Author Archives: Joseph Kopacz

Waters of faith

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Editor’s note: Below is the homily Bishop Kopacz delivered at the Red Mass celebrated on Sept. 11, 2022, at St. John, Oxford.

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

After the Israelites escaped from the Egyptians through the Red Sea, they quickly realized that they had to have water to survive in the desert. These critical moments are recounted in Exodus, chapters 15 and 17.
First, they came to Marah but could not drink the water because it was bitter, or was it turgid? And so, the Israelites said to Moses, “Got Water?” God directed Moses to throw a tree into the water and it became sweet. Maybe in Jackson we haven’t tried all of our options. Maybe a few good Magnolia trees properly placed in the water treatment facility are the answer. But I digress.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

A few chapters later the Israelites received the gift of the ten commandments – the first of these as the cornerstone. “I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me.” Or I will punish the iniquity of the Fathers to the third and fourth generation upon those who hate me but show mercy to the thousandth generation to those who love me and keep my commandments. This is the foundation of the Covenant that God formed with the Israelites through Moses as described in the 20th chapter of Exodus.

For the next 12 chapters, Moses the great lawgiver was given numerous laws that concerned the sabbath and slaves, violence and harm, restitution, social and religious laws. This was a long process, and the people lost patience after Moses was gone too long, and they demanded of his brother, Aaron, that they go down a different road, violating the first commandment.

The Golden Calf was a major setback. Aaron’s inability to remain resolute against the hardheartedness of the Israelites was a costly act of infidelity. But in that critical conversation that we heard in the first reading, Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites and called upon God to remember his just mercy to the 1000th generation, the source and summit of all the commandments and laws. Moses went on to rebuke his brother Aaron and called him and the Israelites to repentance, and to stand with God. Those who did went on to live and go forward as the chosen people.

The mercy of God at work with the Israelites for numerous generations came to fulfillment in Jesus Christ on the Cross. The words of Jesus in today’s Gospel which stretch our spiritual imagination and our human instincts, can only be grasped from his words and actions from the Cross.

St. Luke, the dear and glorious physician in his former life, knew that the only remedy for humanity’s sick soul and incurable wounds, was God’s merciful love. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” and to the repentant thief, “from this day forward you will be with me in paradise.”

The Cross is universal, offering equal access to God’s just mercy through faith. The Mass is our celebration of the New Covenant in God’s mercy as we recall and proclaim the Lord’s own words; “do this in memory of me.” The sacrament of reconciliation is the extraordinary way that we encounter God’s merciful love in the manner of the prodigal son.

Faithful to the tradition of law developed by the Israelites in the Covenant at Mount Sinai the church understands its extensive Canon Law developed for nearly 2000 years to be in the service of justice arising from God’s abundant mercy in the blood of the New Covenant on the Cross.

As we gather this morning, mindful of and grateful for so many professionals whose lives revolve around the law of the land, know that our church has the utmost respect for all just laws and is committed to be a voice for justice, mercy and peace in our country. We take seriously the First Amendment, our nation’s foundation, in the fullest sense. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

What we do in this church, and in all of our houses of worship, is the soul for all of our ministries in education and advocacy, in health care and social services.

Our prayer is the springboard for our commitment to realize our nation’s ideals of greater liberty and justice for all, based on the dignity of the human person, made in the image and likeness of God with an eternal destiny. The church must be aware of being too political, but we will always be a voice in the public square where we remain steadfast over the free exercise of the fullness of religion. In this very moment the church is advocating on behalf of just laws on behalf of the common good. Examples follow.
In collaboration with others, we have written an extensive letter to the Department of Health and Human Services on pending legislation regarding Access to Health Care:

“Ensuring access to health coverage and health care, and removing barriers to these, is without question a laudable goal. “Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help in the attainment of living conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity … [which includes] health care. …” Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2288.

The U.S. Catholic bishops have advocated longstanding moral principles in discerning health care policy: respect for life and dignity, access to all, honoring conscience rights, true affordability, and comprehensive and high quality…

Unfortunately, the proposed regulations go beyond access to care by suggesting that health care providers must provide, and that health plans must cover, procedures that are not medically indicated, may harm rather than heal, and may violate religious and moral convictions. Especially problematic is the suggestion in the preamble that Health and Human Services might be open to imposing requirements with respect to abortion.

Bishops’ Labor Day Statement: “This Labor Day, let us reflect on how we can build a more just economy by promoting the welfare of working families through both charitable works and through advocacy for improved policies such as expanding the Child Tax Credit and passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Advancing these two policies would have a profound impact on family stability, especially for families who are financially vulnerable. … This is also the first Labor Day since the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade. The ruling is an incredibly significant step towards healing the deep wounds of abortion and protecting all preborn human life. But our aim as Catholics has always been, and remains, to build a society in which abortion is unthinkable. This unique moment necessitates a society and an economy that supports marriages, families, and women; it demands that all of us reach across political aisles and work diligently to reframe social policies in ways that are pro-woman, pro-family, pro-worker and, thus, authentically pro-life.”

Yes, we do have water, the waters of faith and baptism that flowed from the side of the Lord on the Cross. These waters open the fountains of God’s just mercies that renew us to fight the good fight of faith, to finish the race, to keep the faith in this generation and always.

Aguas de fe

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Nota del editor: A continuación, se muestra la homilía que pronunció el obispo Joseph Kopacz en la Misa Roja celebrada el 11 de septiembre de 2022 en St. John, Oxford.

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Después que los israelitas escaparon de los egipcios a través del Mar Rojo, se dieron cuenta rápidamente que debían tener agua para sobrevivir en el desierto. Estos críticos momentos se relatan en Éxodo, capítulos 15 y 17.

