Category Archives: Diocesan News

St. Luke, saint of many talents – Feast day Oct. 18

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Stewardship Paths
By Julia Williams

JACKSON – Christianity has a saint for everything, literally everything. Not only is St. Luke one of the Four Evangelists, and therefore one of the most important saints, but he is also the patron saint of artists. Commonly, saints are patrons to several things and Luke is no exception. In fact, he was a physician, hence he is considered their patron saint as well.

St. Luke appears to also have been a capable historian, recording careful details about the many people and places visited by Jesus and His Apostles. Many biblical scholars study this Gospel to understand the historical context of Jesus and first-century Judaism.

For iconographers, St. Luke is revered as the first (according to tradition) to write an icon of the Blessed Mother. In iconography, the verb “to write” is used rather than “to paint,” as an icon is considered visual theology. The oldest painted images of Jesus and Mary are attributed to St. Luke, including Our Lady of Vladimir and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Icons (like those painted by St. Luke) are important because they raise our hearts and minds to heavenly things. They are “windows” that open our hearts and remind us of the presence of God and His saints.

Lastly, stewardship is a major theme in Luke’s Gospel. Indeed, what emerges from Luke’s writings is a sophisticated theology of stewardship that is unique to his Gospel and not addressed so profoundly by other New Testament writers. St. Luke’s work was no small achievement, and through the centuries it has served the church well.

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

St. Luke the Evangelist by Vladimir Borovikovsky; c. 1804-1809. (Public domain)

Featured photo…Double installation of Father Lincoln Dall …

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RAYMOND/CLINTON – Father Lincoln Dall receives a blessing from the small community of Immaculate Conception in Raymond. Pictured behind the altar are Father Lincoln, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, with Greta and Gage Nalker as alter servers. Second picture: Diaconate candidate, Hunter Yentzen carries the Cross during the procession, along with Father Lincoln, Bishop Kopacz, and Missal gift and basket bearers – Jason Rogers and Franz Barney. (Photos by Tereza Ma – More photos available at and Facebook @jacksondiocese)

Raymond

Clinton

Calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE/GLUCKSTADT Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, Friday, Oct. 28-29 at St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt. Featured speaker Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This will be an evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass. Details: visit https://jacksondiocese.org/calendar-event/diocesan-eucharistic-congress/.

GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, “The Prison, the Warden and the Key to Freedom” event, Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured presenters: “Mercy Beaucoup” – Cindy Scardina, Ann Roshto and Lynn Mondt. All are welcome. Event is free with love offering taken. Details: sign up on facebook, eventbrite or call (662) 299-1232.

NATCHEZ St. Joseph Monastery, “Falling More in Love with Jesus” Day of Recollection with special guest, Noel Delery on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch provided. To view itinerary, visit www.saintjosephmonastery.com. Details: RSVP to (601) 653-0914 or email mon.saintjoseph@ive.org.

TUPELO St. James, Annual Men’s Retreat, Nov. 18-20 at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala. Retreat leader is Father Ben Cameron of the Fathers of Mercy. Retreat begins Friday evening and ends Sunday morning. Enjoy this weekend of prayer, rest and fellowship. Cost: $130 if sharing a room or $205 for a private room. Registration includes two nights of lodging, all meals and snacks. Details: David at (662) 213-3742.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Loaves and Fishes Annual Supper Fundraiser, Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in the Activity Center. Tickets: $15. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.

FLOWOOD St. Paul, MARC Prison Ministry Workshop, Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests will hear success stories of former inmates, meet volunteers who are doing the work and learn more about areas of need. Lunch provided. Must RSVP by Oct. 19 at https://www.marcreentry.org/. Details: on website or call/text (601) 521-1331.

HOLY LAND Trip with Father Mark Shoffner to the Holy Land, June 30 – July 9, 2023. If you’ve wanted to go walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see the places of the Scriptures come to life, then now is the time to sign up. An exceptional moment to see Jesus in a whole new experience. Ten days, airfare, hotels, meals, tour guide, daily Masses in the Holy. Sites are all included in the cost. Details: https://www.catholicjourneys.com/shoffner/.

IRELAND Trip with Father Tommy Conway and Father Gerry Hurley, June 12-22, 2023. Details: visit https://bit.ly/IrelandwithFrTommyandGerry or call church office at (601) 992-9547.

JACKSON 42nd annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Country Club of Jackson. All proceeds help victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Details: visit www.friendsforacause.com.

MADISON St. Francis, Homegrown Harvest Vocations Fundraiser, Saturday, Oct. 29 from 6-9 p.m. Details: visit https://bit.ly/HGHarvest2022.

MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, 100th Jubilee Celebration, Sunday Oct. 30. Musical program at 3:00 p.m.; Mass at 3:30 p.m. with fellowship meal following. Details: church office (601) 684-5648.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick, 23rd annual Variety Show, Dinner and Fashion Show, Saturday, Nov. 5 in the Family Life Center. Tickets on sale at school or parish office. Reserved $25; adults $10; and children 13 and under $5. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Annual Cemetery Procession at Natchez City Cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. Procession begins at the Old Catholic Plot 1. Participants recite rosary to honor burials prior to 1861 as they process to Catholic Hill in the rear of the cemetery. All adults and youth are invited to join. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, through Sunday, Oct. 30 from 11-7 p.m. sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #7120 (open at 12 p.m. on Sundays). Various sizes available, including specialty pumpkins. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

TUPELO St. James, Rummage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 5 from 7:30-11a.m. in Shelton Hall. Details: call Kathy at (662) 322-2556.

YOUTH EVENTS
DIOCESE Two scholarships are available to college students in the Diocese of Jackson. The Bishop Brunini Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for undergraduate or advanced studies at any accredited Catholic college or university. There are no specific restrictions for the field of study.

The Stella Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for advanced studies in theology or religious education at Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama.

Full and part-time graduate students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. If the recipient is currently enrolled in the Department of Faith Formation’s Pastoral Ministries Program and receives tuition assistance from the diocese and their school or parish, scholarship money can be used to offset the amount of tuition paid out-of-pocket by the individual.

The specific annual amount of the scholarships will be determined by the interest shown. Applications are due to the Department of Faith Formation by Dec. 1. For more information, please contact Fran Lavelle, director of the department of Faith Formation by email at fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.

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

GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Saints Mass, Sunday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. Begins with Mass led by youth. After Mass, brunch held in parish hall. Be sure to have children dress as their favorite saint. Rosary and balloon rosary release after brunch. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

JACKSON St. Richard, An Evening with Moms and Daughters with Kari Kampakis, Sunday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with author and speaker Kari Kampakis as she shares Scripture-based wisdom for girls (seventh grade and up) and their mothers, covering topics from friendships, identity, social media, dating and more. Tickets $5 each or max $20 per family. Purchase at https://bit.ly/STRKariEvent – Register by Oct. 21. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. Catholic Heart Workcamp 2023, July 23-29. For those entering eighth grade and up. Details: visit https://heartworkcamp.com/

SAVE THE DATE
DIOCESE Save the date: #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday Nov. 28. Join Catholics in this nation-wide day of giving.

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.

MEMPHIS 40 Days for Life, Vigil at Outside Choices, 1203 Poplar Ave. from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 6. Details: email info@memphiscoalitionforlife.org or visit 40daysforlife.com/memphis.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Tie Dye for Jesus, Sunday Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. All are welcome. Event begins with an appetizer/dessert potluck. Sign up in the Commons area with your name and shirt size. Donations welcome. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

RIPLEY St. Matthew, 1st annual Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 18 and 19. Crafters wanted: tables available for $30. Begin making your crafts or preparing a food booth now. Details: Call Geraldine at (216) 867-8007.

TRUNK OR TREATS/FALL FESTIVALS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Wednesday, Oct. 26. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.

CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Trunk or Treat and Canned Food Drive, Sunday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. Come dressed in costume to trick-or-treat and win baked goods from the cake walk. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Halloween Carnival, Sunday, Oct. 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.

COLUMBUS Fall Festival/Trunk-or-Treat by Annunciation, FUMC and St. Paul’s Episcopal, Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4-6 p.m. on College Street. Enjoy food, fun, games and costume contest. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.

FLOWOOD St. Paul, Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy great food and games. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Reb Beans & Rice Dinner and Trick or Treat Activities, Sunday, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Plates include Red Beans & Rice, bread and salad. Cost is $7 or hot dogs and chips for $3; dine-in or carry-out. Come enjoy dinner and let your children have fun in costumes with Trick or Treat activities for all. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

GREENWOOD CYO Halloween Carnival/Spaghetti Supper, Monday, Oct. 24. Tickets $15; Spaghetti Supper available drive-through, carry-out or dine in beginning at 4:30 p.m. Carnival booths begin at 5:30 and bingo at 6:30 p.m. Details: church office (662) 453-3980.

GRENADA St. Peter, Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4-6 p.m. in the family life center. Enjoy bingo, cake walk and chili supper. Bingo prizes and cakes needed for cake walk. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.

JACKSON St. Richard School, CardinalFest, Sunday, Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy games for the kids and food and music for the whole family. Admission fee is $20 and includes meal, unlimited games, petting zoo and cake walk ticket. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.

