In an effort to broaden outreach to the needy of Acadiana, Bishop Douglas Deshotel is establishing Catholic Charities of Acadiana throughout the Diocese of Lafayette.

Director of External Affairs Ben Broussard said Catholic Charities of Acadiana was formerly Catholic Services of Acadiana which has served the needy of Acadiana for four decades. The reorganization of the local organization will be done under the umbrella of Catholic Charities USA.

"Reorganizing Catholic Services into Catholic Charities still maintains the work we've done for 40 years, but t's going to broaden the charitable scope of what we do. We believe that through reorganization, those who need it the most are going to be assisted.""

Catholic Services has provided services for the homeless, for the hungry and for the impoverished people of Acadiana's eight civil parishes. Broussard said, the reorganization will allow them to better serve the rural communities in the area.

"Becoming Catholic Charities is going to better organize the charitable works within the Diocese, " Broussard said. "...to make sure we can better resource these rural areas to meet the needs in a more efficient fashion."

Broussard said Bishop Deshotel has made his raison d'etre providing the needy of our communities with food, shelter, clothing and whatever other resources we can provide.

"This is the desire of Bishop Deshotel," Broussard said." is heart is for the poor. So he has desired for the entire diocese to be involved in charitable work.   If we are known for anything as a people, that we be known for our charitable work."

Anyone needing assistance--or anyone wanting to provide support through financial means or volunteerism--can call (337) 235-4972 or visit catholiccharitiesacadiana.org.

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