Category Archives: Parish News

Calendar of events

Posted on by
Reply

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Advent Program (Faith Hope, Joy and Love). It will take place the four weekends of Advent after the Saturday 4 p.m. Vigil Mass and after the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass in the Parish Center Library. Sessions will be followed by a light meal. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.

PEARL St. Jude, Sung Mass in Extraordinary Form, first and third Sundays of each month at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

PINEVILLE, La. A.C.T.S. Retreats at the Mary Hill Renewal Center, Men’s retreat Jan. 13-16. 2022 and Ladies retreat Feb. 10-13, 2022. Opportunity for spiritual renewal and fellowship beginning Thursday evening at 5 p.m. and concluding with 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday at St. Patrick Church in Ferriday, La. Cost of the retreat is $50 deposit plus $125 due at retreat check-in. Open to persons 18 years or older. Details: to register contact St. Patrick Church at (318) 757-3834.

PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
CANTON Sacred Heart, Ladies Stretch Classes, Thursdays, Dec. 2-23 at 10 a.m. led by Teresa Speer in the Sacred Heart Parish Center. Details: Jo Lynn at (601) 941-0821 or Teresa at (769) 233-1989.

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Life After Loss beginning Nov. 30 at 11:45 a.m. and continuing to Jan. 4. Deaths and suffering from COVID and other illnesses and the uncertainties about daily life still linger. We worry for ourselves and others. What can we do? Join discussions on recovering and coping. Sessions free and open for all. Details: Larry Lambert at (662) 719-8756 or larry@mazzy.com.

FLOWOOD St. Paul, Mississippi Association of Returning Citizens (MARC) will be resuming re-entry classes in prisons in January 2022. If you are interested in serving in this ministry and helping incarcerated men and women “Get Ahead While Getting Out,” make plans to attend a training session in the Family Life Center on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: Bob Pavolini at (334) 717-0890.

NATCHEZ Assumption of BVM, Bingo, Sunday, Dec. 12 in Tutie Hall beginning 10 a.m. They will play 10 games and break for a burger lunch, then resume for another 10 games. To donate prizes, bring items or gifts before Dec. 12. Details: (601) 442-7250.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Poinsettia sale fundraiser for the CYO. Plants are from Fred’s Nursery in 6-inch foil sleeved pots. Cost $15; or order 10 or more for $12.50 each. Available for pickup first week of Dec. Quantities are limited, so place your order early. Details: stmaryyouth@cableone.net.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Manger Lighting, Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. In union with Knights of Columbus through out the world, there will be a prayer, a ceremonial blessing and lighting of the manger. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

Queen of Peace, Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 5 after Mass. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Sacred Heart Southern Missions needs your help with mobile food distribution at Landers Center, on Wednesdays, Nov. 17 – Dec. 15. Details: call Lois Harrison (901) 626-5432.

STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Position available! Homebound food pantry coordinator is needed beginning in January. Details: for more information, email Barbara Clynch at paubab@hotmail.com.

CYO Garage Sale, Saturday, Dec. 4 from 8-11:30 a.m. in parish center, donations needed in good, working condition. Drop off Thursday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No clothing. Details: deaconjeff@stjosephstarkville.org.

TUPELO St. James, Christmas VBS – Follow the Star, Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for ages three through sixth grade at the St. James Catholic Life Center. Register by Dec. 8. Details: Lora Beth at (662) 213-7959 or lorabethb@gmail.com.

YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Bake Sale, Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 7-11 a.m. in the parish hall. Details: yazoocitystm@jacksondiocese.org.

YOUTH BRIEFS
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Wednesday night “Open Gym” 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Make plans to come Wednesdays and enjoy food, fun and games. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

TUPELO St. James, Disciple Now – Rhythms, Jan. 14-16, for 7-12 graders. Cost: $50. Details: email Cara at carambristow@gmail.com.

SAVE THE DATE
JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, World Day Marriage on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 at 3 p.m., there will be Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz. The Mass honors all married couples, but especially invites those celebrating their 25th, 50th and 60th anniversaries. Details: to have your anniversary recognized, call your parish office or email charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org.

