SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Woman in the World of Jesus, September 5-6. This retreat will offer an opportunity to focus on the Gospel passages that describe Jesus’ interaction with women. These passages can offer us new insight and appreciation of his generous and inclusive behavior in recognizing their contribution to his mission. Retreat Director: Sister Marian Davis, OSB, Ph.D. This is a one-night retreat. An additional night of retreat is available for those who wis. Cost: Private room $145; shared room $110 per person. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
BROOKSVILLE, The Dwelling Place, Thomas Merton, Spiritual Writer and Contemplative, August 10-11, begins with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Donation: $100. Presenter: Ed Thebaud, a passionate admirer and scholar of Merton. He is a member of the International Thomas Merton Society. During this retreat, we will look at Merton’s historical life and conversion to Christianity. We will also look into essays that Merton wrote for the laity on solitude and contemplation. Coupled with these discussions will be some practical discussion on these sometimes thick subjects. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email at dwellpl@gmail.com.
GREENWOOD, Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, Grace for the Journey Training for Caregivers, Sunday, July 29 at 2 p.m. This training is for family, friends, clergy or employees who take care of people suffering from any illness or injury. Presenters: Catherine Kidd and Charlene Gressett. There is no cost to attend. Details: (662) 299-1232.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY, St. Helen, Book Discussion Group will discuss The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood at the parish hall, Monday, August 13, at noon. Everyone is invited. Details church office (662) 256-8392.
COLUMBUS, Annunciation Sit and Sew Circle, Third Wednesday of each month (next one is August 15) directly after the 8 a.m. Mass in the activity center. Bring your own project to work on from sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, etc. An extra sewing machine will be available if someone needs it. Bring your sack lunch and enjoy the fellowship. Details: Brenda Edwards at the church office (662) 328-2927.
GLUCKSTADT, St. Joseph, Save the Date, GermanFest, Sunday, September 30, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
HOLLY SPRINGS, “Hands-ON + Hearts-IN” provides week-long discernment experiences for women who are considering life as a Catholic Sister on the following dates: August 22-25 and September 10-14. The only cost to attend is the travel to and from the workshop and travel assistance can be provided. Jointed hosted by the Sisters of the Living Word, the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association and Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Applicants must register one full month prior to the start of a specific program. Details: Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW, (847)-577-5972 ext. 233 (office), (601) 291-6738 (cell) or sglumb@slw.org.
JACKSON, St. Richard, Diocesan New Testament course, Tuesdays, beginning August 21 and continuing until Tuesday, September 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. in the Chichester Room. Facilitator: Mary Louise Jones. Reading the New Testament by Pheme Perkins; Paulist Press, Third Edition. It will focus on the four gospels and Paul’s Letters. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
NATCHEZ, St. Mary Basilica, Parish Blood Drive, O’Connor Family Life Center, Tuesday, July 31, 12:30 – 6 p.m. Details: Regina Mardis (601) 445-5616 or schedule your online appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org (Sponsor code: stmarynatchez).

YOUTH BRIEFS

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Movie Matinee, Sunday, August 12 at 2 p.m. in the Parish Center. Popcorn, nachos, candy and drinks will be provided. Volunteers to help with refreshments would be appreciated. Friends are welcome. Details: Jenifer Jenkins at (662) 402-7050.
COLUMBUS, Annunciation, CYO Kick-Off Pool Party, Sunday, August 19 at 4 p.m. at Father Jeffrey Waldrep’s house, 811 3rd Street. Details: contact Leslie at (541) 868-4944.
MADISON, St. Joseph Catholic School community is hosting a Blood Drive in support of Finn Blaylock on Thursday, August 2 from 2-7 p.m. in the St. Joe Cafeteria. Finn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the beginning of the summer. He is the six-year-old son of Ron and Lindsay Blaylock and is a student at St. Richard Catholic School. His sister Susanna is a sixth grader at St. Richard; his brothers, Declan, an eighth grader, and Gabe, a senior, are students at St. Joe. Please help us support this family of our school and Church community by visiting the St. Joe website to register www.stjoebruins.com. Details: Tricia Harris (601) 898-4800.

CORRECTIONS
In our annual report published last week, we accidentally omitted Religious Sisters living and working in the Diocese of Jackson. We deeply regret the error and honor the Sisters for all the work they do.
2016/2017 Stats: Sisters: 122 (includes 53 in residence at St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa)