Category Archives: Parish News

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Fatima Five First Saturdays Devotion, Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2. Church opens at 8 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m.; followed by Rosary. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

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.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson. Theme is “Beholding the Dream” with speaker Dr. William Jemison.

World Marriage Day 2026, Join us Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson at 1 p.m. or Saturday, Feb. 14 at St. James Tupelo at 1 p.m. for this celebration of marriage across the diocese. If you are celebrating your 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th+ in 2026 this celebration is for you! Please register to join us by visiting jacksondiocese.org/family-ministry. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

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

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.

PILGRIMAGE – Travel to Italy with Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez of St. Joseph Greenville, Feb. 16-25, 2026. See the Vatican, Assisi and more. Details: visit catholicjourneys.com/tour/shrines-of-italy-pilgrimage.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Andrew McQueen Civic Center. Cost: $45/person. Details: (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 7 at Fondren Hall from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Attire: “after five.” Details: Christ the King church office (601) 948-8867.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Westin Jackson. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4pGfEAc for more info.

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

MERIDIAN – Knights of Columbus Mash Bash Blood Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the K of C Hall. Details: schedule through vitalant.org.

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 more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.

Fall Faith Formation Day gathers parish leaders for renewal, connection and new pathways for lay formation

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By Joanna Puddister King
MADISON – Parish leaders from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the annual Fall Faith Formation Day, a one-day workshop hosted each November by the Department of Faith Formation. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together,” invited catechists, youth ministers, DREs and parish volunteers to reflect on their call to accompany the people of God with renewed purpose.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia speaks to faith formators from across the diocese for Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The keynote presenter was Robert Feduccia, a nationally recognized speaker who grew up in Brookhaven and attributes his own call to ministry to formative experiences in the Diocese of Jackson. He opened the day with lively “would you rather” questions that had participants laughing, moving and interacting with one another before leading them into deeper conversations about the heart of ministry.

Feduccia encouraged parish leaders to see themselves not as program directors who simply manage logistics, but as ministry leaders rooted in the church’s tradition and attentive to the lived reality of their parish communities. He noted that Mississippi’s Catholic population, though small and diverse, is uniquely positioned for authentic accompaniment and relationship-based ministry. He urged participants to present the faith as truly good news, helping people encounter Christ rather than focusing solely on intellectual debates or apologetics.

Sister Amelia Breton provided live translation during the keynote, allowing Spanish-speaking participants to engage fully. For the first time, the event also offered breakout sessions presented entirely in Spanish.

Throughout the day, attendees chose from a range of practical workshops addressing real needs in parish life. Presenters included Sister Amelia Breton, who spoke on accompaniment of migrant communities; Rebecca Harris, who discussed parish fundraising and stewardship; Emily Moran, who explored the confirmation journey with young people; Ruth Powers, who addressed reclaiming community life within parishes; Amelia Rizor, who focused on small-group ministry; and Debbie Tubertini, who offered insights on marriage enrichment. Spanish-language sessions were led by Danna Johnson and Raquel Thompson, who both presented on developing community involvement and small groups within parish settings.

In the closing session, Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, introduced the work of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation. She emphasized that one of the most important lessons learned through the diocesan synod and pastoral reimagining process is the need to respond when the faithful are asked to share their needs and hopes. She said the Center represents a concrete response to that input and thanked those who helped develop its formation path.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia engages participants during his keynote presentation at Fall Faith Formation Day on Nov. 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Leaders from parishes across the diocese gathered for a day of workshops, prayer and formation. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

The Bishop Houck Center for Lay Formation is designed to help lay leaders grow in faith, knowledge and service through programs grounded in education, evangelization and leadership development. The initiative builds on Bishop Houck’s legacy of supporting lay ministry and evangelization and offers formation opportunities in both English and Spanish for parish teams and individual leaders across the diocese.

The event closed with a final keynote from Feduccia, sending participants back to their parishes encouraged, energized and reminded that God works powerfully through the faithful who say yes to serving his church.

(To learn more about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation and upcoming opportunities for training and enrichment, visit jacksondiocese.org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.)

Click to see photos from Fall Faith Formation Day 2025

Joyful homecoming: St. Paul parish returns to renewed sanctuary

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By Joanna Puddister King
FLOWOOD – After more than a year of construction, parishioners of St. Paul Catholic Church returned to their newly renovated sanctuary and expanded gathering space for a joyful rededication Mass on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 – the Feast of Christ the King.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz served as principal celebrant, blessing the walls of the church as more than 450 parishioners filled the new pews, admiring the bright, welcoming space they can now enjoy before and after Mass.

Construction began in October 2024 and included new pews, flooring, paint, lighting, a redesigned sanctuary, and a new tabernacle. A major highlight was the expansion of the front entry and the creation of a true main entrance – replacing the previous side-entry layout. The parish’s façade is now illuminated at night, offering what many describe as a warm invitation to all traveling down Highway 25.

“We were one of the few churches in the diocese that didn’t have a front door,” said Father Gerry Hurley, pastor of St. Paul. “It took quite a while – and as we’ve said a couple of times, God’s plan takes quite a while. Thank you for your gifts and generosity. We were able to bring it about eventually.”

In a nod to their year-long displacement during construction, he added with a smile, “We are very thankful to be back in this space after a long sojourn in the desert at the Family Life Center. Like the people of Israel, we weren’t sure we were going to get there … but we’re finally here 12 months later. I am very happy to be back in this space.”

Several priests joined the celebration in support of Father Hurley, including Father Tommy Conway of Hattiesburg, retired priest Father Bernie Farrell, and Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam, chaplain at St. Dominic Hospital. Also joining was Deacon Tony Schmidt.

During his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the parish’s long journey toward this day. “It is joyful to be here with Father Gerry and all the staff at St. Paul’s – all that has come into this moment. It’s incredible to be part of it and to rejoice with you in God’s house,” he said. He noted that one of his earliest visits around the diocese in 2015 included a stop at St. Paul to review building plans, drawing warm applause as he commended Father Hurley for his “incredible dedication to the parish.”

Chris Cox, who helped lead renovation efforts with a committee of other parish leaders, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “It has been a real blessing to me to work in renovating the church. It has been a true blessing, an honor, and a labor of love,” he said. He thanked parishioners for their generosity to the capital campaign, which not only met but exceeded its goal. “Thanks to all who supported the project financially and spiritually.”

Though nearly everything in the physical space has been refreshed, the parish’s spirit remains unchanged. As several parishioners remarked, the building may be new, but the sense of home at St. Paul is as strong as ever.

Click to see photos from St. Paul Flowood’s Rededication Mass

FLOWOOD – St. Paul Catholic Church unveiled its newly renovated sanctuary and expanded front entrance during a rededication Mass on Nov. 23, 2025, celebrated by Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz. Parishioners filled the new gathering space following Mass, rejoicing in the parish’s return after more than a year of construction. (Photos by Joanna King)

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

Posted on by

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.