Category Archives: Parish News

Ite ad Joseph – go to Joseph: patron inspires special devotion

Posted on by
Reply

By Mark Shoffner

GREENVILLE – On Monday March the 20, St. Joseph parish celebrated their patron with a joint school Mass, Litany to St. Joseph and the construction of a St. Joseph Altar. The celebration was the first of its kind in Greenville. I was able to coordinate and construct with the support of our priests and the administration and faculty at the school to really do something special for our patron.

Building altars to those we venerate is not an unusual thing in Catholic tradition. We have altars to our Blessed Mother and her various apparitions, our patron saints in our parishes and altars are constructed along eucharistic processions as places to stop and pray. The history of St. Joseph altars go back to the Middle Ages on the island of Sicily.

The island of Sicily was struck by a great drought that devastated the local crops. Fields became so barren that nothing new could be cultivated for many years. The only crop that would grow was the humble fava bean. This large bean had been previously grown only as livestock feed, now it was seemingly the sole source of nourishment for the island and its starving people and animals. Such terrible conditions lead the Sicilian people to pray fervently to St. Joseph, their patron, to deliver them from the famine. And deliver them, he did.

The rains returned, the crops flourished and the people, once at risk of starvation, now rejoiced at the blessings God had granted them. In order to show gratitude to St. Joseph for his fatherly help in their time of great need, the Sicilians constructed an altar filled with fresh fruit and vegetables that the rains had enabled them to grow.

Over time, this tradition grew to its current form: colorfully decorated altars with fava beans, elaborate cakes, traditional Italian cookies, fresh produce, as well as statues and images of St. Joseph, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus and notable Italian saints such as St. Lucy, St. Francis and St. Benedict. This tradition made its way to the United States when masses of Sicilian immigrants came through the port of New Orleans and today this devotion to St. Joseph is still very active, especially in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Traditionally, all the food on an altar is donated and then distributed to the poor, ensuring that the blessings St. Joseph wins for us are passed on to others.

The elementary and high school children learned and practiced special music from old hymnals in honor of St. Joseph and joyfully sang out during the Mass. The school was led in the recitation of the litany of St. Joseph by Father Bill Henry, pastor of St. Joseph, and SGA Vice President Carson Mansour.

The big reveal came when the children gathered in the cafetorium and were led in the blessing of the altar by Father Tom Mullally, SVD, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Greenville. He blessed the altar and the children with a shower of holy water. The children wrote prayer petitions to St. Joseph and received a cupcake after they toured the altar to view all its components. Surrounding the altar were nearly 2,000 cans of food which the children had collected to go to our local St. Vincent de Paul Society to help the disadvantaged in Greenville. Just like centuries ago, St. Joseph fed the hungry who prayed to him.

It was truly a sight to behold. This kind of celebration for our patron had never occurred in our parish and I was glad I was able to bring something I learned down in Louisiana back to the parish. Our lives as Catholics involve more than praying and going to Mass. Our Catholic faith is full of traditions big and small that extend into our communities and cultures as well as help us grasp and understand the faith. This tradition I’m sure has helped us locally to reach out to the Protector of the Church and our patron, St. Joseph.

(Mark Shoffner helps with Faith Formation at Greenville St. Joseph Parish)

Patron Joseph inspires special devotion

St. Richard breaks ground on Special Kids expansion

Posted on by
Reply

JACKSON – St. Richard Catholic Church held a blessing and groundbreaking for the start of the new special kids’ and boy scout building on Sunday, March 26 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

The new 3,000 square foot building, located across the street from the church, will be completed for the start of the 2017 fall semester.

The area for special kids will contain a classroom with one-on-one areas, art room, kitchen and work room. The scout space will have a large room for meeting and group activity along with three smaller classrooms for meeting, and ample storage room for all their camping supplies.

Kim Turner is the director of the Special Kids Program at St. Richard. The program is designed to help high school students with developmental disabilities. Anthony Warren, senior staff writer for the Northside Sun recently interviewed her about the program the new facility.

