Category Archives: Parish News

In memoriam: Father Schifano, SCJ

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Assumption parish, new stained glass

Posted on by
Reply
NATCHEZ – In early 2019, Assumption embarked on a mission to change over existing windows to stained glass windows. This was the mastermind of Donnie Verucchi (now deceased). It was to be done solely by donations from the parishioners. The first window (a circular omen in the choir loft) was installed in August of 2019 and our last one was installed in May 2022. In all, the parish did a total of 29 windows all with donations from parishioners. The work was commissioned Pearl River Glass Studio of Jackson. This was a labor of love for Assumption parish. The church welcomes all to come visit and admire the beautiful stained glass windows. (Photo by Vickie Stowers)

Hispanic leaders first to complete LIMEX program in Spanish, part of ‘learning community’

Posted on by
Reply

By Berta Mexidor
TUPELO – Certificates of Continuing Education in Theology and Ministry from Loyola University in New Orleans was presented to a group of twelve Hispanic leaders from deanery five, after a four-year period of study and perseverance, at a special Mass on Saturday, Aug. 27 at St. James parish in Tupelo.

Traveling from New Orleans for the special presentation were assistant professor and director, Tracey Lamont, Ph.D. and director of the Loyola Institute Program for the Extension of the Ministry (LIMEX), Thomas Ryan, Ph.D. The Mass in honor of these dedicated Hispanic leaders was celebrated by Father Timothy Murphy, concelebrated with Fathers Henry Shelton and Mario Solorzano, and assisted by Deacon Carlos Solá. Loyola University New Orleans offers master’s and certificate programs to lay ecclesial ministers (LEMs), as well as parish leaders.

TUPELO – Danna Johnson, who also holds a masters from Loyola, is a LEM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Houston and coordinator of LIMEX. She thanked leaders for the opportunity to serve them. (Photo Berta Mexidor)

Certificate awardees include Raquel Thompson, Maria de Jesus Hernandez, Alejandro Lopez and Yolanda Chavez of St. James Tupelo; Magaly Heredia, Mariano Hernandez, Luis Rosales, Teresa Perez and Bernardo Sorcia of St. James Corinth; Luis Gordillo of St. Christopher Pontotoc; Eduardo Padilla of St. Matthew Ripley; and Maria Cecilia Leon of St. Helen Amory. Each were sponsored by the office of Diocesan Faith Formation.

The group also received Loyola Institute’s Kairos Award for Ministry last May during the Loyola College of Nursing and Health Honors graduation ceremony. The Greek word kairos means a ‘…full spirit when people and circumstances come together in an extraordinary way to fulfill God’s will in the world.”

Facilitating the group was Danna Johnson, who earned a masters from Loyola in 2019 and is now a LEM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Houston. Sisters Carol Ann Prenger, SSND of Ripley, and Jane Wand, SSND of Booneville were also supportive and motivating the group, accompanying them along the way.

In his homily, Father Mario said that studying theology for four years is a great achievement, but that in the case of lay people, unlike priests, the task is double because in addition to studying it “…you all put it into practice the days in their lives as families, at work, and in their communities. That is why you see faith in a different way,” and he urged them to use the knowledge gained even more.

Father Tim explained that LIMEX has helped groups from Natchez to Tupelo. “A large part of the funding for the translation of the materials into Spanish was provided by the family of Betty Montgomery. She was an early supporter of LIMEX, with a Ph.D. in English, who was tragically killed in an accident in Tupelo about 10 years ago,” said Father Tim.

The LIMEX program came to Tupelo in 2008. Dr. Len Pinkley, a LIMEX pioneer, recalled in his speech the support he received and the enduring friendships created in the group, made up of six members of the Tupelo community, including one non-Catholic. Dr. Pinkley also paid tribute to departed members, including the late Betty Montgomery.

Speaking to the group of twelve leaders, Father Tim says with admiration that after they “…studied together for three years, they are the first to complete the certificate in Spanish.” Father Tim concluded saying that these twelve leaders “…are a great story of overcoming, commitment, evangelization and collaboration.”

Dr. Lamont commended the graduates for their commitment to the program and thanked the parish of St. James and the Diocese of Jackson for the collaboration. “Our educational partnership has been a blessing for Loyola,” she said.

When speaking to those who were her students, she also commended them for having “helped each other on a long and arduous road” where they also learned to overcome the challenge of dialoguing and criticizing with respect.

“You have engaged each other in authentic dialogue, critical reflection challenge, and affirmation. Truly, you have earned the right to call yourselves a learning community,” said Dr. Lamont.

Hispanic leaders were presented with certificates from the LIMEX program.

