Father Jonathan Morris, director of the Catholic Channel on Sirus XM Radio and well-known network news commentator, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Journey of Hope luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in downtown Jackson. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to speak with Father Morris at a meet and greet event the evening before.
Journey of Hope is one of the main fund-raising events for Catholic Charities, supporting the childrens’ programs. “We look forward to having Father Morris remind us at the Journey of Hope luncheon of what the Gospel of Jesus, particularly as expressed through Catholic social teaching, calls us to do to promote justice for our brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Father Ricardo Phipps, newly-appointed director of Catholic Charities.
“We affirm our own human dignity as well as the dignity of others when we respond to God’s call to help others and respond to their needs. That is what makes us a human family, that we respond to others’ needs. Father Jonathan offers a fresh perspective on reaching out to the underprivileged and underserved, a reminder that Catholic Charities and our supporters need so that we can continue to reach for even greater ways of serving,” he added.
Bryan Shaver, longtime supporter of Catholic Charities and vice president for sales at Insurance Consulting Group, Inc., invited Father Morris and is sponsoring the meet and greet. “I invited Father Jonathan because I listen to him every day on Sirius XM Radio Channel 129.  Whether it’s the resignation of the Pope or some other major story, Father Jonathan always shares where the Catholic Church stands on current events,” said Shaver.
“I find that he represents a voice of reason and faith. He is someone who can navigate the spin-doctors and help us find truth while being one of the most gracious talk radio hosts,” added Shaver.
Father Morris has more than one claim to fame. He was a theological advisor on the 2002 film “The Passion of the Christ,” and has appeared on Fox News, MSNBC and other networks where he gives a Catholic perspective on current events. He has written a number of books and serves as the assistant to Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Father Morris is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, but a diehard Michigan Wolverine fan. He lives in New York City where he serves in campus ministry at Columbia University.
“We are privileged to have Father Morris as a speaker. We look forward to his perspective on Catholic social teaching and how we reflect these teachings in our daily lives,” said Linda Raff, outgoing director of Catholic Charities.
The meet and greet event is set for Monday, Oct. 12, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Old Capitol Inn, downtown Jackson. Tickets are $100 per person.
The Journey of Hope luncheon is the following day, Tuesday, Oct. 13, from noon – 1 p.m. at the Marriott in downtown Jackson. Organizers are looking for table captains for that event, which is free, but requires an invitation. Table captains can invite up to nine of friends to the luncheon to hear Father Morris and to learn more about Catholic Charities. Completed guest lists need to be returned to Catholic Charities by Sept. 10. They can be returned by fax to 601-960-8493 or by mail to 200 N. Congress St. Suite 100, Jackson, MS 39210. Catholic Charities will send the formal invitations needed for entry to each guest.
For additional information, contact Michael Thomas, 601-326-3714, michael.thomas@catholiccharitiesjackson.org or Julie O’Brien, 601-326-3758, julie.obrien@catholiccharitiesjackson.org.