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Category Archives: Diocesan News
Calendar of events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, “Bee Attitudes” Women’s Retreat, Oct. 18-20 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa with Father Anthony Quyet. Ladies of St. Paul, come experience the Beatitudes from the perspective of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden and Paula D’Arcy’s A New Set of Eyes. Details: email finance@spaulcc.org.
GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, Healing Retreat with Maria Vadia on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The retreat is free; a love offering will be taken. Details: call (662) 299–1232.
JACKSON – St. Richard, “Inspire” – a day retreat for women of all ages, Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8:30-3:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Suggested donation: $30. Register by Oct. 15. Details: claudiaaddison@mac.com or (601) 594-3937.
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. On Nov. 6, St. Elizabeth School will lead us in prayer. Join early and place your intentions in the chat. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024 or check the diocese calendar of events.
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4-6 p.m. Have an amazing Halloween experience for youth with trunk or treat, cake walk, games, contests, hall of saints, food and more. No pets. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Parish Picnic and Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 26 after 4 p.m. Mass. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, CYO Spaghetti Supper and Halloween Carnival, Monday, Oct. 28. Spaghetti supper available for drive-thru, carry out or dine in beginning at 4:30 p.m. Carnival booths open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 Details: church office (662) 453-3980.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, “Hope – an Anchor in Today’s World” Study with Leanne Skinner Meng, Oct. 21 and 28; Nov. 4 and 11, in the Chapel Hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Snacks and refreshments provided. Registration fee: $6 for materials. Details: register at holyspirit-catholic.com or call (662) 429-7851 for more information.
Holy Spirit, Knights of Columbus Pumpkin Patch, open through Oct. 31, Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12-7 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Halloween Bash, Sunday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Enjoy games, food trunk or treat and more. All are welcome. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
Queen of Peace, 50th Anniversary Celebration for Deacon Mark White, Sunday, Nov. 10, Mass at 10 a.m. with Bishop Kopacz. Details: RSVP to queenop@shsm.org.
MADISON – St. Francis, Trunk or Treat, Wedneday, Oct. 30. 6:30-8 p.m. Details: We need trunks – call or text Todd at (601) 809-6640 to participate.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Parish Dinner/Halloween Fun, Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. All are invited! Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
St. Mary Basilica, Fatima Rosary, Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12 p.m. in the prayer garden.
St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Sunday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Dine-in or take-out (bring your own container). Tickets: $10. Details: Darren at (601) 597-2890.
SHAW – St. Francis, Spaghetti Dinner, Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4-7 p.m. Drive-thru only at parish hall. Cost: $15, must be purchased in advance. Details: (662) 754-5561.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Adult Halloween Party, Saturday, Oct. 26, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a night of dancing, food, fun, fellowship and fright in the social hall. Music by DJ Fernando. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
Christ the King, Halloween Bash – for kids in grades K through fifth, Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Cost: one large bag of candy. Enjoy carnival games and more.
DIOCESE
JOB OPENING – The Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Communications is looking for a full-time communications specialist. Role involves creating and promoting content across multimedia platforms, including social media, websites and promotional materials. The position requires strong communication skills, knowledge of Catholic teachings and proficiency in design and communication software. College degree required with two years experience. Send a cover letter and resume to joanna.king@jacksondiocese.org no later than Oct. 25, 2024. If you would like a full job description, visit https://jacksondiocese.org/employment-1.
YOUNG ADULTS – Trivia on Tap, Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at Blaylock Photography in Ridgeland. Guest speaker will be deacon candidate, Jeff Cook. Ages 21+ are welcome.
Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, May 12-27. Father Lincoln Dall will be leading this once in a lifetime journey. Space is limited. Email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org for more information.
YOUTH – Diocesan SEARCH Retreat for tenth through twelfth graders, Jan. 17-19, 2025 at Camp Wesley Pines, Gallman. Diocese High School Confirmation Retreat, Jan. 25-26, 2025 at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Diocese Catholic Youth Conference – DCYC for ninth through twelfth grades, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER – CEE is our diocesan marriage prep program for couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. The upcoming weekends for 2025 are: Feb. 21-23, 2025; August 1-3, 2025; and Oct. 24-26, 2025 at Camp Garaywa in Clinton; and April 25-27, 2025 at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Louisville. Register at https://bit.ly/CEE2024-2025. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
Homegrown Harvest: Growing vocations in the diocese
By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – The Jackson Seminarian Homegrown Harvest began with a vision of an event to celebrate future priests of the Diocese of Jackson. Now being hosted at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, the Homegrown Harvest event has grown from its humble beginnings as an online only event in 2020, where Father Nick Adam and Bishop Joseph Kopacz talked about the call to vocations to an event that brings the community together to celebrate the Catholic faith and future priests.
