St. Joan of Arc is considered by many a heroine in both France and the community of saints. But this humble servant, called “the handmaid of Orléans” is a true example of following God with a simple, bold obedience. One of her most well-known sayings is, “Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.” Her feast day is May 30.

Father Brad Doyle and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church parishioner Michelle Garon recently welcomed visitors on the porch of the Catholic Hill and Art gift shop, a gentle breeze providing spring’s last gasp of cool air.

Bishop Michael Duca is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Claire L. Willis as the new Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, a position she will assume on 01 July 2022.

Bishop Duca, in consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, announces the following appointments for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. In addition to new assignments, he also recognizes those who are retiring or have requested leaves of absence.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, invited the faithful to unite in fasting and prayer

It’s hard for a child to have to go to bed in the middle of an evening when the rest of the family is still celebrating. Nobody wants to go to bed while everyone else is still up. No one wants to miss out on life.

 With murders increasing in America and military slaughter of civilians in Ukraine, this year’s Good Friday services called us to faith and hope in a world filled with cruelty, killing and destruction.

In recognition of April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, the St. Jean Vianney Early Learning Center, school and parish scattered “pinwheels” on the grounds bringing awareness to the community and a call to action for all adults. Parish leaders said it is the job of adults to keep children safe. Photo courtesy of Denise Louviere | St. Jean Vianney

The youth of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge played a large part in the church’s observance of Holy Week. St. Paul pastor Father Arockiam Arockiam washes the feet of young parishioners during Holy Thursday Mass. St. Paul welcomed two people into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil Mass. Photo provided by Desiree Terrell

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNA) – The Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 25 that lasted nearly two hours in a case concerning a former high school football coach’s right to pray on the field.

Students excitedly gathered on the football field of Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge as a Louisiana State Police helicopter landed. Out of the helicopter popped MBS principal Cheri Gioe as students circled around to hear the first presentation during LSP Day at the school.

At the Good Friday services we venerated the cross.  Isn’t that idol worship?

Walk into any local Catholic church, whether in the heart of a bustling downtown or in the most remote areas and one might find empty pews and the majority of the congregation being seniors and Baby Boomers.

Optimism appears to be building among pro-life supporters that perhaps as early as June the U.S. Supreme Court will hand down a decision overturning Roe v Wade, the 1973 landmark case legalizing abortion.

Personal friendships on a global level provided an opportunity for two churches and their mission chapels in the Diocese of Baton Rouge to raise almost $67,000 to help a diocese in Poland assisting Ukraine refugees as the war between Russia and Ukraine rages.

We continue to rejoice in the Lord’s resurrection as we celebrate the 4th and 5th Sundays of Easter.  The Mass readings, passages from the New Testament, provide a narrative of the missionary activities of St. Paul and St. Barnabas and support our role as missionary disciples to open the doors of faith to all.

As you sweat and toil out in the field or spring vegetable garden you glance heavenward and pray for God’s mercy that you will have an abundant crop to send to market or bask in pride while dishing up your homemade vegetables at dinnertime.

In giving her life to ushering people into a relationship with her son Jesus, Mary is the portrait of discipleship and motherhood, according to Father Mark Beard, pastor of St. Helena Church in Amite.