Beloved Community Spotlight

Chris and Kylee Hebert have called St. Gabriel home for the past three years, sharing their life with their spirited two-year-old son, Cruze, and a lively bunch of pets—three cats (Sparrow, Lucy, and Jack Jack) and two dogs (Ben and Judah).

Married for nearly seven years this December and together for nine, their story began in a totally unexpected place: a cruise ship hot tub in the Caribbean.

Kylee, from Indiana, was vacationing with her family, and Chris, originally from Metairie, was with friends. A chance meeting turned into long-distance love, then another cruise together, and eventually, a wedding at sea..

Chris works as a Market Manager for Fastenal, helping supply the construction and industrial world, while Kylee is on the hunt for a remote role as a Chief of Staff or Executive Assistant—something she’s passionate about and excels in.

The Heberts have been attending St. Margaret’s for three years, and it has become a special part of their lives.

Chris, who returned to his Catholic roots in his early 30s after years away from the faith, was drawn to the church’s focus on God, family, and inclusivity—especially its welcome of LGBTQ members. Kylee, who grew up deeply rooted in Evangelical and non-denominational traditions, found peace at St. M after feeling out of place elsewhere as a new mom. At St, Margaret’s, she felt not only accepted but encouraged, especially in raising their son in a loving, inclusive church family.

What they love most about St. Margaret’s? For Chris, it’s the spiritually diverse community and the church’s refreshing spirit of experimentation and unity. Kylee treasures the genuine friendships and inclusive atmosphere—describing it as a place that truly does the work of Jesus’ hands and feet.

They’d love to see the church continue to grow in how it welcomes those new to or outside of traditional church experiences—Chris hopes for deeper catechesis for newcomers, while Kylee dreams of worship that resonates with those more familiar with a modern, non-denominational style.

When they’re not serving or attending St. M, you’ll find Chris reading, traveling, or spending time with friends and family. Kylee loves to be outdoors, in the garden, or tackling home projects. Both are committed to their faith and family, and strive to be remembered as loving, dependable, and giving people—Chris as a faithful husband, father, and leader, and Kylee as someone who always showed up for others, especially her family.

St. Margaret’s has shaped their spiritual lives in big ways—helping Chris dig deeper into various Christian traditions and disciplines, and giving Kylee the space to re-engage in church service after a time away.

Together, they’ve found St. Margaret’s not just a church, but a home.