The fifth annual Homegrown Harvest will kick-off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Two Mississippi Museums in downtown Jackson. The event boasts fantastic food, a silent auction, raffle and more in support of vocations in the Diocese of Jackson.
Tickets admitting two to the event cost $100 and members of the Women’s Burse Club are invited to the event as well with their membership donation.
The cost of educating seminarians is far from nominal, with the estimated expenses for tuition, room and board at the college seminary and theology levels at $40,000 per year, per student. When adding in travel, summer assignments, and additional formation programs, the total annual cost per seminarian approaches $50,000.
Currently, the diocese has six seminarians – Will Foggo of St. Paul Flowood; Grayson Foley of St. Richard Jackson; EJ Martin of St. Richard Jackson; Wilson Locke of St. Paul Vicksburg; Francisco Maldonado of Immaculate Heart of Mary Greenwood; and Joe Pearson of St. Richard Jackson.
Foggo is the “most senior” of the seminarians for the Diocese of Jackson. Father Nick says that he is scheduled to be ordained a deacon next year and ordained a priest in the spring of 2026. Attendees at Homegrown Harvest will hear from Foggo about his time in seminary and from others.
Father Nick says that the six current seminarians are “just the type of men who we need to be considering the priesthood.” With some parishes in the diocese without a full-time pastor and others with priests nearing the age of retirement, he realizes the need to grow the vocations office to reach more young men, who may need a nudge to accept the call from the Lord to consider priesthood.
“So many incredible priests have served us throughout the years, but we continue to need more men from our diocese to serve,” said Father Nick.
To assist in growing “homegrown” vocations, the newest priest of the diocese – Father Tristan Stovall – was appointed by Bishop Joseph Kopacz as assistant vocations director and the office recently announced a new partnership with Vianney Vocations through an initiative called “Vocation Pathway.”
“We are excited about this new chapter,” said Father Nick. “Please keep us in your prayers and ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest.”
To purchase tickets or to sponsor the Homegrown Harvest in support of seminarian education, visit bit.ly/HGHarvest2024.
Calendar of events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, “Bee Attitudes” Women’s Retreat, Oct. 18-20 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa with Father Anthony Quyet. Ladies of St. Paul, come experience the Beatitudes from the perspective of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden and Paula D’Arcy’s A New Set of Eyes. Details: email finance@spaulcc.org.
GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, Healing Retreat with Maria Vadia on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The retreat is free; a love offering will be taken. Details: call (662) 299–1232.
JACKSON – St. Richard, “Inspire” – a day retreat for women of all ages, Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8:30-3:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Suggested donation: $30. Register by Oct. 15. Details: claudiaaddison@mac.com or (601) 594-3937.
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. On Oct. 2, Vicksburg Catholic School will lead us in prayer. Join early and place your intentions in the chat. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024 or check the diocese calendar of events.
VIRTUAL – Healing Racism: Achiving a Eucharistic World Webinar by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 p.m. This webinar includes presentations on raising and promoting social consciousness towards the vision of eucharistic compassion and a more racially just church. Details: register at www.katharinedrexel.org/SJCwebinar.
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
ABERDEEN – St. Francis of Assisi, Parish Picnic, Saturday Oct. 5 following the 5 p.m. Mass. Details: email abstfrancis@gmail.com.
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Parish Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 6, following 10 a.m. Mass. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. Have an amazing halloween experience for youth with trunk or treat, cake walk, games, contests, hall of saints, food and more. No pets. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, 100th Anniversary Celebration, Sunday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. Mass with Bishop Kopacz, followed by a luncheon. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.