Primero, cuando llegaron a Marah no pudieron beber el agua porque estaba muy amarga, o ¿estaba turbia? Y así, los israelitas le dijeron a Moisés: “¿Tienes agua?” Dios ordenó a Moisés que arrojara un árbol al agua y ésta se volvió dulce.

Tal vez, nosotros no hemos probado todas nuestras opciones en Jackson. Tal vez unos buenos árboles de Magnolia, colocados adecuadamente en la planta de tratamiento de agua, sean la respuesta. Pero yo divago.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Unos capítulos más adelante los israelitas recibieron el regalo de los diez mandamientos y el primero de todos ellos como piedra angular. “Yo soy el Señor tu Dios; No tengas otros dioses aparte de mí … porque yo soy el Señor tu Dios, Dios celoso que castiga la maldad de los padres que me odian, en sus hijos, nietos y bisnietos; pero que trato con amor por mil generaciones a los que me aman y cumplen mis mandamientos.” Este es el fundamento del Pacto que Dios formó con los israelitas a través de Moisés tal como se describe en el capítulo 20 de Éxodo.

Durante los 12 capítulos siguientes, Moisés, el gran legislador, recibió numerosas leyes relacionadas con el sábado (sabbath) y los esclavos, la violencia y el daño, la restitución, las leyes sociales y religiosas. Este fue un proceso largo, y el pueblo perdió la paciencia después que Moisés se había ido demasiado tiempo, y le exigieron a su hermano, Aarón, que siguiera por un camino diferente, violando el primer mandamiento.

El Becerro de Oro fue un revés importante. La incapacidad de Aarón para permanecer resuelto contra la dureza de corazón de los israelitas fue un acto de infidelidad costoso. Pero en esa conversación crítica que escuchamos en la primera lectura, Moisés intercedió en favor de los israelitas y llamó a Dios a recordar su justa misericordia a la generación 1000, la fuente y cumbre de todos los mandamientos y leyes.

Moisés pasó a reprender a su hermano Aarón llamando al arrepentimiento y a permanecer con Dios a él y a los israelitas, a todos aquellos que continuaron viviendo y avanzando como el pueblo elegido.
La misericordia de Dios, obrando con los israelitas durante numerosas generaciones, se cumplió en Jesucristo en la Cruz. Las palabras de Jesús en el Evangelio que desafían nuestra imaginación espiritual y nuestros instintos humanos solo pueden captarse de sus palabras y acciones en la Cruz.

San Lucas, el querido y glorioso médico en su vida anterior, sabía que el único remedio para el alma enferma y las heridas incurables de la humanidad era el amor misericordioso de Dios cuando clama “Padre, perdónalos porque no saben lo que hacen,” y al hablarle al ladrón arrepentido, “desde hoy en adelante estarás conmigo en el paraíso.”

La cruz es universal y ofrece acceso equitativo a la justa misericordia de Dios a través de la fe. La Misa es nuestra celebración del Nuevo Pacto en la misericordia de Dios al recordar y proclamar las propias palabras del Señor; “haced esto en memoria mía”. El sacramento de la reconciliación es la forma extraordinaria en la que nos encontramos con el amor misericordioso de Dios a la manera del hijo pródigo.

Fiel a la tradición de la ley desarrollada por los israelitas en la Alianza del Monte Sinaí, la iglesia entiende que su extenso Derecho Canónico desarrollado durante casi 2000 años está al servicio de la justicia que surge de la abundante misericordia de Dios en la sangre de la Nueva Alianza en la Cruz.

Mientras nos reunimos esta mañana, conscientes y agradecidos por tantos profesionales cuyas vidas giran en torno a la ley del país, sepa que nuestra iglesia tiene el mayor respeto por todas las leyes justas y está comprometida a ser una voz por la justicia, la misericordia y la paz en nuestro país. Tomamos muy en serio la Primera Enmienda, la base de nuestra nación, en el sentido más completo. “El Congreso no hará ninguna ley con respecto al establecimiento de una religión, o que prohíba el libre ejercicio de esta.”
Lo que hacemos en esta iglesia, y en todos nuestros lugares de culto, es el alma de todos nuestros ministerios en educación y defensa, atención médica y servicios sociales.

Nuestra oración es el trampolín de nuestro compromiso de realizar los ideales de nuestra nación, de mayor libertad y justicia para todos, basados en la dignidad de la persona humana, hecha a imagen y semejanza de Dios con un destino eterno.

La iglesia debe ser consciente de ser demasiado política, pero siempre seremos una voz en la plaza pública donde nos mantengamos firmes en el libre ejercicio de la plenitud de la religión.

En este mismo momento, la iglesia aboga por leyes justas en nombre del bien común. Los ejemplos siguen:

En colaboración con otros, hemos escrito una extensa carta al Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos sobre la legislación pendiente con respecto al Acceso a la Atención Médica, pidiendo:
“Garantizar el acceso a la cobertura de salud y la atención médica, y eliminar las barreras a estos, es sin duda una meta loable.” “La preocupación por la salud de sus ciudadanos exige que la sociedad coadyuve en el logro de condiciones de vida que les permitan crecer y alcanzar la madurez… lo que incluye, el cuidado de la salud…” Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, n. 2288.

Los obispos católicos de EE. UU. han defendido principios morales de larga data al discernir la política de atención médica: respeto por la vida y la dignidad, acceso a todos, honrar los derechos de conciencia, asequibilidad real y calidad integral y de alta.

Desafortunadamente, las regulaciones propuestas van más allá del acceso a la atención al sugerir que los proveedores de atención médica deben brindar y que los planes de salud deben cubrir, procedimientos que no están médicamente indicados, pueden dañar en lugar de curar y pueden violar las convicciones religiosas y morales.

Especialmente problemática es la sugerencia en el preámbulo de que los Servicios Humanos y de Salud podrían estar abiertos a imponer requisitos con respecto al aborto.

