Category Archives: Diocesan News

St. Andrew the Protokletos – the first called

Posted on by
Reply

STEWARDSHIP PATHS
By Julia Williams

JACKSON – St. Andrew the Apostle is known as the “Protokletos,” or “The First Called’ to be an apostle of Jesus.

Artwork: The Calling of Saint John and Saint Andrew, James Tissot, c. 1886-1894, Public Domain.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and saw Andrew and Simon Peter fishing. Jesus asked the two to become disciples and “fishers of men.” The Gospel of John states that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, and when Jesus walked by one day, John the Baptist said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” It is then that Andrew, and another, made the decision to follow Jesus. In both stories, Saint Andrew answered the call to follow Jesus.

As members of the church, Jesus also calls us to be disciples to a new way of life, the Christian way of life, of which stewardship is a part. But Jesus does not call us as nameless people in a faceless crowd. He calls us individually, by name.

God intends each one of us to play a unique role in carrying out the divine plan. The challenge is to understand our role, and to respond generously to this call from God.

Christian stewardship is recognizing that “Everything we have and everything we are” is a gift from God and we are to be grateful and generous with those gifts.

The Spirit is calling and can show us the way. Stewardship is a part of that journey. Are you listening to the call?

St. Andrew was sentenced to a death of crucifixion by the Romans in Greece. He asked to be crucified on a diagonal cross as he felt he wasn’t worthy to die on the same shape of cross as Jesus. His feast day is Nov. 30, the date of his death.

Excerpts: wordonfire.org; catholiccompany.com; catholicstewardship.com

Feature photo…seminarian John Le continues formation…

Posted on by
Reply
HALES CORNERS, Wis. – Three seminarians participated in the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders during Mass at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners on Nov. 9, 2022. This rite is an important step during a seminarian’s formation journey. Called forward by President-Rector Father Raúl-Gómez-Ruiz, each seminarian publicly declared his intention to advance towards ordination, offering himself to God and a life of ministry. The three seminarians (from left to right) are Esteban Hernández from the Diocese of Dodge City, John Le from the Diocese of Jackson and Diego Osvaldo Acosta Chávez from the Diocese of Lexington. All three are seminarians at Sacred Heart. (Photo by Monica Misey)

Calendar of events

Posted on by
Reply

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Women’s Ministry Advent Day of Reflection, Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Deacon Tony Schmidt will lead the day of reflection to help us in our spiritual journey during Advent. Cost: $10 donation to cover cost of lunch. Details: register at https://bit.ly/StPaulAdventReflection2022.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Advent/Christmas Concert, Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. The concert will be followed by a parish dinner. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Season one of “The Chosen” will be shown as an Advent/Christmas study on Mondays beginning Nov. 28, in the Family Life Center at 6 p.m. The study will continue into the Mondays of January 2023. Each episode will include the use of Catholic study and discussion materials developed by the Augustine Institute and FORMED. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
ABERDEEN St Francis of Assisi, Christmas party after the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Dec. 3. There will be a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the parish hall for you to sign up for what you would like to bring. We will play “Dirty Santa” following supper. Each person wanting to play needs to bring a $10 gift. Details: church office (662) 813-2295.

COLUMBUS Annunciation, Blood Drive, Monday, Nov. 28. Services Bus will be parked in our parking lot to accept any and all types of blood. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.

JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, The Vigil Project will provide an evening of music/prayer/inspiration on Friday, Dec. 9. The Vigil Project is a group of musicians and speakers from South Louisiana who host what they call “True Presence Nights” at parishes around the country. The evening consists of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, music and inspirational talks from members of the group. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.

St. Richard, Christmas Candlelight Memorial Service, Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. at Foley Hall. Details: to RSVP, please contact Nancy McGhee (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.