JACKSON St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. This festive evening features a brass band, silent and live auctions, a cash drawing, and cocktails and cuisine. Tickets are $50/per person or $100/per couple in advance. Sponsorships are available and come with reserved seating and an invitation to the pre-event VIP Cocktail Hour. Details: development@strichardschool.org.

MADISON St. Francis, Ring in Your Faith 10k/5k, Jan. 1, 2022 at 8 a.m. at Old Trace Park in Ridgeland. Finisher medals for all and t-shirts for everyone who registers by Dec. 16. Also will serve New Year’s meal of corned beef, black-eyed peas and cabbage! Cost: $30. Details: register at https://bit.ly/RingInYourFaith.

St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at the Country Club of Jackson. To sponsor or purchase a draw down ticket visit www.stjoedrawdown.com.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Candy Cane 5K Dash, Saturday, Dec. 4 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Details: Registration is now open at www.time2run.net.

VICKSBURG Vicksburg Catholic School, $10,000 Drawdown on the River, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. Details: www.vicksburgcatholic.org.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
CLINTON Holy Savior, Knights of Columbus Bishop R. O. Gerow Assembly 554 is sponsoring the Clinton City Cemetery. Wreaths are $15 and they have approx. 250 veterans’s gravesites which they hope to lay wreaths on Dec. 18 at 12 p.m. Details: https://kofc554.org/wreaths.

NATCHEZ Home with Heroes, To sponsor a wreath in the Natchez National Cemetery, Greenlawn Memorial Park or Vidalia Cemetery. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Bishop R. O. Gerow Council 1034. Wreaths are $15 and must be purchased by Nov. 30. Details: Mark LaFrancis at (601) 442-0980 or www.homewithheroes.org.

Knights bring Wreaths Across America to Clinton Cemetery

Posted on by
Reply

By Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – This year the Bishop R.O. Gerow Assembly 554 of the Knights of Columbus, has gotten involved in the Wreaths Across America program by sponsoring the Clinton Cemetery. They have identified approximately 250 veterans’ gravesites which they hope to lay wreaths on Dec. 18 at noon. The mission is to remember, honor and teach.
“What a beautiful and meaningful way to remember and honor our veterans during the Christmas season,” said the Knights of Columbus.

The wreaths are made of live greenery with a red velvet bow and cost $15. Wreaths can be purchased for an unspecified veteran at the Clinton Cemetery, for a specific veteran at the Clinton Cemetery, or for a veteran buried somewhere other than the Clinton Cemetery. Wreaths purchased for placement at other cemeteries will be available for pick up at Holy Savior Church at 714 Lindale Street in Clinton on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. Wreaths must be purchased prior to Nov. 19, 2021, so orders can be placed.

Wreaths can be purchased online at https://kofc554.org/wreaths or by mail – just visit their website for details.

Honoring veterans buried at the Clinton Cemetery this holiday season is the mission for members of the Knights of Columbus Bishop R.O. Gerow Assembly 554, which are participating in the annual Wreaths Across America sponsorship drive. The national wreath-laying remembrance effort is planned for Dec. 18. (Photo WAA Staff)

Ars Celebrandi: Getting more out of Mass

Posted on by
Reply

GUEST COLUMN
By James Tomek, Ph.D
Celebrating the Mass as an art was the subject of a recent workshop, led by Father Dennis Gill for Priests, Deacons and Lay Ecclesial Ministers of our diocese. Ars Celebrandi, the title of Father Dennis’s book, is also a church activity promoting the study of Liturgy (our official public worship used here interchangeably with the Mass) as an art. A general lack of respect at Mass, along with a general “not getting” of what happens at Mass has inspired Father Dennis to become an expert in Sacred Liturgy.

Active participation at Mass, a major aim, happens when we all feel united with Jesus, offering himself and us to God. Viewing Mass as an art can help us see that participating at Mass requires skills. As a literature person, when I see Ars Poetica, it is usually a poem or essay about what a certain art should be – its essence. Art can be defined as a “doing” of things that makes them beautiful and memorable. We will now talk about Father Dennis’s view of major essences at Mass, followed by how they fit into the Order of the Mass.

