Category Archives: Parish News

Oxford Knights of Columbus support life through ultrasound program

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By Jacob Eftink
OXFORD – For many years, Knights of Columbus Council 10901 has faithfully supported the Oxford Pregnancy Center, a local resource that offers compassionate, confidential and high-quality care to women and families. The center provides free services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound imaging and counseling – all made possible through the generosity of community donors.

Located in an area of visible need and serving a major university community, the center reaches many women in vulnerable situations. The nearest abortion facility is more than 75 miles away in Memphis, making the Oxford Pregnancy Center’s presence all the more essential.

Recognizing the importance of life-affirming care, the Oxford council partnered with the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Ultrasound Program, which helps pregnancy centers obtain state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. In 2018, after a survey conducted by the Diocese of Jackson, the Oxford Pregnancy Center qualified for the program and dedicated its first ultrasound machine that December.

By 2024, the center’s leadership identified the need for an upgraded machine to continue providing the highest level of care. Once again, Council 10901 stepped forward. Through its major fundraiser – the St. John’s Knights of Columbus Car Parking Event – the council raised about $30,000, covering half the total cost. The Supreme Council’s Ultrasound Program matched the amount, bringing the final purchase price to $59,243.

OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus Council 10901 recently donated a new ultrasound machine to the Pregnancy Center of Oxford. On Nov. 13, Father Mark Shoffner blessed the machine during a small gathering. Pictured from left are Danielle Lewis, Theodore Cutcliffe, Father Mark Shoffner, Father Robert Antony, Louis Cutcliffe and Grand Knight Jim Herzog. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Newsom)

The collaboration among the Oxford Pregnancy Center, the Diocese of Jackson, the local council and the Supreme Council was a testament to faith in action and a shared commitment to the sanctity of life.
The new ultrasound machine was dedicated Nov. 13, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Oxford Pregnancy Center. Father Mark Shoffner offered a blessing over the machine, and attendees included staff, board members, parishioners from St. John’s Catholic Church, and members of Council 10901.

A highlight of the celebration came when the center’s sonographer demonstrated the clarity of the new equipment, showing guests the vivid images it produces. She noted that the difference in image quality was dramatic – and potentially life-changing.

As one Knight observed, “The ultrasound room is truly sacred space – where decisions for life are made every day.”

Through their faith, generosity and unity, the Oxford Knights of Columbus and their partners have once again brought hope, compassion and life-affirming care to their community.

Carmelite community celebrates first vows of Sister Marie Claire

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By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – The small community of Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Jackson celebrated a milestone in their monastery on Saturday, Nov. 22, as Sister Marie Claire professed her first vows during a quiet morning ceremony in the chapel.

Originally from the Congo, Sister Marie Claire made her temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before a small gathering that included members of the Carmelite Seculars and supporters from the greater Jackson community. After Mass, she greeted guests with a radiant smile, wearing a crown of flowers symbolizing her vocation as a bride of Christ and her commitment to a life of purity and devotion.

Sister Marie Claire and Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Nov. 22. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Founded in 1951, the Carmelite monastery has long served the diocese as a place of contemplation, where the nuns devote their lives to prayer, silence and simplicity in service to the People of God.

For those present, the ceremony was a moment of deep joy and inspiration.

“It was a day of great joy,” said Dorothy Ashley, a Carmelite Secular. “I praise God for her vocation and will be praying for her – and hope she’ll be praying for us too.”

For Taylor Coe, who entered the church this past Easter, witnessing his first profession of vows was especially moving. “It was a very enlightening experience,” he said. “Seeing someone commit their entire life to God was beautiful. The nuns have been such a blessing in my life, especially their prayers and their presence.”

The Carmelite community continues to welcome visitors seeking quiet, prayer and the presence of Christ – a mission they describe as sharing “an overflow of contemplation” with the world.

FEATURE PHOTO: … Ribbon cut on Sister Clare Hogan hall

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MADISON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz cuts the ribbon for Sister Clare Hogan Hall at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, marking the opening of the parish’s new facility. The building, which replaces the more than 40-year-old St. Anthony Hall, was constructed to provide additional space for the parish’s growing community and is a major milestone of the capital campaign launched in 2023. (Photo by St. Francis of Assisi Parish)

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

CANTON – Sacred Heart, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 859-3749.

CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Advent Confessions, Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 4-6:30 p.m. Several priests will be available.

DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27-March 1; April 24-26; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2 -4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Ladies Retreat, Feb. 6-8, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa. Open to women age 21+. Cost: $300/person, includes accommodations and all meals. Deadline to register is Jan. 16. Details: email claudiaaddison@mac.com.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

OXFORD – Diocesan Campus Ministry Winter Retreat “Radical Grace: Living the Gospel Upside Down,” Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cost: $20 – Registration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Christmas Bingo Night, Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Fun for the whole family, with prizes, concessions and more. Details: church office (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Carmelite Monestary, during this holiday season, they are currently taking orders for their famous Rum Cakes and Brown Breads. To order yours, please call the Gift Shop at (601) 373-1460 during store hours (Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. When you pick up your order check out the wonderful gift shop. Details: www.jacksoncarmel.com or (601) 373-1460.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and so much more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising efforts. Application packets available in the parish office. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.

PEARL – St. Jude, Posadas, Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

EMPLOYMENT
DIOCESE – The Diocese seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes/schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/life-health-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS – The Diocese seeks qualified, faith-filled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details, visit jacksondiocese.org/administrator-employment.

FEATURE PHOTO: … A New Tool for Life …

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OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus Council 10901 recently donated a new ultrasound machine to the Pregnancy Center of Oxford. On Nov. 13, Father Mark Shoffner blessed the machine during a small gathering. Pictured from left are Danielle Lewis, Theodore Cutcliffe, Father Mark Shoffner, Father Robert Antony, Louis Cutcliffe and Grand Knight Jim Herzog. (Photo by Jennifer Newsom)

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

CANTON – Sacred Heart, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 859-3749.

PEARL – St. Jude, Advent Penance Service, Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Rededication Mass, Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Advent/Christmas Concert, on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

MADISON – St. Anthony School, Starry Night Gala, Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Bill Waller Craft Center. Details: school office at (601) 607-7054.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

PEARL – St. Jude, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Thursday Dec. 11 after 6:30 p.m. Mass the parish will have a special rosary and serenade. On Friday Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. join us for a procession and Mass, plus a potluck after mass.

St. Jude, Posadas, Wednesday Dec. 17 at 6:30 pm. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

EMPLOYMENT
JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes and schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/life-health-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to Cathy Pendleton at cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS – The Diocese of Jackson seeks qualified, faith-filled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details and applications, visit jacksondiocese.org/administrator-employment.

JACKSON PARENTS SHARE YOUR VOICE IN THE METRO SCHOOL SURVEY
JACKSON – Families with children from early childhood through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Jackson Catholic Schools Family Survey on Education.

Whether your children attend Catholic schools or not, your feedback will help us better serve families across our Catholic community. The short survey asks about your experiences and how you make schooling decisions. Take the survey today at https://tinyurl.com/JacksonCatholicEd.

IN MEMORIAM – DEACON MARK WHITE
OLIVE BRANCH – Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Emeritus Mark White, who died on Nov. 17, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, at Queen of Peace, 8455 Germantown Rd., Olive Branch, MS 38651. Visitation will be held one hour before the Mass. Bishop Joseph Kopacz will be the principal celebrant, with Father Hendrik “Ardi” Ardianto, SCJ and Father David Szatkowski, SCJ concelebrating and Deacon Ted Schreck preaching the Gospel. Eternal rest grant upton him, O Lord.

St. James Magnolia marks over 150 years of faith

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By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
MAGNOLIA – The small but spirited Catholic community of St. James the Greater Parish in Magnolia gathered Saturday, Oct. 5 to celebrate 153 years of faith, friendship and perseverance – a legacy that began as a rural mission and continues today as a thriving parish in southern Pike County.

Though billed as the parish’s 150th anniversary celebration, the event had been postponed several years due to the pandemic. When parishioners finally gathered, the joy and gratitude were unmistakable.
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz presided at an outdoor Mass beneath white tents set up beside the historic wooden church, which could not accommodate the large crowd that came to celebrate. Concelebrating with Bishop Kopacz were Father Suresh Thirumalareddy, pastor; Father Bill Henry, a former pastor; and Father P.J. Curley, who once served in the region.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz concelebrates an outdoor Mass marking St. James Parish’s 150th anniversary with Father Bill Henry, Father Suresh Thirumalareddy and Father P.J. Curley.

The Mayor of Magnolia, Marvin Brumfield, joined the celebration and presented a proclamation recognizing St. James for its historic presence and contributions to the community.

Parishioners and guests from across Pike County gathered for music, fellowship and a hearty Southern meal following Mass. The afternoon included a silent auction, children’s face-painting, and food prepared by parishioners and friends from nearby parishes.

