VICKSBURG – A Raceland, La., Catholic School will be the beneficiary of fundraising efforts by Vicksburg Catholic School.
The school, with the assistance of the senior class’s September of Service Committee, is collecting money to repair the playground at St. Mary’s Nativity in Raceland. The goal is $5,000 for the project.
St. Mary’s is in Lafourche Parish in South Louisiana. It is one of 11 schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, which covers Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, part of St. Mary Parish including Morgan City, and part of Jefferson Parish that includes Grand Isle.
St. Mary’s Nativity has grades pre-K3 to eighth grade and “is a little school; a small school,” said Kimberly Cyr Domangue, a St. Aloysius alumnus who lives in Raceland and whose two children attend St. Mary’s. When Hurricane Ida hit South Louisiana, St. Mary’s was one of the victims.
“There was damage to the back part of the school,” Domangue said. “One of the classrooms had water damage and some broken windows.”
The school’s metal awnings and the metal roof were crumpled and will have to be replaced, she said. Two oak trees fell on the playground, she said, adding that the school is connected to the church and the church had significant damage.
Soon after the storm, she said, Joan Thornton, a theology teacher at St. Aloysius and senior class sponsor called looking for a project for the seniors’ September of Service committee.
VICKSBURG – Members of the St. Aloysius senior class September of Service committee discuss fundraising proposals for a project. The committee is assisting Vicksburg Catholic School raise $5,000 for new playground equipment for St. Mary’s Nativity Catholic School in Raceland, Louisiana. The school was damaged in Hurricane Ida. (Photo by John Surratt/The Vicksburg Post)
“She knew I lived in Raceland and called to check to see if there were any schools damaged in the area from the storm,” Domangue said. “I put her in touch with Ms. (Marissa) Bagala, St. Mary’s principal.”
When she called Bagala, Thornton said, “I asked her what they needed, and she said the storm destroyed the school’s playground and she asked us to do that.”
The fundraising began when money for St. Mary’s was collected at the St. Aloysius-Brookhaven Academy football game. Thornton said money will also be collected during the St. Aloysius-Cathedral football game.
“We will have a blue jean day … in which the elementary school will participate, and other suggestions have been made for fundraising,” she said. “Hopefully between blue jean day and collecting we will get the $5,000 we need.” Domangue has also made an effort to help raise funds.
“I reached out to our alumni group on Facebook about the drive to get the word out. We may not need it all for the playground itself; there’s a few other Catholic schools and churches that received significant damage,” she said. She said conditions in her area remain serious south of Raceland and many people in the town remain without power and water.
“Half of Raceland is without power and some places without water, too; it’s places where the trees just ripped up the lines; they’re having to replace the waterlines. There is still a significant amount of people without power down here.”
Domangue said the water damage from the storm was from wind-driven rain.
“We did not get any water (storm surge) down here; it was from the hurricane (wind) damaging the roof and the rain coming in,” she said.
She said some unofficial wind readings for the area put gusts at 180 mph.
“This is a storm of the magnitude we have not seen before here, and it has devastated a large part of our several parishes,” said Suzanne Troxclair, Diocesan superintendent of schools. “With the challenges we have had with the COVID epidemic, we know our children’s normal at school has been very different since March of 2020, and this is a challenge on top of what we are already dealing with in our schools in terms of an outbreak of COVID.
“All of our schools have been impacted and we are just blessed for St. Aloysius to be able to support St. Mary’s Nativity in this way. The children, the faculty and the staff and the principal and the diocese are incredibly grateful for their support.”
(John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church in Vicksburg.)
Las experiencias y enseñanzas de dos madres estuvieron en el centro de la celebración de la Semana Nacional de la Migración en St James Tupelo, el jueves 24 de septiembre. La Sra. Oyafemi le enseñó a su pequeño niño que cuando alguien le pregunta ¿de dónde eres? debes responder “Soy un ciudadano del cielo”; A 6.375 millas y 25 años de Nigeria, una madre en México, escapó a los Estados Unidos de un esposo abusivo en México con una niña, ocultándole, durante años, la verdadera situación de ciudadanía de ella.
Con la moderación de Fran Lavelle, director diocesano de la Oficina de Formación en la Fe, un panel de diferentes ponentes expuso su interacción, experiencias a la exposición de migrantes y refugiados que incluyó al Padre Clem Oya, director del Ministerio Intercultural, hijo de la madre nigeriana que lo hizo. enamorarse de las enseñanzas de la Biblia, y Guadalupe Meyer, la niña que vino sin visa, hoy beneficiaria de DACA, solo porque la intuición de su madre, en su desesperación, le dijo “eres ciudadana del cielo”.
