Death is not merely a physical cessation of life, but an intersecting of the physical and spiritual realms, according to Catholic teachings. People filled the Westerfield Center in Baton Rouge to find out more about end-of-life issues in a presentation by Dr. Christoper Ragusa.

June’s stories reflect courage, heritage, and hope. In this issue of The Collect, discover how small communities shape vocations, how cultural richness deepens our faith, and how we come together in prayer and remembrance. These moments remind us that God is at work in every corner of our diocese.

To provide for the pastoral care of the people of God, Bishop Michael Duca makes several new clergy appointments effective 01 August 2025.

What do you do when a wound or a loss leaves you hopelessly disconsolate and there’s nothing you can do to amend the situation?

When Father Brent Maher arrived at St. Agnes Church in 2020, the staff quickly took him to the church’s cafeteria and said, “We need a roof.”

On June 14, Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Father Huy Duc Tran and Father Josh Zelden the priesthood of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The new priest’s families and friends packed St. Joseph Cathedral for the ordination Mass.

Father Huy Duc Tran, 29, entered college at LSU with dreams about the diverse experiences of college life he would have and landing a successful career.

Father Josh Zelden’s long and winding path to the priesthood has given him practical and spiritual gifts that will help him accompany people who are struggling with their lives. Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Father Zelden and Father Huy Tran to the priesthood on June 14 at St. Joseph Cathedral.

Father Greg Daigle, 65, was known by his family, friends, and parishioners as an enthusiastic priest who liked to share jokes, sing operatically, cook, and pay attention to their needs before his sudden and unexpected death on June 8, 2025, Pentecost Sunday.

Hundreds packed St. John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine for the Funeral Mass for Fr. Greg Daigle. Fr. Tom Ranzino's funeral homily is provided. (Photos compliments of Fr. Michael Alello)

The Diocese of Baton Rouge in collaboration with other organizations will host its first community baby shower on the Catholic Life Center Campus in the Tracy Center Ballroom at 1800 S. Acadian Thruway on Saturday, June 14, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Father Gregory J. Daigle, a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, passed away unexpectedly on 06 June 2025. He was 66 and currently served as pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Plaquemine.

Representatives of the Institute of Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) informed people of the Diocese of Baton Rouge about its mission to help laity and clergy effectively minister in U.S. Black communities. The Office of Black Catholics of the Diocese of Baton Rouge sponsored the May 17 presentation, which took place at the Catholic Life Center in Baton Rouge.

On June 1, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge celebrated a Mass to mark the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its present church. Bishop Michael G. Duca celebrated the anniversary Mass.

Bishop Duca releases his statement upon the appointment of Father Simon Peter Engurait as Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

As the 2025 Hurricane Season begins, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts there will be 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes. Three to five of these storms are expected to become major hurricanes, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge Child Nutrition Program is once again offering free summer meals to all children 18 and under on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 drive-through church sites in the diocese during the month of June.

May brought moments of joyful witness and deep faith. In this edition of The Collect, you'll find stories of new vocations, powerful prison ministry, pro-life advocacy, and reflections on our Church’s rich legacy. We hope it moves and inspires you!

A jubilant spirit filled St. Joseph Cathedral as Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Deacon Byron Paul Bordelon III and Deacon David Alan Odland to the permanent diaconate on May 24.