National Migration Week – set for January – honors most vulnerable

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Children are the most vulnerable and hardest hit among the world’s migrants and require special protection, Pope Francis said.
“Children are the first among those to pay the heavy toll of emigration, almost always caused by violence, poverty, environmental conditions, as well as the negative aspects of globalization,” he said.
“The unrestrained competition for quick and easy profit brings with it the cultivation of perverse scourges such as child trafficking, the exploitation and abuse of minors and, generally, the depriving of rights intrinsic to childhood as sanctioned by the International Convention on the Rights of the Child,” he said.
The pope made the comments in a message on the theme of “Child Migrants, the Vulnerable and the Voiceless” for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees 2017; the text was released at the Vatican Oct. 13.

The World Day for Migrants and Refugees is observed Jan. 15. In the United States, National Migration Week will be celebrated Jan. 8-14. Click here for a listing of events celebrating the week in the Diocese of Jackson. migration week
In his message, the pope called for greater protection and integration of immigrants and refugees who are minors, especially those who are unaccompanied.
Minors are especially fragile, vulnerable and often invisible and voiceless – unable to claim or unaware of their rights and needs, he said.

A child sits on railroad tracks near a makeshift camp for migrants in late March at the Greek-Macedonian border near the village of in Idomeni, Greece. Children are the most vulnerable and hardest hit among the world's migrants and require special protection, Pope Francis said. (CNS photo/Armando Babani, EPA) See POPE-MIGRANTS-MESSAGE Oct. 13, 2016.

A child sits on railroad tracks near a makeshift camp for migrants in late March at the Greek-Macedonian border near the village of in Idomeni, Greece. Children are the most vulnerable and hardest hit among the world’s migrants and require special protection, Pope Francis said. (CNS photo/Armando Babani, EPA) See POPE-MIGRANTS-MESSAGE Oct. 13, 2016.

In particular, they have “the right to a healthy and secure family environment, where a child can grow under the guidance and example of a father and a mother; then there is the right and duty to receive adequate education, primarily in the family and also in the school,” the pope said. Unfortunately, “in many areas of the world, reading, writing and the most basic arithmetic is still the privilege of only a few.”
“Children, furthermore, have the right to recreation,” he added. “In a word, they have the right to be children.”
Christians must offer a dignified welcome to migrants because every human being is precious and “more important than things,” the pope said. “The worth of an institution is measured by the way it treats the life and dignity of human beings, particularly when they are vulnerable, as in the case of child migrants.”
He urged long-term solutions be found to tackle the root causes of migration such as war, human rights violations, corruption, poverty, environmental injustice and natural disasters.
In so many of these scenarios, Pope Francis said, “children are the first to suffer, at times suffering torture and other physical violence, in addition to moral and psychological aggression, which almost always leave indelible scars.”
Among the many factors that make migrants, especially children, more vulnerable, and need to be addressed are: poverty; limited access to the means to survive; “unrealistic expectations generated by the media”; poor literacy; and ignorance about the law, culture and language of host countries, he said.
“But the most powerful force driving the exploitation and abuse of children is demand. If more rigorous and effective action is not taken against those who profit from such abuse, we will not be able to stop the multiple forms of slavery where children are the victims,” he said.
Immigrant adults must cooperate more closely with host communities “for the good of their own children,” he said.
Countries need to work together and communities need to offer “authentic development” for all boys and girls “who are humanity’s hope,” he said.
Saying inadequate funding often “prevents the adoption of adequate policies aimed at assistance and inclusion,” the pope said that instead of programs that help children integrate or safely repatriate, “there is simply an attempt to curb the entrance of migrants, which in turn fosters illegal networks” or governments forcibly repatriate people without any concern “for their ‘best interests.'”
While nations have the right to control migration and protect and safeguard their citizens, Pope Francis said it must be done while carrying out “the duty to resolve and regularize the situation of child migrants,” and fully respecting the rights and needs of the children and their parents “for the good of the entire family.”
The pope praised the “generous service” of all those who work with minors who migrate, urging them to “not tire of courageously living the Gospel, which calls you to recognize and welcome the Lord Jesus among the smallest and most vulnerable.”
Speaking to reporters at the Vatican press office, Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio, president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, said Christians cannot be xenophobic and they cannot refuse to help welcome immigrants.
While it is impossible for one country “to receive everyone,” he said, that doesn’t mean the problem will be solved by telling immigrants to leave or saying that no one may come.
“It’s a problem that needs to be solved, seek a solution,” he said.
Unfortunately, the cardinal said, people tend to be self-centered and bothered by the presence of “the other.” People prefer to keep to their “ivory tower, their gilded cage and do not want any disturbance” or threats to “the beautiful things we have.”
“This is egoism. This is not human or Christian,” he said.
(Editor’s note: look in the next Mississippi Catholic for a story about what Catholic Charities is doing here in the Diocese of Jackson for migrants, refugees and immigrants.)

