A Joyful Announcement: Archbishop Checchio Named Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans
Dear Friends in Christ,
Our parish family joins the wider Church in celebrating the recent appointment of Archbishop James F. Checchio as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. I am personally thankful to the Archbishop for ordaining me a priest, entrusting me with the Vocations ministry, and assigning me my first pastorate with the wonderful people of St. Matthias! This is a moment of both joy and deep historical significance, and it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the beautiful order of the Church and the roles of deacons, priests, and bishops.
From the earliest days of the Church, Christ entrusted His mission to the Apostles and their successors. To preserve unity and faithfully shepherd the People of God, the Church developed what we now call Holy Orders—the threefold ministry of deacon, priest, and bishop. Each plays a unique role in building up the Body of Christ:
- Deacons are ordained to serve. They assist in the sacramental ministry of the Church; their main role as connected to the rapid growth of the early Church, is to lead the various community ministries, particularly to the poor, widows, and orphans. Their ministry leads us to follow the example of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.”
- Priests are ordained to share in the bishop’s ministry. They are the primary leaders of prayer; the community should always look to the priest to lead them in prayer and impart God’s blessing upon them. They preside as we celebrate the sacraments, most especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and serve as spiritual fathers to the faithful. Priests bring Christ’s presence to local communities through their preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and our sacramental life.
- Bishops are the successors of the Apostles, entrusted with the fullness of Holy Orders. They are responsible for teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church in their diocese, always in communion with the Holy Father. Bishops carry the shepherd’s staff as a sign of their duty to lead and protect Christ’s flock.
Within this structure, the Church has a special provision for times of transition: the role of Coadjutor Bishop. A coadjutor is appointed by the Holy Father to assist the diocesan bishop and has the right of succession. This means that when the current archbishop retires or is no longer able to serve, the coadjutor immediately becomes the next archbishop of that diocese. This ensures continuity, stability, and pastoral care for the people of God without interruption.
For Archbishop Checchio, this new appointment is both a recognition of his faithful service here in the Diocese of Metuchen and a new chapter of ministry as he prepares to shepherd another local Church. While it may sadden us to know that he will eventually transition to his new role, we rejoice with him and give thanks to God for the gift of his leadership among us.
Let us continue to pray for Archbishop Checchio—that the Holy Spirit may strengthen him in this time of preparation, guide him with wisdom, and bless the people he will one day serve as their archbishop. And may we, too, remain faithful in our own vocations, serving the Lord joyfully in the way He has called each of us.
In peace ,
Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish & School