Masses returned to many parishes within the diocese over Pentecost weekend, May 30 and 31, after over a two-month break. While some parishes added more Masses, some are not yet ready to fully open, making sure they have all mechanisms in place to assure the safety of parishioners in light of the pandemic. Please check with your individual parish for proper procedure on attending Mass. Several restrictions for the safety of parishioners include mandatory masks for those over age 2, social distancing, Communion in the hand only, no choir or ensemble singing and the sign of peace should not include physical contact. Bishop Joseph Kopacz continues to dispense all of the faithful from the Sunday Obligation to participate in Mass until further notice.
JACKSON – Blue painters tape separates the pews at St. Richard to help ensure proper social distance is kept. Father John Bohn and Father Nick Adams celebrated Pentecost Mass with parishioners for the first time since churches were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Beth de Gruy)
SOUTHAVEN – Father David Szatkowski, SCJ, of Sacred Heart parish distributes communion into the hands of a parishioner, while maintaining social distancing. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace parish welcomed Emily Mendoza into the church on Pentecost Sunday as her parents, Janie and Jeffery, sister Madilynn and sponsor Connie Hegwood look on. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
PEARL – St. Jude parishioners enjoyed a drive-in Mass on Saturday, May 30. Pictured are chancery employee, Carolyn Callahan and her husband (Danny) receiving Communion from Father Lincoln Dall. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
PEARL – Saturday May 30, St. Jude parish had a “drive-in” Mass. Pictured left to right are Mark Bowden, Deacon John McGregor and Father Lincoln Dall. The parish used a former hunting trailer turned into a Mardi Gras float as a platform. Communicants remained in their cars listening to Mass on their radios. Father Lincoln and Deacon John went to each car to distribute Holy Communion. This worked especially well for vulnerable parishioners as well as those with young children. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)
By Joanna Puddister King FLOWOOD – Famed newspaper cartoonist and editor Marshall Ramsey has a saying that suits us in Mississippi. “When things get bad, we get good.” That saying is no exception for many of our parishes around the diocese, who have been helping others in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
St. Paul Flowood began humbly serving about 50 families at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and now serve upwards of 90 families per week. The program is called “Feed the Hungry” and it grew out of the Backback ministry the parish was operating for Pisgah and Oakdale schools that served disadvantaged children, identified by conselors, on the weekend with snacks.
Cecilia Carlton of St. Paul Flowood says the church “is truly serving the needs of families affected by circumstances for which they had no possibility of preparing.”
“COVID-19 has given our parish family the ability to become ‘missional’ in our intent to serve our brothers and sisters far beyond the walls of St. Paul.”
The parish began their “Feed the Hungry” program with referrals from principals, teachers and counselors at Pisgah, Oakdale, McLaurin and Pelahatchie schools. Carlton also says that a few have come from Northwest Rankin. Once massive layoffs caused unemployment rates to rise, the parish began getting calls from individuals for food assistance as well.
St. Paul parishioners have been very generous, says Carlton. Father Gerry Hurley and Carlton have even taken to calling their makeshift pantry the ‘Table of Plenty.’ Carton says of Father Hurley, “It does his heart good to see cars all through the day bringing in food.”
The Knights of Columbus Council 10216 have also been a huge help to the project, teaming up with those in the parish operating the Backpack Ministry for Pisgah and Oakdale schools. The Knights and chapter president, Jose Lopez have also been filling orders and helping off of the ‘Table of Plenty’ as they hear about needs in the community.
Each year, the Knights smoke boston butts for the fourth of July weekend and sell to raise money for different causes. This year, the smoked butt sale will be on June 28 and funds raised will go to subsidizing the “Feed the Hungry” project. The butts are $40 each and can be purchase through the St. Paul Flowood’s website.
On May 30, Michelle Harris, parishioner of St. Paul, who runs Rosie’s Garden stopped by with fresh produce for St. Paul’s “Feed the Hungry” program. Rosie’s Garden is a non-profit located in Rankin county that grows fresh produce and distributes to non-profits helping with food. The organization regularly delivers to Catholic Charities, The Mustard Seed and Stewpot among others. Now, they are proud to begin helping St. Paul’s efforts to feed the hungry.
