Bishop Duca Announces Annual Priest Retreat

To the Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge:
 
The annual retreat for priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge will be 02-05 February 2026 at St. Charles College at the Jesuit Retreat Center at Grand Coteau. These days of prayer and contemplation represent an important occasion for their renewal and growth in spiritual formation and well-being. As such, participation by our active priests is mandatory.  
 
Thus, their temporary absence during this period of retreat will affect certain regular pastoral ministries. In particular, the schedule of weekday Masses and possible times for funeral Masses will be impacted and adjusted in your parish to meet needs of our priests during this time of renewal.  While I recognize that this is a sacrifice, I consider this a sacrifice worth making.  Deacons can provide needed funeral rites (the Wake Service, a Funeral without Mass, and the Rite of Committal). If the local parish staff is unable to secure a deacon for funeral needs, the parish staff may call the Office of the Vicar General by dialing 225.387.0561 for further assistance. 
 
Thank you for understanding and supporting our priests with their ongoing formation and renewal for ministry!  Please 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 a future filled with hope.
 
Hope in the Lord,

Most Reverend Michael G. Duca
Bishop of Baton Rouge