Category Archives: Parish News

Germanfest 2022

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By Joanna Puddister King
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph parish hosted their annual Germanfest on Sunday, Sept. 25 on the church grounds. The Gluckstadt community was founded in 1905 by German immigrants. Many of the descendants of the original families still attend the parish.

Much prep work goes into planning this fun-filled festival. Families gather weeks in advance to can sauerkraut using a traditional recipe. In the days leading up to the Germanfest you can find parishioners preparing sausages, bratwurst, desserts and other German delicacies to share with the community.
This year, Germanfest was a hot one with temps in the low-to-mid 90s, but festival goers had lots of fun, good food and a variety of beer to sample.

The general store was stocked with sauerkraut and other goodies for sale. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King. More pictures from Germanfest can be found at mississippicatholic.com)
Morgan Ladner grits her teeth in the Women’s beer stein holding competition. Morgan Moore pulled out the win this year.
Germanfest attendees tried to beat the heat under tents.
Food, beer, games, music and fellowship are staples at Germanfest each year.
Friendly competition was the name of the game for Vicki and Sarah in the beer stein holding contest.
The men’s group holds their steins steady in the opening of the Men’s beer stein competition.

Sacred Heart celebrates 75 years of commitment
to Catholic education

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By Laura Grisham

SOUTHAVEN – The story of Sacred Heart School dates back 75 years. In the beginning, Father John Flanagan, SCJ, wrote to Bishop R.O. Gerow in 1944 requesting a church for the 34 Catholics in the village of Walls in northwest DeSoto County. That was the year that the Harris family opened their home to the group to celebrate the first Mass. Many Sacred Heart School alumni fondly refer to this building as “The Little White House.”

By the end of 1944, construction of Sacred Heart Catholic Church was complete. During the dedication of the church, parishioners requested a school be built. World War II delayed construction of the school due to lack of building materials. Finally, in the fall of 1947, the work was completed. The School Sisters of St. Francis agreed to send three sisters to staff the school. On Sept. 17, 1947, Sacred Heart School opened with 17 students.

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School celebrated 75 years of Catholic education on Sept. 17. The school opened in 1947 with 17 students. (Photo courtesy of Laura Grisham)

From that tiny three-room building in Walls, Mississippi, Sacred Heart School has seen many changes over the years. The growth of the student body necessitated the construction of a new building in 1999. A larger, more centrally located site in Southaven was chosen. Situated on 16 acres in central DeSoto County, Sacred Heart School serves students from across northern Mississippi and the Memphis-Metropolitan area. The school offers classes for hundred of students from early childhood development beginning at age three and continuing through middle school through eighth grade.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, exactly 75 years to the day after first opening its doors, Sacred Heart School celebrated its legacy of a quality catholic education with a full day of activities for students, staff, alumni and friends of the school.

The day started with a family picnic and games on campus. Inside, every corner of the school was filled with pictures, yearbooks and memorabilia from past years. Dozens of the school’s former educators were on hand to greet alumni and reminisce about days gone by.

Mass was celebrated in the school gymnasium with Bishop Joseph Kopacz, as the main celebrant. Alongside him were Father Vien Nguyen, provincial superior of the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJs), Father Jack Kurps, executive director of Sacred Heart Southern Missions (and vice provincial superior) and Father David Szatkowski, local superior of the SCJ community. More than 400 people attended the liturgy.

Accolades were in no short supply for the school or its educators. Father Kurps thanked the many dedicated teachers and staff, who through the years, were committed to making sure that the children received a good education and made sure that they could succeed.

He also recognized the dedication of the School Sisters of St. Francis, who have provided many teachers throughout the schools’ seven-and-a-half decades of operation. “In the early years, most of the students of Sacred Heart School came from poor backgrounds. The Sisters opened the back door of their convent and gave families food, clothing and an encouraging word. They were able to help families know that God loved them and that the Sacred Heart of Jesus would always be with them and protect them.”