MADISON St. Francis, Ring In Your Faith 10k run and 5k run/walk, Saturday, Dec. 31 at 8 a.m. Registration fee guarantees your shirt through Dec. 17 and you will enjoy a mouth-watering New Year’s Day meal with a Southern twist. Ring in 2023 and register here: https://bit.ly/RingInYourFaith2022 Details: Joe at leslieslee@hotmail.com.

St. Francis, Evening of Worship & Adoration for Advent and Christmas with music by John Finch, on Sunday, Dec. 4, 6:30-8 p.m. in the church. The evening will include a time of worship music, Advent reflection and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction. Open to the public, donations accepted. For more info on John Finish visit johnfinchmusic.com. Details: email mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.

MADISON St. Joseph School, Christmas Arts and Crafts Camp, Saturday, Dec. 17, St. Joe Fine Arts Building from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. For grades K through eighth. Cost is $40 per session or $70 for both. Snacks included. Bring lunch if staying for both sessions. Details: email vrunnels@stjoebruins.com.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Candy Cane 5k Dash, Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m. Details: to register visit https://bit.ly/CandyCane2022.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Advent Fair, Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m., Family Life Center, all PreK-4 through fifth graders are invited! Advent and Christmas symbols and their history and meaning will be featured, with stories, crafts and treats. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

SAVE THE DATE
DIOCESE SEARCH Retreat – For Teens, By Teens, Jan. 13-15, 2023 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Details: email abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

World Marriage Day, Feb. 12, 2023 at Jackson, St. Peter Cathedral. Details: register to attend with your home parish.

JACKSON St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal set for Feb. 10. Call for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.

MADISON St. Anthony School, Starry Night Gala, Friday, Dec. 9. Details: school office (601) 607-7054.

BILOXI Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, The Role of Beauty in the Spiritual Life: understanding and praying with the Church’s Sacred Music, Jan. 26, 2023 at 7 p.m. Event is a talk by Dr. Jennifer Donelson-Nowicka. Details: visit olgchurch.net.

Our Lady of the Gulf, Sacred Music Workshop for cantors, choir members, music directors and clergy, Jan. 27-28, 2023. Cost is $40 with registration deadline of Jan. 13. Details: Registration and more information at classicalartsfoundation.com. Email workshop@classicalartsfoundation.com with questions.

iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday Nov. 28. Join Catholics in this nation-wide day of giving. Visit https://jackson.igivecatholic.org to donate today!

‘Harvest’ event continues to grow

Posted on by
Reply

By Joanna Puddister King

MADISON – The Jackson Seminarian Homegrown Harvest began with a vision of an event to celebrate the Catholic faith and the future priests of the Diocese of Jackson. It has grown from its humble beginning, in 2020 during COVID, as a online only, livestream event where Father Nick Adam and Bishop Joseph Kopacz talked about vocations to viewers.

This year approximately 200 guests were in attendance for the event at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Madison. And the event looks to continue to grow.

Through the first part of October, seminarian Deacon Carlisle Beggerly served his internship at St. Francis of Assisi Madison.

“During the diaconate internship we try to place our men in parishes that will given them a wide range of experiences,” said Father Nick told event attendees.

“He is really reaching the end of his process. From wondering about being a priest, feeling that tug in his heart to do so and being supported by the diocese.”

To much applause, Father Nick announced to the crowd that Deacon Carlisle will be ordained a priest for the diocese on June 10, 2023.

MADISON – Above supporters from around the diocese attended the third annual Jackson Seminarian Homegrown Harvest event held at St. Francis parish this year. Inset: Seminarian, Deacon Carlisle Beggerly speaks to the crowd. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

A convert from Protestantism, Deacon Carlisle encountered St. Augustine’s Confessions, that ultimately led him on a journey to Catholicism and on to the priesthood. In college, he began to feel a “quiet whisper” to a vocation.

Speaking on his diaconate internship at the event, he said that he was indebted to the parishioners at St. Francis for their assistance in forming his ministry and to Father Albeen Vatti, pastor of the parish.
Deacon Carlisle said he is confident he is on the right path now. “I truly believe God is calling me to … use my talents for the greater glory of God.”