 

Ancient songs bring new meaning to season

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
The Roman Catholic Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are also incorporated at the opening Antiphons for the daily Mass from December 17 through December 23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. With joyful hope in the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, they take us to the pinnacle of the Advent season in anticipation of Christmas Eve and the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophesy and promise in the Incarnation.
December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
December 20
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
December 21
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save mankind, whom you formed from the dust!
December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!

We are most aware of their inspiration in the beloved Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Often the hymns we sing instruct us in the faith with exactly this level of magnificent theology and biblical imagery.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Verse 1
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.
That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Verse 2
O Come O Wisdom from on high, who orders all things mightily.
To us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.
Verse 3
O Come, O Come Great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai’s height.
In ancient times once gave the Law in cloud and majesty and awe.
Verse 4
O Come O Rod of Jesse’s stem, from every foe deliver them.
That trust your mighty power to save and give them victory over the grave.
Verse 5
O Come, O Key of David, Come, and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe the way that leads on high and close the path to misery.
Verse 6
O Come, O Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by your drawing nigh.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadow put to flight.
Verse 7
O Come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind.
O bid our sad divisions cease, and be for us our King of Peace

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to you, O Israel.
Through the prayerful proclamation of the “O” Antiphons at Mass, or their recitation during the Evening Prayer of the Church, or their use as a personal prayer, or through the singing of O Come O Come Emmanuel in Church, or at home, or through the quiet humming as we go about our Christmas preparations, know that we are praying with the Church throughout the world.
We are the faithful ones who hold are torches aloft, the wise who still seek him, and the angels who proclaim his birth. Indeed, the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There is much in our contemporary world that obscures the light of faith, or strains mightily to extinguish it, but Emmanuel, God with us, until the end of time is the Lord’s personal promise that prevails. May our spiritual journey and preparation not fade or grow dim as we prepare in the knowledge of faith and hope in the coming Messiah.

Canciones viejas pueden traer nuevo significado a la temporada

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
La Iglesia Católica Romana ha estado cantando las antífonas “O” por lo menos desde el octavo siglo. Son las antífonas que acompañan al canto Magníficat de la oración de la tarde del 17 al 23 de diciembre. También son incorporadas en la antífonas de apertura de la misa diaria del 17 al 23 de diciembre.
Son una magnífica teología bíblica extraída de las esperanzas mesiánicas del Antiguo Testamento para anunciar la venida de Cristo no sólo como el cumplimiento de las esperanzas del Antiguo Testamento sino las actuales. Su uso repetido del imperativo “¡Ven!” encarna el anhelo de todos por el Divino Mesías.
Con gozosa esperanza en la venida de nuestro Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo, nos llevan a la cima del tiempo de Adviento en anticipación a la víspera de Navidad y el cumplimiento de todas las profecías del Antiguo Testamento y la promesa de la encarnación.
17 de diciembre
O sabiduría de nuestro Dios Altísimo, guiando la creación con poder y amor: ¡ven a enseñarnos el camino del conocimiento!
18 de diciembre
O líder de la Casa de Israel, dador de la Ley a Moisés en el Sinaí: ¡ven a rescatarnos con tu gran poder!
19 de diciembre
O raíz del tallo de Jesse, signo del amor de Dios por todo su pueblo, ¡ven a salvarnos sin demora!
20 de diciembre
Oh Llave de David, que abres las puertas del Reino eterno de Dios: ¡ven a liberar a los presos de la oscuridad!
21 de diciembre
O Radiante mañana, esplendor de la luz eterna, sol de justicia: ¡ven a iluminar a los que viven en tinieblas y en la sombra de la muerte!
22 de diciembre
O Rey de todas las naciones y piedra angular de la Iglesia: ¡

