Category Archives: Featured

Diocesan Youth gather for retreat

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By Abbey Schuhmann
Teens from all across the diocese gathered at Lake Forest Ranch in Macon, Miss., on October 15-16 for the 2016 diocesan high school fall retreat. The retreat was led by a team from National Evangelization Ministries (NET), a Catholic ministry program out of St. Paul, Minnesota. NET Ministries was established 35 years ago and has grown over the years. NET was very popular in our diocese in the 1980s and we are excited to have them serving here once again.
The mission of NET is to spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ through prayer, sacraments, fellowship and service. NET Team #2 led the retreat along with a middle school retreat at Southaven Sacred Heart School. Each NET Team is made of eight-12 young adults usually ages 18-24 years old. The leaders commit to a year of missionary retreat ministry by traveling around the country hosting retreats for parishes and schools.
The theme of our retreat was “Fully Alive” and teens had the chance to reflect on what really brings about true happiness. Ultimately, only Christ will fill our deepest desires of happiness. Our happiness motivates every decision that we make and our youth had the chance to discuss this important concept.
The overnight retreat provided the youth with a high-energy, faith-filled program throughout the weekend. The youth were able to hear powerful witness talks from members of the NET Team, engaged in several small group discussions, experienced a powerful prayer ministry Saturday evening that included the opportunity to go to Reconciliation and participate in praise and worship.
The NET Team also performed funny skits throughout the weekend that the teens and adult leaders alike enjoyed; along with two very touching dramas as well. Our teens also had the chance for some fun and fellowship on Saturday afternoon by participating in some friendly competition including games of ping-pong, dodgeball, sand volleyball and basketball.
On Sunday we celebrated Mass outdoors at the amphitheater with the beautiful lake as our backdrop, Father Jose de’ Jesus Sanchez, director recruitment for the Office of Vocations, served as our principal celebrant. Three seminarians from our diocese were also present throughout the weekend; Aaron Williams, Hayden Schmitt, and Cesar Sanchez participated in the small group sessions and shared their own personal vocation stories with our youth and assisted with the liturgy.
The adult youth leaders had the opportunity to meet one another and discuss the youth ministry programs at their respective parishes.
The Office of Youth Ministry looks forward to offering valued, faith-filled, meaningful experiences for the youth of our diocese moving forward through retreats, rallies, and other related activities.
If you’d like more information regarding diocesan youth events, contact Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for the office of youth ministry for the Diocese of Jackson at abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org or 601-949-6934.

Seminarian Aaron Williams, center, shared some of his vocation story in small group settings.

Seminarian Aaron Williams, center, shared some of his vocation story in small group settings.

Young people broke into small groups for reflection activities. At left, a group of boys has a discussion about faith. The team also led an icebreaker with (l-r) Austin Cabral, NET member from Hilmar, Calif.; Cori Matsumiya, NET member from Orange, Calif.; Aaron Williams, seminarian from Jackson and John Baladi, from Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish. (Photos courtesy of Abbey Schuhmann)

Young people broke into small groups for reflection activities. At left, a group of boys has a discussion about faith. The team also led an icebreaker with (l-r) Austin Cabral, NET member from Hilmar, Calif.; Cori Matsumiya, NET member from Orange, Calif.; Aaron Williams, seminarian from Jackson and John Baladi, from Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish. (Photos courtesy of Abbey Schuhmann)

Lake Forest Ranch in Macon provided a beautiful backdrop for presentations and reflections.

Lake Forest Ranch in Macon provided a beautiful backdrop for presentations and reflections.

Members of NET's team organized sporting activities such as basketball.

Members of NET’s team organized sporting activities such as basketball.

The young people divided into small groups for discussions and sharing.

The young people divided into small groups for discussions and sharing.

