Xavier University Alumni Events – The Baton Rouge Chapter of Xavier University Alumni Association will celebrate the feast day of St. Katharine Drexel, founder of Xavier University and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday, March 6 at Immaculate Conception Church, 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge. The organization will also sponsor a jazz brunch and silent auction Sunday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Renaissance Hotel, 7000 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge. Proceeds will help provide scholarships for Xavier University students. Tickets are $50 each and are available by calling 225-803-0709 or emailing xulabralumni@gmail.com
24 Hours for the Lord – As called for by Pope Francis during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, St. Aloysius Church, 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton
Grand Day Mass and Street Party – St. Joseph Cathedral, Fourth and Main streets, Baton Rouge, will host its Grand Day Mass and Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 4. Following the noon Mass, there will be an outdoor celebration. Call 225-387-5928.
Octoberfest – St. Isidore Church, 5657 Thomas Road, Baton Rouge, will host its Octoberfest fair Friday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, noon-10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m. – 6
Metairie Retreat – Father Whitney Miller of the Diocese of Lake Charles will present a retreat, “Exploring the Pathways to Gospel Joy,” Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12, at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie. Minimum offering is $225. For information, call 504-887-1420, email retreats@arch-no.org or visit retreats.arch-no.org/retreats.
Marriage Enrichment Program – The Office of Marriage and Family Life of the Diocese of Baton Rouge will host a program, “Married and in Love … Most of the Time,” on Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at St. Jean Vianney Church, 16166 S.
Dr. Scott Hahn Presentations
On Thursday, May 30 Catholic Scripture scholar and author Dr. Scott Hahn will speak on “The Bible, the Eucharist and the New Evangelization” and “First Comes Love,” which explains the Holy Trinity in terms of the family. The presentations, which will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 445 Marquette St., Baton Rouge, from 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., are free. For information call the church office at 225-926-1883.
Immaculate Conception VBS
Healing the Hurts Retreat
“Healing the Hurts of the Heart” will be the theme of a five-day retreat, Friday, May 31 through Tuesday, June 4, at Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosaryville Road, Ponchatoula. The retreat will include prayer, reflection and song. For information call 225-294-5039 or email rosaryville102@charter.net.
St. John the Evangelist VBS
Registration is being taken now for the Vacation Bible School, “St. Catherine
Parenting Seminar
A seminar, “Parenting Teens: Building Strong Futures,” will be held on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. Topics include opening dialogue with children, personality types, struggles for teens in today’s culture, authentic love and moral decision making. Cost is $15 per parent/couple. Lunch is provided. For information or to register, visit FortifyingFamiliesofFaith.com or call 225-242-0164.
Married Couples Retreat
Gospel Concert
The St. Francis Xavier Home and School Association is sponsoring a free concert on Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m., at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1120 Myrtle St., Baton Rouge. The concert is open to the public and will feature Carolyn West, the Pamela Warren Family and Nina Gray. For information call 225-357-0853.
Day of Prayer
Sister Rose Bowen OP will present a day of prayer, “Biblical Women: Models of Courage and
Bishop Robert W. Muench Sacrament of Confirmation 2013 Spring Schedule
Wednesday, April 3 Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Michael, Gramercy 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 4 St. Joseph, Paulina 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9 St. Jean Vianney, Baton Rouge 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 10 St. John the Baptist, Zachary 7 p.m.
Thursday. April 11 St. John the Baptist, Brusly 7 p.m.
Our Lady of Mercy Mission
Michael Cumbie, a nationally known Catholic lay evangelist and Protestant clergy convert, will present a mission Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23, 7 p.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. He will also speak at all Masses on the weekend of April 20-21. For information call the Our Lady of Mercy Church office at 225-926-1883.
Allons Manger Food Festival
St. Jules Church, 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle
Craft Sale
The Littlest Angel chapter of Threads of Love at St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge, a sewing ministry for babies and children, will have a craft sale on Thursday, March 14, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., in the main lobby of Ochsner Hospital, 1700 Medical Center Dr., Baton Rouge. All items are hand-sewn by Threads of Love volunteers. Monies will be used to help the ministry buy fabric and supplies for burial gowns and clothes for premature and sick babies. For information call Linda Walsh at 225-229-3100.
