Dear Reader, 

Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to explore the first edition of "The Collect."

As you may have seen in our promotions, "The Collect" (pronounced KÄL-ekt) is a curated digital digest featuring articles from The Catholic Commentator, published monthly to share the vibrant stories emerging from our diocese. This digest not only celebrates the remarkable work of The Catholic Commentator but also aims to illuminate the many activities and initiatives taking place within our diocese each month.

We believe storytelling is a profound means to connect our diocese, inspire faith, and foster understanding. Each article has been carefully chosen to highlight the diverse voices and experiences that enrich our diocese.

In "The Collect," you can look forward to discovering features on local ministries, profiles of inspiring individuals, updates on community events, and reflections designed to encourage spiritual growth. Our hope is that these narratives resonate with you and deepen your connection to the life of our Church.

We hope you enjoy this month's collection!

In Christ,
The Communications Secretariat of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

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Redemptorists to Celebrate 80 Years of Serving Baton Rouge Area

On Oct. 20, the Redemptorists congregation celebrated its rich 80-year history of mission work in the Diocese of Baton Rouge of serving and proclaiming the Gospel to the poor and spiritually abandoned. Read more about the rich tradition and legacy of the Redemptorists in the article linked below!

Read the article

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Immaculate Conception Embraces Diversity of Hispanic/Latino Community

Cultivating a united community of faith with the Hispanic population has been an ongoing work within the Diocese of Baton Rouge for more than 40 years. On May 19, Pentecost Sunday, the Diocese of Baton Rouge promulgated a diocesan pastoral plan for Hispanic/Latino ministry, which is based on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s National Pastoral Plan and the Encuentros movement. Bishop Michael G. Duca authorized the plan, which is themed “Missionary Disciples: Forward, Together in Hope.”

­­­For parishes such as Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs, evangelizing the Hispanic population has helped them grow as a diversified community of missionary disciples.

Read the Article
Lea el Artículo

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LSU Alumnus Turns to Parishes at Home to Help Hurricane Helene Victims

LSU alumnus Elizabeth Dazzio searched for answers on how extend hope and God’s healing touch to residents in her hometown of Ashville, North Carolina who lost everything in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. She knew she could turn to her native home of Southeast Louisiana to find them.

Read the Article

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40 Days for Life Fall Campaign Supports Life Through Peaceful, Vigil Presence

40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses.

Members of the Most Blessed Sacrament Respect Life Committee sat down with The Catholic Commentator to share their stories of hope from taking part in this ministry. 

Read the article

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Faith & Blue

On Oct. 14, law enforcement and members of the public gathered at St. Isidore Church in Baker and talked, listened to each other, and laughed as they discovered that they had the common desire of building a safe, inclusive community.

Read the Article

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Learning to Listen Through Synodality

By Sister Constance Veit, lsp

Pope Francis has been talking about synodality since the beginning of his pontificate. He believes it is “the path that God expects of the church in the third millennium,” a “constitutive,” or essential, element of the church. But what is synodality, and why has it become a buzz word in the Catholic Church?

Read the article

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Interested in reading more from The Catholic Commentator?

Every week new articles are published to The Catholic Commentator online. 
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