Category Archives: Parish News

Gluckstadt festival has German roots

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GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph Parish staged the 32nd annual GermanFest on Sunday, Sept. 30, on the church grounds. The Gluckstadt community was founded in 1905 by German immigrants. Many of the descendants of the original families still attend St. Joseph. Each year, the parish hosts the GermanFest the last Sunday in September as its premire fund-raising event.

Prior to the festival, families gather to can sauerkraut using a traditional recipie. For days before they prepare sausages, bratwurst, desserts and other German delicacies to share with their neighbors. This year, participants could prove their braun in a beer stein-holding competition. Children can enjoy games and the music during the daylong event.

Parish picnic kicks off year

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By Cory Head
FLOWOOD – Sunday Sept. 30, St. Paul Parish celebrated the opening of a new religious education and Youth cycle with a parish Back-to-School Picnic. The gathering started after a 10:30 a.m. Mass on the hill behind the church and was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

During the event, the Religious Education Program sponsored a raffle to raise money to provide school supplies for students at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Forest. Families enjoyed lunch and fun games for the family.

(Cory Head is the youth director for Flowood St. Paul Parish)

Taste of St. Francis of Assisi

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MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi Parish celebrates its patron saint with Taste of St. Francis, held this year on Sunday, Sept. 30. The festival honors the many nations and cultures present at the parish. Parishioners share dishes from their home country or a dish of their choosing. They are invited to decorate a table with cultural items or offer a dance or music from their homeland. This year, 27 different countries were represented. The festival started more than 10 years ago.

St. Paul earns Bishop’s Cup

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MADISON – Congratulations to the team representing Flowood St. Paul Parish, (l-r) Marcus Mallory, Denny Howell, Josh Oller and Michael Kimbrell, for winning the 2018 Bishop’s Cup . The tournament was held Tuesday, Sept. 11 at Lake Caroline Golf Club. All proceeds raised go to The Catholic Foundation and the Rev. Patrick Noonan Memorial Trust. The Bishop’s Cup Committee would like to thank all of our sponsors for helping to make the day a success. (Photos by Rusty Harris)

Gluckstadt’s team, including Deacon Mark Schffner, Eddie Adkins, and David Madere take their shot at winning the Bishop’s Cup tournament to benefit the Catholic Foundation.

Featured photo . . .

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Lifting up the cross

LOUISVILLE –The men of Sacred Heart Parish had a breakfast then went out to hand hew a cedar post for a cross to be displayed outside the church. Pictured (l-r) Father Darnis Selvanayakam, Henry Brandt,Greg Fulton, Reese Fulton, Steve White, Bob Burks, Larry Veazey. (Photo courtesy of Tom Tehan)

Parish calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, “Transitions and Transformation,” November 9-11. Some of the topics will be: realizing our gifts, overcoming fears, addressing regrets and exploring lost dreams. Facilitators: Dr. Francis Baird, LPC, who has a private counseling practice in Columbus and Starkville, and Clare Van Lent, MA CSp. Dwelling Place director. Donation: $180. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Weekend Intensive Centering Prayer, November 16-18. Develop further the discipline of Centering Prayer and deepen your relationship with God. Director: Diana Tschache. The weekend will be spent in silence. Prerequisite: Introduction to Centering Prayer. Cost: Private Room $245. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, Ephphatha “Inner Healing Through the Healing Miracle of Jesus,” Friday, November 2, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 3 at 8:30 a.m., ending with Mass at 4 p.m. Cost: $50. Financial assistance is available. Details: (662) 299-1232.

SAVE THE DATE

“A Guide for Grievers” Learn creative ways to express grief and loss, and how to support others through the grieving process. Through a partnership between Catholic Charities’ Parish Health Care Ministry and the Catholic Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Family Ministry, Bob Willis; artist, author, sculptor and grief specialist from Oklahoma City will present a half day workshop and a discussion on grief, and how to adapt to loss. Workshops will be offered at the following locations/times: Hernando Holy Spirit, Wednesday, November 28, 9:30-1:30 p.m.; Indianola Immaculate Conception, November 28, 5:30-9 p.m.; Starkville St. Joseph, Thursday, November 29, 12:30 – 5 p.m.; Gluckstadt St. Joseph, Friday, November 30, 12 – 4 p.m. Details: Sister Pat Clemen, Coordinator of Parish Health Ministry at (601) 213-6378, or via email: sisterpat.clemen@ccjackson.org or Charlene Bearden, coordinator of Family Ministry at 601-960-8487, or via email: charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

