By Staff Reports HALES CORNERS, Wis. – Originally from Minneapolis, Rev. Thomas Lind, SCJ, died on April 11, just days before his 92nd birthday. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Community in Pinellas Park, Florida. Nearly ten years earlier he had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
Father Tom completed his seminary studies at Sacred Heart Monastery (now Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology). He professed his first vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) in 1951 and was ordained in 1958.
His first full-time assignment was back where he started: assisting at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Ste. Marie, Ilinois, from 1960-64. From there, he went to St. Joseph’s Indian School, where he served for 17 years. He would later return to South Dakota for a short-term assignment on the Cheyenne River Reservation from 1999-2000.
For nine years (1980-89) he was pastor of St. James Church in Corinth, Mississippi. After two years at Christ the Redeemer parish in Houston, he moved to northwest Mississippi, where he assisted with pastoral ministry from 2000-2016. Since 2016, he had been a member of the SCJ retirement community in Pinellas Park.
“He was a very sweet man,” are the words that so many used to describe Father Tom upon learning of his death.
“I enjoyed his company and his homilies,” wrote another.
“He was a holy priest, a friend… and a pretty good golfer!” said another.
In his homily, Father Vien Nguyen, SCJ, provincial superior of the US Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, reflected on a phrase displayed prominently in Father Tom’s room: “Do what is right, seek what is good, walk humbly before the Lord,” from the prophet Micah.
“Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God are not separate from each other; rather, they are interconnected,” said Father Vien.” They form the essence of God’s heart. Tom, I believe that having the words of the prophet Micah on your wall was not for decoration. Instead, they served as a reminder of what you wanted to achieve in your religious life as a Dehonian.
“May we too follow the footsteps of Father Leo John Dehon and have the courage to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. We hope that we too one day will be invited to the glorious banquet held on Mount Zion, never to be separated from God’s love, and be blessed for living the Beatitudes.”
The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Tom was held on Thursday, April 18, at Good Shepherd Chapel at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
By David Tisdale GREENVILLE – To help Catholics and other Christians keep prayer from becoming mere routine, Father Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD offers in his latest book in invitation to how to better understand and contemplate our devotions to the Holy Trinity through his deep examination of their genesis.
Father Sebastian recently published Why We Pray What We Pray, described as a “spiritual journey of prayer, silence and aspiration” in which he examines the prayers Christians hold dear and recite in times of worship, gratitude, contrition, and in despair. He looks closely at the historical and theological foundations and significations of The Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, The Way of the Cross, The Rosary, the Mass, Lectio Divina among others, further clarifying the concepts in which they are grounded so they become even more relatable and meaningful to us.
“The more I understand the words, actions, emotions, and feelings that are attached to a particular prayer, the better it helps me to engage in it,” Father Sebastian said of Why We Pray What We Pray. “That is why I have tried to explain prayer here by looking at its meaning, historical origins, scriptural basis, and theological significance. I hope readers find these beneficial as well and come to engage in prayer in an intentional manner. “
Father Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD stands with his latest book – Why We Pray What We Pray. The book is available on Amazon or for a personalized copy, contact Father Sebastian at sebymy@hotmail.com. (Photo courtesy of Gulf Pine Catholic)
Why We Pray What We Pray invites readers to look at the whole of the narrative of The Word through the many prayers connecting us to it. In an excerpt from the book, referencing the Hail Mary, Father Sebastian writes: “In our prayer, we make these beautiful words of Elizabeth our own. Today, we recognize Mary as the most blessed woman in history due to her faithful acceptance of God’s plan and her willingness to fulfill it perfectly.” The phrase emphasizes the lessons we can learn from Mary’s life and her response to God’s plan. It teaches us the value of faithful acceptance of God’s purpose, humility, and obedience. We are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the blessings in the lives of others, trust in God’s perfect timing, and utilize the power of prayer to seek spiritual support and guidance. In essence, Mary’s story inspires us to align our lives with God’s will, embrace His plan, and appreciate the blessings in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.”
