St. Francis de Sales Parish was established on June 14, 1847 when Robert Ruffin Barrow gave a tract of land to Bishop Antoine Blanc of New Orleans for the specific purpose of building a Catholic Church in Houma. At the time, St. Francis de Sales Parish covered the whole civil parish of Terrebonne and a part of St. Mary Parish east of the Atchafalaya.
 
Rev. Z. Leveque was appointed the first pastor. He found about 200 Catholic families scattered throughout the parish, living mainly along the four principal bayous (Terrebonne, Petit Caillou, Grand Caillou and Black). He faced two major challenges: teaching the families the elementary doctrines of the Catholic Faith and the building of a church structure. He left the following year, before the church structure was complete; it was not complete until 1854. He did, however, leave a written report for his successor.
 
A presbytery was built during the pastorate of Msgr. J.M. Laval (1890-1894). The original church was enlarged on both sides during the time Fr. P.C. Paquet served (1895-1914). An organ was purchased and remained in use until 1974. When Fr. Paquet resigned due to poor health in 1914, Archbishop James Blenk appointed the Rev. August Wynand Vandebilt as the pastor. He became legendary for the work he did over the 24 years he served, including building the present church building.
 
In September, 1926, a violent hurricane caused extensive damage to the church. It was repaired but plans began for the construction of a larger, sounder church. The old church was torn down in 1936 and the new church was dedicated in 1938. The total cost of the church building, including construction, furnishings, such as new pews, communion rails, confessionals, holy water fonts, baptismal font, repairs to the organ (which was purchased in 1914 for $3,000.00 by Father Paquet, Pastor, and salvaged from the first church, whose pipes remain in the choir loft today), altars, statues, and the building of cement walks around the church, came to the full sum of $137,000.00.  Shortly after seeing his dream come true, Father August Vandebilt fell ill and passed away on April 7, 1938.
 
Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet became pastor on June 8, 1938. He began planning for a new school, introduced the envelope system, purchased property for St. Francis Cemetery No. 2 and helped establish St. Lucy Church. Msgr. Maurice Schexnayder succeeded Msgr. Caillouet in May, 1946. St. Francis de Sales School was constructed. Msgr. Caillouet was appointed bishop of Lafayette in February, 1951 and was succeeded by Msgr. Joseph A. Wester. Under his leadership, the church was remodeled, the convent built, and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart were hired to run the “Boys’ School”.
 
Msgr. Gerald Frey assumed his duties as pastor in July, 1963. Vandebilt Catholic High School (originally named Houma Central Catholic School for one year) was opened IN 1965, the church was renovated and the fountain established in the church courtyard.  Msgr. Frey was named bishop of Lafayette and Rev. Harrison A. Martin was appointed pastor in July, 1967. He inaugurated the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament daily and the praying of the rosary before each Mass.
 
In May, 1971 Msgr. John Newfield became pastor. He held the pastorate position at the announcement in 1977 of the new Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux with Bishop Warren Boudreaux as its ordinary and the designation of St. Francis de Sales as the Cathedral. Msgr. Joseph Latino became the pastor (Rector) in May of 1987. He had previously served as an assistant from 1963-1968. The Pastoral Council was established and many ministries were established to involve parishioners. He presided over the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Parish, served the Diocese as Chancellor and Vicar General. He served until 2003 when he was appointed Bishop of Jackson. Very Rev. Vicente N. DeLa Cruz, J.V became the Pastor (Rector) and served until 2012. Very Rev. Joshua J. Rodrigue, S.T.L. served as Pastor (Rectory) from 2012 until 2016.  Very Rev. Jay L. Baker has been our beloved Pastor (Rector) since.