In anticipation of the approach of Hurricane Ida, the faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass this weekend, August 28-29, 2021. The entirety of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is under a hurricane warning with conditions expected to deteriorate beginning Saturday afternoon. Due to the possibility of damaging winds and significant rainfall, all Masses and church activities will be cancelled Sunday to protect the safety of our parishioners. Pastors of parishes may still celebrate a Saturday Vigil Mass at their discretion unless their parish is under a mandatory evacuation order.
Additionally, the Catholic Life Center campus and all Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge will be closed on Monday, August 30. Any further news about closures will be announced as needed after the storm makes landfall. This weekend, please pray asking the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor for safety during the storm and steadfast hope after it passes. Please be safe!
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us!
+Michael G. Duca
Bishop of Baton Rouge
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In addition to the Sunday Masses being cancelled, St. Joseph Cathedral is cancelling the Saturday 4 pm Vigil in an abundance of caution, as bad weather is expected as early as Saturday evening.
Know that the candle we lit earlier still burns with the stated intention of our safety and well-being as the storm passes.
Every effort will be made to provide you with parish related information throughout the duration. The parish office, like all Diocesan organizations, will be closed Monday.
Many parishes are having a Vigil mass tomorrow. You can check websites of area churches to find out for certain. St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church in Baton Rouge will be live streaming the 4 pm Mass tomorrow for those who would rather stay in.
You can pray with that community by accessing the St. Jean Vianney Facebook page St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church or the website.
Let us join our Bishop, Fr. Cary Bani and the rest of the diocese in prayer .."asking the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor for safety during the storm and steadfast hope after it passes. Please be safe!"