Durante al menos cincuenta años, la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos ha estado celebrando y reconociendo la creciente población de inmigrantes, víctimas y sobrevivientes de la trata de personas y refugiados, no solo en el país sino en todo el mundo.
El Vaticano también ha aumentado su campaña para educar a los católicos sobre la realidad de las personas obligadas por las circunstancias a abandonar sus países natales para comenzar una nueva vida en una nueva tierra y cultura.
La celebración de la Semana Nacional de la Migración (NMW) ha sido el lugar para conferencias comunitarias, encuentros parroquiales y oradores nacionales que destacan las luchas y logros de los migrantes y refugiados, así como los programas católicos que los ayudaron durante la transición y el establecimiento en el diferentes comunidades que los recibieron.
Este año, la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) celebró la semana del 20 al 26 de septiembre para que coincidiera con el Día Mundial del Migrante y Refugiado del Vaticano, el Día Mundial del Migrante, que se celebra cada año el último domingo de septiembre. Cada NMW tiene un tema, este año fue “Hacia un” NOSOTROS “cada vez más amplio”. En su carta para anunciar el tema de este año, el Papa Francisco enfatiza que “este enfoque nos llama a asegurarnos de que“ después de todo esto, ya no pensemos en términos de ‘ellos’ y ‘esos’, sino solo de ‘nosotros’. ( Fratelli Tutti, n. 35). Y este NOSOTROS universal debe hacerse realidad, ante todo dentro de la Iglesia que está llamada a cultivar la comunión en la diversidad “.
Durante el NMW, cada año, la Diócesis crea una actividad diferente que incluye oraciones, educación y acciones de solidaridad hacia inmigrantes y refugiados. La Diócesis de Jackson se encuentra entre ellos, celebrando la diversidad que los migrantes aportan a la Iglesia Católica a un estado donde los católicos son un grupo religioso minoritario, y donde Catholic Charities llama la atención no solo a la población católica sino también a la población desatendida, incluidos los migrantes y refugiados, sin mirar a su afiliación religiosa.
TUPELO – Parroquianos de todas las edades y orígenes se reunieron para intercambiar en persona con varios oradores en St James Tupelo el jueves 24 de septiembre a instancia de los coordinadores de la Semana Nacional de la Migración, de la cual Tupelo se ha convertido en la sede diocesana y que ha atraído por ya varios años a personalidades locales y nacionales. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor)
TUPELO. Una luz de esperanza en el norte
Para el alto porcentaje de hispanos que asintieron en el Decanato cinco, el liderazgo apasionado del Padre Murphy en St. James y Danna Johnson, para Catholic Charities en el área, St. James es el centro durante años del NMW en la diócesis. Han acogido a varios visitantes, conferencistas nacionales y locales, exponentes del arduo trabajo con los migrantes promoviendo una cultura cálida de acogida a los extranjeros.
Este año, como de costumbre, por invitación del Padre Tim Murphy, el ministerio hispano de la parroquia, representado por Raquel Thompson y Danna Johnson, Coordinadora de Caridades Católicas de Vardaman, y Coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de San Cristóbal Pontotoc, la Semana Nacional de la Migración se celebró nuevamente en St James. . En esta ocasión el público, principalmente angloparlantes, tuvo la oportunidad de intercambiar con el padre Clem Oya, Guadalupe Meyer, activista por los migrantes, y Josh Blackmon, joven empresario, y el abogado Brad Prewitt, vicepresidente de Circadence, una empresa de ciberseguridad, ambos reconocidos. en la comunidad de Tupelo y miembros activos de la parroquia de St James.
Antes de la sesión, el padre Tim dirigió la lectura de la oración a la hermana Thea Bowman, sierva de Dios y promotora del entendimiento intercultural, quien “en tiempos de intolerancia e ignorancia, traigo sabiduría, conciencia, unidad y caridad”. Al finalizar el encuentro, dos presentaciones de danzas folclóricas destacaron la Herencia Hispana, que la parroquia celebró el pasado domingo 19 de septiembre.
TUPELO – Cada comunidad está basada en fuertes lideres. Antes de la reunión comunitaria para hablar sobre migración, (i-d) Raquel Thompson, quien lleva el ministerio hispano de la parroquia de St. James Tupelo conversa con Danna Johnson, coordinadora de Caridades Católicas de Vardaman, y coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano de San Cristóbal Pontotoc, líderes ambas de la comunidad Hispana del Decanato cinco de la diócesis. Ellas y muchos más son liderados a su vez por el Padre Tim Murphy, quien exulta contagiosa pasión de pastor por cada oveja de su comunidad, extendida en el norte del estado.