Declaración del Día del Trabajo de los obispos: “…reflexionemos sobre cómo podemos construir una economía más justa al promover el bienestar de las familias trabajadoras a través de obras de caridad y abogando por políticas mejoradas como la expansión del Crédito Tributario por Hijos y la aprobación de la Ley de equidad de las trabajadoras embarazadas.

Avanzar en estas dos políticas tendría un profundo impacto en la estabilidad familiar, especialmente para las familias que son financieramente vulnerables…”

Este es también el primer Día del Trabajo desde que la Corte Suprema anuló Roe v. Wade. El fallo es un paso increíblemente significativo hacia la curación de las heridas profundas del aborto y la protección de toda vida humana antes de nacer. Pero nuestro objetivo como católicos siempre ha sido, y sigue siendo, construir una sociedad en la que el aborto sea impensable. Este momento único requiere una sociedad y una economía que apoye matrimonios, familias y mujeres; exige que todos crucemos los pasillos políticos y trabajemos diligentemente para reformular las políticas sociales de manera que sean pro-mujer, pro-familia, pro-trabajador y por lo tanto, auténticamente pro-vida”.

Sí, tenemos agua, las aguas de la fe y del bautismo que brotaron del costado del Señor en la Cruz. Estas aguas abren las fuentes de las justas misericordias de Dios que nos renuevan para pelear la buena batalla de la fe, para terminar la carrera, para mantener la fe en esta generación y siempre.

Pope’s “penitential pilgrimage” aims to bring healing, hope

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Beginning in the heart of the believer, the Holy Spirit can bring about divine renovation, a new creation on all points on the compass of human relations.

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

The apostolic visit of Pope Francis to Canada during the last week of July was self-described as a “penitential pilgrimage” in the service of forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, hope and new life for the Indigenous Peoples of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples who suffered greatly in the residential schools throughout Canada for nearly a century and a half. What occurred in these schools was government policies with which the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations collaborated.

Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission heard over 7,000 testimonies from former students of residential schools in Canada “that recalled in painful detail the way our language was suppressed, our culture taken from us, our spirituality denigrated and our families torn apart” according to Chief Wilton Littlechild, one of the members of the Commission.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

At the outset of the pilgrimage Pope Francis entered straightforwardly into the caldron of pain that afflicts the memories and the lives of the indigenous today. “The overall effects of the policies linked to the residential schools were catastrophic. What our Christian faith tells us is that this was a disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ … I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the indigenous peoples. Dear brothers and sisters, many of you have stated that begging pardon is not the end of the matter. I fully agree that it is only the first step, the starting point to assist the survivors of the residential schools to experience healing from the traumas they suffered.”

A constant theme throughout his apostolic visits, homilies and addresses was the reconciling power of the Cross and Resurrection, the only power on earth that can bring about lasting healing and hope in the lives of the victims. “In the face of evil, we pray to the Lord of goodness; in the face of death, we pray to the God of life. Our Lord Jesus Christ took a grave which seemed the burial place of every hope and dream, leaving behind only sorrow, pain and resignation, and made it a place of rebirth and resurrection, the beginning of a history of new life and universal reconciliation. Our own efforts are not enough to achieve healing and reconciliation: we need God’s grace. We need the quiet and powerful wisdom of the Spirit, the tender love of the Comforter … to advance together on our journey.”

The Church of the Sacred Heart of the First Peoples designated in 1991 as Canada’s national indigenous parish is also a point of reference for the Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Croatian and Eritrean communities. On this holy site, Pope Francis reflected that the church is the house of reconciliation for everyone, but most words and deeds of reconciliation take place at the local level, in communities like this where individuals and families travel side by side, day by day. To pray together, to help one another, to share life stories, common joys and common struggles: this is what opens the door to the reconciling work of God.

In proposing that reconciliation is local, Pope Francis embodied the Gospel conviction of St. Paul that all believers are ambassadors for Jesus Christ, and therefore, ministers of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5) Beginning in the heart of the believer, the Holy Spirit can bring about divine renovation, a new creation on all points on the compass of human relations. Beyond Canada and reaching out to the ends of the earth, the Synod on Synodality is the dream of Pope Francis for the church and for the world. Whenever and wherever the church can model and live communion, participation and mission, there will be an overflow that could be a fountain of life, light and love for the world.

During the synod process in our diocese, there was a repeated call for greater unity built upon forgiveness, healing, reconciliation and hope. Whether the source of the brokenness was rooted in personal sin, a diminishment in physical or mental, health, the impact of the pandemic or scandals in the church, divorce, drug overdose or despair, as Pope Francis said in the Church of the Sacred Heart of the First Nation, the universal Catholic Church and each parish and ministry are intended to be a house of reconciliation.

May the Holy Spirit awaken in us the heart and mind of the One who draws us out of darkness into the marvelous light of God’s love.

Bishop schedule

Saturday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m. – LIMEX Awards Ceremony, St. James, Tupelo

Sunday, Aug. 28, 10:30 a.m – Confirmation, St. Elizabeth, Clarksdale

Sunday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. – Red Mass, St. John, Oxford

Thursday, Sept. 15 – 40th Annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament, Lake Caroline Golf Club, Madison

Saturday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m. – 75th Anniversary Mass, Sacred Heart School Gymnasium, Southaven

Monday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m. – Catholic Charities Journey of Hope Meet & Greet with David Magee, Sal & Mookies, Jackson

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 12 p.m. – Catholic Charities Journey of Hope Luncheon with David Magee, Jackson Convention Complex

All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.