Father Nick Adam completes a “measure-off” to see who is the tallest seminarian – EJ Martin or Grayson Foley.

The diocese now has nine seminarians – Deacon Carlisle Beggerly, Ryan Stoer, Tristan Stovall, John Le, Will Foggo, Grayson Foley, Tripp Bond, EJ Martin and Straton Garrard – and their education and formation costs are close to $50,000 per student annually.

Their education cost are covered by a variety of cources including the diocese, second collections, and fundraising events like the Homegrown Harvest. At this year’s event, attendees were able to give extra support through a silent auction and raffles using “Beggerly Bucks.”

“It looks like we landed right at about $145,000 in proceeds from the Homegrown Harvest this year,” said Father Nick. “That’s a 71% increase from last year. This is in huge thanks to all of our sponsors, too.”

A 2011 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison and of Springhill College to working professionally in Austin, Texas for a few years, new seminarian EJ Martin took an opportunity to talk to those gathered about his experience during his first few months this year at seminary.

At 30 years old, Martin is grateful to the people of the diocese for being able to spend his time immersed in formation at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

“I could not imagine doing this with a full-time job,” said Martin. “It’s absolutely incredible to step away from where I was and to really immerse myself into the formation process of what it is to be a man of God.”

(To learn more about vocations, contact Father Nick Adam at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)

Boy Scouts honor Dominican sisters with citizenship award

Posted on by
Reply

By Joanna Puddister King

JACKSON – On Thursday, Oct. 27, the Andrew Jackson Council of the Boy Scouts of America honored the Dominican Sisters of St. Dominic with this year’s Distinguished Citizen Award at a luncheon held at the Jackson Country Club.

Tony Haines has served as the chief executive officer for the Andrew Jackson Council of the scouts for twelve years and is described by some as a “huge fan” of the Dominican sisters and their work providing quality, compassionate care to the community.

The sisters of St. Dominic “save the lives of the individuals of this community … they save the community at times from itself, they impact the quality of lives in our area, and I would probably say outside of our area. They do a lot of good,” said Haines.

He also believes joy comes from their service to others.

“They pass along that joy to God. … They are leading lives that are very dedicated to Christ and dedicated to the community.”

Kay McRee says what makes St. Dominic so special is the Dominican sisters.

As the executive director of St. Dominic Health Services Foundation, McRee talked to those gathered at the luncheon about the history of the Dominican sisters beginning with the Jackson Infirmary in the center of the city in 1946.

Also, at the event celebrating the Dominican sisters of St. Dominic was Bishop Joseph Kopacz. Growing up in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, he was a part of “Troop 66” at his local parish starting with Cub Scouts and eventually becoming an Eagle Scout.

Bishop Kopacz also talked to the group gathered about merit badges, how special they are and how “blessed” he was during his eight years of scouting.

“There are very special merit badges in scouting – I believe they may still require merit badges like ‘Citizenship in the Community, in the Nation and in the World,’” said Bishop Kopacz.

“One of the connecting streams that hits me today, as we celebrate the sisters, here over 75 years here in the city of Jackson, the state of Mississippi, and the Diocese of Jackson, is that the commitment to community … is very strong.”

Speaking on the sisters and the team at St. Dominic, Bishop Kopacz touched on being admitted to St. Dominic Hospital for two days near the end of August for a kidney infection. He joked that he was “undercover Bishop,” as he served on the board for St. Dominic Health Services.

“But truly the care and compassion and the healing ministry is something special,” said Bishop Kopacz.
“We thank you and give praise to God for the gift of your presence here,” Bishop Kopacz told the sisters present.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Dominican sisters was Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, who first arrived at St. Dominic Hospital in 1963. Leaving in 1983, she returned in 1995 to become president and chairman of the board of St. Dominic Health Services. She retired from that position in 2011 and took on a new role as associate executive director of St. Dominic Health Services Foundation, a position she still serves in today.

