Por Susana y Edward Flores JACKSON – El Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Católico (MFCC) de la Federación Mississippi – Alabama celebró la Misa a la Sagrada Familia el pasado viernes 19 de enero del 2024 a las 7 p.m. en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol en Jackson.
La Misa fue celebrada por el obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, con la solemne participación de los reverendos Padres Marco Antonio Sánchez, ST, quien fue el Homilista, Alexis Zúniga, ST, y César Sánchez, quienes cumplen la función de asesores espirituales dentro del MFCC.
JACKSON – Matrimonios de las diferentes etapas del MFCC Federación Mississippi-Alabama, participaron de la Misa a la Sagrada Familia en la Catedral San Pedro Apóstol en Jackson, MS el 19 de enero. (arriba) El Obispo Joseph Kopacz bendice al final de la Misa las imágenes de la Sagrada Familia que portaban algunas familias del MFCC. (debajo) Vistas de los participantes en diferentes momentos de la Misa. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor y Karina Solano, líder del Ministerio de Sociales del MFCC)
Los nuevos presidentes del MFCC, los esposos Miguel y Lizet Cruz, junto con sus vicepresidentes Joel y Rosalinda Montoya, los matrimonios miembros del Cuerpo Directivo, y las familias que forman parte del MFCC participaron de esta distinguida celebración.
La Misa a la Sagrada Familia también contó con la asistencia de la Hna Amelia Breton, SBS cuya importante labor dentro de la Diócesis de Jackson, fue resaltada por el obispo Kopacz durante su discurso a la comunidad latina presente en la Catedral.
Como cada año, la solemnidad de la Sagrada Familia es una de las actividades más importantes dentro del calendario del MFCC, exaltando a la Sagrada Familia como un modelo de vida familiar para todas las familias católicas, destacando sus virtudes de simplicidad, amor, humildad, trabajo, dedicación de uno para el otro, y particularmente su vida de fe, entrega y fidelidad a la voluntad de Dios. Porque, es en la familia donde se aprende a vivir en sociedad, compartiendo las mismas esperanzas y las mismas angustias.
Es en la familia donde se encuentra la identidad identidad y verdad personal. Es cierto, no se escoge a la familia, por eso se debe amarlas como don de Dios concedido a cada persona.
Por ello, junto con la iglesia, celebrando esta Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia de Nazaret, le pedimos a Dios su intersección por todas nuestras familias, con sus alegrías, esperanzas y también sus límites e inseguridades, de modo particular en estos tiempos difíciles, para que en nuestro medio reinen las virtudes y actitudes vividas en el hogar de Nazaret. ¡Amén!
By Mary Queen Donnelly CANTON – Sculptor Mary Davidson and her co-artist-husband Dr. Kenneth Davidson watched as the “Black Christ” was being erected on the wall behind the altar at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Camden, Mississippi. Suddenly the voice of a parishioner spoke to Mary, almost in a whisper. It was 2007.
“I hope one day you will create a statue of Sister Thea Bowman,” the voice said.
It was the first time Mary Davidson had heard of Sister Thea Bowman. However, having been alerted to the name, she began to take notice of articles about Sister Thea.
SAUCIER – Close up details of the Sister Thea Bowman clay model sculpted by Mary Davidson in her studio. The bronze model will be cast at the Inferno Art Foundry in Union City, Georgia before being temporarily placed at the Cathedral of St. Peter in jackson. (Photo by August Taconi)
She learned that Sister Thea, like herself, was a native Mississippian, that she was the only African American to enter the all-white religious congregation of nuns, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Additionally, she learned that Sister Thea was the grandchild of a slave; and that she converted to Catholicism at age nine from her family’s Protestant religious background. Thea had been inspired by the kindness and love demonstrated by the Franciscan Sisters who had come to serve her community in Canton, Mississippi, by starting a school for African American children.
Bertha, her name at birth, was the treasure of Dr. Theon Edward Bowman, a physician, and her mother Mary Esther Coleman Bowman, educator and housewife. At an early age they transferred Bertha to Holy Child Jesus Catholic School where the Franciscan Sisters administered and taught. As educators, Bertha’s parents were dissatisfied with the caliber of education in the segregated Canton Public Schools.
