SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

DIOCESE Bishop Kopacz has given his permission to begin the application process for a new cohort of permanent deacons for the Diocese of Jackson. Applicants will only be accepted into the program if there is evidence that the community needs the service of the applicant and is willing to support the applicant through his formation period. The local pastor’s or LEM’s recommendation is also necessary because he will be working closely with the applicant before and after ordination. The applicant’s wife must also give her consent to his participation in the program and later to his ordination. Applications must be completed and submitted to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate no later than July 31, 2021. Details: Deacon John McGregor at john.mcgregor@jacksondiocese.org.
GRAND COTEAU, La. Our Lady of the Oaks, Ladies Annual Retreat, Dec. 2-5 for ladies of the Natchez area. Would you like to grow closer to God? Do you need some time away to listen to Him, to grow, to rest? Experience the natural beauty of oak trees and the beautiful setting of nature. You are invited to join us to rest in the care of the Lord in silence, solitude, deep prayer and reflection. $50 deposit due as soon as possible to hold room as they fill up quickly. Details: Please contact Kot Morris at (601) 334-8339.
MOBILE, Ala. Spring Hill College, Summer Institute of Christian Spiritualty is offering courses that are appropriate with our current world situation. Those interested do not have to be enrolled in their Theology programs to take courses either for credit, audit, or easy listening. They offer both in person and virtual courses, as well as on-campus housing. One of the courses is “Black and Catholic, Faithful and Free” on Sister Thea Bowman and M. Shawn Copeland, on June 14-17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (also available online). Emily Reimer-Barry, Ph.D. is the guest lecturer. It will explore the Black Catholic experience in America, with the goal of recognizing the impact of bias, and fostering genuine-if-imperfect-solidarity in the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Details: Visit the online catalogue at: https://springhill.catalog.instructure.com/browse/sics.

PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS

GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Society of St. Vincent de Paul volunteers are needed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Please come to 711 Washington Avenue if you can help. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
TUPELO St. James, Annual Charity Concert, under Dr. Noel Garcia’s direction, Saturday, August 14, hosted by the Knights of Columbus. This year’s proceeds will go to the Roy Jaeger Into the Breach Scholarship. More information on tickets to come. Details: church office (662) 842-4881.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Adult Religious Education classes will meet each Sunday at 9 a.m. in the small room at the Parish Hall. All guidelines will be followed as well as the wearing of masks. Details: church office (662) 746-1680.

YOUTH BRIEFS
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Vacation Bible School, “Treasured: Discovering You’re Priceless to God” June 28 – July 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for those entering Pre-K4 through 6th grade. All VBS t-shirt orders must be paid in advance. Details: To sign up, call the church office at (662) 624-4301 or register online.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, if you have a child or know a child who would like to participate in St. Francis Boy Scouts Troop 716, please contact the Scout Master David Ellis at ellisd3.de@gmail.com.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, CYO (9-12 grades) meets Wednesday, May 19 for “Be Still” from 6-7 p.m. in the youth wing of the Family Life Center. Tacos, burritos, and waters will be provided. Attending students receive service hours. Please bring your cell phone and wear face masks. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, June 21-24, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Open to children ages five through fourth grade. Details: Deacon Jeff Artigues at deaconjeff@stjosephstarkville.org or (662) 323-2257.
TUPELO St. James, Vacation Bible School, June 7–11, 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Catholic Life Center. Help is needed in a variety of ways: group leaders, decorators the week before, monitors for certain activities, and extra help as needed. Teen volunteers need to fill out a registration form and adults should call Lora Beth Barrett. Healthy food snacks (individually wrapped items only). We also need donations of decorating and craft supplies (A detailed list of these items will be provided later. Bring items to the CLC kitchen or parish office. Registration and volunteer sign-up forms are available at the church office, in the CLC foyers, and online at https://www.saint-james.net. Children must be registered by May 16 in order to receive a free t-shirt. Details: Lora Beth Barrett at (662) 213-7959 or lorabethb@gmail.com.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Vacation Bible School tentatively scheduled for June 4-6. Details: contact Babs McMaster if you would like to help at the church office (662) 746-1680