Habitat, Catholic neighbors continue Greenview transformation

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Volunteers Polly Hammett of St. Francis of Assisi and Msgr. Elvin Sunds of St. Therese help position the trusses for the 2016 Catholic Build House on Greenview Drive in Jackson. (Photos by Peggy Hampton)

Volunteers Polly Hammett of St. Francis of Assisi and Msgr. Elvin Sunds of St. Therese help position the trusses for the 2016 Catholic Build House on Greenview Drive in Jackson. (Photos by Peggy Hampton)

By Peggy Hampton
JACKSON – As he prepared for Saturday evening Mass, Msgr. Elvin Sunds gazed through the trees near St. Therese Catholic Church and his eyes fixed on a rooftop. He realized it was the same roof of a Habitat for Humanity house on Greenview Drive, on which he was working that day with parishioners from St. Therese, St. Richard and Madison St. Francis of Assisi Parishes.
“The family who will call this house home will be our next door neighbors,” he said. “I look forward to welcoming them.”
The Greenview home is part of a neighborhood in South Jackson being revitalized by Habitat for Humanity. The street filled with blighted, decaying and abandoned homes is being transformed into a beautiful, safe neighborhood where working families live, grow and thrive.
This is due, in great part, to the hard work and commitment of their “neighbors” at St. Therese and the many volunteers from area Catholic churches, who have given their time and resources to improve housing.
Every fall parishes in the Jackson area pool resources and volunteers to build a Habitat house for a family. This is the 31st year for Catholic churches to partner with Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area and a local family in need of a decent, safe, affordable place to live. Partner churches this year are Flowood St. Paul, Madison St. Francis of Assisi, Clinton Holy Savior, Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish and Jackson St. Therese, St. Richard, Christ the King and St. Peter the Apostle Parishes along with St. Dominic’s Health Services and the Catholic Diocese of Jackson,
The Catholic community has played a significant role in the transformation by partnering with Habitat on the first two houses built on the street – the Pope Francis House and the 2015 Catholic Build home – and now the 2016 Catholic Build Home. Habitat has acquired 27 properties on Greenview Drive, demolished 17 derelict houses and by the end of 2016 will have built 12 new Habitat homes on the street. More Habitat builds are planned for 2017.
Msgr. Sunds worked with volunteers recently on the 2016 Catholic Build house on Greenview, which is just west of St. Therese Church. “It is wonderful to see Habitat building so many homes on Greenview Drive,” Msgr. Sunds said. “They are not just building homes. They are building a neighborhood. On behalf of St. Therese Parish, thank you!”
The new neighbors of the 2016 Catholic Build Home are Ariel and Chris Jones and their three children ages seven, eight and nine. The Joneses have worked on the Habitat homes, investing “sweat equity” and will purchase the home with a no-interest loan. Ariel thanked all the volunteers and Habitat, which also assisted them in learning more about budgeting and home-ownership.

Homeowners Ariel and Chris Jones have worked on other Habitat houses to earn ‘sweat equity.’

Homeowners Ariel and Chris Jones have worked on other Habitat houses to earn ‘sweat equity.’

“I am so grateful for the energy, the love and the care that the Catholic Build volunteers and sponsors have shown our family,” said Ariel, who is a medical assistant at a local clinic. “My family is so grateful for the love they are putting in building our home. They are the most loving people I have ever met. This is a great build!”
Chris, a house painter, said the new home is a blessing. “From the bottom of my heart, we appreciate it and thank you!” The Catholic Build volunteers have been dedicated in their efforts throughout the years and are motivated by service and love of others.
“Why am I here? I enjoy the community coming together to do something that will make our community a better place to live and worship,” said Ben Mokry of St. Therese. One Catholic Build volunteer family worked on several Greenview homes.
“I think everyone deserves decent housing, volunteering on a Habitat house is one small way that I can help,” said Ibby Joseph of St. Francis. “My husband likes to volunteer and he encouraged me to volunteer as well. I have worked not only on the Catholic Build houses but also the Habitat house the Episcopal community built on Greenview Drive.”
Mike McElroy of St. Francis said he volunteers “because it is fun!” “That’s why God made it fun,” responded Polly Hammett of St. Francis.
Kerryn DeVerteuil of St. Therese agrees. “It’s good to meet and work with parishioners from different churches and develop a special relationship with them,” he said. “It’s uplifting as well to work with the homeowners and see their joy and happiness in getting their first home.”
Msgr. Sunds said building homes to help others is “living out Jesus’ command to love one another and show love through our actions.”
“It is wonderful to be building a neighborhood next to our church and have people who will be living here as our neighbors,” he said. “It is great to see the community coming together to provide housing for someone who otherwise not be able to afford a home.”
(Peggy Hampton is the Public Relations, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator
for Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area.)

