Laura Huval is a GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist, retreat leader, Catholic speaker, and a published composer with Oregon Catholic Press. As the founder of Laura Huval Music Ministry, her mission is clear: to share the Gospel one song at a time. A lifelong Catholic with a deep devotion to the faith, Laura answered the call to full-time music ministry in 2021 after many years of leading worship, performing, and teaching.
LAURA HUVAL MUSIC MINISTRY: Laura's ministry blends sacred music, scripture, prayer, and personal testimony to create powerful and prayerful experiences through concerts, parish missions, and retreats. Laura’s Marian-inspired project, Sing the Rosary, was named the “Best Prayer Resource of 2024” by Aleteia Catholic News, and her original music continues to touch hearts and inspire people of all ages. Deeply rooted in Louisiana culture, Laura is also a member of the GRAMMY®-nominated family band Sweet Cecilia. Her work is marked by beauty, reverence, and authenticity, all grounded in a desire to lead others closer to Christ. Laura currently serves as Music Director at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cecilia, Louisiana, where she lives with her husband and two sons.
POPULAR TALK TOPICS:
- Growing in Marian Virtues: A grace-filled journey through the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary with Our Blessed Mother as our guide.
- Footprints: A Journey of Faith: Discover Christ’s abiding presence through Scripture, sacred song, and the Eucharist.
- Tend Your Soul: Let the Divine Gardener prune, nourish, and grow your soul for His glory.
- Rooted- The Sacraments & Spiritual Growth: Explore how the Sacraments provide grace, strength, and transformation for the journey of faith.
- Mercy Divine: Encounter the heart of Jesus through the message of Divine Mercy and the witness of St. Faustina.
- Forms of Prayer: Reflect on the four key forms of Catholic prayer—Praise, Petition, Intercession, and Thanksgiving.
- Servant Heart: Live out the Works of Mercy with purpose, compassion, and love.
DETAILED BIOGRAPHY: Laura Huval is a GRAMMY-nominated® recording artist, worship leader, educator, speaker, and cultural advocate from the vibrant community of Cecilia, Louisiana, nestled in the heart of Acadiana. A lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Laura has served as a music minister for over twenty years and currently leads as Music Director. Her deep love for faith and music was nurtured from a young age, growing up in a household where music and the Catholic faith were intertwined. Her father, the late GRAMMY-nominated Cajun musician Al Berard, along with her mother and sisters, were all members of the St. Joseph Church Choir.
Laura taught music for eight years at St. Genevieve Catholic School in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she was honored as Educator of the Year in 2015. She has served the Church in numerous roles including youth choir director, parish convocation team leader, ministries fair organizer, workshop facilitator, faith formation coordinator and teacher, and youth representative on the Diocesan Pastoral Council (Diocese of Lafayette). In recognition of her service, she was awarded the Bishop’s Servant Medal by Bishop Deshotel in 2021.
Laura's album Sing the Rosary was named the “Best Prayer Resource of 2024” by Aleteia Catholic News, and she has been featured in the National Catholic Register. Her music—marked by soul-stirring melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and an anointed presence—has touched hearts and uplifted countless listeners.
In addition to her ministry and teaching, Laura is a published author and songwriter. Her debut devotional book, Scripture and Song: 40-Day Reflection Devotional, serves as a companion to her 2020 faith-based album It’s Never Too Late. She has been nominated for OffBEAT Magazine’s "Best of the Beat" Awards in both the Best Gospel Artist and Best Country/Folk/Singer-Songwriter categories.
Laura is also a member of the award-winning family band Sweet Cecilia. In 2021, the band was nominated for a GRAMMY Award® in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category for A Tribute to Al Berard, exactly thirty years after her father’s own nomination. Laura continues to enjoy a thriving solo career and in 2020 became a published artist with Oregon Catholic Press (OCP).
She is a frequent guest speaker and podcast contributor (Can I Getta Amen, Many Hail Marys at a Time), a featured writer in the Pursuing Peace Devotional Journal by The Light Project, and a regular retreat leader. She was also a featured songwriter at the 2019 SOLO Songwriting Festival, where she collaborated with Nashville greats such as Jim Lauderdale and Rusty Tabor. Her song "Red Bird Flies," which she highlighted at Lafayette Storytellers Night in 2018, has gained national attention for its powerful message and storytelling.
As a passionate advocate for Cajun/Creole culture, Laura served on the St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission (2021–2023) and co-founded the Al Berard Memorial Music Fund through the Community Foundation of Acadiana in 2014. The fund supports initiatives that preserve the Cajun/Creole heritage, arts, music, and French language.
Laura has performed at major festivals across the Gulf Coast, including Festival International de Louisiane, Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, French Quarter Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She also performs alongside her husband, Adrian Huval, accordionist for the band The Bluerunners. They live in Cecilia with their two sons, Nate and Rex. Laura’s mission is clear and heartfelt: “Sharing the Gospel one song at a time.” Through music, ministry, and her vibrant cultural roots, she continues to inspire and uplift countless lives.
Education and Recognition:
- B.S. Bachelor of Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (Secondary Education with a Concentration in Social Studies and a Minor in History)
- Safe Environment Trained: Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana
- Certified Gifted and Talented Music Teacher (State of Louisiana)
- 20 years as pastoral musician, vocalist, and songwriter
- 2012-2020 Music Teacher/Minister at St. Genevieve Catholic School (Lafayette, LA)
- 2014-2015- Educator of the Year, St Genevieve Catholic School (Lafayette, LA)
- 6 years as a classroom teacher (Cecilia High School, Social Studies)
- 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year (Cecilia High School)
- Youth Representative for the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Diocese of Lafayette (2009-2011)
- 2014 to Present: Co-Founder of the Al Berard Memorial Music Fund at Community Foundation of Acadiana
- 2018 to 2024: Co-Chair of the Cecilia et Les Alentours Cultural District in Cecilia, LA
- 2014-2016- Director of the Al Berard Music Festival
- 2020 Grammy® Nomination for Best Regional Roots Album with Sweet Cecilia for A Tribute to Al Berard
- OffBEAT Magazine Best of the Beat Awards Nominee for: Best Gospel Artist and Best Country/Folk/Singer-Songwriter Artist
- Grammy U Mentor (2021)
- St. Martin Parish Tourism Board Commissioner (2021-2023)
- Bishop's Serval Medal Honoree (Diocese of Lafayette; Bishop Deshotel) 2021
- Foundational Catechist Certification (Catechetical Institute Franciscan University) 2023
