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.
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.
Por Berta Mexidor JACKSON – Como cada año, la comunidad de Carthage se reunió para festejar el día de Santa Ana, patrona del lugar y a la que la iglesia católica local debe su nombre.
Santa Ana y San Joaquín son los padres de la Santísima Virgen María y por ende abuelos de Jesus y su día es celebrado por la Iglesia universal cada 26 de julio. Santa Ana y San Joaquín son considerados patrones de los abuelos. Santa Ana es patrona de las mujeres en trabajo de parto y de los mineros.
CARTHAGE – Fieles acompañan a la Patrona de la comunidad en procesión alrededor de la iglesia. Las mujeres se van turnando para llevar en hombros la imagen de Santa Ana, mientras el sacerdote canta y guia el rosario en diferentes paradas. Esta fiesta anual se ha convertido en toda una cultura y tradición local, en donde participa la comunidad multicultural, que ya incluye varias generaciones y que aumenta regularmente. En este año la celebración fue el 24 de julio, con Misa bilingue, celebrada por el padre Marco A. Sanchez, ST, acompañada por ministerio musical a una gran multitud de parroquianos que abarrotaban la pequeña iglesia. (Foto de Berta Mexidor)
Esta vez la celebración fue encabezada por el Padre Marco A. Sánchez, ST, miembro de los Siervos Misioneros de la Santísima Trinidad y pastor de las iglesias de St. Anne Carthage y St Therese de Kosciusko y asesor espiritual del MFCC. La Misa bilingüe, por primera vez para el Padre Marco, fue una muestra de la diversidad de la parroquia. El Padre Marco dijo que cada día se hace más frecuente encontrar comunidades multiculturales y multigeneracionales y a las cuales los parroquianos deben acostumbrarse a confraternizar con culturas diferentes a la suya y donde el pastor debe atender a las demandas multiculturales de la misma.
Los miembros de un grupo de danza tradicional actúan fuera de la Iglesia Católica de Santa Ana Ixtlahuatzingo en Tenancingo, México, el 26 de julio de 2022, durante una celebración de la fiesta de la santa patrona de la iglesia, Santa Ana, abuela de Jesús. (Foto del CNS/David Maung)
Los parroquianos de Carthage han aumentado considerablemente, el local de la iglesia ya se hace pequeño. Este aumento continúa, a pesar de algunas experiencias difíciles, como la experimentada el 7 de agosto de 2019, cuando días después de la celebración de Santa Ana, numerosas familias hispanas de esta comunidad se verían afectadas por las redadas de ICE.
La fiesta anual de Santa Ana en Carthage es una muestra de fe y hermandad en Cristo. El Padre Marco dijo que esta ocasión muestra a una “ …familia unida, que es la familia de Cristo,” y añadió “… ustedes probablemente tienen miedo de acercarse unos a otros, pero si comparten el mismo Padre no puede haber miedo de estar cerca, unos de otros.” Durante toda la celebración miembros de las comunidades Afroamericana, Anglo e Hispana compartieron la alegría en hermandad, bajo el manto de Santa Ana. El Padre Marco insistió a los jóvenes a aprender las oraciones en ingles también, “…somos privilegiados de tener sacerdote en español, pero no todas las parroquias tienen ese privilegio.”
CARTHAGE – Primera lectura, de la Misa de celebración de Santa Ana; (arriba) las mujeres llevan en procesión la imagen de la patrona de la comunidad, como tradición local; (izq.) la masiva participación de una audiencia multicultural colmando el pequeño espacio de la iglesia, el 24 de julio. (Fotos por Berta Mexidor)
By Monica Walton CANTON – The final chapter as a full-time pastor came to a close where the first chapter began.
On June 20, 2022, on the occasion of his 50th Ordination Anniversary and retirement, Father Mike O’Brien came full circle, celebrating one of his last Masses as pastor in the very same parish where he had his first experience as pastor of any church. He was only 35 years old when he first moved to Sacred Heart in Canton in 1983. How fitting that this be the location of his final assignment in the Magnolia State.
Father Mike O’Brien pictured in Feb. 1976.
