JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.

This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz gave 48 adults their awards on Saturday, March 29, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche Award nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the men and women who serve the church today.

John Alford – Christ the King, Jackson
John is a dedicated leader and a gifted musician who has faithfully served his parish for over 25 years. His exceptional musical talents enrich the liturgy, and his commitment to mentoring children and adults fosters a deep love for the Mass. Through his guidance in music ministry – directing choirs, teaching, and encouraging student participation – he has strengthened both his parish and the broader faith community. His unwavering dedication, leadership, and ability to make each Mass a joyful and spiritually uplifting experience make him highly deserving of the Bishop Chanche Award.

Marie Antici – Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland
Marie is a devoted servant of her faith, dedicating the past 14 years to ministering to the homebound, hospitalized, and nursing home residents. As a Eucharistic minister, she ensures that the most vulnerable members of her parish receive Holy Communion, companionship, and spiritual support. Her unwavering commitment extends beyond Catholic residents, as she also provides comfort and care to non-Catholics, acting as an extra set of eyes for families who cannot always be present. Her faith-filled leadership, involvement in study groups, funeral ministries, and parish missions exemplify her deep devotion to her church and community.

Hilda Bankston – St. Anne, Fayette
Hilda has been a dedicated and selfless servant of her parish for over ten years, serving as sacristan, volunteer secretary and bookkeeper. At 83 years old, her unwavering faith drives her to be the first to arrive at church, open the doors, set up for parish activities and stay until everything is in order. She plays a vital role in organizing church programs, ensuring smooth operations even in the priest’s absence. Her commitment extends to keeping the parish’s financial and accounting records up to date and assisting parishioners with their yearly contributions. Through her tireless dedication, leadership and deep love for the church, Hilda has made a lasting impact on her parish community, making her truly deserving of the Bishop Chanche Award.

Donald Charles and Ann Janette Barrios – St. Alphonsus, McComb
Donald and Ann are devoted and selfless servants of their parish, actively contributing to its spiritual and communal life. As members of the Liturgy and Pastoral Committees, they help shape the parish’s worship experience. They also serve as lectors, teach Confirmation classes, and are core team members for Life-Teen, “That Man is You,” and the Men’s Group. Their musical talents enrich weekend Masses, funerals, weddings, and adoration hours – all offered freely without charge.

Donnie and Linda Sherwood Dick – Our Mother of Mercy Mission, Anguilla
Donnie and Linda have been devoted to their Catholic faith and parish community since the 1970s. As catechism teachers, they have prepared children for First Communion and Confirmation, served as godparents and sponsors, and actively engaged in parish life. Linda is a parish council member, while Donnie dedicates himself to church upkeep and community involvement. Their generosity, joy, and welcoming spirit have inspired and strengthened the faith of manyin the community.

Michael and Marsha Domino – All Saints, Belzoni
Mike and Marsha are a devoted Catholic couple deeply involved in parish life for nine years. Mike serves as a lector and parish council member, while Marsha is active in the All Saints Altar Society. Their dedication to Mass, parish activities, and community service, including organizing cemetery blessings and supporting the Delta Farmers Association, inspires fellow parishioners, especially children.

Cathy Edwards – Sacred Heart, Winona
Cathy has dedicated over 20 years of faithful service, living her Catholic faith through her roles as church secretary, bookkeeper, and active participant in ecumenical services, prison ministries, and community projects. Her husband Marvin, who was awarded the Bishop Chanche Medal in 2015, has been a supportive partner in her ministry, and together, they have made a significant impact on both the parish and community.

Kay Farrell – St. Michael, Vicksburg
Kay has dedicated over 50 years to St. Michael Parish, serving as an RCIA team member, lector, Eucharistic minister, and community advocate. Her theological expertise, leadership in the Synodal process, and commitment to Catholic education make her an exemplary witness of faith and service.

Charles Hunter – Holy Cross, Philadelphia
Charles has dedicated over 40 years to Holy Cross Parish as an extraordinary minister, lector, usher, sacristan and altar server. His leadership as Grand Knight, active involvement in the Finance Council, and unwavering service make him a model of faith and commitment.

