p 12 St. Francis poster.tif

Changing society comes ‘one child at a time’

Posted April 25, 2018 at 12:00 am

By Bonny Van

The Catholic Commentator 

“Make Baton Rouge a better place!” 20 fifth-graders shouted in unison at St. Francis Xavier School in Baton Rouge. 

Fifth-grade students at St. Francis Xavier School in Baton Rouge look over their poster depicting ideas to “Make Baton Rouge a Better Place.” All 20 students say they worked as a team to create the poster and made sure everyone’s idea was considered during the process. The students are Christin Carroll, Denz’ya Evans, Ronnie Finley, Kenadie Franklin, Kaci Hamilton, Tyrique Harris, Kacey Joseph, Noah Landry, Marcus Mack, Dreamer Patterson, Jeffery Perry, Khai Smith, K’Lani Smith, Jeydon Sparrow, Treylon Thompson, Jayleigh Turner, Kendrick Wallace, Mikalen Washington, Brandon Williams Jr. and Cha’Kari

… Read Full Story…

    BREAKING NEWS: HB1 reduces funding for nonpublic schools

    Rob Tasman, executive director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement regarding the passage of HB1 on Thursday:

    “Unfortunately, the House passed HB1 yesterday to the detriment of nonpublic schools within the state of Louisiana.  The funding that nonpublic schools receive through the Required Services and School Lunch Salary Supplement programs remain dramatically underfunded.  The Required Services program maintains a deficit of over $4 Million while the School Lunch Salary Supplement program continues to suffer a $4 Million shortfall.  HB1 will be considered by the Senate Finance committee next.  We will persist in our efforts to advocate

    … Read Full Story…

    Statement of Bishop Robert W. Muench Bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge On Recent Developments Regarding the Alton Sterling Shooting

    After a 10-month state department of justice investigation into the shooting death of Alton Sterling, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced today that no charges would be brought against the two Baton Rouge Police Department officers involved. This morning’s announcement follows a similar finding by the United States Department of Justice last May. BRPD Chief Murphy Paul indicated his department is continuing an internal audit and administrative review of the case, and the results will be announced Friday.
    Let us take time during this Holy Week to pray for healing for all who have been wounded by this tragic event. As we walk the way of the cross during this last week of Lent, let us pray for the Sterling family, for law enforcement officials who risk their lives for our public safety, and for racial healing and transformation in our community.
    As Catholics, we are continually called to conversion, to build bridges of dialogue, understanding, respect and life-giving action with all of our brothers and sisters.
    May God bless our city this Holy Week, and may He move our hearts and our wills to work for the establishment of peace and justice on earth.

    Read Full Story…

    Diocesan Prayer for the Selection of a New Bishop

     Lord Jesus,

    you are the Good Shepherd

    who laid down your life for your sheep.

    As the Good Shepherd,

    you call other leaders

    to guide and care for your flock.

    We pray that you send forth

    your Holy Spirit

    to inspire your Church

    in selecting a new Bishop

    for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

    May he be a shepherd,

    after your own heart,

    who will lead us

    to deepen our love for you

    and for each other.

    May he guide us

    to create the unity you intend

    for our entire human family

    as one flock with one shepherd.

    We pray this in your name,

    Jesus Christ,

    our Shepherd and Lord.

    Amen.

Local News

    Cristo Rey to receive new sports equipment

    Posted April 20, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    Former LSU Tigers and NFL star Justin Vincent and UnitedHealthcare are donating new sports equipment to Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School to replace equipment that was damaged in the 2016 flood. The donation was made possible by a $10,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare to Vincent’s Dreambuilders program. The Dreambuilders

    … Read Full Story…

    With new document, pope shows holiness is for everyone, speakers say

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    By Carol Glatz

    Catholic News Services

    VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis’ new document, “Gaudete et Exsultate,” shows that holiness is not an impossible task nor is it something to be pursued far removed from today’s world, said the papal vicar for the Diocese of Rome.

    “The pope wants to tell us that

    … Read Full Story…

    Bishop Muench’s Chrism Mass homily

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

    I begin this homily with a renewed call for prayer, respect for and dialogue with fellow citizens of our community as well as those responsible for ensuring security for us. In this regard I acknowledge the conscientious efforts of our Diocesan Racial Harmony Commission.

    … Read Full Story…

    Father Miceli appointed to St. Patrick

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Bishop Robert W. Muench has appointed Father Michael Miceli pastor at St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge, effective July 2.

    Father Miceli, who has been serving as chaplain at St. Albert the Great Chapel and Catholic Center

    … Read Full Story…
    PP DSC_7763.tif

    Padre Pio relics draw thousands

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Debbie Shelley  

    The Catholic Commentator

    Thousands of people venerated the relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina OFMcap at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in 

    … Read Full Story…

    Easter season a ‘beautiful’ time

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

    By Debbie Shelley 

    The Catholic Commentator 

    Easter Sunday is the beginning of a huge 50-day celebration in which the faithful can fully give themselves to understanding Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for them

    … Read Full Story…
    sacred heart field photo 1.tif

    SACRED BLESSING

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Father Miles Walsh blessed the renovated baseball field at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge and Gov. John Bel Edwards threw out the

    … Read Full Story…
    p 2 bishop muench flashback.tif

    BISHOP MUENCH FLASHBACK

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Bishop Robert W. Muench exchanges a laugh with Pope Benedict XV1 during the bishop’s ad limina visit in 2002. Bishops make their ad limina visit to the Vatican every five years. During the visit each

    … Read Full Story…
    p 5 pro-life day.tif

    Lobbying for life

    Posted April 13, 2018 at 12:00 am

    By Debbie Shelley  

    The Catholic Commentator 

    The voice of the unborn reached the ears of Louisiana legislators on April 4, when the House Health and

    … Read Full Story…
Bla