A bright child, Bertha rapidly advanced at Holy Child School, skipped grades and excelled in every aspect of the curriculum. At age 15, she decided she wanted to leave her beloved home in Canton, Mississippi and join the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
At first, this idea did not sit well with Bertha’s parents. After all, Bertha was their only child. Neighbors and friends called her an “old folk’s child.” At her birth, Dr. Bowman had bought an expensive bottle of champagne to be popped open at her wedding. The bottle of champagne, still unopened, is kept in the Thea Museum in Canton, Mississippi.
Davidson and her husband Ken were commissioned to create many works after that moment in Sacred Heart Church in Camden. Among them: a bust of Bishop Joseph Lawson Howze, an African American bishop who was the first bishop of the Biloxi diocese.
In between artistic creations, Mary and Ken taught classes in stone carving, bronze casting and sculpture at workshops for 20 summers in Wisconsin and New Jersey. They also conducted classes in design, pottery and sculpture in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Although embroiled in many artistic projects, Mary Davidson never forgot that hand on her shoulder in Camden, Mississippi where she first heard of Sister Thea Bowman.
One quiet day in July 2022, Davidson contacted a friend whom she remembered grew up with Sister Thea in their hometown of Canton, Mississippi. Her friend put her in touch with Mary Woodward, Chancellor of the Diocese of Jackson, who serves as diocesan liaison for the canonical process for Sister Thea’s canonization cause. The rest is an inspirational tale that has resulted in Davidson’s creation of a nearly six-foot clay statue of Sister Thea, currently being prepared by artisans for bronze casting at the Inferno Art Foundry in Union City, Georgia.
Before commissioning Davidson to create the statue, the project had to be funded. Scouring her memory for a potential patron who might be interested in supporting such a project, Davidson remembered that she had taught Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile in Alabama, when he was in eighth grade at Our Lady of Lourdes School in New Orleans. At the time, Davidson was known as Sister Mary Augustine, O.P. – a Dominican sister.
Mary Woodward, Fabvienen Taylor and Mary Davidson stand next to a “life-size” clay model of Sister Thea Bowman. (Photo courtesy of Mary Davidson)
“He was a difficult, typical boy,” Davidson remembers.
Archbishop Rodi agrees. “We definitely tested her patience and resolve on many occasions,” he said.
Upon being contacted by Davidson about the proposal to create a bronze statue of Sister Thea Bowman, Archbishop Rodi was very interested. As a former bishop of the Biloxi diocese, Archbishop Rodi was very familiar with Davidson’s work, especially the bust of Bishop Howze.
Archbishop Rodi contacted Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson, to offer his support in bringing the project to fruition. With the assistance of all the bishops of the Mobile Province – Archbishop Rodi, Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi, Bishop Stephen Raica of Birmingham, and funds from the estate of his predecessor, Bishop Joseph Latino – Bishop Kopacz was able to commission Davidson to create the statue of Sister Thea. Thus, the statue is a unique and symbolic gift from the bishops and dioceses of Mississippi and Alabama.
It should be noted that at this critical phase of the development of a proposal to create a bronze statue of Sister Thea, Davidson’s lifelong artistic partner and husband Ken was taken ill. He was diagnosed with Lewy Body Syndrome, a debilitating and fatal condition that left him with just months or weeks to live. So, while contemplating the signing of a contract in March 2023, she relied on her faith to embark on a challenging project – without the physical and emotional assistance of someone she had relied upon for a lifetime.
In addition, she had promised Ken that she would take care of him. And so it was that Davidson used what few moments left to bring life to the roll of clay that lay before her. In between struggling to take Ken to doctors, dressing and feeding him, answering his every call for help (as his mind was deteriorating along with his body) she worked her arthritic fingers into the clay – and prayed.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, Ken died.
Davidson’s friend and spiritual director, Father George Murphy, who knew both Ken and Davidson, helped her through the dark days ahead.
She had signed a contract. Realizing she needed help to continue with the project, she requested the assistance of a former student from a class she had taught in Wisconsin.
On Oct. 21, 2023, Davidson completed the clay version of the statue. She invited the Sister Thea Statue Committee to visit her studio in Saucier, Mississippi, in order to view the statue and give their approval before proceeding to the bronzing stage of the statue. Woodward led the committee and brought with her Fabvienen Taylor, longtime friend of Sister Thea and former photojournalist with Mississippi Catholic. They arrived at Davidson’s studio to view the almost finished clay statue for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2023.
