News - May 2026 RSS Feed

Deacon John Ryals will draw from his professional and personal life experiences to help youth encounter Christ and families to strengthen their mission as the Domestic Church.

Deacon Todd Pourciau enjoys helping people open up to reading and living the Word of God. As a deacon for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Deacon Pourciau plans to use his background in teaching and personal life experiences to help people discover God's plans for their lives.

Deacon Duane Becnel has lived his entire life in the small sugarcane farming community of Vacherie. He grew up working on a sugarcane farm, and his family life was simple, going to church and school and spending a lot of time with his family. From there, God called him carry out to serve his universal church in his home territory as a deacon.

The Atmosphere at St. Joseph Cathedral was jubilant as three men answered God's call to serve the church as permanent deacons in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

St. George School in Baton Rouge rounded out its school year with several events: A SGS Talent Showcase, DARE Equipment Day, Accelerated Reader Knight Award, recognizing student council homeroom representatives, recognition of Accelerated Reader Bronze Medal recipients, Dragon Fitness Awards, and Mrs. Loewe’s first graders releasing the butterflies they raised. Pre‑K students also visited the Kindergarten classes for Step Up Day, getting a preview of next year. Photos provided by Ashley Fabre

The struggle for voting rights and full participation has come at an immense cost. It has demanded sacrifice, perseverance and faith. To remember that history is not merely to honor the past; it is to recommit ourselves to the work that remains.

May’s stories reflect a Church alive with vocation, service, gratitude, and hope. In this edition of The Collect, we see how the call to holiness is lived out in marriage and family life, how Catholic generosity continues to serve those in need, and how leaders across our Diocese are guiding communities with wisdom and care. These stories remind us that faith is not only believed, but lived each day through love in action.

Historical and cultural changes over the years have created complex views about marriage. The wisdom of the Catholic Church's teachings brings couples "back to the basics" to understand the sacrament of marriage as God created and intended it to be.

St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) celebrated the opening of its first upscale thrift store, Rosalie's Boutique, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 16.

Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional High School held its Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9 at Ascension Catholic Church in Donaldsonville. Its baccalaureate Mass was held on May 7 at Ascension Catholic Church. Harlee Marie Landry was named valedictorian and Halle Catherine Gomez was named salutatorian. Photo provided by Wendy Poirrier

In consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael Duca makes the following appointment effective 09 May 2026.

Hunter Grace Layrisson recently received the State Knights of Columbus Award Catholic Youth Leadership Award (CYLA). She is a 2026 graduating senior from St. Thomas Aquinas Regional High School in Hammond.

Contributing to the successes of the Diocese of Baton Rouge's Catholic schools are people working "behind the scenes" helping the schools send forth students that will change the world.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge Child Nutrition Program is pleased to announce the availability of free Grab-and-Go meal services for children this summer, helping ensure families have access to nutritious meals while school is out of session.

FranU will host The Franciscan Experience (TFE), a six-day overnight summer theology institute for high school students, July 13–18 at the Tracy Center in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

The Women's Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic-minded women of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, completed its fifth season of growing its impact within the community. This year it awarded $120,000 in grants to six non-profit organizations.

April’s stories highlight faith in action, leadership, and the enduring call to serve. In this issue of The Collect, explore how our diocese continues to witness to the Gospel through service, advocacy, and community. From celebrating milestones in pro-life ministry to recognizing student achievement and faithful leadership, these stories reflect a Church alive in mission. Together, they remind us that when faith is lived out, it becomes a powerful sign of hope in the world.