In a bittersweet moment, St. Francis Xavier Church and School in Baton Rouge poured out love and gratitude to the Sisters of the Holy Family as they honored them for their 103 years of service to the SFX community on Aug. 20.
Bishop Michael G. Duca, right, installed Father Lamar Partin as pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Zachary on Aug. 19. Before presenting Father Partin with the keys to the church, Bishop Duca shares a light-hearted moment about what it means for a pastor to be given “the keys to the church.” Photo by Katie Hamilton | Katie Hamilton Photography
Principals of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge gathered for their first Mass and meeting of the year on Aug. 17 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge. The event was hosted by the Catholic Schools Office. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
On July 19-23, about 20 people from the Diocese of Baton Rouge attended the National Black Catholic Congress XIII in Washington, D.C., according to Deacon Alfred Adams, director of the Office of Black Catholics for the diocese.
On Aug. 13, a large group of faithful gathered under a brilliant blue sky at the adoration chapel of St. Mary of False River Church in New Roads. Even more intense than the summer heat was the people’s expressions of joy and devotion to Mary as they proceeded behind a statue of the Blessed Mother.
Five young women professed the simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as members of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee on Aug. 10. Among those who made their first profession was Sara (Sister Naomi Grace) Lavastida OP, a former parishioner of St. George Church in Baton Rouge.
Bishop Michael G. Duca, right, installed Father Andrew Merrick as pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Prairieville on Aug. 6. Bishop Duca presented Father Merrick with the keys to the church, symbolizing the responsibilities of the care of the parish being entrusted to him. Photo provided by Father Albert Blount, Parochial Vicar | St. John the Evangelist Church
When experiencing a “transfiguration moment” on a mountain top, one may expect that is the precise moment they will receive an answer to a burning question. This was not the case for Deacon Joe Perry when taking in the majestic view at the top of Pico de Orizaba in Mexico.
As he pondered what the future of the church will look like for his grandchildren and future generations in light of the declining number of priestly vocations, Deacon Billy Francioni received his own call to be part of the solution by becoming a deacon.
Growing up in the small Cajun town of Basile, Deacon Terry Bellon was first called to serve at 11 years-old when his mother died. He and his four younger siblings went to live with their grandmother.
Deacon Don Allison has seen the hand of God working his life through blessings and protection. When the deacon pondered the “why” of it all, God’s guiding hand then ushered him into the office of deacon.
Sent forth by Jesus’ command to “love one another as I love you,” the four newest deacons of the Diocese of Baton Rouge expressed their readiness to bring others to Christ through their service.
Father Mark Beard was remembered by many as a man who lived “full steam ahead” in everything he did, especially in his quest for helping souls attain the kingdom of heaven.
Students at St. Gerard Redemptorist Elementary School in Baton Rouge returned to the classroom for the 2023-2024 School year on Aug. 10. Father Tat Hoang CSsR, pastor of St. Gerard Church, greeted students. Here he talks with students before the day begins and gives them 'fist bumps' and high fives around the table. Students at other Catholic Schools around the Diocese of Baton Rouge, likewise, are returning to their campuses. Photo by Debbie Shelley
Students in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge are returning to the classroom for the start of the 2023–2024 school year. At St. Thomas More School in Baton Rouge, sixth-grader Emma Durrett, left, embraces kindergartner Riley Romano. Photos by Nicole Jones | Digital Media Manager, Diocese of Baton Rouge
As Catholic students converge on campuses around the Diocese of Baton Rouge, they bring their hopes, dreams and concerns about for the new school year. Their teachers and administrators are striving to meet their needs and help them reach their full potential academically and as disciples of Christ.