Father Kurps also shared a letter from the Superior General of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, Father Carolos Luis Suárez Codorniú, who had visited the school in late spring. Father Carlos said in part that he was impressed with the great spirit and care those at the school share with one another; it is a school where people are ready to do things with love and generosity in the service of all.

Father Vien shared that when the Priests and Brothers of the Sacred Heart founded the school so many years ago, they strived to carry out the vision and passion of their founder, Father Leo John Dehon, who believed in the formation in young people in making a difference in society and in the church through education.

In a nod to Sacred Heart Southern Missions’ 80 years of service to the area, Bishop Kopacz said that the work of educating children and raising them out of poverty was a blessing, adding, “We have been blessed to collaborate with so many dedicated disciples of the Lord here in their schools and parishes.”

Leaders from area municipalities were also a part of the celebration and recognized the contributions of the school and its people in a special way. The mayor of Southaven, Darren Musselwhite, declared Sept. 17 as ‘Sacred Heart School Day’ and honored the school with a special proclamation. In addition, Sister Virginia Reinl and Sister Margaret Sue Broker, OSFs, were recognized with proclamations from Keidron Henderson, mayor of Walls, Mississippi (the original location of Sacred Heart) for their contributions to the school and the people of the community.

The newly completed Sister Margaret Sue Broker Walking Trail was dedicated by Bishop Kopacz following Mass, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory lap by many in attendance. Named for the sixty-two year veteran of the school and a champion for its creation and construction, the walking trail is a fitting tribute for a woman who has taught and inspired generations of students.

A delicious barbeque dinner followed the dedication, carefully crafted by another Sacred Heart alumnus and restaurant owner, John David Wheeler. After sunset, everyone was treated to a spectacular fireworks show, a DJ, and live music performed by the Christian Brothers High School Jazz Band and several Sacred Heart School alumni bands.

“Without a doubt, Sacred Heart School began the education of my mind, my heart and my soul. I am forever grateful for this threefold foundation that was provided to me, and I am thankful that I see this foundation still being provided to my children,” said David Delgado, municipal court judge, local attorney and Sacred Heart Alumnus.

Ed Savage, an alumni and former employee of Sacred Heart Southern Missions, shared his thoughts on the celebration and the school. “As a former student I have long understood and appreciated the tremendous blessing Sacred Heart School was for me personally… In four short years the arch of my life was transformed by Sacred Heart School,” Savage said.

“The 75th celebration of the school brought into even clearer focus the tremendous impact Sacred Heart School has had on generations upon generations of people from all walks of life here in North Mississippi,” he continued. “Catholic and non-Catholic, rich and poor, Black and White, Hispanic and Asian have all been blessed. The celebration reminded me to thank God for all those past and present whose work and generosity has made this marvelous school possible, and for the long line of teachers who have shared a dedication to bring out the very best in every child that comes through the doors of Sacred Heart School.”

116 Years of devotion: St. Mary Catholic Church to be honored with historic markers

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By John Surratt (The Vicksburg Post)

VICKSBURG – For 116 years, St. Mary Catholic Church has been a source of spiritual guidance and education for African American Catholics in Vicksburg and Warren County.

Its importance to the community will be remembered on Oct. 16 with a ceremony dedicating two historic markers – one for the church and another for the elementary and high school.

The markers, said Benny Terrell, a member of the marker committee, were the idea of the church’s pastor, Father Joseph Nguyen.

“He decided that he wanted to do something to recognize St. Mary’s; to highlight the significant contributions of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s School to the spiritual and educational needs of the Vicksburg community,” he said. “We wanted to cover those things that we have done that have impacted this community and a lot of the minority people in this community.”

The original plan, Terrell said, was to unveil the markers in 2021 to celebrate the church’s 115th anniversary, but the impact of COVID-19 delayed the plans.

VICKSBURG –St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Main and Second North streets was built in 1923. The parish was established in 1906. (Photo by John Surratt)

“We couldn’t get the markers done until 2022 but we decided to go on and do the dedication anyway.”
St. Mary’s parish was founded in 1906 by Father Aloysius Heick. The first church was on Holly Street “right behind where United Cleaners is located on Cherry Street, down the hill,” Terrell said.

