By Joanna Puddister King PORT GIBSON – On Aug. 25, a sunny summer Sunday, a new priest was installed at St. Joseph parish in Port Gibson. Bathed in a calming blue hue from the cobalt-stained windows this unique Gothic Revival style parish was filled with a diverse group of faithful to welcome Father Anthony Claret Onyeocha. Originally from Nigeria, Father Anthony was ordained in 2010 for the Archdiocese of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria. By the end of his seminary training, Father Anthony received a bachelor of arts in philosophy and a degree in theology, as well. In 2018, Father Anthony came to the U.S. to tour Mississippi and travel around the diocese. “After spending some time in Mississippi, I felt like serving the local church in the diocese,” said Father Anthony. Upon returning to Nigeria from his time in Mississippi, he visited Archbishop Anthony John Valentine Obinna, who has served as archbishop of Owerri since March 1994, and asked to be sent on a mission to serve the Church in the Diocese of Jackson. Subsequently, Father Anthony was approved by Bishop Jospeh Kopacz to serve the diocese and was placed at St. Joseph. During the Rite of Installation ceremony conducted by Bishop Kopacz, Father Anthony was presented with scriptures, blessed oil, a basket, baptismal shell and Roman Missal from parishioners to officially welcome him to the parish. At the close of Mass, parishioners celebrated Father Anthony and introduced him to some traditional southern fare: fried and baked chicken, potato salad, bacon baked beans, along with a host of casseroles and homemade desserts. Father Anthony says, “I feel happy being the pastor of St. Joseph. … The parishioners are great, welcoming and dedicated. As their pastor, I am willing to serve spiritually, morally and pastorally.”
By Joanna Puddister King MADISON – More than 100 catechist and pastoral leaders from across the diocese gathered for Fall Faith Formation Day hosted at St. Francis parish on Saturday, Aug. 24. The day of information, fellowship and encouragement was centered around the theme of “Christ, Alive!” and opened with a keynote by Bishop Joseph Kopacz, who led attendants on a discussion of the foundation, framework and focus of Pope Francis’ Christus Vivit, an apostolic exhortation to young people and “the entire People of God.”
Bishop Kopacz spoke to attendants about each chapter, reviewing the rich text of Pope Francis and focusing on reaching a deeper level with youth – the heart, mind and spirit of a young person – hope. He touched on subjects raised in the document such as, joy, “God is love,” relationships with God and with others, migrants, digital environments, divisions in society and more.
Focusing on building a foundation, Bishop Kopacz said, “the love of God and seeds of the divine are planted in the young people.”
Those in attendance received a copy of Christus Vivit and Director of Faith Formation, Fran Lavelle encouraged all to “spend time with the document, … Every time we break it open there is something new that is revealed.”
“Read. Explore. Think outside the box,” encouraged Lavelle.
After the introduction to Christus Vivit, attendees could select from a number of breakout sessions dealing with catechetical issues which included, catechist certification, rethinking confirmation, intentional youth ministry, forming multicultural communities, how to talk to youth about vocations, and exploring St. Paul’s encounter with the Risen Christ.
Session leader Father Roberto Mena led a discussion entitled “Out of Many – ONE: Forming Multicultural Communities.” Father Mena gave a brief history of immigration and U.S. Catholicism and spoke about the challenges found in multicultural parishes. He told faith leaders in attendance that “Catholics need to work together to form parish communities where every person, regardless of race, ethnicity or culture, has a place at the eucharistic table.
Next year, Fall Faith Formation Day will be held on Aug. 22, 2020. The Keynote speaker will be Dr. Tim Hogan, the co-author of How to Find the Help You Need, a guide to psychotherapy and spiritual direction.
