By Berta Mexidor NATCHEZ – On Monday, Dec. 11, a vibrant procession coursed through historic downtown Natchez, featuring the revered Our Lady of Guadalupe with a group of devoted Guadalupeans present for the celebration. The culminating event was a Mass presided over by Father Aaron Williams, accompanied by Father Charles Yaklin, IVE, who delivered the homily.
This marked the second instance in which Hispanic Catholics from the Natchez-Vidalia area received the support of Father Williams, of the Basilica of St. Mary, and Father Charles, a monk hailing from St. Joseph Monastery in Natchez.
NATCHEZ – On Dec. 11 the faithful participated in a procession in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, before Mass celebrated by Father Aaron Williams and Father Charles Yaklin, a monk from St. Joseph’s Monastery. (Photo by Berta Mexidor)
Father Charles, who arrived in Natchez two years ago, has been offering Mass in Spanish to the local Catholic community. In his Spanish homily, he emphasized the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stating that her call is for everyone to draw near to Jesus. He highlighted, “She asked to build a temple, not for her glory, not for us to praise her, because she is surrounded by thousands of angels, but the message of her heart is for us to be close to her son, through the Eucharist.”
The successful organization of the 12-day celebration, including Rosaries and traditional dances, is attributed to the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers, notably Lupe Valencia, of Mexican heritage. Valencia led a group of dancers adorned in ponchos featuring the image of Guadalupe, conchas (shells) and tambor (drum), performing various routines in honor of the Virgin Mary.
A separate dance ensemble from Guerrero, Mexico, showcased the tradition of Los Chinelos, a cultural heritage from Morelos, a region in Mexico. Dressed in colorful attire, the group depicted an elderly figure with a long beard, carrying the image of Guadalupe on the back of the cape. They danced joyously to regional music, adding a dynamic element to the festivities.
Valencia received valuable assistance from a dedicated team, including Paola Siles from Nicaragua, Guillermina Vega, and Monzerrat Gonzalez, a mother-daughter duo from Mexico residing in Vidalia. Rosendo Gonzales and Antonio Ortiz carried the image of Our Lady in the procession, while Bettina Coffey provided translation services for Father Williams at the Family Life Center. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt blessing, lively dances and a shared feast in honor of Our Lady.
JACKSON – St. Richard sixth graders carried on the tradition of putting on the “Manhattan Mall” for the residents of the Manhattan nursing home across from campus. Seniors are able to “shop” for gifts for their loved ones. (Photo by Chelsea Dillon)MADISON – Student musicians practice for St. Joseph Catholic School’s annual “Gifts of the Season” Christmas concert that took place on Sunday, Dec. 10, in the school Fine Arts auditorium. Pictured are sophomore Talia Ramos, far right, and freshman Mackenzie Maberry rehearsing for “Gifts of the Season.” (Photo courtesy of school)COLUMBUS – Annunciation dad, James Wagner, teaches students about electricity during a Superhero themed STREAM Day at the school. (Photo by Logan Gentry)
Around the diocese
COLUMBUS – Father Jeffery Waldrep assists Mrs. Ford’s Kindergarten class with their Thanksgiving story bracelets. (Photo by Logan Gentry)MADISON – St. Anthony School PreK-4 students, Bryan Gardner and Ridge Bond, were excited to find a candy treat and prayer card in their shoes on the Feast of Saint Nicholas on Dec. 6. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)PEARL – St. Jude youth performed their annual Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Roberts)AMORY – The children of St. Helen Church proclaimed the Christmas Story, “Our Chaos, His Peace,” for parishioners and all grandparents following Mass on Dec. 10. Afterwards, they presented grandparents with hand-painted ornaments. High school youth served as lectors, intercession readers and greeters for the Mass. (Photo by Jean Pinkley)
VICKSBURG – The second grade “Saints Celebration”, with assistance from sophomores, is a wonderful tradition at Vicksburg Catholic School. (Photo courtesy of school)JACKSON – Kindergarteners at St. Richard School performed “The Great Turkey Day Race” play for school students and families before Thanksgiving break. (Photo by Chelsea Dillon)WEST POINT – Adults and youth at Immaculate Conception parish get competitive at a game of musical chairs with Father Binh Nguyen at the parish fall festival event. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)PEARL – Nate Pearson and Jojo Roberts get ready for Christmas at the St. Jude Young Apostles youth center on Wednesday, Nov. 15. (Photo by Tereza Ma)WEST POINT – Two “Ninja Turtles” play some croquet at Immaculate Conception parish’s annual Fall Fest. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)SOUTHAVEN – PreK three and four year old students culminated their unit on Nursery Rhymes with a Nursery Rhymes Olympic Day. Pictured: Addison Wade as one of the King’s Men gives her crown to another one of the king’s men to ride off and try to put Humpty dumpty back together again. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)MERIDIAN – St. Patrick first graders enjoys a super “Saints-giving” party. They learned about their individual saint, dressed as that saint and enjoyed a special snack. (Photo by Kasey Owen)
PAULDING – On Dec. 2, the faithful gathered at St. Michael in Paulding to celebrate at milestone 180th anniversary with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Adolfo Suarez Pasillas. Established in 1843, the parish is the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi, behind St. Mary Natchez.