Roosevelt and Linda Johnson – Immaculate Conception, Clarksdale
Linda and Roosevelt have served their parish for over 15 years with unwavering dedication. Linda sings in the choir, teaches RCIA, and organizes events, while Roosevelt oversees church maintenance and assists with food distribution. Their commitment, service and faith make them invaluable members of our community.

Valeria Johnson – Holy Family, Natchez
Valeria has dedicated eight years to serving as Director of Religious Education, preparing candidates for First Communion and Confirmation, organizing parish activities and mentoring future leaders. Her unwavering faith, leadership and selfless service have made a lasting impact on the parish and community.

Erica Jones – St. Mary, Batesville
Erica has selflessly served St. Mary’s for seven years, leading music at Mass, lectoring and supporting religious ed. Despite a busy schedule, she sacrifices her time to practice and inspire the congregation, exemplifying dedication, faith and service, while mentoring her daughter.

Scott and Mary Leary – St. John the Evangelist, Oxford
Scott and Mary have dedicated over 15 years to youth ministry and marriage preparation at St. John’s, guiding countless generations through retreats, counseling, and education. Their unwavering faith, leadership, and exemplary family life have made them pillars of the community, deeply influencing both parishioners and the wider Oxford area.

David Madere and Melissa Madere – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt
David and Missy have selflessly served St. Joseph Parish for 16 years, leading adult education, OCIA, and providing music for Masses and funerals. They also contribute to charitable works through the KC Council and are known for their deep faith and community involvement.

Fagin and Mary Ann Mauney – St. Matthew, Ripley
Fagin and Mary Ann have dedicated over 25 years to St. Matthew Parish, serving in pro-life, liturgical ministries and community building. Though retired from active service, their faithful attendance, support of parish activities, and spirit of inclusivity continue to inspire and strengthen the parish and broader community.

Rose Mcgraw – St. Joseph, Greenville
Rose has dedicated over 30 years to St. Joseph Parish, leading ministries like bereavement, hospitality, and St. Vincent de Paul. Her selfless service, warm presence and commitment to community building make her a vital spiritual and practical leader.

Diane Melton – St. Mary, Yazoo City
Diane has dedicated 41 years to serving her parish, teaching catechism, leading the Altar Society, and volunteering as lector and Eucharistic minister. Her leadership as Parish Council president and commitment to charity make her an exemplary Catholic role model.

Juana Mollinedo and Edy Meza – St. Anne, Carthage
Juana and Edy have dedicated over 15 years of service to the parish, actively participating as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, readers and youth ministry leaders. They inspire others through their consistent Christian witness and commitment to both faith and community.

Melanie Norwood – Holy Ghost, Jackson
Melanie has dedicated over five years to various parish ministries at Holy Ghost, including religious education, RCIA and youth ministry. She actively helps with sacrament preparation and supports the parish through service, demonstrating strong faith and commitment to community.

Patricia Potter – St. Therese, Kosciusko
At 85, Pat has faithfully served St. Therese for over 40 years. She is active in multiple ministries, including altar preparation, Eucharistic ministry, and Helping Hands, always showing generosity, leadership and dedication to both the parish and community.

Michael and Sharron Scheel – St. James, Magnolia
Michael and Sharron have faithfully served St. James for 50 years in numerous ministries, including finance, liturgy and outreach. Their devotion, leadership and commitment to parish life and service make them exemplary models of Catholic faith.

Richard and Aileen Semmes – St. Patrick, Meridian
Richard and Aileen have served their parish for over 20 years, with Richard leading the music ministry and Aileen as chair of the Liturgy Committee. Their leadership, service and commitment to charity have profoundly enriched our parish and community, inspiring others to live their faith.

Barbara and Daniel Setaro – St. Joseph, Starkville
Danny and Barbara have dedicated themselves to the parish through the food pantry, Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary. Their unwavering service, even through health struggles, has made a lasting impact on the community since 2005.

