Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge
Encyclopedia
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, officially in Latin Dioecesis Rubribaculensis, is a Latin Rite diocese
of the Roman Catholic Church
in Baton Rouge
, Louisiana
. It is a suffragan
of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
.
The diocese consists of 68 parishes, 2 ethnic apostolates, and 2 University chapels. Its territory comprises an area of 5513 square miles (14,278.6 km²), being composed of twelve civil parishes in south central Louisiana: Ascension
, Assumption
, East Baton Rouge
, East Feliciana
, Iberville
, Livingston
, Pointe Coupée
, Tangipahoa
, St. Helena
, St. James, West Baton Rouge
and West Feliciana
.
The current bishop is the Most Rev. Robert William Muench
. There are 109 total priests in the Diocese, 60 deacons, 10 religious brothers, and 121 female religious. The Catholic population is 215,298 out of a total population of 884,650 (24.3% of the population).
State Capitol building. As permanent settlements were established in the Louisiana colony, churches were erected: the first permanent church in the region was St. Francis Chapel of Pointe Coupée, built in 1728 and still standing. Parishes were established at St. James in 1767, at St. Gabriel in 1769, at Donaldsonville in 1772, at Baton Rouge in 1792, and at Plattenville in 1793.
In 1793, the Diocese of New Orleans was established, but an acute shortage of clergy
remained a problem for many, many years. The settlement of Baton Rouge was fortunate in that a resident priest was stationed at Our Lady of Sorrows (later St. Joseph) Parish for most of its first century. Many difficulties were encountered during the 1800s, including not only the universal problems of disease, Civil War and Reconstruction, but also sometimes violent ecclesiastical disputes over the legal authority of parochial "trustees." Still, the faith prospered and the institutional Church grew along with it, with Catholic houses of worship and education established during this time throughout the area.
The first half of the 20th century saw unprecedented growth: the rise of the City of Baton Rouge in industrial, political, and social importance meant a large population increase. The Church in the metropolitan area grew from one Parish in 1900 to nine by 1950 and to fifteen by 1960. In the larger, rural areas of the Diocese, Parishes gradually developed from "mission" chapels as resident priests began to be available.
On July 20, 1961, Blessed Pope John XXIII
established the Diocese of Baton Rouge, separating it from the territory of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Holy Father named St. Joseph Church in the See city, built in 1853-1855 and renovated many times since, to be the new diocese's Cathedral. A census conducted in the very first year of the diocese's operation revealed its membership then as being 164,476 Catholics (out of the total of 464,904 people reported by the U.S. Census Bureau that year).
The first Bishop of Baton Rouge, Robert E. Tracy
of New Orleans, Louisiana
, energetically organized the Diocese in the spirit of Vatican Council II, of which he was a proud participant. The Church of Baton Rouge became a model for other Dioceses in establishing its post-Conciliar administrative structure and consultative process as its pastoral growth continued unabated. A younger-than-average presbyterate proved to be an enormous asset in providing unified pastoral leadership to the local Church in its formative period. Particular emphasis was placed upon liturgical renewal and modern catechetical efforts during this time.
In 1974, Joseph V. Sullivan of Kansas City, Missouri
, became Baton Rouge's second bishop. His concern for Catholic education and for a more traditional approach to Catholic doctrine and practice marked his episcopal ministry in the Diocese. He was a prominent advocate of the "Pro-Life Movement," and frequently restated the opposition of the Church to abortion, euthanasia, and related evils.
In 1983 one of the original priests of the Diocese, Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott, was named the third Bishop of Baton Rouge. Under his leadership, the local Church devoted itself to a widespread effort at evangelization and spiritual renewal. He called for the laity of the Diocese, especially, to take new initiatives to renew their faith and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. A comprehensive program urging financial, ministerial, and spiritual stewardship was begun and for this the Church of Baton Rouge again became a model for other dioceses in North America. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was put in place as a model for evangelization and catechetics. Ecumenical efforts were significant, resulting in notable efforts at interfaith sharing of prayer and some limited ministry. In 1991, however, Bishop Ott was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer. Yet over the next 18 months, he gave eloquent witness to Gospel values by his manner of ministry, life, and dying. He became a source and focus of unity and grace to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
In November 1993 Bishop Alfred C. Hughes of Boston, Massachusetts, was installed as Baton Rouge's fourth bishop. He continued to emphasize spiritual growth for the Catholic people of the diocese, especially by active social justice programs and deeper doctrinal formation in accord with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He called courageously for fidelity to the Church and to her teachings in confronting the secularism of the modern world. He re-organized diocesan programs of vocations-recruitment and began a comprehensive process designed to cope with declining numbers of ordained ministers in local parishes. A major capital fundraising campaign, designed to achieve certain specific objectives and focus attention on the need for the Church to face the future with confidence and faith, was overwhelmingly successful. In February 2001 Bishop Hughes was transferred to New Orleans to be its Coadjutor Archbishop, eventually becoming the Metropolitan Archbishop there in January 2002.
of Covington, Kentucky
, to the See of Baton Rouge was announced. Bishop Muench, who grew up in Louisiana and served for 28 years as a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, was installed on March 14, 2002, as the fifth bishop of Baton Rouge.