Paulding was a bustling town with a thriving trade center before the Civil War. At that time, it was known as “the Queen City of the East.” However, by the 1890s as railways became crucial for trade the town turned down a proposed line that would run through town. The commercial importance of the town drastically dropped but the parish continued to thrive and was a “cradle of vocations,” according to Christ: The Living Water by Cleta Ellington.
PAULDING – Judy and Ricky McDevitt present the gifts to Bishop Joseph Kopacz during a Mass celebrating 180 years of St. Michael in Paulding on Saturday, Dec. 2. The McDevitt’s aid with maintenance of the parish in preparation for Masses and special events. (Photos by Tereza Ma)
Over 20 religious came from the parish and included many Sisters of Mercy, Daughters of Charity and Brothers of the Sacred Heart. A plaque honors many of them in the back of the church building.
Therese Bergin Grant remembers when the original church was destroyed by a fire in July 1942 when she was only about four years old. The church was struck by lightning, with only a few items able to be salvaged. “I will never forget those flames,” said Grant. Until a new church was built, Mass was held in a nearby school building.
Bishop Kopacz blesses the feast following Mass in celebration of 180 years of St. Michael parish. Pictured on the far left is William Harrington, one of the decendants of Michael and Rebecca Harrington, who were one of the original families at the founding of the church in 1843.
Grant also fondly remembered her childhood at the church, walking over three miles to celebrate Mass as a child, with the occasional ride from her first cousin on his shoulders. “It was fun,” said Grant. “It’s been quite a journey through life, but I always come back to St. Michael’s.”
St. Michael also is home to a Catholic cemetery dating back to the 1860s that contains burial sites for many of the founding families of the parish. Several families present at the 180th anniversary Mass had ancestors buried in the cemetery dating back to the founding of the parish – including the Harrington, Bergin and Finnegan families.
Donnie Bergin was baptized in the church in the 1950s and remembers his pastor at the time – Father Gabriel – pointing you out if you made too much noise in church. He said that around that time about one-third of the church was full of Bergin’s – many of whom are buried in the cemetery today.
Also present at the celebration was Paula Finnegan Phillips. She said that 99% of her family members are buried in the St. Michael cemetery. She was so touched by the Mass celebrated with Bishop Kopacz and so many families present that have been apart of the parish for generations.
“It’s just very spiritual when you come to this church. It’s like you can see those who have past at Mass with you. God talks. Jesus talks. The Holy Spirit talks – when you come here. And I heard it today,” said Phillips. At present, Father Adolfo celebrates Mass at the historic St. Michael Church on the first and third Saturday of each month. Though many of the families present at the 180th celebration are members of other parishes within the Diocese of Biloxi, that borders close by, they all seem to come back to St. Michael; and feel as Therese Bergin Grant – “It’s home.”
Full pews and hearts abound at St. Michael Paulding, the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi.
