FEATURE PHOTO: … Ribbon cut on Sister Clare Hogan hall
Category Archives: Parish News
Calendar of Events
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.
Happy Ordination Anniversary
November 19
Father Jack Kurps, SCJ
November 27
Father Tim Murphy
December 16
Father Alexis Zuniga Velasquez, ST
December 19
Father Thomas Mullally, SVD
December 19
Father Octavio Escobar Rangel, OdeM
December 27
Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose
Thank you for answering the call!
FEATURE PHOTO: … A New Tool for Life …
Calendar of Events
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
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.
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.
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
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.
FEATURE PHOTO: … St. Jude celebration …
Calendar of Events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Jubilee Year of Hope Celebration Mass, Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Details: RSVP to church office (662) 624-4301.
DIOCESE/CLINTON – Diocesan Youth Adult Day of Reflection “Prepare the Way,” Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Garaway, Clinton. Register at https://bit.ly/YAReflection25. Deadline Nov. 19 at noon. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
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.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, CYO Garage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8-11 a.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Card Night hosted by the Men’s Club, Friday, Nov. 14 in the social hall. Dinner at 6 p.m. and games at 7 p.m. All are invited to this fun evening of cards and fellowship. Entry fee: $20 – includes poker chips, dinner and beverages. Games: three 50-minute rounds with 10 minute intermissions. Choose from Black Jack or Texas Hold’em. Details: sign up in the Commons or contact Tracy at (901) 828-4848.
EMPLOYMENT
JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks an Assistant Stewardship and Development Director to support fundraising and stewardship, including the Annual Catholic Service Appeal; full-time. Requirements: bachelor’s (related field), 3+ years development/fundraising, strong writing skills, Excel, relationship skills; practicing Catholic in good standing. Apply by Nov. 15: send résumé and cover letter to Rebecca Harris, Diocese of Jackson, PO Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225.
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.
Calendar of Events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE/MADISON – Fall Faith Formation Day, Saturday, Nov. 15 at St. Francis, Madison from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Department of Faith Formation welcomes all formation leaders and volunteers for a keynote by Robert Feduccia and a variety of breakout sessions to with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope Journeying Together.” Cost: $10. Register at https://bit.ly/FFFDay2025. Deadline is Nov. 5. Details: email fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
DIOCESE/MOBILE, Ala. – Sister Thea Bowman Jubilee of Hope Bus Pilgrimage, Nov. 15-16 to Mobile and Montgomery, Ala., for a powerful journey of faith, history and fellowship. Highlights include visits to the Africatown Heritage Center, the Equal Justice Initiative and more. Details: Visit https://bit.ly/srtheapilgrimage2025 for more info and to register.
DIOCESE/NATCHEZ – Diocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to St. Mary Basilica in Natchez, Nov. 8. Register by Nov. 1. Cost $25. Fee does not include transportation, meals or optional overnight stay. Details: https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/222556 or email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
DIOCESE/CLINTON – Diocesan Youth Adult Day of Reflection “Prepare the Way,” Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Garaway, Clinton. Register at https://bit.ly/YAReflection25. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Parish Ladies Retreat, Saturday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Join us for a time of fellowship, reflection and prayer. Retreat includes Mass, presentations and lunch. Details: Register at https://bit.ly/HSLadiesRetreat112025.
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.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. on the parish playground. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the upper parking lot. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Our Lady of Lourdes parking lot. Details: Katherine at (662) 836-6108.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Parish Gala, Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Club Rooftop. Join us for this no tie occassion to raise funds for the Cathedral kitchen and promote community in the parish. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.
MADISON – St. Francis, Parish Mission “Hope and Pilgrimage,” Oct. 26-27 from 5:30-7:45 p.m., with speaker and author Joan Watson. All are welcome. Please RSVP. Details: church office at (601) 856-5556.
St. Francis, Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6:30-8 p.m. Details: church office (601) 586-5556.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Trunk or Treat and Halloween Carnival, Thursday, Oct. 30 in the parking lot on Union Street across from Memorial Park. Details: church office at (601) 445-5616 or secretary@stmarybasilica.org.
PEARL – St. Jude, Remembrance Mass, Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. Come for a special celebration in memory of our loved ones that have gone before us. Details: office@stjudepearl.org.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Halloween Bash, Friday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Games, concessions and more. Cost of entry: one bag of candy. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, CYO Garage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8-11 a.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.
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.