MADISON St. Joseph School, Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-6:30 p.m. for ages under 12. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, Treats in the School Yard event, Wednesday, Oct. 26. Details: church office (601) 684-5648.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Halloween Carnival, Saturday, Oct. 22 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Enjoy games, haunted house and more. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. Open to families and children through fourth grade. Details: church office (662) 445-5616.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Halloween Family Bash/Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Costume contest, trunk decorating contest, bonfire, food, games and more. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

PHILADELPHIA Holy Rosary, Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 30. from 4:30-7 p.m. at the parish hall. Costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, mummy wrap contest. Food and treat bags for all children and youth. Details: parish hall (601) 656 2800.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22. 6 p.m. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy international food, basket raffle, silent auction, entertainment and more. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

TUPELO St. James, Fall Fest, Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy trunk or treat, carnival games, cake walk and more. BBQ available for $10/plate. Dress as your favorite saint for the saint procession. Details: church office (662) 842-4881.

YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Witch Way Yazoo. St. Mary will participate in the event trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 29.

St. Mary, All Souls/All Saints Party, Sunday, Oct. 30 from 11:30 am. to 1 p.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 746-1680.

VICKSBURG Catholic Schools, Spooky Sprint 5k run/walk, 1 mile fun run and carnival, Oct. 29. Details: visit https://bit.ly/SpookySprint2022

Homegrown Harvest event celebrates, supports
diocesan seminarians

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A ticket admitting two to the Homegrown Harvest Festival is $100. The event includes a silent auction and a sit-down meal served by the Knights of Columbus 9543 at St. Francis of Assisi in Madison. To purchase tickets, to view sponsorship levels for this year’s event, or to make a donation to seminarian education, visit: https://bit.ly/HGHarvest2022.

By Joe Lee
MADISON – Once he was named vocation director for the Diocese of Jackson, Father Nick Adam went right to work on developing a grand plan to get seminarians acquainted with parishioners from all over the diocese.

That dream became the Jackson Seminarian Homegrown Harvest Festival, now in its third year and set for Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Madison. The event includes a sit-down meal, a silent auction and a seminarian presentation.

“I knew we needed to raise money to support the education of future priests,” said Father Adam. “But I wanted there to be an event where we came together to ‘see’ what was happening with our vocation program.

“Homegrown Harvest began with a vision of an event to celebrate our faith and the future priests of our church, and this year we are going to ‘see’ that we have nine seminarians. That’s four more than we had just this past May.”

Seminarian education is hardly inexpensive. Bishop Joseph Kopacz estimates that education plus room and board for each year of college seminary and theology is in the $40,000 range per student. Then there’s travel, summer assignments and summer formation programs for the seminarian, bringing to cost per student much closer to $50,000 annually.

“The Homegrown Harvest is becoming the featured event to celebrate the gift of priesthood, to encourage vocations, and to personally invite candidates for seminary discernment and formation,” Bishop Kopacz said. “It is also an opportunity to build up the community of parents, family members, friends and supporters of priestly vocations.”

It might make sense to guess that most seminarians are in their early twenties, though this season’s group of nine ranges from early twenties to early fifties. For older seminarians, the discernment process is different because of their station in life, as well as the role parents play in the life of a fifty-something seminarian compared to that of a teen who may hear the call and look to his parents for guidance and encouragement.

The third annual Jackson Seminarian Homegrown Harvest event will take place on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Madison.

“I always tell young men that my job is to discern with them,” Father Adam said. “Seminary is not the end; it is a resource for young men to discover whether the Lord is calling them to priesthood. If a young man has the desire and the maturity to enter into the seminary and use the resources there for a couple of years to discover whether priesthood is for him, then he should go.”

Father Adam and the diocese have started a new initiative called POPS (Parents of Priests/Seminarians/Sisters) which works alongside the Homegrown Harvest Festival.

“Just like we are using the festival to build community and prayerful support for our seminarians,” Father Adam said of POPS, “we want to make sure we are directing resources toward parents who have made a great gift to the church by supporting their sons and daughters who are pursuing a religious vocation.”

Bishop Kopacz, though, is quick to point out that Father Adam and other vocation directors are not recruiters.

“At times (the vocation director) is directing a young person to consider the beauty of marriage, religious life, or single way of life for a time — or for a lifetime — in service to the Lord,” he said. “Ultimately it is a matter of recognizing one’s gifts and talents for one’s own good, the good of others and the glory of God. This is the gift of our Baptism that, properly nurtured, is the foundation for all vocations.”
Father Andrew Bowden, associate pastor at St. Richard in Jackson since June, said he began thinking of the priesthood at a young age.

“For most of the time I was in middle school and high school I was about 90 percent sure that it was what God was calling me to,” he said. “But I would not say that this is the norm. I locked in mentally, becoming sure that this was what God was calling me to, during my first year in the seminary.

“People today tend to try to distract themselves from what God asks of them. Ultimately this only causes greater dissatisfaction. It is never too early nor too late to start asking God what He wants you to do and to encourage the people around you to do the same. God is the source of our joy, so the greatest joy will be experienced in doing what He asks us to do.”

