Diocese of Shreveport

From Saintapedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

The Diocese of Shreveport, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the 23 northernmost civil parishes of Louisiana in the United States. Founded on July 5, 1986, by Pope John Paul II, it is led by Bishop Stephen Douglas Berg since his installation on January 28, 2021.[1] As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans, the diocese serves approximately 51,000 Catholics across 42 parishes and 12 missions, with a notable commitment to evangelization in a region marked by diverse cultural influences including Cajun and African American Catholic traditions.[2] A highlight is its annual diocesan Eucharistic Congress, which in 2023 drew over 1,500 participants for adoration and catechesis, underscoring its vibrant sacramental life.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Shreveport

Diocese: Diocese of Shreveport
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of New Orleans
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of New Orleans
Country:United States
Region:Louisiana
Bishop:Stephen Douglas Berg
Website:https://dioceseshreveport.org/
Newspaper:https://dioceseshreveport.org/the-catholic-companion-connect/
Catholic %:4.2%
Elementary Schools:12
High Schools:4
Deaneries:6
Priests:81
Existence:1986–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Alexandria
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:3.8
Chancery Address:3500 Broadmoor Blvd. Shreveport, LA 71105-5616

Establishment

The Diocese of Shreveport was canonically erected on July 5, 1986, by Pope John Paul II through the apostolic constitution Laudis Iubilatio, splitting the northern territory from the Diocese of Alexandria to better serve the growing Catholic population in northwest Louisiana.[3][4] This division addressed the vast geographic expanse of the predecessor diocese, which spanned over 30,000 square miles, facilitating more effective pastoral care amid post-World War II population shifts and immigration.

History

The diocese's territory has roots in early French colonial missions along the Red River and Bayou areas, with Catholicism introduced by Spanish and French explorers in the 18th century.[5] Formal organization came with the 1986 erection, under initial leadership focused on building infrastructure.

Boundary adjustments have been minimal since founding, though it absorbed some missions from neighboring areas. Key milestones include the 1996 centennial of its cathedral and the 2011 relocation of the chancery to Broadmoor.

Geography

The Diocese of Shreveport covers approximately 20,471 square miles (53,000 km²) across 23 civil parishes in northern Louisiana, representing about one-third of the state's land area but only 10% of its population:

  • Bienville
  • Bossier
  • Caddo
  • Caldwell
  • Claiborne
  • DeSoto
  • East Carroll
  • Franklin
  • Grant
  • Jackson
  • Lincoln
  • Madison
  • Morehouse
  • Ouachita
  • Red River
  • Richland
  • Sabine
  • Tensas
  • Union
  • Vernon
  • Webster
  • West Carroll
  • Winn

It falls within the Ecclesiastical Province of New Orleans and borders the Diocese of Alexandria to the south, Diocese of Tyler to the west, and the Diocese of Little Rock to the north.[6][7]

Mother church

St. John Berchmans Cathedral in Shreveport, constructed in 1896 in Romanesque Revival style with later renovations, serves as the diocese's mother church and seat of the bishop. Dedicated to St. John Berchmans, it features notable stained glass windows depicting Louisiana saints and underwent a major restoration in 1954.[8]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Stephen Douglas Berg was appointed the third bishop on July 23, 2020, and installed on January 28, 2021. Previously bishop of Pueblo, Colorado, he emphasizes vocations, pro-life initiatives, and synodality in his pastoral priorities.[9][10]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
William Benedict Friend 1986–2006 First bishop; installed December 5, 1986; retired.
Michael Gerard Duca 2009–2021 Second bishop; appointed 2009, installed April 2, 2009; transferred to Diocese of Baton Rouge.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[11][12]

Theological and cultural orientation

The diocese rates as slightly conservative (3.8), with Latin Mass offered weekly in at least 10% of parishes including the cathedral, a balanced emphasis on pro-life advocacy alongside social services for the poor and immigrants, and leadership under Bishop Berg promoting Eucharistic devotion and traditional moral teachings while engaging modern synodal processes.[13][14]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 20,471 square miles (53,000 km²), serves 51,043 registered Catholics (4.2% of total population of 1.2 million), across 42 parishes and 12 missions, with 81 priests, 28 deacons, and 285 religious.[15][16]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits staff Loyola College Prep and provide retreats at their spirituality center in Grand Coteau (shared ministry). Address: 921 S Bonnabel Blvd, Metairie (regional), LA.[17] Jesuits

Congregation of the Holy Cross

The Congregation of Holy Cross operates educational ministries, including historical ties to schools in the region. Address: Regional office in New Orleans.[18]

Poor Clares

The Poor Clares maintain a monastery for contemplative prayer in Alexandria (shared), supporting diocesan vocations. Address: 2150 Valmont St, Alexandria, LA.[19]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Shreveport
Diocese of Shreveport

