St. Paul writes in Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, and evidence of things not seen." During Advent in this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Church's liturgy and teachings move the faithful to wait with such confident hope for the first and second comings of Christ

November’s stories reflect holiness, unity, and the mission we share as a Catholic family. In this issue of The Collect, discover how our diocese honors a remarkable candidate for sainthood, how our parish and school communities continue to strengthen their shared mission, and how faithful collaboration is transforming lives. These stories remind us that when we walk together in faith, grace multiplies.

On Nov. 20 the students and faculty of Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge rededicated the school to The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Father Todd Lloyd, pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament Church, led a Eucharistic procession to celebrate the occasion. Photos provided by Most Blessed Sacrament School

On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. Isaiah: 11: 1-2

The bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. It marked the first time in twelve years the USCCB invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops.

It is with sadness that the Diocese of Baton Rouge informs the faithful of the death of Fr. Nutan Sylvester Minj, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society (IMS), who passed away on 22 November 2025 in India after a brief illness. Father Nutan served in several parishes in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, most recently serving as Parochial Vicar at St. George. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him!

On December 14, the Church will culminate the Jubilee Year of Hope with a “Jubilee of Prisoners”. The Diocese of Baton Rouge and its prison ministry join this worldwide event and remember the millions of people affected by incarceration including victims of crime, prisoners, prison staff, police officers, prison ministry volunteers, former prisoners re-entering society, and families of the incarcerated.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge (SVdP) gave an "extra boost" to families facing challenging economic times during its Neighbors Helping Neighbors food giveaway.

Grappling against the challenges of serving the struggling Hispanic/immigrant community can bring pastoral leaders together in clarity of mission, hope, and joy. Julia Scarnato discovered during a national conference of Hispanic pastoral leaders that the Church’s mission embraces the shared faith, culture, and needs of Hispanic and immigrant communities worldwide. Scarnato is the director of the Hispanic Apostolate of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

For numerous years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) has worked with various organizations, donors and churches on providing Christmas gifts to families in need. This year, with the program titled A Season of Hope, we are accepting monetary donations to help provide rent and utilities assistance to eligible clients to keep a roof over their heads and the lights on.

Participants ran, walked leisurely, and the youngest rode in strollers in the most successful Born to Run celebration in its 25-year history. The event, which featured a 1/2-mile and 5K run, took place in downtown Baton Rouge on Nov. 8.

Al reunirse la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) durante su Asamblea Plenaria de Otoño en Baltimore, los obispos emitieron un mensaje especial en el que expresaron su preocupación por la situación cambiante que afecta a los inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos. Fue la primera vez en doce años que la USCCB recurrió a esta forma particularmente urgente de expresarse como cuerpo episcopal. La última vez que lo hizo fue en 2013, en respuesta al mandato federal sobre anticonceptivos.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge is hosting its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Drive-Thru Food Distribution on Saturday, November 15, to provide immediate food assistance to its neighbors affected by rising food insecurity and uncertainty surrounding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge has added a seventh portrait to its "wall of saints" featuring African American Catholics who are on the path to sainthood. The wall is located in the first-floor lobby of the chancery.

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.

“God behaves in the psalms in ways he is not allowed to behave in systemic theology.”

The Diocese of Baton Rouge announces that Dr. Mary Patricia “Pattie” Davis will conclude her tenure as Superintendent of Catholic Schools, a role she has held since June 2022, on 31 December 2025.

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.

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge blessed graves to commemorate All Saints and All Souls Day on Nov. 1-2. The blessing of the graves at St. Joseph Cemetery in Baton Rouge also marked the end of the year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of the cemetery. Bishop Michael G. Duca and Father Cary Bani led the prayer service, followed by the blessing of the graves. Pictured accompanying Bishop Michael G. Duca is Eloise Verbois Landry as the bishop blesses the Verbois and Grand Pre family graves. Also pictured with Father Bani is James Robert during the blessing of graves. Photos by Marilyn Goff and Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator