Category Archives: Parish News

Featured photo . . . Mosaic installed in Oxford

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By Gene Buglewicz

Simon Quiriconi and Cristian Costa, artists from Stagi Masaici Artistici in Pietrasanta, Italy, recently completed installing a glass mosaic on the south face of St. John the Evangelist Church in Oxford.  The mosaic was created in their Italian studio where they produced and crafted thousands of pieces of colored glass that would complete the mosaic.  

 The mosaic was first laid out face down, backside up.  A composite material, similar to paper with glue attached was spread over the glass pieces. After drying, contour lines were drawn over the paper material dividing the mosaic into pieces.  It was then divided into pieces following the contour lines and packed for shipment to the United States.  After arriving in Oxford, the boxes were unloaded and the mosaic re-constructed, again, face down. 

 It took only three days to complete the project once the Italian artists arrived in Oxford and began work.  They first laid out the mosaic on the floor and made sure the lines on the back of the mosaic all matched and fit together like a puzzle.  The large pieces of mosaic were then pressed onto the front niche on the outside of the Church and the mosaic took shape. The glass surface, now permanently exposed to the outside and bonded to the church, was smeared with grout, similar to grouting bathtub tile.  After drying, the glass pieces were cleaned.  Final plans call for the mosaic to be permanently lit at night.

The mosaic is a depiction of St. John the Evangelist.  He is shown on a rocky landscape which is representative of Patmos where he composed the Book of Revelation.  John is typically shown as either a clean-shaven young man or a bearded old man.  The mosaic portrays John as he is maturing, which is representative of the role the parish plays as students at the University of Mississippi begin to mature in their faith.  

 St. John is shown wearing the colors of blue and red, which are not only the colors of the University of Mississippi but the colors associated with the Divine Mercy; Spirit and Water.  The eagle is his attribute and seen flying across a night sky.  Although the eagle is not a night predator, the use of night and the bright moon acknowledge the themes of darkness and light which play out in John’s Gospel.

The mosaic was a gift to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church from Knights of Columbus Council 10901 of St. John.  This depiction of St. John was created by Lee Ann O’Keefe, a member of St. John’s Parish, and facilitated by Catholic Supply of St. Louis, Missouri.

Youth news

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Students prepare backpack blessings for neighbors

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth students Kimber Wilkinson, Rivers Rico, and Kalyn Matthews with Liz Brewer in the background, pack food and other items into backpacks to be given to those who may go hungry once school lets out for the weekends or summer.
The backpack project is headed up by Liz Brewer, a parishioner of St. Elizabeth and volunteer at the school. (photo by Dawn Spinks)

Students take virtual field trip

VICKSBURG – Vicksburg Catholic School recently completed the first installation of a Virtual Reality Lab. Vicksburg Catholic School is the second school in the state to make this big step forward in technology in education. Seniors Elise Piazza, Mattie Derivaux and Sarah Jane Pierce took the headsets out for a spin during the program introduction. (Photo by Kristi Smith)

Storms offer opportunity for service

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – A group of students from the University of Portland stepped in to help Jackson area residents trying to fight back flood waters on Saturday, May 11. The group is on a regional tour of sites significant to the Civil Rights Movement. They contacted the Diocese of Jackson to see if there were any service projects they could do while they were in town.
Paul Byrne, facilities manager for the diocese, had set up an outdoor project for them which involved painting. When storms rolled in the week before, he thought the students were going to get a day off. “That’s when I heard an announcement on the radio about sand and bags being available at the City of Jackson’s impound lot. I thought that might be a good way for the students to help people right now,” he said.
Twelve students and their two moderators went to the distribution site and filled and loaded sandbags into vehicles for a couple of hours. People facing rising waters could pick them up for their homes and businesses throughout the day. “I was a little worried on Friday, but it all worked out and those students worked hard,” Byrne added.
This is the second year for a group from the Catholic university to take this tour, which includes stops in Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas. (Photos by Paul Byrne)

Race for education

By Laura Grisham
The third annual Sacred Heart School Race For Education Day was held Friday, May 10. Students, teachers and parents came together to show their school spirit in this unique fundraiser by running laps around the school in exchange for sponsorship by family and friends. Prizes were given out in each homeroom for most laps run in an hour. DJ Rockin’ Robin once again kept the crowd moving with great music and dance contests. Volunteers made sure that hungry bellies were fed and the Koha Ice Truck provided frosty treats to cool off the runners.
This event continues to be a tremendous success, raising $35,205 so far. Principal Bridget Martin said that the final total would rise, as there continues to be a flood of sponsorship envelopes arriving daily. With the funds raised over the previous two years, the school has been able to replace bleachers in the gym and refurbish the school library. This year monies will fund new technology with the purchase of more Surface Pros and a Surface Pro Cart. (Photos by Laura Grisham)