VARDAMAN. Batatas de su campo a tu corazón
Orgullosos de su tierra, tradiciones y hospitalidad, los líderes religiosos y comunitarios se reunieron la mañana del 25 de septiembre en el Vardaman Catholic Charities Center para conversar con el padre Clem Oya, director de la oficina del Ministerio Intercultural de la Diócesis.
La audiencia conoció las ideas y declaraciones del Papa sobre los migrantes y refugiados, bien explicadas por el padre Clem Oya, y sobre las luchas de los niños traídos al país por sus padres, sin documentos. Los soñadores, representados por Guadalupe Meyer, quien explicó el dilema de los jóvenes como ella siente que Estados Unidos es su propio país porque no conocen otro, y cómo se siente una contradicción nacional-extranjero.
A última hora de la tarde el padre, Clem Oya y Lupe se reunieron con un grupo de mujeres que se reúne regularmente para crear actividades que las unan y en las que puedan ayudarse mutuamente.
La Junta de Caridades Católicas con el liderazgo de Danna Johnson ha puesto a Vardaman en el punto culminante diocesano y nacional con el trabajo silencioso y tenaz con los migrantes, encargados de poner las batatas en la mesa de los misisipianos y a nivel nacional. Vardaman está atrayendo a inmigrantes en busca de trabajo y superveniencia. Los lugareños ven a los migrantes ir y venir y también están tratando de comprender el fenómeno y cómo algunos extranjeros sienten y comparten el mismo amor por los campos y la gente en Vardaman.
Semana de la migración en Mississippi
El Centro de Apoyo al Migrante de Catholic Charities en Mississippi ha sido el coordinador principal todos los años durante esta semana, ofreciendo conferencias, una clínica legal gratuita y un espacio para la oración y la comprensión.
En ediciones pasadas, católicos y comunidades habían recibido los mensajes de líderes religiosos y comunitarios profundamente involucrados con la asistencia al migrante, en enero de 2020 fue la Hermana Pimentel, directora ejecutiva de Caridades Católicas del Río Grande en Brownsville, Texas, quien fundó el Centro de Respiro Humanitario. en McAllen, en enero de 2019, los oradores invitados incluyeron a Carlos Horacio Toro, profesor asistente del Southeastern Pastoral Institute (SEPI), los sacerdotes jesuitas Padre Sean Carroll de la Kino Border Initiative y el Padre Fred Kammer del Instituto Jesuita de Investigaciones Sociales de la Universidad de Loyola en Nueva Orleans, en enero de 2018 la comunidad recibió al Dr. Hossfman Ospino, profesor asociado de ministerio hispano y educación religiosa en Boston College.
En enero de 2017, el evento fue organizado por Amelia McGowan, que ahora trabaja en el Centro de Justicia de Mississippi, quien en ese momento era la directora del programa y una abogada de inmigración.
El Centro de Apoyo al Migrante de Catholic Charities, entre sacerdotes, monjas, personal de parroquias y líderes comunitarios de toda la diócesis, trabajan en la misión de recibir a Jesús en los rostros de cada extranjero que ayudan a establecerse en la nueva tierra de esperanza y libertad.
NATCHEZ – Coinciding with the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida made landfall on Aug. 29 impacting thousands of people from Louisiana to New York. Just after landfall Carrie Lambert, youth director at St. Mary Basilica Natchez and JoAnn Waycaster, religion teacher at Cathedral High School were already talking about relief efforts for the victims of the hurricane.
That night, Lambert prayed hard, as she lost contact with her daughter living in Luling, Louisiana during the storm, as power outages affected millions living in or near the New Orleans area. She also prayed hard about how she could help with relief efforts.
“The next day I woke up with many ideas of what we could do. I believe the Lord provided me with the ideas. I don’t think I could have thought of some of these things on my own,” said Lambert.
So was born the “Takin’ a Bite Outta Ida” campaign, a concerted relief effort of storm victims by St. Mary Basilica, Cathedral School and the Knights of Columbus Bishop R. O. Gerow Council 1034. The campaign is aimed to help river parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, areas in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. One of those special parishes is St. Anthony of Padua in Luling, just outside of New Orleans and two and a half hours from Natchez.
