WASHINGTON D.C.  Dozens of Catholic members of Congress issued a statement June 18 claiming that denial of Holy Communion to pro-abortion politicians is a “weaponization of the Eucharist.” In a “statement of principles,” 60 House Democrats – led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) – claimed their Catholic faith influences their actions in Congress,and that denial of Communion for their support of legal abortion would be “contradictory.”

Q Hurricane season started on June 1.  Some of our prayers asking us to be spared from hurricanes are addressed to Our Lady of Prompt Succor.  Who is Our Lady of Prompt Succor and why do we seek her help during hurricane season?  

For the past three Sundays the readings at Mass have told us how the father and the son began Christ’s church by sending the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ apostles and disciples.  That was Pentecost Sunday.  

Juneteenth, which is celebrated June 19, is a time for African Americans to visit the past, to learn where they have come from and find inner freedom by embracing God’s call to become the people God called them to be, say clergy of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Court Isabella of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the oldest court in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, held its 98th memorial anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 16 at St. Ann Church in Morganza.

ituated in a town surrounded by bayous, Lake Verret and other waterways, St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part has been a beacon of light and hope for Catholics living in the largest community in Assumption Civil Parish.

 St. Elizabeth Church in Paincourtville and St. Jules Church in Belle Rose celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi in a uniquely mobile fashion. The eucharistic procession included seven benediction locations, including St. Elizabeth, St. Jules and St. Martin Chapel. The procession made stops at four homes in the area, where families, friends and neighbors gathered to pray before the Eucharist. Pastor Father Tomi Thomas transported the Eucharist from location to location in the back of a Jeep, holding the monstrance through the roof for all to see, and attracting a few curious glances from other motorists. Photos provided by Father Tomi Thomas | St. Elizabeth and St. Jules  

Angela Falgoust, St. Aloysius director of pastoral services, rounded up about 12 volunteers and food and teamed with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge on May 31 to distribute 150 hot plate lunches for residents in the Bayou Pigeon area, who were hit hard during the recent flooding. Tables were set up at the Bayou Sorrel/Bayou Pigeon fire station and by noon cars were lined up. Along with the lunches about 70 buckets filled with cleaning supplies donated by the United Methodist Committee on Relief were distributed. St. Aloysius parochial vicar Father Tim Grimes and Iberville civil Parish Councilwoman Chasity Beasley helped coordinate the event as well as the fire department. “The Bayou Pigeon residents were extremely grateful, as water is starting to recede, but some homes still have water in and surrounding their homes in the area,” CCDBR Executive Director David Aguillard said. Photos provided by Catherine Weidert | CCDBR

Pro-life supporters fear that repeal of the Hyde Amendment, a cornerstone of President Joe Biden’s federal budget proposal, will spark a dramatic increase in the number of abortions nationwide.

Women in the Diocese of Baton Rouge showed they are thirsty for the fruit of the vine planted by Women in the New Evangelization (WINE) at its first conference in 2019 at Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant. 

Scriptures, sacred paintings of the saints and redeemed dancing in glory as well as Jesus’ words himself are reassurance we are not forgotten and there will be an end to suffering.

Vatican-issued revisions to the Code of Canon Law have tightened up clerical sexual abuse penalties, are holding lay men and women responsible for their own inappropriate behavior and have also addressed the recent development of an increasing number of women allegedly claiming they have been ordained priests, which could be considered canonically criminal.

We continue the liturgical path of Ordinary Time, a season rich with all things extraordinary in the life of Christ. 

The Catholic Life Center, above, was opened Jan. 4, 1967 under the guidance of Bishop Robert E. Tracy. The center, which was designed with not only administrative offices but with various facilities for community functions and programs, won the Honor Award at the Gulf States Regional Conference of the American Institute of Architects that same year.  In 2000, a new Catholic Community Services (now Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge) office building (on the vacant lot in the left of the photo), the Westerfield Conference Center and an overnight retreat center were completed on the campus. File photo | The Catholic Commentator

For the first time in two years, families are taking vacations this summer. While tossing such items such as beach towels, hiking boots or matching colored shirts to help spot each other in a crowded theme park into the suitcase, be sure to pack spiritually to enjoy the earthly destination while keeping the divine one, heaven, in mind.

Joseph Homes residents dressed for success