Parish calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, St. Teresa of Avila’s The Interior Castle, July 19-20, Beginning with dinner Friday at 6:30 p.m. to Saturday at 3:30 p.m. St. Teresa describes how the soul is like a diamond in the shape of a castle that contains seven mansions – symbolic of the seven stages of a journey of faith which culminates in union with God. Presenter: Father John Bohn, Pastor of Jackson St. Richard, is a long-time student of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com.
CHATAWA SSt. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, With Burning Hearts Henri J.M. Nouwen’s meditative book, June 16-22. We read in the Emmaus story “Did not our hearts burn within us?” Both sources, contemporary writers and Sacred Scripture, will form the basis for reflection on Eucharist as sacrament and way of life. Begins with dinner on Sunday and concludes with breakfast on Saturday. Presenter: Sister Kate DuVal, SSND. Suggested donation: $450. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Common Wisdom: Parallels in Benedictine and Twelve-Step Spiritualities, Saturday, July 13, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. We cannot save ourselves is a universal truth that contemporary society attempts to suppress by its overemphasis on pleasure, power, excessive consumption and unbridled individualism. The spiritualities offered by The Rule of St. Benedict and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous set forth a vision that challenges the illusory promises of contemporary society. Retreat Director: Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, or www.shmon.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
CLARKSDALE Care Station (next to the Delta Blues Museum), Catfish Supper Fundraiser, Friday, May 31, from 5-7 p.m. Cost: $10 donation for dine-in or carry out. Tickets are available at St. Elizabeth School and church. Details: St. Elizabeth church office (662) 624-4301.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Life After Loss: An Invitation” from 12-1 p.m. (bring your lunch) led by Larry L. Lambert, LPC. Remaining dates and topics on Wednesdays, May 29: Where Do I go from Here? Renewed direction and enthusiasm and June 5: Learning to Trust in a Good Future. Sessions are free and open to all. Details: (662) 719-8756 or email lamb5999@bellsouth.net.
GREENVILLE Sacred Heart, Parish Picnic Sunday, June 2, at 1 p.m. There will be games. Details: church office (662) 332-0891.
GRENADA St. Peter, new date for Old-Fashioned Parish Picnic, Sunday, September 8, following 10 a.m. Mass. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Follies 2019: “The Great American Game Show” Saturday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. There will be food, fun and prizes. Let Ken or Dana know if you have a favorite classic game show that you would like to help recreate. Details: Ken and Dana Hoover at (901) 426-2047 or (662) 420-0110.
JACKSON St. Therese, Spiritual Direction is available upon request. Ignation Spirituality is spirituality for everyday life. It is a pathway to deeper prayer and insists that God is present in our world and active in our daily lives. Details: Teresa Preuss, Ignatian spiritual director, at (601) 372-4481.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Knights of Columbus Memorial Day Picnic, Monday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at the KC Hall. Bring a dessert to share. There will be plenty of activities. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
Xavier University Meridian Alumni Jazz Reception, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX). Cost: $35. Details: church office (601) 693-1321 or may be purchased from any Alumnus after Mass.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Appreciation Celebration for Father David O’Connor, on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23. More details will follow. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
PEARL St. Jude, Pentecost International Food Fest, Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
TUPELO St James, Level 1 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation Course. The first Formation weekend will be July 26-28 and the second will be August 16-18. The rest of the weekends will be determined during those first two sessions. Cost: $600. Details: Karen Mayfield at stjamescgs@comcast.net or (662) 213-6593.

YOUTH BRIEFS
CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Mission Trip, July 9-14 in St. Louis. Cost: $325. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
GRENADA St. Peter, ECHO Retreat for Juniors and Seniors, Pineville, Louisiana, July 22-25. The retreat is a Theology of the Body camp including outdoor activities. Details: church office (662) 226-2490. Register at www.dumboxministries.com.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, CSI – Catholic Service Initiative for high school youth who are completing the 9th – 12th grades, June 2-7 (for young men) and June 9 –14 (for young women). They will have the opportunity to work with Sacred Heart Southern Missions volunteer program and help the less fortunate. They will live together at the SHSM volunteer house. They will work, play, eat, and pray together as they strengthen the bonds that unite them as Catholic youth in North Mississippi, grow in their faith, show love and mercy to others, and get to know other Catholic teens. Details: Amanda at the church office (662) 429-7851.

