SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, Friday, Oct. 28-29 at St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt. Featured speaker Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This will be an evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass.
PEARL St. Jude, Retreat for Healing and Hope, Friday Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish hall. Featured speakers: Father Bill Henry, Janet Constantine, LMHC and spiritual director, sponsored by Marian Servants of Jesus the Lamb of God. Registration free, lunch provided. Topics: Our Brokenness; Blocks to Healing; and Receiving God’s Love. All are welcome. Details: Contact Maureen at (601) 278-0423 or Pat at (601) 955-0755 or email msofjlog@gmail.com.
JACKSON St. Richard, 105th anniversary of Fatima’s Miracle of the Sun, Saturday, Oct. 8. Confession at 8 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m.; and Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Come celebrate Our Lady of Fatima and the devotion to her Immaculate Heart. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 9. Mass at 9 a.m. then potluck lunch, plus fun and games. There will be a waterslide and jumpers for the kids – bring a towel and change of clothing. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Loaves and Fishes Annual Supper Fundraiser, Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in the Activity Center. Tickets: $15. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.
HOLY LAND Trip with Father Mark Shoffner to the Holy Land, June 30 – July 9, 2023. If you’ve wanted to go walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see the places of the Scriptures come to life, then now is the time to sign up. An exceptional moment to see Jesus in a whole new experience. Ten days, airfare, hotels, meals, tour guide, daily Masses in the Holy. Sites are all included in the cost. Details: https://www.catholicjourneys.com/shoffner/.
JACKSON 42nd annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Country Club of Jackson. All proceeds help victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Details: visit www.friendsforacause.com.
Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event, Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. at Charities at 850 East River Place. Join Catholic Charities for a balloon launch, guest speaker and proclamation to honor victims of domestic violence. Details: office at (601) 366-0222.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, 23rd annual Variety Show/Dinner and Fashion Show, Saturday, Nov. 5 in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Evening with Father Josh Johnson, Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Father is well-known for his popular Ascension podcast “Ask Father Josh.” He has written several books including the best-selling “Pocket Guide to Reconciliation” (co-written with Father Mike Schmitz), “Broken & Blessed” and “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” The event is free, contributions to Father Josh’s school in his Baton Rouge parish are welcome. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Sunday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Drive through and dine-in available. Tickets: $10. Details: Darren at (601) 597-2890.
OLIVE BRANCH Women’s Club Hootenanny with Father Ardi, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Music, fire pit for s’mores, cider and hot chocolate. Bring your sing-along voice and lawn chair. All parish members are invited! Please sign up in the Commons to ensure enough refreshments are provided. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, Monday, Sept. 28 to Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11-7 p.m. sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #7120 (open at 12 p.m. on Sundays). Various sizes available, including specialty pumpkins. Benefits support Coats for Kids. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
Christ the King, Trivia Night, Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Cost: $15/person or $25/couple – limit 10 to a table; door prizes and trophies for the winning table and the best decorated table will be given. Decoration and Halloween costumes are optional but add some fun to the night. Doors open at 3 p.m. Bring food for your party or purchase a bowl of chili for $5. Details: to reserve a spot call/text Karin at (901) 289-0311.

YOUTH EVENTS
DIOCESE Two scholarships are available to college students in the Diocese of Jackson. The Bishop Brunini Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for undergraduate or advanced studies at any accredited Catholic college or university. There are no specific restrictions for the field of study.
The Stella Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for advanced studies in theology or religious education at Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama.
Full and part-time graduate students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. If the recipient is currently enrolled in the Department of Faith Formation’s Pastoral Ministries Program and receives tuition assistance from the diocese and their school or parish, scholarship money can be used to offset the amount of tuition paid out-of-pocket by the individual.
The specific annual amount of the scholarships will be determined by the interest shown. Applications are due to the Department of Faith Formation by Dec. 1. For more information, please contact Fran Lavelle, director of the department of Faith Formation by email at fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
DIOCESE SEARCH Retreat – For Teens, By Teen, Jan. 13-15, 2023 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Details: email abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
JACKSON St. Richard, An Evening with Moms and Daughters with Kari Kampakis, Sunday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with author and speaker Kari Kampakis as she shares Scripture-based wisdom for girls (seventh grade and up) and their mothers, covering topics from friendships, identity, social media, dating and more. Tickets $5 each or max $20 per family. Purchase at https://bit.ly/STRKariEvent – Register by Oct. 21. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

