On March 31, priests, religious, and laity filled St. Joseph Cathedral to capacity as the Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated its annual Chrism Mass, held each year during Holy Week. During the ancient Mass, holy oils were blessed which richly signify God’s grace, the Holy Spirit’s presence, and strength being poured out onto the faithful and into the world. These oils are used in several sacraments throughout the year. The priests of the diocese also renewed their sacred vows.

As we prepare to enter Holy Week, we prepare to enter the central liturgical experience of the Catholic faith, according to Father Tom Ranzino. Father Ranzino is the director of the office of worship of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

After many years of absence, St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge’s (SMHS) St. Joseph Altar resumed this year with strong support from students.

Church parishes in the Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the Feast Day of St. Joseph with St. Joseph Altars. A St. Joseph Altar is a Sicilian Catholic tradition of building a food altar, typically on March 19, as an act of thanksgiving for favors granted and to petition for special needs. The altar is a charitable display designed to feed the poor, honoring St. Joseph through meatless, symbolic, and religious-themed food. Surplus food is donated to local charities to help freed those in need. St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge Pastor, Father Cary Bani, blessed the Cathedral's St. Joseph Altar on March 19 after the noon Mass. Many Mass attendees stopped by the altar to take pictures and pray, and accepted the Cathedral's invitation to enjoy a meatless lunch. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

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.