Ending isolation for the deaf: ministry director promotes independence and inclusion

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Gregory Crapo, director of the de I’Epee Deaf Center in Biloxi, is a finalist for Catholic Extension’s 2022-2023 Lumen Christi Award. The award is Catholic Extension’s highest honor given to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve. (Photo courtesy of Diocese of Biloxi/Gulf Pine Catholic)

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.)

Featured photo… Fall Faith Formation Day …

Posted on by
Reply
MADISON – Mary Frances Strange of St. James Tupelo and Joi Fleming of Holy Family Jackson socialize during a break during Fall Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Aug. 20 at St. Francis parish. Faith formation leaders from around the diocese gathered for the event with the theme “Behold I make all things new,” with keynote speaker Stephanie Cloutre Davis, an Ignatian trained spiritual director and breakout sessions covering a variety of topics. (Photos by Joanna King)

Calendar of events

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Historia de superación, compromiso, evangelización y colaboración

Posted on by
Reply

Por Berta Mexidor
TUPELO – El Certificado de Educación Continua en Teología y Ministerio de la Universidad Loyola de New Orleans fue recibido por un grupo de doce líderes Hispanos del decanato V, después de cuatro años de estudio, en Misa especial el 27 de agosto en la iglesia de St. James.

El certificado fue entregado por los profesores Tracey Lamont, PhD. directora y profesora asistente y Thomas Ryan, PhD. director del Programa del Instituto Loyola para la Extensión del Ministerio (LIMEX). La Misa fue celebrada por el padre Timothy Murphy, concelebrada por los Padres Henry Shelton (retirado) y Mario Solorzano, quien fue el Homilista y asistidos por el diácono permanente Carlos Solá.

La Universidad Loyola de Nueva Orleans ofrece programas de Maestría y Certificado a ministros eclesiales laicos (LEM) así como a líderes parroquiales que sirven a su iglesia. El certificado de LIMEX consta de seis semestres, completando un curso en cada uno de ellos.

TUPELO – Yolanda Chávez; Luis Gordillo; Magaly Heredia; María de Jesús Hernández; Mariano Hernández; Maria León; Alejandro López; Eduardo Padilla; Teresa Pena; Luis Rosales; Bernardo Sorcia y Raquel Thompson recibieron el premio Kairos del Instituto del Ministerio de la Universidad Loyola el pasado mayo. El certificado por completar sus estudios de Teología vino de las manos del Dr. Thomas Ryan, director of LIMEX en Misa especial el 27 de Agosto. (Arriba) Los doce líderes de LIMEX y su coordinadora Danna Johnson se preparan y bajan la cabeza para recibir la bendición especial proveniente de los Padres Tim Murphy, Mario Solorzano, Henry Shelton y el diácono Carlos Solá. (Debajo) La audiencia, acompaña a los sacerdotes en la bendición. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor)

Los participantes Hispanos de la Diócesis pertenecen a las parroquias del decanato V: St. James de Tupelo, St. James de Corinth, St. Christopher de Pontotoc, St. Matthew de Ripley y St. Helen de Amory y han sido auspiciados por la oficina diocesana de Formación de Fe.

El grupo, recibió el Premio Kairos, del Instituto Loyola para el Ministerio el pasado mes de mayo, durante la ceremonia de graduación de Honores de la Facultad de Enfermería y Salud de Loyola. La palabra griega Kairos significa un ‘…espíritu pleno, cuando las personas y circunstancias se unen de forma extraordinaria para cumplir la voluntad de Dios en el mundo.”

Danna Johnson, quien obtuvo una Maestría en Teología de Loyola en 2019 y es ahora LEM en Inmaculate Heart of Mary Houston, fue la facilitadora del grupo. Las hermanas Carol Ann Prenger, SSND de Ripley y Jane Wand, SSND de Boonville fueron también una fuerza de apoyo y motivación para el grupo, acompañándolos en todo momento.

En su homilía, el padre Mario Solorzano dijo que estudiar cuatro años de teología es un gran logro, pero que el caso de los laicos, a diferencia de los sacerdotes, la tarea es doble porque además de estudiarla ”…ustedes la ponen en práctica todos los días en sus vidas de familias, en el trabajo y en sus comunidades. Por eso ustedes ven la fe de una manera diferente,” y los instó a usar aún más los conocimientos adquiridos.

El Padre Timothy Murphy explicó a Mississippi Catholic que LIMEX ha ayudado a grupos desde Natchez hasta Tupelo. “Una gran parte de los fondos para la traducción de los materiales al español fue proporcionada por la familia de la Sra. Betty Montgomery. Ella fue una de las primeras partidarias de LIMEX, con un doctorado en inglés y quien falleció trágicamente en un accidente en hace unos 10 años Tupelo.”

El programa LIMEX comenzó en Tupelo en 2008. El doctor Len Pinkley, pionero de LIMEX, recordó en su intervención el apoyo que recibió y la amistad imperecedera que se creó en el grupo, formado por seis miembros de la comunidad de Tupelo, incluido uno no católico.

