Archbishop Emeritus Alfred M. Hughes is shown donning a hard hat and hammering in a nail during construction of the new Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge building in 1999 when he was bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The CCDBR building was part of the “Campaign for Tomorrow” campaign, which was the diocese’s first capital campaign since its founding. Campaign funds also were used to build the Christ the King Church and Student Center in Baton Rouge, renovation of the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center and the Catholic Education Fund. File photo | The Catholic Commentator

The new North Baton Rouge St. Vincent de Paul council at St. Gerard Church in Baton Rouge is meeting needs and creating relationships with the poor and people experiencing homelessness among them.

Bishop Michael G. Duca ceremonially presented the key to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in St. Francisville to Father Brad Doyle when he installed him as pastor on Sept. 18. At the same Mass, seminarians from the Diocese of Baton Rouge were recognized and came forth to receive a special blessing from the bishop and were presented before a joyful OLOMC congregation. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Family Survives Ida, Reaches Out to Needy

A point that should be emphasized here is that this young man represents all of us in that we have possessions, deemed “riches”, that our very attachment to is a block between ourselves and the Father. Consider how this person could have grown in virtue by doing what Jesus said. His wealth was likely gained by his skill and diligence in decision making and attention to detail. It is probable that he would have known how to give liberally and beneficently so that his wealth would have helped the most people possible in the best way possible. Jesus really challenges those who wish to follow Him to let go of these attachments in radical ways to grow closer both to God and to our neighbors. In this there is true freedom and true riches. What goodness does a chain made of gold have, if by it we are made slaves?