News - January 2026 RSS Feed

Bishop Michael G. Duca announced that priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge will take part in their annual retreat February 2–5, 2026, at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Grand Coteau. During this time, some weekday Masses and funeral Mass schedules may be adjusted, and the faithful are asked for their prayers and understanding as priests focus on spiritual renewal.

January’s stories invite us to begin the new year grounded in hope and healing. In this issue of The Collect, discover how our diocese is expanding catechetical outreach to better serve Hispanic and Latino communities, fostering inclusion and deeper faith formation. You’ll also read courageous reflections on youth suicide prevention, adoption, and the sacred complexity of motherhood, alongside moments of growth in Catholic health education and calls to prayer amid global conflict. Together, these stories remind us that even in challenging moments, faith opens pathways to compassion, understanding, and renewal.

Sisters of St. Joseph Kathleen Babin, Anna Schellhaas, Evelyn Mee, and Dianne Fanguy have devoted a combined 295 years to serving the "dear neighbor" in the church.

With temperatures in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas expected to plunge into the 20s and 30s this weekend, and due to the forecast possibility of winter precipitation, there will inevitably be impacts throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge. This post contains important information regarding parish and school closures and other information related to operations due to inclement weather.

St. Paul writes, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!” (Romans 10:13-15)

Owen 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.

December’s stories invite us into hope, reflection, and faithful witness during the Advent season. In this issue of The Collect, explore how our diocese embraces the Jubilee Year’s message of hope, strengthens families as the domestic church, honors history with truth and dignity, and celebrates young people living out a life of service. Together, these stories remind us that even in waiting, the light of Christ is meant to be shared.

The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis and the Office of Hispanic Ministry welcomed a catechist’s mentor program, the Franciscan At Home Curriculum.

Franciscan 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.

I once lived in community for several years with an Oblate brother who was wonderfully generous and pious to a fault. But he struggled to pick up symbol and metaphor. He took things literally. For him, what the words said is what they meant!

Kate 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.