“Peregrinación Penitencial” y Sínodo sobre Sinodalidad: perdón, sanación, reconciliación y esperanza

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Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
La visita apostólica del Papa Francisco a Canadá, durante la última semana de julio, fue autodescrita como “peregrinación penitencial.” La misma fue dada al servicio del perdón, sanación, reconciliación, esperanza y vida nueva para los Pueblos Indígenas de las Primeras Naciones, Metis y Pueblos Inuit que sufrieron mucho, durante casi un siglo y medio, en las escuelas residenciales de todo Canadá. Lo que ocurrió en estas escuelas fueron políticas gubernamentales con las que, la Iglesia Católica y otras denominaciones cristianas colaboraron.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

La Comisión de la Verdad y Reconciliación de Canadá escuchó más de 7000 testimonios de exalumnos de escuelas residenciales en Canadá “…que recordaron con doloroso detalle la forma en que se suprimió nuestro idioma, se nos arrebató nuestra cultura, se denigro nuestra espiritualidad y se desgarraron nuestras familias,” según el jefe Wilton Littlechild, uno de los miembros de la Comisión.

Al inicio de la peregrinación, el Papa Francisco entró de lleno en la caldera de dolor que aflige hoy la memoria y la vida de los indígenas. “Los efectos generales de las políticas vinculadas a las escuelas residenciales fueron catastróficos. Nuestra fe cristiana nos dice que esto fue un error nefasto, incompatible con el Evangelio de Jesucristo… Humildemente pido perdón por el mal cometido por tantos cristianos contra pueblos indígenas.”

“Queridos hermanos y hermanas, muchos de vosotros habéis dicho que pedir perdón no es el fin del asunto. Estoy completamente de acuerdo en que es solo el primer paso, el punto de partida para ayudar a los sobrevivientes de las escuelas residenciales a experimentar la sanación de los traumas que sufrieron.”

Un tema constante, a lo largo de sus visitas apostólicas, homilías y discursos, fue el poder reconciliador de la Cruz y la Resurrección, el único poder en la tierra que puede traer sanación duradera y esperanza en la vida de las víctimas.

“Ante el mal, roguemos al Señor del bien; ante la muerte, roguemos al Dios de la vida. Nuestro Señor Jesucristo tomó una tumba que parecía el lugar de sepultura de toda esperanza y sueño, dejando solo tristeza, dolor y resignación. Hizo de ella un lugar de renacimiento y resurrección, el comienzo de una historia de vida nueva y de reconciliación universal. Nuestros propios esfuerzos no son suficientes para lograr la curación y la reconciliación: necesitamos la gracia de Dios. Necesitamos la sabiduría serena y poderosa del Espíritu, el tierno amor del Consolador… para avanzar juntos en nuestro camino.”

La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de los Primeros Pueblos, designada en 1991 como parroquia nacional indígena de Canadá, es también un punto de referencia para las comunidades italiana, portuguesa, española, croata y eritrea. En este lugar sagrado, el Papa Francisco reflexionó que la iglesia es la casa de la reconciliación para todos, pero la mayoría de las palabras y los hechos de reconciliación tienen lugar a nivel local, en comunidades como esta, donde las personas y las familias viajan juntas, día a día. Orar juntos, ayudarnos unos a otros, compartir historias de vida, alegrías y luchas comunes: esto es lo que abre la puerta a la obra reconciliadora de Dios.

Al proponer que la reconciliación es local, el Papa Francisco encarnó la convicción evangélica de San Pablo de que todos los creyentes son embajadores de Jesucristo y por lo tanto, ministros de la reconciliación. (2 Corintios 5) Comenzando en el corazón del creyente, el Espíritu Santo puede producir una renovación divina y una nueva creación en todos los puntos de la brújula de las relaciones humanas.
Más allá de Canadá y alcanzando los confines de la tierra, el Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad es el sueño del Papa Francisco para la iglesia y para el mundo. Siempre y donde la iglesia pueda modelar y vivir la comunión, la participación y la misión, habrá un desbordamiento que podrá ser fuente de vida, luz y amor para el mundo.

Durante el proceso del sínodo en nuestra diócesis, hubo un llamado repetido a una mayor unidad basada en el perdón, la sanación, la reconciliación y la esperanza. Ya sea que la fuente del quebrantamiento tenga sus raíces en el pecado personal, una disminución de la salud física o mental, el impacto de la pandemia o los escándalos en la iglesia, el divorcio, la sobredosis de drogas o la desesperación, como dijo el Papa Francisco en la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón de la Primera Nación, de la Iglesia Católica universal, y cada parroquia y ministerio está destinado a ser una casa de reconciliación.

Que el Espíritu Santo despierte en nosotros el corazón y la mente de Aquel que nos saca de las tinieblas a la luz maravillosa del amor de Dios.

Statement from Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz and Bishop Louis F. Kihneman on Supreme Court’s Ruling in Dobbs. v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

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Today, Lady Justice has turned her attention to the cry of the unborn child hidden in the refuge of his or her mother’s womb. Today, justice has not abandoned that unborn child and his or her capacity to feel pain, but there is still more work to be done.

Together with many throughout our country, we join in prayer that states are now able to protect women and children from the injustice of abortion. The Catholic Church has had a vested interest in this matter – the dignity and sanctity of all human life.

The church has a long history of service to those who are most vulnerable and remains the largest private provider of social services in the United States. Through its charity agencies, and the independent efforts of its members, the Catholic Church is supporting all women in addition to the child in the womb.
The church will continue to accompany women and couples who are facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies and during the early years of parenthood, through initiatives such as Walking with Moms in Need.

With our brother bishops, we renew our commitment to preserving the dignity and sanctity of all human life by:

• Ensuring our Catholic parishes are places of welcome for women facing challenging pregnancies or who find it difficult to care for their children after birth, so that any mother needing assistance will receive life-affirming support and be connected to appropriate programs and resources where she can get help.

• Helping fellow Catholics recognize the needs of pregnant and parenting moms in their communities, enabling parishioners to know these mothers, to listen to them and to help them obtain the necessities of life for their families.