As Bishop Kopacz points out, presentations, prayer services and conversations are ways of planting seeds that God can bring to fruition in the years ahead. In addition to donating generously, plan to have a nice meal at the Homegrown Harvest Festival and get to know the current crop of seminarians. You may never know what impact you could have on their journey.

In memoriam: Sister Dorothy (Dorothy Lorraine) Olinger

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Sister Dorothy (Dorothy Lorraine) Olinger died on Sept. 18, 2022 at Ascension

St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Ind.  Sister was born on July 3, 1933 in Chicago and was one of twelve children of Madona (Coonrad) and Peter Olinger.  Sr. Dorothy graduated from St. Gregory High School in Chicago and entered the Daughters of Charity in St. Louis, Mo., in 1952.

Olinger Sister Dorothy, Daughters of Charity

     After initial formation, Sr. Dorothy served as a teacher at St. Theresa School in New Orleans (1953-1956), St. Thomas Home in Birmingham, Ala. (1956-1963), St.  Vincent School in Donaldsonville, La. (where she also served as principal, 1963-1969), St. Francis de Sales School in Lake Zurich, Ill. (1969-1973), Cathedral School in Natchez, Miss. (1973-1985), St. Joseph School in East St. Louis, Ill. (1985-1987), St. James Major School in Prichard, Ala. (1995-2001), and Our Lady of the Valley Center in Gloverville, S.C. (2014-2016).  Sister received a BA in English from Marillac College in St. Louis, Mo. (1963) and an MA in Elementary Math Education from the University of Detroit in Michigan (1978).  Sister also served as a Housemother at St. Elizabeth Home in New Orleans, La. (1956), Computer Consultant at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisc. (1987-1993), Registrar at St. Louise de Marillac High School in Northfield, Ill. (1993-1994), Docent at the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md. (2001-2003), Tutor-Aide at St. Therese School in Jackson, Miss. (2003-2008) and Receptionist at Catholic Charities in Nashville, Tenn. (2008-2014) until she came to Seton Residence in Evansville in 2016 to serve in the Ministry of Prayer.

     A Wake Service was held on Monday, September 26, 2022 in the Seton Residence Chapel followed by the Mass of Christian Burial; internment at St. Joseph Cemetery.  Sister was preceded in death by her sisters Patricia LoCoco, Mary Catherine Drollinger, Margaret Sellars, Elizabeth Keller and Elaine Tipton and her brothers William, Thomas, John and Joseph Olinger and she is survived by her brother Michael Olinger and her sister Donna Talley, nieces and nephews, her Sisters in Community and many friends.

     Donations may be made to the Daughters of Charity, 4330 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63108. 

Sister Thea Bowman documentary on her journey to sainthood, set to release Oct. 2

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A new documentary from NewGroup Media and the Diocese of Jackson, MS, Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood, presents the riveting life of Sister Thea Bowman, an African American Catholic Franciscan Sister who used her powerful gifts to educate and challenge the church and society to grow in racial inclusivity. Her skills of preaching, music, and teaching moved many Catholics to begin to confront their own racism while she urged her African American brothers and sisters to claim their gifts and share their “fully functioning” personhood.  Thea worked tirelessly to proclaim this message until her untimely death from breast cancer in 1990.

The film features interviews and commentary from her family, Sisters in community, colleagues, friends, and former students. Input from African-American scholars, clerics and bishops will speak to the ongoing issue of systemic racism in the church and country.  Extensive use is made of archival media that portrays Thea in action–photographs, film, video and audio recordings recorded in locations of significance to her life.

The program title is drawn from a quotation attributed to Sojourner Truth. When Thea was asked what she wanted said at her funeral, she answered, “Just say what Sojourner Truth said: ‘I’m not going to die. I’m going home like a shooting star.’”

The film, part of the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission’s fall documentary season, will begin airing on ABC stations nationwide on October 2, 2022. As of Sept. 30, the following stations have scheduled showings of the film:

WTVA Tupelo- Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.
WTOK Meridian – Oct. 2 at 11:30 p.m.
WLOX Biloxi – Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.
WAPT Jackson – Oct. 30 at 1 p.m.

The film can be streamed on the Diocese of Jackson’s YouTube channel beginning October 2. The film is free to view, with donations requested to the Cause for Sister Thea Bowman.

Sister Judith Ann Zielinski, OSF researched, wrote and produced the film, from early COVID-quarantined research in spring, 2020 through fund-raising, location production, scriptwriting, and delivery to ABC in fall, 2022.  She coordinated dramatic re-enactments from Thea’s childhood and early convent life and conducted all of the program’s interviews—with Thea’s childhood friends, former students, teaching colleagues, two bishops, several priests and Franciscan Sisters, weaving together their personal memories and testimonies as a basis for the script.