Challenges of multicultural parishes
By Father Roberto Mena, ST MADISON – U.S. Catholicism has always included substantial cultural diversity, but more than a half century ago, when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. described Sunday morning as “the most segregated hour” of the week, Catholic parishes also operated as separate (but unequal) communities. By the 1980s, however, in the so-called “gateway cities” where immigrants began their journey in the United States, many Catholics had begun to worship in parishes with multiple cultural groups, often known as “shared parishes.” By the 1990s, as new immigrants from Latin American and Asia settled across the nation, such parishes proliferated everywhere. According to a 2018 study of Catholic parishes with Hispanic ministry across the United States, 43 percent of parishioners in parishes with Hispanic ministry are actually Anglo Catholics. In places like Los Angeles and Miami, up to three-fourths of parishes in a diocese hold Mass in more than one language; in Midwestern and Southern dioceses, often one-fifth to one-half of parishes do. After decades of cultural, ethnic and racial groups sharing parishes, we might ask how things are going. On the one hand, the number of ministries for underserved groups and the number of Catholic parishes serving multicultural congregations has steadily increased. On the other hand, research shows that most of the nation’s parishes still primarily serve white and English-speaking Catholics; a smaller percentage do the “multicultural heavy lifting.” On the one hand, for many U.S. Catholics, journeying alongside other cultural groups has begun to feel normal. On the other hand, many nonimmigrant Catholics complain vociferously about the signs of cultural diversity in their midst, about Masses in Spanish or Vietnamese, about Day of the Dead “ofrendas” or the smell of unfamiliar food in the parish kitchen. Political polarization and noisier forms of opposition to the presence of undocumented immigrants (most of whom are Catholic) has exacerbated these tendencies in our time. Sensitive to such divisions, church authorities sometimes downplay the overwhelming reality of demographic change, so much so that many Catholics have unrealistic ideas about the size or influence of groups other than their own.
Even where parishes have embraced the diversity of their communities, parishioners routinely avoid one another. In one parish, parishioners would park on the street just to avoid negotiating the parking lot between the English and Spanish Masses. Eventually, however, groups must negotiate the details of parish life — sharing meeting rooms, planning multicultural liturgies, even navigating the parking lot between Masses. Societal tensions and inequalities intrude on these negotiations. People come to church carrying hurt from discrimination. They assume that difficulties, for example, in securing a job or a favorable home loan will translate into difficulties in obtaining meeting space for their ministries. Recent immigrants often feel intimidated and powerless trying to negotiate parish life with longtime residents. Aging ethnic or racial communities, including many white Catholics, feel outnumbered and therefore aggrieved, leading them to hold on to privileges within their parishes. Even so, not a small number of communities have found relative success in sharing parish life. Among those who do, there appear to be four factors that make a difference. First, such parishes learn to balance the need for “safe space” for the different groups with opportunities to experience parish life together. They do not insist on quick assimilation (which is not possible anyway). Parishioners regularly pray and minister according to their own language and culture, but they also work together selling tamales or hamburgers at the parish festival. Second, successful shared parishes work to be fair and just in the relationships between communities. In one parish, a white Knight of Columbus was the one who noted that the Christmas decorations, as beautiful as they were, were arranged by an all-Anglo committee according to Euro-American Christmas traditions; that had to change. Third, successful shared parishes make room for people’s grief over demographic and other changes, but they do not resist change. Finally, research on shared parishes shows that the vision and authority of the parish’s pastor makes a real difference. In one parish, for instance, the pastor worked hard to confuse people as to which group he favored. He never missed an opportunity to talk about the parish as a community of communities, and he (or his staff) would intervene when a group tried to dominate or needed more attention. While the pastor’s role matters, research suggests that Catholics should be wary of placing too much on pastors and their authority to adjudicate multicultural tensions. Many priests are already overburdened, and Pope Francis reminds us that all the baptized have a responsibility for parish life.Especially in these more contentious times, Catholics need to work together to form parish communities where every person, regardless of race, ethnicity or culture, has a place at the eucharistic table.
(Father Roberto Mena, ST is Sacramental Minister in St. Michael, Forest and In Residence at St. Anne, Carthage.)
By Joe Lee MADISON – Ten years ago this month, during just as steamy a summer as what central Mississippi has experienced in 2019, excitement was in the air as St. Anthony Catholic School opened its doors for the first time. There were less than 200 students in grades K-6 and the first graduating class of sixth graders in May 2010 had exactly 19 students.
Today, as the 2019-2020 school year gets underway, the Madison-based learning facility is known statewide for outstanding academic achievement and daily religious education. The school’s mascot, the eagle, does more than just adorn the gates at the school’s entrance – the lifelike depictions of the beautiful birds encourage the students to “soar like an eagle,” a message Msgr. Michael Flannery had in mind when he dreamed of launching the school.
Padre, as Father Mike is known to so many in the vast St. Anthony family, has written and published St. Anthony’s Eagles, a collection of fictional stories for middle-school students just in time for the new school year. Loaded with photos of students, parents, faculty members and clergy, the book is designed to be read to or with youngsters who are learning why the eagle is so important to the school.
