By Maureen Smith
FLOWOOD – The Diocese of Jackson hosted the first Seminarian Education Challenge Mass and brunch at St. Paul Parish Saturday, Sept. 9. Dozens of people from the Jackson area attended to pray for diocesan seminarians and donate toward their education.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz used the feast of the day, St. Peter Claver, to speak about the priesthood and the value of evangelization.
Father José de Jesús Sánchez, vocation promoter, spoke about the importance of local vocations. “I look forward to the day when you tell me to go back to Mexico, because you don’t need me anymore,” he joked.
Father Brian Kaskie, director of seminarians and Mississippi native, spoke about his job and the challenge of educating future priests.
While the Knights of Columbus and their families served a three course gourmet brunch, Deacon Aaron Williams spoke about his vocational journey and how much the Mass has meant to him from the time he was a child. Deacon Nick Adam explained the Catholic Extension Seminarian Challenege. If the Diocese of Jackson can raise $100,000 by the end of the year, Extension will offer $25,000 in grant money to be used for seminary education.
Both deacons are set to be ordained to the priesthood next spring.
There are more brunches on the calendar for those who wish to contribute. The next, at Oxford St. John Parish is set for Saturday, Nov 4. Mass starts at 9 a.m., brunch follows.
Those who cannot attend a brunch can still donate. To RSVP or donate, please contact Pam McFarland at 601.960.8479 or email pam.mcfarland@jacksondiocese.org.