The Collect | January 2026
-
January 30, 2026Dear Reader,As we step into a new year, January invites us to reflect, to listen, and to plant seeds of hope. In this edition of The Collect, we share stories that call us to deeper awareness and faithful response.
You’ll learn how our diocesan catechetical programs are expanding outreach to Hispanic and Latino communities, strengthening faith formation through cultural connection. We also courageously open conversations around youth suicide, offering space for healing, awareness, and hope. This issue includes a poignant reflection on adoption and motherhood, celebrations of growth at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, and moments of prayerful solidarity for peace in Israel and Jerusalem.
Thank you for beginning this year with us, seeking truth, extending compassion, and trusting that God is at work in every season.
Peace in Christ,
The Communications Secretariat of the Diocese of Baton Rouge
Diocesan Catechetical Program Expands Outreach to Hispanic/Latino PopulationThe Office of Evangelization & Catechesis and the Office of Hispanic Ministry welcomed a catechist’s mentor program, the Franciscan At Home Curriculum.
READ THE ARTICLE
Planting Seeds of Hope to Open Conversation of Youth SuicideOwen Tabor, 15, was popular, never bullied, good looking, fun loving, athletic, and came from a stable home with a family rooted in faith that loved and supported him. He was a graduate of St. Jean Vianney School and was a good student at St. Michael High School. When he took his life on April 29, 2023, two weeks from his 16th birthday, his family and friends were filled with heartache.
READ THE ARTICLE
'The Inner Sea' Portrays Biological Mother's Bittersweet Journey of AdoptionKate Stapleton stood with her feet in the waters of the Great Lakes and peered out into the horizon. She searched for answers on how to provide the best life possible for the baby she conceived in an unplanned pregnancy.
READ THE ARTICLE
FranU Holds Ribbon Cutting for Renovated Health Professions BuildingFranciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University celebrated the completion of its newly renovated School of Health Professions Building with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 7 at the Health Professions Building on campus.
READ THE ARTICLE
Praying for Israel and JerusalemFather Ron Rolheiser reflects on the deeper, spiritual meaning of praying for Israel and Jerusalem, reminding readers that these names symbolize God’s people and the Church, not only geographic places. He invites Christians to pray for peace, unity, and all people whom God calls His own.
READ THE ARTICLEInterested in reading more from The Catholic Commentator?
Every week new articles are published to The Catholic Commentator online.What's going on in the Diocese of Baton Rouge?Don't forget to follow The Diocese of Baton Rouge on social media @DioceseBR.