SAVE THE DATE
DIOCESE Save the date: #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday Nov. 28. Join Catholics in this nation-wide day of giving.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal set for Feb. 10. Call for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.
PEARL Cinemark Theatre, Theatrical release of “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love,” two-nights only – Monday Oct. 3 and Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Details: visit www.motherteresamovie.com.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Tie Dye for Jesus, Sunday Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. All are welcome! Event begins with an appetizer/dessert potluck. Sign up in the Commons area with your name and shirt size. Donations welcome. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
RIPLEY St. Matthew, 1st annual Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 18 and 19. Crafters wanted: tables available for $30. Begin making your crafts or preparing a food booth now. Details: Call Geraldine at (216) 867-8007.

TRUNK OR TREATS/FALL FESTIVALS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Wednesday, Oct. 26. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 30. Vehicles needed, call church office to sign up. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Trunks are needed! Enjoy great food and games. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
GRENADA St. Peter, Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 30. More details coming soon. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
MADISON St. Joseph School, Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-6:30 p.m. for ages under 12. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Halloween Family Bash/Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Costume contest, trunk decorating contest, bonfire, food, games and more. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy international food, basket raffle, silent auction, entertainment and more. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

By Laura Grisham
SOUTHAVEN – The day after welcoming three new SCJs to the fold, the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart celebrated the anniversaries of the first profession of vows for 14 of their own: Father Bernie Rosinski (70 years); Father Thomas Cassidy, Father Mark Fortner, Father Patrick Lloyd and Father Steve Pujdak (60 years); Father James Brackin, Father Jack Kurps, Deacon David Nagel and Father James Schifano (50 years); Father Stephen Huffstetter (40 years); and Brother Duane Lemke, Father Vien Nguyen, Father David Szatkowski and Father Chuck Wonch (25 years). Together, they have served in religious life for a remarkable 650 years.

The celebration was held at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Franklin, Wisconsin.
Deacon David Nagel, SCJ, a 50-year jubilian, was the homilist for the Jubilee Mass. He recalled the responses of the prophet Samuel and Mary, Mother of Jesus, who both said ‘yes’ to God’s call. “Each of us celebrating our anniversary can remember God’s call to share in the work of his church,” said Deacon David. “…When I look at this group of jubilarians, I can see a large variety of gifts, he continued. “That is what we celebrate today with the anniversaries of each of these religious. Each of us called to give ourselves in service to the Lord and the church. And each of us in different forms of service, but each one completing the whole church of Christ.”

Sacred Heart Southern Missions congratulates their own Father Jack Kurps on his 50th jubilee! Originally from Chicago, Father Jack professed vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 1972 and was ordained in 1977.

He recently recalled how he had first been attracted to the Priests of the Sacred Heart some 62 years ago on a visit to Divine Heart Seminary in northwest Indiana, where his brother was attending. “I was nine years old when I first met priests like Paul Casper and Dominic Wessel. Although I was just a kid, they and other SCJ priests and brothers always seemed to welcome and have a kind word for us. I looked forward to our monthly visits and when, in eighth grade, I decided that I wanted to go to the seminary…”

Father Jack’s first assignment was in 1980 at Queen of Peace parish in Olive Branch, Mississippi. In addition to his parish ministry and decades of service as executive director at Sacred Heart Southern Missions, he has served as vocations director for the Priests of the Sacred Heart and on a number of committees and commissions, including as a delegate to the 1997 General Chapter. Kurps has also served several terms on the Provincial Council, and is currently vice provincial of the United States Province.

