By Joanna Puddister King VICKSBURG – The annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) at the Vicksburg Convention Center was back this year after a hiatus due to COVID. Held from Feb. 18-20, the conference brought together teens from around the diocese for a weekend celebration with the theme “Encounter.”
Diocesan coordinator for the Office of Youth Ministry, Abbey Schuhmann said, “It has been two years since we were last able to gather as a diocese to celebrate our Catholic faith as one large community. It was our great hope that DCYC 2022 was a time to celebrate and encounter each other but more importantly to encounter Jesus Christ through the gift of our Catholic faith.”
VICKSBURG – Youth gather around “Encounter” weekend leader and Catholic hip-hop artist Joe Melendrez in prayer during the annual Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) held at the Vicksburg Convention Center from Feb.18-20. (Photos by Abbey Schuhmann)
Youth were able to do just that with keynote presenter and recording artist Joe Melendrez, described as one of America’s most exciting Catholic performers. Melendrez got his start performing on MTV at age 15 and encountered the love of God shortly after. He has since dedicated his life to sharing the Good News and sharing the Gospel in unique ways – like his Catholic hip-hop style.
“Melendrez was a very dynamic and high energy presenter; his talks throughout the weekend were very interactive and powerful,” said Schuhmann. “Being a Catholic hip-hop artist, his music provided for very upbeat and entertaining sessions of worship that got all participants, young and old, on their feet and moving to the beat.”
On Saturday of the conference, diocesan vocations director, Father Nick Adam and Sister Kelly Moline, OP, a Dominican Sister of Springfield, Illinois and chaplain at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, along with diocesan seminarians led a session on discernment on Saturday afternoon. They challenged each participant to continue to seek God’s will in their life and to continue to be open to His call, said Schuhmann.
Other activities during the “Encounter” weekend included small group sessions, games, Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration and a concert with Melendrez on Saturday evening. The weekend concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the presentation of the Bishop Chanche Youth Service Awards to six youth from around the diocese.
This was the fourth year that the conference was held in Vicksburg. Groups from twelve parishes representing five of the six deaneries were in attendance this year. Schuhmann says that plans are already underway for the 2023 conference and invites youth from around the diocese to encounter Christ.
For more information about events sponsored by the Office of Youth Ministry please contact coordinator, Abbey Schuhmann. 601-949-6934 or Abbey.Schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – The Catholic community in the Diocese of Jackson is continuing Pope Francis’ call for the Synod on Synodality, a period of listening and dialogue to rejuvenate the church. After Bishop Joseph Kopacz opened the synod in October 2021, parishes across the diocese conducted listening sessions to hear from people who fill the pews and thoses who no longer feel connected to the church. From those sessions the Synod advisory council reviewed every submission from each parish that participated and identified core issues on the minds of those across the diocese.
MADISON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz passes out “brainstorming” sheets to those present at the regional Synod listening session held at St. Francis parish on Monday, March 21. After a cursory review of the major themes from the local listening sessions held at parishes all across the diocese, Bishop Kopacz is seeking out concrete ways to advance ideas from those local sessions at regional sessions being held throughout the diocese. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
On March 21at St. Francis Madison, at the first of ten regional synod listening sessions with Bishop Kopacz, Fran Lavelle, director of faith formation and chair of the Synod advisory council, reviewed the things that were heard in the Synod listening sessions. These included the need to create community outreach opportunities, both within the church and the larger community; a need for healing with regard to marriages, annulments, LGBTQ, racial and ethnic divisions and the sexual abuse scandal; a need for unity; a way to be inclusive of all cultures and diverse communities; increased formation and education of lay leaders; increased faith formation opportunities for adults; the need for more evangelization efforts; ways to reach the young church; among others.
“What we really want to do is focus on those areas that came up that we can address within the struture of the diocese,” said Lavelle.
During the regional sessions participants are asked to discern three core priorities and how these can be addressed at the local level, giving concrete examples of how the church can successfully address them. Lavelle asked all to “dream” as Pope Francis in his book, Let us Dream: The Path to a Better Future. The remaining regional sessions include: – Tuesday, March 29 at St. Jude Pearl (Spanish) from 6:30-8 p.m. – Wednesday, March 30 at St. Mary Basilica Natchez (English) from 6-7:30 p.m. – Thursday, March 31 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Greenwood (English) from 5:30-7 p.m. – Thursday, March 31 at St. Francis Greenwood (Spanish) from 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Monday, April 4 at St. Patrick Meridian (English) from 6-7:30 p.m. –Tuesday, April 5 at St. James Tupelo (English) from 6-7 p.m. – Tuesday, April 5 at St. James Tupelo (Spanish) from 7-8 p.m. –Wednesday, April 6 at St. Mary Batesville (English) from 6-7:30 p.m.
