Some feel called to the priesthood at a young age, but St. Anthony’s newest associate pastor entered the priesthood as a second vocation, following the death of his wife of 26 years.

Reverend Kendal James Faulk has been, a husband, a father, a teacher and a deacon at one time; now he’ll bring his life experiences into his role as associate pastor.

Reverend Faulk’s position as Associate Pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church became effective June 22, appointed by Bishop Jarrell.

St. Anthony’s is Faulk’s first parish assignment as a priest. He was ordained by Bishop Jarrell on June 5, 2010 at the Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist in Lafayette.

Rev. Faulk, 52, born and raised in Kaplan, was ordained as a Deacon in 2000 and served at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kaplan.

His parents are Raywood and Nolia Touchet Faulk and he is the oldest of three younger brothers, Jody, Neil and Dennis.

Rev. Faulk is a 1975 graduate of Kaplan High School and earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education in 1982 from USL.

He married Jackie Baudoin of Abbeville in 1980. The couple had one son, Kip Faulk, born in 1982.

His son is married to Ashley Bordelon of Scott and has two daughters, Lillie Grace and Addison Marie.

Rev. Faulk was employed as band director at Kaplan and Abbeville High School for many years.

His wife died in December of 2006 as a result of a blood clot in her lung.

He said, “It was an instant death. After this happened, I did not know if I wanted to continue to teach music. I came home to an empty home, missing her very much.”

His decision was made in March of 2007 when he talked with the Bishop and asked to be accepted into the seminary.

Rev. Faulk attended Sacred Heart of Theology in Wisconsin, which is a school for second career vocations. He explained further, “It is designed for older men who are single, or those who have lost their spouse. The average age of men there was 49. One man ordained was 74, and the youngest was 30. I started at the average age, 49.” He performed his studies at the seminary for three years.

Rev. Faulk graduated with a Masters of Divinity Degree on April 30, 2010.

His hobbies include spending time with his son and granddaughters, listening to Christian music and attending Christian concerts. He is also an artist, enjoying pencil and ink drawing. “I gave most of my drawings away to my friends.”

As an associate pastor Rev. Faulk assists the pastor, Monsignor Rev. Robert Romero, who officially took his office of Pastor on July 11, in carrying out the functions of the church.

Rev. Faulk added, “I have never been to Eunice. I only passed through Eunice and Basile, as a BETA Club sponsor when I was teaching music.

“So far I love Eunice.”