SAUCIER – Mary Davidson makes an adjustment to the clay statue of Sister Thea Bowman in her studio. The model will soon be placed in bronze. (Photo by August Taconi)
Woodward recorded her reflections of that moment.
“As we approached the garage/studio where the statue awaited us, I remember feeling drawn in by the aura of the creation, similar to how a magnet draws metal to itself,” Woodward said. “The more I gazed upon her, the more I was moved by the complexity of the moment. I could feel a tear inching its way down my cheek.
“It was an honor to work on the project with Mary – sharing wonderful lunches with her and Ken and knowing what tremendous loss she was now bearing; I knew Sister Thea, Ken and the Lord were giving her the strength to bring life to the statue – for indeed the statue seemed to move and breathe. The hands, styled from a photo of Sister Thea that Mary and I both loved, welcome the viewer into her mystical space,” Woodward concluded. Taylor too was struck by the clay mold. “Sister Thea’s statue captures her welcoming, vibrant, and loving outreach to all people. The out-stretched hands and smile evoke the Sister Thea I remember: a woman of God over-flowing with a powerful desire and relentless energy to inspire and empower everyone she encountered with the knowledge and understanding of God’s all-encompassing and unwavering love for them,” she added.
On Oct. 29, 2023, Mary Davidson opened her studio for invited guests to view the statue. Some were familiar with her work. Some not. The reviews were glowing. Comments varied from “The hands!” “The eyes!” “I feel like she is inviting me to hug her.”
Days later, the artisan from the Inferno Art Foundry of Union City, Georgia, arrived to form a mold from the clay statue. The mold was taken to the foundry in Georgia to undergo several stages in the process before finally pouring bronze to form the final stage – a bronze statue of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA.
According to Bishop Kopacz, the current plan is to house the bronze statue at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson until a permanent shrine can be developed as part of the canonization process. The installation ceremony will occur sometime after Easter this spring, 2024.
“We are grateful to all those who have assisted in this wonderful project, especially Mrs. Davidson, who despite her personal tragedy has created an amazing work of art to honor the legacy and spirit of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman,” Bishop Kopacz said. “I very much look forward to its arrival at the Cathedral,” he concluded.
(Mary Queen Donnelly, a contemporary of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, was born and raised in the same town of Canton, Mississippi, and remained a lifelong friend of Sister Thea until Thea’s death March 30, 1990. Donnelly has published several articles on her friend. Of late, Donnelly published and produced Thea’s Turn, a stage play based on the life of Sister Thea Bowman.)
JACKSON – At a Mass of Thanksgiving for MLK, Jr. and Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA with Bishop Joseph Kopacz at the Cathedral of St. Peter on Sunday, Jan. 14, Alex Sherrod West, II of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Greenwood recited his own poem entitled “A Sister’s Flight” about Sister Thea Bowman to the crowd gathered. (Photo by Karla Luke)
In Mississippi’s land, where dreams took flight, Lived Sister Thea, a guiding light so bright. Born in ‘37, her heart pure and keen, With a spirit bold, in faith, she’d intervene.
A girl of ten, I heard her tales, so grand, Of a life devoted to God’s loving hand. From Yazoo City, where her roots did lay, She journeyed forth, in God’s name, to sway.
Her kin were scholars, healers in their own right, Her lineage, a tapestry of courage, shining light. From slave to doctor, from teacher to kin, Their legacy fueled Sister Thea to begin.
She sang, she taught, in hymns, her grace did bloom, In Catholic halls, dispelling any gloom. With music’s power and faith’s fervent call, She reached souls wick, embracing one and all.
A champion she rose for Black sisters in faith, Uniting voices, erasing any wraith. The National Black Sisters’ Conference did rise, A testament to her work, reaching skies.
Cancer’s cruel hand seized her tender frame, Yet her spirit soared, undoused by the flame. In ‘90 her earthly Journey met its end, But her legacy and love eternally transcend.
Declared a Servant of God, a saint in queue, Her story lives on, her deeds anew. Sister Thea’s life, a radiant story spun, In faith, she danced, her melody, still sung.
