Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This year, the Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrates its 65^th Anniversary!  In this tremendous milestone, we give thanks for the rich heritage of faith that began in 1722 when the first Mass was celebrated along the banks of the Mississippi River.
 
From the courageous witness of French missionaries that served the Native American peoples of the area, to the faithful ministries of today, our local Church continues to bring Christ’s hope to a world in need. Our hope is rooted in the Lord and in his love! He has poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5) a love that overflows into service of others.
 
Our mission of hope is made possible through your generous support of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, which sustains vital ministries that serve the entire Diocese beyond what any one parish can accomplish alone.
 
These ministries include outreach to students through campus ministries at LSU, Southern, and Southeastern Universities, or in nurturing religious vocations and the formation of our seminarians, including those housed at the Blessed Stanley Rother Formation House, or in providing tuition assistance for Catholic school families. Your generosity also strengthens life-giving social outreach efforts that serve our brothers and sisters in need.
 
I invite you to join me in Building a Legacy of Hope. Please ask the Holy Spirit to continue pouring out the love of God into your heart as you prayerfully consider your response. No gift is too small. Each one is a living sign of hope that does not disappoint and will contribute to many more years of fidelity in celebrating our rich faith!

Hope in the Lord,