Speaking of his various ministries, Father Jack said, “I obviously have enjoyed being part of our ministry in Mississippi. And I enjoy my work on the Council and the prep work for provincial assemblies and other gatherings. I would consider my time as province director of vocations to be the most challenging, but also most rewarding of the ministries I have been asked to perform. As I am sure that anyone who has done formation work would agree, there is something very sacred about accompanying someone who is truly discerning what God is asking of him.

“In the last 15 years or so, I have had a growing awareness of not only being part of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, but also being part of the wider Dehonian Family – priests, brothers, sisters and lay men and women following the Dehonian charism.”

As acting chairperson of the Dehonian Associates Committee, Kurps has led several groups on the path towards becoming associates of the order. “It has been a privilege to accompany an increasingly larger number of the laity in Mississippi who have become Dehonian Associates.”

“I try hard to be a faithful son of Father Dehon. When I look to see where we minister, not just here in the U.S., but also in some of the most difficult places in the world, and what God has accomplished through us, I am proud and happy to be part of this,” said Father Jack.

Sacred Heart Southern Missions also congratulates Father David Szatkowski, local superior of the SCJs in Mississippi. He celebrates his 25th profession of vows this year.

Born in Pueblo, Colorado, and baptized in Alexandria, Virginia, as a child of a military family, Father David, 48, has lived in many parts of the world, “but I consider Lawton, Oklahoma, to be my hometown,” he said. After taking part in a summer program hosted by the province vocation office, Szatkowski applied to be an SCJ candidate in 1992.

“I liked that the SCJs ministered as a team,” Father David said. “I also liked the variety of ministries and the creative ways that ministry is done.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1995, a Masters of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in 2002, and was ordained to the priesthood shortly thereafter.

“I spent three years at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Houston before returning to school,” said Father David. This time, school was the Angelicum in Rome, where he earned a JCL and a JCD (canon law degrees). After graduation, Szatkowski served in provincial administration, in formation, and on the pastoral team here in northern Mississippi.

Reflecting on his years as a Priest of the Sacred Heart, Father David said that he has “come to see the wisdom of the call to ‘get out of the sacristy,” words to fellow priests from Father Dehon inspiring them to go to the people. “I think that by seeing ourselves as active repairers of the world we are free to find how we can invite people to the Heart of Christ.

HALES CORNERS, Wis. – Originally from Colorado Springs, Father Jim Schifano, SCJ, passed away on Aug. 29 at the age of 77. It was only two weeks before that he celebrated his 50th anniversary of vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Before pursuing his vocation, Father Jim served in the US Army; he was at the rank of sergeant when he was discharged in 1967.

Father Jim completed his theological studies at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology and later served at the seminary from 1978-1990. However, his first assignment as a priest was at Divine Heart Seminary in Donaldson, Indiana.

Besides his many years serving at the seminaries and in the monastery community, Father Jim also did pastoral ministry, first at St. Matthew parish in Houston (1977-78). After over 20 years at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Father Jim returned to Houston, where he briefly served at Christ the Redeemer parish (1990-91) and then back at St. Matthew’s for five years.

In 1997, Father Jim joined the SCJ community in Mississippi, where he ministered for three years at St. Gregory parish in Senatobia and Sacred Heart parish in Walls. From 2004-2007, he served at St. Joseph’s parish in Holly Springs. Father Jim’s final assignment before retirement was with the Sacred Heart Community in Pinellas Park, Florida.

At the time of his death, he was a member of the Sacred Heart Community at Monastery Lake. Please keep Father Jim, his family and local community in your prayers.

By Catholic Extension

BILOXI – Start with your open right hand, palm face out, shoulder high. Move your right arm to the left, gently, like a mother gathering her children. Crossing your chest, touch the side of your right hand to your left shoulder.

