To prepare seminarians in the Diocese of Baton Rouge for a new way of life through involvement in parish ministry and in social and charitable outreach, and all in communion with the bishop and presbyterate of Baton Rouge, Bishop Duca is pleased to establish the new Blessed Stanley Rother House of Formation at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge.

It is with sadness that the Diocese of Baton Rouge announces that Father Howard Adkins, a retired priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, passed away on 29 April 2025. He was ordained a priest in May 2007 and retired from active ministry in 2018. He was 79.

In his annual Easter message for 2025, Bishop Duca invites the faithful to "discover that the joy of our faith is not only found in deepening our personal and church relationship with Christ, but it can also found in sharing the faith with others." As we reflect upon the proclamation “The Lord is Risen!," we realize that this is not just a greeting to other Christians but a proclamation of hope for the whole world.

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025 at the age of 88. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, and he was the first pope in history from the Southern Hemisphere.

It is with sadness that the Diocese of Baton Rouge announces that Deacon Willie Berthelot, Sr., a retired deacon of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, passed away on Holy Thursday (17 April 2025). He was ordained a deacon in July 2002 and retired from active ministry in October 2015. He was 93.

What a month March has been! We hope you enjoy this month's edition of The Collect, which includes articles about Lent, Prison Ministry, and more!

As we enter into the season of Lent this month I think we should ask ourselves whether we are more influenced by our faith in Jesus or by the secular culture that surrounds us.

It is with sadness that the Diocese of Baton Rouge reports that Deacon Francis Minor, a retired deacon of the Archdiocese of New Orleans with residence in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops (LCCB) recently made a statement on immigration in the United States of America and called for hope for immigrants.

There was a lot to celebrate in February! We hope you enjoy this month's edition of The Collect, which includes articles about Catholic Schools Week, the March for Life, the Men of the Immaculata Conference, and more!

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Board of Trustees announces the appointment of David M. Bellar as the fifth President of the University after a national search. He will assume his new role on July 14, 2025.

Did you know 2025 is a Jubilee Year? Check out this month's Collect to read how the Diocese of Baton Rouge has been celebrating this Holy Year of Hope!

In consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointment effective 15 February 2025.

Stay up-to-date with the Diocese of Baton Rouge's parish and school closures as we prepare for the forecasted winter weather.

The Holy See issued a decree on May 13, 2024, outlining the many ways that Catholics can obtain a plenary indulgence during the 2025 Jubilee Year. In the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Catholics can gain a plenary indulgence by making a pious pilgrimage to St. Joseph Cathedral or one of the five other churches designated by Bishop Duca.

It is with sadness that the Diocese of Baton Rouge reports the death of Fr. Gerard Young, a retired priest of our diocese.

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, Huy Tran and Joshua "Josh" Zelden were ordained to the diaconate in St. Joseph Cathedral.

As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, let us also look forward to the hope and transformation that the Jubilee Year brings. May it lead each of us to a deeper understanding of God's love and inspire us to live that love more fully in the world.

Check out this month's Collect to read what has been going on in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, such as the Bishop's letter regarding the change in confirmation age, changes to the transitional diaconate process, and more!

Deacon H. John Ferguson, III – a retired deacon of the Diocese of Baton Rouge – passed away on 16 December 2024.