In discussing the inspirations for his latest book, Father Sebastian says he values prayer and its power, and hopes what he is written also inspires more meditative and reflective moments. “It [prayer] is the force that guides and strengthens my life,” Father Sebastian explained. “It helps me to deepen my relationship with my God as I see those moments as special times between me and the One I love – God. It is also the glue that holds life together when things seem difficult and challenging.
“I truly experience the power of prayer when I intentionally engage in it and actively lead or participate in it. For the words of a prayer to become meaningful and the feelings to become real, I must immerse and involve myself totally in it – my body, soul, mind, and heart.”
Father Sebastian credits first his parents and a family atmosphere he says helped him value the importance of prayer, and later his educational formation in the seminary and daily service as a priest. “The seminary formation and my life as a priest is centered around prayer and spirituality,” he further noted. “The celebration of the sacraments and other liturgical functions are powerful moments of prayer, and the greatest of such moments is the celebration of the Eucharist – the greatest form of prayer.
“As a priest, I am also blessed to be part of some of the most significant moments in the life of my parishioners as well as others in the community, such as through baptism, Holy Communion, matrimony, anointing of the sick, and funerals. These moments may be joyful or painful, and prayer has a way of enhancing those joyful moments or offering comfort to those experiencing pain and difficulties. In the period after Katrina, there were certainly moments of hope and love in action.”
The practice of deep contemplative, meditative, intentional prayer can, Father Sebastian believes, can utilize one’s heart and mind in ways we may not have previously considered.
“[Prayer] can help in getting in touch with one’s emotions and feelings and see them in the light of the Word of God,” Father Sebastian said. “One is able to get in touch with one’s deepest being when one is removed from the distractions of the world and is able to focus on the source of one’s existence – God.”
In a world marred by violence, war, chaos and social upheaval – events and conditions not new to humankind – prayer is our best defense against these forces, Father Sebastian contends.
“Every age has its own challenges, and when we face them for the first time, they might seem to be the greatest of all,” he said. “We are living in a digital age, and we think they pose certain challenges to faith. But I am sure our ancestors in the early industrial age or scientific age thought those [challenges facing them] to be the greatest challenges as well. I am not minimizing the challenges the modern world is presenting to our faith, but God is still in charge, and everything happens for a reason.”
With that philosophy in mind, Father Sebastian says he firmly believes in the words of the Apostle Paul when he said: ‘All things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8: 28), and, further noting, “When challenges mount, it only helps me to actively seek the source of my strength – God – and the process I use is prayer.”
Father Sebastian is currently serving as pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Greenville; St. Francis Church in Shaw; and Sacred Heart Church in Rosedale. A native of India, he is a member of the Society of the Divine Word (Latin – Societas Verbi Divini, SVD), also known as Divine Word Missionaries, and has been serving the SVD’s U.S. Southern Province since 1999.
He holds master’s degrees in moral theology from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and in educational leadership and counselling from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. His other works include His Instruments; His Instruments – If God Could Use Them He Can Use Us and Blown Together – The Trials and Miracles of Katrina, along with a translation of His Instruments into Spanish, Sus Instrumentos.
(Reprinted with permission of Gulf Pine Catholic/Diocese of Biloxi)
By Jason Moon SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – One Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, with ties to the Diocese of Jackson is celebrating a jubilee this year.
Sister Kathleen Dede, formerly Sister Marie Arthur, was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. Currently, her ministry is prayer at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. She is celebrating 70 years with the Congregation this year.
Sister Kathleen entered the Congregation on Feb. 2, 1954, from St. Ann Parish in Terre Haute. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1956, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1961.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s of social work from St. Louis University. She also has a master’s of theological studies from the Franciscan School of Theology.
During her time in the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Kathleen ministered as the resident pastoral minister for St. Francis of Assisi/St. Mary Mission in Boonville from 1990-1994.
Sister Kathleen has also ministered in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, California and Florida.
The Sisters of Providence, a congregation of nearly 200 women religious, with more than 300 Providence Associates, collaborate with others to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy. The Sisters of Providence have their motherhouse at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, located just northwest of downtown Terre Haute, Ind., which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin founded the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1840. Today, Sisters of Providence minister in 13 states, the District of Columbia and Asia, through works of love, mercy and justice. More information about the Sisters of Providence and their ministries can be found at SistersofProvidence.org.