Women in Spirit
Michael Acaldo, president and CEO of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, will speak about the growth and ongoing work of the organization at the Women in Spirit meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28, noon, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Fourth and Main streets, Baton Rouge. A complimentary light lunch will be served. RSVP by emailing sjwomeninspirit@aol.com or calling the cathedral office at 225-387-5928.
Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
Placing the Date of the Crucifixion
Dr. Brad Schaefer, physics professor at LSU and a member of the team that won the Nobel Prize in physics in 2011, will discuss how science and the Gospels can be used to pinpoint the day and year Christ died. His talk will be Wednesday, Feb. 20, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Fourth and Main streets, Baton Rouge. The Knights of Columbus will serve a meal at 6 p.m. in the parish hall and the presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. For information
Father Mitch Pacwa Presentations
Father Mitch Pacwa SJ, Ignatius Productions founder and EWTN television and radio host, will present a Lenten mission Friday, Feb. 22 and Saturday, Feb. 23, at St. Agnes Church, 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge. On Friday, Father Pacwa will celebrate Mass at 5:30 p.m., and speak about “Slavery to Sin vs. Freedom for Goodness,” at 6:45 p.m. On Saturday Father Pacwa will discuss “How Enormous Sin Really Is,” at 2 p.m., celebrate Mass at 4 p.m. and conclude at 5:30 p.m. with the message
Diocesan Youth Conference
“Ablaze” is the theme of the Diocese Youth Conference that will be held Saturday, March 2-Sunday, March 3, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4728 Constitution Ave., Baton Rouge. The keynote speaker will be Stephanie Clouatre-Davis and featured performer will be Matt Maher. Cost is $175. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 18. For information email Brigitte Burke at bburke@diobr.org or call 225-336-8751.
Life in the Spirit Seminar
The Corpus Christi prayer group
Bishop Robert Muench’s Sacrament of Confirmation
2013 Winter Schedule
Sunday, Jan. 13, Ascension of Our Lord/St. Francis, at St. Francis Church, Donaldsonville, 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 18, Immaculate Conception, Denham Springs, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 24, St. Theresa of Avila, Gonzales, 7:00 p.m.
Bishop’s Annual Respect Life Rally
The Bishop’s Annual Respect Life Rally will take place Sunday, Jan. 6, 2-4 p.m., in the Main Auditorium of the Catholic Life Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. Dr. Theresa Notare, director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, will be the keynote speaker. There will be a living rosary for life and informational booths from local and regional pro-life organizations. Child care will be provided for children up to 7 years old. For
SJA Holiday Volleyball Camp
St. Joseph’s Academy, 3015 Broussard St., Baton Rouge, will host a holiday volleyball camp for girls in grades 4-8, Thursday-Friday, Jan. 3-4, at the SJA gym. Coaches will be SJA head volleyball coach Sivi Miller, former SJA head volleyball coach Brenda LeBlanc and SJA assistant varsity and head junior varsity volleyball coach Jaime Young. Cost of the camp is $85. For information and to register visit sjabr.org and click on holiday volleyball camp or call the SJA office at 225-383-7207.
Evening of Faith
Dr. Chris Baglow, professor of theology and director of the master of arts program in theological
Advent Retreat
Father Donald Blanchard will present a retreat, “Jesus, Luke, You and Me,” sponsored by the St. Joseph Spirituality Center, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the St. Joseph’s Academy Dining Hall, 3080 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge. The feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. The retreat will mark the new liturgical year by delving into the life of Luke. Fee is $50. Lunch is included. For information and to register call 225-383-3349 or email contact@stjocenter.org.
Interfaith Presentation
Dr. Michael Pasquier, a member of the religious studies faculty at LSU, will speak about the past, present and future of interfaith relations in Louisiana on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m., at the St. Aloysius Church parish hall, 2025 Stuart Ave., Baton Rouge. There will also be a panel discussion of experiences of new religions in Louisiana. A reception will follow. RSVP by visiting ifedgbr.com or call 225-267-5600.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Presentation
Father Paul Yi, pastor of Ascension of Our Lord
All Souls’ Day Service
Father Paul McDuffie, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge, will conduct an All Souls’ Day service, Friday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m., at Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North St., Baton Rouge. For information call 225-344-0186.
