his parish assignments, Fr. Reed was also honored to have received several other Archdiocesan appointments, including Spiritual Moderator for St. Vincent DePaul, Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies, Spiritual Director of the Council of Catholic Schools Cooperative Clubs, the Marians, and the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Father Reed accomplished much during his long ministry. However, he will be remembered far more for who he was than for what he did. Father Reed was a kind, caring, compassionate man. His picture should be in the Catholic dictionary under the word Christian. Father Reed gave to The Visitation of Our Lady Parish what Pope John Paul II gave to the world. Father Reed gave us a living example of how to suffer with patience and dignity. He gave us a wonderful example of how to be Christ-like. He gave us the greatest gift one person can give another. He gave us himself, and we are immensely richer because of the gift.