Sister Yolanda (Paul Marie) Pomante, OP celebrates jubilee
By Barbara Kelley, OP ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian Dominican Congregation celebrates the dedication and commitment of 43 Sisters who, in 2024, mark their jubilees, their milestone years of service and dedication to the church and the congregation. The 2024 jubilee class includes one sister celebrating 80 years, three sisters celebrating 75 years, 23 sisters celebrating 70 years, 15 sisters celebrating 60 years, and one sister celebrating 25 years. The following jubilarian has connections to the Diocese of Jackson.
Sister Yolanda (Paul Marie) Pomante, OP, a native of Roseville, Michigan, is celebrating 70 years as an Adrian Dominican sister. She graduated from Annunciation High School in Detroit and entered the congregation on Oct. 3, 1953.
Sister Yolanda’s earliest assignments – from 1955 to 1971 – took her to schools in Illinois, New York and Michigan. She spent much of her life in Florida, beginning at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach as a teacher and treasurer (1971-1974) and treasurer (1974-1986). She ended her sabbatical year at Barry University in 1986. She remained there to serve in various capacities: office manager (April to November 1987), director of housekeeping and grounds (1987-1990), and coordinator of space utilization (1990-1994).
Sister Yolanda moved to Marks, Mississippi, to serve as assistant office manager at DePorres Health Center from 1994 to 2002. From there, she returned to Barry University as a secretary and typist from 2003 to 2004. Her last years of formal ministry were as an office assistant at Coggin Motor Mall in Fort Pierce, Florida, from 2004 to 2009. She retired in 2009 and resides in Port Saint Lucy, Florida. She was inspired to enter religious life by the quotation from St. Augustine: “My heart was made for Thee, O Lord, and will be restless until it rests in Thee.”
(The Dominican Sisters of Adrian is a Congregation of about 400 vowed women religious and nearly 180 Associates whose roots go back to St. Dominic in the 13th century. The Sisters minister in 21 states, the Dominican Republic, Norway, and the Philippines. The Vision of the Adrian Dominican Sisters is to “seek truth, make peace, reverence life.”)
CANTON – Cherie Evans and Holy Child and Sacred Heart (Camden) choirs open the “Song Fest” held in honor of Sister Thea Bowman on Saturday, April 27 at Holy Child Jesus Church. (Photo by Sister Mary Anne Poeschl)
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS CAMDEN – Sacred Heart, 80th Celebration of Sacred Heart Camden, St. Anne Carthage and Holy Child Jesus Canton and Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, May 18 from 3-6 p.m. Custodian general, Father Jesus Ramirez, ST will preside and preach the liturgy at 3 p.m. followed by food and music. Details: church office (662) 468-2354.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Pentecost Parish Picnic, Sunday, May 19 after 10 a.m. Mass. Including cookout and games for the whole family. Bring your own chairs and a side dish or dessert to share. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Annual Pentecost International Food Festival, Sunday, May 19 from 5 p.m. to sunset in the area behind the church. All are welcome to join for fun, fellowship and fantastic food as we celebrate the birth of the church. Please bring a dish to share. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation School, Sportsmania Camp, June 10-14 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the school gym. Basketball, soccer, football and other fun activities for upcoming second through sixth grades. Cost: $135 per child. Details: register by emailing pfarrell@annunciationcatholicschool.org. $50 non-refundable deposit is due for registration.
Annunciation School, Dinosaurs to Luaus: Good Times! from June 24-28; Around the World from July 15-19. Camps from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for students entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Enjoy these hands-on camps focused on music, theatre and physical arts. Cost: $135 per child. All supplies and snacks included. Details: email Ms. Staggers at music@annunciationcatholicschool.org.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Bingo Night, Saturday, June 15 after 4:30 p.m. Mass. Play begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy a hotdog dinner celebrating Father’s Day. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph School, Paul and Wade Abide Memorial Golf Classic, Friday, May 17 at the Greenville Golf and Country Club with shotgun start at 1 p.m. Four-person scramble; $150 per golfer, includes cart fee, two drink tickets and entry to social event. Details: Bonda at (662) 931-0490.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Pentecost Sunday Multi-cultural Lunch, Sunday, May 19 after 10 a.m. Mass. Enjoy flavors of Mexican, Filipino, Italian, Lebanese, French, German, Indian and more. Details: contact Judy at (662) 820-4966 for more details.
MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, 36th Annual Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 19 from 12-4 p.m. Laissez les bon temps roulez! Enjoy some of the best cajun fare around, raffles, games and live music – featuring Gypsy Heart. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Yard Sale, Saturday, June 1. Please bring your donations and leave them in the classrooms labeled “Yard Sale Donations.” Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PEARL – St. Jude, Pentecost International Food Fest, May 19 at 11:30 a.m. (after a multilingual outdoor Mass at 10 a.m.) Come commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the church, as well as the cultural and ethnic diversity of our parish. Bring lawn chairs or blanket for seating. Bring a dish the shows off your family’s cultural or ethnic heritiage to share. After lunch enjoy games for the youth and young at heart soccer, basketball, volleyball and cornhole. Sign-up sheets located on talbe outside the front door of the church. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, Pentecost Parish Celebration, Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT PRAYER – Locus Benedictus, Would you be willing to commit to one day per week to pray the Rosary for priests and religious? Details: email your day of choice to contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com or call (662) 299-1232.
NEW ORLEANS – Directed Retreat with the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center at the Cenacle on Lake Pontchartrain, June 28-July 3. Cost $500 – includes lodging, meals and personal spiritual director. To register call (504) 861-3254. Details: for more information call Melinda at (601) 597-7178.
SAVE THE DATE JACKSON – Catholic Charities Bishop’s Ball, Saturday, July 13 at the Old Capitol Inn.
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis of Assisi, Vacation Bible School, July 14 – 17.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School – Scuba: diving into friendship with God, June 24-28 from 6-8 p.m. in the parish hall, with dinner and games beginning at 5:15 p.m. Open to all children entering K through sixth grade. Cost $15 per child/$30 max per family. Pick up registration card by the SCUBA display in the church foyer. Details: Karen at kworrellcre@hotmail.com or (601) 672-5817.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Vacation Bible School, June 3-6 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for rising PreK-3 to sixth graders of St. Richard School and parishioners.
MADISON – St. Francis, Vacation Bible School, June 17-20.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Vacation Bible School, June 24 –28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Vacation Bible School, July 15-19, evenings at the Family Life Center. More information to come.
TUPELO – St. James, Vacation Bible School, July 15-18 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 4-years through sixth grade. Theme: “The Chronicles of Narnia – God’s Surely Alive!” Register before June 8 for a shirt. Details: register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6WHPDQQ or for more information email rhondaswita13@gmail.com.
By Staff Reports MADISON – Two St. Joe seniors, Emerson Erwin and Adriana Terrazas, received all-state honors at Mississippi’s spring high school student media awards announced at the University of Mississippi. Another senior, Paige Loyacono, finished third in a separate international competition sponsored by Quill & Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists. Loyacono won for a multimedia story about a student garden at St. Anthony Catholic School.
“These are impressive achievements,” said Dr. Dena Kinsey, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School. “Our student journalists are a hard-working, dedicated group who regularly produce high-quality video productions including an award-winning weekly newscast.
MADISON – St. Joseph Catholic School student journalists recently attended the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association Spring 2024 convention at the University of Mississippi. Students left the convention winning 22 awards in the Best of Mississippi and Best of Show competitions including seven first-place finishes and two students – seniors Emerson Erwin and Adriana Terrazas – receiving All-State honors. Students celebrating their wins and attending the event included the following: On the back row from left, Fletcher Goodwin, Thierry Freeman, Luke Jones and Davis Hammond. Third row from left: Connor Odom, Elizabeth Vanderloo, Emma O’Brien, Paige Loyacono, Mabry Hirn, Zaniah Purvis, Landry Erwin, Maddie-Claire Spence, Stella McCarty, Alex Hood and Jason Buckley. Second row from left: Campbell Miller, Adriana Terrazas, Emerson Erwin, Andrew Doherty and Adam Williams. Front: Malick Yedjou, left and Nick Burger.