Since the day he was installed, Bishop Muench has paid special attention to the Church's ministry to young people. In addition to his presiding over the parish celebrations of the sacrament of confirmation whenever possible, he has appointed chaplains at all eight Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He regularly visits each high school, spending the day in conversation - invariably with his infectious laughter! - with the students and faculty on campus. He has insisted that the Diocese of Baton Rouge remain a leader in the effort to end the evil of child abuse and provide a safe environment for all children and young people, especially within the structures of the Church. He has taken special interest in providing additional opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Catholic high schools and in promoting vocations to the diocesan priesthood. He serves on the Boards of Trustees of both Notre Dame Seminary
in New Orleans and St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana.
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
of the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
. It is a suffragan
Suffragan bishop
A suffragan bishop is a bishop subordinate to a metropolitan bishop or diocesan bishop. He or she may be assigned to an area which does not have a cathedral of its own.-Anglican Communion:...
of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, officially in Latin Archidioecesis Novae Aureliae, is an ecclesiastical division of the Roman Catholic Church administered from New Orleans, Louisiana...
.
The diocese consists of 68 parishes, 2 ethnic apostolates, and 2 University chapels. Its territory comprises an area of 5513 square miles (14,278.6 km²), being composed of twelve civil parishes in south central Louisiana: Ascension
Ascension Parish, Louisiana
Ascension Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the fastest growing parish in the state. Its population is 107,215 which is 39.9% greater than the 2000 census...
, Assumption
Assumption Parish, Louisiana
Assumption Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana, and was formed in 1807 as an original parish of the Louisiana Territory. Its parish seat is Napoleonville. In 2000, its population was 23,388. Assumption is one of the 22 Acadiana parishes. Its major product is sugarcane...
, East Baton Rouge
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
East Baton Rouge Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Baton Rouge, Louisiana's state capital. As of the 2010 census, the population was 440,171. The parish has a total area of , of which is land and is water. It is the most populous parish in the state...
, East Feliciana
East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
East Feliciana Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Clinton. In 2000, the population was 21,360.East Feliciana Parish is part of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Baton Rouge–Pierre Part Combined Statistical...
, Iberville
Iberville Parish, Louisiana
Iberville Parish is a parish located south of Baton Rouge in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its seat is Plaquemine. The 2010 population of the parish was 33,387....
, Livingston
Livingston Parish, Louisiana
Livingston Parish Is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its parish seat is Livingston. As of 2010, its population was 128,026....
, Pointe Coupée
Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana
Pointe Coupee Parish, pronounced "Pwent Koo-Pay" and , is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is New Roads. As of 2000, the population was 22,763....
, Tangipahoa
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Tangipahoa Parish is a parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana, one of the Florida Parishes. The parish seat is Amite City, but the major city is Hammond. As of 2006, the population was 113,137...
, St. Helena
St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
St. Helena Parish is a parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. Its seat is Greensburg. As of 2000, its population was 10,525.St. Helena Parish is part of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Baton Rouge–Pierre Part Combined Statistical Area.-History:For the past...
, St. James, West Baton Rouge
West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
West Baton Rouge Parish is one of the sixty-four parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana, and is the smallest in total area. The parish seat is Port Allen and as of 2010, the population was 23,788. The parish has a highly-rated school system and is one of the few in Louisiana that has privatized...
and West Feliciana
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 15,111 people, 3,645 households, and 2,704 families residing in the parish. The population density was 37 people per square mile . There were 4,485 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile...
.
The current bishop is the Most Rev. Robert William Muench
Robert William Muench
Robert William Muench is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the fifth and current Bishop of Baton Rouge, having previously served as Bishop of Covington from 1996 to 2002.-Early life and education:...
. There are 109 total priests in the Diocese, 60 deacons, 10 religious brothers, and 121 female religious. The Catholic population is 215,298 out of a total population of 884,650 (24.3% of the population).
Bishops
- Robert Emmet TracyRobert Emmet TracyRobert Emmet Tracy was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Baton Rouge from 1961 to 1974.-Biography:...