St. Catherine of Siena Festival
St. Catherine of Siena Church, 421 St. Patrick St., Donaldsonville, will hold its fall festival, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 2-4. The event will include games, food, music, a car
All Souls’ Day Service
Father Paul McDuffie, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge, will conduct an All Souls’ Day Service, Friday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m., at Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North St., Baton Rouge. For information call 225-344-0186.
Grand Day
Grandparents, grandchildren and their families are invited to attend the fourth annual Grand Day at St. Joseph Cathedral, corner of Fourth and Main streets, Baton Rouge, Sunday, Oct. 21, beginning with the noon Mass, during which grandparents and grandchildren will be given a blessing. Following Mass, a street party will be held
Catholic Identity Series
Second and fourth Sundays of the month
St. George Church office, 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge, La.
9:30 to 11:15 a.m.; on-going; Contact Karenf@st-george.org
Rediscovering Your Catholic Faith
Thursday, Oct. 11; 6 to 8 p.m.
St. John the Baptist Church Activity Center
402 Kirkland
Public Square Rosaries for America
A public square rosary to pray for America will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, noon, at the Catholic Life Center at the corner of S. Acadian Thwy. and Hundred Oaks Ave., Baton Rouge. Bring a lawn chair if you wish. For information call 225-769-0271. Another public square rosary will be held on the same day and time at the KC Home, 1905 W. Main St., Lutcher. For information call Janet Small at 225-869-3898 or Nancy Cashio at 225-869-8124.
WPYR Benefit
U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska will discuss, “Can We Be Catholic and be a Patriot?” at a benefit for WPYR (1380 AM) Catholic Community Radio on Sunday, Sept. 23, 4-5 p.m., at the Our Lady of Mercy Activity Center, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. For information call 985-295-7757 or 985-630-5645.
Women in Spirit
Donna Britt, anchor of WAFB 9 News, will speak on her life as a “preacher’s kid” Thursday, Sept. 27, noon, at
Ascension Catholic School Food Fair
The Ascension Catholic School Food Festival will be held Sunday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m., at Ascension Catholic High School, 618 Iberville St., Donaldsonville. There will be food, kid’s games, crafts, and silent and live auctions. For information call Ascension Catholic High School at 225-473-9227.
40 Days for Life Baton Rouge
Two meetings are planned for the upcoming 40 Days for Life Campaign. A planning meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6:30-8
Jambalaya Benefit Dinner
The Friends of St. Francis Xavier School will sponsor a jambalaya dinner on Saturday, Aug. 25, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Bet-R- Grocery Store, at the foot of the Perkins Road overpass in Baton Rouge. Donations are $8 per plate. Proceeds benefit St. Francis Xavier School. For information contact the St. Francis Xavier School office at 225-387-6639.
Married Couples Retreat
A Willwoods married couples retreat, “What God Has Joined,” will be held
Charismatic Day of Renewal
Anne Trufant, founder of Hosanna House, owner and director of Camp Kahdalea for girls and boys, and co-founder of Change Lives Now, will speak at an annual Day of Renewal, sponsored by the Charismatic Renewal Office of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the Our Lady of Mercy Church Parish Activity Center, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. For information call the Diocese of Baton Rouge Office of Charismatic Renewal at 225-346-8873.
Mass for Arthritis Sufferers
St. Gerard Majella Church, 5354 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, will hold a special Mass at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1, to mark the feast day of St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorist Order and patron saint of arthritis sufferers. After Mass, individual blessings will be offered to those who suffer with arthritis. For more information call the church office at 225-355-3553.
Prisoner Family Support Group
Heart of Prisoners Family Support
Mass in French
The 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, July 14 at St. Joseph Cathedral, at the corner of Fourth and Main streets in Baton Rouge, will be celebrated in French in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the L’Assemblee Francais and Bastille Day. The members of L’Assemblee Francais, a French cultural society, dedicate themselves to the appreciation and promotion of the French language and culture.
Vocation Symposium
Patricia Welther, a member of St. Thomas
Mass for Healing
Father Henry Gautreau will celebrate a healing Mass on Friday, July 13, 7 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Church, 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs. Following Mass, attendees will have a chance for individual prayer. The Charismatic prayer group at Immaculate Conception is sponsoring the event. For information call the diocesan Charismatic Renewal Office at 225-346-9973.
DCCW Getaway
Spend an afternoon of rejuvenation at a Summer High Tea Getaway, sponsored by the Baton Rouge Diocesan Council