On March 7, more than 200 middle school students in grades 6-8 in the Diocese of Baton Rouge gathered for the second annual ARISE Middle School Rally. The event was held at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in Greenwell Springs. Led in praise and worship by Ryan Foulon, the young people heard keynotes by Father Brad Doyle, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in St. Francisville, and attended workshops. They also attended Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael G. Duca. Attendees ended the night with the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and spend time in front of the Eucharist in adoration. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry thanks St. Alphonsus and Father Jason Palermo, pastor, for hosting the event and Bishop Duca. Also, the Mercedarian Sisters of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the priests who heard confessions, the seminarians of the Blessed Stanley Rother Propaedeutic House, Knights of Columbus Council #2807, the ARISE core team, and everyone helped make the day a beautiful encounter with Jesus for the young people. The office is planning for next year. Photos by Trey Weaver, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Diocese of Baton Rouge

Bishop Duca is excited to announce the new Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools will be Ms. Jill Grabert. Her official start date will be July 1, 2026.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the Rite of Election for the Latino/Hispanic community March 8 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. The ceremony is an important step for people preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) and Children (OCIC) programs. The catechumens, or unbaptized people, who are now the elect, and candidates, or baptized people, are now in their final preparation phase, known as the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. This phase will end with their reception of the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. During this service a total of 136 people (102 candidates and 34 elect) pledged their desire to enter the Catholic Church. According to the Office of Worship of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, the overall number of catechumens and candidates who attended the three Rites of Elections this year increased by 194 from last year. The elect were called forth to the sanctuary before Bishop Michael G. Duca and were recognized. The godparents and assembly gave their affirmation. The candidates pledged their call to continuing conversion. Photos by Victor Lopez

Simple moments have been the most memorable and treasured ones for Jacob and Oceania Scardina over their 70 years of marriage.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge has made the strategic decision to permanently close its Plank Road Thrift Store as part of a broader effort to enhance and streamline services for the community

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the desert and facing our weaknesses and failures during Lent may tempt us to retreat to our comfort zone. Thoughts of "this is too hard," or "surely God didn't mean for me to go through this" may cause us to give up. Formation directors in the Diocese of Baton Rouge urge us to persevere if we want victory in our spiritual lives.

Catholic High School (CHS) possesses the coveted Challenge Week trophy and is on a quest for a "three-peat" in its highly anticipated annual rivalry against St. Joseph Academy (SJA). SJA is looking to block that attempt and take back the trophy. The winner will be the less fortunate who are served by the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank (GBRFB).

With inspiration from newly minted teen saint, Carlo Acutis, five high school teams in the Diocese of Baton Rouge competed in the first Catholic quiz bowl. The winner of the competition received the coveted Carlo Cup trophy.