From the Archives By Mary Woodward JACKSON – This week we are journeying back to Civil War times in analyzing the current situation in the world. In no way would I equate the motives of the Civil War to that of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, but the siege tactics are classic military maneuvers that date back centuries.
In July 1863, the city of Vicksburg fell after a 47-day siege by General Ulysses S. Grant. Forty miles to the east, General William Sherman arrived at Jackson to implement a similar siege strategy.
My knowledge of Civil War tactics may not be precisely accurate, but we read in Bishop William Henry Elder’s diary about the Civil War’s destruction to Jackson and its only Catholic church – St. Peter. Bishop Elder’s writing style is more phrase-based than in complete sentences, but it is easily followed.
The original St. Peter Church was located about five blocks south and east from its current location on the corner of West and Amite Streets in the center of the capitol city. In May 1863, it along with the school and rectory was burned to the ground by Federal troops exiting Jackson. The troops were ordered to burn tar in a storage shed adjacent to the church according to the diary and despite the pleas of Father Orlandi, the pastor, to move the tar into the street away from the church, the shed was set ablaze and with it all the parish buildings.
A view from a drone shows the site of a destroyed shopping center after it was hit during a Russian military strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, March 21, 2022. During his March 20 Angelus, Pope Francis condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine, calling it a “senseless massacre” and “sacrilegious” attack on human life. (CNS photo/Marko Djurica, Reuters)
We read in the diary marked May 21: “Father Orlandi begged for fifteen minutes to roll the barrels into the street where they would burn with less danger to the church, but the officer would allow of no delay and the shed was so close that there was no possibility of saving the church, etc. – All the ornaments and furniture were removed to safety. Dr. Hewet, surgeon in the Federal Army, brother to Rev. Dr. Hewet of the Paulists, himself a convert, endeavored also to obtain the respite, and when he could not succeed, he helped to save the things.”
Two months later, on July 18-20, Bishop Elder is able finally to visit Jackson and this is what he reports: July 18: “General Crosby, Commanding the Rear Guard, first refused to let me go to Jackson. When I explained that I wanted to see to the Sisters [of Mercy], he agreed to let me go.”
“Left Brandon at 4 p.m. for Jackson. Some cotton burned along the road and some burning [still]. Federal Pickets allowed me to go to the hospital – the field hospital of the Confederates during the siege of Jackson: attended still by Confederate Surgeons – although in the Federal Lines. Dr. Hinckley – son of Lawyer Hinckley of Baltimore has charge.”
July 19, Sunday – “No Mass. Spent the day visiting the hospital. The Federal Soldiers wounded here were moved – nearly all of them to town today.”
July 20 – “Continued in the hospitals till dinner time. The doctors here have been very polite to me.” “After dinner drove into Jackson – trestle work burning – rails torn up – crossed river on the pontoon bridge of the Federals. In the warm ashes and ruins at every step. Melancholy desolation. Found Father Orlandi at Mrs. O’Connor’s house. Sad meeting.”
“The chapel he had fitted up with so much labor – in the Spengler’s Saloon – has been burned – the chalice and crucifix stolen – though recovered broken – bought by a Catholic Federal soldier and brought back to Father Orlandi. Father Orlandi’s house was robbed of all his clothes and the provisions he had laid up.
“He is now living on Army rations – he has no place to cook them. Today he has eaten only some crackers.”
“We went to General Ewing’s quarters to find a safe place for my horse and buggy. General Ewing is a Catholic from Ohio. He promised to see that the Sisters’ Convent in Vicksburg would be preserved unhurt for them. I could not talk much, I felt myself choaked with sadness.”
A man walks near a block of destroyed apartment buildings in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 17, 2022. A theater in Mariupol, where hundreds of people are said to have taken shelter, has sustained heavy damage after it was bombed by Russian forces. (CNS photo/Alexander Ermochenko, Reuters)
I share these moments to bring us back to the notion that no matter the era, the destruction of war only hurts those caught in the middle. The human toll – both physical and spiritual – is immeasurable. Those trying to bring aid and relief to the people of Ukraine in the midst of the chaos and savage violence are much like the wandering Bishop Elder trying to minister to those he encountered in field hospitals and burned-out towns.