Habitat volunteer Ben Mokry of St. Therese Parish works on the roof.

Habitat volunteer Ben Mokry of St. Therese Parish works on the roof.

David Joseph of St. Francis of Assisi adds insulation.

David Joseph of St. Francis of Assisi adds insulation.

Tallahatchie General Hospital to aquire Tutwiler Clinic

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TUTWILER — Tallahatchie County General Hospital is in the process of acquiring Tutwiler Clinic. Dr. Ann Brooks, SNJM, and her staff will continue caring for patients, but they will now have support from the hospital and its staff in what Sister Brooks is calling a ‘win-win’ situation. Administrators hope to complete the transition in early November.
“We were running everything ourselves,” said Sister Brooks. She said while she loves her patients and the community, she welcomes help with day-to-day operations and marketing.
“They have already sent someone from their IT department to work on my computer,” she said. The hospital’s communications department designed a new logo and website for the clinic. The website should be online in the coming weeks.
Tutwiler Clinic is a full-time health care clinic for patients in this underserved area of the Mississippi Delta. Thirty staff members, including two nurse practitioners and two physicians, care for the patients from babies to the elderly. The staff includes Sister Joann Blomme, OP, a counselor, Sister Cora Lee Middleton, RN, clinic coordinator, several case workers and even a van driver for patients who need transportation to appointments. Donated equipment allows the staff to perform lab tests, X-rays and EKG tests. Patients pay based on a sliding scale and the care his holistic, not just symptom management.
“Dr. Brooks’ mission is to make everyone responsible for their own health,” said Cindy Herring, co-director of public relations. She told the story of when she had a headache and Dr. Brooks showed her how to use pressure points instead of medications to relieve it. Herring said since learning the technique she has stopped having to take sinus medications.

Three Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary with Sister Anne Brooks, D.O., stand by the sign on opening day of the Tutwiler Clinic on August 15, 1983.

Three Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary with Sister Anne Brooks, D.O., stand by the sign on opening day of the Tutwiler Clinic on August 15, 1983.

Three Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary joined Sister Anne Brooks, D.O., in opening the Tutwiler Clinic on August 15, 1983. That morning then Bishop William Houck offered the Mass for the Feast of the Assumption at the home of the sisters and then went with them to bless the Clinic.  In the 33 years since the Tutwiler Clinic has opened, the staff has logged 253,741 patient visits – 7,289 of those were in 2015 alone.
“We’re never sure what medical problems we’ll see each day, but diabetes and hypertension are always on the list,” said Dr. Brooks. She remembered one patient who came in after a tornado passed through the town in December of 2015. “A thin man, who looked pretty dejected was seated on the treatment table. A blood scab was forming on his head. I sat beside him, resting my arm on his shoulders. ‘What can we do for you today,’ I asked softly. He sat a little taller and then, looking straight at me he said, ‘I came to hug everyone on your staff, because my wife is alive and I’m alive.’ What could I say?” she said as she swallowed hard.
Early in the development of the clinic, Sister Maureen Delaney, SNJM, joined the staff to help with outreach and social concerns. Her work expanded and outgrew the clinic. She ended up founding the Tutwiler Community Education Center, which is still going strong today under new leadership since Sr. Delaney was elected Provincial Superior of her order.

Photographer Andy Levin made a trip to Tutwiler in 1987 to photograph the work at the clinic. Many of these patients, and even their children, are still patients at Tutwiler. (Photos courtesy of Andy Levin and Tutwiler Clinic).

Photographer Andy Levin made a trip to Tutwiler in 1987 to photograph the work at the clinic. Many of these patients, and even their children, are still patients at Tutwiler. (Photos courtesy of Andy Levin and Tutwiler Clinic).

Television shows such as “Good Morning, America” and “Sixty Minutes” aired  documentaries in 1990 on Dr. Brooks and the work of the staff at the Clinic, and the ensuing donations from many caring folks helped enlarge the clinic and its scope of services. The clinic still depends on donations to fulfill its mission. Learn more online at www.tutwilerclinic.org.