Parish calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BATON ROUGE Louisiana, WINE (Women in the New Evangelization) Conference “Beautifully United in Spirit” Saturday, July 27, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, St. Amant, Louisiana. Emcee Karen Sheehy Catholic author and WINE Specialist. Keynote speakers Kelly Wahlquist, WINE foundress, Catholic author and inspirational speaker, Teresa Tomeo, syndicated talk show host, author, and motivational speaker and Catholic evangelist, retreat director and radio host and Gloria Purvis Catholic advocate, speaker, and radio host. Join women from around the country for a day of inspiration, faith, fellowship and fun. Event price: $55 early bird price before June 27, $65 after June 27. Special price for religious sisters, consecrated women and students. Details: https://beautifullyunitedla.eventbrite.com to register or email karen@spiritualsafariguide.com.
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Not Seeing Eye-to-Eye with Jesus, June 14-16. Do I think Jesus sees me the way I see myself? If not, is the difference important to me? Do I want to see myself as Jesus sees me? Conversion happens only when this change in seeing occurs. Presenter: Father Henry Shelton, retired priest of the diocese, who has conducted many seminars and retreats in Mississippi and surrounding states. Begins with dinner on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and concludes with lunch at noon on Sunday. Donation: $200. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, “With Burning Hearts” Henri J.M. Nouwen’s meditative book, June 16-22. We read in the Emmaus story “Did not our hearts burn within us?” Both sources, contemporary writers and Sacred Scripture, will form the basis for reflection on Eucharist as sacrament and way of life. Begins with dinner on Sunday and concludes with breakfast on Saturday. Presenter: Sister Kate DuVal, SSND. Suggested donation: $450. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Letting Go and Letting God: The Wisdom of Twelve-Step Spirituality, Saturday, June 22, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Letting God’s will and loving care uphold and direct our lives requires an ever-deepening process of surrender that is described in all genuine spiritual traditions yet uniquely articulated through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This reflection day will focus on the core principles of Twelve-Step Spirituality and the gift of spiritual freedom that is experienced when these principles are put into practice. Retreat Director: Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Life After Loss: An Invitation” from 12-1 p.m. (bring your lunch) led by Larry L. Lambert, LPC. Remaining dates and topics on Wednesdays, May 15: Telling my story – struggling to hold on and to move on; May 22: A new day, a different world – distressing emotions and stressing demands; May 29: Where do I go from here? Renewed direction and enthusiasm and June 5: Learning to trust in a good future. Sessions are free and open to all. Details: (662) 719-8756 or email lamb5999@bellsouth.net.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Weight Loss Support Group, Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Come join each week as we support each other on our weight loss journey and strive to become healthier, happier persons. Details: Liz Brown at (901) 331-3419.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Adult Sunday School, Queen of Heaven: Mary’s Battle for Souls”, DVD series from Saint Benedict Press, Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Family Life Center. Details: Karen Verucchi, Class facilitator at (601) 870-5388.

YOUTH BRIEFS

GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, June 10-13, 9 a.m. – noon in the Parish Hall for children ages 4-12 years old. Workers are needed. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 6 – 7:30 p.m. See your Holy Happenings for volunteer sheet. Details: Allison Baskin at (901) 409-1038.
LELAND St. James, Ladies Lunch Bunch, Wednesday, May 15, at the Mexican restaurant on Highway 82 at noon. Details: Call Patricia Maugh at (662) 379-0615 or Anita Minton at (662) 822-1775 for reservations.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, First Family Dodgeball Championship, Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. in St. Patrick Family Life Center. Family teams of 4-6 persons will compete for a trophy. Registration fee is $5. Details: Adrian at (601) 917-4566.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Vacation Bible School, June 10-14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. This time set is different from past years. Eight to 10 adult volunteers are needed. Details: Regina at the church office (601) 445-5616.