What exactly is the Special Kids Program?

“It’s a ministry that provides individual programs to students with developmental disorders. The programs depend on each student. Each child’s goal is different. One might strive to study academics, while one strives to learn life skills and live alone. That’s the ministry.”

Is the program part of the St. Richard school?

“No; the elementary does have a ‘Special Kids’ program, but it’s separate from us. We are a separate ministry of the church.”

What ages do you serve?

“Ages 13 to 21, and we are looking at (expanding) to include an adult program as well.”

I want to go back and ask about the adult program. Why is St. Richard looking at doing that? Also, what age group will the new program serve?

“There seems to be a need. There are great places out there, but some of the students like our program and we just see a need. We’re just in the beginning process of it. We’re not sure where it’s going to lead yet.”

Is the program free for students?

“No, there is a tuition.”

Is Special Kids open only to Catholic students?

“Absolutely not. Anyone is welcome.”

What disabilities do you serve?

“We have a range of children with special needs. There’s not one specific.”

How many instructors do you have?

“We have three teachers, and then we have a lot of volunteers who come in and teach art, dance. Everything is very scheduled, so we have times for them to come in and work with (the students).”

In addition to tuition, how does Special Kids raise money?

“We have a golf tournament every year. This year, it will be October 5. We also have contributors (who give) throughout the year. We have a huge raffle for a weekend at Perdido Key that also raises money. The golf tournament is at Deerfield.”

Let’s switch gears and talk about the new building project. Why is a new facility needed?

“We were in a building that we have just outgrown. We have taken that property and are building the special kids building and also a Boy Scout building. We needed more space and that would be more of an educational space to benefit students.”

Is the building just for improving the experience for current students, or do you hope to expand Special Kids to serve more teens?

“Both; right now, we don’t have a limit of how many students we’ll take, but we have a goal of having 10 or 12. We are creeping up to that number now, and we just need more space. We’ve designed the new building to be the best for these students. There’s a kitchen area, a social area, a classroom area, and also – this is my favorite part – an open space that will provide for one-on-one interaction with students, where teachers can work with the children, and where children can have areas for iPads, art (and the like).”

How are students chosen to participate in Special Kids?

“We meet with parents and students and decide if it’s a good fit for them. We talk to parents about the goals they have for their children, and if our program fits those goals, they’re in.”

How long are students with the Special Kids program?

“Nobody’s left since I’ve been here, and I’ve been here four years now. (Students) finish out at 21. Hopefully, we’ll get an adult program next year and (graduates) will go into that, if that is their desire.”

Is Special Kids’ objective to make all of its students independent, in terms of being able to live on their own?

“I wish I could say there is one specific goal, but each child is different. If it is the desire of the student and parents that the student should live independently, then yes, that is what we’re going for. There may be some children where that is not the goal. They may want to learn (to prepare) their own food. We strive for students to be as independent as possible.”

(Interview reprinted from the Northside Sun Newspaper.)

Father John Bohn, pastor of St. Richard Parish, blesses the ground where a new building to house the Special Kids and Boy Scout programs will be built across from the church. (Photo by Maureen Smith)

Thea’s Turn to be staged in Canton

Posted on by
Reply

CANTON – The life of Canton native Sister Thea Bowman comes to life on stage in her hometown thanks to a performance of “Thea’s Turn” on Saturday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m. at the Canton High School Auditorium. The project has been declared an official state bicentennial project.

“Thea’s Turn” has strong ties to Canton beyond just Sister Thea’s upbringing. The play’s author, Mary Queen Donnelly, knew the title character while the two grew up in Canton. Canton native, Dr. Mark Henderson, chair of the department of speech, communication and theatre at Jackson State University, serves as executive director. The cast and crew include members of the nationally acclaimed MADDRAMA, an award winning drama troupe under his direction.