ven y salva al hombre, a quien formaste del polvo!
23 de diciembre
O Emmanuel, nuestro Rey y dador de la ley: ven a salvarnos, Señor Dios nuestro!
Estamos más conscientes de su inspiración en el amado himno de Adviento, “O Ven, O Ven, Emmanuel”. A menudo los himnos que cantamos nos instruye en la fe exactamente con este nivel de magníficas imágenes teológicas y bíblicas.
Oh ven!, ¡Oh ven, Emanuel!
Versículo 1
O ven, O ven, Emmanuel, y rescata a Israel cautivo. Que llora aquí en el exilio solitario hasta que el Hijo de Dios aparezca.
Versículo 2
Oh Sabiduría que viene de lo alto, que ordena todas las cosas poderosamente. Nos muestra el camino del conocimiento y nos enseña en sus maneras de ir.
Versículo 3
O ven, O ven gran Señor de la fuerza, quien a tus tribus en la altura del Sinaí. En tiempos antiguos una vez dio la ley en nubes, en majestad y reverencia.
Versículo 4
O Come o vara del tallo de Jesse, de cada enemigo líbralos. Que confíen en tu poder para salvarlos y darles la victoria sobre la tumba.
Versículo 5
Oh Venid, oh Llave de David: Ven y abre nuestro hogar celestial. Haz seguro el camino que conduce a lo alto y cierra el camino a la miseria.
Versículo 6
Oh Venid, Oh Aurora celestial y ánímanos con tu noche. Dispersa las oscuras nubes de la noche y a la oscura sombra de la muerte ponla al vuelo.
Versículo 7
O ven, deseo de las naciones, junta en uno los corazones de la humanidad. O invita a nuestras tristes divisiones a cesar, y se para nosotros nuestro Rey de la paz.
¡Regocijaos! ¡Regocijaos! Emmanuel vendrá a ti, oh Israel.
¡Regocijaos! ¡Regocijaos! Emmanuel vendrá a ti, oh Israel.
A través de la proclamación de las antífonas “O” en la misa, o su rezo durante la oración de la tarde, o como una oración personal, o a través del canto de O Ven O Ven Emmanuel en la iglesia o en casa, o a través del susurro tranquilo mientras hacemos nuestros preparativos para Navidad, sabemos que estamos orando con la Iglesia en todo el mundo.
Somos los fieles que mantienen las antorchas en alto, el sabio que todavía lo busca, y los ángeles que anuncian su nacimiento. En efecto, la luz brilla en la oscuridad, y la oscuridad no la ha vencido.
Hay mucho en nuestro mundo contemporáneo que oscurece la luz de la fe, o se esfuerza poderosamente para extinguirla, pero Emmanuel, Dios con nosotros, hasta el fin del tiempo es la promesa personal del Señor que prevalece. Que nuestro camino espiritual y preparación no se desvanezca o se debilite a medida que nos preparamos para el conocimiento de la fe y la esperanza en la venida del Mesías.

Consensus shows us way forward on immigration

By Archbishop Jose H. Gomez
Catholic News Service
The Catholic bishops of the United States have designated Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as a national day of prayer for migrants and refugees.
This day of prayer comes at a time of fear, unrest and uncertainty in our country – especially for our immigrant brothers and sisters who are undocumented and their children and loved ones.
Everyone agrees that our immigration system is broken – and it has been for more than a decade. The blame cuts across party lines and we cannot find many examples of moral leadership or political courage to point to.
We are deeply concerned about the president-elect because of his drastic campaign promises regarding deportations.
But we also know that the outgoing administration has deported more than 2.5 million people in the past eight years – more than any other administration in history. And the vast majority of those deported are not violent criminals. In fact, up to one-quarter are mothers and fathers that our government is seizing from ordinary households.
That is the sad truth about immigration policy in America today. Our system has been broken for so long, our politicians have failed to act for so long that the people we are now punishing have become our neighbors.
Most of the 11 million undocumented people in the U.S. have been living here for five years or more. Two-thirds have been here for at least a decade. Almost half are living in homes with a spouse and children.
In addition, there are an estimated 1.8 million young people who were brought here as children by their undocumented parents. They are living in a kind of limbo – in many states they cannot enroll in college or get jobs.
This is the human reality of being undocumented in America. We have millions of people living on the edge of our economy and society, living in constant fear that one day without warning they will be deported and never see their families again.
And when you look into the eyes of a child whose father has been deported – and I have done that – we realize how inadequate our politics is.
Undocumented immigrants have become a kind of “scapegoat,” an easy target to blame for broader problems in our economy and society.
Many of our neighbors today rightly feel vulnerable and unprotected – they are worried about jobs, wages, the decline of their communities, the threat of terrorism, the security of our borders. We cannot simply dismiss their concerns or label them as nativists or racists, as some have. What our neighbors are worried about is real and we need to take their concerns seriously.
But undocumented workers are not the problem. The real problem is globalization and deindustrialization and what that is doing to our economy, to our family structures and neighborhoods. This is not a “white working class” issue only, as the media reports it. Whites, Latinos, Asians, blacks and others are all suffering from the breakdown of the family and the vanishing of good-paying jobs that make it possible to support a family.
Right now, we need to stop allowing politicians and media figures to make immigration a “wedge issue” that divides us. We need to come together to study these issues and find solutions.
The truth is there actually is broad public consensus on a way forward.
There is broad agreement that our nation has the obligation to secure its borders and determine who enters the country and how long they stay. There is also broad agreement that we need to update our immigration system to enable us to welcome newcomers who have the character and skills our country needs to grow.
There is even broad consensus on how to deal with the undocumented persons living among us.
Virtually every poll has found overwhelming support for granting them a generous path to citizenship, provided they meet certain requirements, such as learning English, paying some fines and holding a job that pays taxes.
These basic points should form the basis for immigration reform that is just and merciful.
We have a consensus in public opinion. What we are waiting for is politicians and media figures who have the will and the courage to tell the truth and to lead.
(Editors note: In the wake of the national elections, Catholic News Service is offering a series of columns from leading archbishops on key issues facing the church and the new Trump administration. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez is archbishop of Los Angeles.)