“It may have taken us a while to get there, but there are so many people working right now to feed people who need it,” says Carlton.
Additionally, St. Paul Flowood also has a “Feed the Flock” program that is feeding individuals at high-risk for contracting COVID-19. The parish has been delivering meals on Wednesday’s to 24 individuals. The programs are not just for parishioners, said Carlton. “It is for anyone in need who is at high-risk.”
Carlton says that the program will continue until people get back on their feet, no matter how long that may be.
For those that want to help, Carlton encourages everyone to look at their home parishes and see how you can help your community.
Some of the most needed items for the ‘Table of Plenty’ are peanut butter, cereal or breakfast bars, pasta, rice, spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese, canned tuna, chicken, or salmon, canned vegetables, canned fruit, boxed crackers & cookies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bars of soap, shampoo/conditioner, toilet paper and bleach. Donations and can be dropped off before 6pm under the pavilion behind the right side of the church or monetary donations can be made online.
FLOWOOD – Michelle Harris and Cecilia Carlton sort through fresh produce from Rosie’s Garden for St. Paul Flowood’s “Feed the Hungry” program. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
By Laura Grisham WALLS – Sacred Heart school and Holy Family school students left for spring break not having any idea that they would not physically return to their classrooms this school year. Students and teachers have had to find creative new ways to do their regular activities. Many things have been adapted and shared via Facebook. Masses and prayer services, the May Crowning events, even Sacred Heart’s race day were all virtual experiences this year. Distance learning has been the order of the day for all the children. Some students were well prepared for the change, having used Google Classroom on a daily basis. For others, the transition had a learning curve. Sacred Heart school principal Bridget Martin shared that the two math and two history courses that offer Carnegie units for high school were a little more difficult to coordinate. These classes had to be introduced on a Zoom conference so students and teachers could meet daily to complete the work. “Due to Virtus and Protection of Children guidelines, teaching assistants are invited to join in the classes each day for two adults to be present. Classes are also password protected,” she said. Martin explained that as students join the Zoom session, they are stopped in a virtual waiting room. Teachers grant admission as they are recognized. It was noted that this permission-based action has kept hackers and strangers at bay.
HOLLY SPRINGS – May crownings were virtual experiences for the students at Holy Family school. Above, Dylan Sangster had the honor of crowning Mary this year. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
PreK-3 through second grade students have also had a little more of a challenge. “Children that age are not meant to solely learn online,” Martin said. Students with access to technology have been working through an early childhood platform called “Seesaw.” Unfortunately, some families do not have computers, tablets or internet access. This was especially a challenge at Holy Family school. Parents have made regular trips to the school in order to pick up and return students’ assignments. As a result of COVID-19, and predictions of possible flare up again this fall, the Diocese of Jackson has required all schools to complete a distance-learning plan. This will be communicated to parents and students in August. Everyone will be trained in the online programs in the event we are away from the school building again when the 2020-2021 school year begins. This way, schoolwork will be immediately accessible. As the eighth-grade students prepare to be promoted, administrators face yet another challenge: how to celebrate at a distance. Holy Family will honor students at a “drive-in” ceremony of sorts. Sacred Heart school will wait until the end of the month and also laud the students outside. Teachers, parents and students have worked together to meet the educational challenges presented by the current health crisis – teaching, learning and connecting in a different way. Although they have been apart physically, in a way they have grown closer. By working apart toward a common goal and adapting to finish the school year successfully, they have shared experiences and learned more than they could ever have imagined when the school year began.
In the wake of the cancellation of all public Masses in the Diocese of Jackson, local priests are being creative and utilizing technology to be present to their faith communities and bring Mass and other services to them in their homes. The following is a listing of virtual Mass and prayer opportunities established by priests and parishes in the diocese. With the loosening of restrictions by Governor Tate Reeves, some parishes are now offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Drive-in Adoration. Check with your home parish for more details and availability. We look forward to celebrating together soon!