“I’ve had a wonderful life,” Father Mike reflected during his homily. “I love being a priest, and I’m very blessed to have these two worlds: Mississippi, I love ya’ll (he drawled)… and Ireland, I love my Ireland.” As he recaptured highlights of the many memories he lived during his childhood and priesthood, he noted that this was the longest sermon he’d given in all his 50 years. But he made certain to proclaim this truth, “I always knew God was with me, especially in the hard times of our Starkville church burning, Hurricane Katrina and the ICE raids.”
The beautiful, little church on Center Street was filled to the brim with the faithful from the many parishes and cities where Father Mike has served. Several who came to honor him had to watch the Mass on monitors in the Parish Center due to lack of seating, but they didn’t mind. They were simply happy to be there to bid farewell to this priest who had touched their lives in such a special way.
The evening was a beautiful blending of cultures — just as the church is meant to be — with the readings, songs, and food representing English, Spanish and, of course, Irish flair. Fifteen members of Father Mike’s family made the trip from Ireland to Mississippi for this incredibly special occasion. Four generations were represented with the youngest of the clan being present, his great niece, Aoivhinn, only 2 1/2 years old. “We just couldn’t miss it,” said Paul Hickey, nephew of Father Mike. “Michael always came for us. He came back to Ireland for holiday, and for our special celebrations.”
Local parishioners as well as members of Father Mike’s family took part in the Mass. The First Reading was proclaimed by the eldest in the family, Sister Margaret O’Brien, a Sister of Mercy and biological sister to Mike. Nieces Roisin O’Brien and Ciara Todd each read a prayer petition.
Father Mike’s younger brother, Tom, who bears strikingly close resemblance, spoke on behalf of the family at his big brother’s ordination reception although he was only a teenager when Father Mike was ordained. Tom once again delivered a reflection for the family at the end of Father Mike’s 50th Anniversary Mass. “When Bishop Brunini visited our home, we were proud, but a bit apprehensive,” Tom said. “Afterall, our brother was going to a place he couldn’t even spell! But our fears and reservations disappeared quickly. Mom and Dad visited Mike in Mississippi first, then all us siblings made trips. We brought our kids, and our kids brought their kids.” Tom closed with these final thoughts on his older brother, “First and foremost, he is a decent man. We are very, very proud of him.” When speaking of how thrilled the family is that he is going home to begin his retirement, Tom added, “But, we take note that he hasn’t sold his car!”
CANTON – Father Mike O’Brien is pictured at a Mass of Thanksgiving for his 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Monday, June 20.
More than 40 priests from throughout the state of Mississippi were in attendance, along with Bishop Joseph Kopacz. They led a moving, prayerful, a capella singing of “Salve Regina” just before the whole place joined in the recessional hymn, “This Little Light of Mine,” in honor of the light of Christ evident in Father Mike.
It was a night filled with immense joy, a living testimony to the effect Father Mike has had on this community. “I was so humbled and inspired by the awesome celebration,” Father Mike said. “I enjoyed it and appreciated everything so much.”
But how did this Irishman, born in Roscommon and ordained in Kilbegnet, wind up in Jackson, Mississippi? “It was the Holy Spirit,” he says. “I knew I wanted an adventure. I wanted to go away somewhere to be a priest, someplace like China or Sudan. My cousin was going to be a priest in Mississippi. I knew it was a river, but he said, ‘It’s also a state!’ So, I asked him, ‘Do they speak English there?’ He answered, ‘Well, sort of. …’” The church filled with laughter, as happened many times while Father Mike recounted stories of growing up with seven siblings, his deep love of family clearly shown.
His sister, Assumpta, said their Mom was worried about Mike going so far away because he was so young and didn’t even know not to wear white socks. “It was difficult in the beginning, but then as we heard about the wonderful local people, Mom knew he had a family here.” Assumpta recalled a few memories of her first visit to Mississippi. “We were thrilled with so many new things. I remember Mike had a waffle maker, and we had never seen one before!”