LULING, La. – Carrie Lambert of St. Mary Basilica Natchez has ties to the Luling community and St. Anthony of Padua parish. She helped organized the “Takin’ a Bite Outta Ida” campaign at the parish. (Photo by Carrie Lambert)
In addition to Lambert’s daughter being a member of the parish, Garry Boudreaux, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 2409 at the parish, is the nephew of another parishioner at St. Mary Basilica.
St. Anthony in Luling has an extensive relief center set up at the parish, even though almost $200,000 in water damage was incurred at the parish. Even before power was fully restored to the area, the parish was serving hot meals, including jambalaya, sausage sandwiches and other Louisiana staples to those in need. On the parishes Facebook page, Boudreaux welcomes all affected in the area to “come get what you need.”
St. Mary Basilica Natchez is supporting the community with food and supplies, even including tarps, shovels, gas cans and more. And Lambert and the team at the parish are traveling down every 2-3 weeks with more supplies, such as cleaning supplies, food, personal hygiene items, first aid items and other necessities like mosquito repellent and pet supplies.
The Confirmation class at St. Mary has even jumped in to help by assisting with sorting and packing supplies and traveling down with the team.
Father Anthony Odiong of St. Anthony Luling wrote, “On behalf of St. Anthony of Padua, I would like to thank each one of you for all of your prayers, manpower and donations to our church and Luling Community. We are planning to continue to provide meals and much needed supplies furnished by your donations.”
“May God continue to bless us all through our random acts of kindness amid these challenging times. We will keep you in our prayers.”
(If you would like to help with relief efforts, items may be dropped off at the St. Mary Family Life Center (613 Main Street in Natchez) Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.; Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you would like to volunteer or have questions, contact Carrie Golden Lambert at (601) 920-9538.
Additionally, special collections around the diocese are taking place to help in many affected areas as well. Please check with your local parish for details.)
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS FLOWOOD St. Paul, Sunday Morning Bible Study from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Family Life Center lounge beginning on Oct. 17 with a meet and greet on Oct. 3. The first program will be a 5-week study by Edward Sri entitled “A Biblical Walk Through the Mass.” Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du_7GGoRZXs for a sneak peek. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Parish Fair update: the Spaghetti Dinner is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 16. They are mailing out $1 raffle and spaghetti tickets soon. They are also selling $100 tickets in the church and school office. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
Knights of Columbus meetings have been moved to the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the parish hall to allow for social distancing. Anyone interested in joining the Knights, please visit www.kofc.org/joinus.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Men’s Association Fall Fish Fry, Friday, Oct. 15 from 4-8 p.m. Cost: adults $10 and children $5. Open to the public – eat in or take out. Includes catfish, hushpuppies, fries, slaw, drink and dessert. See a member of the Men’s Association to get your tickets. They will also be available in the church office during the week. Details: Sal Galtelli (662) 429-5071 or Lee Smith (662) 233-4833.
JACKSON St. Richard, Small Faith Communities fall 2021 season will begin the week of Oct. 3. The season lasts seven weeks, beginning the week of Oct. 3 through Nov. 14. They have a few groups that meet monthly if that works better for your schedule. Registration forms can be found at www.saintrichard.com. They will be using material that is accessed via the internet, so even if you are not comfortable meeting in person, you can participate! Details: contact Debbie Tubertini at (601) 366.2335 ext. 107 or email tubertini@saintrichard.com.
Frassti Young Adults, Annual Wine Social, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28 at M7 Coffee House. Come see what the group is all about! Refreshments provided. Details: strichardyoungadults@gmail.com or Mollie Montgomery (601) 421-2081.
Save the Date, CardinalFest, Sunday, Oct. 17 from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Join them for food, fun and fellowship. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
40th Annual St. Richard Special Kids Day Golf Tournament, Thursday, Oct. 7 at Deerfield Golf Club. There are spots left for morning golf only. Hole sign sponsorships and donation opportunities are still available. Details: Contact the church office at (601) 366.2335 or email garner@saintrichard.com.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Teens and families are needed to serve lunch to the homeless with Why Not Now in Poindexter Park on Sunday, Oct. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are currently collecting new socks to distribute. Please place socks in the boxes provided in the gym. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of Meridian, Adult Faith Formation, Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Father Vally Room in the St. Patrick Parish Center. Scott Owen will be leading the Bible Study. There is no cost to attend and all materials will be provided. Details: contact Mary in the parish office (601) 693-1321 Ext 5.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Flu shots are being given on Wednesday, Oct. 6 in the Family Life Center from 4-6 p.m. Walgreens Pharmacy will again be administering. Please get your flu vaccination — flu can lead to pneumonia and blood diseases and result in hospitalization or even death. Please bring identification and your insurance card when you come to get your flu vaccine. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
PEARL St. Jude, Adult Faith Formation, “The Wild Goose” Sundays from 9:15-10:30 a.m. through Dec. 19. The Wild Goose is a work of the Holy Spirit, which is awakening in the hearts of all those participating God’s love and transforming power. Join us to watch the series and enjoy life to the fullest in the power of the Holy Spirit. Details: contact Deacon John McGregor at jmcgregor@stjudepearl.org or church office (601) 939-3181.