(1961 - 1974) - Joseph Vincent SullivanJoseph Vincent SullivanJoseph Vincent Sullivan was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Baton Rouge from 1974 until his death in 1982.-Biography:...
(1974 - 1982) - Stanley Joseph OttStanley Joseph OttStanley Joseph Ott, S.T.D., was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Baton Rouge from 1983 until his death in 1992...
(1983 - 1992) - Alfred Clifton HughesAlfred Clifton HughesAlfred Clifton Hughes is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the 13th Archbishop of New Orleans, having previously served as Bishop of Baton Rouge from 1993 to 2002. On June 12, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Gregory M...
(1993 - 2001) - Robert William MuenchRobert William MuenchRobert William Muench is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the fifth and current Bishop of Baton Rouge, having previously served as Bishop of Covington from 1996 to 2002.-Early life and education:...
(2002 - present)
Diocesan History
The Christian history of the Diocese of Baton Rouge began with little-known but heroic efforts of French missionaries among the native American peoples of the area. In particular, French Jesuits and Capuchin Franciscans were responsible for the preaching of the Gospel along the Mississippi River during the first half of the 18th century: it is recorded that Père Pierre Charlevoix, S.J., celebrated the first Eucharist in Baton Rouge on New Year's Day, 1722, on the present site of the LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
State Capitol building. As permanent settlements were established in the Louisiana colony, churches were erected: the first permanent church in the region was St. Francis Chapel of Pointe Coupée, built in 1728 and still standing. Parishes were established at St. James in 1767, at St. Gabriel in 1769, at Donaldsonville in 1772, at Baton Rouge in 1792, and at Plattenville in 1793.
In 1793, the Diocese of New Orleans was established, but an acute shortage of clergy
Priest shortage
A priest shortage is the situation of a reduced number of priests in religions, especially the Roman Catholic Church.In 2008, 49,631 parishes in the world had no resident priest pastor. While the number of Catholics in the world nearly doubled between 1970 and 2008, growing from 653 Million to...
remained a problem for many, many years. The settlement of Baton Rouge was fortunate in that a resident priest was stationed at Our Lady of Sorrows (later St. Joseph) Parish for most of its first century. Many difficulties were encountered during the 1800s, including not only the universal problems of disease, Civil War and Reconstruction, but also sometimes violent ecclesiastical disputes over the legal authority of parochial "trustees." Still, the faith prospered and the institutional Church grew along with it, with Catholic houses of worship and education established during this time throughout the area.
The first half of the 20th century saw unprecedented growth: the rise of the City of Baton Rouge in industrial, political, and social importance meant a large population increase. The Church in the metropolitan area grew from one Parish in 1900 to nine by 1950 and to fifteen by 1960. In the larger, rural areas of the Diocese, Parishes gradually developed from "mission" chapels as resident priests began to be available.
On July 20, 1961, Blessed Pope John XXIII
Pope John XXIII
-Papal election:Following the death of Pope Pius XII in 1958, Roncalli was elected Pope, to his great surprise. He had even arrived in the Vatican with a return train ticket to Venice. Many had considered Giovanni Battista Montini, Archbishop of Milan, a possible candidate, but, although archbishop...
established the Diocese of Baton Rouge, separating it from the territory of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Holy Father named St. Joseph Church in the See city, built in 1853-1855 and renovated many times since, to be the new diocese's Cathedral. A census conducted in the very first year of the diocese's operation revealed its membership then as being 164,476 Catholics (out of the total of 464,904 people reported by the U.S. Census Bureau that year).
The first Bishop of Baton Rouge, Robert E. Tracy
Robert Emmet Tracy
Robert Emmet Tracy was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Baton Rouge from 1961 to 1974.-Biography:...
of New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, energetically organized the Diocese in the spirit of Vatican Council II, of which he was a proud participant. The Church of Baton Rouge became a model for other Dioceses in establishing its post-Conciliar administrative structure and consultative process as its pastoral growth continued unabated. A younger-than-average presbyterate proved to be an enormous asset in providing unified pastoral leadership to the local Church in its formative period. Particular emphasis was placed upon liturgical renewal and modern catechetical efforts during this time.
In 1974, Joseph V. Sullivan of Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
, became Baton Rouge's second bishop. His concern for Catholic education and for a more traditional approach to Catholic doctrine and practice marked his episcopal ministry in the Diocese. He was a prominent advocate of the "Pro-Life Movement," and frequently restated the opposition of the Church to abortion, euthanasia, and related evils.
