The Atmosphere at St. Joseph Cathedral was jubilant as three men answered God's call to serve the church as permanent deacons in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

St. George School in Baton Rouge rounded out its school year with several events: A SGS Talent Showcase, DARE Equipment Day, Accelerated Reader Knight Award, recognizing student council homeroom representatives, recognition of Accelerated Reader Bronze Medal recipients, Dragon Fitness Awards, and Mrs. Loewe’s first graders releasing the butterflies they raised. Pre‑K students also visited the Kindergarten classes for Step Up Day, getting a preview of next year. Photos provided by Ashley Fabre

The struggle for voting rights and full participation has come at an immense cost. It has demanded sacrifice, perseverance and faith. To remember that history is not merely to honor the past; it is to recommit ourselves to the work that remains.

May’s stories reflect a Church alive with vocation, service, gratitude, and hope. In this edition of The Collect, we see how the call to holiness is lived out in marriage and family life, how Catholic generosity continues to serve those in need, and how leaders across our Diocese are guiding communities with wisdom and care. These stories remind us that faith is not only believed, but lived each day through love in action.

Historical and cultural changes over the years have created complex views about marriage. The wisdom of the Catholic Church's teachings brings couples "back to the basics" to understand the sacrament of marriage as God created and intended it to be.

St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) celebrated the opening of its first upscale thrift store, Rosalie's Boutique, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 16.

Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional High School held its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9 at Ascension Catholic Church in Donaldsonville. Its baccalaureate Mass was held on May 7 at Ascension Catholic Church. Harlee Marie Landry was named valedictorian and Halle Catherine Gomez was named salutatorian. Photo provided by Wendy Poirrier

In consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointment effective 09 May 2026.

Hunter Grace Layrisson recently received the State Knights of Columbus Award Catholic Youth Leadership Award (CYLA). She is a 2026 graduating senior from St. Thomas Aquinas Regional High School in Hammond.

Contributing to the successes of the Diocese of Baton Rouge's Catholic schools are people working "behind the scenes" helping the schools send forth students that will change the world.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge Child Nutrition Program is pleased to announce the availability of free Grab-and-Go meal services for children this summer, helping ensure families have access to nutritious meals while school is out of session.

FranU will host The Franciscan Experience (TFE), a six-day overnight summer theology institute for high school students, July 13–18 at the Tracy Center in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

The Women's Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic-minded women of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, completed its fifth season of growing its impact within the community. This year it awarded $120,000 in grants to six non-profit organizations.

April’s stories highlight faith in action, leadership, and the enduring call to serve. In this issue of The Collect, explore how our diocese continues to witness to the Gospel through service, advocacy, and community. From celebrating milestones in pro-life ministry to recognizing student achievement and faithful leadership, these stories reflect a Church alive in mission. Together, they remind us that when faith is lived out, it becomes a powerful sign of hope in the world.

A large group of Catholics made their presence known amid the buzz of the activity at the 2026 Louisiana legislative session during Faithful Citizenship Day.

Woman's New Life Clinic (WNLC) began 25 years ago as a belief that God was calling a community to be a sign of love in the world. God honored that act of faith through increasing WNLC's ability to provide life-affirming care to women with unplanned pregnancies, according to Allison Daigle, WNLC CEO.

In light of the Mall of Louisiana shootings on 23 April 2026, Bishop Duca asks all people of goodwill to join him in praying for healing for the injured, comfort for the grieving, and an end to the cycle of violence that causes such suffering.

In consultation with the Office of the Diaconate, the Office of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate, and the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes several appointments effective 01 June 2026.

Louisiana state legislators are bustling about the halls and meeting rooms of the Louisiana State Capitol conducting business during the 2026 regular legislative session. The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops (LCCB) is educating legislators on bills that can impact people physically and spiritually, according to LCCB Executive Director Tom Costanza.