“We are here to serve and not to be served,” said Sister Dorothea. “So, this is a privilege for us to be honored here today.”

“Thank you for your support of our community for these 75 plus years and its been a great privilege for all of us.”

Diocese hosts event as part of National Eucharistic Revival

Posted on by
Reply

By Joanna Puddister King
GLUCKSTADT – For much of the evening and morning of Oct. 28 and 29 at St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt, the sanctuary was relatively silent with the occasional sound of movement or a cough.

Upon entering some had their heads bowed in prayer and others with their eyes fixed on the consecrated Eucharist host placed in the center of the altar. The host was contained in a monstrance from the Bishop R.O. Gerow collection and modeled off the one used for the 1932 Eucharistic Congress in New Orleans, a fitting receptacle for the Eucharistic Revival moment help by the Diocese of Jackson.

The event was held as a part of the National Eucharistic Revival, developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the diocesan “Year of the Eucharist.”

GLUCKSTADT – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Ajani Gibson administer Communion during the Eucharistic Revival moment held at St. Joseph parish in Gluckstadt. The two day event was a part of the National Eucharistic Revival featuring adoration, vespers, spiritual talks on the Eucharist, opportunities for reconciliation and Mass. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

The national revival comes at a time when many Catholics don’t believe the church’s teaching that the consecrated bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus. Pew research reported in 2019, that 69% of self-described Catholics say they personally believe the bread and wine are just “symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.”

The diocesan Eucharistic event held at St. Joseph included adoration, vespers, spiritual talks on the Eucharist, opportunities for reconciliation and Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz.

Selected as the featured speaker for the event was Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. A relatively new priest, only being ordained about a year and a half, Father Ajani’s passion and love for the Eucharist was evident as he focused event attendees on internalizing and externalizing the Eucharist.

In his first spiritual talk, he touched on how much COVID-19 affected us as a Body of Christ, with many not returning to Mass or continuing to view Mass virtually. Of Mass, Father Ajani said that “we come to be reminded of the beauty and the gift that is the Eucharist.”

This moment of Eucharistic Revival, says Father Ajani, is about renewing our relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. He asked in his first talk for everyone to contemplate the simple question – “Do I believe in Jesus Christ?”

“The Lord in the moment of Eucharistic renewal is drawing us to be in communion and unity with Him,” Father Ajani told those gathered at the event.

“Isn’t this what it is all ultimately about, to be drawn into eternal union with our God?”

Weaving in personal stories, on Saturday of the event Father Ajani shared about his love of grapes. Always raiding his grandmother’s refrigerator for those round globes of sweetness as a child, Father Ajani laughed about his grandmother always telling him he was going to turn into a grape.

He asked when thinking about the Eucharist to ponder the saying “we become what we eat.”

“Externalizing the Eucharist is being a part of Christ … out in the world. Is that not what the Mass prepares us for,” Father Ajani asked.

Mary Woodward, chancellor for the Diocese of Jackson, organized the event and says she hopes to organize more around the diocese as the National Eucharistic Revival continues into the next few years.
As those gathered left the event, many thanked Bishop Kopacz, Father Ajani and Woodward for their efforts in bring this to the people of the diocese.

Jo Dillon of St. Joseph parish told Father Ajani as they were leaving the event that she wanted to jump up and shout when he asked participants to internalize the question “Do I believe in Jesus Christ?”
“I wanted to jump up and shout yes, I believe!”

GLUCKSTADT – Clockwise from top: Jesse Carkhuff speaks to Bishop Kopacz after the event; Seminarians Will Foggo and Ryan Stoer lead the procession after Mass; and Father Ajani Gibson delievers a riveting homily. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

Cemeteries house archives written in stone

Posted on by
Reply

From the Archives
By Mary Woodward

JACKSON – Cemeteries are fantastic, visual archives. The history of a community, a church, a family is literally written in stone. In a few short phrases, a person’s life is summed up: “Devoted Mother,” “Beloved Son,” “Christian, Southern Gentleman,” “Faithful Wife.” Often it is a favorite scripture verse such as John 3:16 or a favorite poetry line such as “horseman pass by.”

Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, asked that the words “she tried” be on her tombstone. William Faulkner has “Belove’d Go with God” on his marker. One poignant one I have seen is “In the end it all comes down to one word, Grace.” And we all have that person in our family who warrants the “I told you I was sick” epitaph. As Catholics, we like to see R.I.P. on a grave for requiescat in pace or rest in peace.

Currently, the chancellor’s office is assisting in an inventory of Catholic cemeteries in the diocese. We have a listing of all the parish connected cemeteries, but often when a chapel or mission church closed decades ago, small cemeteries can be left off of the registry. We welcome any information on these locations.

JACKSON – Mary Woodward uses a pickaxe to assist in digging a grave at Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison County. On left, Woodward left Bishop Joseph Latino’s favorite flower on his gravesite in the Bishops’ Cemetery next to the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. (Photos courtesy of Mary Woodward and Joanna Puddister King)

In our diocese, we have several Catholic cemeteries dating back to the early 1800s. Paulding St. Michael, the second oldest parish in the entire state, has a beautiful cemetery filled with founding family members. There is a forest of bamboo standing 30-feet high that surrounds much of the back of the cemetery. Not long ago, St. Michael parishioners with the advice of Mississippi State’s Extension Service invested in a barrier to keep the bamboo from spreading farther into graves. They also built a fence around the graveyard to keep the occasional nocturnal burial from occurring as can happen in small country cemeteries.

It is fitting we are doing this during the month of November. November is the month to remember the dead in our Catholic faith. It opens with the Solemnity of All Saints where we honor all those ordinary people in our lives who were saints to us. The next day is All Souls in which we honor the dead and, in many traditions, decorate graves and have picnics in cemeteries.

The Bishops’ Cemetery on the Cathedral grounds is right across the street from the Chancery. Each year we place flowers on the graves of Bishops Richard Gerow, Joseph Brunini, William Houck and Joseph Latino. This year, as we positioned the roses and sunflowers, I was able to reflect on these men and the act of assisting in burying three of the four.

Because of the location and design of the Bishops’ Cemetery, the graves are hand dug. This is a very arduous task which takes a team of gravediggers many hours to complete.

Burying the dead is a corporal work of mercy and we all have in some way participated in burying the dead by planning funerals, being present for the family, celebrating the funeral Mass, bringing food to the repast. But actually digging the grave with a shovel and pickaxe is a profound way to fully immerse oneself in the act of mercy.

Recently, I participated in two such acts. My brother is head of the gravedigger’s guild at Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison County. He invited me to join in for a dig in August and then again last week.

The cemetery at the Chapel dates back to the mid-1800s and is on a serene piece of property off Hwy 463. The congregation has never allowed equipment onto the property to dig graves. All the graves have been hand dug and the guild coordinates the digging. It is seen as a unique ministry to the family of the deceased – an act of love.

My brother had marked the grave and at 4 p.m., the top sod was removed and set aside, then the team began making its way through soil, clay, roots and the occasional brick down into the cool, damp earth. The shovel crew would give way to the pickaxe crew, who would break up a few more inches of terra firma for the shovellers to get back in and remove. Eventually there is room for only one in the grave at a time. All stand around in support waiting to relieve the current digger by pulling her/him out and the next digger goes in.

This past week, as we dug down to the target depth, the family of the deceased, along with those who had come to pay their respects at the wake service, ventured over to the dig bringing food for the guild and chairs to watch the completion of act. Family members even participated in helping to dig, climbing down into the grave of their loved one and shoveling out clay.