– Alex Sherrod West, II St. Francis of Assisi parish, Greenwood
Fiesta de la presentación del Señor. Fiesta de la Purificación de María Santísima y Día de la Candelaria. Febrero 2
Jesús es Navidad por Francisco Javier Franco, Cathopic
Nuestra Señora de Supaya. Patrona de Honduras.Febrero 3
La Basílica de Suyapa es iluminada por fuegos artificiales en el día de su alborada y cierre del año jubilar mariano. Cada 3 de febrero se celebra a la Virgen de Suyapa en Honduras. Por Jimmy Varela, Cathopic
Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. Febrero 11
Peregrinación con Nuestra Señora de Lourdes por Matias Medina, Cathopic
San Valentín. Patrono de los Enamorados. Febrero 14
Rosario y Rosa por Carolina Caicedo, Cathopic
Martes de Carnaval, Febrero 13
Linda Rinder mira a través de una máscara durante una fiesta de Mardi Gras el 9 de febrero en la Iglesia Católica Prince of Peace en Sun City West, Arizona. La celebración precede a la temporada penitencial de Cuaresma. (Foto CNS/Nancy Wiechec)
Los parroquianos de St. James estuvieron ocupados en varias actividades antes, durante y después de Navidad y con ese espíritu comenzaron el inicio de año, según un reporte de Raquel Thompson, quien lidera el Ministerio Hispano de la parroquia.
TUPELO – Ya desde principios de diciembre, varias niñas disfrutaron de las películas de Barbie y del Nutcracker en diciembre 7, 2023.
A inicios de diciembre comenzaron las novenas a la Virgen de Guadalupe, que culminaron con la celebración de una fiesta en su día con las tradicionales mañanitas a las 5:00 am y la Representación de la aparición de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. A esta celebración Guadalupana, el 12 de diciembre de 2023, asistieron más de 400 personas.
TUPELO – La celebración de la Guadalupe en St James ya es una tradición que incluye Procesión, Matachines, Mañanitas y Aparición representada por feligreses del lugar.
“Nuestra parroquia de St James participó además en una representación de una Posada, a nivel ecuménico junto con otras iglesias, en un programa de Navidad, realizado por el Link Centre de Tupelo y se celebró la escuela Bíblica de Navidad, para niños y jóvenes de vacaciones,” dice Thompson. La Novena al Niño Dios y las Posadas de la comunidad se realizaron desde diciembre 15 al 23.
TUPELO – En Fotos, representación durante la Escuela Bíblica, el día 16 de diciembre en St. James; participación de programa ecuménico de Navidad, realizado por el Link Center de Tupelo y celebración de Posada Parroquial.
TUPELO – Luego llegó la Navidad con la tradicional Misa de Nochebuena, donde un coro de niños hicieron la cúspide de las celebraciones del cumpleaños del Niño Jesús.
Ya en enero se hizo la celebración de la Epifanía, con Misa, convivio y la partida de la Rosca de Reyes.
TUPELO – Raquel Thompson posa con los niños que este año representaron a Melchor, Gaspar y Baltazar
Muchas de estas celebraciones se hacen detrás de colaboraciones con voluntarios y lideres de otras iglesias del mismo decanato V. El jueves 11 de enero, los lideres del Decanato V tuvieron su primera reunión del año 2024, para coordinar las fuerzas locales y diocesanas, mientras celebraron el año que terminó disfrutando el juego del sucio Santa Claus.
TUPELO – (i-d) Raquel Thompson, coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano de St James Tupelo, Danna Johnson, LEM de Inmaculado Corazón de María Houston y la Hermana Raquel de St Cristóbal de Pontotoc se toman una selfie, después de reunirse para coordinar actividades conjuntas para la feligresia en 2024.
Para continuar el 2024 con nuevas energias, jóvenes del decanato V aprendieron la importancia del servicio a los demás durante el retiro DNOW ( Discípulo Ahora) para jóvenes realizado los días 12,13 y 14 de enero, con la asistencia de más de 100 jóvenes de toda la región.
( Reporte y Fotos de Raquel Thompson, coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano)
PONTOTOC – (izq.) Feligreses celebraron la temporada navideña con varias posadas, de casa en casa de familias del lugar, hubo intercambios de regalos y convivencia de despedida del 2023, un año que trajo a la comunidad tantos ejemplos de fe y bendiciones, mayormente con jóvenes como los protagonistas. (Foto de Aracely Nieves)
En la tradición latina hispana, la Navidad comienza con las Posadas, semanas antes del 25 de diciembre, y termina el 6 de enero con la celebración de la Epifanía.