Explore the Call

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JACKSON – SEARCH Retreat is a unique retreat experience designed for youth who have a strong desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ. It’s a retreat “for teens, led by teens” with a strong focus on vocations. Youth in 11th and 12th grades are encouraged to register for this event set for Nov. 11-13 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Spaces are limited. SEARCH engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold, real, active and healthy way. This retreat is intended for youth who are looking to “go deeper” in their faith. Register at www.jacksonsearch.com.

St. Anthony’s Moorehead wins presidential award

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By Maureen Smith
MADISON – Vickie Moorehead, a science teacher at St. Anthony School was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Thursday, Sept. 8, in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes outstanding K-12 science and mathematics teachers from across the country.
The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators following an initial selection process at the state level. Each nomination year of the award alternates between teachers in the kindergarten through sixth grade level, and those teaching seventh through 12th grades.
Winners of this presidential honor receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion, and are invited to Washington, DC, for an awards ceremony, as well educational and celebratory events.
Moorehead, a Canton native, has been teaching for 28 years in Catholic schools for the Diocese of Jackson. Both at Jackson St. Richard and St. Anthony, she embraced the Whole Schools Curiculum, using the arts as a key part of instruction. According to the biography posted on the presidential award site, “her classroom is an active learning center where her students’ enthusiasm for science is evident. By teaching using the arts, Vicki feels she is able to reach all learners.”
Stephanie Brown, assistant principal at St. Anthony agrees. “Vicki Moorehead is a shining example of a teacher who truly understands and utilizes arts integration in the classroom.  It is not unusual to walk into her science class to see students performing drama productions or utilizing various forms of media to create a visual art piece that demonstrates their understanding of a scientific concept.  Vicki’s classroom is a place that fosters creativity while helping students to master curriculum objectives,” said Brown. “She encourages collaboration while simultaneously helping students develop independence and self-confidence. Moorehead helps her students find a place to shine, whether that is visual art, music, engineering, or traditional academics,” she added.
Moorehead told a Madison newspaper she believes her love for her subjects help make her a better teacher. “I absolutely love science, and I think my excitement is contagious to the students which helps to keep them interested and motivated.  It’s my job to find out what my students love, what they are passionate about or interested in, and then help find the science within that area,” she explained. “If a child loves dance or baseball, then I focus on the physics behind it.  If their passion is weather, we track hurricanes. There are so many abstract concepts in science, and I try to make it as concrete as possible by making sure it has a real-world application and doing lots of hands-on and inquiry-based learning,” Moorehead added.
“Vicki Morehead has devoted her life to teaching in Catholic schools. She is totally devoted to her students and their achieving success, not only while they are in our school, but in their futures as well,” said Jim Bell, principal at St. Anthony. “She is an outstanding science teacher and her classes are an ‘essential’ in any student’s experience while at St. Anthony School. We are very proud of Vicki and congratulate her on this tremendous honor,” he added.
She told Mississippi Catholic her faith plays a role in her teaching as well. “Teaching science is the perfect subject to integrate my faith. Every aspect of science can be a teachable moment as to how everything doesn’t just happen randomly but according to God’s design and plan,” said Moorehead. “I can also help them connect their own faith lives to science. As a teacher my job isn’t just to teach science but to teach the whole child, and teaching in a Catholic school allows me to do that every day,” she said.
The students, she says, are not the only ones who benefit from Catholic education.  “I think I’m most thankful that I can share my faith daily and also be on the receiving end of learning about my faith through the examples of those around me. The students and staff have played a tremendous role shaping my own faith life. I’m thankful that my faith can be at the core of what I am teaching as well as my interactions with my students and the staff. It’s evident that God has me right where He wants me right now,” she said. During her trip to Washington, Moorhead said she was hoping to go to Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with her husband.
Moorehead said she does integrate technology in her teaching, she still lets the kids take the lead in many ways. “What I do in my class is give my students a place where they have the time to slow down, think, and process. Children need time for their brains to slow down and receive information in order to problem solve on their own. As a science teacher, I take full advantage of the natural inquisitiveness and wonder a child has to guide my instruction,” she said.
“The recipients of this award are integral to ensuring our students are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital to our nation’s success,” President Barack Obama said in a statement released before the award ceremony. “As the United States continues to lead the way in the innovation that is shaping our future, these excellent teachers are preparing students from all corners of the country with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills that help keep us on the cutting-edge,” the president added.
Moorehead received the National Catholic Educational Association’s Distinguished Teacher Award in 2013. She is one of two Catholic school teachers in the nation to receive the Presidential award this year, but not the first in the Diocese of Jackson. Cathy Tebo, currently teaching at St. Richard, was an honoree in the past.