Behavioral Health unit named for Sr. Paulinus

By Maureen Smith and Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – On Tuesday, Nov. 29, Sister Paulinus Oakes, RSM, and a few friends gathered for the dedication in her honor of “The Oakes,” a unit in the Behavioral Health building at St. Dominic Hospital.
The Oakes provides compassionate care for those with psychiatric conditions secondary to a cognitive disorder such a dementia and those suffering from depression or other acute mental illnesses. Treatments include social and group therapy, one-on-one therapy and family support and education. It has been open for several years, but was only recently renamed in honor of Sister Oakes.

Sister Paulinus Oakes, RSM, donated a painting by a fellow sister to the unit.

Sister Paulinus Oakes, RSM, donated a painting by a fellow sister to the unit.

“The reasoning for naming the unit The Oakes is for all of sister’s dedication and service to our patients and the community,” explained Kim Mathis, director of outreach services for St. Dominic Behavioral Health Services. “She worked at St. Dominic’s for 16 years and was a faithful servant to those less fortunate and always had a heart for those suffering with mental illness and alcohol and drug abuse,” she added.
“Thank you for doing this for me. I was choked up out of my mind when I learned about this honor,” she said. As is her custom, she brought a gift with her to the dedication, a painting by a fellow sister to hang in the unit. Sister Oakes declined to talk about the honor, wanting instead to talk about the painting and the sister who donated it.
“No one has a heart for the homeless, down-and-out and those who are considered ‘the least’ by society quite like Sister Paulinus,” said Pat Walden, director of pastoral care for St. Dominic. “By her life and example, she showed us that they need love and care,” she added.
Sister Oakes, a native of Vicksburg, started working at St. Dominic’s in 1996 as chaplain for behavioral health. Trace Swartzfager, vice-president of business development at St. Dominic’s, introduced Sister Oakes and noted he started working at the hospital the same day she did and was beyond thrilled when he realized who she was. “This was the Sister Paulinus who was known for her unwavering passion for helping those suffering from chemical dependency and psychiatric disorders,” he said.
“I can’t tell you what a joy it was working with Sister Paulinus during her tenure here at St. Dominic’s,” he added.
Swartzfager commented he received routine phone calls from referring physicians telling him they were sending their patient to St. Dominic “because I know Sister Paulinus is there and I am confident my patient will be well cared for.” He said that when they starting brainstorming about names for the new patient care unit, the name “The Oakes” came to mind immediately.
Present at the dedication were retired Bishop Joseph Latino, Msgr. Elvin Sunds, several priests, a large group of Sisters of Mercy, lay Mercy Associates friends and members of the hospital personnel.
Sister Oakes has masters degree from Xavier University in St. Louis and Loyola University in New Orleans. She also served as school principal and taught in various Mercy school in Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Sister Paulinus Oakes, RSM, speaks with staff at the behavioral health unit now named in her honor at St. Dominic's Hospital. (Photos by Elsa Baughman)

Sister Paulinus Oakes, RSM, speaks with staff at the behavioral health unit now named in her honor at St. Dominic’s Hospital. (Photos by Elsa Baughman)

For more than 20 years she was an adjunct faculty member for Hinds Community College in Hinds and Warren counties teaching American literature. She volunteered with the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) for more than 18 years and was one of the founders of Born Free, a residential treatment program for women.
She has also published to books. Last year she retired to her order’s motherhouse in St. Louis, Mo.