In 1983 one of the original priests of the Diocese, Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott, was named the third Bishop of Baton Rouge. Under his leadership, the local Church devoted itself to a widespread effort at evangelization and spiritual renewal. He called for the laity of the Diocese, especially, to take new initiatives to renew their faith and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. A comprehensive program urging financial, ministerial, and spiritual stewardship was begun and for this the Church of Baton Rouge again became a model for other dioceses in North America. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was put in place as a model for evangelization and catechetics. Ecumenical efforts were significant, resulting in notable efforts at interfaith sharing of prayer and some limited ministry. In 1991, however, Bishop Ott was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer. Yet over the next 18 months, he gave eloquent witness to Gospel values by his manner of ministry, life, and dying. He became a source and focus of unity and grace to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
In November 1993 Bishop Alfred C. Hughes of Boston, Massachusetts, was installed as Baton Rouge's fourth bishop. He continued to emphasize spiritual growth for the Catholic people of the diocese, especially by active social justice programs and deeper doctrinal formation in accord with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He called courageously for fidelity to the Church and to her teachings in confronting the secularism of the modern world. He re-organized diocesan programs of vocations-recruitment and began a comprehensive process designed to cope with declining numbers of ordained ministers in local parishes. A major capital fundraising campaign, designed to achieve certain specific objectives and focus attention on the need for the Church to face the future with confidence and faith, was overwhelmingly successful. In February 2001 Bishop Hughes was transferred to New Orleans to be its Coadjutor Archbishop, eventually becoming the Metropolitan Archbishop there in January 2002.
Present Bishop
On December 15, 2001, the transfer of Bishop Robert William MuenchRobert William Muench
Robert William Muench is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the fifth and current Bishop of Baton Rouge, having previously served as Bishop of Covington from 1996 to 2002.-Early life and education:...
of Covington, Kentucky
Covington, Kentucky
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 43,370 people, 18,257 households, and 10,132 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,301.3 people per square mile . There were 20,448 housing units at an average density of 1,556.5 per square mile...
, to the See of Baton Rouge was announced. Bishop Muench, who grew up in Louisiana and served for 28 years as a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, was installed on March 14, 2002, as the fifth bishop of Baton Rouge.
Since the day he was installed, Bishop Muench has paid special attention to the Church's ministry to young people. In addition to his presiding over the parish celebrations of the sacrament of confirmation whenever possible, he has appointed chaplains at all eight Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He regularly visits each high school, spending the day in conversation - invariably with his infectious laughter! - with the students and faculty on campus. He has insisted that the Diocese of Baton Rouge remain a leader in the effort to end the evil of child abuse and provide a safe environment for all children and young people, especially within the structures of the Church. He has taken special interest in providing additional opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Catholic high schools and in promoting vocations to the diocesan priesthood. He serves on the Boards of Trustees of both Notre Dame Seminary
Notre Dame Seminary
Notre Dame Seminary is a resident, accredited graduate theological school in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1923 for the education of men to be priests of the Roman Catholic Church. The building, located at 2901 South Carrollton Avenue, was constructed between 1922-1923, and was designed by...
in New Orleans and St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana.
High schools
- Ascension Catholic High SchoolAscension Catholic High SchoolAscension Catholic High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. It is the oldest Catholic school in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge-Background:Ascension Catholic was established in 1845 as St...
, Donaldsonville - Catholic High School, Baton Rouge
- Catholic High School of Pointe CoupeeCatholic High School of Pointe CoupeeCatholic High School of Pointe Coupee is a Catholic Interparochial school in New Roads, Louisiana. It was founded in 1904 by the Sisters of St. Joseph who were commissioned to bring Catholic education to Pointe Coupee Parish.-History:...
, New Roads - Redemptorist High SchoolRedemptorist High SchoolRedemptorist Upper School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is located in north Baton Rouge, under the remit of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.-Background:...
, Baton Rouge - St. John High SchoolSt. John High School (Plaquemine, Louisiana)St. John The Evangelist High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Plaquemine, Louisiana. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.-History:...
, Plaquemine - St. Joseph's AcademySt. Joseph's Academy (Baton Rouge)St. Joseph's Academy is an all-girls Catholic school established in 1868 by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille. It is located on a live oak shaded campus in Mid-City Baton Rouge, Louisiana, within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.SJA has been recognized three times...
, Baton Rouge - St. Michael the Archangel High SchoolSt. Michael the Archangel High SchoolSt. Michael the Archangel High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in unincorporated East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States, east of the city of Baton Rouge. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.-Background:...
, Baton Rouge - Saint Thomas Aquinas High SchoolSaint Thomas Aquinas High School (Hammond, Louisiana)Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Hammond, Louisiana. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge....
, Hammond