ABERDEEN St. Francis of Assisi, Parish Picnic, Sunday, October 21, at the parish hall following Mass, which will be at 4 p.m. that day. The church will provide the meat and a signup sheet will be posted on the bulletin board in the parish hall. Details: (601) 813-2295.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Ladies Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Opening your Heart: The Starting Point. Come join in for fellowship and building a closer relationship with Jesus. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.
“Taste of Italy” Lasagna Dinner, Tuesday, November 13, changed from November 8. Details: Mary Helen Waller to volunteer at (662) 843-3152.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, AARP Driver Safety Class, Tuesday, October 16, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Details: contact Nancy Marking at (901) 219-3662 or Bill Marking at (901) 210-0484.
JACKSON Catholic Charities Purple Dress 5K – help us “run” domestic violence out of town, Thursday, October 18, at 6:00 p.m. at The District at Eastover in Jackson. Details: Julie O’Brien at (601) 326-3758 or julie.obrien@ccjackson.org. To register online, go to https://raceroster.com/events/2018/18389/purple-dress-run.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, beginning November 3, Saturday evening Mass will be 5 p.m. (from 5:30 p.m.). New Confession time will be at 4 p.m. (from 4:30 p.m.) and on request. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of Meridian, Musical and Variety Show, Fashion Show and Dinner, Saturday, November 3, at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Tickets: Reserved $20, Adults $10, Children thru High School $5. Proceeds benefit St. Patrick School. Tickets are available in the parish office, school office or Dan Santiago (601) 917-7364. Reserved tickets available from Mary Yarger at (601) 482-6044.
PEARL St. Jude, Adult Faith Formation meets each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. with the Gus Lloyd audio series on Apologetics. He is the host of “Seize the Day” on the Catholic Channel on Sirius XM satellite radio. Topics will include: the Eucharist, the papacy and Peter, Confession and more. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

YOUTH BRIEFS

JACKSON St. Richard School Open House, “Cookies with the Cardinals, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 9-11 a.m. Details: Wendi Shearer, 601-366-1157 or RSVP at strichardschool.org.
MADISON St. Anthony School, Open House, Sunday, October 21, 2- 4 p.m. Details: Michele Warnock at mwarnock@stanthonyeagles.org or (601) 607-7054.
St. Joseph School Open House, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. Details: Tricia Harris, (601) 898-4800.

Parish calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, Annual Women’s Retreat, “Poetry: A Doorway into Prayer,” October 26-28. Retreat leader Sister Beth Fitzpatrick, currently vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and has served at Notre Dame Seminary, will explore the Psalms, the Song of Songs and other scriptural passages. Suggested donation: $150 private room; $120 shared. Details: retreatcenter@ssndcp.org or (601) 783-0801.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, “Cross and Compassion: The Spiritual Journey of Edith Stein,” Saturday, October 20. Retreat Director Sister Elisabeth Meadows, O.S.B. will reflect upon her life and spirituality and consider her life in the context of her times with a special focus on her concern for human brokenness and her emphasis upon the cross of Christ. Cost: $30 includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, Holy Hour to pray for clergy and religious on the Feast of St. Therese, the Little Flower, Monday, October 1, at 6 p.m. Chapel of Mercy at Locus Benedictus. This is a time of sadness and shame for our Church. It is also a time to turn in trust to our Good Shepherd, Jesus, for mercy and healing. Join us as we intercede for all ordained ministers and religious in our diocese and in the world. We will pray for the forgiveness and conversion of those who have participated in the sin of sexual abuse. We will pray for the healing of young people and families affected by this great evil.
MEMPHIS, Tenn, Holy Rosary Church, 4851 Park Avenue, 2018 Father/Son Program, Sunday, October 21, from 2-5 p.m. for boys 12-15 years old. The topic will be Learning Together about God’s plan for growing up and becoming men of integrity. $25 per Family and $30 after October 17. Details: More information at www.cdom.org or call (901) 373-1222.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, National Prayer Event – Let’s Life Chain America, Sunday, October 7, 2-3 p.m. Life Chain is a peaceful, prayerful public witness of pro-life Americans standing for one hour of prayer for our nation and an end to abortion. Details: Barbara Dean (901) 486-6470 or Mary Ann (662) 429-7851 or (662) 429-0501.