Diócesis celebra fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe

patroness-of-americas-cLas siguientes parroquias ofrecerán Misas, procesiones, rosarios y fiestas en honor de la Virgen de Guadalupe en su día festivo:
Amory St. Helen, Misa el lunes 12 de diciembre a las 7 p.m.
Carthage Santa Ana, sábado 10 de diciembre, mañanitas a las 9 a.m. seguida de una procesión, Misa y fiesta. El grupo de danzas aztecas de la Catedral de San Pedro en Jackson presentará sus danzas.
Cleveland Nuestra Señora de las Victorias, lunes 12 de diciembre, procesión a las 6 p.m., Misa a las 6:30 p.m. seguida de una cena.
Corinth St. James, lunes 12 de diciembre, 5 a.m. rosario seguido de mañanitas, y desayuno. A las 6 p.m. procesión, despues misa y cena.
Forest San Miguel, sábado 10 de diciembre serenata a la virgen de 7 a 10 p.m.
– Domingo 11 de diciembre, procesión con cantos y danzas comenzando a las 10 a.m. en el edificio de la corte hacia el Centro Crudup donde se celebrará la misa a las 11 a.m. seguida de un convivio.
Hazlehurst San Martín, lunes 12 de diciembre, Misa a las 6 p.m. seguida de una fiesta.
Holly Springs St. Joseph, sábado 10 de diciembre, lunes 12 de diciembre, misa a las 7 p.m. y recepción.
Greenville Sagrado Corazón, domingo 11 de diciembre. Misa a las 6 p.m. seguida de una cena. Un mariachi de Memphis animará la misa y la cena.
Holly Springs St. Joseph, lunes 12 de diciembre, Misa a las 7 p.m. seguida de una recepción.
Kosciusko Santa Teresa, sábado 10 de diciembre, misa bilingüe a las 2 p.m. seguido de una fiesta. El grupo de danza azteca de la Parroquia Santa Teresa en Jackson presentará sus danzas.
Jackson Catedral de San Pedro, domingo 11 de diciembre, misa a la 1 p.m. seguida de un convivio con música.
Morton Centro San Martín, serenata a la virgen el sábado 10 de diciembre de 7 a 9 p.m.
New Albany sSan Francisco, novena del 4 al 11 de diciembre a las 7 p.m. – Lunes 12 de diciembre, rosary a las 5 a.m. mañanitas, desayuno, procesión, Misa y almuerzo.
Southaven Cristo Rey, lunes 12 de diciembre, mañanitas a las 5:30 a.m. Misa a las 7 p.m. seguido de una recepción.
Senatobia St. Gregory, lunes 12 de diciembre, Misa a las 7 p.m. y recepción.
Olive Branch Queen of Peace, lunes 12 de diciembre, Misa a las 7 p.m. seguida de una recepción.

Teens seek vocations through SEARCH retreat

By Abbey Schuhmann
High school juniors and seniors from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at Camp Wesley Pines near Hazlehurst Nov. 11-13 for the fall diocesan SEARCH Retreat. SEARCH is a Catholic youth retreat that models the Cursillo retreat for adults but designed for youth in grades 11th-12th who have a strong desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ.
A retreat “for teens, led by teens,” SEARCH is an experience like none other with a strong focus on vocations. It engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold, real, active and healthy way.
SEARCH first started in this diocese in the 1970s but interest in it declined in the 1980s. In 2003, Father Mike O’Brien and Father Frank Cosgrove approached Jackson St. Richard parishioners Ann and Jeff Cook and encouraged them to re-introduce the SEARCH retreat to the diocese.
Having lived in Austin, Texas, and participated with multiple SEARCH retreats there, the Cooks coordinated bringing in a team from Austin to lead the first SEARCH retreat in nearly 20 years for our Diocese in January 2004. The first youth staff from the diocese led the next SEARCH retreat under the leadership from volunteers, Ann and Jeff Cook in May of 2004.
During the past 13 years, the diocese has held more than 25 SEARCH retreats under the leadership of the Cooks.
Much of what happens in the retreat is kept a mystery but a few things are certain – you will have fun, you will be challenged to grow in your faith and chances are you will make a few new friends.
The retreat team is primarily made up of a youth staff from teens who have previously attended a SEARCH retreat. Once a teen attends a SEARCH retreat weekend, he or she has the opportunity to apply to staff future retreats.
The adults who are present throughout the weekend serve “behind the scenes.” It is the teens who lead this retreat. The SEARCH model really gives our youth the opportunity to demonstrate and carry out servant leadership. This retreat would not be possible without the help of adult volunteers who have served in this ministry for so many years.
We are especially grateful to Ann and Jeff Cook for continuing to serve as the volunteer, adult SEARCH coordinators. Without their dedicated service, this ministry would not be where it is today.
The SEARCH ministry is alive and well in the diocese and the SEARCH family continues to grow through each retreat.
The Office of Youth Ministry is currently looking at dates in 2017 for future SEARCH retreats. We are always looking for adults who are open to serving in the SEARCH ministry. If you are interested, contact Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for the Office of Youth Ministry, abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org, 601-949-6934.

