Diocese of Shreveport

The Diocese of Shreveport, the seventh Catholic diocese in Louisiana, was established by Pope John Paul II June 16, 1986. The Most Revered William B. Friend served as our first Bishop until his retirement on December 20, 2006. On December 22, 2006, Reverend Monsignor Earl V. Provenza, V.F., was elected to serve as Diocesan Administrator until a new bishop is appointed. Monsignor Provenza maintains his assignment as Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Shreveport while simultaneously assuming the duties of diocesan administration. Reverend Peter B. Mangum, J.C.L. serves as Judicial Vicar of the diocese, as well as Rector of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Reverend Rothell Price, J.C.L. serves as Adjutant Judicial Vicar of the diocese as well as Pastor of St. Mary of the Pines Church in Shreveport. Very Reverend David T. Richter, J.C.L. serves as Moderator of the Curia. Father Richter also served as Vicar General for the diocese until Bishop Friend's retirement. Mrs. Christine Rivers serves the Diocese of Shreveport as Chancellor and Archivist. Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, C.S.J., J.C.L. is the Director of the Office of Canonical Services. Geographically, the Diocese of Shreveport is comprised of the 16 northernmost civil parishes (counties) in Louisiana, covering 11,200 square miles.