The play tells the story of Sister Thea Bowman from her childhood as Bertha Bowman through her conversion to Catholicism and vocation to religious life all the way to the discovery of cancer and her death. The scenes include periods from the late 1940’s through late 1989. Flonzie Brown-Wright, a classmate and playmate of Bertha (Sister Thea), saw the play in Madison during the summer of 2015 and thought it should be staged in Canton. She enlisted the help of Jana Padgett-Dear, executive director of the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau. Padgett-Dear immediately agreed because in part, it continues her personal commitment to increase the awareness of Sister Thea’s life.

During the spring and summer of 2016, she spent endless hours working with Brown-Wright to update the large display of Sister Thea’s artifacts displayed at the Multicultural Center in town. Incidentally, Padgett-Dear never met Thea, but has been inspired by what she has read and heard about her.

The play attempts to capture the essence of Thea’s struggle of what it meant to be black and Catholic” and her ultimate decision to reconcile Bertha, the great- granddaughter of a slave, and her African American culture with that of the all- white, traditional culture of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wis., where she was Sister Thea.

The play gives the viewer a broader understanding of the complexities of the multifaceted Thea. Donnelly used music to portray different periods of Thea’s life. Being a singer, Spirituals and Gospel songs allowed Bertha to remain connected to her southern heritage, while her appreciation for traditional Latin chant and church music gave her the opportunity to remain true to her beliefs as a Catholic sister.

The advisory committee for this production includes a number of people who knew Thea personally during their days at Holy Child Jesus School and Church, either as classmates, students, priests, parishioners, or members of the Thea Bowman Choir.

“Thea’s Turn” first premiered in New Orleans, LA and later in Madison, MS.

Readings continue as far away as New York City.

This official bicentennial project was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities through support from the Mississippi Development Authority.

To reserve seating and for more information contact: jana@cantontourism.com or call (601) 859-1307.

(Story submitted by Flonzie Brown-Wright)

Members of the award-winning drama troupe MADDRAMA will perform the play Thea’s Turn in Canton April 21 and 22. (Photo courtesy of Mark Henderson)

Thea’s Turn to be staged in Canton

Thea’s Turn to be staged in Canton

Thea’s Turn to be staged in Canton

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Posted on by
Reply

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BROOKSVILLE Dwelling Place Retreat Center, Paschal Triduum, April 14-16. Join the staff in observing the spirit of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday in silence and prayer. Attend the special services at Corpus Christi, Macon. Begins 5:00 p.m. Holy Thursday service; concludes with Easter Sunday breakfast. Donation $200. Details: Sheila Avery, (662) 738-5348 or www.dwellingplace.com to register online.

GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, Sunday, April 23, Feast of Divine Mercy, prayer service, 3 p.m. at the Chapel of Mercy. Come and thank our Lord Jesus for his limitless mercy and love. Details: call Magdalene Abraham (662) 299-1232.

PEARL St. Jude, “Liturgical Music: Ministry Encounters Mystery,” a retreat for parish music directors, musicians and clergy, June 8-9. Sponsored by the Office of Liturgy. Presenter: Alexis Kutarna, director of music for St. Mary Seminary in Houston, Texas. It is requested that all parishes send a representative from their music ministry to this enriching experience. Details: Mary Woodward, (601) 960-8475 or mary.woodward@jacksondiocese.org.

CHICAGO Ill., “Disciples Making Disciples,” National Gathering on Christian Initiation is sponsoring a conference for Catechumenal Ministers and Pastoral Leaders on July 5-6. They will be exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of the ministry of Initiation. Details: ngci@ltp.org, (773) 579-4900, ex. 3554 or www.NationalGatheringOnChristianInitiation.org to register.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY St. Helen, book discussion on “Dispatches from Pluto” by Richard Grant, Monday, April 10. Everyone is invited to read the book and plan to join in the discussion. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.

COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Annual $10,000 Drawdown fund-raiser, Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center. Tickets are $100 and admit two adults (21 and older). Includes dinner catered by Huck’s restaurant, live music by Winwheel and open bar. Drawdown purpose is to fill in the tuition gap between tuition and actual cost of education. Details: Katie Fenstermacher at acsmarking@cableone.net or (662) 328-4479.

GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary parish center, annual blood drive, Monday, May 8, 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. Details: parish office (662) 453-3980.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Annual Yard Sale, April 28-29. Sponsored by the Ladies Association. Proceeds go to debt reduction of the church. Setup will start April 17 at 9 a.m. Details: Barbara Wilder (901) 832-0672; Pat Kuehnel (662) 996-6622 or LaRae Walgenbach (901) 486-0225.

JACKSON Holy Ghost Parish will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23 with a Holy Hour and singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet starting at 2 p.m. The hour will close with benediction and Mass. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Details: Father Alfred Ayem, SVD, pastor, (601) 353-1339.

– St. Richard, a group of men and women within the parish and Jackson community (between the ages of 28-42) is forming to socialize and network in faith and fellowship. People from different backgrounds, stages of life, and relationships (single or married) to meet over food and drinks. First meeting is Thursday, April 20 at 6 p.m. in Foley Hall. Details: Katherine Capocelli, (804) 301-4590 or email katherine.capocelli@gmail.com.

MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Cajun Fest 2017. Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Features Cajun food, Cold drinks and live music, children’s games, raffles, General Store and plenty of opportunity to socialize in a family friendly atmosphere. Sponsorships of $300 or more will be included on the back of Cajun Fest T-shirt. Sponsorship form must be received by April 14 to be included on the back of t-shirts. Details: (601) 856-5556 (CORRECTION: The March 24th paper had an incorrect date for Cajun Fest. This is a corrected entry. We regret the error.)

SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Trivia Night, Saturday, April 29. Cost: $15.00/person or $25.00/couple. Mark your calendars now for a fun night out. Details: call Karin (901) 289-0311 or email Donna ctksdonna@gmail.com.

TUPELO St. James, Save the Date, Vacation Bible School “SUPER SAINTS,” July 17-21. Registration will be in Shelton Hall foyer during CCD hours. Details: Jessica (662) 871-5033 or email jvaughnii@aol.com if you can volunteer.

VICKSBURG, St. Michael, Softball league for 16 years of age or older. League play starts in April. Details: call Joe Loviza at 636-1694.

GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Joint Elementary and Secondary School Live Stations of the Cross presented by the Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School at 9:15 AM Wednesday, April 12, in the Philip and Louise Mansour Gymnasium.

YOUTH BRIEFS

GREENVILLE St. Joseph Catholic School, Summer Camp Dates:

Mini-Cheer, June 5-7, 8-11 a.m.

Football, June 5-7, 8-11 a.m.

Basketball, June 5-7,12 noon – 3 p.m.

Baseball, June 12-14, 8-11 a.m.

Science, June 12-14,12 noon- 3 p.m

Soccer, June 19-21, 8-11 a.m.

Registration forms will be mailed this week. Details: Missi Blackstock, (662)378-9711.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. Snacks at the Family Life Center, 9:30 – 10 a.m. KCYO in Memorial Park. Younger Children at Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

VICKSBURG St. Paul, Easter Egg Hunt for children up to fourth grade, Saturday, April 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Food and games as well as egg hunt with prizes. Bring a basket. Details: church office (601) 636-0140.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Posted on by
Reply