JACKSON – St. Richard first grade students studied, drew portraits and presented their saints to their classmates, family and parishioners at Mass on All Saints Day on Nov. 1. (Photos by Chelsea Dillon)
COLUMBUS – (first photo) Noah Langston and David Leonard walk down the aisle to present the gifts at the All Saints Day Mass at Annunciation School. (Photos by Logan Gentry)
Around our Catholic Schools
COLUMBUS – Annunciation students participated in Superhero STREAM Day celebrating National STEM/STEAM Day recently. (Photos by Logan Gentry)
MADISON – The Lady Bruins show their volleyball skills for “Media Day” on Wednesday, Nov. 8. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick students enjoyed the annual soccer challenge hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 802. (Photos by Kasey Owen)
JACKSON – Parishioner of St. Paul Flowood, Monica Walton, didn’t envision her 2022 Advent Reflection booklet she made and shared with friends and family would lead to the publishing of her first book, but it did.
Earlier this year, Sunrise Press rose out of Dogwood Press, a small but traditional publishing house headed by Joe Lee, parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Madison. Walton said even though Lee’s publishing house was focused on mystery and suspense fiction, he was Catholic and thought she would get his perspective even though she was hesitant to do so. As chance would have it, Lee was “sufficiently intrigued” with Walton’s pitch and he ended up creating Sunrise Press, a subsidiary of Dogwood Press that considers faith-based works of fiction and nonfiction for publication.
The 2023 edition of “Advent Reflections for this Day” – the very first book published by Sunrise Press – is a unique and thoughtfully crafted resource for individuals seeking a more profound connection to the Sacred Word during the busy Christmas season. Walton’s book offers a weekly focus on the Sunday Gospels, allowing readers to dive deeper into the spiritual meaning of Advent without the pressure of daily readings. One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of “Modern-Day Parables,” original stories created by Walton that draw parallels between the Gospel passages and contemporary situations. Walton says that the parables provide fresh perspectives on the Scripture, making it even more relevant to our daily lives.
The decision to create a weekly Advent reflection, as opposed to a daily one, lies in Walton’s experience with the face-paced nature of the Advent season, often causing people to lose sight of its true significance. She explained, “Sometimes it feels like you can’t catch up if you get behind a few days. I wrote the book with myself and other busy people in mind.”
“Advent Reflections for this Day” contains four Sunday Gospels, followed by Walton’s unique contemporary parables, three thought-provoking questions to consider how the reader might respond in similar situations, and three suggestions on how to live out the Gospel’s message during that particular week. The emphasis is on personal reflection, with no right or wrong answers. As Walton puts it, “It’s about thinking, ‘how can I be the best I want to be.’”
Bishop Joseph Kopacz enjoyed Walton’s Advent reflections, sharing news of the book’s release with pastors across the diocese, saying that the book is “strongly recommended for parishes as well as individuals who look to further their walk with God, and to prepare for the coming of the Lord.”
While the book is suitable for people of any Christian denomination, it is predominantly Catholic, specifically focusing on Year B of the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. Walton plans for editions covering Year A and B if her publisher agrees. She has a wealth of her “Modern-Day Parables” to draw from for future offerings, having written over 100 of them with no shortage of inspiration.
Walton encourages readers to start the book the week of Nov. 27, as the first Sunday of Advent falls on Dec. 3. This year, the Advent season is a bit shorter, with the fourth week ending on Christmas Eve, explained Walton.
“Advent Reflections for this Day” is available for purchase at various local bookstores, including Lemuria (Jackson), Lorelei Books (Vicksburg), Book Mart and Café (Starkville), Impression Books (Flowood) and Pass Christian Books (Pass Christian and Gulfport). For those who prefer online shopping, the book can also be ordered at dogwoodpress.com at a cost of $8.95.
JACKSON – In 1973, Bishop Joseph Brunini called a group of community leaders together from across the diocese to form The Catholic Foundation. Fifty years later, on Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Foundation gathered for its golden anniversary celebration and annual membership meeting at the Country Club of Jackson. The event celebrated half a century of community service and included heartfelt tributes to key figures who played pivotal roles in the Catholic Foundation’s journey.
Among those acknowledged was Msgr. Thaddeus Harkins, who worked closely with Bishop Brunini in shaping the Foundation during its early years. Joe Rice, president of the Catholic Foundation, acknowledged Msgr. Harkins, stating, “Msgr. Harkins was the self-proclaimed historian of the Foundation. He understood and appreciated the mission from the outset.”