Joe Michael Shaw – Holy Savior, Clinton
Michael has been the inmate leader of our Catholic ministry at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility since our ministry restarted after the pandemic, back in March 2022. He kept Catholic ministry going when outside volunteers were unable to enter the facilities during the pandemic. He has helped grow the ministry tremendously as we are now the largest Christian presence at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. He is very worthy of recognition in the Bishop Chanche award.

Joan Shell – Christ the King, Fulton
Joan’s unwavering dedication to service, leadership in Sunday school, Mass preparation, food ministry and Bible study, along with her humility and tireless commitment, make her a true embodiment of Catholic faith and an inspiration to all.

Bernardo Sorcia – St. James the Less, Corinth
Bernardo’s unwavering commitment to service through leadership in the Pastoral Council, Hospitality Ministry, and retreats, alongside his dependable, solution-oriented attitude, has made him an invaluable asset to the parish for over 11 years.

Edith Wilson Spells – St. Francis of Assisi, Greenwood
Edith exemplifies faithful Catholic leadership through her roles as Parish Council president, lector, Secular Franciscan, educator and musician, inspiring others with her dedication, positivity and unwavering commitment to service for over 60 years.

Ann Summers – Holy Family, Jackson
Ann deserves the Bishop Chanche Award for over 40 years of quiet, selfless service as sacristan, lector, commentator and behind-the-scenes helper, ensuring a meaningful worship experience and supporting various parish ministries with compassion and dedication.

Julia Criss Tartt – St. Peter, Grenada
Julia deserves the award for her 10 years of dedicated service in pastoral ministry, leading music, supporting social outreach and inspiring the community through her devotion to faith and service.

Robert and Lydia Trotter – St. Joseph, Meridian
Robert and Lydia are devoted church leaders, serving through finance, hospitality and community outreach. As Finance Council chair, Robert ensures stewardship while actively volunteering. His work with the Knights of Peter Claver and the cooking crew fosters fellowship; while Lydia’s contributions through various ministries highlight her compassion and commitment to supporting parishioners in times of both joy and grief.

Tunney and Debra Vandevender – St. Francis, Madison
Debra and Tunney deserve the award for their selfless, behind-the-scenes service, including leadership in scouting, Eucharistic ministry, parish communications, and community events, all while fostering faith, humility, and dedication since 2008.

Frank and Marcia Weaver – St. Paul, Vicksburg
Marcia and Frank’s lifelong dedication to St. Paul shines through their leadership in parish council, Bible studies, choir and Mass ministries. Their willingness to serve whenever needed has strengthened the parish community for decades.

Eileen Weisenberger – Holy Savior, Clinton
Eileen’s lifelong devotion to faith and service is evident in her outreach to the elderly, the poor and her parish community. Through quiet acts of love, she exemplifies selfless Catholic living, inspiring generations to follow.

Myra Woodward – St. Jude, Pearl
Myra’s unwavering dedication, joyful spirit and willingness to serve make her an invaluable part of St. Jude. From liturgy to teaching, decorating to hospitality, she selflessly gives her time.

Youth BISHOP CHANCHE AWARD HONOREES

Youth across the Diocese of Jackson were honored at the the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) at the Vicksburg Convention Center on Sunday, March 23 for their service to their respective parishes and to the diocese.

Elizabeth Bednar – St. Michael, Vicksburg

Vanessa Espino – St. Joseph, Meridian

Joselin Flores – St. James, Tupelo

Ann Elise Gatlin – St. Alphonsus, McComb

Hannah Kate Hooker – St. Joseph, Greenville

Avery Hornback – St. Francis of Assisi, Madison

Austin SEALS Love – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt

Anna Kay Martin – Holy Cross, Philadelphia

Jamichael Owens – Holy Family, Natchez

Peyton Rainer– St. Paul, Vicksburg

Valeria Rangel – St. Patrick, Meridian

Abbygale Roberts – St. Jude, Pearl

Charles Jonathan Vasquez Sebastin – Holy Family, Jackson

Jonathan Sorcia – St. James the Less, Corinth

By Joe Lee
MADISON – Father Albeen Reddy Vatti looked totally at home as he mingled with guests in the St. Francis of Assisi family life center in Madison on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Knowing the celebration, which featured a gourmet meal served by the St. Francis Knights of Columbus, would last well into the evening, he happily made time for everyone who wanted a handshake, hug, or selfie.