Now as we are spectators to a war unfolding before us, let us pray for peace and hope for a miracle. Pope Francis is consecrating Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord. Here is a snippet of the prayer he is using: Therefore, O Mother, hear our prayer. Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war. Ark of the New Covenant, inspire projects and paths of reconciliation. Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world. Eliminate hatred and the thirst for revenge, and teach us forgiveness. Free us from war, protect our world from the menace of nuclear weapons. Queen of the Rosary, make us realize our need to pray and to love. Queen of the Human Family, show people the path of fraternity. Queen of Peace, obtain peace for our world. Amen.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
JACKSON – Considering the volatile situation, the world is facing, I thought I would share some more somber notes from Bishop John E. Gunn’s diary about World War I and a reflective paragraph from Bishop Richard Gerow’s diary on the beginning of World War II.
WWI was the war to end all wars, but obviously that was not the case. My paternal grandfather served as a mule-trainer in WWI as part of the 39th Infantry 140th Field Artillery Regimen in France during the last stages of that war. He never spoke of it.
Volumes of Bishop Gerow’s diary sit on the desk of Mary Woodward.
Bishop Gunn writes in his diary at Christmas 1915: “It seemed hard to preach on peace on earth and good will to men at Christmas when everyone was talking of the big war. I made no allusion to it in my notes of 1915 because our President told us to be neutral in thought and word.
“However, now everybody is talking of it – in fact, the world is talking of nothing else, it may be no harm to note some dates and facts that will live in history.” “In the summer of 1914, an Austrian Archduke was assassinated in Servia. The crime was an atrocious one and was turned over to the world politicians for adjustment. The politicians fumbled and turned the crime over to the war lords of Europe, with this result: 1914 – July 28th Austria declares war on Servia August 1st Germany invades France August 4th England declares war on Germany August 6th The Germans take two Belgian forts August 10th France breaks with Austria August 13th England declares war on Austria August 18th English soldiers land in France August 23rd The Allies take offensive against the Germans along 150 miles from Mons to Luxembourg but on the 24th the Allies were forced to fall back. The Germans had all the initial advantages and on August 30th the French left wing had to fall back, thus exposing on August 31st even the capture of Paris; the French government voted to move the capital temporarily to Bourdeaux.”
Shelby Woodward, sitting, is the paternal grandfather of diocesan chancellor and archivist, Mary Woodward. He is pictured here with others at Camp Shelby for training before deployment in World War I. (Photos courtesy of Mary Woodward)
“Apart from the Battle of Marne the first few months of the war was entirely favorable to Germany. Americans read and listened and the biggest propaganda that was ever known in the history of the world was started in 1914 and continued all through 1915 to get the Americans actively interested on the side of the Allies. In this diary I shall say little about the war, except where the Diocese took some part in it.”
On April 2, 1917, the United States entered the war on the side of the allies. It was the beginning of Holy Week in the Catholic Church and Bishop Gunn writes the following in his diary from April 1917: “The usual routine of Holy Week at Natchez – the blessing of the oils, the washing of the feet, the big ceremonies of Good Friday and Holy Saturday and Easter were all thrown in the shade by the declaration of war against Germany.
“This declaration upset everyone and everything and its influence was felt in every circle. I made up my mind before Easter Sunday the role that I would play as Bishop of Natchez during the war.”
“I had no time for consultation with anybody but at the Pontifical High Mass on Easter Sunday, April 8, I declared my policy very clearly and very plainly. While preaching on the subject ‘Christianity is not a Failure’ (because it never got a chance) as we were living in an age when there was knowledge without faith, manners without morality; plenty of work but ill-directed, I took up the President’s proclamation and told the Catholics of the Diocese that during the war they had to follow one leader; they had to form their conscience to one direction and to do everything as men, as Christians and as Catholics to win the war.”
Shelby Woodward’s ring commemorating WWI. He was a part of the 39th Infantry 140th Field Artillery Regimen in France.
Twenty-two years later, on Sept. 3, 1939, Bishop Gerow writes this bleak entry in his diary: “Today, England and France officially declared a state of war exists with Germany. Though we in this country are three thousand miles from Europe, we feel that the inauguration of another great war in Europe cannot but have a vital influence upon us and upon the other nations of the world, no matter how far away they may be.”