SAVE THE DATES

“A Guide for Grievers” Through a partnership between Catholic Charities’ Parish Health Care Ministry and the Office of Family Ministry, Bob Willis; artist, author, sculptor and grief specialist from Oklahoma City will present a half-day workshop and a discussion on grief, and how to adapt to loss. Workshops will be offered at the following locations/times: Hernando Holy Spirit Parish, Wednesday, November 28, 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.; Indianola Immaculate Conception Parish, November 28, 5:30-9 p.m.; Starkville St. Joseph Parish, Thursday, November 29, 12:30 – 5 p.m.; Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish, Friday, November 30, 12 – 4 p.m. Details: Sister Pat Clemen, Coordinator of Parish Health Ministry at (601) 213-6378, or sisterpat.clemen@ccjackson.org or Charlene Bearden, Coordinator of Family Ministry at 601-960-8487, or charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion Group will discuss Educated by Tara Westover at the parish hall Monday, October 8, at noon. Everyone is invited to read the book and plan to join in the discussion. Details: church office at (662) 256-8392
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis of Assisi, Annual Parish Picnic, Sunday, October 7, following 10 a.m. Mass in Serio Hall. Lunch, Bingo and jumpers for the kids. Details: (601) 833-1799.
CANTON St. Richard Special Kids Day Golf tournament, Deerfield Golf Club, Thursday, October 4. The unique gifts of the children in the Special Kids program are recognized and applauded while the community participates in a day full of fun excitement and fundraising. Raffle tickets on sale for a Mother’s Day Beach Weekend May 9-12 at Ocean Breeze West in Pensacola. Details: Rusty Haydel, (601) 953-9711 rusdale@aol.com or Shannon Garner, (601) 366-2335 garner@saintrichard.com.
CLEVELAND Women’s Resource Center Annual Banquet, First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 101 North Bolivar Avenue, Tuesday, October 2, 6 p.m. Supports those who have unplanned and difficult pregnancy situations. Free but seating is limited. Details: Our Lady of Victories church office (662) 846-6273.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Parish Fair Dinner and Live Auction date has been changed to Sunday, November 11, at 6 p.m. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit blessing of the pets to honor the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Wednesday, October 3, at 7:00 p.m. All pets should be on a leash or in a cage. Details: (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON St. Therese Parish, Feast Day and Heritage Celebration, Sunday, October 7, at 11 a.m. 312 Camp Garaywa Road, Clinton. A planning meeting will be held Monday, September 17, at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (601) 372-4481.
St. Richard, eighth Annual “Evening with Mary,” Tuesday, October 9, from 6-8 p.m. in Foley Hall. The speaker is Maureen Roberts, assistant director of Marian Servants of Jesus, the Lamb of God community. The theme is “Our Marian Spirituality.” There is no cost, but reservations need to be made by October 3. Details: Suzan Cox at (601) 366-2335 or cox@saintrichard.com.
Purple Dress Run to benefit Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Shelter, Thursday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m. at the District at Eastover. See ad on page 13 for details.
INDIANAOLA Immaculate Conception, Annual Spaghetti Supper, Monday, October 8, from 4:30 – 7 p.m., $10.00 a plate, eat in or take out. Details: (662) 887-4659.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Beginning November 3, Saturday evening Mass will be at 5 p.m. (from 5:30 p.m.). New Confession time will be at 4 p.m. (from 4:30 p.m.) and on request. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
Blood Drive and FinnFest in support of Finn Blaylock on Wednesday, October 10 on the campus of St. Joseph Catholic School. The blood drive is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the St. Joe gymnasium and FinnFest will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on the grounds of St. Joe. FinnFest will include food, games and music including Patrick Harkins, the St. Joe Jazz Band and Daniel and the Dirtdevils. Finn, a 6-year-old St. Richard student, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the beginning of the summer. His siblings attend St. Joe. All proceeds will go to the Blaylock Family. Details: sign up to donate blood. www.stjoebruins.com
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of Meridian, Adult Faith Sharing of David the King, Wednesdays, October 3 – November 7, 10:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Bishop Robert Barron’s newest study and experience on how the whole New Testament opens up once we see it through the person of David. Details: Mary Billups at mary@catholicmeridian.org.
St. Joseph, Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, October 6, at 10:15 a.m., at the parking lot celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, bring pets or a photo of an animal that you love. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Flu shots administered, Wednesday, October 3, at O’Connor Family Life Center, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Walgreens will administer the immunizations. Details: Donna at the church office (601) 445-5616.
WINONA Sacred Heart, Blessing of the Pets, Saturday, October 13, from 2-5 p.m. A photographer will be on site to take pictures with your pets. Details: church office (601) 594-8254.

