News - September 2025 RSS Feed

Bishop Michael Duca has announced that the annual Continuing Formation Days for priests will be held October 6–9, 2025, in New Orleans. These days of renewal support their ongoing growth in ministry, and parish schedules may be adjusted during this time. Bishop Duca invites the faithful to pray for and support our priests in their formation.

St. Michael High School's new Sword and Shield coffee shop is the hub where students, faculty, and guests find a friendly atmosphere while they recharge their day. People line up for a cup of joe and sweet treat to smooth the tangles out of a rough day, sharpen their focus to take exams, and socialize.

September’s stories highlight healing, remembrance, and hope. In this issue of The Collect, discover how retreats are bringing renewal, how our community gathered to remember Hurricane Katrina, and how catechists are being equipped to share the faith. We also honor the life of Father Tom Duhe and reflect on the call to open wide our hearts in dialogue. These stories remind us that even in sorrow and remembrance, faith points us toward hope.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office releases its Statement of Policy regarding admission of students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools:

Bishop Duca joins other bishops around the United States in congratulating the faithful of the Archdiocese of New Orleans on the appointment of Most Reverend James Checchio as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans by Pope Leo XIV.

In the 1870s missionary priest Father John Scollard came from the Archdiocese of New Orleans to minister to Catholics in the area stretching from Kenner to Amite and Clinton.

In 2018 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued their pastoral letter on racism, “Open Wide Your Hearts.” The document called people to have an enduring love for people of different backgrounds.

It is with sadness that the Diocese of Baton Rouge informs the faithful of the death of Fr. Tom Duhe, a retired priest of our diocese, who passed away on 15 September 2025. Before his retirement, he served as Pastor of St. Thomas More in Baton Rouge. He also served a variety of other parishes and ministries.

In today's world, as people spread the Gospel message, people may rebuff them and demand to "show me the reason for your hope." Catechesis and evangelization require a knowledge and love of the Lord that speaks of a hope rooted in trust and confidence in God.

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina taught people unforgettable lessons about how fragile life is and how strong human and community bonds can be in response. The Baton Rouge community gathered to remember, give thanks, and share messages of hope during a service hosted by the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton (IFGBR).

During this Jubilee Year of Hope people may abandon their journeys or wander off because of the need for healing. Defeatist thoughts such as, "I can't," "This situation (or person) will never change," and "I need a quick fix" can lead them into being spiritually stuck. Spiritual direction and healing retreats can help these people break through such barriers to freedom.