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As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest” (Dilexi te, §16). Bishop Duca issues a statement regarding Mass obligations during this climate of fear and anxiety currently experienced by many in our faith communities.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge is launching a community-wide food drive on Friday, December 5th from 9 AM to 4 PM. All are invited to contribute non-perishable food items to help feed food-insecure families throughout our region. Collection bins will be placed outside of the Westerfield Building at the Catholic Life Center, and volunteers will be available to assist with donations.

On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. Isaiah: 11: 1-2

It is with sadness that the Diocese of Baton Rouge informs the faithful of the death of Fr. Nutan Sylvester Minj, a priest of the Indian Missionary Society (IMS), who passed away on 22 November 2025 in India after a brief illness. Father Nutan served in several parishes in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, most recently serving as Parochial Vicar at St. George. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him!

The Diocese of Baton Rouge announces that Dr. Mary Patricia “Pattie” Davis will conclude her tenure as Superintendent of Catholic Schools, a role she has held since June 2022, on 31 December 2025.

The students' love for Friday school Mass at Redemptorist St. Gerard School in Baton Rouge conveys it's a highlight of their week. The altar servers and lectors reverently carry out their roles, and the student choir sings Gospel songs with gusto.

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.

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.

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.

As New Orleans sat in the bullseye of Hurricane Katrina, which loomed as a Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, highways were jammed with people fleeing the area. Archbishop Emeritus Alfred C. Hughes, then Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, evacuated to St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict.

Bishop Duca expresses the prayerful support and solidarity of the people of the Diocese of Baton Rouge with the victims of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

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.

The twenty-five schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge have been accepted into Lumen Accreditation offered by The Catholic University of America (CUA).

Brother Lazarus (Phillip) Gordy’s OSB lifelong quest to answer God’s calling for his life led him to the altar at St. Joseph Abbey Church near Covington. There he “died to self” and found a deep joy and freedom through his life as a benedictine Monk.

As director of adult formation and spiritual director at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant, Wendy Enloe ministers to many people who are struggling with the worries and concerns in their lives. People come to her who are dealing with terminal illness, death of a loved one, loss of a job, concerns about world events, etc.

Although Dr. David Bellar is a Northerner by birth, from a “very snowy area,” he has spent most of his career providing strong leadership in universities in the South. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) will benefit from skills and vision for its future as he assumes the role of fifth president of the university.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) is hosting a one-day donation drive on Thursday, July 17 in response to the flooding catastrophe in Texas. The drive will be held at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge office at 1900 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 from 9:30 a.m.– 5:30 ​p.m.

Dr. Tina Holland has made split-second decisions to say ‘Yes,’ during her life that have provided positive, meaningful experiences which she utilizes to help others cultivate successful, faith-filled lives.

To provide for the pastoral care of the people of God, Bishop Michael Duca makes several new clergy appointments effective 01 August 2025.