• Being witnesses of love and life by expanding and improving the extensive network of comprehensive care including pregnancy help centers, and Catholic health care and social service agencies.

• Increasing our advocacy for laws that ensure the right to life for the unborn and that no mother or family lacks the basic resources needed to care for their children, regardless of race, age, immigration status or any other factor.

• Continuing to support and advocate for public policies and programs directed toward building up the common good and fostering integral human development, with a special concern for the needs of low-income families and immigrants.

In all of these ways and more, the Catholic Church witnesses to the sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death, and continues to work to build a culture of life in our nation.
Our respective dioceses continue to collaborate with organizations such as Her Plan, Pro-Life Mississippi and many others to bring vital services to support mothers and the unborn.

The community can immediately accompany women and couples who are facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies through the Walking with Moms in Need initiative in the Diocese of Jackson. For more information on how to get involved or offer support to women in need, please contact the Office of Family Ministry coordinator in the Diocese of Jackson at charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org. In the Diocese of Biloxi, contact Deacon Jim Gunkel, director of the Office of Family Ministry and Family Life at jgunkel@biloxidiocese.org or Margaret Miller, coordinator of Walking with Moms at mrmiller@biloxidiocese.org.

Additionally, there are Catholic Charities Community Outreach Centers located in the Diocese of Biloxi in Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Waveland and Pascagoula. These centers provide confidential pregnancy testing; Medicaid pregnancy confirmations; life-affirming options counseling; case management (including budgeting and goal setting); basic needs assistance; car seats and safe sleeping spaces for infants; diapers formula, clothing, blankets, socks, etc.; and representative payee services. The Diocese of Biloxi is also sharing the pro-life message through its Pro-Life Billboard initiative.

The Diocese of Biloxi will also be resuming adoptions and foster parenting services in the near future, complementing existing programs in the Diocese of Jackson that have provided those services through Catholic Charities, Inc. for over a half century.

Again, we are grateful for the Supreme Court’s decision but are also mindful that the battle to uphold the sanctity of life is an ongoing effort. Let us pray and continue to raise our voices both in our churches and in our communities in defense of human dignity and justice.

The will of God isn’t rocket science

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By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
The parable of the Good Samaritan, last Sunday’s Gospel from the tenth chapter of St. Luke, arose from the question asked of Jesus, “who is my neighbor.” Pope Francis often refers to this biblical masterpiece (Luke 10:25-37) as the divine image of the church’s mission in this world.
Across many lands and nations, the church does serve as a field hospital encountering and caring for those who are battered, bruised and beaten and left half dead on the side of the road.
The corporal and spiritual works of mercy are testimony to the fidelity of the church’s ministries. Jesus concluded the parable with his own question. “Who was neighbor to the man who fell in with robbers?” The answer was obvious and echoes through time, “the one who treated him with compassion.” “Go and do likewise” are the final words of Jesus addressed to the doctor of the law and to us.
The ultimate Good Samaritan, of course, is Jesus Christ who demonstrated the heart of service when he washed his disciples feet at the Last Supper. He concluded this astounding action with the mandate, “If I then your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that as I have done, so you must do.” (John 13: 14-15).

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

Our Lord’s actions, teachings, and parables ultimately point to the Cross and flow from it, where in the shedding of his blood he seeks to lift up all people who are assaulted by sin and remain half dead, or half alive on the margins of life. He is the divine physician and the church is his living body in this world, led by the Holy Spirit, to give freely of the gift of the Lord’s love that we have received.” (Matthew 10:8)
Moses, the great teacher of the Old Law, spoke blatantly to the Israelites in the first scripture reading from last Sunday, a teaching in accord with the Good Samaritan narrative. “This command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you … It’s not up in the sky that you should say who will go up to the sky to get it for us. Nor is it across the sea. No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you only have to carry it out.” (Deuteronomy 30:10-14)
To apply a well-known and likely over-used modern rendering of Moses’ words, the will of God is not rocket science, fellas; rather it is patient, kind and persevering and secured in the Lord’s instructions “to love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
As an aside, at this time one million miles from earth, after a six-month journey, the James Webb telescope is spreading its wings to probe into the depths of the universe, past and present, in ways hitherto impossible to imagine. Women and men will take another giant step forward to unfold the mysteries of God’s creation, because this telescope, 25 years in the making, is 100 times more powerful than the Hubble telescope which ruled the roost since 1990, but only 340 miles above the earth’s surface.
Telescopes are absolutely essential to explore the mysteries of the physical universe, and it’s exciting to anticipate the pending discoveries. But they have no worth when exploring the mind and heart of Christ. As Moses said, we don’t have to go up into the sky to discover the will of God for our lives. We know it; we only have to carry it out.
On this weekend at our Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, we will celebrate Christ the Servant with the ordination of six men to the permanent diaconate who will serve in various parishes throughout our diocese. Specifically, the ministry of the deacon is a labor of loving service at the table of the Word of God, at the Altar of Sacrifice, and at the table of charity or compassion in daily life. The heart and soul of the diaconate is the call to make visible the love of Christ.
We give thanks to God for the deacons, spouses and families who have sacrificed these past five years in preparation for this ministry that has its roots in the apostolic life of the early church. But let us keep in mind that we are all called to fulfill our baptismal promises, the call to holiness, and the Lord’s mandatum to serve with his mind and heart because the risen Lord is in our midst “as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27)
The ugliness of this world regularly gets the headlines, and well before and during our Lord’s time, there were robbers and muggers around, but then and now we give thanks for the Good Samaritans of our lives who are vigilant in their care for others. May the Lord strengthen our resolve to be a light in the darkness at every turn in the road.