Then raise both hands to the sky, the left hand slightly higher than the right, a silent show of praise. With your closed hands, a horizontal line just above the head, forming an altar, gracefully extend your fingers and pull your hands apart, like birds taking flight.

This is how to sign the words “Our” and “Father” — a hand that crosses the heart, open hands raised to the sky, just above the head, gracefully acknowledging the God space in which we always dwell.
Helen Keller once said, “Blindness separates people from things. Deafness separates people from people.”
The isolation that deafness brings is almost unimaginable for the hearing, who have no idea what the deaf have to go through to participate in a hearing world. Gregory Crapo, director of the de l’Epee Deaf Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, knows this well.

Community is key
The ministry was established in Biloxi in 1977 by Daughter of Charity Sister Dolores Coleman. Since 2003, Crapo has served as the center’s director. Today, Crapo and his staff of three promote independence and inclusion in the community for the deaf, hard of hearing and disabled. Catholic Extension has supported the ministry for more than 30 years.

Community is the key word. Community is the only way to end the isolation that deafness brings.
This ministry is as expansive as it is innovative. Crapo and his staff provide interpreting services for the Diocese of Biloxi and its neighbors. Universities and hospitals utilize these services, as do teachers, police and the court system.

Providing interpreters is just a small part of de l’Epee’s mission. The center creates a community in which the deaf and hard of hearing have all the activities and services a hearing community would have.
Crapo has led the expansion of a wide array of social services including American Sign Language (ASL) classes, a food pantry, transportation and emergency services during extreme weather, such as hurricanes.
Young people go on field trips, participate in dances and attend retreats. They receive educational services from academics to religious instruction. Camp D.E.A.F. (Deaf Enabled to Associate for Fun and Friendship) offers five days of recreational activities for children ages 5 to 14. Older teens and young adults trained in ASL serve as camp counselors and are drawn further into empathy and mission. An outside prayer grotto is being planned to help young people know that the call to pray is always and everywhere.

From debt to expansion
When Crapo first arrived, the center was struggling with debt. His leadership has enabled de l’Epee to become debt free, financially stable and in a position to grow its mission. Its outreach is at an all-time high. More and more deaf and hard-of-hearing people are moving into the area for the center’s services.
The ministry is reaching an expanded population through a new branch called The Tabitha Project, which will serve the blind, deaf-blind and people with special needs. Crapo also helped establish a clinic that provides eye surgeries to people in need.

Bishop Louis Kihneman III of Biloxi said, “Greg has been challenged with expanding our established ministry to people of all disabilities while understanding the differences in each area of need.”
Crapo said that the Catholic faith comes alive in sign language. He believes that the sign for “Jesus Christ” is the most powerful. It is the symbol for “king” with a C hand shape and the third finger of each hand touching the opposite palm representing Jesus’ wounds. Crapo says, “Working with our most vulnerable populations is the best way to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.”

In a thank-you note to our donors, Crapo wrote, “Your commitment to Catholic Extension allows us to make our community a better place and is a great inspiration, helping ensure that the staff and volunteers of de l’Epee can provide critical assistance when needed.”

There are those who take advantage of the deaf. Crapo believes that trust building is the most important part of his ministry because such wounds can only be healed through love and in community. Crapo’s trust in God’s love animates his ministry. De l’Epee is truly God’s space.

So, start with a hand that crosses the heart, open hands raised to the sky, hands just above the head, gracefully praising the God space in which we always dwell.

(Catholic Extension is honored to share the accomplishments of Gregory Crapo, a finalist for the 2022-2023 Lumen Christi Award. Visit this page to read other inspiring stories from this year’s finalists: https://www.catholicextension.org/lumen-christi-award/lumen-christi-award-finalists.)