PONTOTOC St. Christopher, Parish Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 10 at 11 a.m., after the Spanish Mass. Bring a dish or two to share, lawn chairs, volleyballs, soccer balls, baseball bats and balls. Enjoy a nice Autumn afternoon with our parish family. Details: (662) 304-0087 (Fr. Tim) or (662) 637-7204 (Danna).
STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the church. Please make sure to bring your pets/animals on a leash, or in a cage or crate. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.
VICKSBURG St. Paul, Sunday, Oct. 10. Knights of Columbus Drawdown for $3,000. Food begins at 6:30 p.m. and drawdown at 7 p.m. Each $75 ticket is an entry into the drawdown and food and beverage (soft drinks and beer, BYOB) for two. Only 300 tickets will be sold. Details: church office (601) 636-0140.
YOUTH BRIEFS GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, In-person K-6 Faith Formation classes from 9:30-10:30 a.m. will be held in the education wing. At this time, masks will be required to be worn by both children and parents/guardians during class and during drop-off and pick-up while in the education wing of the church. Details: contact Karen Worrell, CRE, at kworrellcre@hotmail.com or (601) 672-5817.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of Meridian, Youth Choir, Calling all youth 4th-12th grade to come join the Youth Choir and sing every third Saturday of the month. All practices will be announced through their Remind group. To sign up, enter this number — 81010. Then enter this message — @g2ch47. You will then receive Remind messages with practice dates/times. Details: contact Cassy Klutz, Youth Choir Leader at the church office (601) 693-1321.
CORRECTION Father Nick Hein Nguyen was not listed as an SVD in his pastoral assignment.
Wondering what a Red Mass is? A Red Mass is a Mass celebrated annually in the Roman Catholic Church for all members of the legal profession, regardless of religious affiliation: judges, lawyers, law school professors, law students and government officials, marking the opening of the judicial year. Through prayerful petition and thanksgiving the Red Mass requests guidance from the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice, and offers the legal community an opportunity to reflect on what Catholics believe is the God-given power and responsibility of all in the legal profession.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT MCCOMB St. Alphonsus Liguori Hall (104 South 5th Street), Women’s Retreat, “Psalm 14: He Heals The Brokenhearted, Binds Up All Their Wounds” will focus on the power of God’s healing love. The retreat takes place on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The speakers are Janet Constantine and Father Bill Henry. Janet is a licensed mental health counselor in Jacksonville, Florida and has more than thirty years’ experience in the mental health field. Father Bill retired last year after serving the diocese for 36 years. He has given many retreats and has spoken at conferences throughout the U.S. There is no charge for the retreat but registration is required. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Masks will be required and donations will be accepted. Registrations should be mailed to: Marian Servants® of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 1053 Riverview Drive, Summit, MS. 39666. Details: Contact Charlene Brown at (601) 276-5954 or Marion Amedee at (601) 810-8001.
Engaged Encounter Weekend Retreats offer couples the time and opportunity to question, examine and deepen their relationship with each other and with God. Retreats will resume the weekend of Oct. 15-17, 2021 at Camp Garaywa and Conference Center in Clinton. The following weekends are scheduled for 2022: Jan. 14-16, March 11-13, July 15-17 and Oct. 14-16. Details: Online registration is open on the Office of Family Ministry page at jacksondiocese.org. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Family Ministry at (601) 960-8487 or email Charlene Bearden at Engaged.Encounter@jacksondiocese.org.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS FLOWOOD Save the Date, 2nd Annual Homegrown Harvest Festival, October 2nd at St. Paul Parish. Father Nick Adam invites you to support this event which aids seminarian education and vocation promotion across the diocese. If you want to be a sponsor or to purchase individual tickets, visit: one.bidpal.net/homegrownharvest2021
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Adult Faith Formation, Father Larry Richards’ series “Knowing Jesus and His Church” Sundays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. All are welcome. Details: church office (601) 856-2054. Germanfest is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-oriented festival is best known for its authentic German food and music. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
GRENADA, RICHLAND & SUMMIT Pro-life Mississippi Walk for Life, Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. It is not just a walk it’s a family fun day! Food, games and more. No registration fee and prizes awarded. Details: https://bit.ly/walk4life2021 or plm@prolifemississippi.org
JACKSON St. Richard, Young at Heart will meet Thursday, Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m. in Foley Hall. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month through May. We have speakers who will share on a variety of topics. The speaker is Judge Jess Dickinson, who can play thirty different instruments. Everyone is invited. Lunch will be provided at $5 per person. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
40th annual St. Richard Special Kids Day Golf Tournament, Thursday, Oct. 7 at Deerfield Golf Club. The unique gifts of the children are recognized and applauded, and the community participates in a day full of fun, excitement and meaningful fundraising. Details: To learn more, or to find out how to participate in this event, call the church office at (601) 366-2335 or email garner@saintrichard.com.