“We cannot but hope and pray that the other nations of the world will not be involved in this conflict and that another world war may not ensue which might wreck our modern civilization.”
Only two years later, he writes on Dec. 8, 1941: “Today, President Roosevelt addressed Congress telling them of the attack of the Japanese upon the Hawaiian Islands and our naval and air forces there, asking them to declare war.”
Bishops’ diaries provide a unique lens on history often including facts that do not make it into the history books. We are fortunate to have these diaries to be able to look back on the development of the church in Mississippi, the region, the country and the world.
I share these sobering passages from the two diaries to put into perspective what is going on in Ukraine as this is written. Who knows what will be by the day this is published and where we may be in two weeks or even two years? We can only pray and hope for peace.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
LENTEN MEALS AND STATIONS BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent. A light meal will be served in Serio Hall following Stations.
CANTON Sacred Heart, Stations on Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. followed by a soup supper (no charge).
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Fish Fry in the Activity Center, after Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the main church.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Fish dinner every Friday after Stations at 6 p.m. Donations accepted. All are welcome.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Lenten dinner on March 25.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Knights of Columbus Fish fry on March 25 in the parish hall.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Fish Fry after Stations on Friday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
MADISON St. Francis, Rosary 6 p.m., Stations 6:30 p.m. and Lenten meal 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Lenten meal offering changes each week.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Fish Fry after Stations each Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry each Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. Drive through only at the Family Life Center parking lot side door. Cost: Catfish $12, Shrimp $12, Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish please call 30 minutes ahead – Darren (601) 597-2890. No children’s plate offered.
OXFORD St. John, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus Fish Fry from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the parish center. Takeouts are available. Plates cost $9.
PEARL St. Jude, Station every Friday during Lent following 10 a.m. Mass and at 6 p.m. Fish Fry after 6 p.m. Stations. Reservations required. Details: church office (601) 939-3181
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry every Friday during Lent from 5-6:30 p.m. All orders are to-go and cost $12/plate to benefit charity.
PENANCE/RECONCILIATION SERVICES BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish-wide Reconciliation, Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Penance service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. in the main church. Penance also offerd on Saturdays before Mass at 4:45 p.m.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Reconciliation service, Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Reconciliation, Wednesday, April 6 from 4-6 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Reconciliation every Wednesday during Lent at 12:15 p.m.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Reconciliation service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6:15 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
STATIONS ONLY ABERDEEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m. followed by Mass.
CLINTON Holy Savior, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
GRENADA St. Peter, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6:15 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Stations at 6:30 p.m. on March 11, 18, 25 and April 1. Stations and fish fry on April 8. Stations at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 15.
JACKSON Christ the King, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 12:05 p.m.
LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Stations every Friday during Lent at 3 p.m.
MAGNOLIA St. James, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.
MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Stations every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 3 p.m.
PONTOTOC St. Christopher, Spiritual reflection followed by Stations at 11 a.m. each Friday during Lent. Details: email st.christopher.ms@gmail.com
STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
TUPELO St. James, Stations on Fridays following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and 6 p.m. (Bilingual).
VICKSBURG St. Mary, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
VICKSBURG St. Michael, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.
This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz gave 18 adults (one posthumously) and one young person their awards on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche Award nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the men and women who serve the church today.
Lillie Arrexi – st. Helen, amory Lillie Arrexi embodies a true disciple of Christ. She has given witness to her faith by her simple yet profound prayer life and by putting her faith into action. Recently widowed, she was a devoted wife and is a loving mother and grandmother. In the parish she ministered as First Communion catechist for over 30 years as well as ministering in the school as an ESL teacher. She has been in constant contact with many of the Hispanic members of our parish supporting them, as well as all the children of the parish. Miss Lillie as she is fondly called, continues to serve in various ministries and truly embodies Christ in her life. Lillie was also among those members who raised monies to build the present church and center. – Sister Lael Niblick
Carla Lott – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Carla has been the parish secretary since January of 2008. When Carla is asked to do something, you never have to worry that it won’t get done. She is committed and dedicated to our parish and is always smiling, welcoming, kind and helpful! She is truly our “Minister of First Impressions” and “Minister of Welcome.” She is patient, kind, and helpful to everyone she encounters. As a religious education teacher, she spent her “free” time planning and gathering materials for her class. As a Germanfest booth chair and worker, she spends a lot of time at planning meetings and working during her “non-working hours” to contribute to the success of the fest. As a member of the KC Auxiliary, she attends meetings and contributes to the projects the organization sponsors. During COVID, when we had strict health and safety protocols in place, she attended every Mass to make sure everyone was safe. – Pam Minninger, LEM
STARKVILLE – Bishop Jospeh Kopacz traveled to present Dr. Robert Wolverton with a Bishop Chanche Medal for Service on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Father Jason Johnston described the award as a “lifetime achievement award” for his service to St. Joseph parish. (Photo Father Jason Johnston)
Dr. Robert E. Wolverton, Sr. – St. Joseph, Starkville This is a lifetime achievement award. Dr. Wolverton is 96 years old. He has spent many years in service to the church in many ways. He loves his faith, his family, his church and has served in many different capacities through the years to follow his Savior.