Cada temporada navideña, los feligreses decoran el edificio con belenes, que incluyen a cada protagonista del evento más importante para la comunidad cristiana a nivel mundial.
Al principio se crearon imagenes de cada uno de personajes de la Navidad. La decoración luego cobró vida cuando la gente empezó a representar los momentos más importantes de la temporada en pequeñas obras de teatro, donde todos participan, adultos y niños.
Las Posadas (traducción de Posada) es un recuerdo de la época en que María y José buscaban un lugar donde María embarazada pudiera dar a luz al bebé, pero solo recibieron rechazos.
Los Peregrinos… En el nombre del cielo, yo os pido posada, pues no puede andar, mi esposa amada. Los Hosteleros… Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante, no les puedo abrir, no vaya a ser un tunante. Los Peregrinos… No sean inhumanos Dennos caridad Que el dios de los cielos Se lo premiará. Los Hosteleros… Ya se pueden ir, y no molestar Porque si me enfado Los voy a apalear
Por noches de diciembre la misma escena se repite a través del mundo Hispano, María y José piden Posada enfrente de casas de familias. PEARL — (izq.) Posada celebrada por parroquianos de St. Jude. (Foto de Lauren Roberts) PONTOTOC — (centro der.) Posadas de familias de San Cristobal. (Fotos de Aracely Nieves)
Las posadas son una procesión durante la noche, encabezada por los actores que representan a María y a José, acompañados de gente que canta Villancicos por todo el camino y sosteniendo velas.
Las posadas son hospedadas por una familia que al final abrió las puertas de su casa.
Los Peregrinos… Mi esposa es María Reina del cielo Y madre va a ser Del divino verbo Los Hosteleros… Eres tú José Tu esposa es María Entren peregrinos No los conocía Los Peregrinos… Dios pague señores Vuestra caridad Y os colme el cielo De felicidad
JACKSON — Durante las Posadas los niños son los principales actores. Al final de la Posada, todos entran a la casa familiar y alli continuan cantando Villancicos y generalmente las familias que los reciben les brindan algo de comer y bebidas calientes. (izq.) Hijos de los parroquianos de la Catedral de San Pedro, hicieron una representación de la escena Navideña. (centro) El Obispo Joseph Kopacz bendice la comida que una familia brindó a los parroquianos de la Catedral de San Pedro, después de una Posada. (Fotos de Lorena Urizar) PONTOTOC — (der.) Los participantes de una Posada dentro de la casa de un feligres de San Cristóbal (Foto de Aracely Nieves)
Este año durante la Posada en la Catedral de San Pedro la representación incluyó actores vestidos como regalos, árbolito navideño, refresco coca, Papá Noel, piñata, etc. para enviar el mensaje de que el centro de la temporada es Jesús y ningún otro entretenimiento.
JACKSON – (arriba.) Feligreses de la Catedral de San Pedro, durante posada parroquial, dijeron que ni Santa, Regalos o Cola son centro de la Navidad (debajo i-d) Santa Claus: Wilmer Urizar, Gustavo García, Estela Vidal, Yancy Molina, Sonia Granillo, Francisca Prudencio, Josefina Gavino, Ángeles Quinteros y Nathaly Aguirre. (Fotos de Lorena Urizar)
La Vigilia de Navidad, conocida popularment como Noche Buena, es celebrada en iglesias y hogares. Es la espera del cumpleaños mas significativo para muchas generaciones. Muchos bendicen su arbolito, lo adornan con objetos signifcativos para la familia y otros aisten a Misa a las doce de la noche. En la Vigilia navideña, el Belén se llena de personas que actuan como los personajes de la historia.
JACKSON– Los parroquinaos de St. Therese Jackson se esmeran en cada temporada con la decoración del altar y esta vez, su Belén no fue una excepción
HOUSTON – (der. arriba) Niños de primera Comunion hicieron la representación del Nacimiento de Jesus en la Misa en español en la vigilia de Navidad el 24 de Diciembre, en la iglesia Inmaculado Corazón de María. Al próximo dia, 25 de dic. (arriba) el Padre Binh bendice el nacimiento durante la Misa en Inglés. (Fotos de Danna Johnson, LEM)
La Epifanía, que también se conoce popularmente como el Día de los Reyes Magos, en la mayoría de los pueblos, se celebra con un gran desfile donde tres personas actúan como los Reyes Magos, y quienes reparten dulces y regalos entre la multitud. Esta acción se replica en Iglesis y en cada casa cuando los adultos dan regalos a los niños.