At the end of the dig, the grave was blessed, and libations were passed around in a shared bottle as the deceased was toasted by the team and the gathered assembly. All of this took place under God’s watchful November sky.

As we continue this journey through the month of the dead and we pray for our deceased loved ones, let us be reminded of the sacred places where we bury our family and friends. These are true archives of our communal life and of lives well-lived awaiting the resurrection of the dead – a collection of short epithets giving a permanent record of and an eternal glimpse into those lives.

(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Saltillo mission, upcoming jubilee, part II

Posted on by
Reply

(Editor’s note: This reflection is part two of a two-part series from Msgr. Michael Flannery on his trip to the Saltillo Mission this fall. Part one ran in the Oct. 28 digital edition of Mississippi Catholic.)

By Msgr. Michael Flannery
SALTILLO, Mex. – During my visit to the Saltillo Mission at the end of September, I had the pleasure of celebrating Mass at St. William Church. There was a lady there that something told me I knew her from some place.

We started a conversation and I asked her where she was from originally. She said Santa Rosa. I asked her when she was born, and she said in 1972. I asked her where she was baptized, and she said in Santa Rosa.
I happened to be the priest that baptized her. I had not seen her in 50 years. It was like a reunion to get to know her again after all this time.

A new phenomenon in Saltillo is the building of columbaria at parish churches for the reception of the ashes of deceased parishioners. That has come in response to the growing practice of cremation in Mexico. Prices vary from $600 to $1,000. It has become very popular.

A big thrust in the ministry of the Saltillo Mission is the service to the mountain villages. I accompanied Father David the last Saturday of my visit to the mountain villages. Our first stop was Gomez Nueva where we had a wedding and five First Holy Communions. After a reception we moved on to La Brecha (the gap), which is a church that was dedicated three years ago by Bishop Raul Vera Lopez, Bishop Emeritus of Saltillo, in the presence of Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Bishop Louis Kihneman.

In La Brecha we had a quince años, (the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday). During the celebration of the Mass, the 15-year-old girl renews her baptismal promises and recommits herself to serving the Lord.

From there we journeyed on to another village, El Rancho Pequeño, for another quince años celebration. Then we returned to Saltillo where Father David had a baptism. One thing is for sure, the pastor is never short of work at San Miguel.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

On left, a First Communion celebration at Gomez Nueva. On right, a quince años at La Brecha. “Padre” Flannery made a trip to visit the Saltillo Mission and the end of September. (Photos courtesy of Msgr. Michael Flannery)

The following prayer will be recited at all Masses in San Miguel for the whole jubilee year.
We bless the Most Holy Trinity in your Holy Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Rafael. You have selected and called this portion of God’s people, of the Diocese of Saltillo, to form the Parish of San Miguel. We give you thanks for this jubilee year, coming together these 25 years.

You have given us an esteemed and faithful ministry in our bishops and priests, who with their lives and testimony guide your flock in the pastoral presence of Father Quinn and in all the generous priests committed in the pastoral ministry and in a laity committed to the synodal project. We ask that your Son Jesus Christ be for us, a road to journey toward you, the Truth which illuminates our hearts to the gate through which we are admitted to your kingdom.

Our God, who has given us San Miguel as our patron, give us the strength and the character to walk, being the light in the darkness of a culture of death, and in the company of Our Mother and Queen, the Most Holy Virgin, Mary of Guadalupe. Preserve us with strength as true disciples of Christ the Redeemer who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit forever and ever, Amen.

Father David Martinez gave a homily on the Feast of San Miguel, on Sept. 29, 2022, touching on the jubilee year and the aid given by the Diocese of Jackson:

“In this Eucharist on Sept. 29 we give thanks to God because he has permitted our Bishop Hilario Gonzalez Garcia, to proclaim a jubilee year to celebrate the twenty-five years since the erection of the parish of San Miguel.