FOREST – St. Michael, Feast celebration with Mass at Gaddis Park. Sunday Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. Details: church office (601) 469-1916.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Parish Picnic and Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 26 after 4 p.m. Mass. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, CYO Spaghetti Supper and Halloween Carnival, Monday, Oct. 28. Spaghetti supper available for drive-thru, carry out or dine in beginning at 4:30 p.m. Carnival booths open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 Details: church office (662) 453-3980.
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Feast of St. Francis, Sunday, Oct. 6. Bilingual Mass at 12 p.m. followed by parish potluck. All are invited, bring your favorite dish. Details: church office (662) 453-0623.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Cocktails and Catholicism, Liturgical Music with Stacy Michael on Friday, Oct. 11. Doors open at 6 p.m. 21+ and over. BYOB. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Special Kids Golf Tournament, Thursday, Oct. 10 at Deerfield Golf Club in Canton. Morning and afternoon scrambles available. Details: for more information visit https://saintrichard.com/special-kids-day or email golf@saintrichard.com.
St. Richard School, Cardinal Fest and Chili Cook-off, Sunday, Oct. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Entry cost: $20. Enjoy games, food, music and more. Chili cook-off teams needed! See more info at https://bit.ly/3TDIXFu. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.
Cathedral of St. Peter, Hispanic Heritage Potluck, Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 5:30 p.m. Details: RSVP at https://bit.ly/HHPotluck2024.
LELAND – St. James, Spaghetti Dinner and Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. Booths open at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 per plate. Details: Debbie at (662) 684-7352.
MADISON – St. Francis, A Taste of St. Francis Feast, Sunday, Oct. 6 in the Family Life Center after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Details: sign up forms at the entrance of the church or call (601) 856-5556.
St. Francis, Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. in the courtyard. Pets must be leashed or in a crate. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
St. Francis, Parish Mission, Becoming People of the Eucharist: Encountering Christ, Oct. 7-8 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, St. Anne and St. Catherine Brunch, Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Father Vally Room. This event is for anyone who has suffered infertility, miscarriage or loss of child. Join us for a time of comfort, prayer and gentle conversation with others who understand. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
St. Joseph, Octoberfest and Health Fair, Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beginning with blessing of the animals. Enjoy food, games, activities and fun for all. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
NATCHEZ – Cathedral School, Fall Festival, Oct. 5 and 6. Enjoy midway games, shopping, raffles, adult night, bingo and more. Details: visit @CathedralFallFest on Facebook.
St. Mary Basilica, Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, Sept. 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Halloween Bash, Sunday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Enjoy games, food trunk or treat and more. All are welcome. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
Queen of Peace, 50th Anniversary Celebration for Deacon Mark White, Sunday, Nov. 10, Mass at 10 a.m. with Bishop Kopacz. Details: RSVP to queenop@shsm.org.
PEARL – St. Jude, Hispanic Heritage Potluck Fest, Sunday, Oct. 6 after 12:15 p.m. Mass. Bring your favorite dish to share. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
PONTOTOC – St. Christopher, Outdoor Mass and Potluck at the Tanglefoot Trail Pavilion on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. Details: church office (662) 842-4881.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christ the King, Adult Halloween Party, Saturday, Oct. 26, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a night of dancing, food, fun, fellowship and fright in the social hall. Music by DJ Fernando. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
VICKSBURG – Knights of Columbus 898, Drawdown Dinner, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. Cost: $75 for two – dine in only and one draw for $3,000 grand prize. Details: www.kc898.square.site
DIOCESE
JOB OPENING – The Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Communications is looking for a full-time marketing specialist. Role involves creating and promoting content across multimedia platforms, including social media, websites and promotional materials. The position requires strong communication skills, knowledge of Catholic teachings and proficiency in design and communication software. College degree required with two years experience. Send a cover letter and resume to joanna.king@jacksondiocese.org no later than Oct. 25, 2024. If you would like a full job description, visit https://jacksondiocese.org/employment-1.
JACKSON – Homegrown Harvest for Jackson Seminarians, Saturday Oct. 12 at the Two Mississippi Museums. Tickets: $100, admits two. Details: bit.ly/HGHarvest2024.
YOUNG ADULTS – Trivia on Tap, Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at Blaylock Photography in Ridgeland. Guest speaker will be pro-life advocate, Anja Baker. Ages 21+ are welcome.