La voluntad de Dios no es ciencia espacial

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Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
La parábola del Buen Samaritano, evangelio del domingo pasado del capítulo 10 de San Lucas, surge de la pregunta que se le hace a Jesús: “¿quién es mi prójimo?” El Papa Francisco a menudo se refiere a esta obra maestra bíblica (Lucas 10:25-37) como la imagen divina de la misión de la iglesia en este mundo.
En muchos países y naciones, la iglesia sirve como un hospital de campaña que encuentra y atiende a aquellos que son maltratados, magullados, golpeados y dejados medio muertos al lado del camino.
Las obras de misericordia corporales y espirituales son testimonio de la fidelidad de los ministerios de la iglesia. Jesús concluyó la parábola con su propia pregunta. “ ¿cuál de esos tres te parece que se hizo prójimo del hombre asaltado por los bandidos? La respuesta fue obvia y resuena a través del tiempo, “El que tuvo compasión de él”. “Pues ve y haz tú lo mismo.” son las últimas palabras de Jesús dirigidas al doctor de la ley y a nosotros.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

El último Buen Samaritano, por supuesto, es Jesucristo, quien demostró el corazón de servicio cuando lavó los pies de sus discípulos en la Última Cena. Concluyó esta asombrosa acción con el mandato: “Pues si yo, el Maestro y Señor, les he lavado a ustedes los pies, también ustedes deben lavarse los pies unos a otros. 15 Yo les he dado un ejemplo, para que ustedes hagan lo mismo que yo les he hecho.” (Juan 13:14-15)
Las acciones, enseñanzas y parábolas de nuestro Señor apuntan en última instancia a la Cruz y fluyen de ella, donde en el derramamiento de su sangre busca levantar a todas las personas que son asaltadas por el pecado y quedan medio muertas, o medio vivas en los márgenes de la vida. Él es el médico divino y la iglesia es su cuerpo vivo en este mundo, guiada por el Espíritu Santo, para dar gratuitamente del don del amor del Señor que hemos recibido. “Sanen a los enfermos, resuciten a los muertos, limpien de su enfermedad a los leprosos y expulsen a los demonios. Ustedes recibieron gratis este poder; no cobren tampoco por emplearlo. “(Mateo 10:8)


Moisés, el gran maestro de la Ley Antigua, habló descaradamente a los israelitas en la primera lectura de las Escrituras del domingo pasado, enseñando de acuerdo con la narración del Buen Samaritano. “Este mandamiento que hoy les doy no es demasiado difícil para ustedes, ni está fuera de su alcance. No está en el cielo, para que se diga: ‘¿Quién puede subir al cielo por nosotros, para que nos lo traiga y nos lo dé a conocer, y lo pongamos en práctica?’ Tampoco está del otro lado del mar, para que se diga: ‘¿Quién cruzará el mar por nosotros, para que nos lo traiga y nos lo dé a conocer? Al contrario, el mandamiento está muy cerca de ustedes; está en sus labios y en su pensamiento, para que puedan cumplirlo. (Deuteronomio 30:10-14)


Para aplicar una interpretación moderna muy conocida y probablemente usada en exceso de las palabras de Moisés, la voluntad de Dios no es ciencia espacial, amigos; más bien es paciente, bondadosa y perseverante y segura en las instrucciones del Señor de “amarnos unos a otros como yo los he amado”. (Juan 13:34)


Aparte, en este momento a un millón de millas de la Tierra, después de un viaje de seis meses, el telescopio James Webb está extendiendo sus alas para sondear las profundidades del universo, pasado y presente, en formas hasta ahora imposibles de imaginar. Las mujeres y los hombres darán otro gran paso adelante para revelar los misterios de la creación de Dios, porque este telescopio, que lleva 25 años fabricándose, es 100 veces más potente que el telescopio Hubble, que gobernó desde 1990, pero a solo 340 millas sobre la superficie terrestre.


Los telescopios son absolutamente esenciales para explorar los misterios del universo físico y es emocionante anticipar los descubrimientos pendientes. Pero no valen nada cuando exploran la mente y el corazón de Cristo. Como dijo Moisés, no tenemos que subir al cielo para descubrir la voluntad de Dios para nuestras vidas. Lo sabemos; solo tenemos que llevarlo a cabo.


Este fin de semana en nuestra Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol, celebraremos a Cristo Siervo con la ordenación de seis hombres al diaconado permanente que servirán en varias parroquias de nuestra diócesis. Específicamente, el ministerio del diácono es una labor de servicio amoroso en la mesa de la Palabra de Dios, en el Altar del Sacrificio y en la mesa de la caridad o compasión en la vida diaria. El corazón y el alma del diaconado es el llamado a hacer visible el amor de Cristo.


Damos gracias a Dios por los diáconos, cónyuges y familias que se han sacrificado estos últimos cinco años en preparación para este ministerio que tiene sus raíces en la vida apostólica de la iglesia primitiva. Pero tengamos en cuenta que todos estamos llamados a cumplir nuestras promesas bautismales, el llamado a la santidad y el mandato del Señor de servir con la mente y el corazón porque el Señor resucitado está en medio de nosotros “como el que sirve”. (Lucas 22:27)


La fealdad de este mundo ocupa regularmente los titulares, y mucho antes y durante el tiempo de nuestro Señor, había ladrones y asaltantes, pero entonces y ahora damos gracias a los buenos samaritanos de nuestras vidas que están atentos al cuidado de los demás. Que el Señor fortalezca nuestra determinación de ser una luz en la oscuridad en cada recodo del camino.

Saltillo Mission trip brings joyous adventure

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Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
The return after three years to our Saltillo Mission was a high-spirited and joyful adventure after nearly three years since the previous visit for the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Father Patrick Quinn’s missionary work in 1969. But many of you know of this pastoral visit through the social media networks of the Diocese of Jackson and the Diocese of Biloxi. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then you have already enjoyed multiple portrayals of the whirlwind of four days. It is amazing to consider the high volume of activity that occurs in such a compact timeframe. It can be exhausting and exhilarating over every bump on the road.

