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Panelist Bio


Bp. Michael Jarrell
Bishop of Lafayette

Bishop Michael Jarrell is a native of Opelousas, Louisiana. He attended Immaculata Seminary in Lafayette and Theological College at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. In 1967, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lafayette.

After Ordination to the Priesthood, he served as Associate Pastor and Pastor in various parishes in Lafayette Diocese. He also served as Episcopal Vicar in several regions of the Diocese. He was ordained Bishop for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in 1992 and was appointed Bishop of Lafayette in November of 2002.

Bishop Jarrell is a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretary of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, Chair of the Formation Committee of Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington and serves on the Formations Programs Committee and Strategic Plan Committee of Notre Dame Seminary. He has also been active in the Louisiana Interchurch Conference and has served as President for several years.

Bishop Jarrell is a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, Knights of Peter Claver and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

Current Topic


02/12 - Weighty Matters: Louisiana’s Obesity Problem

What factors in Louisiana’s lifestyle – and history - contribute to its weight problems?

Coming Soon!


03/12 - Redefining State Retirement

How can the system be revamped while keeping the promise to those who have provided years of public service?

Recent Topics


01/12 - Civic Engagement in Louisiana

How civic-minded are Louisiana’s citizens and how can they become more involved?


12/11 - Athletics vs. Academics: College Sports in Louisiana

How do Louisiana universities strike a balance between educational missions and the non-academic nature of college sports?


11/11 - Entitlement Cuts & Louisiana’s Seniors

Are Louisiana seniors in danger of losing a large portion of their Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits?


10/11 - Dropout Dilemma: Louisiana’s Education Crisis

Why do so many Louisiana students give up on their education?

»»» View all Topics!
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