Teens on SEARCH retreat take time for prayer outside. (Photos by Abbey Schuhmann)

Teens on SEARCH retreat take time for prayer outside. (Photos by Abbey Schuhmann)

Young people on the Search retreat spend time at liturgies such as this one. Tim Cook and Ellie Smith led music during the retreat.

Young people on the Search retreat spend time at liturgies such as this one. Tim Cook and Ellie Smith led music during the retreat.

SHSM hosts international educational mission convention

Holly Springs Holy Family Principal Clara Isom leads the choir of educators throughout the conference. Holy Family students also participated in the event.

Holly Springs Holy Family Principal Clara Isom leads the choir of educators throughout the conference. Holy Family students also participated in the event.

By Laura Grisham
SOUTHAVEN – Mission Education. Every few years a contingency from the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) and their affiliated organizations gather to learn about Father Leo John Dehon, founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, as well as the congregation that carries on his ministries. This October, Sacred Heart Southern Missions (SHSM) hosted the eighth such gathering of the SCJs. The two-day conference was the second one held here in North Mississippi.
The time and talent exerted in putting the event together did not hold a candle to the spiritual treasure and fellowship received by all who attended.
Titled “Mission in Mercy,” the conference was infused with music and prayer — a celebration of God’s mercy and the opportunity to extend that mercy to others through all of our various missions and daily tasks.
On Monday, Sacred Heart School welcomed attendees. The activities began with the voices of the ‘educators’ choir, lead by Holy Family School principal Clara Isom. Among their musical selections, the group sang “Who Will Speak?” encouraging audience participation and setting the tone for the conference.
Father Jack Kurps, SCJ, greeted the crowd, visually introduced the contingents from all corners of the country and in doing so, showed our solidarity – united in our common mission of mercy. With so many facets, one might think it a “Mission Impossible,” but in a clever video production, Father Kurps showed that our mission is possible, relevant and much needed, especially today. The superior general of the congregation, Father Heiner Wilmer, SCJ, who also appeared via video, echoed Father Jack’s sentiments.
“An Interview with Father Dehon,” provided a look back to the challenges he faced more than a century ago. It was a clever presentation involving a reporter, Province Communications Director Mary Gorski, and Father Dehon, played by Dave Schimmel, province director of Dehonian Associates, helped participants gain an understanding of his work.

Father Quang Nguyen, SCJ,spoke of the economics of proverty. He demonstrated the gripping realities that so many in the country face every day.

Father Quang Nguyen, SCJ,spoke of the economics of proverty. He demonstrated the gripping realities that so many in the country face every day.