Second Annual Kickball Tournament, Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2-4 p.m. at St. Francis Madison. All young adults ages 18-35 are welcome. Details: to join email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, May 12-27. Father Lincoln Dall will be leading this once in a lifetime journey. Space is limited. Email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org for more information.
YOUTH – Diocesan SEARCH Retreat for tenth through twelfth graders, Jan. 17-19, 2025 at Camp Wesley Pines, Gallman. Diocese High School Confirmation Retreat, Jan. 25-26, 2025 at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Diocese Catholic Youth Conference – DCYC for ninth through twelfth grades, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER – CEE is our diocesan marriage prep program for couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. The upcoming weekends for 2024/2025 are: Oct. 11-13; Feb. 21-23, 2025; August 1-3, 2025; and Oct. 24-26, 2025 at Camp Garaywa in Clinton; and April 25-27, 2025 at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Louisville. Register at https://bit.ly/CEE2024-2025. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
Strengthening unity: Parish leaders explore cultural competence in ministries
By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – On Wednesday, Aug. 28 over 70 parish leaders from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered for an intercultural competence workshop held at St. Jude Pearl by the Office of Intercultural Ministry for the diocese. At the event, twelve different countries were represented other than the United States, including Nigeria, India, Vietnam, Columbia and Mexico, among others. The event spoke to the reality present that diocesan ministries need to learn to serve within the cultural reality of the diocese.
The workshop, focusing on culture in general and not on a particular one, explored topics such as how culture works, parameters of culture, communications skills and the movements of parish integration.
Deacon Juan Carlos Pagán of the Diocese of Lafayette was one of the featured speakers at the event. Originally from Puerto Rico, with a “Cajun” wife of 25 years, he spoke on the need of inculturation – wrapping the core message in a way that other cultures can understand.
With all of the different countries represented that were present at the event, Deacon Pagán said that “we need to learn how to serve in ways that are applicable to the different cultural realities.”
Using the Blessed Virgin Mary as an example, he pointed out that in her different apparitions, she appears in the image of the people she is speaking to. “Guadalupe is a great example,” said Deacon Pagán. “You have Mary showing up dressed in a way that indigenous people could understand who she was. This is an example of inculturation – it’s the wrapping of the truth of Jesus Christ … in a package that is understandable for the recipients.”
Statistics of our changing diocese were also featured during the event. Bishop Joseph Kopacz spoke briefly at the intercultural workshop on the extensive CARA study undertaken through the pastoral reimagining process the diocese undertook over the past year, that now continues on a parish level. He said it was important for parish leaders to be grounded in reality regarding the make-up of the demographics in the diocese and note “who will be the Catholic population going forward 20-30 years.”
Bishop Kopacz said that for the purpose of evangelization, some parish communities did not realize the size of the Catholic population in their areas that are not attending church until viewing the CARA study. Many want to reach out and bring them into the Catholic community and doing that through elevating intercultural competence is a step in the right direction, he said.
Also speaking at the event was Olga Lucia Villar, who currently serves as executive director for the US Catholic Bishops Southeast Office for Hispanic Ministry and the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI). Columbian by birth, she immigrated as a teenager with her family to Miami in 1987.
Using stories from her wide berth of experiences on the parish level and world-wide missionary experiences, Villar painted a picture of a world with intercultural interaction as a way of life and not a problem to be solved.
She asked all present at the event to keep an image of Jesus and the church that he dreams about in the forefront of everything done to further the work of the church as the Body of Christ.
“Think, do my actions and my pastoral work do reflect that Jesus that … invites us to follow him,” said Villar.
She says that learning is the key to bridging the gap between cultures. “Ask, how much am I willing to continue learning,” said Villar. “Is Jesus done with me? Am I all that He dreamt of me to be … or do I have more room for growth in my faith and in my way of seeing life.”
Villar outlined nine movements to foster an environment of understanding between cultures. The moments include:
- Reaching out and meeting communities where they are;
- Welcoming groups into parish life by showing hospitality;
- Developing ministries and ministers to the new communities;
- Building relationships across cultures and ministries;
- Championing leadership development and formation for ministry;
- Open wide the doors for decision-making process by making space at the table where decisions are made on culturally specific ministries;
- Strengthening a sense of ownership with meaningful ways to be involved in the life of the parish faith community;
- Sowing and reaping full ownership and stewardship by allowing cultural groups to contribute their time, talent and treasure to the parish; and
- Achieving the full commitment to the mission of the parish by strengthening the unity of the parish while honoring its diversity.
