Father Randy Cuevas
For students who left the nest and are freshly exploring the world as an adult, Father Randy Cuevas has served as a source of wisdom, maturity and understanding.
In the summer of 2004 he was assigned to serve as the designated priest to the students at Southeastern and has since developed a myriad of relationships throughout the community. For 11 years, Cuevas has worked as the director/chaplain for St. Albert Chapel and the Catholic Student Center located right off campus. This July, Cuevas will be continuing his pastoral journey at the St. Aloysius chapel in Baton Rouge, and a new priest will take his place on campus.
“When kids go to college is usually when they rebel against their parents, but at the same time, they need a parental image in their life to give them guidance,” said Cuevas. “They’re looking for someone with wisdom, age, experience and life, but they’re too proud to ask their parents. They look to me for that, and they have really made me feel needed.”
Before Cuevas came to Hammond, he spent 12 years working as a pastor in Donaldson, which he described as a “family ministry.” The new position presented a significant shift in congregation demographics and the role Cuevas would play. While he has performed a multitude of weddings, funerals, baptisms and first communions in the past, Cuevas now spends his time guiding youthful souls as a mentor and leader.
“This was very different for me when I got here. It was a big adjustment for me,” said Cuevas. “I found out that the parents of most college students were younger than me, and that students weren’t really looking for me to be their friend as much as they were looking for somebody to give them guidance, direction and to understand. I accept and love them for who they are without expecting them to be perfect angels.”
Though the transition was a foreign experience for Cuevas, it was a smooth one. Outside of the sadness of performing student funerals, he loves his role and enjoys seeing a growing number of young faces in the crowd for daily mass.
“It was an adjustment, but there weren’t difficulties. The students were very affirming. They made me feel like what I was doing with my life was important to them,” said Cuevas. “When the students are [at daily mass], I am energized.”
Since Cuevas arrived, he has been increasing and developing the college ministries at St. Albert. The improvements extend from developing the physical facility to feeding hundreds of students and installing a pool table.
“I started the student lunch program that feeds 600 students a week. We don’t provide that on the basis of religion; it’s provided for all students,” said Cuevas. “It’s a no-strings -attached thing. They can leave or stay after they eat. Some of them hang around whenever their school schedules allow.”
For students who are unable to make the free lunches provided at St. Albert, Cuevas installed a “starving students fridge” full of leftovers.
As Cuevas’ adventure in Hammond comes to a close, Father Michael Miceli prepares to take his place. Cuevas reflected on the end of his time at St. Albert.
“As I get closer to the date, I know that I’m going to be grieving because it represents a loss. I’ve invested 11 years of my life here and established relationships,” said Cuevas. “It’s kind of like graduating from college. You’re finally at the top, and then all of a sudden you’re at the bottom again, starting over.”
The transition will be a return home for Cuevas, who grew up in Baton Rouge.
“In a sense, it’s nice to know that I’m going home where I started, to my roots,” said Cuevas. “My elderly parents who are in their late 80s live there, and they’re requiring more of my attention as they age. It’ll be easier for me in Baton Rouge when they call me to change a light bulb.”
Cuevas has been a beloved priest to many students and community members, and his relocation will present a sorrowful transition for many.
“I will miss most the way he looks at the world, his devotion to his faith and how he tries with all his might to help other people,” said Cory Soileau, a senior kinesiology exercise science major. “I was shocked when I found out he was leaving. Father Randy is an awesome priest and a good man. I’ll be sad to see him go.”