Let me digress a moment to treasure the source of the spiritual bond that continues to thrive between Mississippi and Saltillo even in the absence of overland mission trips.

In our Catholic world we are in the midst of celebrating the golden triangle of exceptional Solemnities beginning with Pentecost Sunday and the culmination of the Easter season, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, and the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord.

The gift of the Holy Spirit received in faith and celebrated uniquely at Pentecost opens up a world of mystery with our God who is love, the Holy Trinity of persons who overflowed in love in the gifts of creation and salvation. The celebration of Corpus Christi continues this outpouring of love poured out on the Cross and commemorated and lived each time we gather for Mass, the holy Eucharist.

The three feasts together reveal the nature of love within the Trinity which manifests itself in Christian community, unity, communion and fraternity in the Body of Christ throughout the world bonded by one faith, one baptism, one God who is Father who is over all and in all. Thus, the joy of solidarity and unity can overflow with every liturgy, with every fiesta, with every meal and with every conversation in all parts of our world.

From this fountain of faith, hope and love, we all cherish the history of these past 53 years, the memory of Father Quinn, and all who have given of themselves, from here and over there, whether for years or for weeks.

The Sacrament of Confirmation with 80 candidates was the culminating liturgy with Bishop Hilario Gonzales Garcia, the recently installed Ordinary of the Diocese of Saltillo. It was heartening to concelebrate with him around the altar, and to spend time at table afterwards.

One year into his episcopal ministry and he already has experienced the blessings of the relationship that Jackson and Biloxi have with his diocese. He fully supports what we are doing and hopes that we will accompany one another well into the future. We all hope that the day will come when the overland mission trips are able to resume, enabling the a new generation of Mississippi Catholics to be missionary disciples, evangelizing and being evangelized by our Mexican brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Amidst the many grace-filled moments, meals and ministries from Monday to Thursday evening’s Confirmation, there were various signature events. On Tuesday we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation two hours out at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Garambullo and then bounced back to a special liturgy at San Miguel’s that honored all fathers in attendance with a special blessing as the Mariachis played and sang full throated and unsparingly.

Afterwards, a fiesta followed honoring the young people who raised the most money for their individual parish communities. Various groups of entertainers, mostly young, performed splendidly in song, dance and gesture in a religious and cultural festival. Que Buena noche!

Wednesday saw another memorable event unfold before us in amazement. In route to St. Pedro’s for the Sacrament of Confirmation we gathered at St. Joseph’s Chapel which was dedicated three years ago on the last pastoral visit. After prayer and blessings, cars and trucks were organized into a procession that grew into a ‘flotilla on the road’ to San Pedro. You have seen some of the photos, and the entire experience was as joyful as it looked. The fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit were in abundance at the Confirmation that followed.

On Thursday prior to the Confirmation Bishop Kihneman and I, along with the other pilgrims from Jackson and Biloxi, visited the tomb of Father Quinn in the Church of Perpetuo Socorro. Over the past year the back walls of the church above his tomb have been covered with the photos that provide a panorama of the events, the people and the places of the Father Quinn years. It is well done and very touching.

While I stood there in admiration, I felt so grateful to have a part in this amazing story whose chapters are still being written, and to represent the faithful of our diocese who further the mission through prayer and generosity.

Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of San Miguel, the cornerstone parish of the mission since Father Quinn’s death, and the dates are on the calendar for the September 2023 anniversary celebration. Stay tuned!

Bishop Louis Kihnemann of Biloxi, Father David Martinez, pastor of San Miguel Mission and Bishop Joseph Kopacz wave during a procession on the road to San Pedro. (Photo Terry Dickson/Diocese of Biloxi)

Rally around the call to accompany expectant mothers

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By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
As Catholics we are in the midst of a nine-day Novena undertaken by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in preparation for the great feast of the Visitation on May 31. This second joyful mystery of the rosary recalls that tender scene when Mary and Elizabeth, two of the most well-known pregnant women in world history, encountered one another with unbounded joy in God their Savior. Even the “baby stirred in my womb for joy” Elizabeth exclaimed to her younger cousin who had arrived at Zachariah and Elizabeth’s doorstep to assist her who was in her sixth month with the unborn John the Baptist. Women helping women in preparation for birth and in the months following the emergence of new life from the womb into the light of day, is fundamental for family life, community, and civilization.

The need for caring support around a pregnancy and the earliest stage of life is fundamental for mothers and their infants, for family life, communities, and ultimately civilization. There are many in our churches and in our communities in Mississippi who rally around the call to accompany expectant mothers, and in the time following the birth of their children. We can only rejoice to see such loving support. For the Catholic Church, as the whole world knows, the right to life is fundamental because we are made in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei). The dignity of the human person is rooted in this fundamental belief.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

What the whole world may not know, or chooses to ignore, is that the church commits herself, in season and out of season, to the well-being of the human person at every stage of life. This is evident in our social teachings that foster the common good, serve the poor, marginalized and vulnerable, champion health care, sponsor education, and support life’s basic needs: food, shelter and clothing and gainful employment. Moreover, in recent years, care for our common home, the earth, has become more urgent.

Pope Francis’ masterpiece, Laudato Si, rejoices in God the creator, and addresses this God-given obligation. When we add it all up it is all about what St. Paul eloquently states in his letter to the Romans. “The Kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but about justice and peace, and the joy of the Holy Spirit. (14:17)

Now back to the Visitation and the gift of unborn life that opened this column. The decision of the Supreme Court of the United States over the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is imminent and the prospect of overturning of Roe v. Wade is sending shock waves across the land from the White House to all points on the compass.