The Sisters of Mercy provided the altar for the first church, the candlesticks and the priest’s vestments, and the priests at St. Paul Catholic Church provided a place for Heick to stay until St. Mary’s moved to its present location at Main and Second North streets later in 1906 and also started an elementary and high school. The present church was built in 1923.

The congregation at St. Paul’s collected $279.80 that they donated to Heick to buy the land and philanthropist Katherine Drexel, who was later canonized a saint, provided half of the money necessary to get the property.

“When they moved from Holly Street, there were three houses on the lot,” committee member Josephine Williams Calloway said. “They utilized one for the priest, one for the school and one for the nuns when they came.”

School attendance at the time was so low, she said, the grade school and high school were housed in the same building.

“They (parish officials) had to contact most of the parishioners to see how many would come to the school,” she said.

A two-story Greek revival building was built in 1908 and was later used for the high school. Drexel, Calloway said, contributed money for the building.

“She came here to inspect it and according to accounts, she was very impressed with what they were doing,” she said.

“She was very dedicated to supporting Black Catholics in this country,” Terrell said. Not only did she provide funding to help secure our property, but when Father Heick went to Jackson, she helped secure the property over there by donating funds. “She also paid for Xavier University in New Orleans. She was very generous and very supportive of Black Catholics and Native Americans.”

The nuns who taught the children at St. Mary’s were members of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, “Which were all German,” committee member Cherrie Boykin McClelland said.

“And in order to teach in Mississippi, the teachers, if they had not completed their teacher training in Germany or Holland, they had to go to DePaul University in Chicago and get an additional degree before they were allowed to teach here,” Calloway said. “So, most of our teachers had two degrees and one of our teachers was a professor at Peking University (before Catholics were expelled from China).”

“They spoke limited English and they practiced English on the way from Europe to the United States,” Terrell said.

Because they were teaching African American children in the then-segregated Jim Crow South, “The nuns were not that welcome in Vicksburg and the congregation was the one that really supported them,” Terrell said.

“The nuns would not go anywhere by themselves; they would always go in pairs. People still did not cater to the idea of white nuns teaching Black kids,” he said.

“Sometimes they were referred to as the ‘N Nuns,’” McClelland said.

But the members of St. Paul took a different attitude.

“The contribution of the white community should be noted because the congregation consisted of Italian, Irish, German and Lebanese and they supported the nuns,” Calloway said. “Mother Hildegard, a Sister of Mercy nun, and her family supported the missionary sisters when they needed food and help.

“A number of prominent whites attended St. Mary’s on a regular basis and still do,” she said. “Although this is an African American parish, it has truly served the community of Vicksburg and welcomed everyone who came. Although we may be assigned to the back pews of St. Paul, they were integrated into the total Catholic community at St. Mary’s. They helped us and we helped them.”

The elementary school closed in 1970 and the high school closed in 1964. When the schools closed, Terrell said, the children who wanted to continue attending Catholic school had to go to Yazoo City. Calloway’s father, a prominent businessman in Vicksburg, took the children to Yazoo City and waited there to take them home.

When a new high school building was built in 1948, McClelland’s father, a contractor, contributed most of the money and materials.

“I think he actually built the high school, along with other adults,” Terrell said.

“Our parents worked hard to support St. Mary’s,” Calloway said. “We are continuing their effort. What we have done here has influenced the whole community.”

(Reprinted with permission of The Vicksburg Post.)

Parishioner pens novel featuring St. Mary Basilica

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NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica in Natchez comes alive in a new novel by parishioner G. Mark LaFrancis of Natchez.

A Song of Hope: A Spiritual Suspense Novel places the church in the center of a fast-paced, uplifting tale set in Natchez. “It is a coming-of-age story about a 14-year-old boy who discovers himself, Christianity and redemption,” said LaFrancis, author of ten books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction. “Although a mid-teen is the chief character, this novel isn’t solely a young person’s book. Adults have come to embrace it as well.”

