 He was named a Domestic Prelate in 1947.On December 11, 1950, Schexnayder was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Lafayette and Titular Bishop of "Tuscamia" by Pope Pius XII.He received his episcopal consecration on February 22, 1951 from Archbishop Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, with Bishops Jules Jeanmard and Louis Caillouet serving as co-consecrators.