By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
FENTON –– After 11 months of extensive renovations, the Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, dedicated St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 4, the Feast day of the church’s patron saint.
As the congregation sang “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” during the entrance procession of the 5:30 p.m. Mass, they had much to be grateful for in this Jubilee Year of Hope as they gathered in their church for the first time in nearly a year.
at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church was unveiled
by Bishop Glen John Provost and Reverend Jom
Joseph, HGN, Pastor, following the Order of Dedication
on November 4, 2025, in Fenton.
(Karlee Johnson / Rae of Rose Photography)
“With deep gratitude and joy, I stand before you all on this gracious and blessed day — the dedication of our beloved church,” Rev. Jom Joseph, HGN, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo said.
Father Jom expressed his heartfelt thanks to Bishop Provost for granting approval for the project, for his guidance, encouragement, and presence from the very beginning — from blessing the site to presiding at the Order of Dedication.
In remarking on the project’s completion, Bishop Provost said, “We come together to dedicate this church after much effort to restore it, and it is quite beautiful. We give thanks this evening for the beauty God allows us to witness in the newly renovated St. Charles Borromeo Church.”
The one-million dollar renovation effort includes a bridal room/quiet room, sacristy, and foyer, that can also serve as catechism classrooms; additional seating, new flooring, enhanced handicapped accessibility, and new restrooms. A wooden ceiling replaces the older one which was in disrepair.
Special thanks were extended to Father Jerish George, MOC, for allowing the use of the hanging lights from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Cameron that was destroyed by Hurricane Laura in 2020. “The lights brighten not only our church, but our hearts as well,” said Father Jom.
Visiting clergy included many from the Diocese of Lake Charles as well as those traveling far distances to show support for their brother priest, Father Jom. It was a homecoming of sorts for Very Rev. Ruben Buller, Vicar General, who grew up attending St. Charles Borromeo.
The Mass began with a sprinkling rite reminding us of our baptism. Following the Liturgy of the Word, the Prayer of Dedication and the Anointings began with everyone praying the Litany of the Saints. Bishop Provost then poured sacred Chrism in the middle of the altar and on each corner spreading it with his hand as he completely covered the surface.
After anointing the altar and walls of the church, he lit a fire on the altar and walked around the altar using incense to serve as reminder that the sacred space is now consecrated and ready for worship.
The altar was vested and candles surrounding it were solemnly lit. The dedication continued with the celebration of the Eucharist, uniting the St. Charles Borromeo community as they returned “home” for the first time since January 2025.
Immediately after Mass, Bishop Provost unveiled a commemorative plaque in gratitude for all who contributed spiritually, physically, and financially to the lasting presence of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.
“Together we have built not just a beautiful church, but a living testimony of faith, unity, and love,” remarked Father Jom. “May God who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion, and may St. Charles Borromeo continue to watch over and intercede for us always.”
Father Jom also extended a heartfelt thank you to (Jeff) Kudla Architecture for “blending the old with the new so beautifully” and (Khoury) Kraus Construction, Inc. for their “magnificent” transformation of the church.
While renovations were underway, the parish celebrated Mass in the adjacent church hall. It was in that same church hall where parishioners gathered after the dedication Mass for a meal to celebrate their joint contributions of time, talents, and treasures.
The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, celebrates the Eucharist on November 4, 2025, during the dedication Mass for parish renovations at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Fenton. Concelebrating with him are Reverend Jom Joseph, HGN, Pastor, along with local and visiting priests. (Karlee Johnson / Rae of Rose Photography)