“I love to visit the children in the classrooms, particularly in the lower grades,” Father Flannery said. “I usually tell stories and most of the time there is a religious aspect. Since the mascot of the school is an eagle, I tell stories about eagles and their habits. That is where the stories come from.”
“Father Mike’s vision of firmly establishing the eagle in the life of St. Anthony is easy to see,” said Ed Marsalis, a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi and a devoted St. Anthony volunteer. “If you sit with him and talk about the school, his whole demeanor lights up. He is the true eagle soaring above the school for all of us to see and appreciate, the earthbound symbol of love and dedication that planted the seed and has cherished and nurtured its growth like a well-attending gardener.”
“As our founding pastor, Father Mike will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who know and love St. Anthony,” said Principal Anne Cowger. “His latest book will be a keepsake for the families of the school.”
St. Anthony’s Eagles will be available in paperback for $10 beginning in Sept., with proceeds from all profits going directly to the school. Profits from his previous books, Saltillo Mission and The Prankster Priest, have also been put back into school.
“We will have the book available for Grandparents Day at the school and at St. Francis parish,” Father Flannery said. “Parents or grandparents whose kids are in the book would be interested in it. Anne and I spoke of the possibility of the book being part of required summer reading for students and of giving copies to children whose parents bring them for an official visit.”
“Not satisfied with simply establishing the eagle as the school mascot, Father Mike has been a continuing benefactor to the eagle displays at the school,” Marsalis said. “He is leaving us a legacy to ensure that our parish and community children continue to have a strong, faith-based education so badly needed in these challenging times.”
OXFORD – Forrest Hinton (left) receives his Badge of Office from District Deputy Jacob Eftink during the induction ceremony held July 7 honoring new officers from Knights of Columbus Council 10901, Oxford. The Summer Social is also that time of the year to recognize and thank the families of the Knights, especially the children, for the inconvenience to them while their fathers provide services to the underprivileged and poor in the parish and community. (Photos by Gene Buglewicz)
OXFORD – New officers for Knights of Columbus Council 10901 were inducted July 7 during the Knights Annual Summer Social held at Marge and Forrest Hinton’s home in Oxford. Approximately 90 Knights and their families attended the social which also celebrated the July 4 holiday. In addition, the gathering of members gave the Knights an opportunity to introduce new and prospective members to the Knights of Columbus and their families as well as honoring the induction of the new officers who will serve as the leaders in carrying out the charitable, outreach and service functions of the Knights of Columbus for the coming year.
OXFORD – District Deputy Jacob Eftink and Albert Ruiz, outgoing Grand Knight, read the articles of induction to the new Grand Knight, Basil Richmond of Oxford. Other officers inducted July 7 were Deputy Grand Knight Matt Zerangue, Recorder, Buddy Seely; Treasurer, George Read; Warden, Larry Maletesta; Lecturer and Advocate, Ron Rychlak; Forrest Hinton, Inside Guard; and Miles Forks, Outside Guard.
By Joanna Puddister King FOREST – Religious, labor, immigrant rights leaders and supporters joined together for a solidarity prayer vigil to support the workers and local rural immigrant communities on Saturday, Aug. 17 at St. Michael parish. Founding member of Priests for Justice for Immigrants and advisor at Dominican University in Chicago, Father Brendan Curran presided over the event, offering words of love and encouragement, as well as translating immigrant’s stories. On behalf of Sacred Heart Canton, Director of Hispanic Ministry, Blanca Rosa Peralta thanked those present for their support of all the affected parishes. In her native tongue, she told the crowd about a trip to the ICE facility in Louisiana to pick up a detained mother, who had been separated from her children. Quickly, the thought of celebrating her release was dashed, as the mother’s “heart was destroyed” by the thought of all the other mothers still separated from their children. There was “too much of a depth of sorrow,” translated Father Curran. But Peralta insisted that the Catholic “faith community is great” and applauded efforts of those who are working so tirelessly to serve those in need.