Mississippi priest, Army chaplain, music lover, bishop laid to rest

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ALEXANDRIA, La – Bishop Emeritus Ronald Paul Herzog of the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, and a priest of the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, died on Friday, April 12, at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. He was born on April 22, 1942, in Akron, Ohio to Paul Herzog and Kathryn Donahue.
His father, who was Lutheran, worked for Firestone in Akron for 24 years. His mother was Catholic. As a young boy, he attended various parochial and public schools through the eighth grade. The Herzog family moved to Natchez, Mississippi in 1953, and in 1956, while Herzog was in high school, his parents moved to St. Benedict, Louisiana, where he entered St. Joseph Seminary.
After graduating from the junior college of St. Joseph Seminary, Bishop Herzog began his major seminary years at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio, where he earned a bachelor degree in Philosophy, followed by four more years of Theology culminating in a Bachelor of Sacred Theology, granted in association with Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. On June 1, 1968, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson by Archbishop Luigi Raimondi, Apostolic Delegate to the United States.
His first assignment was as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church in D’Ilberville, Mississippi. Through the encouragement of the pastor of the adjoining parish who had returned to the diocese after serving as an Army chaplain, Bishop Herzog requested permission to become a chaplain in the Mississippi Army National Guard, and Bishop Joseph Brunini allowed him to join. During his nearly 30 years as a military chaplain, Chaplain Herzog served in different units in the Mississippi Army National Guard. His only active tour of duty was at Camp Shelby during Desert Shield/Desert Storm from November 1990 – January 1991. At that time he was the only Catholic chaplain in the Mississippi Guard. He retired from the Mississippi National Guard on April 21, 2002, with the state rank of Brigadier General.
Besides the National Guard, another love of Bishop Herzog’s was music. Throughout college and theology, he participated in choirs and served as head cantor. In addition to serving as a chorus member and soloist for the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus, he directed church choirs in several parishes as well as the diocesan choir. He served as a member or the chairman of several boards of directors for community chorus groups and performing arts groups. At the time, he was one of only three Mississippians accepted through national audition as a member of the American Choral Directors Association National Community Honor Choir for the national convention in San Diego, California in March, 1977.
But his true passion was his role as a priest. He was named Domestic Prelate (Monsignor) on November 20, 1987, by Pope John Paul II. As a priest, Bishop Herzog was an associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church in D’Ilberville and associate pastor and pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Hattiesburg, and pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Joseph Church, St. Paul Church, St. Bernadette Church, Trinity Church, and Immaculate Conception Church, all in Mississippi.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Bishop Herzog was assigned many diocesan responsibilities some of which included Diocesan Director of the Office for Worship, Diocesan Tribunal Defender of the Bond, Past Chair of the Presbyteral Council, Former Dean of the Northern and Western Deaneries, College of Consulters, and Secretary-Treasurer/President Elect of the Association of Priests for the Dioceses of Biloxi and Jackson.
After spending all of his 36 years as a priest in the church parishes of Mississippi, he was named 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria on October 27, 2004, and ordained a bishop in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on January 5, 2005, by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans.
Bishop Herzog focused much of his episcopacy on seminarian education and communications.
He is survived by members of his extended family, Bette Jean Lyons, Mary Elaine Lange, Marianne Bertsch, and Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, April 22, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria, with Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, presiding. Fourth degree Knights of Columbus and priests of the Diocese of Alexandria served as pallbearers. Donations in memory of Bishop Herzog may be made to the Diocese of Alexandria Seminary Burse or the Priests’ Retirement Fund.

ALEXANDRIA – Priests of the Diocese of Alexandria carry the coffin containing the body of Bishop Ronald Herzog, Eleventh Bishop of Alexandria, Louisiana, out of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral following an April 22 Mass of Christian Burial. Bishop Herzog was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson on June 1, 1968. He served in Diocese of Biloxi from its establishment until his appointment as Bishop of Alexandria on October 27, 2004. Bishop Herzog’s funeral fell on his 77th birthday.

(Reprinted with permission from Church Today, the newspaper for the Diocese of Alexandria.)