Father Gill encourages us to study the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM). What is happening “inside” us? Mystagogia describes this “inside” – a leading into the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus. How do we render this “prayer” concrete in real life? (orandi vivendi)

The Sacrament of Holy Orders confers on priests the official authority to speak in the person of Jesus Christ at Mass. Theological realities? Where is Jesus in all this? Liturgy puts us in the presence of Jesus, who is raised from the dead by the Father and Holy Spirit. We are all “priests” by our Baptism. When the ordained priest says, “the Lord be with you” we lay people, as a part of this priesthood, answer “and with your Spirit.”

Our primary aim at Mass is to prepare to be worthy to receive “Holy Communion,” which I take as not just the Sacred Host, but a sum of receiving the Body of Christ in Communion with all the faithful. The Eucharist, meaning thanksgiving, is a beautiful word to summarize Mass and this Holy Communion.

“Worship” comes from “worth-ship” where we give God the respect for his worth to us. Gestures and postures help. For example, we stand when we say prayers. This attention is authentic participation. Liturgy is life and life is Liturgy. If we have participated well, we can put what we rehearsed at Mass into real life – the meaning of Ite, Missa Est at the end. We are sent. Mass is not a pep rally, but a worship – a rehearsal of our Christian eternal life.

Music highlights the spiritual value. Here, Father Dennis focuses more on the musicality of the dialogs. He prefers the singing of the dialogs, like the “Let us give thanks to the Lord” and the “Holy, holy, holy.” There should be a music feel or a rhythm where even silences are important so that we have time to let the mystery soak into our hearts. Furniture also provides meaning. The Altar is the centerpiece where the Sacrifice takes place. It is Christ. The Ambo, or lectern, is where the Word of God is read and spoken. The Chair is the permanent sign of where Jesus speaks.

Every part of the Order of the Mass – the Entrance, Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rites – is about the offering of Jesus Christ and us to God. What will we do with our Holy Communion? How will we be worthy of it depends on how we will put it in practice in our Christian lives.

With the Entrance rites, we should focus on establishing communion with others, so to be worthy of the Sacrament. With the procession, the priest, as Jesus, leads us to the altar. The kiss at the altar symbolizes the communion of Jesus and his sacrifice (sometimes intensified by an incensing). The Collect prayer points to the scriptures and the offerings of the people that are about to happen.

In the Liturgy of the Word, lectors recite the story of Christ’s redemption and salvation. The Homily becomes a liturgical rite where the scriptures are broken open. With the Universal Prayer, or intercessions, we pray for the general needs of the church. These petitions should be associated with the scripture readings and can form a base of offerings that we will put in practice in everyday life. This prayer slides into the Offertory and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The third part of Mass is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The “Eucharist” in this part of Mass refers to the “meal” celebration. The gifts are prepared as the altar is dressed with the corporal, missal and vessels. The bread and wine are raised slightly and then set to the side for the sacrifice coming.

PEARL – Father Dennis Gill speaks on the art of Mass at the yearly continuing education gathering of the priests, deacons and LEM’s of the diocese on Oct. 19. (Photos by Rhonda Bowden)


The Eucharistic Prayer that follows is Jesus starting our conversation with God. It is a prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. The introduction to the preface calls us to lift our hearts and minds to God. The Preface leads to the “Holy, holy, holy,” and emphasizes our thankfulness. The main body of the Eucharistic Prayer follows (Father Dennis recommends using Prayer I or III for Sundays). From this prayer, Father stresses the Epiclesis, where the Holy Spirit is called on to bless the proceedings, the Institution Narrative, where the bread and wine are consecrated, and the Anamnesis, where we remember what Christ has done for us.

The last part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist is the Communion Rite. The Lord’s Prayer is where we dare say with Jesus “Our Father” asking God to forgive us and give us the grace to forgive others. The sign of peace goes back to when Jesus tells us that, before receiving communion, we need to reconcile any differences with our neighbor. The Breaking of the Bread (fraction) is the huge Sacramental sign where Sacred Bread is broken and shared with the community. The Lamb of God prayer is recited simultaneously. With the Concluding Rites, the priest, preferably from the chair, dismisses us and sends us on our way to live what we have just rehearsed. We need to reflect on the liturgy regularly.

Father Dennis concludes, saying that with every celebration of the Liturgy, there is a hint of the Ascension with Jesus Christ where we are all raised to the Father.