Save the Date, Krewe de Cardinal, Feb. 25, 2022. You’re going to love the exciting new addition we are planning. Follow Krewe de Cardinal on social media to get clues in advance of the BIG reveal! Details: church office (601) 366-2335. MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Parish Mission, Wednesday, Sept. 22. Presenter: Deacon John McGregor, D.Min. will speak on “Discipleship and the Authenticity Gap” beginning with food and fellowship at 5 p.m. In his one hour presentation, Deacon John will look at what authentic discipleship means in our everyday lives and why so many people are leaving the church. Sign up for dinner on Flocknote or call the church office. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
Cajun Fest 2021, Sunday, Oct. 3. Plan to attend for a great afternoon of fun and cajun music. Committee chair needed for children’s games. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
St. Francis of Assisi, The M&M Study Group has sessions on Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. in St. Thomas Hall. All ladies are invited to attend. They are studying “Learning to Pray” by Father James Martin. Details: call (601) 613-1926 or (601) 853-4187.
NATCHEZ Assumption of BVM, The Grief Share program is held every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. through Sept. 23. Details: To sign up, call the parish office at (601) 442-7250 or (318) 421-4559. You may also sign up at Griefshare.org.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Bible Study/Prayer Group meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. Details: contact Wayne Miller at (901) 679-3400.
VICKSBURG St. Paul, $3000 Knights of Columbus Drawdown Sunday, Oct. 10. More information to follow. Details: church office (601) 636-0140.
YOUTH BRIEFS FLOWOOD St. Paul, Big Deal Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings 6-8 p.m. for 7th to 12th graders. Please note the time change. The name comes from the Biblical truth, You are made in the image and likeness of God, and that makes you a BIG DEAL. Our Wednesday evenings generally consist of a meal, group fellowship with games, song and worship, and a breakout into small groups for a more intimate encounter with the Lord. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
MADISON St. Joseph School, Fajitas and Margaritas Fundraiser for St. Joe Swim Team, Saturday, Sept. 25 at the M7 Coffee House (111 North Wheatley Street, Ridgeland) from 5-10 p.m. Because St. Joe doesn’t have a pool of its own, the team has to rent space and time at local area pools to practice and have swim meets. The money raised will help support some of these costs. Cost: $30 per person and includes one entry for a drawing to win a new 32” TV, one fajita plate with chicken and/or steak fajitas, refried beans, rice, pico-de-gallo and a drink of your choice. Details: If you are interested in sponsoring, please text or call David Ellis at (601) 761-0315. A $150 sponsorship includes two tickets to the fundraiser and your business name or logo on the sponsors’ list.
NATCHEZ Cathedral School Fall Festival, Sept. 18-19. Details: school office (601) 442-1988.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Wednesday night youth dinners are at 7 p.m. for grades 6-12. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
Este premio es el mayor honor que Catholic Extension otorga a las personas que irradian y revelan la luz de Cristo que está presente en las comunidades donde sirven.
Las siguientes personas son constructores de fe, comunidad y, lo más importante, esperanza:
• Las Hermanas María Imelda Quechol y Eloísa Torralba Aquino, M.A.G., sirven a familias inmigrantes en vecindarios pobres en todo el este de Tennessee proporcionando ministerios que forman comunidades de fe, desarrollan líderes y brindan asesoramiento espiritual.
• El Padre Bob Goodyear, S.T., trabaja para preservar la fe entre los nativos americanos Choctaw en Jackson, Mississippi, ofreciendo recursos para formar líderes laicos en las comunidades donde ministra.