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, “The Art of Discernment in Marriage,” Married couples’ retreat April 21-23. Experience the peace and beauty of the pine woods in a weekend of learning to know God, self and each other better. Retreat leaders: Robin and Easton Hebert from Lafayette, Louisiana. Details: Sister Helen Roper (601) 341-9447 (cell) or email hroper@ssndcp.org.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, the “All Catholic Things” scripture study invites all women of the parish to a presentation on the Passion of Christ as depicted in art though the ages by Angie Bourgeois, head of the art department at Mississippi State University. It will be a covered-dish brunch, Tuesday April 4 at 10 a.m. in the Activities Center. Details: (662) 328-2927.
HOUSTON, Texas, The National Catholic Bible Conference, May 5-6 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. “Discipleship: Taking the Word to Heart.” Discover what it means to be a faithful disciple, learn how to follow Christ in your everyday life and experience the blessings that God has in store for those who love him. Details: www.catholicbibleconference.com or call 901.853.7468
STANTON, Tenn. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, Our Lady Queen of Peace Retreat Center, June 16-18. Are you suffering with emotional and spiritual pain after an abortion? Experience the healing love of Jesus Christ. Includes talks with others who have had abortions and who understand exactly how you feel, as well as spiritual exercises to help you on your journey of healing. Participation is strictly confidential. Details: contact Cathy at (901) 463-3595 or rvmphs@gmail.com

PARISH, SCHOOL, FAMILY EVENTS
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Lenten Scripture study, Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Activities Center conference room. Based on weekly scripture readings. Details: Joe Haftek (662) 549-5151 or jotek52jh@gmail.com.
JACKSON “The Sisters of St. Dominic’s Hospital: Bringing the Grace and Mercy of God’s Unconditional Love to Jackson, Miss.,” The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, annual women’s retreat, Saturday, April 22, time TBA. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Seating is limited and early registration is strongly encouraged. The registration fee is $15. Details or to register, contact Anne Martin at (601) 421-8122 or anne.martin1222@yahoo.com.
JACKSON Holy Ghost, St. Joseph’s Circle is hosting an “Easter Tea” on Palm Sunday, April 9, after 10 a.m. Mass in the Father George Artis Parish Life Center. All ladies and gentlemen of the parish are encouraged to wear their stylish hats to Mass on that day. Tickets on sale after Sunday Masses. Ticket cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. Details: Cynthia Longino (601-940-0308) or Rachel Harris (601-362-6668)
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Cajun Fest 2017, Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Features Cajun food, Cold drinks and live music, children’s games, raffles, general store and plenty of opportunity to socialize. Sponsorships of $300 or more will be included on the back of Cajun Fest T-shirt. Sponsorship form must be received by April 14 to be included on the back of t-shirts. Details: (601) 856-5556.

 

IN MEMORIAM:
Brother Terry ORourkeJames M. “Brother Terry” O’Rourke, 82, died March 10 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Brother Terry was a Glenmary Home Missioner for 58 years. He served in the Diocese of Jackson at Aberdeen St. Francis of Assisi. During that assignment, Brother Terry assisted in training service dogs to help the disabled.
He took senior status in 2004 but remained active. In 1996, Brother Terry started a local food pantry in Aberdeen. He continued to manage the pantry until 2010. He moved to the Glenmary residence in Cincinnati in 2016.
Burial was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Cincinnati. Memorials may be made to Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618.

 

JUBILEE CELEBRATED
SINSINAWA, Wis.—Sister Geraldine Hoye, OP, will celebrate her 60th jubilee in June. Her parish is St. Stephen, Chicago. A Mass will be held in Queen of the Rosary HoyeGeraldineChapel at Sinsinawa Mound on Sunday, June 4, for her and 20 other Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters celebrating 60 years.
Sister Hoye’s ministry has been dedicated to teaching, educational administration, pastoral ministry and faith formation. For many years, she was involved in education, serving as teacher and principal.
In the Diocese of Jackson, she served as pastoral minister at Tupelo St. James Parish from 1992-1999. She also served in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Sister Hoye is currently living in community at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa. Those who would like to honor Sister Hoye on her jubilee can visit the Sinsinawa Dominicans’ website at www.sinsinawa.org/jubilarians.

