Diocesan staff are continuing to prepare for the Consecration of the Diocese of Jackson to the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. The celebration will mark the centennial of Mary’s appearances at Fatima and support the process of integrating the new Pastoral Priorities at the parishes across the diocese. In the Office of Communications, staff members are packing up prayers cards to distribute to all the parishes. The bishop has asked pastors to use the pastoral priority prayer in their parishes as they work on the priorities. Each parish will get a packet, some hand-delivered, others through the mail, to use in the effort. Those who wish to get more cards or Pastoral Priority workbooks can contact Maureen Smith at 601-969-3581 or maureen.smith@jacksondiocese.org. All are welcome to the celebrations of the consecration. The prayer to be used, along with resources for individuals, are posted in
all stories about the consecration at www. mississippicatholic.com. Public Celebrations: Saturday, October 7 – 10:30 a.m.: Rosary at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and in parishes or areas throughout diocese. The Bishop asks parishes in the tri-county area around Jackson to send parishioners who want to participate to the Cathedral. Sunday, October 8 – 2:30 p.m.: Mass of Consecration with Marian procession including representatives from all parishes. All are welcome. Oct. 14-15: All Masses and Sunday Celebrations: Parishes, families, individuals are invited to consecrate themselves to the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary on the local level. A brochure for families and individuals will be sent out along with general intercessions and parish Prayer of Consecration with instructions for the Oct. 14-15 local celebrations.

JACKSON – Maureen Smith, director of Communications for the diocese and Melisa Munoz, Mississippi Catholic contributor, organize Pastoral Priorities prayer cards for distribution from the chancery offices. (Photo by Tereza Ma)