Dr. Wolverton was heavily involved in the begining days of RCIA at St. Joseph and led and taught the catechetical instructions for many years. He was on the first parish council at St. Joseph and also served on the diocesan pastoral council, serving twice as president under Bishops Brunini and Houck. Additionally, he led Word and Communion Services on the campus of Mississippi State University at the Chapel of Memories touching the lives of both students and faculty, bringing them the Lord Jesus, quite literally – in Word and Sacrament for many years.
Dr. Wolverton continues to serve as a great lay witness. People in the parish have a great amount of respect and admiration for Dr. Wolverton and see him as a leader and a good and faithful Catholic Christian. There have been times when a priest could not be in Starkville for Sunday Mass for one reason or another. Dr. Wolverton was always happy to lead a Word and Communion Service and offer a great reflection on the Scriptures. – Father Jason Johnston
Herman Cooper – Holy Savior, Clinton Herman is a ‘household name’ in the parish. Herman has been active in parish ministry for more than 30 years. All recent pastors have sought his help and counsel in administration. His fingerprints are on every big project in the parish – new church building, the new parish hall. A steady hand with parish finances, and the gift of his time to meetings and reports. He is a good listener to people and their complaints – always ready to help and serve. He has served as a lector and an usher.; and as a member of Knights of Columbus parish council.
Raised in a small catholic community in Anguilla, Mississippi he is proud of his catholic roots and the family he came from. He and his wife, Carol, have passed on this faith and love of church to their children and grandchildren. – Father Tom McGing
Carrie Meyer – St. Michael, Vicksburg Carrie coordinates one of the most visible outreach programs of our parish – Meals on Wheels. One Friday a month, St. Michael Parish provides a hot meal for approximately 100 individuals in Vicksburg and Warren County. Carrie plans the menu and completes the grocery shopping. She then coordinates various groups of parishioners to cook, package and deliver the meals to those individuals on our designated Friday. She also coordinates with local businesses and restaurants who volunteer to provide all or part of a meal.
Today, in any given community there are many who struggle to have enough to eat or a hot meal on a regular basis and Vicksburg is no different. Being able to help a small portion of our city is a blessing. We have received phone calls and notes from the recipients of these meals thanking us for what we do and thanking us for the interaction between themselves and ourparishioners. Thanks to Carrie and this ministry, Vicksburg is able see the Gospel being lived through the actions of our parishioners. – Father Robert Dore
Stephenie Morrisey – St. Richard, Jackson Stephenie has volunteered diligently for many years with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd religious formation program for children in our parish. She was one of the first to volunteer for training and helped establish the program in the parish. She has continued to serve as catechist throughout the years and remains an integral part of the program long after her own children have graduated from the religious education programs. Stephanie’s love for this program, in spite of the large commitment of time and energy throughout the years, keeps her returning to share the beauty and great mysteries of her faith to the children of the parish. She continues to inspire others to serve through her service. – Susan O’Connor, Director of Religious Education
Jimmy Pappa receives an assist from Pam Minninger to pin his Bishop Chanche medal on his lapel. He is a dedicated and faithful LEM at St. Joseph Woodville.