LaFrancis and his family have strong bonds with St. Mary Basilica. He and his wife Eileen Maher are lectors and have volunteered in various ways with the church and the Knights of Columbus. Both of their now-adult children received their First Communions and Confirmations at St. Mary, as well as graduating from Cathedral School. Their son Mark was an altar server, and their daughter Mary sang in the youth choir.
“St. Mary Basilica parishioners welcomed us with open arms when we first arrived in Natchez in 1994. This book is a tribute to them while introducing the basilica to a group of readers who might not have experienced the church’s magnificence,” LaFrancis said.

Cover of A Song of Hope: A Spiritual Suspense Novel by G. Mark LaFrancis. The book includes many references to St. Mary Basilica in Natchez.

The book includes many references to the incredible statuary, stained glass and art work for which St. Mary is known.

Here is one passage: “Jesse rubbed his eyes. Before him was a most magnificent sight: an expanse some sixty feet wide and one-hundred-fifty feet long. The ceiling, some two hundred feet from the floor, was like the sky, a canopy of blue with gold trim, and painted stars. But this was no flat ceiling; it was a series of wide arches supported by eight great cream-colored columns. Intricately carved designs decorated the arches.”

Woven throughout the story are songs – “Amazing Grace” and “Here I Am, Lord” – that are important to Jesse because their lyrics inspire and intrigue him even though he has no religious training. Both hymns become like musical glue binding the tale.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will benefit the Catholic Youth Organization in Natchez. The hard-cover book is available for $12.95 each, plus shipping, on LaFrancis’ web: gmarklafrancis.com or for $14.95 on Amazon.com.

Calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, Friday, Oct. 28-29 at St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt. Featured speaker Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This will be an evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass.
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.
JACKSON St. Richard, 105th anniversary of Fatima’s Miracle of the Sun, Saturday, Oct. 8. Confession at 8 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m.; and Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Come celebrate Our Lady of Fatima and the devotion to her Immaculate Heart. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 9. Mass at 9 a.m. then potluck lunch, plus fun and games. There will be a waterslide and jumpers for the kids – bring a towel and change of clothing. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Loaves and Fishes Annual Supper Fundraiser, Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. in the Activity Center. Tickets: $15. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.
HOLY LAND Trip with Father Mark Shoffner to the Holy Land, June 30 – July 9, 2023. If you’ve wanted to go walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see the places of the Scriptures come to life, then now is the time to sign up. An exceptional moment to see Jesus in a whole new experience. Ten days, airfare, hotels, meals, tour guide, daily Masses in the Holy. Sites are all included in the cost. Details: https://www.catholicjourneys.com/shoffner/.
JACKSON 42nd annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Country Club of Jackson. All proceeds help victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Details: visit www.friendsforacause.com.
Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event, Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. at Charities at 850 East River Place. Join Catholic Charities for a balloon launch, guest speaker and proclamation to honor victims of domestic violence. Details: office at (601) 366-0222.
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.
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.
St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Sunday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Drive through and dine-in available. Tickets: $10. Details: Darren at (601) 597-2890.
OLIVE BRANCH Women’s Club Hootenanny with Father Ardi, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Music, fire pit for s’mores, cider and hot chocolate. Bring your sing-along voice and lawn chair. All parish members are invited! Please sign up in the Commons to ensure enough refreshments are provided. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser, Monday, Sept. 28 to Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11-7 p.m. sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council #7120 (open at 12 p.m. on Sundays). Various sizes available, including specialty pumpkins. Benefits support Coats for Kids. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
Christ the King, Trivia Night, Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Cost: $15/person or $25/couple – limit 10 to a table; door prizes and trophies for the winning table and the best decorated table will be given. Decoration and Halloween costumes are optional but add some fun to the night. Doors open at 3 p.m. Bring food for your party or purchase a bowl of chili for $5. Details: to reserve a spot call/text Karin at (901) 289-0311.