“As a priest serving at St. Francis,” he said, “I have learned not to walk before the people or behind the people, but to walk together with people.”

That approach is a big reason why Father Albeen isn’t just considered a beloved priest. He’s practically family as far as parishioners are concerned. In nearly ten years at the Madison parish, he has watched with pride as youth group kids he mentored at the beginning are now active members and starting families.

“One of my proudest achievements,” he said, “is strengthening and encouraging the parish ministry and parish lay leaders who give their time, talents and treasures so generously.”

“Father Albeen is compassionate and comforting in our parishioners’ darkest times,” said St. Francis office manager Sallie Ann Inman. “He enjoys being included in their celebrations, and he loves working with the children, such as when they learn the importance of altar serving.”

Arriving in the Diocese of Jackson from his native India in 2012, his first assignment was at St. Richard Church in Jackson, giving him an opportunity to work with a priest who to this day remains very important to him.

“It was a God-given blessing to work as an associate priest with Father Mike O’Brien,” he said. “Father O’Brien was such a caring, understanding and encouraging priest.”

After five months at St. Richard, Father Albeen was asked by Msgr. Elvin Sunds to serve in northeast Mississippi. But when made aware he would be among a large contingent of Spanish-speaking parishioners, he was reluctant to go.

“When Father O’Brien heard that, he said, ‘Albeen, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Francis Xavier, and Mother Teresa all came to India without knowing Indian languages and became saints. Don’t you want to become a saint learning Spanish?’”

In February 2013, Father Albeen celebrated Mass in Spanish for the first time at St. Francis of Assisi in New Albany. He remembers the experience like it was yesterday.

“It was cold, but by the end of the Mass I was soaked in sweat because of my nervousness,” he said. “Slowly I learned to read, speak and understand the Spanish culture.”

When Bishop Joseph Kopacz asked him to move to St. Francis of Assisi in Madison, the transition wasn’t as easy as one might think after spending three years in Mississippi.

“There were challenges,” he said, “especially with St. Anthony Elementary School and the Assisi Early Learning Center (on the St. Francis campus). Another was to fill the big shoes of Msgr. Mike Flannery. The biggest was to get to know the parishioners, but within no time I experienced the love of all the faithful. Now St. Francis has become a home away from home.”

“Father Albeen has been a wonderful pastor and friend to St. Anthony,” said principal Anne Cowger. “One of his unique gifts is the ability to connect with the children during Mass. He often shares stories from his childhood in India, which enhances their understanding and helps them relate to him in a meaningful way.”

He’s an active member of the Knights of Columbus, attending most council meetings at the parish, and typically spends the entire day on campus during Cajun Fest as well as getting up early to take part in the annual Ring in Your Faith run/walk on New Year’s Day.

“When it comes to making our biggest events successful, the one common denominator is the presence of the parish priest,” said past Grand Knight Doug Leo. “Father Albeen has been the backbone of our parish the last several years. There’s never a question about his commitment to his flock.”

He’s also deeply committed to mentoring young priests as well as youth who might be considering the priesthood. Father Joseph Golamari, also from the Diocese of Warangal and temporarily at St. Francis as he awaits his first full-time assignment, has known Father Albeen since he was in eighth grade.

“He was my pastor and guided me to orient my life towards priesthood,” said Father Golamari. “From the moment I arrived here, he was there to encourage me in every aspect, including understanding the Mississippi accent, food and culture. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid of anything. Be confident, but not overconfident. Be available to the parishioners and be approachable.’”