PONTOTOC – (arriba) Feligresesterminaron la temporada navideña con la celebración de la Epifanía, repartiendo regalos a los niños de las familias de San Cristobal. (Fotos de Aracely Nieves)
CLINTON – Knights of Columbus Assemby 554, with assistance of Assembly 2269 (St. Francis and St. Joseph parishes), participated in the Wreaths Across America program on Dec. 16, 2023. The national Wreaths Across America day took place at over 4,225 participating locations across the country. Volunteers remembered our nation’s heroes as their names were said aloud. Over three million veterans were honored this year. (Photo by Michael Barrett Photography)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dominican Sister M. Kristin Rever died Dec. 27, 2023, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. She was born in 1942, in Assumption, Illinois, to John H. and Wanda M. [Nee: Simpson] Rever who gave her the name Kay Frances. She was baptized at Assumption BVM, Assumption, Illinois, and in 1962 made her profession of vows at Sacred Heart Convent.
Sister M. Kristin taught elementary school for 19 years at parochial schools in Chicago, Matteson, and Newton, Illinois, and in Duluth, Minnesota. After study, she began ministry as a respiratory therapist, serving in that capacity intermittently at St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, Mississippi, for a total of 14 years and at St. Mary-Rogers Memorial Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas, for two. While in Jackson she also served in the development office for St. Catherine’s Village, and as pastoral visitor at St. Catherine’s Village, 2006-2019. She remained deeply committed to the healing ministry of Jesus in all of her healthcare assignments. She frequently volunteered as pastoral visitor in parishes and worked in parish healthcare in Springfield. Sister M. Kristin was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John. She is survived by her nephew Robert Rever and niece Rhonda Beck, both of Taylorville, Illinois, her nephew John Rever, Omaha, Nebraska, and many dear cousins. Memorials to honor the memory of Sister M. Kristin may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704.
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS ANGUILLA – Our Mother of Mercy, Celebrating 100 years of our Catholic faith, Saturday, Jan. 27. Mass at 10:30 a.m. with reception following. Please join us! CLINTON – Holy Savior, Garage Sale, Saturday, Jan. 27 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Proceeds benefit youth program. Donation collection begins weekend of Jan. 21. Details: church office (601) 924-6344. COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Mardi Gras Mambo, Friday, Feb. 9 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Annunciation Gymnasium. Adults only. Dinner and open bar included. To attend purchase a draw down ticket for $100 or $35 silent auction ticket at the door. Details: email psa.acseagles@gmail.com. Annunciation School, Open House, Sunday, Jan. 28 from 1-3 p.m. Accepting students Pre-K3 through eighth grade. Learn more at www.annunciationcatholicschool.org. DIOCESE – World Marriage Day, Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter Jackson and Sunday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. at St. James Tupelo. This is a wonderful celebration of the sacrament of matrimony for those couples in the diocese celebrating their 25th, 50th, 60th or greater anniversary. To register contact your parish office or go to www.jacksondiocese.org/family-ministry to register yourself. Details: Office of Family Ministry (601) 960-8487. GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Celebration, Saturday, Feb. 10, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Leflore County Civic Center (200 Hwy 7). Cost: $40 donation per adult. Event includes New Orleans style buffet served at 8 p.m.; entertainment by DJ Traxx; swing dance contest and more. Attire: mardi gras festive or semi-formal dress. Tickets available at the church office. Details: church office (662) 453-0623. GREENVILLE – St. Joseph School, Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance, Saturday, Feb. 3 from 6-8 p.m. Community-wide event for PreK-3 through sixth grade. St. Joe School cordially invites dads or special loved ones and their daughters to an evening of good food, music and company. Cost: $50 per couple ($10 per extra). Tickets may be purchased at the school. Details: school office (662) 378-9711. HOLLY SPRINGS – Love Your #Selfie Weekend, Jan. 26-28 at Gregory House. Life is like a camera, just focus on what is important! For young women in grades 9-12. Enjoy fun, crafts, games, prizes, food and more. Details: Vickie at (662) 895-5007 or sign up in the commons area. JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Mass of Thanksgiving for MLK, Jr. and Sister Thea Bowman, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. Details: Office of Intercultural Ministry at (601) 949-6935. St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal, Friday, Feb. 2 from 7-11 p.m. at The South Warehouse. Details: school office (601) 366-1157. Theology on Tap, Dates for 2024: Feb. 7 with Bishop Kopacz; March 6 with Father Lincoln Dall; April 10 – Easter celebration. Meetings are on Wednesdays at Martin’s Restaurant Downtown Jackson. Details: Amelia Rizor at (601) 949-6931. MADISON – St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz and Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Reunion Country Club. Sponsorships available. Details: www.stjoedrawdown.com. St. Joseph School, Evening with Legendary MSU Baseball Coach Ron Polk, Saturday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. at the St. Joseph Fine Arts Building. (Doors open at 5 p.m.) Cost: $30 per person and don’t miss the 50/50 cash raffle. All proceeds support the St. Joe Baseball team. Details: https://bit.ly/StJoePolkFundraiser or call (601) 317-8050 with questions. NATCHEZ – St. Mary, Trivia Tuesday Night, on Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. Cost: $5 to play; $1 soft drinks; $5 potato bar. Prizes awarded. Event is BYOB. Details: church office (601) 445-5616. PEARL – St. Jude, Floral Design for Churches Workshop, Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $20 to cover cost of flowers and lunch. Details: RSVP at mary.woodward@jacksondiocese.org or call (601) 969-1880. St. Jude, Knights of Columbus Super Bowl Spaghetti Dinner, Sunday, Feb. 4. Tickets $7 each. All dinners are to-go only. Spaghetti and sauce are imported from Italy! Details: church office (601) 939-3181. SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Youth Activities Night, Friday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in the parish hall. Event is for children from Kindergarten to fifth grade. Details: church office (662) 342-1073. Christ the King, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, Jan. 20 in the parish hall after Mass. Please sign up in the gathering space. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Parish Mission, Sunday/Monday, Jan. 28-29 from 6:30-8 p.m. Featured speaker is Paul J. Kim. He utilizes his many talents (music, comedy, inspirational talks) to communicate the Gospel message of Christ to people in a way that is engaging, entertaining and life-changing. Free meals (5:30-6:30) and babysitting! Details: church office (662) 846-6273. DIOCESE – Office of Catholic Education Monthly Virtual Rosary, Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. (Link opens at 6:30 p.m. for prayer intentions.) Visit https://jacksondiocese.org/events for Zoom link and details. NATCHEZ – 2nd annual Believe Conference, April 19-21, 2024. Featured speakers are Anne Trufant, Catholic speaker and founder of The Mission on the Mountain; Barbara Heil, Catholic speaker and founder of From His Heart Ministries; and Joanne Moody, minister author, and founder of Agape Freedom Fighters. Cost: $100 for the weekend; $50 for students. Lunch included on Saturday. Details: visit https://www.themissiononthemountain.com. PINE MOUNTAINS, GA – The Girls Garden Retreat, April 4-7, 2024 at Callaway Resort and Gardens. Retreat is for any woman who seeks goodness of God through beauty, rest, prayer and small community. Featured speaker is Laura Huval, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, Catholic speaker, author and more. Details: for registration, information and pricing visit www.girlsgardenretreats.com. LOUISVILLE, KY – National Black Catholic Women’s Gathering, July 26-28, 2024. Join Black Catholic women to engage talents for becoming and forming missionary disciples. Sponsored by the National Black Sisters’ Conference. Details: nbsc@nbsc68.org. GLOBAL ROSARY for World Peace, Friday, Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. CST. This digital prayer event will begin live from Rome. Details: visit www.HCFM.org/PrayForPeace for more information. “9 DAYS FOR LIFE” – Respect Life Novena begins Tuesday, Jan. 16 and concludes Wednesday, Jan. 24. Join Catholics nationwide in pray for the protection of human life! Download the novena or get the daily prayers and reflections by email or text message at 9daysforlife.com.
SAVE THE DATE VICKSBURG – DCYC (Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference), March 1-3 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. All youth in grades 9-12 are invited. Keynote speaker is Doug Tooke and Catholic worship leader, Steven Joubert. Check with your parish youth leader to register.