Sacred Heart parish was filled to the brim with the faithful from the many parishes and cities where Father Mike O’Brien served over his 50 years as a priest. (Photos by Berta Mexidor)
Father Mike credited Father Sam Messina with naming the reality that priests have three families – their birth family, their parish family and their family of brother priests. That is why the decision to return to Ireland upon retirement was not an easy one to make. Father Mike left his family and home at the young age of 24 to serve and has lived in Mississippi for 50 years. Father Mike said he has had mixed emotions about leaving, going back and forth over where to spend his retirement years. He had finally decided to stay in Mississippi when his sister, Marie, called with a creative proposition. “Marie said, ‘Why not come (back to Ireland) for just one year?’ and I thought that was a good idea.” said Father Mike.
Assumpta said their parents would be so thrilled that he is returning home to Ireland. “He will be a center for us all,” she said. That seems to be the effect he has on everyone in his midst. “Father Mike has been a great priests’ priest, as well as a great servant to the people,” said his close friend, Father Gerry Hurley, who also hails from Ireland. “Fellow priests could always look to Mike for encouragement, direction and assistance. He is a classic representation of all the good things of Ireland, and the hopes of the seminary that sent him.”
Ten days after the joyous 50th Anniversary celebration in the packed house of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Father Mike O’Brien celebrated his final Mass there as pastor. He bid a bittersweet “slán agat” (goodbye) to his Beloved Mississippi, but with the assurance that he will be back! “I am open,” he said. “I’m not saying that I’m going to Ireland forever.”
This faithful, humble priest with a most gentle heart and endearing smile will be greatly missed. Go with our sincere prayers, love, and blessings, Father Mike!
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT HOMEWOOD, Ala. Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference, July 29-30 in the Family Life Center at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 1728 Oxmoor Road held by the Diocese of Birmingham. Conference theme is “Thy Will Be Done” and will feature Andi Oney, an international Catholic evangelist. Registration fee is $25 for individuals and $65 for a family of three or more. All are welcome! Details: Sally Smith at (205) 983-4150 or mustardsally14@gmail.com. CHATAWA Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center, Quo Vadis? Young Men’s Discernment Retreat, July 26-29. Age range for retreat is 15-25. Come pray, eat, have fun and build fraternity. To register visit: https://bit.ly/QuoVadis2022 Details: email Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org. CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, “Life in the Spirit” retreat, Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. and ends with closing Mass at 4 p.m. Details: church office (662) 624-4301. CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Men’s weekly devotional group. Will start on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 6-6:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts and a brief time for reflecting on scripture, faith and how it applies to our lives. Details: call Darrin at (662) 588-2596. MADISON St. Francis, Diocese Fall Faith Formation Day, Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m to 3 p.m. for formation leaders and volunteers. Theme is “Behold, I make all things new.” Keynote presenter is Stephanie Clouatre Davis, with breakout session topics including Total Youth Ministry: the Lifeteen experience; Cultivating vocations; Tips and tricks on facilitating small groups; Fruits of the Synod and more! Registration deadline is Aug. 15. Cost is $10 per person. Details: register at https://bit.ly/FFDay2022 – email fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org with questions. PEARL St. Jude, The Marian Servants of Jesus the Lamb of God invite all to join them for fellowship, healing prayer, charismatic praise and worship, teaching faith sharing and the Rosary on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. in the Mary room. Details: call (601) 278-0423 or email msofjlog@gmail.com.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS BATESVILLE St. Mary, Parish Rummage Sale, Friday, Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Parish Center. Details: church office (662) 563-2273. CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Save the Date: St. Elizabeth Feast Day on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 10:30 a.m. Mass. Details: church office (662) 624-4301. DIOCESE Catholic schools in Clarksdale, Columbus, Greenville, Holly Springs, Jackson, Madison, Meridian, Natchez, Southaven and Vicksburg are now enrolling. Contact your local school for a tour today! Visit https://bit.ly/catholicschoolssummerhours for contact information. FLOWOOD St. Paul Early Learning Center Golf Tournament, Friday, Sept. 16 at Bay Pointe Golf Club.Details: contact stpaullearningcenter@gmail.com. GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Save