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

October’s stories invite us to reflect on legacy, renewal, and the enduring power of faith. In this issue of The Collect, discover how the Holy Spirit continues to move within our schools, parishes, and communities. From celebrating excellence in Catholic education to honoring lives of service and remembering those who came before us, these stories remind us that faith is both lived and handed on — one act of love, one generation, one prayer at a time.

All Saints Day causes me to reflect upon what a blessing it was to join the JMJ Youth Pilgrimage to Rome. While there our group was present for the Sept. 7 canonizations of Sts. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati This reminded me of my devotion to another saint who also died when she was young.

Bishop John Gregory Kelly, bishop of the diocese of Tyler, Texas, instituted seminarians into the ministry of acolyte on Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. The ministry of acolyte is the final ministry before seminarians are ordained to the diaconate. In the rite of institution, the bishop gives to those to be instituted a patent with bread and says, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” PIctured, from left, are Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue (Notre Dame Seminary rector/president), Bishop Kelly, and Grant Caillouet, seminarian of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photos provided by Notre Dame Seminary

All Saints Day may conjure up in people's minds a picturesque image of the saints in heaven with halos and icons associated with their lives. Students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Baton Rouge discovered the human side of the saints through St. Thérèse of Lisieux. They learned she was also a child who had to learn to overcome fears.

On Oct.8, Bishop Provost, bishop of the Diocese of Lake Charles, presided at the Mass for the Institution of Lectors. The Rite of Institution of Lectors is one of the ministries a seminarian must receive before ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. Each seminarian receiving the ministry of lector was instructed by Bishop Provost to, “Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” Pictured, from left, are Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, rector/president of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Bishop Provost, and Austin Duhé, a seminarian for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photos provided by Notre Dame Seminary

Tucked within the campus of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge is a serene garden. Where neighborhood children once romped and participated in catechetical activities, the space now serves as a space for prayer and speaks of the legacy of sisters Kathleen Bahlinger CJS and Barbara Bahlinger.

Turning to Mary as "Our Lady of Sorrows" helps people find solace, understanding, and grace during times of suffering.

The St. Jude the Apostle School in Baton Rouge students and faculty roared with "cougar pride" when they learned they are a repeat Blue Ribbon Award winning school.

Behind the graves at St. Joseph Cemetery are stories of love, war, tragedy, creativity, young lives cut short, and influencers in the history of Baton Rouge and Louisiana.

St. Jude the Apostle School in Baton Rouge was nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) for the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award. The U.S. Department of Education has recognized the school as meeting the criteria for designation as an Exemplary High Performing School. The achievement was celebrated when the announcement was made before students and faculty on Oct. 1. Pictured during the ceremony are, from left, Father Trey Nelson, pastor St. Jude Church in Baton Rouge, Michelle Gardiner, St. Jude principal, and Dr. Pattie Davis, superintendent of schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photos provided by St. Jude School

In what pro-life advocates describe as "a long time coming," Planned Parenthood shuttered the doors of its remaining facilities in Louisiana, signaling the exit of the abortion industry from the state.

Bishop Michael Duca has announced that the annual Continuing Formation Days for priests will be held October 6–9, 2025, in New Orleans. These days of renewal support their ongoing growth in ministry, and parish schedules may be adjusted during this time. Bishop Duca invites the faithful to pray for and support our priests in their formation.

St. Michael High School's new Sword and Shield coffee shop is the hub where students, faculty, and guests find a friendly atmosphere while they recharge their day. People line up for a cup of joe and sweet treat to smooth the tangles out of a rough day, sharpen their focus to take exams, and socialize.

September’s stories highlight healing, remembrance, and hope. In this issue of The Collect, discover how retreats are bringing renewal, how our community gathered to remember Hurricane Katrina, and how catechists are being equipped to share the faith. We also honor the life of Father Tom Duhe and reflect on the call to open wide our hearts in dialogue. These stories remind us that even in sorrow and remembrance, faith points us toward hope.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office releases its Statement of Policy regarding admission of students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools:

Bishop Duca joins other bishops around the United States in congratulating the faithful of the Archdiocese of New Orleans on the appointment of Most Reverend James Checchio as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans by Pope Leo XIV.

In the 1870s missionary priest Father John Scollard came from the Archdiocese of New Orleans to minister to Catholics in the area stretching from Kenner to Amite and Clinton.