YOUTH EVENTS
DIOCESE Two scholarships are available to college students in the Diocese of Jackson. The Bishop Brunini Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for undergraduate or advanced studies at any accredited Catholic college or university. There are no specific restrictions for the field of study.
The Stella Schmidt Memorial Scholarship was established to be used specifically for tuition assistance for advanced studies in theology or religious education at Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama.
Full and part-time graduate students are eligible to apply for the scholarship. If the recipient is currently enrolled in the Department of Faith Formation’s Pastoral Ministries Program and receives tuition assistance from the diocese and their school or parish, scholarship money can be used to offset the amount of tuition paid out-of-pocket by the individual.
The specific annual amount of the scholarships will be determined by the interest shown. Applications are due to the Department of Faith Formation by Dec. 1. For more information, please contact Fran Lavelle, director of the department of Faith Formation by email at fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
DIOCESE SEARCH Retreat – For Teens, By Teen, Jan. 13-15, 2023 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Details: email abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
JACKSON St. Richard, An Evening with Moms and Daughters with Kari Kampakis, Sunday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with author and speaker Kari Kampakis as she shares Scripture-based wisdom for girls (seventh grade and up) and their mothers, covering topics from friendships, identity, social media, dating and more. Tickets $5 each or max $20 per family. Purchase at https://bit.ly/STRKariEvent – Register by Oct. 21. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

SAVE THE DATE
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: school office (601) 366-1157.
PEARL Cinemark Theatre, Theatrical release of “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love,” two-nights only – Monday Oct. 3 and Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Details: visit www.motherteresamovie.com.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Tie Dye for Jesus, Sunday Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. All are welcome! Event begins with an appetizer/dessert potluck. Sign up in the Commons area with your name and shirt size. Donations welcome. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
RIPLEY St. Matthew, 1st annual Christmas Bazaar, Nov. 18 and 19. Crafters wanted: tables available for $30. Begin making your crafts or preparing a food booth now. Details: Call Geraldine at (216) 867-8007.

TRUNK OR TREATS/FALL FESTIVALS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, Wednesday, Oct. 26. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Trunk or Treat, Sunday, Oct. 30. Vehicles needed, call church office to sign up. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Trunks are needed! Enjoy great food and games. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
GRENADA St. Peter, Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 30. More details coming soon. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
MADISON St. Joseph School, Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-6:30 p.m. for ages under 12. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Halloween Family Bash/Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Costume contest, trunk decorating contest, bonfire, food, games and more. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy international food, basket raffle, silent auction, entertainment and more. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

Priest of the Sacred Heart celebrate jubilees

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By Laura Grisham
SOUTHAVEN – The day after welcoming three new SCJs to the fold, the U.S. Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart celebrated the anniversaries of the first profession of vows for 14 of their own: Father Bernie Rosinski (70 years); Father Thomas Cassidy, Father Mark Fortner, Father Patrick Lloyd and Father Steve Pujdak (60 years); Father James Brackin, Father Jack Kurps, Deacon David Nagel and Father James Schifano (50 years); Father Stephen Huffstetter (40 years); and Brother Duane Lemke, Father Vien Nguyen, Father David Szatkowski and Father Chuck Wonch (25 years). Together, they have served in religious life for a remarkable 650 years.

The celebration was held at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Franklin, Wisconsin.
Deacon David Nagel, SCJ, a 50-year jubilian, was the homilist for the Jubilee Mass. He recalled the responses of the prophet Samuel and Mary, Mother of Jesus, who both said ‘yes’ to God’s call. “Each of us celebrating our anniversary can remember God’s call to share in the work of his church,” said Deacon David. “…When I look at this group of jubilarians, I can see a large variety of gifts, he continued. “That is what we celebrate today with the anniversaries of each of these religious. Each of us called to give ourselves in service to the Lord and the church. And each of us in different forms of service, but each one completing the whole church of Christ.”

Sacred Heart Southern Missions congratulates their own Father Jack Kurps on his 50th jubilee! Originally from Chicago, Father Jack professed vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 1972 and was ordained in 1977.