“We are a eucharistic people,” said Villar. “Think what … Jesus asks of us today in the church that needs healing, reconciliation, that needs to renew its sense of hospitality of being embraced.”Sister Amelia Breton, SBS, of the Office of Intercultural Ministry for the diocese, was pleased with the level of participation at the event and said that the purpose of the event was to assist leaders to better understand the dynamics of other cultures.
“The communities across the diocese are so different, especially within the Hispanic communities,” said Sister Amelia. “It reminds me that diversity is greater and more complex than we can imagine.” Sister Amelia plans to continue conversations on best practices in working in intercultural parishes and also held a similar workshop in Spanish at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Houston on Saturday, Sept. 7.
(Editor’s Note: The CARA study completed through the pastoral reimagining process on the demographics of the Catholic population in the Diocese of Jackson can be viewed at https://bit.ly/CARA_CDJ. For more resources on Intercultural Ministry contact Sister Amelia Breton, SBS at amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.)
Half-century of faith: Father Joe Dyer continues to serve
By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – Being a priest for 50 years, one could imagine the immense changes in that half of a century. For Father Joe Dyer, the first Black diocesan priest in Mississippi, God threw him “many surprises.”
Celebrating 50 years of priesthood on Friday, Aug. 16 at Christ the King parish in Jackson was a full-circle moment for Father Dyer, having been his first assignment in the Diocese of Jackson as associate pastor shortly after his ordination to the priesthood in 1974.
Father Dyer was ordained by Bishop Joseph Brunini in New Orleans at St. Mary of the Angels Church – an event he was “forever grateful” to Bishop Brunini for allowing him to be ordained at one of the parishes of his youth.
Growing up in New Orleans, Father Dyer recalled his home church of Holy Redeemer a “colored” parish that was destroyed by Hurricane Betsy, a powerful category 4 storm in 1965 that breached levees and inundated neighborhoods. After that, the family and others from the parish found their home at a local “white” parish – St. Mary of the Angels.
Father Tony Ricard of the Archdiocese of New Orleans was in attendance at Father Dyer’s 50th anniversary celebration and both attended the same high school though about 20 years apart – St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. The school has turned out 12 Black Catholic priests over the past 50 years and Father Dyer was the first.
“So, at school we refer to him as our ‘Proto-Priest.’ Meaning that he was the first to come from us,” said Father Tony. “He’s been a great inspiration to all of the young men that have gone on to become priests from our school. … When we talk about him, we talk about his ministry and the fact that soon he’ll be 80 years old, but he hasn’t stopped yet.”
After beginning his service at Christ the King in Jackson, Father Dyer served at Holy Family Jackson, St. John Oxford, Sacred Heart Canton, Holy Child Jesus Canton, St. Michael Forest, St. Michael Paulding, St. Anne Newton, St. Martin de Porres before his full-circle moment serving back at Christ the King Jackson as sacramental minister and spending time with children at Sister Thea Bowman School after his retirement in February of 2018.
At his anniversary celebration, many gathered from parishes Father Dyer served at over the years and from New Orleans, sharing fond memories and the profound impact he has had on their lives.
Joyce Brasfield Adams recalled when he brought her into the Catholic Church in 1986 at Holy Family parish in Jackson. “Father Joe believed in me before I believed in myself,” said Adams. “I thank God for Father Joe.”
The Le family of St. Michael Forest made the trip to celebrate Father Dyer’s anniversary, recalling family trips and immersing him in Vietnamese culture. Andrew Le was an altar server for Father Dyer while serving at St. Michael Forest for a period of 11 years and even had the pleasure of altar serving with him on a cruise ship. Le was also honored to bring Father Dyer along for a Vietnamese Catholic retreat – Marian Days – in Missouri where tens of thousands of Vietnamese Catholics gather for a spiritual pilgrimage and social festival. “He means the world to us,” said Amy Le, who Father Dyer confirmed to the Catholic faith years ago.
As Father Dyer continues his celebration of 50 years of priesthood and 80 years of life, his journey of faith continues on. “My sacramental life is now as a priest who still finds joy and purpose administering the sacraments to God’s people,” said Father Dyer.