DEANERY I CANTON Sacred Heart, Details: Saturday 5:15 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m.; facebook @sacredheartcantonms CAMDEN Sacred Heart, Details: Sunday 10 a.m. English, 12:30 p.m. Spanish; facebook @sacredheartcamdenms CLINTON Holy Savior, Details: follow YouTube – search Holy Savior Catholic Church Clinton FLOWOOD St. Paul, Details: Sunday 10:30 a.m.; YouTube – search St. Paul Catholic Church and subscribe or facebook @StPaulCatholicChurch JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter, Details: Daily Monday through Friday 12:05 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. English and 11 a.m. Spanish; facebook @jacksondiocese, YouTube search Catholic Diocese of Jackson JACKSON Christ the King, Details: Sunday 9 a.m.; facebook @CTKJacksonMs JACKSON Holy Family, Details: Sunday 9:50 a.m.; facebook @HFCCJackson JACKSON St. Richard, Details: Daily and Sunday 8 a.m.; facebook @saintrichardms JACKSON St. Therese, Details: Sunday 9:30 a.m. English, 12:30 p.m. Spanish; facebook @St.-Therese -Catholic-Church-106886477623772 MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Details: Daily 7 a.m., Sundays 10:30 a.m.; facebook @stfrancisassisimadison PEARL St. Jude, Details: Monday 6 p.m., Tuesday 6 p.m., Wednesday 6 p.m., Thursday Adoration 5 p.m. and Mass 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m. English, 11 a.m. Spanish; facebook @stjudepearl VICKSBURG St. Michael, Details: Sunday facebook @stmichaelvicksburg VICKSBURG St. Paul, Details: Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @Saint-Paul-Catholic-Church-of-Vicksburg-562031117586220
DEANERY II McCOMB St. Alphonsus, Details: Sunday 10:15 a.m.; facebook @St-Alphonsus-Catholic-Church-Pike-County-Catholic-Community-283052928758 NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Details: Daily Monday through Friday 7:15 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @stmarybasilica or visit https://greenwavesports.live
DEANERY III GREENWOOD St. Francis of Assisi, Details: Sunday 10 a.m. English, 11:30 a.m. Spanish; facebook @stfrancisgreenwood GREENVILLE Sacred Heart, 9 a.m. Sunday English, 11:15 a.m. Spanish; Details: facebook @Sacred-Heart-Catholic-Church-of-Greenville-Mississippi-238314926374934 GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Details: Daily 12 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.; facebook @St.-Joseph-Catholic-Church-of-Greenville-Mississippi-114619032033970 LELAND St. James, Details: Sunday 9 a.m.; facebook @StJamesLeland
DEANERY IV CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI (Holy Spirit Hernando, St. Joseph Holly Springs, Queen of Peace Olive Branch, Good Shepherd Robinsonville, St. Gregory the Great Senatobia, Christ the King Southaven) Details: Sunday 9:30 a.m. English, 11 a.m. Spanish; facebook @Catholic Parishes of Northwest Mississippi CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Details: Sunday 9 a.m.; facebook @olvcleveland CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Details: Daily Monday through Friday 12:10 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.; facebook @stelizabethclarksdale
DEANERY V CORINTH St. James the Less, Daily; Details: YouTube – search Saint James Corinth, MS NEW ALBANY St. Francis of Assisi, Details: Sunday 10 a.m. bilingual; facebook @stfrancisnewalbanyms OXFORD St. John, Details: Daily Monday through Friday 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @StJohnoxfordMs RIPLEY St. Matthew, Details: Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @StMatthewRipley STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Details: Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @stjosephstarkville TUPELO St. James, Details: Daily Monday through Friday and Sunday 8 a.m. English, 10 a.m. Spanish; facebook @StJames-Catholic-Church-Tupelo-425836438235299
DEANERY VI MERIDIAN St. Patrick and St. Joseph Community, Details: Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @catholiccommunitymeridian
NATION/ WORLDWIDE VATICAN NEWS: Pope Francis’ daily events, Details: facebook @vaticannews and YouTube @vaticannews EWTN: Daily events, Details: https://www.ewtn.com/everywhere/online BISHOP ROBERT BARRON: Daily events, Details: www.wordonfire.org, facebook @BishopRobertBarron or YouTube search Word on Fire video
By Eugene Buglewicz OXFORD – On Saturday, April 18, at 10:45 sharp, two cars and two pick-up trucks pulled up to the loading dock of Baptist Memorial Hospital North in Oxford, Mississippi. They were filled with hot aluminum trays full of fried catfish and french fries, hush puppies and cole slaw together with some boxed and other home-made cookies prepared by parishioners from St. John the Evangelist parish. There was enough food to provide lunch to approximately 200 staff at the hospital.