“It’s small, but powerful,” said parishioner Vicki Todd, who moved to Magnolia permanently nine years ago partly because of the charm of St. James. “We’ve spent months preparing for this day. People believe in St. James Parish – our little bitty church is just as beautiful as can be.”

Music minister Celena Johnson, who has led music since 2019, coordinated a combined choir of parishioners and musicians from St. James and St. Alphonsus Parish in McComb, reflecting the deep ties between the two faith communities. “I’m so blessed to have them,” she said. “We just keep it in the family.”

From its beginnings in the 1860s, St. James has depended on that sense of family. The parish traces its roots to Father Henry Picherit, who celebrated Mass in local homes before the first church was completed in 1874 and dedicated to St. James the Greater. Priests from Osyka, McComb, and Chatawa served the mission through the decades, including Redemptorists and the School Sisters of Notre Dame, whose presence at nearby Chatawa formed deep spiritual ties that endure today.

Several sisters who once lived or served in Chatawa returned for the anniversary, including Sister Gemma Marie Dittle, who praised Father Suresh’s leadership. “He’s so devoted and loves to teach and serve. It was a beautiful celebration,” she said. Sister Marie Clare Powell, 99, attended in honor of a lifelong friend – Sister Mary Clared – who played the organ for nearly 30 years. “We were classmates – she was one of the most faithful members of St. James,” she recalled.

MAGNOLIA – Parishioners and guests gathered under large white tents outside St. James the Greater Parish to celebrate the church’s long-awaited 150th anniversary, a celebration delayed several years by the pandemic. Among those attending were the School Sisters of Notre Dame – Sister Gemma Marie Dittle, Sister Sue, and Sister MarieClare Powell – who traveled from St. Anthony Gardens in Covington, Louisiana. The sisters were once a vibrant part of parish life through their ministry at St. Mary of the Pines in nearby Chatawa, which closed in 2020. The festive day also included music, food, and fellowship as parishioners and friends rejoiced in the enduring faith community of Magnolia. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

St. James remained a mission of St. Alphonsus McComb until Nov. 1, 2019, when Bishop Kopacz elevated it to parish status, recognizing its steady growth and service to Catholics throughout southern Pike County.

Bishop Kopacz said, “From the early days when the Redemptorists established this small mission church, you have grown into a beautiful expression of devoted, faith-filled followers of Christ sharing His Good News with one another and your neighbors in Pike County.”

For parishioners, the milestone was more than a look back – it was a renewal of their commitment to one another. “May God continue to bless you for your dedication and zeal for His church,” Bishop Kopacz, said.

Monica Walton returns with new Advent devotional

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JACKSON – Author Monica Walton returns with “Advent Reflections for Our World Today,” a weekly devotional designed with the busyness of the Advent season in mind.

“This pocket-sized weekly devotional offers readers a rich and meaningful experience for the season of Advent, drawing us closer to Jesus by exploring His message for us at this time,” Walton said. “Written in the style of Lectio Divina with a focus on the Sunday Gospel readings for liturgical year A, it inspires readers to reflect on one powerful Scripture passage each week and explore God’s Sacred Word through a contemporary lens, making the material more relatable and manageable during this busy time.”

The author of “Lean Into Lent” and “Advent Reflections for This Day” (which focused on Year B readings), Walton now lives in Ocean Springs and attends St. Alphonsus Church after 31 years at St. Paul in Flowood.

“At first glance, the cover draws us into the story of the Birth of our Savior, and the material within helps all Christians prepare for His Second Coming,” Walton said.

“So many of us have the best of intentions when it comes to Advent study, but we get behind – and often give up – because of Christmas shopping, holiday parties and travel,” said publisher Joe Lee, an active member of St. Francis of Assisi in Madison.

“Advent Reflections for Our World Today offers all the spiritual nourishment of a daily Advent study, and the modern-day parables are timely and will stay with you.”

Bishop Joseph Kopacz endorsed the book, saying, “In a most creative way, this book enfolds the richness of the church’s wisdom to prepare the way of the Lord. The power of God’s Word to change lives, the inspiration and comfort of traditional prayers, weekly modern day parables, practical guidance, and much more all combine to offer a season of hope and peace that the world cannot give. Embrace this remarkable treasure and welcome the Lord!”

Priced at just $8.95 per copy with generous discounts available for group purchases, “Advent Reflections for Our World Today” is ideal for church-wide study, prayer and Bible study groups, or individual study.

Monica’s work can be found in The Word Among Us and on her blog, sacredandsensible.com. For signed copies of “Advent Reflections for Our World Today,” or for more information about bulk discounts for parishes, visit dogwoodpress.com.