Several of those present at the prayer vigil got up and courageously shared their stories of being detained in the ICE raids that struck the community. One young mother, with an ankle bracelet monitoring her location, spoke of both her and her husband being detained and expressed that she “didn’t think going to work was criminal.” One gentleman shared that while he was not affected by the raids, he felt that the immigrant community was torn apart by racism. Out of work since last month after being beat severely and injured to the point he could no longer work; his family has been struggling. Another shared that the raids affected not just those detained, but even those who were in the country legally, as many were laid off by the companies, so that they would not have to deal with the challenges of employing immigrants. Rodger Doolittle and Milton Thompson with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1529 offered their support to those affected by the ICE raids. Doolittle said that he has “never seen a raid this bad. It’s an injury to everyone.” “The Local 1529 stands behind every worker in this community,” stated Doolittle, as he then pledged $45,000 worth of donated food and supplies, such as diapers, bottles and school supplies to aid in all affected communities. Daisey Martínez, parishioner at St. Martin Hazlehurst, shared that the raids brought back so many feelings for her, as her mother had been detained many years ago. Martínez offered her support to those affected and urged others that if you “know people who need help. Do it and give freely.” “God lets light shine and shows us something positive,” said Martínez. “Help is coming from all over the country.”
OXFORD – The dance floor was hopping with the Dantones at the St. John the Evangelist Drawdown was held at the Oxford Convention Center on May 17. This annual fundraising event benefits local charities that respond to the needs of the Oxford/Lafayette County community. This year, the Drawdown benefited 5 charities. (Photo by Gene Buglewicz)
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Feel the need to get away for one or several days of solitude and self-care? The Dwelling Place is a place of hospitality and prayer open to people of all Christian traditions. Treat yourself to an overnight, a weekend or longer to let God in. It can be a life-changing experience. They have everything you need–a beautiful quiet setting, a lovely chapel, library and good food! No stress! Just rest in the Lord. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com for more information.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, Theology of the Body, a Retreat Focusing on Women, Thursday, Sept. 26, supper until Sunday, Sept. 29, lunch. It was written by St. Pope John Paul II and is an in-depth study of the human person. Focuses on the meaning of being women, ways of relating to men. Presenters: Becky Clements and Paula Hunter are from Southwest Louisiana. They are both experienced, certified retreat directors and leaders of groups in their Catholic Church communities. Suggested donation: $250 (private room) or $200 (shared room) Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
CULLMAN, Ala. Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Celebrating Women: Women’s Ways of Healing, Sept. 27-29. During this weekend for women, we will explore ways to calm the mind, relax the body and enliven the spirit. If you are longing to be restored and rejuvenated, looking for peace and calm, join us for this weekend. Retreat Directors: Sister Mary McGehee, O.S.B. and Celebrating Women Team. Cost: Private room $255; Shared room $225 each. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
SCHRIEVER, La. Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO), Healing Retreat for Men and Women, “Holiness and Wholeness”, Sept. 20-22 at Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever, Louisiana. Retreat leaders: Jim Murphy, founder and president of Vera Cruz Communications. In 1992, Jim undertook a 4200-mile journey on foot across America, carrying a six-foot cross, praying and evangelizing. It took eighteen months and fourteen pairs of shoes! Jim is a prophetic leader and teacher. The other retreat leader is Father Bill Henry, pastor of St. Joseph Church, Greenville and a sought-after spiritual director with a special gift of prayer for healing. Both bring their extensive pastoral experience and charismatic healing ministry. Details: www.ccrno.org; info@ccrno.org or (504) 828-1368.
U.S.A Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics, for nationwide Mass times and locations, call 800-627-7846 or www.Masstimes.org.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Genesis to Jesus Bible Study Fridays at 8 a.m. or Saturdays at 5 p.m. in the library. Details: Becky Corkern at (601) 757-5526 or Emily Phillips at (601) 757-0579.
CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Parish Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 17. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Italian Language and Culture Class beginner class, Tuesdays beginning Sept. 3 for eight weeks at 6 p.m. Cost: $40. Teacher: Dr. Franco Zangaro. Details: David Malatesta at (954) 608-8913.
FLOWOOD St. Paul Early Learning Center’s, Annual Golf Tournament, Friday, Sept. 6 at Bay Pointe Golf Club, 800 Bay Pointe Dr, Brandon. Details: Early Learning Center (601) 992-2876.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Germanfest 2019, Sunday, Sept. 29, 11a.m. – 5 p.m. The family-oriented German food and authentic German Folk music provided by the band, Polkameisters from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Advance meal tickets are $6 and meals the day of the festival will be $7. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
JACKSON St. Richard, Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, 9-week course rooted in biblical wisdom beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in Foley Hall. It is designed to help you tackle budgeting, pay off debt and make your money work for you! Cost: $109 per person/couple. Cost includes one workbook, exclusive online benefits and a full year of Financial Peace Membership. Details: Debbie Tubertini at (601) 366-2335 ext. 107, tubertini@saintrichard.com or www.saintrichard.com.
