Bishop Duca's Statement on
Annual Priests’ Formation Days

Dear People of God of the Diocese of Baton Rouge:

The upcoming annual Continuing Formation Days for our priests are scheduled 06-09 October 2025. These days represent an important occasion for our priests’ renewal and growth in intellectual and spiritual formation, emotional maturity, and physical well-being. Since these days are offered once a year and is a commitment by the diocese for their on-going formation, participation by our active priests is mandatory.

With the guidance of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and Priests’ Continuing Formation Committee, the site secured this year for these days is in New Orleans, Louisiana, and our parish priests will not be commuting back-and-forth to their parishes of assignment. Their temporary absence will affect certain regular pastoral ministries. In particular, the schedule of weekday Masses and possible times for funeral Masses may be impacted and adjusted in your parish during these Annual Formation Days. While this is a sacrifice, I consider this sacrifice worth making. Deacons can provide needed funeral rites, namely the vigil wake service, funeral without Mass, and rite of committal. If the local parish staff is unable to secure a deacon for this special funeral need, the parish staff may call the Office of the Vicar General (Fr. Jamin David) at 225.387.0561 for further assistance; Deacon Paul Soileau will assist with this coverage.

Thank you for understanding and supporting our priests with their ongoing formation renewal for ministry. I ask that you pray for our priests and our diocese during these days. I appreciate your affirmation and encouragement of our priests who give their lives for our diocese. May God be generous in leading us into the future with hope.

In Christ our Hope,
Most Reverend Michael G. Duca
Bishop of Baton Rouge