Jonestown, Tutwiler announce new directors

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By Maureen Smith
A pair of Mississippi natives have taken over community centers in the Delta, marking a new generation of leadership. Carla Ross is the new director of the Tutwiler Community Education Center and Stanley Lang is the director of the Jonestown Family Center for Education and Wellness.
Both centers were started by women religious. Sister Maureen Delaney, SNJM, left to become the provincial of her community while Sister Teresa Shields, SNJM, retired and went home to Seattle.
Ross is no stranger to a Catholic community center. The Mound Bayou native is the former assistant director of the St. Gabriel Center there. She continues to serve on the board for St. Gabriel, which was started by the Sisters of Mercy and is now home to a community of Franciscan Sisters.
Ross holds a bachelor’s degree in family and human development and a master’s in community development. She believes Tutwiler already has a lot to offer. “I have never seen a community center so tied to the community,” said Ross. “The programs here are based on the town’s needs. I think that’s unique.” Tutwiler offers a variety of intergenerational programs from senior programs to after-school care, teen programs and summer education all the way to a gym where young people can have sports teams. A computer lab, music lessons and the quilters round out the offerings.
Ross said she is taking her first couple of months to learn about the programs and communicate with her staff so they can collaborate on broadening what is already in place and talk about where there may be gaps. “We have a teen program already where we discuss important topics. I would love to see that expand into a shadowing or mentoring program,” she said. This expansion would allow teens to interact with professionals so they could explore a career they may be interested in pursuing.
“Sustainability is important to me,” said Ross. “We will celebrate our 25th anniversary in June 2017 and I want to make sure this place is around for another 25 years,” she added. One of the key components of that is listening to the people in Tutwiler. “Given that I come from a small town I know how important places like this are,” she said. “I want people to know I am open to suggestions and input,” she said.
Lang grew up in Marks, Mississippi, just down the road from Jonestown. The opening at the Family Center fulfilled his wish to “get back home.” He has been the pastor at Anderson Street Church of Christ in Marks for 20 years, but has been commuting  from Tennessee for his ministry. He graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a bachelor in sociology with a concentration in social work and received a masters in child protection and juvenile justice from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has 22 years of experience in social work through the Department of Children’s Services in Shelby County, Tenn., and spent an additional six years of counseling in the prison system in Holly Springs and at Parchman State Penitentary.
While he is pleased with the services Jonestown offers, he would like to look at ways to expand services to better fit community needs, such as extending the hours for the toddler program. He would like to offer his staff more professional development opportunities and empower them to become community ambassadors for the Family Center.
Jonestown offers a half-day toddler program as well as a Montessori pre-K program, parenting classes and a fitness center. “I go to the fitness center as much as I can and I would love to see other members of the staff there to help spread the word about it,” said Lang. He explained that he wants to take a holistic approach to community development, helping strengthen minds, bodies, spirits and community connections. Recently eight local churches donated money so their members could work out in the gym run by the family center.
Coming home, he said, “means everything. For years, even when I talk to members of my graduating class, we talk about how our home is suffering because educated people have left so the services are lacking. Having an opportunity to come back home before my retirement age – to be able to do something for my community, means a lot to me. Jonestown is the vehicle for me to do that and I am just so blessed,” said Lang. He has been married for 20 years and has two grown children, a grandson and a “grand-dog.”
Both Tutwiler and Jonestown raise their own operating funds. To learn more about the programs they offer or to support the programs, visit their websites: www.tutwilercenter.org and https://jonestownfamilycenter.com.