Jimmie Pappa – St. Joseph, Woodville Jimmie is a dedicated and faithful/Lay Ecclesial Minister for liturgy at St. Joseph, as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, in addition to assisting his lay Franciscan Community in Baton Rouge. He has also coordinated the RCIA program for both St. Joseph and Holy Family Churches for the past five years. Jimmie fulfills all his ministries with a patient, Christ-like love and devotion while displaying the essence of a true steward – disciple. – Father Scott Dugas
David and Michelle Chabreck – Holy Family, Gloster David and Michelle are both foundational parishioners of Holy Family church, going back to its beginning in 1983. They are both lectors and ushers for Holy Family. Additionally, Michelle is also serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Both maintain the parish’s memorial garden and assist in the maintenance of the church’s interior and exterior needs. They both faithfully maintain the outdoor flag and pole stand dedicated to the deceased veterans-parishioners. They have provided valuable labors for parish socials, especially vital cleanups. Their dedicated, faithful witness of genuine stewardship of time, talent and treasure has truly been a witness to their fellow parishioners. – Father Scott Dugas
Michael and Stacy Wolf – St. Jude, Pearl “Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
Stacy and Michael Wolf are the personification of this scripture passage. Their sense of collaboration and partnership has had such an impact on the parish in so many ways as their personal devotion to Christ has been magnified. Together they have unselfishly and joyfully given of themselves to share the Good News of Christ, especially to the children and youth of St. Jude. By supporting each other and working together to evangelize and teach, lives have been changed. The parish has been changed.
Sadly, this partnership has also changed. Stacy died July 7, 2021 from an accident. Without his partner by his side, Michael is persevering in his efforts to share understanding of God’s love with our youth.
Stacy served as St. Jude’s director of faith formation and was especially devoted to our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, working at St. Jude for approximately 11 years.
Michael and Stacy’s dedication to their faith has made them good examples for all of our parishioners. The effect of their love of God and of others was evident by the response of members of the parish and the community at large when Stacy died. – Father Lincoln Dall
Kerri Patrice McKnatt – St. Mary, Batesville Kerri is the faith leader of her family and a true and major faith leader in her parish. Her gift of being a servant leader overflows from her family to her parish and within her job. When the church began to open up after shutdowns, Kerri stepped up to the plate and became the song leader/cantor for the main Mass. She has also been teaching religious ed classes and has been a leader of youth activities for at least 12 years – if not more! She is a marvelous cook and will gladly provide food and meals for the sick of the parish or for parish activities. Plays, picnics, Vacation Bible Schools, and other activities would never happen if not for Kerri’s leadership, creativity, energy and her family. – Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy
James AND Mary Sue Shipp – St. Mary, Yazoo City James and Mary Sue are good catholic role models for the younger generation. Many parishioners openly appreciate their involvement in the parish activities. They regular to Sunday Mass and other sacraments, and faithful in growing their children and their grandchildren in the Catholic life. They are very helpful to the church with their time, skills and stewardship. Both served in the parish council in different times, as lectors and Sunday School teachers for many years. Additionally, Mary Sue served as a choir leader and as an Altar Society member for many years; while Jimmy served in the parish finance council. This year they are celebrating their Diamond Jubilee of their marriage. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam
Linda Ferretti Sandifer – All Saints, Belzoni Linda lives a life of love, faith, and service. She has been a member of All Saints for close to 45 years and an educator in the church and community for as long. Linda has served as Religious Coordinator for many years and religious education teacher every year. She is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. She is always organizing projects to help families in need in the community and is not shy about sharing her faith.
Linda sacrifices her time above and beyond. She donates food and materials to help those in need. Linda has been an educatorfor many years and could surely justify retiring, but she has a genuine need in her heart to serve, to educate, to live her life asJesus would. She has a heart pf pure gold. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam
Mary and Mike Robinson – St. Francis of Assisi Madison Mike and Mary have served in so many ministries, that it is difficult to name them all. They are often the first ones there to set up and work and last ones to leave. Mary and Mike will drop everything to assist their parish – they are true stewards. They are always ready to volunteer to help at the church and in the community. This was visually witnessed daily and especially during the Covid Pandemic. One of the most important roles that Mike has taken, with Mary’s assistance as well, is that of Social Concerns Coordinator for the parish. Mike and Mary are committed to providing for the poor, needy, and the homebound, and to our sister parish, St. Anne’s in Carthage. Mike continued service to the community during the pandemic shut down, when many people were desperate for assistance. They have both coordinated the MadCAAP Christ in Christmas family adoption program in their parish, monthly food pantry donations, and have provided gentle direction to many individuals seeking assistance. – Father Albeen Vatti
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the crowd applaude the recipients of the Bishop Chanche Medal for service to the diocese on Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)
JACKSON – On Feb. 28, Bishops Joseph R. Kopacz and Louis F. Kihneman, III of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi wrote a letter to Speaker of the House, Phillip Gunn, expressing their concern over Senate Bill 2643, specifically its proposal for a 13th cause that in effect would open the door to a process of unilateral divorce.