El Padre Tim concluye que estos doce líderes Hispanos “…son una gran historia de superación, compromiso, evangelización y colaboración.”

La doctora Tracey Lamont, profesora de LIMEX, concluyó diciendo que el grupo se ha ganado “el derecho de llamarse una ‘comunidad de aprendizaje’.”

New aspirants for Carmelite Seculars

Posted on by
Reply
PEARL – On Saturday, June 25 the St. Joseph and St. Therese of Lisieux Order of Discalced Carmelite Seculars welcomed three Aspirants to the group at the Rite of Admission at St. Jude Parish in Pearl. The Aspirants are Father Lincoln Dall, Michael McFadden and Gabriela Thompson. They now enter a deeper level of study and formation into Carmelite spirituality and Community life that will continue for the next two years. Each one was given a Bible and the brown scapular of the Order. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

Natchez hosts choral festival

Posted on by
Reply

By Father Aaron Williams
NATCHEZ – On July 29, 2022, the choir and parishioners of St. Joseph church in Rayne, Louisiana arrived in Natchez to take part in the inaugural Basilica of St. Mary Choral Festival. The Basilica’s director of sacred music, Max Tenney, who also serves as director of music for Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, was approached by Father Brent Smith, pastor of St. Joseph in Rayne, to inquire about available conferences for his choir and musicians to receive formation in choral singing and the church’s vision of sacred music.

In other regions of the United States, groups such as the Church Music Association of America and the National Association of Pastoral Musicians provide brief conferences designed specifically for parish musicians, but no such conferences or resources are available in the South. Tenney proposed that, instead of encouraging Father Smith to send his musicians to a distant conference, the Basilica in Natchez host a private weekend of formation for his entire choir, which would rehearse along-side the Basilica’s own choir.

In a matter of about a month, a committee of volunteers from Natchez sprang into action and planned a three-day conference including musical workshops, tours of antebellum homes and historic sites, and good food for the combined attendance of over forty singers. The weekend culminated in the combined festival choir singing for the 10 a.m. Solemn Sunday Mass. The Basilica was packed to capacity with many visitors from other parishes and even non-Catholic churches in the area that had seen advertisements about the choral display planned for the Sunday Mass.

The choir prepared an impressive repertoire including choral works of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Marco Frisna and James Chepponis, as well as Gregorian chant and classic English hymnody. The weekend left an impression of the beauty of sacred music on all the attendants and many of those who were present for the Sunday Mass.

Owing to the success of this weekend, St. Mary Basilica looks forward to planning a second Choral Festival for the summer of 2023 which will be open for registration for other interested choirs and musicians. The program will include a similar schedule of workshops and historic tours, but also time for informative conferences on the Catholic vision of sacred music. It is hoped that this festival will become a recognized source of musical formation in the Southern United States, and an opportunity for networking among Catholic musicians. Information on next Summer’s conference is forthcoming toward the end of 2022.

Calendar of events

Posted on by
Reply

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, “Life in the Spirit” retreat, Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. and ends with closing Mass at 4 p.m. Topics include: God’s Gifts of Love, Salvation, New Life; Baptism of the Holy Spirit; and Healing prayer. Retreat led by Father Bill Henry. Lunch provided. Request registration by Aug. 22, but late welcome too! Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, “The Fullness of Truth,” Sept. 12-14 at 6 p.m. Join us as we come together to know God in his fullness at our parish mission, presented by Jimmy Seghers, founder of Totus Ministries. All are welcome! Details: call (601) 684-5648.

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
FLOWOOD St. Paul Early Learning Center Golf Tournament, Friday, Sept. 16 at Bay Pointe Golf Club. Register at bit.ly/StPaulELCGolfTournament. Details: contact stpaullearningcenter@gmail.com.

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 Holy Spirit, Annual Bazaar, Saturday Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy games, silent auction, craft booths, homemade goods at the Country Kitchen and more. Details: contact Julie Stefanik at julieastefanik@gmail.com or call the church office at (662) 429-7851.

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.

MADISON 40th annual Bishops Cup Golf Tournament at Lake Caroline, Thursday, Sept.. 15. Tee time 1 p.m. To sponsor or sign up as an individual or team visit bit.ly/BishopsCup2022. Details: contact Julia Williams (601) 960-8481.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Blood Drive, Tuesday, Aug. 30 from 1-6 p.m. Details: church office: (601) 445-5616.

RIPLEY St. Matthew, Parish Feast Day Celebration. Saturday, Sept. 24 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.

YOUTH EVENTS
DIOCESE Middle School Fall Retreat with NET Ministries, Oct. 15-16 at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Retreat is for 7th/8th graders with opportunity for prayer, faith sharing, fellowship and more. Details: contact Abbey Schuhmann at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.