(James Tomek is a retired language and literature professor at Delta State University who is currently a Lay Ecclesial Minister at Sacred Heart in Rosedale and also active in RCIA at Our Lady of Victories in Cleveland.)

Calendar of events

Posted on by
Reply

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center is hosting a Healing Retreat, “Learning How to Thrive,” on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The presenter is Maria Vadia. Details: for more information, call (662) 299-1232.

PEARL St. Jude, MARIAN SERVANTS® of Jesus the Lamb of God, will be offering the Marian consecration on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. in the St. Jude parish hall through Dec. 7 with consecration on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Join us as we strengthen our love for Jesus Christ with the aid of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Details: Maureen Roberts at 601-278-0423 or msofjlog@gmail.com.

St. Jude, Sung Mass in Extraordinary Form, first and third Sundays of each month at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

PINEVILLE, La. A.C.T.S. Retreats at the Mary Hill Renewal Center, Men’s retreat Jan. 13-16. 2022 and Ladies retreat Feb. 10-13, 2022. Opportunity for spiritual renewal and fellowship beginning Thursday evening at 5 p.m. and concluding with 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday at St. Patrick Church in Ferriday, La. Cost of the retreat is $50 deposit plus $125 due at retreat check-in. Open to persons 18 years or older. Details: To register contact St. Patrick Church at (318) 757-3834.

Vocation Retreat Do you know of any man discerning the call to enter priesthood or religious life? A special Quo Vadis retreat is being held Friday, Nov. 19 – Sunday, Nov. 21 in the Diocese of Jackson. Details: nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.

PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Feast Day weekend, Nov. 12-14. Friday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m.Mass with Bishop Kopacz; Saturday, Nov. 13, Adoration 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. followed by Mass; Sunday, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. Mass and St. Elizabeth Feast Day luncheon at 12:15 p.m. Call church office to make reservations for luncheon. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Cooking for the Holidays Sale, Nov. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Get your frozen casseroles, vegetables and desserts for the holidays. Baked goods are available, too. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON St. Richard, Volunteers are needed for Stewpot lunch and Stewpot pantry. St. Richard Meals-on-Wheels delivers meals from an assigned menu to the Jackson area the second Tuesday of every month. They also send volunteers to Stewpot lunch to serve and Stewpot pantry to help one week per quarter. Details: call Tommy Lamas at the church office (601) 366-2335 or email lamas@saintrichard.com.

41st Annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 11 5:45-10 p.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart, part of the proceeds go to help victims of human trafficking and domestic violence through programs of Catholic Charities. Enjoy food, beverages, door prizes and live and silent auctions. Entertainment by Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. Cost: tickets $65 available at www.friendsforacause.com. Details: Tommy Turk (601) 955-1677.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Save the Date, St. Patrick School Candy Cane 5K Dash, Saturday, Dec. 4 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Details: Registration is now open at www.time2run.net.

MAGEE St. Stephen, Parish Health Ministry members will be selling raffle tickets for a beautiful handmade bench with lap blanket and a lovely handmade quilt. You get two chances for one ticket. These items would make wonderful Christmas gifts. Cost: Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. Drawing will be Nov. 21 during their parish Thanksgiving dinner. Details: church office (601) 849 3237.

NATCHEZ Assumption of BVM, Bible Study on Fridays at 8:30 a.m. in Tuite Hall with Roseminette. Everyone is welcome. Details: (601) 442-7250.

St. Mary Basilica, Line Dancing, Mondays 9-10 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

St. Mary Basilica, Poinsettia sale fundraiser for the CYO. Plants are from Fred’s Nursery in 6 inch foil sleeved pots. Cost $15, or order 10 or more for $12.50 each. Available for pickup first week of Dec. Quantities are limited, so place your order early. Details: stmaryyouth@cableone.net.

OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Blood Drive, Sunday Nov. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. All donors will receive a $5 Amazon gift card and are entered to win a $500 gift card. Schedule your appointment at donors.vitalant.org and search by blood drive code: queenop. Details: Gretchen (662) 895-5007.

YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Garage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 6 at the parish hall from 7-11 a.m. Money collected will be used to purchase a refrigerator for the office. Details: (662) 746-1680.