Registration open

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By Maureen Smith
Pastors, DREs/CREs, catechists, youth ministers and pastoral leaders have until Thursday, Sept. 15, to take advantage of the early bird discount for GO!, the Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference. The conference is set for Jan. 12-14, 2017, at the Pontchartrain Center in New Orleans.
“We are extremely pleased with the new direction the conference is taking this year” said Fran Lavelle, director of faith formation for the Diocese of Jackson. GO! is planned by all of the faith formation and evangelization directors in this region. “We have national speakers as well as tapping into the tremendous talent and experience of folks in our region,” she said.
The theme this year, “Prayer: the Faith Prayed and Lived,” is based on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ catechetical theme for the year.  The keynote speakers will focus on prayer, reflection and witness. Sister Lynn Marie McKenzie, OSB, JD, JCL, presents prayer.
A Benedictine Sister at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Ala., for more than 35 years ago, Sister McKenzie seeks to live a balanced life of prayer and work in keeping with the Benedictine motto of “Ora et Labora.” Sister McKenzie will share her experience of how prayer helps her as she tries to be a faithful seeker of God in her daily journey, intending and hoping to live a life of fidelity, but realistic about the challenges.
Dr. Brant Pitre is professor of sacred scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and a multimedia author. He is an extremely enthusiastic and engaging speaker who lectures regularly across the United States.
He has produced dozens of Bible studies on CD, DVD, and MP3, in which he explores the biblical foundations of Catholic faith and theology. He will offer his reflections on how the faithful can “pray the Scriptures.”
Bishop Fernand Cheri, OFM, will present the witness portion of the weekend. Bishop Cheri is a Franciscan Friar and is auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He has dedicated years of his life to developing and supporting African-American liturgy and communities in the church. His strength and testimony comes from God’s Word in Scripture, “My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection.” (2Cor 12:9) Participants will be inspired as Bishop Cheri encourages them to “Go forth and witness.”
In addition to the keynotes, participants can select a one-day leadership option or select a liturgy or lights of hope track. The liturgy track is for anyone who serves the church through planning and participation in the various aspects of liturgy. However, catechists, teachers and catechetical leaders are also invited to participate in these sessions.
The lights of hope track is dedicated to those who work with high school-aged students in Catholic schools or parish programs.
A significant portion of the lights of hope sessions will be spent sharing best practices and approaches to concerns that are relevant to adolescents and teenagers.
Leadership Thursday is a new feature of GO! This day is designed for principals, clergy, lay ecclesial ministers and other leaders in schools and parishes.
The three themes are spiritual leadership, evangelization and the digital world. Speakers include Father David Caron, OP, vicar of evangelization, Archdiocese of New Orleans, Dr. Daniella Zsupan-Jerome and Paul Sanfrancesco.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz will celebrate the closing Mass for the conference. Register online at https://go4th.faith.

St. John parishioners ‘adopt’ students

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OXFORD – New and current University of Mississippi students at times need a local contact or friend who can help them connect with the Oxford, University or church communities. At times these young people may need someone to just talk to, attend Mass and church functions with someone familiar, contact local professionals, share a good home-cooked meal, or even celebrate holidays or birthdays when they can’t travel home.
To meet this need, Mille Smith of Oxford St. John Parish, is recruiting volunteer parish families willing to adopt Ole Miss students and provide information, activity and mentoring services. The families would be available to students as a friend and local contact.
Both students and parishioners complete a questionnaire asking for information such as contact phone number and email address, birthplace, Alma-mater, scholastic major and degrees, occupation and hobbies and interests. Mille will match students with families based on commonalities in the questionnaire.
Approximately 40 St. John families have already volunteered to serve as student families. Ole Miss students, parents of students or St. John parishioners with questions may email Millie Smith at millesmith@yahoo.com or call her at 901-848-1335.

