• Life-affirming work of Woman’s New Life Clinic celebrated at “Saved in Hope”
    Life-affirming work of Woman’s New Life Clinic celebrated at “Saved in Hope”
    June 3, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    At a time when chemical abortions are on the rise and the abortion industry reduces unborn life to mere “tissues” or “not fully human yet,” Woman’s New Life Clinic counters these misconceptions with truth and merciful care of mother and child.
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  • Commitment to Jesus' greatest commandment leads Deacon Frank Titus to diaconate
    Commitment to Jesus' greatest commandment leads Deacon Frank Titus to diaconate
    May 30, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    Several years ago, Deacon Frank Titus committed himself to the greatest commandment as given by Jesus: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” This led to a reordering of his life and the start of his journey to living a more committed life to the church as a permanent deacon. 
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  • After traveling the world, Deacon Cloutier finds diaconate his biggest adventure
    After traveling the world, Deacon Cloutier finds diaconate his biggest adventure
    May 30, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    Deacon Mark Cloutier has experienced the adventures of traveling the world. He has seen notable sites of the Middle East and Europe, climbed the pyramids of Egypt, and looked upon the Nile River. Now he finds his biggest adventure in serving people as a deacon for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.   
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  • Invitations from two deacons, the Holy Spirit, move Deacon Doucet answer the call to the diaconate
    Invitations from two deacons, the Holy Spirit, move Deacon Doucet answer the call to the diaconate
    May 29, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    Deacon Jeremy Doucet has been active in church ministries throughout his life, yet he always felt he was called to give more of himself. After three “knocks on the door” of his mind and soul over the years from two deacons and the Holy Spirit, he discovered that “more” meant to become a deacon for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. 
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  • Diocese celebrates ordination of three men to diaconate
    Diocese celebrates ordination of three men to diaconate
    May 29, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    Cheers and applause erupted as the three newest deacons of the Diocese of Baton Rouge walked down the aisle of St. Joseph Cathedral after they were ordained by Bishop Michael G. Duca during a Mass on May 25
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  • End of School Year Celebration
    End of School Year Celebration
    May 24, 2024
    St. Jean Vianney School in Baton Rouge celebrated the end of the school year with a field day on May 23. The students enjoyed competitive games and spending time with each other before their summer break. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator ​​​​​​​
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  • The Support of Refugees and Immigrants in their Journey toward Freedom and Self
    The Support of Refugees and Immigrants in their Journey toward Freedom and Self
    May 24, 2024
    Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) is making a tremendous impact in the lives of refugees and immigrants who have recently arrived in the United States. With a strong focus on providing essential support and services, CCDBR is playing a key role in helping these individuals navigate through the challenges of resettlement and integration.
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  • A Christian Adventure Movie for the Whole Family
    A Christian Adventure Movie for the Whole Family
    May 21, 2024
    by Christine Bordelon, The Clarion Herald
    Having been surrounded by beauty and exploring nature as a French Boy Scout growing up in south France outside of Cannes, Daniel Rabourdin laments how children today are glued to their screens and not observant to God’s creation in nature.
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  • Memorial Day, D-Day, Father's Day
    Memorial Day, D-Day, Father's Day
    May 21, 2024
    by Keith Horcasitas
    This Memorial Day is very special for me, as I reflect upon the innumerable ways in which veterans have contributed so much to all of us in this country and around the world.
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  • Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Unveil Novitiate House
    Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Unveil Novitiate House
    May 21, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    On May 4 the community gathered with the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to celebrate the unveiling of its novitiate house on the serene grounds of the Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center in Baton Rouge.   
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  • St. Vincent de Paul breaks ground for St. Louise de Marillac Chapel
    St. Vincent de Paul breaks ground for St. Louise de Marillac Chapel
    May 14, 2024
    The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Baton Rouge celebrated a groundbreaking of the St. Louise de Marillac Chapel on May 8. The chapel, which is being built in the heart of the St. Vincent de Paul campus, will help those experiencing homelessness, hunger or poverty to be nourished spiritually in addition to the food, shelter and other resources they receive from SVDP. Pictured “turning the first sod” along with Bishop Michael G. Duca, center, and SVDP Executive Director Michael Acaldo, far left, are Deacon Eulis Simien, Robert Lunsford, architect, and representatives of the St. Louise de Marillac Chapel Committee, the SVDP Diocesan Council, the SVDP Special Works Board of Directors, and Deumite Construction.  