the date: Germanfest 2022, Sunday, Sept. 25 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers needed for kraut packing on Wednesday, July 20 at 4 p.m. No experience needed. Will be working outside to dress accordingly. Details: church office (601) 856-2054. GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Catholic Inquiry Series begins Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Do you want to learn about what Catholics believe? Are you searching for a church home? Were you baptized Catholic but rarely attend church? Want to learn about our 2000 year history? If you answered yes, this series is for you! Details: call (662) 335-5251 to register. HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Save the Date: Annual Bazaar, Saturday Sept. 10. Lots of help and items needed: prizes for kids games, silent auction items, vendors for craft booths, homemade goods for the Country Kitchen. Details: contact Julie Stefanik at julieastefanik@gmail.com or call the church office at (662) 429-7851. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Inaugural Choral Festival, July 29-31. Details: church office: (601) 445-5616. JACKSON Catholic Charities School Supply Giveaway, Friday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. COVID vaccines will be available. Giveaway located at Charities offices at 850 E. River Place, Jackson. Details: call (601 326-3703. PEARL St. Jude, Trip to Yazoo City to tour historic Glenwood cemetery for parishioners on Saturday, July 30. Visit the final resting place for the Witch of Yazoo city, Mississippi author Willie Morris and Catholic priests and nuns who served in Yazoo City. Tour led by Charlie Carlyle, historian and official cemetery guide. Tour concludes with Mass at St. Mary Yazoo City, a tour of downtown and lunch. Group will leave from St. Jude at 8 a.m. and travel in cars. Details: church office (601) 939-3181. St. Jude, Back to School Pancake Breakfast and Blessing of Backpacks on Sunday July 31. Breakfast served from 9:15-10:30 a.m. Backpack blessing at 10 a.m. Donations for breakfast accepted to benefit parish school of religion. Details: church office (601) 939-3181. SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, July 23 from 5-7 p.m. Sit down or take out in the PRE building. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
JOB OPENINGS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Catholic schools across the diocese have a variety of positions open. Please visit https://schools.jacksondiocese.org/education-overview/employment/ for an opportunity near you. DIOCESE The Department of Faith Formation in the Diocese of Jackson is looking for a full-time Coordinator of the Office of Young Adults and Campus Ministry. The coordinator supervises and participates in the diocesan efforts for ministry to and with young adults, college students, youth and the various staff and volunteers who assist with these ministries from the parishes. Please send a cover letter and resume to fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org to apply.
JACKSON – El pasado 20 de junio, con motivo de su 50 aniversario de ordenación y jubilación, el padre Mike O’Brien cerró el círculo y celebró su última Misa como párroco en la misma parroquia donde comenzó.
Tenía solo 35 años cuando se mudó por primera vez a Sacred Heart en Canton en 1983. Qué apropiado que ésta sea la ubicación de su asignación final en Magnolia State.
“He tenido una vida maravillosa”, reflexionó el padre Mike durante su homilía. “Me encanta ser sacerdote y estoy muy bendecido de tener estos dos mundos: Mississippi e Irlanda.” Mientras recapturó los aspectos más destacados de los muchos recuerdos que vivió durante su infancia y sacerdocio, señaló que este fue el sermón más largo que había dado en todos sus 50 años. Pero se aseguró de proclamar esta verdad: “Siempre supe que Dios estaba conmigo, especialmente en los tiempos difíciles, desde el incendio de nuestra iglesia en Starkville, el huracán Katrina y las redadas de ICE”.
Pero, ¿cómo este irlandés, nacido en Roscommon y ordenado en Kilbegnet, terminó en Jackson, Mississippi? “Fue el Espíritu Santo”, dice. “Sabía que quería una aventura. Mi primo iba a ser sacerdote en Mississippi. Sabía que era un río, pero él dijo: ‘¡También es un estado!’ Entonces, le pregunté: ‘¿Hablan inglés allí?’. Él respondió: ‘Bueno, algo así…'”
CANTON – La Misa de retiro del Padre Mike O’Brien fue celebrada el lunes 20 de junio, concelebrada por el Padre Gerry Hurley párroco de St. Paul Flowood y asistidos por el diácono John Mc Gregor, en la que estuvo acompañado por el obispo Joseph Kopacz, miembros de su familia provenientes de Irlanda y un centenar de parroquianos en celebración multicultural, quienes llegaron a dar muestras de gracias y despedida (Fotos de Berta Mexidor)
La pequeña iglesia se llenó de risas, repleta de fieles de las muchas parroquias y ciudades donde el Padre Mike ha servido. Varios de los que vinieron a honrarlo tuvieron que ver la Misa en monitores en el Centro Parroquial por falta de asientos, pero no les importó. Estaban felices de estar allí para despedir a este sacerdote que había tocado sus vidas de una manera tan especial.