“St. Joe has the best high school student media program in Mississippi. The awards our students regularly win highlight that fact. It sets them apart from all other programs in the state and around the nation. I’m incredibly proud of their success.”
Erwin’s and Terrazas’ awards were two of 22 honors St. Joseph Catholic School took home from the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association spring convention April 2 on the University of Mississippi campus. The 22 awards included six first-place finishes.
Hundreds of high school journalists from across Mississippi attended the MSPA convention where they participated in breakout sessions designed to help them improve their skills at reporting, interviewing, writing, photography and more.
The day ended with a keynote speech and the spring MSPA awards program. This marked the third straight year Erwin received all-state honors and the second that Terrazas received the same honor – both part of the Best of Mississippi awards competition.
Also honored in the Best of Mississippi awards were “JV Bruin News Now,” named the state’s best middle school newscast, and Bruin Sports Radio’s live coverage of St. Joe varsity girls basketball, named the best live-stream program.
On top of that, sophomore Zaniah Purvis won Best In-Studio Anchor; senior Malick Yedjou won Best Live-Stream On-Air Talent; seventh-grader Ava Harris won Best Middle School Video Sports Story; and seventh-grader Margaret Klar won Best Middle School Video Feature Story.
In the Best of Show competition – a contest that saw middle and high school students compete against each other in the same categories – seventh-grader Mamie Heitzmann defeated high school entries for Best Sports Story.
In a separate, international contest sponsored by Quill & Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists, Loyacono placed third for a feature story. She competed against entries from across the United States including California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and Texas.
St. Joe students can take Print Journalism, Broadcast Journalism and Sports Broadcasting classes, three of many electives the school offers. Journalism students produce a weekly video newscast, “Bruin News Now”; a Wednesday news update, “BNN Midweek Paws”; a Monday sports preview, “What’s Bruin”; and a school yearbook, The Shield.
Journalism students also webcast sports live on the “Bruin News Now” YouTube channel as well as broadcast the audio feed live over WJXC-LP Jackson, Mississippi Catholic Radio, 107.9 FM. The radio station studio is in the journalism classroom.
“The awards my students won say more than I can about the hard work, dedication and pride they have in the work they produce,” said Terry Cassreino, a former longtime Mississippi journalist who has taught high school journalism at St. Joe since 2012.
“These students put in long hours before school, after school, at nights and even on the weekends to create high-quality, award-winning work,” he said. “I am so proud that their efforts have been recognized on a state and national level.”
By Sydni Vandevender STARKVILLE – Over 100 Mississippi State University (MSU) students participated in Cowbell Catholic’s semesterly Eucharistic Procession across the university campus on Thursday, April 4.
The procession route began at the Chapel of Memories, crossing the Drill Field and ending in the Junction outside Davis Wade Stadium. The procession concluded with 30 minutes of Eucharistic Adoration in the Junction and a talk from Father Rufino Corona, TOR, a friar at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Father Rufino said it was an honor and privilege to get to process with the Blessed Sacrament around Mississippi State and spoke on why the procession was important to him.
“The fact that our Lord makes himself vulnerable even to be presented among those that don’t know who he is. It’s more important for him to be present,” Father Rufino said.
Casey Dinkle, who serves as a Liturgical Coordinator for Cowbell Catholic alongside Griffin Mahoney, noted that they delegated over fifty roles to students to facilitate the procession. Dinkle said the procession is now one of his favorite college memories.
“There is something really beautiful about walking with our Lord and Savior,” Dinkle said. “Proceeding with Him invites us to be a public witness to the faith and to our belief in the true presence in the Eucharist.”
Kester Nucum, who led the schola cantorum for the procession, reflected on his experience preparing for the event.
“I’ve served in the Music Ministry at my home parish for many years, yet this is the first time I organized music, headed rehearsals and led the choir by myself,” Nucum said.
Nucum said that while leaving the procession, he was stopped by a group in a car curious about the event.