The Bishops wrote that “For the past 50 years the State of Mississippi rightly has codified the compelling grounds that protect the rights of the injured party in a marriage to petition for divorce. Desertion, chronic drug and/or alcohol abuse, spousal domestic abuse, intellectual disability and mental illness do erode and can devastate the bond of marriage. The rights and wellbeing of the injured spouse and family members must be upheld in such cases.”
With regard to mental illness the Bishops expressed this 12th cause for divorce thoroughly addresses the safeguards that must be in place in order to determine beyond a reasonable doubt that the mental illness undermines one’s capacity for marriage. These precautions are prudent and just and well-grounded in jurisprudence that surrounds marriage with the presumption of permanence.
“As written, [the 13th cause] is lacking in any of the intrinsic safeguards that are so evident in the 12th cause on mental illness,” wrote the Bishops. “… the 13th cause appears to be going down a slippery slope that could erode the institution of marriage and thus undermine the common good of society.”
On March 1, SB2643 died in committee in the House after passing through the Senate. However, the proposed amendment adding the thirteenth cause for divorce, was added to House Bill 770, an act to create the Mississippi Equal Pay Act, by the Senate on March 1, keeping the amendment alive.
By Jennifer Brandlon MARYLHURST, Ore. – During recent months, Holy Names Sister Kay Burton realized she’d have to leave Jonestown, Mississippi to return to Washington state. But Jonestown could never stop being home to her. It’s the place where she has lived, loved, taught and built for more than three decades.
Before her departure due to declining health, Sister Kay had a festive drive-by so residents of Jonestown could say goodbye and thank her for her transformative work with children, teens, families and the town itself. She is just as grateful to them for the love and support she has received in return.
“Sister Kay loved being in Jonestown with the local people,” said Sister Maureen Delaney, leader of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary U.S.-Ontario Province. “She loved developing enriching programs with and for the children, teens and families, and they in turn enriched her life with their love and friendship.”
Sister Kay first came to the Mississippi Delta in 1979 to teach summer school at Immaculate Conception in Clarksdale. She, along with several other Sisters of the Holy Names from the West Coast, came to love the warmth and dedication to community among the people they met. During the couple of years that Sister Kay stayed in Clarksdale, she got to know the family of a student from Jonestown. The child’s family urged her to come to Jonestown to help students there who were struggling with their lessons.
It was a perfect match for Sister Kay’s energetic and visionary talents. She had already spent years developing peace education and anti-racism programs as an inner-city teacher and administrator in Seattle, Washington. However, her Holy Names community called her to a leadership role in 1983, and that five-year commitment had to come first. But she purchased a house in Jonestown and continued to support the ministries of the other Sisters who went to Mississippi to teach – including Sisters Rose Monica Rabdau, Mildred Hein, Anne Skok and Teresa Shields.
“I will be forever grateful that Sister Kay chose me to live and minister in Jonestown for 32 years,” said Sister Teresa. “My life has been changed for the better.”
As soon as her term in leadership ended, Sister Kay drove to Mississippi in a van named “Old Yeller,” bought a second house and immediately started remodeling it to make appropriate space for tutoring. She reached out to the community to find out what people wanted, which led her to organize garden projects, softball teams, life skills classes and GED programs. A major emphasis for her was music – despite not being a musician herself, she recruited others to come to Jonestown to teach music, including Dolores Fields Mason, who passed away earlier this month. The result was joyful singing at annual Christmas celebrations and Black history presentations, as well as piano recitals and other wonderful gatherings.
Her successful volunteer recruitment campaigns led to innumerable home repair and Habitat for Humanity projects to benefit Jonestown residents. Volunteers also helped upgrade facilities for basketball, baseball and track, as well as creating a playground for younger children. Sister Kay also took young people from Jonestown on trips to meet Sisters and other people involved in service work in places ranging from the Native American community in Wapato, Washington to the Holy Names convents in Lesotho, Africa.
As difficult as it is for Sister Kay to say goodbye to a place she loves so dearly, she knows that God’s faithful presence in the Mississippi Delta will continue through the many ministries she and the other Sisters have brought to reality.