• La hermana Julia Huiskamp, D.C., ayuda a los niños a desarrollar habilidades sociales y académicas en Griffin Center en East St. Louis, un centro comunitario que fundó hace más de 30 años para brindarles a los niños un entorno seguro y acogedor.
• El padre Stan Jaszek fortalece las comunidades de fe católica en la Diócesis de Fairbanks mientras ministra en aldeas remotas a lo largo del Mar de Bering y se une al pueblo Yup’ik para vivir un estilo de vida de subsistencia cazando, pescando y recolectando su comida.
• El padre Brian Oestreich lidera cuatro comunidades parroquiales en el oeste de Minnesota para crear ministerios que satisfagan las necesidades de los pobres, que abarca tres estados y cinco diócesis.
• Racheal Jacoby encabezó la restauración de su parroquia en San Angelo, Texas, que fue construida originalmente con la ayuda de Catholic Extension hace más de 100 años, asegurando que la amada iglesia pueda servir a las generaciones futuras.
• Jenny y Ben Black Bear sirven como pareja casada en la Reserva Rosebud en Dakota del Sur, ayudando a los jóvenes a experimentar la alegría y la esperanza de su fe católica y los valores de Lakota.Las historias destacadas arriba simplemente raspan la superficie de las personas dedicadas que han sido nominadas para el Premio Lumen Christi de este año. Amigo, gracias a usted y su generosidad podemos seguir presentando este premio cada año, y esperamos que lo siga mientras seguimos compartiendo historias y actualizaciones.
GALLMAN – Youth gathered for a SEARCH retreat July 23-25 at Camp Wesley Pines. SEARCH is a unique experience designed for juniors and seniors who have a strong desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ. Each year the Office of Youth Minsitry offers SEARCH retreats. This retreat was themed ‘Explore the Call’ with a focus on Jeremiah 29:11-13. “For I know well the plan I have in mind for you.” (Photo by Abbey Schuhmann)
Summer camp fun
SOUTHAVEN – Summer Camp students at Sacred Heart taste carrots and tomatoes from the children’s garden. The food could be tasted alone or with sugar, salt or Ranch dressing. What do you think they preferred? (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
MADISON – Before school begain in August, students kept busy during the summer at St. Joe’s Volleyball camp. (Photo by Tricia Harris)
Vacation Bible School
McCOMB – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy surrounded by all the children who attended Vacation Bible School at St. Alphonsus parish. This year’s theme was “God’s Wonder Lab.” (Photo Connie Harrington)
MADISON – VBS instructor, Seth Dean shows a group of young “scientists” how magnets work at St. Francis of Assisi parish. (Photo by Mary Catherine George)
CLARKSDALE – (Left to right) Liza Stonestreet, Madison Williams, Virginia Johnson, Anne Taylor Tackett and Elsie Grace Young dance at St. Elizabeth’s VBS. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
Graduating seniors recognized
LELAND – St. James parish celebrated their 2021 graduating seniors. Pictured left to right, Reeves Polasini, Madisyn Henry, Father Sleeva Mekala, Walker Zepponi and Lane Walker. (Photo by Deborah Ruggeri)
FLOWOOD – St. Paul parish celebrated seniors who graduated in 2021. Pictured left to right, Alexis Boman, Nikki Lawrence, Victoria Esparza, Cory Head (Youth Leader), Brendan McIntyre, Joshua Burton and Ares Colas. (Photo by Renee Borne)
WEST POINT – Father Bihn Nguyen celebrated graduating seniors Dominic Borgioli (left) and Aidan Henson (right) at Immaculate Conception parish. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)
By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma JACKSON – Rachel stands perpetually weeping for the loss of innocent life on Lynwood Drive in Jackson near the Special Kids building at St. Richard parish. “Rachel Weeping” is the culmination of a vision that started at the parish years ago in a desire to have a substantial ‘pro-life’ monument permanently present at the church.
“One day a few years back, I … stumbled across a story whose headline said something to the effect of ‘Iceland eliminates down syndrome,'” said Father John Bohn. He was prepared to be amazed by scientific discoveries, but found that they were simply aborting any child who tested positive for Trisomy 21, the condition that leads to down syndrome.
“So, I didn’t think that was a cause for celebration. I thought that it was a tragedy, in large part because our Special Kids program here at St. Richard is really the best part of our parish. I thought about what we’d all miss if these souls had been aborted by their parents before birth simply because they were different,” said Father John. Commissioned by the Knights of Columbus at St. Richard, the work began in 2017 and was sculpted by Tracy H. Sugg. The concept of the sculpture is based on the scripture in Jeremiah 31:15 “Behold, Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be comforted because they were no more.”