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  • Plan Pastoral Nacional para el Ministerio Hispano/Latino presentado en Baton Rouge y  Lafayette
    Plan Pastoral Nacional para el Ministerio Hispano/Latino presentado en Baton Rouge y Lafayette
    May 13, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    En un momento histórico, las siete diócesis del Estado de Luisiana organizaron dos encuentros de los ministerios hispanos/latinos en los que dieron a conocer el nuevo Plan Pastoral Nacional para el Ministerio Hispano/Latino de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB). Las reuniones fueron organizadas por la Oficina Regional Sureste para el Ministerio Hispano (SEPI) de la USCCB y la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano. 
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  • Dr. Tina Holland Retiring as President/CEO of Fran U
    Dr. Tina Holland Retiring as President/CEO of Fran U
    May 13, 2024
    Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Board of Trustees announced today the retirement of University President and CEO Dr. Tina S. Holland. She is the University's fourth president and will leave FranU in the summer of 2025 after 11 years of service. The Board will soon begin a national search for the next president.
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  • St. Michael the Archangel High School Names New Principal
    St. Michael the Archangel High School Names New Principal
    May 10, 2024
    St. Michael the Archangel Diocesan Regional School names a new principal to begin on July 1, 2024.
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  • New Catholics Live Out the Mysteries of the Catholic Faith
    New Catholics Live Out the Mysteries of the Catholic Faith
    May 10, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    As the Church prepares to conclude the 2024 Easter Season at Pentecost, perhaps the people who are most caught up in the awe and wonder of Christ’s resurrection are the newly initiated Catholics, or neophytes, who were welcomed into the church at the Easter Vigil Mass. As they begin integrating into church parish life, they have the potential of re-energizing other Catholics.
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  • Dan Burke Outlines Path to Spiritual Freedom at Presentation at St. Agnes
    Dan Burke Outlines Path to Spiritual Freedom at Presentation at St. Agnes
    May 8, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    During a typical day, thoughts may run through people’s minds like a tape recorder: “You’re a loser,” “you’ll never get past this, just give up,” and worst of all, “God loves people, but you’re the exception because of your sins.” These are influences of the enemy on the heart and mind, according to Dan Burke, former president of EWTN News and founder and president of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation.  
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  • Historic National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Stop in Baton Rouge Diocese
    Historic National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Stop in Baton Rouge Diocese
    May 8, 2024
    On June 7, 2024, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be stopping in Baton Rouge on its route to the National Eucharistic Congress taking place on July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis. 
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  • Gleaning and Thanksgiving: Ruth and Naomi
    Gleaning and Thanksgiving: Ruth and Naomi
    May 7, 2024
    by Keith Horcasitas
    The San Joaquin Valley in California is known for its abundance as a provider of many great agricultural products – especially fruits – for this country and beyond!
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  • Catholic Life Center Staff, Neighbors and Friends Celebrate May Crowning
    Catholic Life Center Staff, Neighbors and Friends Celebrate May Crowning
    May 7, 2024
    by Debbie Shelley
    On May 6 many neighbors and friends joined the Diocese of Baton Rouge in honoring the Blessed Mother at a May crowning held during a daily Mass celebrated at St. Joseph Chapel at the Catholic Life Center. Catholic Life Television broadcasted the event.
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  • Who Are Our Real Faith Companions?
    Who Are Our Real Faith Companions?
    May 3, 2024
    by Father Ron Rolheiser
    I work and move within church circles and find that most of the people there are honest, committed, and for the most part radiate their faith positively. Most churchgoers aren’t hypocrites. What I do find disturbing in church circles though is that many of us can be bitter, mean-spirited, and judgmental in terms of defending the very values that we hold most dear.
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