“Today, full of joy, we have present with us, Msgr. Michael Flannery, who 25 years ago was an essential witness to the transaction of the separation of San Miguel from the parish of Perpetual Help and it is now a parish in its own right and the center of the ranchos which were once a part of the mission of Father Quinn.

“Bishop Francisco Villalobos of happy memory, was the one who named the community of San Miguel as a parish. Present at the Mass were Bishop Francisco Villalobos, Bishop of Saltillo, Bishop William Houck, Bishop of Jackson, Frs. Raul Ramos, Carlos Davila Fuentes, VG., Lazaro Hernandez, Placido Castro Zamora, Msgr. Michael Flannery, Vicar General of the Diocese of Jackson, and Msgr. Michael Thornton who was named the first pastor of San Miguel.

“In this celebration today, on the solemnity of San Miguel, offering to God as we progress throughout the year, that on the 29th of each month, we will come together as brothers and sisters with other parishes, living different historic semblances of our experiences, in all of the rural communities, such as the chapels attached to the parish.

“By celebrating the Eucharist and the accompanying Holy Hour, we have received from our Bishop a partial indulgence. We have the privilege of offering to God, the pastoral experience of Deacon Adam Frey, who was sent here by his Bishop Louis Kihneman of the Diocese of Biloxi, to experience and share in the mission of Father Quinn. It is our desire that sharing this experience as a legate of his diocese, that it will be part of the history of our parish and its 25 years. …

“Remembering the words of Jesus: ‘You will see much greater things than the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’ Because in these things is found the cross and the priest of Christ continues to ascend and descend the slopes in this parish of San Miguel following in the footsteps of Father Quinn, walking with joy, with the cross of the ranchos and in the company of our brothers and sisters who are poorer and more vulnerable and to whom we announce to them that the reign of God has come.

“We end by saying that we ask of God that on Sept. 29, 2023 we can meet with our brothers and sisters of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi, who have been part of our history. We thank God for all his blessings and his Mother Most Holy, the Virgin Mary for all of her maternal protection in our journey of faith.”

Spotlight on Catholic Education: Luke gives summary of year, so far

Posted on by
Reply

By Karla Luke
JACKSON – Things have been very active in the Office of Catholic Education since school began in August. It hardly seems possible that the first quarter for our administrators, faculty and students has come and gone. The 2022-2023 school year is significant for us as we fully embrace our annual theme of service; the Office of Catholic Education (OCE) seeks to better serve the school community at large by providing more support for administrators, teachers and students.

For the first time since the pandemic, the Office of Catholic Education held the annual Diocesan Professional Development Day for Catholic Schools in person at St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison.The event welcomed over 450 teachers, teacher assistants, staff, administrators and pastors from 19 different institutions for Mass, spiritual refreshment and reconnection.

Members of the chancery also joined us on this special day with the educators. The day began with Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrating Mass and sharing his message with all for a spirit-filled and successful school year.

MADISON – Father Tony Ricard of the Archdiocese of New Orleans speaks to educators during the Office of Education’s annual Diocesan Professional Development Day in September. (Photo by Karla Luke)

The keynote speaker for the morning was Father R. Tony Ricard, a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the campus minister and theology teacher at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans.

Father Tony spoke on the Office of Education’s theme for the year: “Serve the Lord with gladness!” As a former third grade public school teacher, Father Tony related to the difficulties educators face while uplifting them and connecting their experience with our vocation as Catholic school educators.

During the afternoon, teachers met in small groups to discuss common issues and share best practices for addressing current issues facing schools today. Some groups met with chancery employees to discuss daily practices, new policies and procedures. The feedback for the day was very positive and illustrated the importance of gathering in the community.
Another significant project that the Office of Catholic Schools is currently undertaking is strategic planning for all schools, Early Learning Centers and the Office of Catholic Education.