Father Quang Nguyen, SCJ, spoke of the economics of poverty while SHSM’s director of programs, Shakebra Young, made the numbers personal as she shared her own struggles of poverty here in the Mississippi Delta. Both demonstrated the gripping realities that so many in our country face every day.
Ekpe, a local entertainer, and his band, told the story of “From Africa to Beale Street.” This performance highlighted a rich legacy of music. Ekpe moved the audience and had them on their feet.
Sister Cathy Bertrand, SSND, a member of the SHSM board of directors, facilitated several panel discussions about Mercy In Action throughout the conference. The discussions brought members from the various service aspects of SHSM and other SCJ affiliated organizations to the table to share how they perceive their role of mercy in their particular area or ministry.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz, bishop for the Diocese of Jackson, and Mary Woodward, diocesan chancellor, also addressed the gathering, speaking about the Church and its challenges in Mississippi. The largest diocese east of the Mississippi River, it encompasses some of the poorest areas of the nation. He lauded the contributions and accomplishments of Sacred Heart Southern Missions and the SCJs in caring physically and spiritually for those living in the northwestern counties of the diocese.
Bishop Kopacz was also the main celebrant at Mass on Monday afternoon at Holy Spirit Church in Hernando. A traditional southern barbecue dinner was served immediately following with a performance by local blues artists Sean “Bad Apple” Appel and Stud Ford to close the day.
Tuesday morning attendees were bused to Holly Springs to continue the conference at Holy Family School.
The day began with praise and thanksgiving. Isom and the ‘educators choir’ mesmerized the audience, singing ‘Jesus Love and Mercy’ and “I Feel Like Traveling Home.” Images from the Heart of Christ, narrated by Dave Schimmel, also gave participants an opportunity to reflect on how they saw and related to Jesus in the Sacred Heart. Holy Family students presented a “Live Wax Museum” of African American inventors, surprising many with their knowledge of historical facts.

Music and dancing was part of the event. A performance by local blues artists Sean “Bad Apple” Appel and Stud Ford closed the day.

Music and dancing was part of the event. A performance by local blues artists Sean “Bad Apple” Appel and Stud Ford closed the day.

Panel discussions continued, facilitated by Sister Bertrand, and were sprinkled with opportunities for table and room discussions by all in attendance before and after lunch. And speaking of lunch, there was not a soul present that did not have rave reviews for the traditional “Thanksgiving” dinner, cooked by the fine members of Strawberry Baptist Church.
The conference began as it ended, in song. Mercy in Mission.
(Reprinted with permission from SHSM’s newsletter. )

New Carmelite leader gives parents credit for deep faith

In this file photo from 2015, Sister Mary Jane of the Resurrection (right) shares a laugh with Sister Cor Christi Abenio and Lloyd Chatham during the art show of Sister Mary Muriel Ludden, a Discalced Carmelite nun who died in 2013.(Photo by Elsa Baughman)

In this file photo from 2015, Sister Mary Jane of the Resurrection (right) shares a laugh with Sister Cor Christi Abenio and Lloyd Chatham during the art show of Sister Mary Muriel Ludden, a Discalced Carmelite nun who died in 2013.(Photo by Elsa Baughman)

By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – Before she came to the United States from the Philippines to serve at the Carmelite Monastery, Sister Mary Jane of the Resurrection had been a Carmelite nun for 35 years. She says her calling began to develop at a very young age when her neighbor would come to her house to read her and her siblings children’s books about the life of the saints. “I was about seven years old, and these stories, which were very easy to follow, taught us about how to practice virtues such as acts of love, kindness,” she remembers. “These hidden messages stuck with me.”
One of the books she loved the best was the life of St. Therese of Avila. Later in life, Sister Mary Jane was attracted to silence and solitude, something she thinks is a gift from God because while she was surrounded by all the noise she was able to feel the presence of God. “I think I got this feeling from St. Therese.”
She learned a lot from reading the life of St. Therese but she attributes her faith to her parents who were devoted Catholics.
She had a normal life growing up in the Philippines. She had friends, went to parties, joined clubs, was a ballet dancer. But her calling was haunting her. “I wanted to put this feeling aside because I wanted to enjoy the life I was having but the calling kept haunting me,” she noted. “I even considered marriage life in the future but then I thought if I married there was not coming back.
“With time I began to feel the need to address God’s will for me and when I made my decision to answer His call there was this feeling of liberation, of peace, it was a confirmation that God was going to protect me.”
She grew up with the Columban Sisters from Ireland who ran the school she attended. Remembering her childhood, when she started to hear the Lord’s calling, Sister Mary Jane said she was attracted to their mission but at the time she was looking for something that she didn’t find in that congregation.
At the age of 15, she thought about applying at the Carmelite congregation and without telling anyone she went to their monastery to speak to the prioress, a French nun who could barely speak English. When she told her about her intentions to enter the monastery the nun told her, “Oh my child, there is only one St. Therese.” Sister Mary Jane had a good laugh reminiscing this scene.
The prioress encouraged her to go back home, to continue her high school studies and to return after she was sure about her vocation. “And I just did that. I really wanted to ‘taste’ how their life was.”
At 18 she returned to the monastery to begin her religious life. She said she thought that if she didn’t like it she would go back home to start college.
“Here I am, 45 years later and enjoying my life as a Carmelite nun. She says she could have gone the other way but this was a special call. “I have always felt I am one of the few chosen. Everything comes from him and I did his will. I am happy where I am. My life as a Carmelite nun is a life of prayer. We spend much of our life praying not only for the church but for all people of the world, for peace, for refugees, for the unborn. We do it for our love for him, to save souls, to save sinners. This is my great joy, praying.”
In fact, the sisters gather seven times a day to pray as a community and they are required to have individual prayers in the morning and in the evening as well as spend time in silence.
Sister Mary Jane, who has been living in the Carmelite Monastery for 10 years, was elected as prioress of her community on May 24 of this year and installed by Bishop Joseph Kopacz during a special Mass at the monastery.
About her new role in the community she says that it’s a big responsibility. “I do my part to serve the community and I feel myself as a servant of the servants.”
There are five sisters living in the monastery at his moment.