YOUTH BRIEFS
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Wednesday night “Open Gym” 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Make plans to come Wednesdays and enjoy food, fun and games. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON St. Richard School, Open House, Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 9:30-11 a.m. Details: RSVP to tconrad@strichardschool.org.

SAVE THE DATE
JACKSON St. Richard, Save the date, Special Kids Art Show, Saturday, Dec. 4 from 5-7 p.m. in Foley Hall.

St. Richard School, Save the Date, Krewe de Cardinal, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. This festive evening features a brass band, premium silent and live auctions, a cash drawing, dancing, and New Orleans-style cocktails and cuisine. Tickets are just $50/per person or $100/per couple in advance. Host Couple and Event Sponsorships are available and come with special amenities like reserved seating and an invitation to the pre-event VIP cocktail hour. Details: development@strichardschool.org.

MADISON St. Joseph School, Save the Date, Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at the Country Club of Jackson. To sponsor or purchase a draw down ticket visit www.stjoedrawdown.com.

VICKSBURG Vicksburg Catholic School, Save the Date, $10,000 Drawdown on the River, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022.

iGiveCatholic on #GivingTuesday, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. You can be part of the celebration by giving to your favorite Catholic organization or parish. Advanced giving opens on Nov. 15. Details: https://jackson.igivecatholic.org/ or Julia.williams@jacksondiocese.org.

Día de los Fieles Difuntos- Día de los Muertos-

Posted on by
Reply

Por Berta Mexidor

En el día de los Fieles Difuntos, varios momentos se realizaron para recordar a las almas de los que ya partieron en la esperanza de la vida eterna.

La Cancillería de la Diócesis de Jackson recordó, en el cementerio de la Catedral de San Pedro, a los cuatro obispos que descansan en el mismo:  Joseph Bernard Brunini, fallecido el 7 de enero de 1996; Richard Oliver Gerow fallecido el 20 de diciembre de 1976; William R. Houck, Mar. 9, 2016 y Joseph Latino, mayo 28 2021.  La canciller Mary Woodward depositó rosas en sus tumbas y encendió luminarias en su memoria. Woodward ha tenido el honor de servir a cuatro obispos, incluidos tres de los fallecidos.

Al mediodía, el Obispo Kopacz abrió con una reflexión y oración un evento que reunió a un grupo de Obispos y Pastores de diferentes denominaciones religiosas de Mississippi, para honrar la memoria de los más de 10 mil fallecidos que ha tenido el el estado debido al COVID-19.

 En el evento que reunió a más de cien personas en el parque frente a la Catedral de San Pedro y después de campanadas de duelo, Daisey Martinez, de la Oficina Multicultural de la Diócesis explicó a los presentes como la comunidad Latina celebra el” Dia de los Muertos.” El evento estuvo organizado por “Working Together Missisippi”, organización que realiza diferentes actividades para unir en un esfuerzo común a las diferentes culturas, religiones y generaciones de Mississippi.

Al mediodía, el Obispo Kopacz celebró la Misa de conmemoración de todas las almas de católicos fallecidos, algunos de cuyos nombres fueron expuestos en el altar de la Catedral de San Pedro.

Además, y como ya es costumbre, el grupo de jóvenes de St Therese, Jackson y bajo la tutoría de Joel y Rosalinda Montoya, hicieron un altar para rendir honor a todos los familiares que descansan el sueño eterno. Este año los jóvenes que participaron en mantener la tradición fueron: Isidro Vieyra, Ashley y Lesley Duarte, Gail Chacón, Max Arreguin, Guillermo Armendáriz y los hijos de la familia Montoya. Al recordar a los fallecidos, nos hacemos eco de las palabras de unos de los pastores” En esta vida y en estos momentos, se deben hacer tres cosas: cuidar a su familia, apoyar a los que cuidan a los enfermos y hacer cada día un acto de paz”

CORONAS EN TODA AMÉRICA

Posted on by
Reply

Un programa patriótico patrocinado por la Asamblea # 554 Obispo Gerow, de los Caballeros de Colón

Wreaths Across America es un programa nacional con un comienzo humilde. En 1992, Morrill Worcester, propietario de Worcester Wreath Company de Harrington, Maine, se encontró con un excedente de coronas de flores acercándose al final de la temporada navideña y se dio cuenta de que tenía la oportunidad de honrar a los veteranos de nuestro país.