Sister Nancy Schreck, OSF receives “Outstanding Leadership Award” from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious
By Jessi Russo
DUBUQUE, Iowa – Sister Nancy Schreck, OSF, was selected as the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) on Friday, Aug. 16, during the closing banquet of LCWR’s Assembly in Orlando.
Recipients are chosen based on their “commitment and collaboration in the ministry of leadership; faithfulness to Gospel values and mission; creative and innovative leadership in one or more areas; and significant contribution on the national and/or international level, particularly to women religious congregations in the United States,” according to the LCWR website.
Sister Nancy served in leadership and formation ministry for the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa, as well as in the LCWR presidency and as a US delegate to the International Union of Superiors General (UISG). She also served for eight years as a member of the council of the Franciscan Handmaids in New York. Her contributions to LCWR over the years – including keynote presentations at LCWR assemblies, facilitation of the Leading from Within Retreat and New Leader Workshop, articles, and more – have influenced leaders nationally and globally. She is a sought-after presenter and facilitator for religious groups throughout the world. Sister Nancy founded and is currently the program director of Excel Inc., a community service organization located in Okolona, Mississippi.
In her acceptance speech Sister Nancy shared what she has come to learn about religious life through her work with thousands of Catholic sisters around the world who have asked her to serve as a facilitator and speaker with the hope that the reflections would help leaders know “who then shall we be.”
In her conclusion, she quoted Friedrich Nietzsche who said: “I want to learn more and more to see as beautiful what is necessary in things, then I shall be one of those who makes things beautiful.” Sister Nancy added, “That is my hope – that as I have worked among you, I have been able to make religious life more beautiful.”
The Sisters of St. Francis, located in Debuque, Iowa, are dedicated to a life of service, prayer and community living based on the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi and Mother Xavier. Learn more at osfdbq.org.
Calendar of events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER – CEE is our diocesan marriage prep program for couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. The upcoming weekends for 2024/2025 are: Oct. 11-13; Feb. 21-23, 2025; August 1-3, 2025; and Oct. 24-26, 2025 at Camp Garaywa in Clinton; and April 25-27, 2025 at Lake Tia O’Khata in Louisville. Register at https://bit.ly/CEE2024-2025. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, “Bee Attitudes” Women’s Retreat, Oct. 18-20 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa with Father Anthony Quyet. Ladies of St. Paul, come experience the Beatitudes from the perspective of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden and Paula D’Arcy’s A New Set of Eyes. Details: email finance@spaulcc.org.
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. On Oct. 2, Vicksburg Catholic School will lead us in prayer. Join early and place your intentions in the chat. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024 or check the diocese calendar of events.
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. Have an amazing halloween experience for youth with trunk or treat, cake walk, games, contests, hall of saints, food and more. No pets. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Annual St. Elizabeth Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy the traditional spaghetti dinner at the school and enjoy prize booths and more. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, 150th anniversary of the School Sisters of St. Francis, Friday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Mass with Bishop Kopacz, followed by fellowship dinner. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul Early Learning Center, Annual Golf Tournament, Friday, Sept. 20 at Bay Pointe Golf Club. Details: register at https://bit.ly/StPaulELCGolfTournament2024.
FOREST – St. Michael, Feast celebration with Mass at Gaddis Park. Sunday Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. Details: church office (601) 469-1916.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Special Kids Golf Tournament, Thursday, Oct. 10 at Deerfield Golf Club in Canton. Morning and afternoon scrambles available. Details: for more information visit https://saintrichard.com/special-kids-day or email golf@saintrichard.com.
St. Richard School, Cardinal Fest, Sunday, Oct. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Entry cost: $20. Enjoy games, food, music and more. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.
LELAND – St. James, Spaghetti Dinner and Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. Booths open at 6 p.m. Cost: $15 per plate. Details: Debbie at (662) 684-7352.
MADISON – St. Francis, A Taste of St. Francis Feast, Sunday, Oct. 6 in the Family Life Center after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Details: sign up on the forms at the entrance of the church or call (601) 856-5556 for more information.
NATCHEZ – Cathedral School, Fall Festival, Oct. 5 and 6. Enjoy midway games, shopping, raffles, adult night, bingo and more. Details: visit @CathedralFallFest on Facebook.