The idea for lunch came from Father Joe Tonos, pastor of St. John the Evangelist. Father Joe had seen how other organizations had provided meals to first responders, and thought the excess food would certainly be welcomed by the hospital staff. Father Joe contacted Basil Richmond, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 10901, and asked if it would be possible for the Knights to prepare the meal with the left-over food to show our appreciation for the staff efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. Richmond contacted Peyton Warrington from Baptist Hospital and arranged for the date, Saturday, April 18 at 10:45 a.m. sharp. Richmond then recruited six Knights to assist with the preparation of the meal, while a dessert of cookies, both homemade and boxed, was coordinated by Stacy Raspoe, a parishioner of St. John. Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, it was busy at St. John’s as the meal was being readied for delivery at 10:30 a.m. Catfish cookers, Richmond, Drew Dixon and Kaleel Rahaim breaded and fried fish while George Read made french fries from 80 pounds of whole potatoes. Lynn Mead prepared the hush puppies while Dave Ray and Gene Buglewicz acted as runners between the fryers and kitchen. In the kitchen, the cooked food was covered and placed in warmers and ovens. All food and condiments were prepared by 10 a.m., then loaded into two cars and two pick-ups for transport to the hospital at 10:15 a.m.. The hospital crew was waiting at the loading dock with insulated trays and loaded the aluminum pans, cookies and condiments including tarter sauce and ketchup. For the Knights, the project was on-time and completed at 10:45 a.m. For the over 200 hospital employees, they enjoyed the catfish meal on their lunch breaks around the noon hour. Although the Knights could not personally deliver the catfish to the hospital staff, and had to leave the food with the hospital employees at the loading dock, the Knights felt their labor was the best sign of appreciation they could provide to each of the dedicated hospital employees from their neighbors at St. John the Evangelist Church.
(Gene Buglewicz is a member of St. John parish in Oxford.)
The
Knights of Columbus from Council 9543 at St. Francis of Assisi in Madison will
take another big swing at the costs of seminarian education with their annual
Floyd Q. Doolittle Memorial Golf Classic. Open to the public, the four-person
scramble is set for Saturday, March 28 at Whisper Lake Golf Club and starts at
1 p.m.
“This is a fundraiser for seminarian
education and provides crucial financial assistance for future priests of the
Diocese of Jackson, as it costs approximately $37,000 a year to educate one new
seminarian,” said Tunney Vandevender, past Grand Knight at Council 9543. “It’s
an exciting day of golf, fellowship, and celebration. We’ve raised nearly
$70,000 over the last four years.”
“Please
consider being a sponsor and/or a participant. There will be silent auctions
for a Smart TV from Cowboy Maloney and a set of all-weather tires from Nokian
among other prizes. Lunch, dinner, and beverages are included in your
registration.”
Por Berta Mexidor JACKSON – Como ya es tradición, en enero, la oficina de Caridades Católicas de Vardaman en el noreste de Mississippi realiza la Semana Nacional de Migración, en coordinación con los líderes pastorales del decanato V de la Diócesis de Jackson. Este año, durante los días 9 al 11 de enero, el tema “Promoviendo una Iglesia y un Mundo para Todos” fue tratado por la hermana Norma Pimentel, Misionera de Jesus. La hermana Pimentel, MJ. es la directora ejecutiva de Caridades Católicas de Rio Grande en Texas y recipiente del premio “Laetare Medal” de la Universidad de Notre Dame. Su trabajo de servicio a los inmigrantes, a través del “Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen”, Texas y los retos de éste, cerca de la frontera con Mexico, la han puesto más de una vez en la palestra nacional. El programa incluyó conferencias a las comunidades de Vardaman y Tupelo. El viernes 10 de enero, en Vardaman, asistieron entre otros, Wanda Thomas Directora Ejecutiva de Caridades Catolicas de Jackson, el padre Fred Ruse desde Florida, representantes de la Universidad de Mississippi de Oxford, y el profesor Robert Stewart, retirado de Delta State University y presidente de la Junta de Asesores de Caridades Catolicas en Vardaman.
