WASHINGTON — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — Internationally acclaimed speaker on the Fathers of the Church, Mike Aquilina, traveled from Pittsburgh to the Diocese of Lake Charles to help the faithful appreciate the growth of the Catholic Church we know today.

Aquilina, the author of more than 70 books on Catholic history, doctrine, and devotion, was the keynote speaker at the 14th annual Veritas Conference on Saturday, September 13, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Family Life Center. The event was hosted by the Office of Religious Education.

Bishop Provost recognizes 60 for dedicated service to church parishes and Diocese

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — Diocesan honors were presented to 60 individuals in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, September 7. Representing 13 church parishes, the recipients were chosen for their profound dedication and devotion to the Catholic Church and community.

In his Bishop’s Services Appeal message for 2025-2026, the Most Reverend Glen John Provost reminds us that while the Diocese of Lake Charles continues its long and arduous task of recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020, it has made significant progress because of God’s help and support from the faithful.

The 45^th annual Bishop’s Services Appeal, a fundraising campaign to aid in the operation of various ministries and programs, will kick off the weekend of September 13-14 in church parishes throughout the Diocese.

By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES — The Diocese of Lake Charles gained a new priest on Saturday, September 6, when Deacon Hunter Thomas LaRocca was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles. With standing room only, the Rite of Ordination took place in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.