Parish calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
COVINGTON Louisiana, Married couples retreat, May 4-5 at St. Joseph Abbey Christian Life Retreat Center, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Come away for rest and spiritual strength and nourishment. Suggested donation: $275 per couple. Details: www.faithandmarriage.org or call (504) 830-3716.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Common Wisdom: Parallels in Benedictine and Twelve-Step Spiritualities, Saturday, May 4, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. This reflection day will focus on the core principles of Twelve-Step spirituality and the gift of spiritual freedom that is experienced when these principles are put into practice. Retreat Director: Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Eight-day Intensive/Post-Intensive Centering Prayer, May 21-28. Retreat Intensive: An in-depth retreat for those experienced in Centering Prayer. DVD’s of Father Thomas Keating’s Spiritual Journey course will be viewed. Post-Intensive: A next step into a profound silence and stillness to facilitate a more intimate union with God. An Intensive Centering Prayer experience is a prerequisite of the Post-Intensive. Arrive between 3-5 p.m. on arrival day, with departure after breakfast on the final day. Fee includes lodging, meals, linens, and program materials. Details: Contact Katy Smith at (205) 410-1493 or smithdoc20@gmail.com for cost and registration information. Deadline for registration and deposit is May 1. Go to www.shmon.org for more information.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion Group will read The Boy Who Knew Too Much by Cathy Byrd at noon on Monday, May 13, at the parish hall. Everyone is invited to read the book and plan to join the discussion. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Gospel of St. Luke Bible Study, Wednesdays at noon in the meeting room. Details: contact study leader Libby Antici at the church office (662) 624-4301.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Annual Abide Memorial Golf tournament, Friday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at the Greenville Country Club, 2476 Highway 1 South. The tournament is a St. Joseph School tuition assistance fundraiser. Details: Cindy Abide at the church office (662) 335-5251.
GRENADA St. Peter, Old Fashioned Church Picnic, Sunday, May 5. Food will be provided. Please gather items not needed around your home for bingo prizes. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, “The Great American Game Show” Saturday, July 13, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. There will be food, fun and prizes. Let Ken or Dana know if you have a favorite classic game show that you would like to help recreate. Details: Ken and Dana Hoover at (901) 426-2047 or (662) 420-0110.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, 32nd Annual Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. They will have mouth-watering items including crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, boiled crawfish and other Cajun delicacies. They will also have games for the kids, awesome raffle prizes and bingo. Dance to live music by Waylon Thibodeau. Arts and craft vendors will also have a variety of Mississippi-made products on display. Details: church office (601) 856-5556 or visit https://www.facebook.com/stfrancismadison.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Adult Sunday School, “Queen of Heaven: Mary’s Battle for Souls,” DVD series from Saint Benedict Press, Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Family Life Center. Details: Karen Verucchi, Class facilitator at (601) 870-5388.

YOUTH BRIEFS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, CYO Lock-In (guys only) for grades 4-12, Friday, May 5, 6 p.m. – 10 a.m. Details: Ms. Ange’le at (601) 757-3084.
CLEVELAND, Delta State University students meet Tuesdays at 9 p.m. at the Union, 2nd floor (east side). Details: To receive text notifications, send your name by text to Father Kent Bowlds at (662) 588-5868.
MADISON St. Joseph School, St. Joe Bruin Classic Golf Tournament, Friday, May 10, Whisper Lake Golf Club, 414 Annandale Parkway, Madison. Proceeds to fund all St. Joseph School athletics. Details: Dana Caskey at dana.caskey@comcast.net or www.stjoebruins.com. for more information.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Baccalaureate Mass, Sunday, May 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick in honor of graduating high school students. Details: contact youth ministry office if you plan to attend at (601) 693-1321, ext. 9 or john@catholicmeridian.org.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, May Crowning/Senior Farewell Mass, Friday, May 3. Cathedral student body, faculty and staff will attend the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Basilica for the annual May crowing of Blessed Mother. It will also be the senior Farewell Mass for graduating seniors. Everyone is invited to attend. Details: school office (601) 601-442-1988.

Songs and praise for Sister Thea Bowman

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CANTON – Gospel choirs from many churches gathered at Holy Child Jesus Parish on Saturday, March 30 for a musical celebration in honor of Sister Thea Bowman. Sister Thea died on March 30, 1990. Last year the Diocese of Jackson opened a cause for sainthood for the Mississippi native, who became Catholic and later served as a teacher at Holy Child.
Choirs included the Mary Grove Baptist Church men’s choir, Jackson Christ the King and Holy Ghost choirs, the Frazier Riddel Choir, the Jackson Family, Ed Hightower, Landris Jones and the Rembert Washington Chorale.
Participant choirs each offered a couple of songs while Billy Joe Wells, acting as master of ceremonies, kept the crowd upbeat and involved. Organizers hope to make the celebration an annual event.

(Story and photos by Maureen Smith)

Grenada Parish celebrates St. Joseph’s Day

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GRENADA – Members of St. Peter Parish sing during the blessing of their St. Joseph Altar on Tuesday, March 19. The parish celebrated the feast of St. Joseph in true Italian style with a traditional altar loaded with bread and other goodies. Pastor Father Arokia Savio concelebrated Mass at 8 a.m. with Father Manohar Thanugundla of Brookhaven St. Francis. Those gathered then went to the parish hall to pray a rosary, bless their St. Joseph Altar and enjoy an Italian Meal. (Photo by Michael Liberto)