Dear Friends:

I am excited to announce that on June 20th, the reorganization of Catholic Services of Acadiana into Catholic Charities of Acadiana will officially be enacted. The newly founded Catholic Charities of Acadiana will include a select number of chancery offices in addition to the services already offered through Catholic Services of Acadiana. I am looking forward to seeing the entire Diocese involved in the charitable works of the Church and I believe now is the time to increase the reach and impact of this work throughout all of our parishes.

I believe that the formalization of Catholic Charities within our Diocese will further highlight and expand existing social ministries to the marginalized within our region. CCA’s efforts will be a work of evangelization and a call to community and participation. It will be through community the dignity of every person is realized and out of this community that the faithful will be commissioned to the service of charity which will embolden their faith.

Through this reorganization our Diocese will accomplish two goals. First, we will work for social justice. Catholic Charities of Acadiana will seek to remove the root causes of injustice in our community and improve systems for the good of God’s people. Secondly, we will continue to meet people’s basic needs and provide emergency aid through various programs and resources. I have placed the highest level of confidence in the leadership of Executive Director Kim Boudreaux and have entrusted her and her staff with this vital ministry of the Church.

The creation of Catholic Charities of Acadiana will not diminish or change existing parish based ministries rather, I have charged CCA in being a strong resource to existing social ministries in providing assistance, training, and convening. Please join me in praying for our Diocese during this centennial year, that we can respond to Jesus’ call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, visit the sick and imprisoned.

With every good wish, I am

Faithfully yours in Christ

Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, D.D.

Bishop of Lafayette