JACKSON – St. Richard’s pro-life monument, “Rachel Weeping” stands near the Special Kids building at the parish. The statue stands eight feet tall and is full of symbolism. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
Sugg, whose studio is in Tennessee, has been sculpting professionally for about 30 years and has ties to Jackson, earning a master of fine arts from Mississippi College. She also sculpted a piece in the main hall of St. Richard called “Christ Setting Forth the Sacraments,” and has pieces across the country, including “G. V. Sonny Montgomery” at Mississippi State University in Starkville, “Dominican Sister” in the lobby of St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson and “General Tadeusz Kosciuszko” in Kosciusko.
Sugg surrounded Rachel with astounding symbolism from her bare feet to the curls in her loose flowing hair. The Knights requested that Rachel hold a baby blanket, which Sugg took great care to create, using only her hands.
“I wanted to bring home to the viewer the loss of that life. So, I chose to create a sharp contrast between the movement found in the figure to the shocking stillness found in the blanket,” said Sugg. “So, I just have the blanket inert with gravity pulling on it so it has very heavy folds.”
The same folds are also tucked in the sculpture under Rachel’s belt. “The folds are echoed in the blanket and it ties in with her womb and visually creates a connection mentally between the grieving mother and the loss of a child,” said Sugg.
“This sculpture … will continue to show the dignity of human life. It will continue to glorify God and this testimony through the tool of a bronze sculpture. It goes beyond me and beyond all of you. And beyond this generation that is alive right now because it will continue to tell the story long after they are gone,” said Sugg.
“My hands are just the tools. This was the vision of the Knights of Columbus and Father John … we are all a part of this enduring statement that will endlessly cry out to those who view it of the blessed dignity of all human life.”
(More about Sugg’s process for creating Rachel and more about her breathtaking symbolism can be found at www.tracyhsugg.com/rachel-weeping/.)
By John Surratt, The Vicksburg Post VICKSBURG – A statue of St. Paul Catholic Church’s patron saint now graces the church’s sanctuary, and the story behind its arrival begins with a new pastor and a donation left to the church’s altar society.
Not long after he arrived at St. Paul Catholic Church as pastor, Father Rusty Vincent was approached by Janice Waring with a gift from the church’s altar society.
“Some money was donated to the altar society years ago and it had been in a CD for many years,” said Waring, who was altar society treasurer.
Interest in the altar society had been waning for several years and two years ago the group disbanded with the money still in the bank.
“I went to Father Rusty and said we want to do something with it, but we don’t want to piecemeal it out,” Waring said. “What is something we may need?”
Father Vincent noticed the need. The church had statues of Jesus and Mary but there was no statue of the church’s patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle.
“Since the church didn’t have a St. Paul statue and we were named St. Paul’s, I thought that was the best thing to do,” Father Vincent said.
VICKSBURG – On Sunday, June 27, Father Rusty Vincent of St. Paul Catholic Church blessed a new statue of the parish’s patron saint. The statue of St. Paul, which was gifted by the parish’s Altar Society, rests on a stand that was handmade by church member Charles Hahn. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)
The decision led to a two-year process to find a statue of St. Paul that ended with the T.H. Stemper Co., which specializes in supplies and reconditioning and making statues for churches, making the statue.
When she first saw the statue, Waring said, “It was a white statue, but the manufacturer put us with an artist and when it was finished it looks like wood. We were very pleased.”
Parishioner Charles Hahn made the stand for the statue using the old church organ’s wood pipes.
On June 27, St. Paul dedicated the statue of its patron saint during a ceremony at its 10:30 a.m. Mass.
“He is the patron saint of the church, it is named after him and the saints in heaven are already with God so they’re interceding on our behalf; they’re praying for us to get to heaven,” Father Vincent said of the statue’s significance to the parish.
“When you name a church after a saint, you have a special connection with that saint,” he said. “St. Paul’s life as a saint, whether it be his conversion or martyrdom, is all to encourage us to live the life of a saint as he did.”
St. Paul initially persecuted Christians.
“He was caught up in the zeal for the Jewish faith,” he said. “He was very passionate about it but at the same time too, he was very misguided in the sense of the fact that he thought he was right, but he was living it out in a cruel way. “Then he had his conversion; he had that vision of Christ that’s seen in the Acts of the Apostles and changed him completely; he was devoted to Christ from that day forward, even to death. It was amazing the change he went through,” Father Vincent said.
(Reprinted with permission of The Vicksburg Post. John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church.)