Local advocates decry ruling

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By Maureen Smith
GREENWOOD – Amelia McGowan, head of Catholic Charities’ Migrant Support Center, was disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to put a halt on new applications for immigrants seeking work permits and protection from deportation.
“Hopefully this is just a temporary setback,” said McGowan. She and her staff were so hopeful they would get a favorable decision, they hosted a workshop for parish leaders in Greenwood Saturday, June 18, to train them on the issue.
The Migrant Support Center partnered with Texas-based advocacy organization “United We Dream” to provide the free, eight-hour training. Speakers Carolina Ramirez and Adonias Arevalo presented an overview of DACA/DAPA, “Know Your Rights” training, screening for immigration remedies, understanding and combatting the unauthorized practice of law, and the importance of client engagements/retainers. United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation. The network, made up of more than 100,000 immigrant youth and allies and 55 affiliate organizations in 26 states, advocates for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status.
Forty-two people from Clarksdale, Greenville, Greenwood, Jackson, Vicksburg and members of the Redemptorist community serving in the Delta attended the workshop. They included pastors, community leaders and catechists. “One of the problems we are having is that many people don’t even know or understand their rights,” said Nancy Sanchez, a staff member at the Migrant Support Center. She and McGowan said despite the Supreme Court ruling the center hopes to continue to offer training on immigration rights.
“We will keep working, keep collaborating. It is really important to build these networks and build and strengthen our partnerships,” said McGowan. Her office has been working for several years to educate not only the immigrant community, but also collaborate with law enforcement and the business community to make sure all the communities understand the complex issues involved. In an earlier interview, she explained that when immigrants are scared to report crimes or seek help, the whole community suffers.
Many immigrants in Mississippi live under constant threat of removal from the United States. The president’s proposed expanded Deferred Action program (otherwise known as “Expanded DACA” and “DAPA”) could have provided relief to many undocumented Mississippians by allowing them to obtain work permits and receive limited protection from deportation.
On June 24, the nation’s high court upheld an earlier ruling that determined President Obama did not have the constitutional authority to enact DAPA and expanded-DACA, two executive actions designed to provide temporary deportation relief and work permits for four million undocumented immigrants.
Immigrants granted protection in 2012 are not impacted by this ruling.

Community garden starts in Clarksdale

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By Maureen Smith
CLARKSDALE – A community empowerment group based out of Clarksdale Immaculate Conception Parish is seeking volunteers for its first project, a community garden. The Community Engagers, led by Henry White plans to make use of a six-acre plot behind the old school on Ritchie Avenue.
White approached Father Scott Thomas, pastor, about starting a non-profit community empowerment group. The garden was the first project. “When he said he was willing to head it up, I was all for it,” said Father Thomas. “I love when parishioners are ready to take on a project like this one,” he added. White is a Delta native, but just moved back to the area and is ready to make a difference.
Local farmer Bowen Flowers has agreed to prepare the land for planting. White is appealing to parishioners and community leaders to subdivide and plant the plots and maintain the garden. He sent out a flyer seeking volunteers and donations of cash or seeds. “I employ my fellow Catholic brethren to stand with us to provide this wonderful opportunity to serve the poor and underserved residents of Clarksdale by offering affordable and healthy accessible food choices,” wrote White in the flyer.
White has been working on this project for some time, seeking help from both local and state resources. “He had a meeting at City Hall and has been speaking with other groups,” said Father Scott. “This could turn into a nice ecumenical effort, which would be great,” he said.
“Alcorn State University Farm Extension agency conducted a site visit and helped us develop a plan to pretreat the soil and prepare for planting,” wrote White in an email to Mississippi Catholic. “My pastor, Father Scott Thomas and fellow parishioners from Immaculate Conception and St. Elisabeth along with Catholic Charities-North West offered invaluable resource,” he wrote. “I thought nothing else could top my sense  pride in seeing a community pull together for the good to start and outreach campaign that would be beneficial to the Upper Brick Yard and essentially our bordering neighborhoods of Magnolia Courts and Willow Park Apartments,” he added.
White paid a visit to the community garden Sister Kay Burton, SNJM, coordinates in Jonestown.  Her garden provides residents a place to grow produce to sell at the Clarksdale Farmer’s Market and other venues. She and the children in her summer school program also plant their own vegetables along the edges. She said she was happy to host White to show him a sample of how her program works.
Anyone who wants to donate time, seeds or money can contact White at 443-939-0575 or by email at community.engagers@gmail.com.