La velada fue una hermosa mezcla de culturas, tal como debe ser la iglesia, con lecturas, canciones y comida que representaban el estilo inglés, español y, por supuesto, irlandés. Quince miembros de la familia del padre Mike viajaron de Irlanda a Mississippi para esta ocasión tan especial. “El padre Mike ha sido un gran sacerdote de sacerdotes, así como un gran servidor para la gente”, dijo su amigo cercano, el padre Gerry Hurley, quien también es oriundo de Irlanda. “Los compañeros sacerdotes siempre pueden buscar a Mike en busca de aliento, dirección y asistencia. Es una representación clásica de todas las cosas buenas de Irlanda y las esperanzas del seminario que lo envió”.
El padre Mike O’Brien dedicó un agridulce “slán agat” (adiós) a su Amado Mississippi, ¡pero con la seguridad de que volverá! Echaremos mucho de menos a este sacerdote fiel y humilde con un corazón muy tierno y una sonrisa entrañable. ¡Vaya con nuestras oraciones sinceras, amor y bendiciones, Padre Mike!
(Mónica Walton nació y se crio en Luisiana, ama su herencia cajún y sus LSU Tigers. Tiene una licenciatura en Periodismo/LSU. Ha trabajado en medios impresos, televisión & radio en Luisiana, Georgia y Mississippi. Mónica vive en Brandon desde 1993 y tiene cuatro hijos.)
CLINTON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Thomas McGing bless the newly built McGing Hall at Holy Savior parish. Prior to the blessing, a Mass of Thanksgiving was held in honor of Father McGing, who is retiring after 51 years of service. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT CHATAWA Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center, 15th annual “Speak Lord I’m Listening” Retreat for men and women, using the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Friday, July 22 from 7 p.m. till Sunday, July 24 at 12 p.m. Retreat is directed by Father Bill Henry. Come learn techniques to pray and meditate on the scriptures to deepen your relationship with the Lord. Cost is $250 per person and includes housing and meals; cost for commuters is $150. Registration deadline July 11. Details: Charlene Brown (601) 276-5954 or Marion Amedee (601) 684-3098.
Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center, Quo Vadis? Young Men’s Discernment Retreat, July 26-29. Age range for retreat is 15-25. Come pray, eat, have fun and build fraternity. To register visit: https://bit.ly/QuoVadis2022 Details: email Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.
JACKSON The Carmelite Monestery invites you to join them for Mass in their Monastery Chapel each evening during their annual Novena of Masses to honor Our Lady of Mount Carmel and to ask her intercession. Masses will be daily at 5:30 p.m., July 7 – July 16 and will be preceded by praying the Rosary at 5 p.m. There will be no morning Masses. Details: email dorothy.ashley@fmolhs.org.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS ABERDEEN St. Francis of Assisi, Parish Cook-out Party, July 2 after 5 p.m. Mass. Sign-up sheet posted in parish hall for sides and other things to bring. Details: parish hall (601) 813-2295.
CANTON Sacred Heart, Chair stretch and contemplative prayer, Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. in the parish center. Details: Tereza Speer (769) 233-1989.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Ladies Fellowship Lunch, Friday, June 24 at 11:30 a.m. at The Warehouse. Just show up! Details: Mary Foust at (662) 902-9903.