Christopher Salvador, NGM Partner, directed the dramatic re-enactments within the film, coordinated budget, contractual and network relations, and oversaw post- production.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Ordinary of Jackson, MS, initiated Sister Thea’s Cause for Sainthood in 2018 with an appeal to the full body of US Bishops which won unanimous approval. As Executive Producer, he supported the production of the film, actively collaborated with the production team, and continues to oversee the advancement of Sister Thea’s Cause.

Other interviewees include:

Rev. Maurice J. Nutt, CSsR, Preacher and pastoral theologian; Thea’s doctoral student; her biographer; associate producer instrumental in gathering pivotal colleagues and friends of Thea to participate in the project;

Rev. Bryan Massingale, Theology Professor, Fordham University, Authority/ speaker on systemic racism in the US and church;

Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, Ordinary, Archdiocese of Washington, DC, senior African-American Bishop who was present at Sister Thea’s famous Seton Hall address to the US Bishops in 1989;

Sr Eileen McKenzie, FSPA, President, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Thea’s religious community, La Crosse WI;

Sr Dorothy Ann Kundinger, FSPA, Thea’s friend, companion and caretaker during Thea’s struggle with cancer and present at her death

Going Home Like a Shooting Star includes extensive use of Bowman family photos, archival material, and footage of Thea from varied public appearances, including her famous interview with Mike Wallace on CBS’ 60 Minutes.

Going Home Like a Shooting Star was filmed on location in:

  • Jackson and Canton, MS
  • New Orleans, LA
  • La Crosse, WI
  • Washington, DC
  • San Antonio, TX
  • New York City
  • South Bend, IN

The film makes a strong connection between Thea’s Gospel call for justice, love and unity and the current effort of Black Lives Matter activists and efforts to combat systemic racism. Many in the film cite Thea’s voice as an influence on their ongoing efforts to achieve social and racial justice.

Production of Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood was made possible with funding from the Catholic Communications Campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as support from various foundations and congregations of U.S. men and women religious.

Retreat master, Gunn rides rails west, part II

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From the Archives
By Mary Woodward

JACKSON – In the last episode we had travelled with Bishop Gunn out West for a series of retreats. He had just arrived in Seattle on Aug. 14, 1918 and found himself with a week before his next engagement.
Seizing a few days off, he left Seattle and made his way across the border to British Columbia in Canada. Bishop Gunn had visited this part of the world before and he comments on its progress, although he makes a very “Gunnian” comment about war rations and the inhabitants of this British province.

“I left Seattle and went up the Puget Sound and spent a few days in Victoria and British Columbia. This was during the hottest part of the war when the Americas were eating stale bread, doing without sugar, sparing of everything and it was strange to find in the British Dominion that restrictions were unheard of. We were starving ourselves for the British and they were growing fat on our service and sacrifice.”

Wow. Bishop Gunn’s candor and wit are priceless moments of discovery. The journey continues below:
“I had been in Victoria and British Columbia years before, but the change and the betterment of both places was a distinct surprise. The trip on the Sound was ideal and when I got back to Seattle I was sorry to leave it.

“Seattle had grown from 20,000 to 600,000 between my two visits although there was not more than ten or fifteen years between the two. I had stopped in a little wooden frame hotel called the Washington. I looked for the same place in 1918 to find a hotel almost as big as the Waldorf-Astoria of New York.

“I enjoyed the week’s rest and left Sunday the 18th for Portland where I was booked to preach the retreat for the Archdiocese from the 19th to the 23rd. Archbishop Christie received me like a prince. I was comfortably installed in the Holy Cross College known as Columbia University and I found the priests attentive and respectful.

“There were about 85 in attendance. I gathered that the men would rather talk then mediate and it was like squeezing blood out of a turnip to me to give six original talks each day. However, I did it and they enjoyed it.

“At the close of the retreat, we had a big dinner at the Archbishop’s house and I was surprised to meet there Mgr. Kelley of [Catholic] Extension and Chas. Denechaud of New Orleans. After dinner we took a drive on probably the finest highway in America – the famous Oregon Highway which runs along the Dalles for fifty or sixty miles and affords scenery which cannot be duplicated anywhere.
“I left Portland for Helena arriving there on August 26th to begin a retreat which ended on the seventh anniversary of my consecration, August 29th.

“There were about eighty priests present and there was more formality in Helena than in St. Paul’s, St. Cloud or in Portland. The bishop, Bishop Carroll, assisted from the throne vested in all his glad rags.
“I tried some heavy stuff on the first day, but I found that the priests were human like everybody else and I switched to things practical and pastoral, with the result that we had really a very interested, I was told, and enthusiastic retreat.