YOUTH BRIEFS

COLUMBUS Annunciation School presents “Understanding Mississippi” Art Auction 2018, Saturday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at Town Creek Pavilion, 32476 Highway 50 East, West Point. Open bar and live auction. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.
NATCHEZ Cathedral School, Fall Festival used book sale, October 6-7. It’s that time of year to clean off your shelves and bookcases. Any kinds of books, VCR and DVD movies accepted. Details: Sissy Dicks at (601) 334-0784.
PEARL St. Jude, Faith and Fun Sundays is a new ministry for K-6th grades and their families. It will be one Sunday a month beginning October 7, from 3-5 p.m. Will have crafts, snacks and a movie. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

Holly Springs school celebrates 70th anniversary with alumni, friends, students

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By Laura Grisham
HOLLY SPRINGS – This year, St. Mary’s/CADET/Holy Family School celebrates 70 wonderful years of education.
During Labor Day weekend, several hundred alumni and educators gathered to celebrate. No doubt it was also a grand undertaking for those on the reunion committee, and in particular, chairman Vincent Smith (Class of 1981).
Two years after World War II ended, Sacred Heart Father Paul Frichtl, bought an old abandoned school building in Holly Springs and began to make enough repairs to make the building usable. In 1948, the St. Mary School for African American children opened.
The following year, four School Sisters of St. Francis arrived to work with him. When St. Mary’s began, eighth grade was the highest level offered. Another grade was added each year until all 12 grades were available. In 1954, the first seniors were graduated from St. Mary’s High School.
In 1969, St. Mary’s merged with St. Joseph’s to form C.A.D.E.T. (Christian Aided Development Through Extraordinary Training). CADET Child Care Center opened in 1974 with 25 children and CADET High School closed. A new computer lab was installed for students in 1995, and with that, CADET changed its name to Holy Family School in order to provide a stronger Catholic identity.
“Seven decades have brought about many changes in our world and in our schools, but the commitment of Sacred Heart Southern Missions (SHSM) and the Priests of the Sacred Heart to educating hearts and minds remains steadfast,” said Fr. Jack Kurps, SCJ, executive director of SHSM.

Above, a pep squad of current Holy Family Students cheered on those attending the reunion during a Friday night meet-and-greet. At right, Sr. Cathy Mauge, OSF, and Cathedral Pryor Wilkins at the picnic on Sunday.

“Our school has been and remains a sanctuary for children, where they are safe and receive guidance, discipline and love. Our students receive a quality education — a firm foundation not only in academics, but also in Christian values and respect for one another.”
Friday evening, guests were treated to a meet and greet, complete with tasty food and jazzy entertainment. The Holy Family Pep Squad greeted alumni with cheers and acrobatics to begin the evening. Beta Club members offered tours of the building.
The next day alumni volunteers cleaned out the school’s basement. Much to the delight of current Principal Clara Isom, two dump trailers of trash were removed. Equally hard work was being performed upstairs as members of the reunion committee set up and decorated for the banquet scheduled for later in the evening.
Nearly 200 former students, teachers and principals attended the gala Saturday night. The evening began, as does every event, with a prayer. Several alumni addressed the gathering, sharing fond memories.

HOLLY SPRINGS –The reunion chior had the crowd on its feet singing ‘Oh Happy Day’ at a Sunday morning worship service to celebrate Holy Family School’s 70th anniversary during the Labor Day weekend. (Photos by Laura Grisham)

Former Cadet principal, Sister Sheila Kloss, OSF, was the guest speaker for the night. Traveling all the way from California for the event with another former CADET educator, Sister Cathy Mauge, OSF. She greeted attendees with heartfelt enthusiasm. Citing the gospel, “’Lord, it is good for us to be here. This is a sacred place.’ All of us and many others over the years made this a sacred place by coming together to live, to learn, to love.”
Sunday began in earnest with a rousing worship service. Prayers, scripture and hymns filled every corner of the school gymnasium. The Reunion Choir and Rev. Catherine Robinson Willett had everyone on their feet with “Oh Happy Day.”
Services ended prior to noon, giving those in attendance just enough time to don their blue reunion t-shirts and some comfortable shoes before attending a closing picnic.