JACKSON St. Richard, 4th of July Family Picnic, Sunday, July 3 after 5 p.m. Mass. Food, fun, treats and more! Bring your favorite dessert to share. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
St. Richard Boy Scout Troop Flag Retirement Ceremony, Boy Scout Troop #30 will hold their annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at the 4th of July Family Picnic on July 3. Please bring your worn out and torn flags to the church office by Friday, July 1 to participate.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick and St. Joseph, Prison Ministry volunteers needed to spread the Good News. Details: call (601) 527-3497 John Maloney or (601) 513-9907 Ken Woodward.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Thursday Nights at the Movies at 6:30 p.m. in the youth wing of the Family Life Center. Classic Catholic movies suitable for older children through adults will be shown. Snacks and drinks available for purchase. Donations accepted with proceeds going to new Miss-Lou Pregnancy Resource Center. June 30 – The 13th Day (2009); July 7 – Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972); July 21 – The Way (2010). Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, VBS, July 11-13 from 5:30-8 p.m. for preschool through age 11. Sign up sheets are in the vestibule. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
CLINTON Holy Savior, Totally Catholic Rocky Railway VBS, July 11-15 from 6-8 p.m. for children going into PreK-3 through sixth grade. Registration open. Cost is $10 per child. Details: Trish Ballard (601) 924-6344.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, VBS, July 11-15 at the Family Life Center. Begins at 5:15 p.m. and a light, kid-friendly supper will be provided. For children entering PreK-4 through exiting fifth grade. Theme is Jerusalem Marketplace. Pre-registration is required and ends on July 1. Register at vbspro.events/p/stmarybasilica. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Vacation Bible School, July 18-22. Theme is Food Truck Party … On a Roll with God! Registration now open at the parish office or online at https://bit.ly/MeridianVBS2022. Children must be registered individually. Cost is $10 per child (no child will be turned away if the family is unable to pay the fee). Open for children Kindergarten through fifth grade. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
JOB OPENINGS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Catholic schools across the diocese have a variety of positions open from principals to substitutes. Please visit https://schools.jacksondiocese.org/education-overview/employment/ for an opportunity near you.
NATIONAL EVENTS BIKING FOR BABIES, Renewing the culture of life in America, one pedal stroke and one pregnancy resource center at a time. They are riding through the state Monday, July 11, starting at St. Mary Basilica, Natchez and their first stop will be Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at Dayspring Community Church (1100 Clinton Business Park Drive, Clinton). They ask people to attend and support them as they raise funds for Pregnancy Resource Centers across the country. Details: www.bikingforbabies.com.
By Berta Mexidor MORTON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz officially installed Father Adolfo Suarez-Pasillas as pastor of St. Michael Forest, its mission, St. Anne Newton, St. Michael Paulding and administrator of Centro Católico in Morton on Friday, June 3 with a tri-lingual celebration. Between COVID outbreaks, illnesses and scheduling issues, the installation was delayed almost a year, but the celebration was no less joyous.
The missions in Forest, Newton, Paulding and Morton serve many immigrants, not only of Hispanic descent but also Vietnamese among other nationalities, with a history that dates back to 1996 when the Catholic Center opened in Morton with a spiritual retreat led by Father Jorge Julio Mejia of Bogota, Colombia, who was visiting Mississippi and has continuously offered Sunday Mass and social services to the growing Hispanic community residing in and around Morton.
Father Adolfo was ordained on May 11, 2019, and had his first Mass of Thanksgiving, on June 7 of the same year, in the parish of Jesus of Nazareth, in his hometown Jesús Maria, of Aguascalientes in Mexico. Since childhood, around the age of six, Father Adolfo remembers wanting to be a priest and look at the images of his grandmother’s Bible, when he could not read. His grandmother and aunts taught him the world of faith and prayer.
“The first time I remember, the priesthood came to mind was when I was about six years old. It was Sunday, I was walking with my cousin and I remember telling her I wanted to be a priest. She asked me why, then I told her, because all priests go to heaven,” Father Adolfo recalled in an interview with Mississippi Catholic.
With his longing to serve and desire to follow God, Father Adolfo draws on the example of the many saints who inspire him, St. Augustine, St. John Bosco, St. Francis de Sales, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Mary Vianney, St. Francis of Assisi and St. John Paul II, along with his devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe to serve the People of God.
MORTON – Father Adolfo Suarez was installed as pastor of St. Michael Forest on Friday, June 3. The tri-lingual celebration was delayed but was full of joy. (Photos by Carol Evans)