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
PEARL St. Jude, Retreat for Healing and Hope, Friday Oct. 14, 6:30-9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parish hall. Featured speakers: Father Bill Henry, Janet Constantine, LMHC and spiritual director, sponsored by Marian Servants of Jesus the Lamb of God. Registration free, lunch provided. Topics: Our Brokenness; Blocks to Healing; and Receiving God’s Love. All are welcome. Details: Contact Maureen at (601) 278-0423 or Pat at (601) 955-0755 or email msofjlog@gmail.com.

PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 27. Spaghetti dinner, gift shop, raffle and more. Details: church office (662) 624-4301 or school office (662) 624-4239.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Germanfest 2022, Sunday, Sept. 25 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-oriented festival is best known for its authentic German food and music. Admission and parking are free. Festival goers may wish to bring a lawn chair. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

HERNANDO, OLIVE BRANCH and SOUTHAVEN Holy Spirit, Queen of Peace and Christ the King, Drive-thru Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9-11 a.m. All pets welcome! Details: call parish offices.

JACKSON St. Richard, ChristLife: Discovering Christ, a seven-week series begins Sept. 28 and ends Nov. 9. Held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Come enjoy dinner and explore answers to important life questions. Registration required, child care for ages 3+ is provided. Details: register at StRChristlife@gmail.com or visit https://saintrichard.com/christlife.

MERIDIAN St. Joseph Octoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy this day of fellowship with food, youth activities and more. Details: Rhonda (601) 227-1199.

NATCHEZ Cathedral Fall Festival, Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Midway games, petting zoo, food and craft sales. Plus Adult Night Saturday at 6 p.m. with band and purchase paddles for fantastic packages. Sunday fried chicken lunch at 11 a.m followed by bingo. Details: Contact Carlyle at (337) 962-5323 or visit Facebook @CathedralFallFest.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Evening with Father Josh Johnson, Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Father is well-known for his popular Ascension podcast “Ask Father Josh.” He has written several books including the best-selling “Pocket Guide to Reconciliation” (co-written with Father Mike Schmitz), “Broken & Blessed” and “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” The event is free, contributions to Father Josh’s school in his Baton Rouge parish are welcome. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

OLIVE BRANCH Men’s Club Golf Tournament, Sunday, Sept. 25 at Wedgewood Golf Club. Sign-up at qopcc.com. Details: to donate door prizes, play or sponsor a hole, contact Tim at (901) 515-8598.
RIPLEY St. Matthew, Parish Feast Day Celebration, Saturday, Sept. 24 beginning at 9 a.m. Enjoy fun with sports tournaments, food booths and more. On Sunday, Sept. 25, Bilingual Mass of Thanksgiving at 3 p.m., followed by a potluck meal. Details: church office (662) 993-8832.

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Save the date: Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 8. Enjoy international food, basket raffle, entertainment and more. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

YOUTH EVENTS
DIOCESE Middle School Fall Retreat with NET Ministries, Oct. 15-16 at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Retreat is for seventh and eighth graders with opportunity for prayer, faith sharing, fellowship and more. Details: contact Abbey Schuhmann at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, We Are One Northwest Parishes of Mississippi, Sunday Sept. 25. Day begins with a youth led Mass at 3 p.m., followed by “Community Feud” for high school youth, activities for Pre-K through eighth graders. Dinner, snack and drinks will be provided. Also, door prizes, music, inflatables, games and more. All are welcome! Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Lunch with seminarian EJ Martin, Sunday, Sept. 25. He will talk to youth about the Mass and his decision to become a priest. Lunch will be in parish hall following Mass. Details: church office (662) 746-1680.

SAVE THE DATE
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Save the dates: St. Francis Parish Picnic on Oct. 9; Knights of Columbus Blood Drive on Oct. 23; and Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat on Oct. 26. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.

DIOCESE Save the date: #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday Nov. 28. Join Catholics in this nation-wide day of giving.

JACKSON St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal set for Feb. 10. Call for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick, 23rd annual Variety Show/Dinner and Fashion Show, Saturday, Nov. 5 in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.