VARDAMAN – El obispo Joseph Kopacz oficio Misa el viernes, ene. 10, concelebrada con los sacerdotes: (al fondo de i-d) Raj Xavier, pastor de St. Francis of Asisi de New Albany, Adolfo Suarez, sacerdote asociado en St. James de Tupelo y Tim Murphy, pastor de St. James de Tupelo y de St. Christopher de Pontotoc. (Foto cortesia de Danna Johnson)
Steward definió a la Hna. Pimentel como “…una mujer tranquila, que parece casi tímida, pero que tiene un aura de estabilidad y fuerza. Ella habla en voz baja pero claramente audible. Ella dice mucho,” y explica que “…Me impresionó su preocupación tanto por las personas cansadas y asustadas que buscan asilo en los Estados Unidos asi como por los diversos funcionarios del gobierno, incluidos los agentes de ICE y la Patrulla Fronteriza. Ella entiende que todos los involucrados pagan un precio emocional. “ Danna Johnson, coordinadora de Caridades Católicas en Vardaman, expresó que la celebración del evento”… fue un éxito en el esfuerzo al llamado, a todos los católicos y personas de buena voluntad, a tener un mejor entendimiento y apreciación de este importante tema que nos afecta a todos.”
Por Berta Mexidor y Joanna King JACKSON – “Dios no te abandona” fue el mensaje del cardenal Álvaro Ramazzini Imeri durante su visita a la diócesis de Jackson entre el 19 y el 21 de diciembre de 2019. Este mensaje fue recibido por cientos de personas, en su mayoría inmigrantes, que asistieron a sus charlas en las comunidades de Cartago, Canton y Forest que fueron afectadas luego de las redadas de inmigración en agosto de 2019 y que resultaron en más de 700 detenciones, donde muchos de los detenidos son ciudadanos guatemaltecos. El cardenal Ramazzini, de Huehuetenango, Guatemala y elegido al rango de cardenal en octubre por el Papa Francisco, es conocido por su ayuda y defensa de los derechos humanos para con los pobres de América Central. Durante su gira de amor y esperanza en Mississippi, el cardenal Ramazzini habló sobre la situación económica en Guatemala, que hace que muchos se vayan del país a buscar una vida mejor; y alentó en la fe a los afectados con los que se reunió, mientras que muchos enfrentan el proceso legal de deportación de los Estados Unidos. En una conferencia de prensa el 20 de diciembre, en la oficina de la diócesis en Jackson, con el obispo Joseph Kopacz, Joe Boland, vicepresidente de misión para Extensión Católica y el padre Roberto Mena, ST de St. Michael Forest, el cardenal Ramazzini explicó su posición con respecto al gobierno de EE. UU. Agradeció a los estadounidenses de todo el país su muestra de solidaridad y toda la ayuda humanitaria recibida de católicos y no católicos, por igual, a los afectados por las redadas.
CANTON– “Ser Cardenal abre ventanas de comunicación con más personas … para servir mejor, en la última etapa de mi vida, y especialmente en servicio a las personas más marginadas del mundo,” dijo el cardenal Ramazzini el viernes dic. 20, 2019, en conversación con Guatemaltecos afectados por las redadas de ICE y parroquianos de Sacred Heart en Canton.(Foto por Berta Mexidor)
En la conferencia, el cardenal Ramazzini dijo que aboga por una “política de migración con rostro humano”, para resolver las condiciones económicas que obligan a muchos a abandonar su país de origen y detener la costumbre donde los inmigrantes son tratados como delincuentes, aún sin tener antecedentes penales. El cardenal Ramazzini evaluó con el mismo peso a los gobiernos de Barack Obama y Donald Trump al aplicar las leyes de inmigración con “legalidad y poca justicia”. Además, denunció el trato inhumano de los inmigrantes cuando han sido esposados en sus lugares de trabajo frente a colegas y familias.