“On Thursday a surprise, and frankly a very welcome one, came to me. The bishop was all apologies and told me that he was up against it – that some state law had come into effect on which all the priests had to take immediate action in view of getting St. Charles’ College accredited as a war college during the period of the war.

“The bishop said it was vital to the diocese that the priests should all hurry home and get busy pulling political strings on Friday and Saturday and make college announcements on the following Sunday. I yielded with internal joy and external resignation.

“The bishop asked me to give a closing lecture on education and as a talk like that needed no preparation on my part, I satisfied the bishop and primed the priests for their work, especially on the following Sunday. The result of their action was that St. Charles got the appointment.

“On Thursday night I left with the priests and many of them came as far as Butte and among them was an ex-Marist who was pastor of one of the Butte churches. I had taught this man in Washington in 1892. He was a little scatter brained and his assignment to Salt Lake College gave him wanderlust and he managed to get identified with the Diocese of Helena. He was a good fellow and I really enjoyed him.

“I got away from Butte on the night of August 29th and spent the two remaining days of August on the train. On September 1st I arrived in Chicago where I ran into a well-organized strike. This strike was among the cabmen, taxi drivers and streetcar men and I found myself at the railroad station and no means to get myself to a hotel.

“The strike was thorough and not a wheel could be turned in Chicago for money. I was in such a pickle that I threw timidity to the winds and asked a gentleman who was driving a private auto to take me to my hotel.

“I was in a city of churches on Sunday, September 1st and I could not find a Catholic Church in Chicago, with the result that I neither said Mass nor heard Mass – a nice example of a man who had been preaching retreats to priests for about a month.”

This concludes our world wind 1918 summer journey across the continent with Bishop Gunn. I hope it gives us a better understanding of and appreciation for our early church leaders in this country. Quite the time…

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

Sacred Heart celebrates 75 years of commitment
to Catholic education

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By Laura Grisham

SOUTHAVEN – The story of Sacred Heart School dates back 75 years. In the beginning, Father John Flanagan, SCJ, wrote to Bishop R.O. Gerow in 1944 requesting a church for the 34 Catholics in the village of Walls in northwest DeSoto County. That was the year that the Harris family opened their home to the group to celebrate the first Mass. Many Sacred Heart School alumni fondly refer to this building as “The Little White House.”

By the end of 1944, construction of Sacred Heart Catholic Church was complete. During the dedication of the church, parishioners requested a school be built. World War II delayed construction of the school due to lack of building materials. Finally, in the fall of 1947, the work was completed. The School Sisters of St. Francis agreed to send three sisters to staff the school. On Sept. 17, 1947, Sacred Heart School opened with 17 students.

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School celebrated 75 years of Catholic education on Sept. 17. The school opened in 1947 with 17 students. (Photo courtesy of Laura Grisham)

From that tiny three-room building in Walls, Mississippi, Sacred Heart School has seen many changes over the years. The growth of the student body necessitated the construction of a new building in 1999. A larger, more centrally located site in Southaven was chosen. Situated on 16 acres in central DeSoto County, Sacred Heart School serves students from across northern Mississippi and the Memphis-Metropolitan area. The school offers classes for hundred of students from early childhood development beginning at age three and continuing through middle school through eighth grade.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, exactly 75 years to the day after first opening its doors, Sacred Heart School celebrated its legacy of a quality catholic education with a full day of activities for students, staff, alumni and friends of the school.

The day started with a family picnic and games on campus. Inside, every corner of the school was filled with pictures, yearbooks and memorabilia from past years. Dozens of the school’s former educators were on hand to greet alumni and reminisce about days gone by.

Mass was celebrated in the school gymnasium with Bishop Joseph Kopacz, as the main celebrant. Alongside him were Father Vien Nguyen, provincial superior of the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJs), Father Jack Kurps, executive director of Sacred Heart Southern Missions (and vice provincial superior) and Father David Szatkowski, local superior of the SCJ community. More than 400 people attended the liturgy.

Accolades were in no short supply for the school or its educators. Father Kurps thanked the many dedicated teachers and staff, who through the years, were committed to making sure that the children received a good education and made sure that they could succeed.

He also recognized the dedication of the School Sisters of St. Francis, who have provided many teachers throughout the schools’ seven-and-a-half decades of operation. “In the early years, most of the students of Sacred Heart School came from poor backgrounds. The Sisters opened the back door of their convent and gave families food, clothing and an encouraging word. They were able to help families know that God loved them and that the Sacred Heart of Jesus would always be with them and protect them.”

Father Kurps also shared a letter from the Superior General of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, Father Carolos Luis Suárez Codorniú, who had visited the school in late spring. Father Carlos said in part that he was impressed with the great spirit and care those at the school share with one another; it is a school where people are ready to do things with love and generosity in the service of all.