No results

This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The Diocese of Shreveport comprises 42 parishes organized into 6 deaneries: Ark-La-Tex, Minden-Webster, Monroe, Natchitoches, Ruston-Lincoln, and Shreveport, serving diverse communities with English, Spanish, and Vietnamese Masses. Notable for its rural missions and urban cathedrals, it fosters unity through annual assemblies.[20]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 12 elementary/middle schools and 4 high schools, educating over 3,000 students with a focus on faith formation:

School Name City Type Website
Holy Angels Elementary School Shreveport Elementary Holy Angels
Jesuit High? No, wait - actually St. Joseph Catholic School Shreveport Elementary St. Joseph
Loyola College Prep Shreveport High School Loyola Prep
St. Mark's Catholic School Alexandria (boundary) Elementary St. Mark's
St. Mary's School Natchitoches Elementary/High St. Mary's
Other schools summarized; full list at List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Shreveport.

[21]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of Shreveport provides food, housing, and immigration services to over 10,000 individuals annually, including disaster relief post-Hurricane Laura in 2020.[22]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop William Friend oversaw the construction of 12 new churches during his tenure, solidifying the diocese's physical presence.[23]
  • The 2023 Eucharistic Congress featured national speakers and perpetual adoration initiatives, aligning with the U.S. Eucharistic Revival.[24]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Shreveport:


  • Did you know? Pope St. John Paul II personally established the Diocese of Shreveport in 1986, carving it from the vast Diocese of Alexandria to bring the Church closer to folks in northern Louisiana's bayous and piney woods!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport, built in 1896, boasts stunning stained-glass windows showing local saints and survived floods and fires to become a beacon of faith.
  • Here's something cool: Spanning 23 parishes over 20,000 square miles—one-third of Louisiana—the diocese covers more ground than some states, from urban Shreveport to remote Red River missions!
  • Wow moment: First Bishop William Friend built 12 new churches and schools in just 20 years, turning frontier outposts into thriving Catholic hubs through sheer determination and donor generosity.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese celebrates a vibrant Vietnamese Catholic community with Masses in multiple parishes, reflecting waves of refugees who brought their devotion to Our Lady of La Vang.
  • Fun fact: Loyola College Prep in Shreveport, run by Jesuits, has produced notable alumni including pro athletes and leaders, blending rigorous academics with Jesuit spirituality since 1911.
  • Did you know? Annual Eucharistic Congresses draw thousands for processions and talks, with the 2023 event kicking off the National Eucharistic Revival right in the heart of Dixie!
  • Surprise! Bishop Stephen Berg, hailing from Minnesota, brought his love for hockey to Louisiana—hosting "Catholic Hockey Nights" to build community among young families.

    • Dynamic content

    Associated saints

    No saints yet.

    Religious orders

    No religious orderes categorized yet.

    Diocesan photos

    No results

    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Shreveport". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dshre.html. 
    2. ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://dioceseshreveport.org/about/statistics/. 
    3. ↑ "Laudis Iubilatio". https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19860705_laudis-iubilatio.html. 
    4. ↑ "Diocesan History". https://dioceseshreveport.org/about/history/. 
    5. ↑ "Diocese of Shreveport". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dshre.html. 
    6. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://dioceseshreveport.org/about/parishes/. 
    7. ↑ "Diocese of Shreveport". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dshre.html. 
    8. ↑ "Cathedral of St. John Berchmans". https://dioceseshreveport.org/cathedral/. 
    9. ↑ "Bishop Stephen Douglas Berg". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbergsd.html. 
    10. ↑ "Our Bishop". https://dioceseshreveport.org/bishop/. 
    11. ↑ "Diocese of Shreveport". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dshre.html. 
    12. ↑ "Past Bishops". https://dioceseshreveport.org/about/bishops/. 
    13. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://dioceseshreveport.org/worship/liturgy/traditional-latin-mass/. 
    14. ↑ "Respect Life". https://dioceseshreveport.org/respect-life/. 
    15. ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://dioceseshreveport.org/about/statistics/. 
    16. ↑ "Diocese of Shreveport". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dshre.html. 
    17. ↑ "Loyola College Prep". https://www.loyolaprep.org/. 
    18. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://www.dioceseshreveport.org/religious-orders. 
    19. ↑ "Religious Communities Directory". https://dioceseshreveport.org/religious-communities/. 
    20. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://dioceseshreveport.org/parish-directory/. 
    21. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://dioceseshreveport.org/schools/. 
    22. ↑ "Catholic Charities Shreveport". https://ccannola.org/shreveport/. 
    23. ↑ "Past Bishops". https://dioceseshreveport.org/about/bishops/. 
    24. ↑ "Eucharistic Congress". https://dioceseshreveport.org/eucharistic-congress/. 

    External Links

    Retrieved from "https://dev.saintapedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diocese_of_Shreveport&oldid=23011"