TRAVEL “SPIRIT OF IRELAND AND SCOTLAND” WITH FATHER O’CONNOR – Join Father David O’Connor on a trip to Ireland and Scotland, June 8-17. Itinerary includes: flight to Dublin, two nights in Belfast, ferry to Scotland, two nights in Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh and return flight from Edinburg. Travel in a luxury coach from arrival time until departure, a professional driver/guide, 4-star hotels. Tour highlights include City of Belfast, Titanic, historic and architectural sites, wonderful landscapes and lakes of the Scottish highlands, Scottish food and entertainment. Cost: $4,955 (per person sharing) or $5,950 single. Only ten spots left! For more information/reservations contact Cara Group Travel at (617) 639-0273 or email bookings@caragrouptravel.com. IRELAND AND SCOTLAND WITH FATHER AUGUSTINE – Join Father Augustine on a trip to Ireland and Scotland, Sept. 6-8. Trip includes stops in Galway, Our Lady of Knock, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Edinburgh and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Cost: $5,499 – all inclusive, including airfare. To register, contact Proximo Travel at (855) 842-8001 or visit www.proximotravel.com.
Por Berta Mexidor PONTOTOC – En solo un año y varios meses, la comunidad de St Christopher Pontotoc ha visto como el Espíritu Santo mueve a líderes de fe. El domingo 7 de enero, feligreses celebraron la Epifanía de Nuestro Señor. Los Magos tuvieron la colaboración de muchos para repartir juguetes y chucherías a los niños en ese día, después de Misa celebrada por el Padre Tim Murphy. Ya antes habían celebrado la Navidad, precedida de varias posadas, de familia en familia. El pasado 27 de diciembre, celebraron un convivio, en despedida del 2023, con intercambios de regalos, entre los que hubo bufandas y gorros para el frio, abrazos, muestras de hermandad cristiana y “un brindis para un futuro mejor de la comunidad, con la alegría de la unión,” expresó Aracely Nieves, una de las organizadoras de la cena, junto a Juana Maria López.
Los feligreses de San Cristóbal comenzaron el año 2024 para la celebración de la Epifanía, con la misma energía del 2023 (izq.) Los tres Reyes Magos se aprestan a repartir regalos. Al final de diciembre los presentes de convivio de fin de año agradecieron el apoyo recibido de parte del diácono Carlos Sola y su esposa y en especial de la guía espiritual del Padre Tim Murphy y de la Hermana Raquel Otez. (arriba der.) Aracely Nieves y el Padre Tim. (centro) Juani López y Hna. Raquel. (centro der.) Chary Martínez, quien siempre ayuda alegremente, con su gorro nuevo. (Fotos de Aracely Nieves) En marzo del 2022, la comunidad despidió a Danna Johnson, quien por el mérito ganado por muchos años fue a fungir como Ministra Eclesial Laica (LEM) en la iglesia Inmaculado Corazón de María en Houston.
En ese momento Nieves aceptó un reto y agradece, al final del año 2023, la inspiración del Espíritu Santo que la ha hecho conocer a tantos padres de “adolescentes y jóvenes de mucho corazón,” dijo y a todos los voluntarios que han participado en cada una de las actividades. Como Houston no está lejos, Danna ha seguido ayudando de varias formas a Nieves, quien en pocos meses se ha dedicado a reunir a los jóvenes de la región en varias danzas y bailes folclóricos, además de animarlos a realizar representaciones de la aparición de la Virgen de Guadalupe y la escena de la Natividad. En julio del 2023 llegó a la parroquia la Hermana Raquel Otez, religiosa hondureña, y comenzó su ministerio como Pastora Asociada. La Hermana Raquel viene del colegio de las Hermanas de Notre Dame, es bilingüe Inglés-Español y trajo la experiencia de trabajar por 22 años en Caridades Católicas de St Louis, MO.
El diácono Carlos Sola y su esposa hacen su trabajo también con toda la comunidad Hispana, y juntos a la Hermana Raquel, bajo el liderazgo del Padre Tim Murphy, hacen que la comunidad de Pontotoc encuentre formas de incrementar su fe. A todos ellos, Nieves les dice” …Nunca olviden los buenos recuerdos y muchas gracias por su servicio.”