Since the pandemic surged worldwide in March 2020, the face of education has also undergone significant changes. The current social-emotional status of our students, the economic state of our state and country, and the rapid pace of technological development all call for a revaluation of our mission and vision to continue providing opportunities for an exceptional Catholic education in the Diocese of Jackson. The Office of Catholic Education will continue to provide updates on this initiative as they become available.

Please continue to support Catholic education in the Diocese of Jackson by supporting your local parish schools. If there is no school in your parish, please support our administrators, teachers and school families with your prayers to produce service-oriented citizens of the Gospel.

(Karla Luke is the executive director of Catholic School for the Diocese of Jackson)

Annual Catholic Foundation meeting celebrates accomplishments

Posted on by
Reply

By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson held its annual membership meeting along with the board of directors meeting at the Country Club of Jackson.

Board president, Joe Rice, Jr. of St. Richard Jackson, led those gathered through the election and re-election of the board of directors for the Foundation. Six members rolled-off board service this year, leading to the election of Beth DeGruy of St. Richard Jackson; Joseph P. Gray of Cathedral of St. Peter Jackson; Will Jemison of Christ the King Jackson; Robert Perry of St. John Oxford; and Key Smith of St. Mary Basilica Natchez at the event.

Catholic Foundation, executive director Rebecca Harris then led members on a journey through all the Foundation accomplished over the past year.

The Foundation currently manages assets in excess of $57 million and Harris reported that the Foundation was able to mitigate some of the losses due to the market in today’s economy to be able to continue all of the good works the Foundation supports.

JACKSON – Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation, completes a “year in review” at the annual dinner and membership meeting, held at the Country Club of Jackson, on Tuesday, Oct. 25. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

The Foundation manages 35 trusts that grant monies to parishes, schools and Catholic ministries in the diocese. This year, 25 grants were awarded that totaled over $69,000.

“These were grants that were for anywhere from renovating a rectory to curriculums in our Catholic Schools to Catholic Charities being able to provide women who are in dire need of work that helps them to bring their child into this world,” said Harris.

“And I think as a Catholic organization that is so important, and near and dear to all of us that there are children that are going to be born this year and that we were able to help them.”

One area that few parishes apply for grants is in senior citizen ministry, explained Harris. “I hope in the future that they do … we’ve got a lot more that we could grant.”

The Catholic Foundation has 393 trusts that they administer and boasts over 800 members that support the work of the Foundation. Through membership fees, the Foundation allows the annual distributions to go directly to the beneficiaries – schools, parishes and catholic ministries.

“These membership fees allow me to run the Catholic Foundation office, along with proceeds from the Bishop’s Cup tournament and charge no management fees to beneficiaries,” said Harris.

To those gathered, Harris also reported on the annual Bishop’s Cup golf tournament. In the 40th year for the event, the Foundation was able to raise $43,000. Harris thanked all for their support of the event saying, “we were able to keep expenses lower than they ever have been … so we have more money to help operations and to help with future grants.”

“We can’t do all the things we do without the help of our members,” said Harris. “We need you and we need many other people to understand what we do and how we do it.”

The Catholic Foundation is not competition for parishes, Harris explained. “We work with parishes to help them grow the things they can do in their parishes.”

Next year, the Catholic Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In 1973, Bishop Brunini called a group of community leaders together from across the diocese to form the foundation.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Joseph Kopacz noted that the returns on investment in general have been down, but equated the Catholic Foundation as “Joseph in Egypt.”

“During the years of plenty, [Joseph] put aside a great deal of the harvest in order to face the years of famine and was able to serve the people of Egypt and the surrounding area because of that prudent decision,” said Bishop Kopacz.

“So, the Foundation has done the same in these ‘lean’ years. … This year we still have been able to give the full distribution that has been given over the last number of years. And that is wise stewardship.”
Closing the event with prayer, Bishop Kopacz asked God for His blessing on the Foundation.
“May we continue to grow and be faithful to You and to serve the people entrusted to us.”

For more information on the Catholic Foundation visit: foundation.jacksondiocese.org or call (601) 960-8477.