About the Sisters of the Holy Names: Founded in 1843 by Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary community is dedicated to the full development of the human person through education, social justice, contemplation and the arts. Among SNJM’s chief commitments are advocating for the right to clean water for all, freedom from every form of human trafficking and the welfare of immigrants and refugees. The SNJM U.S.-Ontario Province engages in ministry throughout the United States and the Canadian province of Ontario. More information is available at www.snjmusontario.org.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. Men’s Morning of Spirituality, Hundreds will gather for prayer, praise and inspiration from Chris Stefanik, an internationally known Catholic speaker on Saturday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation in Collierville. The event is free. Details: https://castyournets.org/mmos
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, Healing Retreat, Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., presented by Maria Vadia; Mental Well-being and Trust workshop, Sunday, April 10 from 2-4 p.m., presented by Michael Whelan, Ph.D.; God’s Love Retreat, Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. presented by the Locus Benedictus ministry team. Details: email contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com or call (662) 299-1232.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, You are Enough and Beloved Women’s One Day Retreat, Saturday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mass. Cost is $10 and includes continental breakfast, snacks and lunch. Retreat will address many of the struggles experienced over the past two years. Come for a day to rediscover or discover that you are enough and very beloved. Retreat facilitated by Carrie Lambert and overseen by Ruth Powers. Please RSVP. Details: (601) 455-5616 or youth@stmarybasilica.org.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, White Elephant Sale on April 2 by the Knights of Columbus. No clothing donations. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
St. Francis, Knights of Columbus Blood Drive, March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Details: Register online at msblood.com or by calling the church office at (601) 833-1799.
COLUMBUS Annunciation Catholic School, Draw Down/Art Auction on Friday, April 22 from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center. Adults only with dinner and open bar. Draw down ticket $100. Art auction ticket $35 at the door. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.
CLEVELAND Our Lady Of Victories, Egg Hunt for birth to sixth grade, April 3, 10-11 a.m., please bring 12 candy filled eggs. Details: olvcc@att.net.
GRENADA St. Peter, Lenten program on the Eucharist on Sunday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Meet for five consecutive Sundays during Lent. Books are $15. Details: There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer of the church or you can contact Annette Tipton (985) 518-5674.
JACKSON St. Richard, Blood Drive, Sunday, March 27 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Mississippi Blood Services coach will be in the parking lot. Donors will receive a t-shirt and tumbler. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Annual Countdown fundraiser on Friday, April 22. Tickets will go on sale soon and are $100 for a full ticket but partial tickets can be bought for as little as $25. Grand prize is $5,000. Details: school office (601) 482-6044.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Wednesday Night Dinner in honor of St. Patrick at the Family Life Center from 5:30 p.m. unil. Menu is shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, green salad and dessert. Cost: adults $5, seniors $4, students $3, under three free. Family maximum is $20. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
St. Mary Basilica, St. Mary’s Vanguard Young Adult Ministry, Trivia Night at the Family Life Center on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. $5 to play; $1 soft drinks, $5 potato bar. Prizes are awarded. Event is BYOB and masks are encouraged. This month they are doing a drive for The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society. Everyone is asked to bring a monetary donation, dry dog and/or cat food, cleaning supplies, paper towels, etc. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
SOUTHAVEN Sacred Heart School is seeking a PK-3 and first grade teacher; as well as, a social studies teacher for 6-8 grades. Must have basic understanding and acceptance of the Catholic School philosophy, goals and objectives. Details: shsjobs@shsm.org.
YOUTH BRIEFS SEARCH retreat for juniors and seniors, April 1-3, at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Retreat is “for teens, led by teens” and is an experience like none other; with a strong focus on vocations. SEARCH engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold real, active and healthy way. Cost $125. Details: abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
SAVE THE DATE SPRING FORWARD Daytime savings time begins on March 13 at 2 a.m. Be sure to set your clock one hour AHEAD before you go to bed Saturday night.
COLLECTION Rice bowl collection is set for Holy Thursday April 14. Collect your bowl from your parish.
REFLECTION Bishop Barron also offers free online reflections: https://dailycatholicgospel.com/lent-reflections-2022.
JACKSON St. Richard, VBS 2022, June 6-9. Online registration dates will be announced soon. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON St. Francis, VBS 2022, June 20-24 for all children going into Pre-K4 through 4th grades. Help is needed to plan, teach, assist, decorate, lead music and prepare snacks. Details: Mary Catherine at mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