Another remarkable figure celebrated during the event was Jack Geary, the founding president of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. Geary, who passed away in the week before the anniversary celebration, served as chairman of the investment committee and was a member of the executive committee. Rice made special mention of Geary’s significant contributions, saying, “he was a mentor to many of us. We learned so much from Jack. We learned not only a lot about the securities industry but more importantly, how it pertained to doing the Lord’s work.”
Unable to attend the event was Lewis Mallory, the last living member of the original group that created the Foundation with Bishop Brunini. Rice said that Mallory’s perspective on the growth of the Foundation is unique and inspiring; calling him one of the biggest influencers in his adult life.
“He’s just been a wonderful inspiration both professionally and spiritually; and I’m eternally greatful to know him,” said Rice.
JACKSON – Joe Rice, president of The Catholic Foundation, leads a toast in celebration of 50 years of service at the annual foundation membership meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Country Club of Jackson. (Photos by Joanna King)
As the anniversary event unfolded, Rice shared his vision for the Foundation’s future. Reflecting on the incredible growth and progress over the last 50 years, he stated, “I think the Foundation has evolved and, God willing, will continue to evolve in years to come. We have grown in ways that Bishop Brunni and Msgr. Harkins could never have imagined in the 1970s.”
Indeed, the Foundation’s transformation from its humble beginnings into a force for community support with over $56 million in assets and 400 trusts is a testament to the tireless efforts of its founders and over 600 dedicated members.
This forward-looking perspective underscores the Catholic Foundation’s commitment to adapt to the changing needs of the community and the evolving landscape of Catholic ministries. As the Foundation continues to serve the community and support the mission of the church, its ability to embrace change and innovate will be vital in ensuring its continued success.
Chuck Adams, who served on the executive committee of the Catholic Foundation in the early to mid-1980s and as president for over 20 years, provided a valuable insight into the Foundation’s early years and its remarkable journey.
Reflecting on his time in service, Adams shared his memories of the Foundation’s early days. He emphasized, “At first, there was no real staff. It was all about trying to come up with a vision for how a foundation would work in a mission diocese.”
In those formative years, the Catholic Foundation faced unique challenges, including limited resources and a mission-driven approach to serving the community. Adams highlighted the importance of laying the groundwork, stating, “The first 18 years laid the foundation. We didn’t have a lot of money, but it planted all the seeds that are bearing fruit today. At the end of those first 18 years, we had $2 million in assets.”
This period of growth and development set the stage for the Catholic Foundation’s remarkable journey over the last five decades. Adams expressed his sentiments about his long-lasting involvement, saying, “It’s been a pleasure to be associated with the Catholic Foundation as long as I have.”
His enduring commitment to the Foundation, along with the dedication of others like Lewis Mallory, has been instrumental in shaping the organization into what it is today – a pillar of community support benefiting numerous parishes, schools and Catholic ministries.
As the Catholic Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of individuals like Bishop Brunini, Msgr. Harkins and Jack Geary, who laid the foundation for the organization’s mission-driven success. The Catholic Foundation’s journey from vision to fruition is a remarkable testament to the power of perseverance, community support and a strong commitment to the values and mission of the Catholic Church.
Chancery staff members stand for recognition for their contributions to various ministries across the diocese at the Catholic Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebration and membership meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz offered his words of encouragement during the celebration. He emphasized, “It takes many people to make this work … Again, the promise of the future is there before us. … As long as we seek the Kingdom of God first, everything else will follow.” He expressed his gratitude by saying, “I’m grateful to be here for this milestone.”
Bishop Kopacz’s presence and inspirational words reaffirm the Catholic Foundation’s mission and its dedication to serving the community. As the Foundation celebrates 50 years of community service and looks ahead to the future it does so with the blessings and encouragement of the church’s leadership, including the chancery staff of the diocese, and especially, executive director of the Catholic Foundation and Stewardship and Development director of the diocese, Rebecca Harris, said Bishop Kopacz.
“The Catholic Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebration is not just a reflection on its remarkable history but also a promise of an even brighter future, built on the legacy of dedicated individuals, visionary leaders and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves,” said Harris.
