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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).

February’s stories highlight dialogue, witness, and the gift of Catholic education. In this issue of The Collect, explore how faith opens doors to meaningful dialogue, how young people are boldly living their beliefs, and how our diocese continues to celebrate excellence in Catholic education. These stories remind us that when faith is lived with conviction and charity, it becomes a powerful witness in our community and beyond.

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.

In a rare alignment of calendars, Lent and the Muslim holy penitential season Ramadan began on the same day and are coinciding this year. Vatican officials and clergy of the Diocese of Baton Rouge urge the faithful to use this opportunity to pray for world peace.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the Rite of Election on Feb. 22 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. A total of 606 people (375 candidates and 231 elect) pledged their desire to enter the Catholic Church. 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 Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Feb. 18 marked the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a 40-day liturgical season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in the Catholic Church, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending before the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. Churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge were filled with people during the distribution of ashes. St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge was overflowing with people coming to receive their ashes at a noon Mass and distribution of ashes. Bishop Michael G. Duca, celebrant, blessed the ashes before distribution. The ashes for Ash Wednesday are made by the burning of palms fonds from the previous year's Palm Sunday. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Many of youth of the Diocese of Baton Rouge who made the trek to Washington, D.C., experienced fun and made the lifelong memories that they expected. Beyond that, they expressed their surprise that their immersion in the Catholic faith and culture of life created "new beginnings" for them.

After clearing two big legal hurdles, Archbishop Fulton Sheen's beatification has been approved again by the Vatican.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the collaborate effort of many to assure that students in its Catholic schools become worldwide leaders and disciples of Christ. During Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25-31, it celebrated a Mass to give thanks and reflect on its mission of "evangelizing hearts, educating minds, encouraging talent and embracing the future."

The Catholic Church celebrated the feast day of St. Blaise on Feb. 3. St. Blaise was a fourth-century physician and bishop of Sebastea in Armenia (modern-day Turkey) who became a martyr and healer. According to tradition, St. Blaise was on his way to prison when he encountered a child choking on a fish bone. St. Blaise touched the boy's throat and dislodged the bone, saving his life. That miracle prompted his patronage of throat health, leading to the Feb. 3 blessing of the throats with crossed candles. Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge joined other churches worldwide in this tradition. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Graduates of the schools in the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge are known for influencing society worldwide by leading, serving, and sharing the Gospel Message. The Diocese of Baton Rouge recognized the excellence of some of these alumni in its annual Distinguished Graduates Awards Dinner on Jan. 26.

Hundreds of people braved a cold morning despite ominous reports of an impending winter storm and affirmed their love for mothers and their unborn babies at Louisiana Life March South.

Bishop Michael G. Duca announced that priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge will take part in their annual retreat February 2–5, 2026, at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Grand Coteau. During this time, some weekday Masses and funeral Mass schedules may be adjusted, and the faithful are asked for their prayers and understanding as priests focus on spiritual renewal.

January’s stories invite us to begin the new year grounded in hope and healing. In this issue of The Collect, discover how our diocese is expanding catechetical outreach to better serve Hispanic and Latino communities, fostering inclusion and deeper faith formation. You’ll also read courageous reflections on youth suicide prevention, adoption, and the sacred complexity of motherhood, alongside moments of growth in Catholic health education and calls to prayer amid global conflict. Together, these stories remind us that even in challenging moments, faith opens pathways to compassion, understanding, and renewal.

Sisters of St. Joseph Kathleen Babin, Anna Schellhaas, Evelyn Mee, and Dianne Fanguy have devoted a combined 295 years to serving the "dear neighbor" in the church.

With temperatures in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas expected to plunge into the 20s and 30s this weekend, and due to the forecast possibility of winter precipitation, there will inevitably be impacts throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge. This post contains important information regarding parish and school closures and other information related to operations due to inclement weather.