On Aug. 16, the US Province commemorated the 70, 60, 50, 40 and 25-year anniversaries of First Professions of 14 SCJs, including Father Jack Kurps and Father David Szatkowski. Those celebrating their jubilees are Father Bernie Rosinski (70 years); Father Thomas Cassidy, Father Mark Fortner, Father Patrick Lloyd and Father Steve Pujdak (60 years); Father James Brackin, Father Jack Kurps, Deacon David Nagel and Father Jemes Schifano (50 years); Father Stephen Huffstetter (40 years); and Brother Duane Lemke, Father Vien Nguyen, Father David Szatkowski and Father Church Wonch (25 years). (Photo courtesy of Laura Grisham)

He recently recalled how he had first been attracted to the Priests of the Sacred Heart some 62 years ago on a visit to Divine Heart Seminary in northwest Indiana, where his brother was attending. “I was nine years old when I first met priests like Paul Casper and Dominic Wessel. Although I was just a kid, they and other SCJ priests and brothers always seemed to welcome and have a kind word for us. I looked forward to our monthly visits and when, in eighth grade, I decided that I wanted to go to the seminary…”

Father Jack’s first assignment was in 1980 at Queen of Peace parish in Olive Branch, Mississippi. In addition to his parish ministry and decades of service as executive director at Sacred Heart Southern Missions, he has served as vocations director for the Priests of the Sacred Heart and on a number of committees and commissions, including as a delegate to the 1997 General Chapter. Kurps has also served several terms on the Provincial Council, and is currently vice provincial of the United States Province.

Speaking of his various ministries, Father Jack said, “I obviously have enjoyed being part of our ministry in Mississippi. And I enjoy my work on the Council and the prep work for provincial assemblies and other gatherings. I would consider my time as province director of vocations to be the most challenging, but also most rewarding of the ministries I have been asked to perform. As I am sure that anyone who has done formation work would agree, there is something very sacred about accompanying someone who is truly discerning what God is asking of him.

“In the last 15 years or so, I have had a growing awareness of not only being part of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, but also being part of the wider Dehonian Family – priests, brothers, sisters and lay men and women following the Dehonian charism.”

As acting chairperson of the Dehonian Associates Committee, Kurps has led several groups on the path towards becoming associates of the order. “It has been a privilege to accompany an increasingly larger number of the laity in Mississippi who have become Dehonian Associates.”

“I try hard to be a faithful son of Father Dehon. When I look to see where we minister, not just here in the U.S., but also in some of the most difficult places in the world, and what God has accomplished through us, I am proud and happy to be part of this,” said Father Jack.

Sacred Heart Southern Missions also congratulates Father David Szatkowski, local superior of the SCJs in Mississippi. He celebrates his 25th profession of vows this year.

Born in Pueblo, Colorado, and baptized in Alexandria, Virginia, as a child of a military family, Father David, 48, has lived in many parts of the world, “but I consider Lawton, Oklahoma, to be my hometown,” he said. After taking part in a summer program hosted by the province vocation office, Szatkowski applied to be an SCJ candidate in 1992.

“I liked that the SCJs ministered as a team,” Father David said. “I also liked the variety of ministries and the creative ways that ministry is done.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1995, a Masters of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in 2002, and was ordained to the priesthood shortly thereafter.

“I spent three years at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Houston before returning to school,” said Father David. This time, school was the Angelicum in Rome, where he earned a JCL and a JCD (canon law degrees). After graduation, Szatkowski served in provincial administration, in formation, and on the pastoral team here in northern Mississippi.

Reflecting on his years as a Priest of the Sacred Heart, Father David said that he has “come to see the wisdom of the call to ‘get out of the sacristy,” words to fellow priests from Father Dehon inspiring them to go to the people. “I think that by seeing ourselves as active repairers of the world we are free to find how we can invite people to the Heart of Christ.

In memoriam: Father Schifano, SCJ

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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

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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’

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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.