(A longer version of this story appeared in the Sacred Heart Southern Missions newsletter.)

 

Ospino hears from pastors, lay community

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By Berta Mexidor
PEARL – In an analysis of history and its consequences on today, Dr. Hosffman Ospino exchanged information with priests, seminarians, sisters and lay people who work in the parishes of the diocese during two intensive gatherings. Ospino, assistant professor of theology and religious education at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry, was in Jackson for Faith Formation Day August 25, so the office of Hispanic Ministry invited him to meet with pastors and lay people separately at St. Jude Parish.
Ospino presented several facts about the development of Catholicism in the United States to both groups centered on why in the 21st century the church is adopting ministries designed to alleviate segregation in the parishes. This segregation, once imposed socially and legally, is now self-inflicted.
The current segregation, he said, is a personal attitude to choose segregated life and it is a trend that has been getting worse since the 1960s. “This self-segregation is destroying us,” Ospino noted. Personal experiences and culture are taken to church every Sunday, this can affect the church positively or negatively.
Catholics have struggled to keep and share their faith for centuries. At the beginning, Irish, Germans and Italians created national churches to keep their faith, language and customs.
Blacks, Latinos, Asians and other internationals are converging in Catholicism from different routes and causes. Specifically, for Latinos, in every country, Catholicism has been the main religion, a heritage from the colonization of Spain and Portugal. In terms of major migrations of Spanish speakers to the U.S., one important event was when generations of Mexicans, became U.S. citizens after the Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty on 1848. Later, in the 1960s, political and economic instability detonated a migration from Latin American and Caribbean countries, bringing Catholicism with it. Mexicans, Cubans and Puerto Ricans came to be part of established Catholic churches in U.S. This pattern continues until today with the immigration of Venezuelans, Guatemalans, Hondurans and more.
These immigrants share the same language – Spanish, but their children speak English. “Hispanic Ministry needs to use both languages, or even ‘Spanglish’ if necessary, to share the gospel to all,” Ospino joked.
Embracing diversity is the new challenge for Catholic churches. Bringing the best of different societies and cultures will strengthen the Catholic Church. “Latinos are attending church, everywhere they go, to keep their faith” Ospino emphasized, remarking that at the end all “Catholics are called to share and keep their faith.”
Priests, deacons and leaders from more than 20 parishes came to the first gathering. Most of the priests are working in places were the Latino community has an important presence in Mississippi. At the second meeting, Saturday afternoon, more than 70 Latino parishioners shared their hopes and challenges with Ospino. He noted Hispanics have a history in United States with deep roots, and based in that foundation, Latino families need to continue the construction of their identity. This time one of the participants highlighted the fact that parents should have an active participation in school system to support their children’s education, therefore they need to learn English, and understand the American system.
Ospino called their attention to certain figures: in United States’ 196 archdioceses/dioceses with more than 17 thousand churches, 35 million Latinos are Catholics. Two-thirds of Hispanics live in poverty; only 18 percent have a college degree. The average age of Latinos is 19 years, which represents almost 60 percent of the entire Latino population.
These statistics should impel the Catholic Church to first – reach out to the Hispanic youth, second – work with family life and third– create a new context for vocations. Coincidentally, these are the objectives of the main agenda for the V Encuentro, which will be held at the end of September.
The numbers grow every year and “this human tsunami is transforming the Catholic Church,” creating what Ospino considers to be “multicultural churches.”

(Photo by Sister María Elena Mendéz, MGSpS)

Marian Consecration

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PEARL – Participants in the St. Louis De Montfort consecration to Jesus through Mary made their consecration at St. Jude’s Church at the close of the Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This group is a part of The Marian Servants of Jesus, the Lamb of God. The nine participants journeyed together through the 33-day preparation during weekly meetings. Each week participants prayed for a particular theme and grace from scripture and assigned readings. At the meetings they were given an opportunity to share the fruits of their prayers and received a teaching on the theme and grace for the coming week.

(Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

The Marian Servants is a lay association of the Catholic Church. The group has a special devotion to Mary and a focus on the spiritual works of mercy.
Teresa Preuss is the director of the local group along with and assistant director, Maureen Roberts. The mission of The Marian Servants is “to live faithfully our call to holiness and bring Catholic Christians to a deeper understanding of their vocation and mission in Christ, the Church and the world.”
For more information on the group, contact Preuss or Roberts by email at tepreussmahecha@gmail.com or mmjroberts@gmail.com.