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.

The seed for Deacon Byron Bordelon III’s vocation to the permanent diaconate was planted more than 40 years ago by his mother.

Deacon David Odland traveled broadly and moved around for many years until putting down roots with his family in Gonzales.

Schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge have dismissed their students for a summer hiatus. On the last day of school May 23 Our Lady of Mercy School students gathered for an awards program to celebrate successes before the break.

This Memorial Day is very special for me, as I reflect upon the innumerable ways in which veterans have contributed to all of us in this country and around the world.

Women incarcerated at Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women warily entered the Kolbe Prisons Ministries Retreat March 14 – 16. As the Kolbe core retreat members gave them support, the love of Christ, and the Gospel message, many of them were surprised by a joy that went beyond their confined circumstances.

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry recently hosted the first ever ARISE Middle School for 6-8th graders Rally at St. Alphonsus Church in Greenwell Springs. Groups attended from parishes across the diocese for a wonderful day where they encountered the Lord, worshipped through music, attended interesting breakout sessions, and had Mass with Bishop Duca. They ended the night in Adoration with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Photos by Trey Weaver | Coordinator, Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

Woman’s New Life Clinic celebrated with its employees, volunteers, and benefactors their mission of saving lives from the ravages of abortion at its “Saved in Hope” gala. The event was held April 10 at Ashley Manor in Baton Rouge.

When white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on May 8, thousands flocked to St. Peter’s square. They were filled with elation at the announcement "Habemus Papam!" (“We have a pope!”). Those emotions were topped with surprise that the first American pope had been elected with Pope Leo XIV.

In consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes several clergy and pastoral appointments in the Diocese of Baton Rouge effective 01 July 2025 (unless otherwise indicated). We thank these priests and deacons for their many years of service in their various diocesan ministries.

Bishop Duca, along with the clergy and lay faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, congratulate His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as Roman Pontiff!

Catholics were powerfully present at the Louisiana State Capitol in terms of numbers of attendees and their commitment to stand up for social justice issues during this year’s Faithful Citizenship Day.

St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge (SVDP-BR) announced today that the national search for a new CEO has been successfully completed. Sunnie Johnson-Lain, CEO of Catholic Charities Washtenaw County, will join the organization as CEO on or around June 3, 2025. Sunnie succeeds former CEO Michael Acaldo of SVdP-BR who led the organization for over 34 years until his promotion as CEO of SVdP-USA.

April was filled with meaningful moments and powerful stories. In this edition of The Collect, you’ll find updates on formation and conversion, support for moms in need, reflections on dignity and life, and much more. We hope it inspires you!