 Con la ayuda de la ex senadora de Maine Olympia Snowe, Morrill dispuso que las coronas de flores se colocaran en el Cementerio Nacional de Arlington en una de las secciones más antiguas que habían recibido menos visitantes cada año que pasaba.

Este acto de generosidad se convirtió en un tributo anual que se prolongó en silencio durante varios años cada diciembre, dirigido por Morrill y su familia hasta 2005, cuando una foto de las piedras en Arlington adornadas con coronas y cubiertas de nieve circuló por Internet y comenzó. crecer.

En 2020, se colocaron casi 1.8 millones de coronas de flores de veteranos en más de 2.500 ubicaciones participantes. Más de dos millones de voluntarios en todo el país se unieron a estos esfuerzos. National Wreaths Across America se lleva a cabo anualmente el segundo o tercer sábado de diciembre.

Este año la asamblea 554, obispo R.O. Gerow se ha involucrado en este programa patriótico patrocinando el cementerio Clinton, MS. Hemos identificado aproximadamente 250 tumbas de veteranos que esperamos colocar ofrendas florales el 18 de diciembre al mediodía.

 La misión es recordar, honrar y enseñar. Qué manera tan hermosa y significativa de recordar y honrar a nuestros veteranos durante la temporada navideña.

Las coronas están hechas de vegetación verde con un lazo de terciopelo rojo y cuestan $ 15 dólares. Se pueden comprar coronas para un veterano no especificado en el cementerio de Clinton, para un veterano específico en el cementerio de Clinton o para un veterano enterrado en otro lugar que no sea el cementerio de Clinton. Las coronas compradas para colocarlas en otros cementerios estarán disponibles para recogerlas en la Iglesia Holy Savior, situada en 714 Lindale St., Clinton, MS en el día 18 de diciembre a las 3 p.m. Las coronas deben comprarse antes del 19 de noviembre de 2021, para que se puedan realizar todos los pedidos.

Las coronas se pueden comprar usando nuestro formulario de ventas y enviándolas por correo con un cheque a la dirección indicada, o electrónicamente en nuestra página web kofc554.org.

Además, visite nuestra página de Facebook @BishopGerow, para obtener más información.

Por favor, considere honrar a un veterano comprando una corona.

America, Land of the Free Because of the Brave

Around the diocese: Blessing of the animals for the Feast of St. Francis

Posted on by
Reply

Blessing of the pets ceremonies are part of the celebration for the Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, in rememberance for his love of all creatures. This time of year, people bring a procession of animals, everthing from dogs and cats to raccoons, snakes and spiders to our churches and schools for a special blessing ceremony. The love we give to pets and receive in return from pets draws us into the circle of life and our relationship to God.

PEARL – Father Lincoln Dall blesses Donna Mia as Mark Bowden looks on. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)
MADISON – St. Anthony third grade student Owen Holcomb holds his pet as he awaits a blessing during the schools annual Pet Blessing Ceremony. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)
HOLLY SPRINGS – Father Hendrik Ardianto, SCJ (“Ardi”) blessed pets at Holy Family School in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Pictured is “K.D. Smith,” a Boston Terrier, reaching out to thank Father Ardi for the blessing. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
SOUTHAVEN – Father David Szatkowski, SCJ blessed librarian Rae Davis’ french bulldog, Louie. He loves patrolling the school grounds at Sacred Heart in his stroller. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
SOUTHAVEN – The Knights of Columbus at Christ the King create a huge Pumpkin Patch each year as a fundraiser, with many varieties of pumpkins, perfect for fall and Halloween decor. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
WEST POINT – Michelle Aguda and her sister brought their dogs to be blessed by Father Binh Nguyen at Immaculate Conception parish. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)
WEST POINT – Father Binh Nguyen is pictured with Anne Smith, Kathy Knighten and Robert Smith at Immaculate Conception parish. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)
MADISON – At St. Francis of Assisi parish, Daniel Inman holds Madi and his dad, Will Inman holds Max for a blessing by Father Albeen Vatti. (Photo by Sallie Ann Inman)
OLIVE BRANCH – At Queen of Peace parish, Father Ardi blessed two horses. He even blessed two raccoons! (Photo by Laura Grisham)
PEARL – Father Lincoln visits with Cherlynn Womack and Lincoln Dall, the dog at St. Jude. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)
SOUTHAVEN – Father David blessed a spider. Reports were: “ICK it was HUGE!”
CLINTON – Father McGing blesses Greta Nalker’s pet corn snake, St. Valentine, at Holy Savior parish. (Photo by Lacy Nalker)
BATESVILLE – At St. Mary parish, Father Pradeep blesses Sharon Hodge’s Chocolate Labradoodle puppy, and Stella and Robin Ridge’s dogs, Storm and Brownie. (Photo by Sharon Hodge)
VICKSBURG – In honor of St. Francis, Father Rusty blessed the pets at St. Paul parish and enjoyed faith and fellowship with parishioners. (Photo by Wilson Locke)