MADISON Lake Caroline Golf Course, 37th Bishop Cup Annual Golf Scramble, Tuesday, Sept. 10. Lunch at noon; Tee Time at 1 p.m. and Social/Dinner/Auction at 5:30 p.m. Each golfer receives cart and green fees, hat and golf towel, catered lunch, snacks and beverages on the course, dinner and social. Details: Rebecca Harris at (601) 960-8477 or rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, ChristLife Catholic Ministry for Evangelization, Sundays from 5:30 – 7:40 p.m. (starting with dinner) on Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, 17, 24. A retreat day will be held after the fifth session on Saturday, Nov. 9. Sessions will be held at the O’Connor Family Life Center in the main hall. Babysitting provided. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
By Berta Mexidor CARTHAGE – The feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim, grandparents of Jesus, takes on a different grandeur in Carthage, where Catholics there lovingly refer to their patroness, St. Anne, as abuela or grandmother, looking up to her as their own grandma. The Feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim is officially July 26 on the Church calendar, but many parishes select a day close to the actual feast day to bring families together in celebration. St. Anne Parish began their weekend celebration July 28 with a bilingual Mass and procession to honor the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Anne Church was beautifully decorated with dozens of roses and the parish’s Sacred Heart of Jesus group under the direction of Marco Antonio Vázquez provided the music and the songs adding to the joyful celebration. Bishop Joseph Kopacz was main celebrant for the Mass. Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity Father Odel Medina, St. Anne pastor, was on hand and concelebrated the Mass. Filling the church were the diverse families of the parish many from the local African American, Hispanic and Vietnamese communities. Among the families were many grandmothers and grandfathers and their grandchildren. In his homily, Bishop Kopacz continued to reflect on a solid theme: Grandparents and their important role as the backbone of family and the hope of the Church. He explained that many times it is the grandparents who witness faith and pass on religious traditions and good morals and values to their children and grandchildren. Bishop Kopacz also talked about the vocation of parenting emphasizing the important job of parents and how they can play a significant role in the spiritual lives of their children today. He shared stories of his own role model parents and talked about his father’s great faith. He fondly recalled his father kneeling near the bed at night in prayer. His mother sat in an armchair in the living room praying the rosary. “We learn to pray in the house. Children listen to elders and adults. (They) see them make the sign of the cross or pray the rosary,” he said. “I urge everyone to be like children in their relationship with the heavenly Father. Ask, strive and seek always for your relationship with God.” Mass was a great parish celebration bringing members of the diverse parish family together to reflect on the grandest of all grandparents, St. Anne and St. Joachim, recognized as the patrons of grandparents. Lynett, a young lady was the bilingual community leader and Sonia Cardona and Richard Polk Gospel assisted with the Mass by reading the Gospel and presenting the gifts. At the end of Mass, Emy Lee, Theresa Wen and Sam Lee of the Vietnamese community and active parishioners at both St. Anne and St. Michael in Forest, presented Bishop Kopacz with a small gift of appreciation, a nice ending to the celebration of praise and thanksgiving.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica Parish member Philip Zuccaro presents Father Scott Thomas with a basket during the Mass of Installation celebrated by Bishop Kopacz on Aug. 4. Father Thomas is now pastor of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parishes. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)
La transfiguración del Señor. Martes 6 de agosto
Santa Clara. Domingo 11 de agosto
Solemnidad de la Asunción de la Virgen María. Jueves15 de agosto
Santa Rosa de Lima, Virgen. Viernes 23 de agosto
Convocatoria
Conferencia con el padre Teodoro Kranz (Teo). El Grupo de Oración y Vida invita a Conferencia “Sanando Heridas del Pasado”, con el padre Teodoro
Curso Gratuito del Boston College. Todas las mujeres interesadas pueden inscribirse en el nuevo CURSO ONLINE GRATUITO de la Escuela de Teología y Ministerio del Boston College sobre “Las Mujeres en la Iglesia”, coordinado por la teóloga Maria del Pilar Silveira. INSCRIPCIONES AQUÍ: www.bc.edu/mujeres
Concierto Católico. El Grupo Emaus invita a disfrutar al grupo musical “Alto Mando es el Señor”. Domingo 18 de agosto, en 1793 Hwy 17, Camden. Entrada $20.00 Para información llame al 601-667-9779
Ambiente Seguro Para reportar un abuso: Licenciada Valerie McClellan, trabajadora social. Por favor, contáctela al 601-326-372
