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April’s stories highlight faith in action, leadership, and the enduring call to serve. In this issue of The Collect, explore how our diocese continues to witness to the Gospel through service, advocacy, and community. From celebrating milestones in pro-life ministry to recognizing student achievement and faithful leadership, these stories reflect a Church alive in mission. Together, they remind us that when faith is lived out, it becomes a powerful sign of hope in the world.

A large group of Catholics made their presence known amid the buzz of the activity at the 2026 Louisiana legislative session during Faithful Citizenship Day.

Woman's New Life Clinic (WNLC) began 25 years ago as a belief that God was calling a community to be a sign of love in the world. God honored that act of faith through increasing WNLC's ability to provide life-affirming care to women with unplanned pregnancies, according to Allison Daigle, WNLC CEO.

In light of the Mall of Louisiana shootings on 23 April 2026, Bishop Duca asks all people of goodwill to join him in praying for healing for the injured, comfort for the grieving, and an end to the cycle of violence that causes such suffering.

In consultation with the Office of the Diaconate, the Office of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate, and the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes several appointments effective 01 June 2026.

Louisiana state legislators are bustling about the halls and meeting rooms of the Louisiana State Capitol conducting business during the 2026 regular legislative session. The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops (LCCB) is educating legislators on bills that can impact people physically and spiritually, according to LCCB Executive Director Tom Costanza.

In recent days, written and verbal remarks have been made by President Trump regarding Pope Leo XIV, describing the Holy Father in political terms and questioning his moral leadership. Bishop Duca issues this official statement to the clergy and lay faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

Three Diocese of Baton Rouge Students of the Year joined other accomplished student from the state at the 2026 Louisiana Catholic Schools Student of the Year Ceremony.

Bishop Duca announces the canonical appointments of the two men to be ordained as transitional deacons on 20 June 2026 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge.

Many new Catholics experience the satisfaction of looking back and seeing the beauty of how the pieces of their story fit together for their entry into the church.

For the second time in seven months, a sister of St. Joseph of Baton Rouge has been "dubbed royalty" with a tierra and sash to mark her 100th birthday.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge joined in the Catholic Church's celebration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ beginning on Holy Thursday, April 2, through Easter Sunday, April 5.

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.

In this issue of The Collect, journey through Lent as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week, encounter stories of generosity and community, and witness the ways our diocesan family continues to grow in faith. From reflections on walking with Christ in the desert to celebrations of parish traditions and strong marriages, these stories remind us that even in seasons of sacrifice, hope is always near.

As Catholics listen to a Sunday Mass homily, they may think, 'That was a nice message. That was good for back then.' But they don't think God is speaking to them personally,” said Kevin McCall, a board member of The Mission on the Mountain (TMOTM), a Catholic lay ministry focused on helping individuals to live out their faith.

On Palm Sunday, March 29, the Catholic Church began its observance of Holy Week with the commemoration of Jesus' triumphant arrival in Jerusalem. The churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge marked the occasion with processions of palms and the reading of Christ's Passion. At St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge the congregation gathered outdoors to begin the procession and proceeded into the church. Pictured is Father Michael Alello blessing the palm branches. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Baton Rouge, LA – Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University proudly celebrated the inauguration of David M. Bellar, Ph.D., as its fifth president on March 26, 2026, at St. Joseph Cathedral, marking a historic moment in the university’s continued growth and mission-driven future.

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.