Barrette, M.S., Rev. Eugene G., Former Superior General

Rev. Eugene G. Barrette, M.S., 75, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, and former Superior General of the Order died on Monday, July 6, 2015 at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center. He was born May 29, 1940 in Danielson, son of the late Joseph and Marie (Mailhot) Barrette. He attended St. James Grammar School in Danielson and high school in Killingly and the La Salette Seminary in Hartford. Father Barrette entered the La Salette Novitiate in Bloomfield on July 1, 1960 and made First Profession of Vows on July 2, 1961. He received his Associate Degree from the La Salette Seminary in Altamont, New York, a B.A. in Philosophy from the La Salette Seminary in Ipswich, Massachusetts, an M.A. in English from Boston College and a S.T.L. in Theology and Spirituality from the Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1967 in Ipswich. After ordination Father served as professor at the La Salette Seminary in Altamont and then as Director of Scholastics in Rome. Father Barrette was elected to the La Salette General Council in Rome in 1976 and served as Secretary General, as well. In 1982 he was elected Superior General of the Congregation and was the youngest La Salette to be elected to this position. When he returned to the United States, he served as Parochial Vicar at St. Ann Parish in Marietta, Georgia. While there, he founded the St. Ann's AIDS Ministry Program. In 1993, Father was named Pastor at Good Shepherd Parish in Orlando, Florida. In 1997, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Smyrna, Georgia, where he promoted adult faith formation, RCIA, retreats, days of reflection, parish missions and discussion groups for finding the spiritual aspects of current movies and exploring popular books in spirituality and contemporary issues. In recent years Father Gene has resided in the La Salette Hartford House Community. Father was a prolific and stimulating writer. He wrote many articles for the Georgia Bulletin and many other publications. In addition to his La Salette confreres, he is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Diane Barrette, of Dayville, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Norman Barrette. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Hartford House, 85 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT. Friends and relatives may call from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. preceding the Mass. Burial will take place at a later date at the La Salette Shrine in France. Contributions in Father's memory may be made to: Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette Retirement Fund, 915 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114-2330.To share a memory with the Community or family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.