FOREST – Cientos de parroquianos de St. Michael, religiosos, cuidadanos Guatemaltecos y simpatizantes de immigrates se reunieron para Misa, el sádado dic. 21, 2019. En procesión, el padre Roberto Mena, ST. pastor de St. Michael(frente), el cardenal Ramazzini (centro), quien fue el Homilista y el obispo Joseph Kopacz (atrás) el celebrante. (Foto por Luis G. Espinoza/ La Noticia)
Al mismo tiempo, el cardenal Ramazzini criticó fuertemente al gobierno guatemalteco por su pobre modelo económico que deja a los nativos al borde de la desesperación. Durante su labor de concientización a lo largo de los años, ha explicado a los guatemaltecos el peligro de ponerse a sí mismos y a sus hijos en manos de “polleros” y “coyotes”. Después de la conferencia de prensa, el cardenal Ramazzini se reunió con feligreses en St. Anne Carthage, Sacred Heart Canton y St. Michael Forest. En cada una de las reuniones, agradeció a los sacerdotes que atendían a sus rebaños: el padre Odel Medina, ST, el padre Michael O’Brien y el padre Roberto Mena, ST. Los sacerdotes también le agradecieron su visita y le explicaron su trabajo con los feligreses y las familias afectadas por las redadas, lo que incluye mucho apoyo financiero ya que muchos no pueden trabajar, además de consolar a los feligreses a través del trauma experimentado por las redadas.
CARTHAGE– Al final de la Posada, el cardenal Ramazzini bendice la casa y a todos los presentes. Al fondo, Joe Boland, vicepresidente de Catholic Extension, organización a cargo de la visita y ayuda a los afectados.
Durante su conversación con las comunidades, algunas familias afectadas compartieron lo que sufrieron en el momento de la detención, la vergüenza y la incertidumbre al momento de enfrentar un tribunal federal; pero también su esperanza para el futuro. También muchos comunicaron al cardenal Ramazzini su gratitud por el trabajo de los sacerdotes, religiosos, voluntarios y organizaciones benéficas católicas, quienes han hecho que esta vez sea un poco menos difícil y, por lo cual, no les ha faltado alimentos, ayuda y pagos financieros para mantener casa y servicios para sus familias. El cardenal Ramazzini mencionó que muchas personas que han ayudado a las familias afectadas son prueba de que Dios no deja a las personas solas. “En los momentos de prueba, la solidaridad y la ayuda de otros probaron que Dios no nos abandona”, dijo en su visita. Durante sus conversaciones con cada una de las parroquias en su conjunto, el cardenal Ramazzini comparó la situación de los inmigrantes arrestados en las redadas con Job, quien lo perdió todo y hasta quedó enfermo y solo. “…Este libro de Job puede ayudarnos a todos cuando pasamos por tiempos difíciles. Y Job le pregunta a Dios por qué está sufriendo. Y la respuesta de Dios fue y es ‘No te he abandonado, solo quería ver si eras fiel’ … Cuando todo va bien, nos olvidamos de Dios. No debería ser así, pero somos seres humanos…,” dijo el cardenal, y continuó. “Debemos estar seguros de que Dios no nos abandona, pero es muy fácil decir esto cuando todo está bien, pero después de estar en la cárcel, o ver a un miembro de la familia atrapado y pasar momentos difíciles, la gente siempre se pregunta en una situación así, ‘Dios, si eres amor, ¿por qué permites que sucedan cosas como esta?’ La tentación de la desesperación, de la falta de confianza en Dios, es muy grande … Le pido al Señor que no te deje caer en esa tentación porque, a pesar del momento difícil, Dios no nos abandona,” enfatizó el cardenal Ramazzini. Además de las conversaciones comunitarias, el cardenal Ramazzini participó con los feligreses pidiendo Posada en St. Anne Carthage y St. Michael Forest, una tradición antes de Navidad que representa a la Sagrada Familia en busca de refugio, hasta encontrar un lugar en un establo. Fue allí donde nació el hijo de Dios,”…para enseñarnos que entregarnos a los demás nos hace felices”, dijo el cardenal Ramazzini. Agregó que ser cristiano es ser coherente con la fe y ayudarse mutuamente, recalcando “… si usted cree que Dios es amor, ese, es el camino a seguir.”