Featured photo St. Francis Cajun Fest fun…

Posted on by
Reply
MADISON – On Oct. 3, St. Francis of Assisi parish held their annual Cajun Fest fundraiser. Fun was had by all with games, raffles, music and food, including fried shrimp, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, gumbo and more. Pictured are Father Albeen Vatti and Msgr. Michael Flannery “Padre” joining in the fun playing spoons on frottoirs (washboards) and dancing during a spirited cajun tune. For more photos visit the diocese Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jacksondiocese. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

Bishop Kopacz celebrates Red Mass at St. John Oxford

Posted on by
Reply

Editor’s note: Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated a Red Mass at St. John Oxford on Sunday, Sept. 26. Below is a excerpt from his homily.

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

During the time that the Diocese of Jackson was preparing to introduce Sister Thea Bowman’s Cause for Canonization in 2018, I discovered that she had done her doctoral dissertation at Catholic University, Washington, D.C. on St. Thomas More’s final masterpiece while imprisoned in the Tower of London for 15 months prior to his execution. There are more than a few blessings in this discovery, and one in particular is the universality of the Catholic Church. A preeminent Englishman of the 16th century, who had reached the heights of the legal and political professions of his time before becoming a saint and martyr, captured the imagination of a 20th century Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman.

What is the bond that linked these two disciples of the Lord Jesus from over a span of 400-500 years? The English barrister died in 1535 and the Religious Sister was born in 1937.

OXFORD – Bishop Joseph Kopacz delivers his Homily at a Red Mass at St. John Oxford, organized by the St. Thomas More Society at The University of Mississippi School of Law. (Photos by Gene Buglewicz)

More was a confidant and favored companion of Henry VIII until he refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to the King who was declaring himself as the head of the Catholic Church in England. His refusal earned him lodging in the Tower of London, but his imprisonment was not time wasted. In the Spring and Summer of 1534 while he waited in the Tower for formal trial and sentencing More began the writing of A Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation. He wrote the dialogue to stir and prepare the minds of Englishmen to withstand courageously and not to shrink at the imminent persecution which he foresaw and immediately followed, against the unity of the Church and the Catholic Faith.

More died in physical poverty and worldly disgrace. In A Dialogue of Comfort against Tribulation he left his last testament and the final legacy of his wisdom. Following the example of Jesus at the Last Supper when he consoled his apostles in anticipation of the tribulation to follow with his crucifixion, this intrepid martyr understood the power of words as a lasting legacy when coupled with witness.

Sister Thea removed from the shelves of academia A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation in order to breathe new life into a masterpiece, whose pages still reach out to us, urging enduring solutions to perennially recurring human problems, she stated at the conclusion of her thesis in 1972.

She entitled her scholarly work, The Relationship of Pathos and Style in A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation: A Rhetorical Study, her successful doctoral project to elevate pathos into the realms of logos and ethos.

She contended: “More’s attempt to reach the needs of his audience, to reach their hearts as well as their minds, to fire their imaginations with images of Christ’s suffering, yelping devils, damned souls, or the protective care of God, and to delight them so as to make them more receptive of his message, is conscious and deliberate. Pathos, the endeavor to stir the emotions of his hearers, in large measure determines the distinctive character of A Dialogue.”

Red Mass at St. John Oxford, organized by the St. Thomas More Society at The University of Mississippi School of Law.