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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.

Receiving messages of hope … planting seeds of hope. This evangelistic cycle during Advent helps "pilgrims of hope" shine the light of Christ in a darkened world as the Jubilee Year of Hope draws to a close.

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.

St. Paul writes in Hebrews 11:1, "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, and evidence of things not seen." During Advent in this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Church's liturgy and teachings move the faithful to wait with such confident hope for the first and second comings of Christ

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!

On December 14, the Church will culminate the Jubilee Year of Hope with a “Jubilee of Prisoners”. The Diocese of Baton Rouge and its prison ministry join this worldwide event and remember the millions of people affected by incarceration including victims of crime, prisoners, prison staff, police officers, prison ministry volunteers, former prisoners re-entering society, and families of the incarcerated.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge (SVdP) gave an "extra boost" to families facing challenging economic times during its Neighbors Helping Neighbors food giveaway.

Grappling against the challenges of serving the struggling Hispanic/immigrant community can bring pastoral leaders together in clarity of mission, hope, and joy. Julia Scarnato discovered during a national conference of Hispanic pastoral leaders that the Church’s mission embraces the shared faith, culture, and needs of Hispanic and immigrant communities worldwide. Scarnato is the director of the Hispanic Apostolate of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

For numerous years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) has worked with various organizations, donors and churches on providing Christmas gifts to families in need. This year, with the program titled A Season of Hope, we are accepting monetary donations to help provide rent and utilities assistance to eligible clients to keep a roof over their heads and the lights on.

Participants ran, walked leisurely, and the youngest rode in strollers in the most successful Born to Run celebration in its 25-year history. The event, which featured a 1/2-mile and 5K run, took place in downtown Baton Rouge on Nov. 8.

St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge is hosting its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Drive-Thru Food Distribution on Saturday, November 15, to provide immediate food assistance to its neighbors affected by rising food insecurity and uncertainty surrounding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The Diocese of Baton Rouge has added a seventh portrait to its "wall of saints" featuring African American Catholics who are on the path to sainthood. The wall is located in the first-floor lobby of the chancery.

During November, Black Catholics proudly remember their history and heritage within the Catholic Church. Their liturgies feature dynamic gospel music, animated preaching, liturgical dancing, and expressive prayer to honor those who have contributed to the traditions of the Church despite opposition.

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.

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge blessed graves to commemorate All Saints and All Souls Day on Nov. 1-2. The blessing of the graves at St. Joseph Cemetery in Baton Rouge also marked the end of the year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of the cemetery. Bishop Michael G. Duca and Father Cary Bani led the prayer service, followed by the blessing of the graves. Pictured accompanying Bishop Michael G. Duca is Eloise Verbois Landry as the bishop blesses the Verbois and Grand Pre family graves. Also pictured with Father Bani is James Robert during the blessing of graves. Photos by Marilyn Goff and Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Bishop John Gregory Kelly, bishop of the diocese of Tyler, Texas, instituted seminarians into the ministry of acolyte on Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. The ministry of acolyte is the final ministry before seminarians are ordained to the diaconate. In the rite of institution, the bishop gives to those to be instituted a patent with bread and says, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” PIctured, from left, are Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue (Notre Dame Seminary rector/president), Bishop Kelly, and Grant Caillouet, seminarian of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photos provided by Notre Dame Seminary

All Saints Day may conjure up in people's minds a picturesque image of the saints in heaven with halos and icons associated with their lives. Students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Baton Rouge discovered the human side of the saints through St. Thérèse of Lisieux. They learned she was also a child who had to learn to overcome fears.

On Oct.8, Bishop Provost, bishop of the Diocese of Lake Charles, presided at the Mass for the Institution of Lectors. The Rite of Institution of Lectors is one of the ministries a seminarian must receive before ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. Each seminarian receiving the ministry of lector was instructed by Bishop Provost to, “Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people.” Pictured, from left, are Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, rector/president of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Bishop Provost, and Austin Duhé, a seminarian for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photos provided by Notre Dame Seminary