Father Vien shared that when the Priests and Brothers of the Sacred Heart founded the school so many years ago, they strived to carry out the vision and passion of their founder, Father Leo John Dehon, who believed in the formation in young people in making a difference in society and in the church through education.

In a nod to Sacred Heart Southern Missions’ 80 years of service to the area, Bishop Kopacz said that the work of educating children and raising them out of poverty was a blessing, adding, “We have been blessed to collaborate with so many dedicated disciples of the Lord here in their schools and parishes.”

Leaders from area municipalities were also a part of the celebration and recognized the contributions of the school and its people in a special way. The mayor of Southaven, Darren Musselwhite, declared Sept. 17 as ‘Sacred Heart School Day’ and honored the school with a special proclamation. In addition, Sister Virginia Reinl and Sister Margaret Sue Broker, OSFs, were recognized with proclamations from Keidron Henderson, mayor of Walls, Mississippi (the original location of Sacred Heart) for their contributions to the school and the people of the community.

The newly completed Sister Margaret Sue Broker Walking Trail was dedicated by Bishop Kopacz following Mass, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory lap by many in attendance. Named for the sixty-two year veteran of the school and a champion for its creation and construction, the walking trail is a fitting tribute for a woman who has taught and inspired generations of students.

A delicious barbeque dinner followed the dedication, carefully crafted by another Sacred Heart alumnus and restaurant owner, John David Wheeler. After sunset, everyone was treated to a spectacular fireworks show, a DJ, and live music performed by the Christian Brothers High School Jazz Band and several Sacred Heart School alumni bands.

“Without a doubt, Sacred Heart School began the education of my mind, my heart and my soul. I am forever grateful for this threefold foundation that was provided to me, and I am thankful that I see this foundation still being provided to my children,” said David Delgado, municipal court judge, local attorney and Sacred Heart Alumnus.

Ed Savage, an alumni and former employee of Sacred Heart Southern Missions, shared his thoughts on the celebration and the school. “As a former student I have long understood and appreciated the tremendous blessing Sacred Heart School was for me personally… In four short years the arch of my life was transformed by Sacred Heart School,” Savage said.

“The 75th celebration of the school brought into even clearer focus the tremendous impact Sacred Heart School has had on generations upon generations of people from all walks of life here in North Mississippi,” he continued. “Catholic and non-Catholic, rich and poor, Black and White, Hispanic and Asian have all been blessed. The celebration reminded me to thank God for all those past and present whose work and generosity has made this marvelous school possible, and for the long line of teachers who have shared a dedication to bring out the very best in every child that comes through the doors of Sacred Heart School.”

The Rosary: Our Lady’s lasso
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary – October 7

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Stewardship paths
By Julia Williams

Artwork: Our Lady of the Rosary with Child, Simone Cantarini, c. 1612-1648. The Memorare: The Virgin and Child, Sandro Botticelli, c. 1480. Both artwork public domain.

JACKSON – An old priest once said, “It is no coincidence that rosaries look like lassos, as Our Lady wraps them around lost souls and pulls them out of the depths of hell.”
The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is a commemorative feast established by St. Pius V on the anniversary of the naval victory won by the Christian fleet at Lepanto. The victory was attributed to the help of the Mother of God, whose aid was invoked by praying the Rosary.

This victory revealed the power of the Holy Rosary more than ever. Catholics who were open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit took, with deep resolve, the Rosary as their link to God.

It is no surprise that the magisterium and countless saints have encouraged devotion to the Rosary. Pope St. John Paul II said of the prayer, “The Rosary is my favorite prayer, marvelous in its simplicity and its depth.” The late pontiff also added five more “luminous” mysteries to the Rosary to help the faithful meditate upon significant moments in Christ’s earthly ministry.

The old priest was correct in asserting that the Blessed Virgin uses the Rosary to convert lost souls. However, the words of the Memorare must be remembered:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.”
Source: catholicsteward.com

Calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, Friday, Oct. 28-29 at St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt. Featured speaker Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This will be an evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass.
PEARL St. Jude, Retreat for Healing and Hope, Friday Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish hall. Featured speakers: Father Bill Henry, Janet Constantine, LMHC and spiritual director, sponsored by Marian Servants of Jesus the Lamb of God. Registration free, lunch provided. Topics: Our Brokenness; Blocks to Healing; and Receiving God’s Love. All are welcome. Details: Contact Maureen at (601) 278-0423 or Pat at (601) 955-0755 or email msofjlog@gmail.com.
JACKSON St. Richard, 105th anniversary of Fatima’s Miracle of the Sun, Saturday, Oct. 8. Confession at 8 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m.; and Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Come celebrate Our Lady of Fatima and the devotion to her Immaculate Heart. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 9. Mass at 9 a.m. then potluck lunch, plus fun and games. There will be a waterslide and jumpers for the kids – bring a towel and change of clothing. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Loaves and Fishes Annual Supper Fundraiser, Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in the Activity Center. Tickets: $15. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.
HOLY LAND Trip with Father Mark Shoffner to the Holy Land, June 30 – July 9, 2023. If you’ve wanted to go walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see the places of the Scriptures come to life, then now is the time to sign up. An exceptional moment to see Jesus in a whole new experience. Ten days, airfare, hotels, meals, tour guide, daily Masses in the Holy. Sites are all included in the cost. Details: https://www.catholicjourneys.com/shoffner/.
JACKSON 42nd annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Country Club of Jackson. All proceeds help victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Details: visit www.friendsforacause.com.
Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event, Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. at Charities at 850 East River Place. Join Catholic Charities for a balloon launch, guest speaker and proclamation to honor victims of domestic violence. Details: office at (601) 366-0222.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, 23rd annual Variety Show/Dinner and Fashion Show, Saturday, Nov. 5 in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Evening with Father Josh Johnson, Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Father is well-known for his popular Ascension podcast “Ask Father Josh.” He has written several books including the best-selling “Pocket Guide to Reconciliation” (co-written with Father Mike Schmitz), “Broken & Blessed” and “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” The event is free, contributions to Father Josh’s school in his Baton Rouge parish are welcome. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Sunday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Drive through and dine-in available. Tickets: $10. Details: Darren at (601) 597-2890.
OLIVE BRANCH Women’s Club Hootenanny with Father Ardi, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Music, fire pit for s’mores, cider and hot chocolate. Bring your sing-along voice and lawn chair. All parish members are invited! Please sign up in the Commons to ensure enough refreshments are provided. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, Monday, Sept. 28 to Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11-7 p.m. sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #7120 (open at 12 p.m. on Sundays). Various sizes available, including specialty pumpkins. Benefits support Coats for Kids. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
Christ the King, Trivia Night, Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Cost: $15/person or $25/couple – limit 10 to a table; door prizes and trophies for the winning table and the best decorated table will be given. Decoration and Halloween costumes are optional but add some fun to the night. Doors open at 3 p.m. Bring food for your party or purchase a bowl of chili for $5. Details: to reserve a spot call/text Karin at (901) 289-0311.

YOUTH EVENTS
DIOCESE Two scholarships are available to college students in the Diocese of Jackson. The Bishop Brunini Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for undergraduate or advanced studies at any accredited Catholic college or university. There are no specific restrictions for the field of study.
The Stella Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for advanced studies in theology or religious education at Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama.
Full and part-time graduate students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. If the recipient is currently enrolled in the Department of Faith Formation’s Pastoral Ministries Program and receives tuition assistance from the diocese and their school or parish, scholarship money can be used to offset the amount of tuition paid out-of-pocket by the individual.
The specific annual amount of the scholarships will be determined by the interest shown. Applications are due to the Department of Faith Formation by Dec. 1. For more information, please contact Fran Lavelle, director of the department of Faith Formation by email at fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
DIOCESE SEARCH Retreat – For Teens, By Teen, Jan. 13-15, 2023 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Details: email abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
JACKSON St. Richard, An Evening with Moms and Daughters with Kari Kampakis, Sunday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with author and speaker Kari Kampakis as she shares Scripture-based wisdom for girls (seventh grade and up) and their mothers, covering topics from friendships, identity, social media, dating and more. Tickets $5 each or max $20 per family. Purchase at https://bit.ly/STRKariEvent – Register by Oct. 21. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

SAVE THE DATE
DIOCESE Save the date: #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday Nov. 28. Join Catholics in this nation-wide day of giving.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal set for Feb. 10. Call for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.
PEARL Cinemark Theatre, Theatrical release of “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love,” two-nights only – Monday Oct. 3 and Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Details: visit www.motherteresamovie.com.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Tie Dye for Jesus, Sunday Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. All are welcome! Event begins with an appetizer/dessert potluck. Sign up in the Commons area with your name and shirt size. Donations welcome. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
RIPLEY St. Matthew, 1st annual Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 18 and 19. Crafters wanted: tables available for $30. Begin making your crafts or preparing a food booth now. Details: Call Geraldine at (216) 867-8007.

TRUNK OR TREATS/FALL FESTIVALS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Wednesday, Oct. 26. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 30. Vehicles needed, call church office to sign up. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Trunks are needed! Enjoy great food and games. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
GRENADA St. Peter, Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 30. More details coming soon. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
MADISON St. Joseph School, Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-6:30 p.m. for ages under 12. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Halloween Family Bash/Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Costume contest, trunk decorating contest, bonfire, food, games and more. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy international food, basket raffle, silent auction, entertainment and more. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.