Bishop Duca has released a letter with a renewed call to observe safe procedures in this time of pandemic. It will be presented at all Masses the weekend of the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
On 05 January 2021, Bishop Duca issued a decree establishing new deaneries in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The last organization of the deaneries was decreed by Bishop Ott in 1985.
Pastors are invited to use this
Google Form to select three date preferences for the annual celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in thier Parish(es). After collecting all the information, the Confirmation dates will be confirmed with parishes after they are approved by the Bishop.
About the Bishop's Office
A diocesan bishop is appointed by the pope to teach, govern, and sanctify the people of God in a particular territory. This is stated as such in the
Code of Canon Law: "In exercising the function of a pastor, a diocesan bishop is to show himself concerned for all the Christian faithful entrusted to his care, of whatever age, condition, or nationality they are, whether living in the territory or staying there temporarily; he is also to extend an apostolic spirit to those who are not able to make sufficient use of ordinary pastoral care because of the condition of their life and to those who no longer practice their religion. (
Canon 383 §1)"
Inspired by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' formal statement "Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography," Safe Haven Sunday is a weekend set aside within the liturgical calendar by dioceses and parishes to directly address the societal harms of pornography. Within the context of the Mass, parishes are able to provide teaching and resources that will support and protect individuals, marriages, and families in making all homes a safe haven.
All deacons are strongly encouraged to spend a day of convocation with Bishop Deacon and the leadership of the Diaconate Office for important updates and fellowship. Candidates in the class of 2021-2024 will petition for ordination and be admitted as candidates for holy orders and installed as acolytes and lectors at the Mass which begins the morning. The following rituals will be observed: Petitions for Ordination, Oath of Freedom & Fidelity (Class of 2021) Acceptance as Candidates for Holy Orders (2022) Installation into the Ministry of Acolyte (2023) Installation into the Ministry of Lector (2024)
Congratulations to the men of the Class of 2021 and their wives! Six men are scheduled to be ordained for service as Permanent Deacons for the Church of Baton Rouge!