There is no doubt that this is an historic moment for our nation. The passion surrounding this life issue burns no less intensely than nearly 50 years ago when Roe v. Wade became the law of the land in 1973. There has been a creeping shadow ever since because at the core of our collective consciousness is a tortured conscience that is unable to reconcile a self-image of inherent goodness with the blood of the innocents. But whether Roe v Wade is overturned or rolled back, abortions will not cease, as we know. The political onus will return to the legislatures of the 50 states to enact laws going forward, and as we have already experienced, these laws will vary greatly.

Like the fires engulfing our western states, there will be widespread conflagrations that burn at the fault lines of our fractured society. The personal onus is another dimension, the terrain of conscience and conversion, challenging every individual to safeguard the gift of sexuality knowing there is freedom through boundaries, to cherish the gift of life, one’ own and the vulnerable in our midst, and to realize that violence against the unborn is at the root of the violence that roils our nation and world.

What can one person or one church do? “The light shone in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” (John 1:5) is the promise that our labors with God will always matter. Praying, serving, empowering and advocating are always relevant.

Pope Francis encourages encounter with the other and accompaniment, and a recent project worthy of praise in every Catholic diocese is “Walking with Moms in Need.” Whatever the ruling on Roe v Wade, the church in league with other networks is redoubling its efforts to accompany mothers, their preborn and children in the early stages of development so that they and we, like Mary and Elisabeth, can rejoice in the gift of life and in God our Savior.

La Divina Misericordia resuena con la gracia del perdón, la paz, la reconciliación, la esperanza y la vida

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Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
La Octava de Pascua, la celebración de la resurrección del Señor de entre los muertos, se extiende durante ocho días alcanzando su crescendo el segundo domingo, celebrado pastoralmente y en oración como el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia.

El Evangelio de cada año para este domingo es Juan 21:19-31 cuando el Señor resucitado se apareció dos veces a sus apóstoles acurrucados por el miedo para bendecirlos con la paz, para infundirles el Espíritu Santo, restaurarles la vida y enviarlos a una misión.

La segunda aparición en este escenario fue necesaria porque Tomas desapareció durante el primer encuentro y todavía estaba sumido en su vergüenza, duda, miedo y desesperanza. Los relatos de la resurrección están escritos y proclamados con las palabras del evangelista “… para que ustedes crean que Jesús es el Mesías, el Hijo de Dios, y para que creyendo tengan vida por medio de él.” (Juan 20:31)

Cada año se invoca, para el “mundo entero” y muchas causas nobles, la Divina Misericordia del Señor crucificado y resucitado. Este año en la Catedral levantamos en oración a las víctimas de abuso sexual en nuestra iglesia.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Durante el proceso del Sínodo, muchos en nuestra diócesis expresaron un anhelo de unidad que reconoce la necesidad de sanación en muchos frentes. Al igual que los apóstoles, y especialmente Santo Tomás, muchos en nuestra iglesia y sociedad están sufriendo por numerosas razones. Una razón grave, que atrapa a demasiados, es el delito de abuso sexual que continúa afligiendo a las víctimas y a sus seres queridos. Algunas de nuestras sesiones parroquiales y diocesanas destacaron el compromiso del liderazgo de la iglesia, hace casi veinte años, de nunca perder de vista “La Promesa de Proteger y el Compromiso de Sanar.”

Durante estos últimos veinte años, se ha logrado mucho a través del desarrollo y fortalecimiento de entornos seguros para cumplir la promesa de proteger a nuestros niños y jóvenes en los programas de la iglesia. Innumerables miles han sido educados para estar atentos no solo en los entornos de la iglesia, sino también en su vida diaria con respecto a los comportamientos y circunstancias que podrían ser problemáticos para los niños y jóvenes vulnerables.

Nunca más podemos ser complacientes porque los depredadores, en todos los ámbitos de la vida, siempre están alerta a los puntos débiles ambientales que permiten el acceso a los niños.

Tan importante como el cumplimiento del compromiso de la iglesia es “La Promesa de Sanar” para que no olvidemos a aquellos que están sufriendo los ataques indescriptibles del abuso sexual contra su dignidad humana. El Domingo de la Divina Misericordia resuena con la gracia del perdón, la paz, la reconciliación, la esperanza y la vida. Doblemente.

Los apóstoles, los primeros líderes de la iglesia, habían abandonado y negado a su Señor, y necesitaban la gracia de la misericordia y un nuevo comienzo. “Por Su dolorosa Pasión, ten piedad de nosotros y del mundo entero,” es una súplica a la misericordia de Dios sobre los líderes de la iglesia, que fueron perpetradores, o aquellos que permitieron que continuara el abuso.

La oración más sincera es que la misericordia de Dios bañe, a todos los que han sido dañados, con sanidad y esperanza, paz y vida nueva. Cuando escuchamos de Jesús la invitación a Tomás de poner su dedo en las marcas de los clavos y su mano en el lado abierto, sabemos que Dios desea sanar a todos los que están quebrantados y golpeados por el abuso sexual y que anhelan una nueva vida, para tocar el poder sanador de la misericordia de Dios en Jesucristo.

Este momento de resurrección fue anunciado por el Señor Jesús al comienzo de su ministerio público en el Evangelio de San Lucas. “El Espíritu del Señor está sobre mí, porque me ha consagrado para llevar la buena noticia a los pobres; me ha enviado a anunciar libertad a los presos y dar vista a los ciegos; a poner en libertad a los oprimidos.” (Lucas 4:18)

Estas palabras del Señor son la obra fundamental de la Iglesia y el corazón de la “promesa de sanar.”
Hay muchos caminos hacia una nueva vida en el Cuerpo de Cristo y nuestra oración en el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia fue que nunca nos cansemos de orar y de acompañar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas, gravemente dañados, en el camino de la vida hacia Él que es el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida.