During November, Black Catholics proudly remember their history and heritage within the Catholic Church. Their liturgies feature dynamic gospel music, animated preaching, liturgical dancing, and expressive prayer to honor those who have contributed to the traditions of the Church despite opposition.

The students' love for Friday school Mass at Redemptorist St. Gerard School in Baton Rouge conveys it's a highlight of their week. The altar servers and lectors reverently carry out their roles, and the student choir sings Gospel songs with gusto.

Bishop John Gregory Kelly, bishop of the diocese of Tyler, Texas, instituted seminarians into the ministry of acolyte on Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. The ministry of acolyte is the final ministry before seminarians are ordained to the diaconate. In the rite of institution, the bishop gives to those to be instituted a patent with bread and says, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” PIctured, from left, are Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue (Notre Dame Seminary rector/president), Bishop Kelly, and Grant Caillouet, seminarian of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photos provided by Notre Dame Seminary

All Saints Day may conjure up in people's minds a picturesque image of the saints in heaven with halos and icons associated with their lives. Students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Baton Rouge discovered the human side of the saints through St. Thérèse of Lisieux. They learned she was also a child who had to learn to overcome fears.

Tucked within the campus of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge is a serene garden. Where neighborhood children once romped and participated in catechetical activities, the space now serves as a space for prayer and speaks of the legacy of sisters Kathleen Bahlinger CJS and Barbara Bahlinger.

Turning to Mary as "Our Lady of Sorrows" helps people find solace, understanding, and grace during times of suffering.

Behind the graves at St. Joseph Cemetery are stories of love, war, tragedy, creativity, young lives cut short, and influencers in the history of Baton Rouge and Louisiana.

In what pro-life advocates describe as "a long time coming," Planned Parenthood shuttered the doors of its remaining facilities in Louisiana, signaling the exit of the abortion industry from the state.

In the 1870s missionary priest Father John Scollard came from the Archdiocese of New Orleans to minister to Catholics in the area stretching from Kenner to Amite and Clinton.

In 2018 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued their pastoral letter on racism, “Open Wide Your Hearts.” The document called people to have an enduring love for people of different backgrounds.

In today's world, as people spread the Gospel message, people may rebuff them and demand to "show me the reason for your hope." Catechesis and evangelization require a knowledge and love of the Lord that speaks of a hope rooted in trust and confidence in God.

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina taught people unforgettable lessons about how fragile life is and how strong human and community bonds can be in response. The Baton Rouge community gathered to remember, give thanks, and share messages of hope during a service hosted by the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton (IFGBR).

During this Jubilee Year of Hope people may abandon their journeys or wander off because of the need for healing. Defeatist thoughts such as, "I can't," "This situation (or person) will never change," and "I need a quick fix" can lead them into being spiritually stuck. Spiritual direction and healing retreats can help these people break through such barriers to freedom.

As New Orleans sat in the bullseye of Hurricane Katrina, which loomed as a Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, highways were jammed with people fleeing the area. Archbishop Emeritus Alfred C. Hughes, then Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, evacuated to St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict.

Each year, hundreds of people stop by to light a candle and kneel to pray at the Chapel of the Madonna, known as "the smallest church in the world." Several share stories of God’s mighty power in answering the prayers they offered to him there.

Crowned with a tiara and wearing a sash emblazoned with the words “100 & fabulous,” Sister Anna Schellhaas CSJ emerged with her fellow Sisters of St. Joseph after morning prayer. With her luminous trademark smile she greeted the many people gathered at the Hundred Oaks Center in Baton Rouge to celebrate her centennial birthday, which was Aug. 9.

Each day, the St. Vincent de Paul Society buzzes with activity. Staff and volunteers feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, make sure people don’t have to choose between eating and filling their life-saving prescriptions, and provide help for obtaining employment.

Sister Helen Prejean CSJ echoes St. Bonaventure’s words of wisdom by challenging others to, “Ask not for wisdom. Ask for the fire.” She advocates for the abolition of the death penalty and ministers to the “forgotten of society” in prisons.

Youth attending The Franciscan Experience (TFE) expressed that “everything” was the highlight of their week – including toiling in the graveyard, engaging in deep theological discussions, and hanging out at night.

At the dawning of this new school year, teachers are called to the missionary work of caring for their students through educating them and accompanying them during life issues.