Dear Reader,

This August, the Spirit’s movement in our diocese has been evident in so many ways. In these pages of The Collect, discover how teachers and leaders are beginning a school year with renewed purpose, how youth deepened their faith through the Franciscan Experience, and how Christ’s mercy is reaching the incarcerated through Kolbe Prison Ministries. We give thanks for the blessing of a new chapel at St. Vincent de Paul, honor the milestone of Sister Anna’s 100th birthday, and pause to reflect on the meaning of innocence in our Christian life.

Each of these stories reveals a different face of Christ—our Teacher, our Healer, our Companion. May they inspire you to see His presence in the daily life of our diocese.

Peace in Christ,
The Communications Secretariat of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

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Catholic Educators Gather to Reflect and Prepare for New School Year

At the dawning of this new school year, teachers are called to the missionary work of caring for their students through educating them and accompanying them during life issues.
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Youth Immersed in Catholic Faith During Franciscan Experience 

Youth attending The Franciscan Experience (TFE) expressed that “everything” was the highlight of their week – including toiling in the graveyard, engaging in deep theological discussions, and hanging out at night.
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Forgotten No More: Kolbe Ministries Brings Love of Christ to Imprisoned

Sister Helen Prejean CSJ echoes St. Bonaventure’s words of wisdom by challenging others to, “Ask not for wisdom. Ask for the fire.” She advocates for the abolition of the death penalty and ministers to the “forgotten of society” in prisons.
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New Chapel Serves as Spiritual Anchor for St. Vincent de Paul

Each day, the St. Vincent de Paul Society buzzes with activity. Staff and volunteers feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, make sure people don’t have to choose between eating and filling their life-saving prescriptions, and provide help for obtaining employment.
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Sister Anna Celebrates a Century of Wisdom, Wit, and Warmth

Crowned with a tiara and wearing a sash emblazoned with the words “100 & fabulous,” Sister Anna Schellhaas CSJ emerged with her fellow Sisters of St. Joseph after morning prayer. With her luminous trademark smile she greeted the many people gathered at the Hundred Oaks Center in Baton Rouge to celebrate her centennial birthday, which was Aug. 9.
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What is Innocence?

Innocence is more than naiveté—it is a wholeness of heart that preserves wonder, trust, and purity of intention. Father Ron Rolheiser reflects on how true innocence, whether seen in the heart of a child or the patience of a virgin, keeps the soul alive with fire, trust, and openness to God. To lose the longing for innocence, he warns, is to lose touch with one’s very soul.
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