STARKVILLE – Members of Cowbell Catholic lead a procession through the campus of Mississippi State University on Thursday, April 4. (Photos by Annalise Rome)STARKVILLE – Members of Cowbell Catholic lead a procession through the campus of Mississippi State University on Thursday, April 4. The procession route began at the Chapel of Memories, crossing the Drill Field and ending in the Junction outside Davis Wade Stadium.
“[They] asked what was going on and I was able to explain that, ultimately, we were bringing Jesus and His grace to everybody on campus,” Nucum said.
During part of the route, which was just over half a mile, Father Rufino helped carry the Blessed Sacrament alongside Father Jason Johnston, pastor and chaplain, and Deacon Jeff Artigues, of St. Joseph parish. Father Rufino expressed that the procession was especially beautiful to him as MSU is a state public school.
“Not only not faith affiliated, but also sometimes faith opposed, though that was not my experience at Mississippi State,” Father Rufino said.
(To learn more about Cowbell Catholic, visit cowbellcatholic.org or email ccm@stjosephstarkville.org)
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS DIOCESE – Jackson area young adults (ages 18-35), Co-ed Softball league, register by May 8. Cost: $30. Games on Monday and Thursday evenings; game locations vary from Ridgeland Baptist Church, Liberty Park and in Canton. Details: Register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/164316 or email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Parish Picnic, Sunday, May 19. Enjoy cookout and games for the whole family. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.
DIOCESE/JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Priestly Ordination of Tristan Stovall, Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. All are invited to attend.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Evening with Mary, Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m. Please join us for a time of reflection and prayer honoring the Blessed Mother, with speaker Fran Lavelle, director of faith formation for the diocese. Details: RSVP to the church office at (601) 366-2335 or secretary@saintrichard.com.
MADISON – St. Joseph School, “Bruin Burn” 5k Run/Walk and fun run, Saturday, May 11 at 8 a.m. Registration $30 for 5k or $15 for fun run after April 25. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87878/bruin-burn. Details: email bruinburn@gmail.com. NATCHEZ – Cathedral School, Cajun Countdown, Friday, May 3. Details: eks_46@yahoo.com or sarahc@terralriverservice.com.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Cinco de Mayo Dinner Celebration, Saturday, May 4 after Mass in the social hall. Sign-up to attend in the common area. cost: $20/person or $30/couple – includes dinner and one beverage. Must be 21 or older to attend. Details: church office (662) 895-5007. PEARL – St. Jude, Spring Fair, Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parish hall. This free event will feature a variety of handmade items, homemade food, raffle and more. All proceeds will benefit the St. Jude’s Artisan Guild ministry. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Free Immigration Day, May 4 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Conference is on key aspects of Immigration Law in the U.S. Special guest: attorney, Steven Balson-Cohen, Esq. of Immigration Pro, LLC. Conference includes free case evaluation and consultation. Details: church office (662) 993-8862.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT BOONVILLE – National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 2 at 12 p.m. at the Booneville City Hall steps. Join this day as Christians come together and pray for our nation. Lunch provided for attendees.
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis of Assisi, Vietnamese Language Mass, 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 12 (then the first Sunday of the month thereafter).
NEW ORLEANS – Directed Retreat with the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center at the Cenacle on Lake Pontchartrain, June 28-July 3. Cost $500 – includes lodging, meals and personal spiritual director. To register call (504) 861-3254. Details: for more information call Melinda at (601) 597-7178.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Men’s Group, Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. in the Father Vally room in the St. Patrick center. This is the first meeting of this newly formed group. Details: John at jmcylk@gmail.com.
NATCHEZ – National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 2 at 12 p.m. at the Gazebo on the Bluff.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist,” Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; and June 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. How do these Jewish roots help us, to understand his real presence in the Eucharist? Facilitator is Don Coker. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
SAVE THE DATE BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis of Assisi, Vacation Bible School, July 14 – 17.
MADISON – St. Francis, Vacation Bible School – June 17-20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Pre-K4 through fourth graders. Email mc.george@stfrancismadison.org to volunteer.
St. Francis, Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 19.
DIOCESE – Each month, the Office of Catholic Education holds a Rosary in thanksgiving for Catholic education in the diocese. Join them via Zoom on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Check the diocese calendar of events for the Zoom link. Join us!