St. Mary Basilica, Parish Feast Day Dinner, Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Main meal provided, bring a dessert. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
St. Mary Basilica, Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, Sept. 29 at 3:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Church Picnic, Sunday, Sept. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy games, free food and fellowship. Be sure to bring a lawn chair. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
Queen of Peace, Men’s Club Golf Tournament, Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. Cost: $125 per player. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PONTOTOC – St. Christopher, Outdoor Mass and Potluck at the Tanglefoot Trail Pavilion on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. Details: church office (662) 842-4881.
RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Anniversary celebration of dedication of the church, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy food booths, games and activities. Details: contact Laura (662) 587-3892 (Spanish) or Katie (412) 452-6643 (English).
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 5. Save the date!
VICKSBURG – Knights of Columbus 898, Drawdown Dinner, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. Cost: $75 for two – dine in only and one draw for $3,000 grand prize. Details: www.kc898.square.site
DIOCESE
JOB OPENING – The Diocese of Jackson’s Department of Faith Formation is looking for a full-time administrative assistant. The successful candidate will provide administrative assistance exercising quality pastoral skills for those in pastoral and formational ministry. Three to five years experience in an administrative role providing direct support to a multicultural intergenerational department. Understanding basic accounting a plus. High school diploma or GED certificate required; completion of college degree in business preferred. Contact fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org if you have questions about the position or if you would like a full job description. Send a cover letter and resume to Dr. Lavelle no later than Sept. 30, 2024.
DIOCESE – Upcoming events: Diocesan SEARCH Retreat for tenth through twelth graders, Jan. 17-19, 2025 at Camp Wesley Pines, Gallman. Diocese High School Confirmation Retreat, Jan. 25-26, 2025 at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Diocese Catholic Youth Conference – DCYC for ninth through twelfth grades, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
Swing into action: Annual Bishop’s Cup set for Sept. 12
By Staff Reports
MADISON – Join the Catholic Foundation for a fantastic day of golf and community spirit at the 42nd annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament, on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Lake Caroline Golf Club. This event welcomes golfers of all skill levels – men and women alike – for a day filled with fun, competition and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, there’s something for everyone.
Tee time is set for 1 p.m., and players can sign up as individuals or with friends. The cost per player is $200, while priests enjoy the game for free. Excitement is high with a hole-in-one prize of $10,000 up for grabs!
Each golfer will enjoy a delicious lunch before the tournament; 18 holes of golf with cart; snacks and beverages on the course; a golf hat; and dinner, with two free drink tickets at The Mermaid Café.
For those who prefer not to golf, dinner tickets are available for $40 per person. The evening will feature a silent and live auction, providing additional opportunities to support a great cause.
Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation, shared her enthusiasm for this year’s event. “The tournament’s growth each year is truly exciting, and we eagerly anticipate seeing our golfers return. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who sponsor holes and contribute to making the event a success.”
The Catholic Foundation plays a vital role in supporting grant projects across the diocese. The proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit the Catholic Foundation Grant Trust, which will fund future grant projects throughout the diocese. Past projects have included parish renovations, school safety identification cards and blinds, and the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference just to name a few.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels. To become a sponsor or to register online, visit bit.ly/BishopsCup2024. The Bishop’s Cup Golf Committee is also actively seeking items for their silent and live auctions. If you would like to contribute an auction item or organize a group of friends to assemble a special auction package, please reach out to Rebecca Harris at (601) 960-8477.
Steve Carmody, who has chaired the event for the past 32 years, expressed his gratitude for the continued support: “We invite golfers from across the diocese to join us for a day of enjoyment and community. Our sincere gratitude goes out to all our golf and silent auction sponsors whose support is crucial to the success of this event. We look forward to seeing Bishop Kopacz and many familiar faces this year.”
The Bishop’s Cup committee is eager to make this year’s event a memorable one.
Happy Ordination Anniversary
August 5
Msgr. Elvin Sunds
Retired
August 14
Father AnthonyClaret
Onyeocha
St. Joseph Woodville & Holy Family Gloster
August 16 – 50 years
Father Joe Dyer
Retired
September 15
Father Bill Henry
Retired
Thank you for answering the call!