West Point closes Year of Mercy with homecoming celebration

Father Sam Messina, former pastor, and Father Channappareddy Basani, present pastor, concelebrated. (Photo courtesy of Lynn Kyle)

Father Sam Messina, former pastor, Father Jeffrey Waldrep, native son, and Father Channappareddy Basani, present pastor, concelebrated. (Photo courtesy of Lynn Kyle)

By Lynn Kyle
WEST POINT – Immaculate Conception Parish celebrated a homecoming Mass and brunch Sunday, Oct. 16, as the last of many events centered around the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Father Channappareddy Basani, pastor, and the liturgy committee, offered a variety of activities such as including the Year of Mercy Prayer following Communion, works of charity for those in need, a pilgrimage to Hanceville, Ala., providing copies of biblical materials on the Year of Mercy, special reconciliation services and the Homecoming Mass.
The homecoming was set in order to renew the faith of the community, welcome former parishioners to celebrate the history and growth of the parish and to invite people become more involved in their faith.
Former parishioners were welcomed to the Mass, celebrated by Father Jeffrey Waldrep. Former pastor, Father Sam Messina, and current pastor, Father Basani, both concelebrated. The crowd of 160 included visitors from Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

Father Jeffrey Waldrep, former pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, speaks about his childhood in the community at the homecoming Mass celebrated to close the Year of Mercy. Father Sam Messina, former pastor, and Father Channappareddy Basani, present pastor, concelebrated. (Photo courtesy of Lynn Kyle)

Father Jeffrey Waldrep, former pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, speaks about his childhood in the community at the homecoming Mass celebrated to close the Year of Mercy. Father Sam Messina, former pastor, and Father Channappareddy Basani, present pastor, concelebrated. (Photo courtesy of Lynn Kyle)

Father Waldrep, who was born and raised in West Point, shared memories of his childhood in the parish. He reflected on those who had inspired him and who had taught him the importance of prayer. He also shared the importance of lifting each other up in prayer. He reminded the congregation the Holy Year of Mercy, set forth by Pope Francis, encourages us all to seek God’s love and mercy.
Father Messina spoke about his time as pastor when the current renovations to the main church were completed. He also shared fond memories of the many families he got to know and friends he made while here. He encouraged members to continue to work hard to follow the word of the Lord and to dedicate time to his service.
Father Basani thanked all those who traveled long distances and expressed his appreciation for their sense of belonging to the parish. He encouraged everyone present to remain steadfast in sharing their time and talents with others and active participants in this faith community.

AlliMichel Foster decides what to eat at the luncheon.

AlliMichel Foster decides what to eat at the luncheon.

Members of the Gonzalez, Ricon and Garcia families at the luncheon

Members of the Gonzalez, Ricon and Garcia families at the luncheon

Following the Mass, the guests and congregation were invited to a brunch prepared by the ladies of the parish. The parish hall was decorated with a fall theme. Attendees were asked to place an autumn leaf on the Parish Family Tree as they entered the hall.
As a memento of the event, each family was given a booklet about the history of the Catholic Church of West Point, a Year of Mercy prayer card and writing pen as a gift from the parish.
(Editor’s note: more photos are available online at www.mississippicatholic.com)

Becky Mitchener, Stan "Tinker" Lauter, Father Jeffrey Waldrep, Danny Waldrep and Matthew Garcia chat at the reception.

Becky Mitchener, Stan “Tinker” Lauter, Father Jeffrey Waldrep, Danny Waldrep and Matthew Garcia chat at the reception.