(If you would like to learn more about the Catholic Foundation and become a member contact Rebecca Harris at rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org or call (601) 969-1880. Membership fees and fundraisers aid in covering administrative costs of the Catholic Foundation Office and allows 100% of the annual distributions to go directly to beneficiaries – schools, parishes and Catholic ministries.)
PHILADELPHIA – Youth gathered for a Halloween party at Holy Rosary parish. (Photos by Father Bob Goodyear)TUPELO – St. James Tupelo’s Children Choir sang their hearts out at the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 29. (Photo by Michelle Harkins)
TUPELO – A group of three photos depict community fun at St. James parish’s annual trunk or treat event. (Photos by Michelle Harkins)
PEARL – St. Jude youth enjoy pumpkin activities on Wednesday, Oct. 25. (Photo by Tereza Ma)FLOWOOD – Youth enjoy a fun-filled trunk and treat event on Saturday, Oct. 28 at St. Paul parish. (Photo by Tereza Ma)FLOWOOD – The St. Anthony Eagles sixth grade team pulled out a huge victory against Jackson Prep on Thursday, Nov. 2. (Photo by Joanna King)MADISON – The St. Joe Bruins faced-off against Presbyterian Christian School of Hattiesburg at Bill Raphael Field on Friday, Oct. 13. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)JACKSON – Townes and Finn Crews were all smiles at the annual St. Richard Catholic School Pre-K Harvest Festival. Each year the sixth graders volunteer with the Pre-K students and throw them a fun themed festival to celebrate the return of Fall. (Photo by Chelsea Dillon)PEARL – St. Jude youth group work on rebuilding a “Jenga” block set on youth day on Saturday, Oct. 21. (Photo by Lauren Roberts)
From the Archives By Mary Woodward JACKSON – Since this edition of Mississippi Catholic is digital, I decided to include a mosaic of photos from our archive’s. In 2016, our diocesan archive was awarded the Cultural Heritage Digitization Grant from the Mississippi Digital Library.
The grant gave us a week of training in digitization and preservation of archives by experts from around Mississippi. Staff from the University of Southern Mississippi’s MLIS and Archives program came on site and digitized almost 600 images from our diocesan collection.
I am sharing a few of those images this week and hope to share more as these digital only papers move forward. If you are interested in seeing all the images online, go to https://msdiglib.org/cdj or look for us under the partners section at Roman Catholic Diocese of Jackson.
Enjoy the offerings and see you next time in print.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
Workers pour concrete for the second floor of the chancery building at 237 East Amite Street in January 1947.Bishop Gerow prays on roof of diocesan chancery building in Jackson on Dec. 12, 1948. (Below) Bishop Gerow reviews materials in the original archive vault in Natchez with Msgr. Daniel O’Beirne circa 1940. Msgr. O’Beirne was diocesan chancellor from 1927-41. (Photos courtesy of archives)A collection of photos and papers from Bishop R.O. Gerow and Bishop William Henry Elder and others can be found in the Mississippi Digital Library at https://msdiglib.org/cdj.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation fourth grader, Joel Heard works on his art auction piece on “pink day!” (Photos by Logan Gentry)PreK-3 students, Kane Doty, Asher Wooden and Logan Mitchell use sand to work on their fine motor skills at Annunciation School. (Photo by Logan Gentry)
Pearl
PEARL – St. Jude youth group played the “imposter” game at a recent gathering. Pictured: (l-r) friend of Ashley Lowe (standing), Ximena Villafranca and Anna Lowe. (Photo by Adeline Bokros)
Vicksburg
VICKSBURG – Recently, Vicksburg Catholic School eighth graders met for a day of reflection, prayer, small group discussion and liturgy with the school retreat team – START. (Photos by Lindsey Bradley)
Meridian
s part of their Catholic identity, St. Patrick School restored their St. Patrick statue and placed him at the front of the school with Holy Water for students to bless themselves each morning and afternoon as they leave. Blessing themselves daily will remind them of their baptism and to imitate Christ in all things. Pictured: First graders practiced the correct way to bless themselves. (Photos by Owen Kasey)
Columbus
Annunciation School second graders, Amelia Alexander, Olivia Dimino, Estes McGee, Mila Hardy and Calli Bradley “escape” a fire simulation during a fire safety course presented by the Lowndes County Fire Department. (Photos by Logan Gentry)