CARTHAGE – Decenas de peregrinos, de la parroquia de Santa Ana, acompañaron en Posada al cardenal Ramazzini y al padre Odel Medina, ST., el viernes, dic. 12, 2019. Antes y después de la posada hubo oraciones, música, ponche caliente y comida de Guatemala.
Apoyo continuo para familias afectadas Durante su visita a Mississippi, el Cardenal Ramazzini recibió el compromiso continuo de miembros de Caridades Católicas Jackson, el Centro de Justicia de Mississippi, el Instituto Jesuita de Investigación Social, la Alianza de Derechos de Inmigrantes de Mississippi (MIRA) y otros grupos comunitarios, que han movilizado voluntarios para distribuir ayuda, ofrecer transporte para visitar a familiares detenidos y servicios de traducción para los tribunales. Extensión Católica, organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Chicago, que patrocinó la visita pastoral del cardenal Ramazzini, anunció, en la conferencia de prensa celebrada en la oficina de la Cancillería en diciembre 20 de 2019, su nueva iniciativa de salud mental a través de su “Fondo Holy Family” para proporcionar asesoramiento y otros servicios a las familias afectadas por las redadas. Esta iniciativa de Catholic Extension es una asociación entre el Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) de Miami y el Fondo Holy Family, un programa de ayuda a las familias en los Estados Unidos que dependen financieramente de un padre que ha sido detenido o deportado por razones de inmigración. A través del fondo, Catholic Extension ha garantizado el flujo de ayuda para apoyar .la entrega de recursos básicos a las iglesias que atienden las necesidades humanitarias y espirituales de las familias en Mississippi afectadas por la crisis causada por las redadas de ICE. “Las redadas, como la que vimos en Mississippi, causan un caos masivo para estas familias,” dijo Joe Boland, vice presidente de Extensión Católica. “Necesitamos continuar asegurándonos de que obtengan los recursos y servicios que necesitan para abordar el sufrimiento a largo plazo causado por un sistema en el que los padres son separados por la fuerza de sus hijos, y eso es lo que pretendemos hacer.” La iniciativa de salud mental se creó para aliviar el trauma y la ansiedad persistentes creados para los niños separados de sus padres debido a la detención o deportación. Este esfuerzo incluirá asesoramiento, atención pastoral, ayuda para la salud mental y otros servicios para abordar las consecuencias psicológicas que sufren las familias que han sido separadas. Durante la conferencia de prensa, Boland describió haber recibido una carta de un niño de 8 años de Morton después de las redadas. La madre del niño había estado detenida durante dos meses antes de ser puesta en libertad. El niño escribió: “Gracias por recordarnos, por no abandonarnos. … En el futuro, no se olviden de nosotros porque son los niños los que más sufren.” Se pueden hacer donaciones al Fondo Sagrada Familia para ayudar a lanzar y mantener este nuevo programa de salud mental en catholicextension.org/family
CARTHAGE – El cardenal Ramazzini escuchó varios testimonios de familias afectadas por las redadas de Inmigracion. Después de su conversación, el viernes, dic. 20, 2019, varias madres pidieron al cardenal bendiciones para sus hijos.(Fotos por Berta Mexidor)
GREENVILLE – Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 the new members of the Sacred Heart parish council were installed, prayed over and blessed with holy water by Father Thomas Mullaly. The new parish council members are listed from left to right, Remika Wright, Micheal Courtney, Marilyn Williams, Staphanie Foules- Brooks, Lisa Kemp, Donald Davis, Reba Moton, and Douglas Wise. Not pictured are David Torres and Will Jenkins. (Photo by Maurice Mosley)