From anchor desk to altar: Deacon Adam discerned call in Mississippi

Posted on by
Reply

By Maureen Smith
MERIDIAN – Nick Adam moved to Meridian to be a sports anchor. By his own admission, he practiced his faith, but never considered a deeper commitment before he landed in Mississippi. His time at St. Patrick Parish, under the direction of Father Frank Cosgrove, changed all that. He started to hear a deeper call.
Friday, March 17, on the feast of St. Patrick, he was ordained into the transitional diaconate in St. Patrick Church. He will be ordained into the priesthood next summer.
During the homily, Bishop Joseph Kopacz spoke of the parish patron as one of the greatest of all evangelizers. He also spoke about this history of the diaconate and how these men of service are so important to the work of the church. At the end of the homily, Bishop Kopacz invoked the prayer known as the breastplate of St. Patrick, a call to bring Christ into the center of all we IMG_2136_cdo.
Deacon Adam’s sister, Julie Bordes said Adam, the youngest of eight siblings, was always the peacemaker of the family. “With so many siblings there was always something. He kind of had to keep us together and he was the youngest. If he said ‘oh…’ or if he started crying about something we would all turn, look, feel guilty and act right,” she said. “I think it’s special in so many ways that as a youngest child he is going to now take that leadership role and be over a parish,” she added.
Bordes said the family did not suspect that he had a call, but in a way the siblings were not surprised when he announced his plan to enter seminary. “We were just so proud of him when he went into communications and was a sports anchor and a news anchor and he gave us each a call and said ‘you know, I think I might go into the priesthood’ and we just really couldn’t be prouder.”
Deacon Adam had to go back to school to earn a theology degree and learn about parish and church administration. Bordes said she knows he has the right personality for the job. “Ever since he was a little child he was so kind and nurturing. He always used his voice to help others and I just feel like he has found his place. He seems completely at peace,” she said.
Bordes said Deacon Adam’s vocation has been a blessing to the whole family that now the whole diocese gets to share. “He comes off as not very shy, but I think in his heart he is and that is sort of unique because it shows his true passion that he continues to talk and mentor and preach I would urge everyone to get to know him. He is such a fun guy. I have a three-year-old and a five-year-old and they have truly learned that priests are not just someone that stand up at Mass every Sunday, they like to watch football games, they like to run they are silly, they will tackle and play, so that has been special for our family as well with so many nieces and nephews,” said Bordes.
While ordinations into the priesthood still take place in the cathedral, Bishop Joseph Kopacz has started ordaining men into the transitional diaconate in their home parishes. Nick considers St. Patrick as his Mississippi home parish since he discerned hiIMG_2420_cs call here.
Denise Huntley is a parishioner at St. Patrick. She said she is thankful Bishop Kopacz was willing to ordain Deacon Adam in Meridian. “This has just been wonderful because we knew Nick before he even thought about becoming a priest and to watch him discern and grow in his faith and make the decision to become a priest – it’s just awesome to be here to celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Huntley.
“We look forward to the final ordination next year. There are not enough people going into the priesthood so to personally know someone like Nick – he’s an amazing young man and he’s going to make a wonderful priest,” said Huntley.
Deacon Adam will spend his transitional year at Jackson St. Richard Parish.

The Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop-elect Louis F. Kihneman III

Posted on by
Reply
Bishop Kihneman

Bishop Kihneman

The Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop-elect Louis F. Kihneman III as Fourth Bishop of Biloxi has been rescheduled for Friday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral in Biloxi, 870 Howard Avenue.
Vespers will be held on Thursday, April 27 at 7pm.
Pope Francis named Msgr. Louis Kihneman to serve as the fourth Bishop of Biloxi on Dec. 16, 2016 and Bishop-elect Kihneman’s ordination and installation was originally scheduled to take place on Feb. 17, but had to be postponed due to health reasons.

Youth News

Posted on by
Reply

SOUTHAVEN – Each year Sacred Heart School students buy paper links for a nickel each and donate the money to a different charity. The children raised a little more than $2,000. This year the money will help the United Way volunteer program. A group of United Way volunteers plans to install running water and electricity in the home of a client of Sacred Heart Southern Missions Social Services.  (Photos by Sr. Margaret Sue Broker)

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School

JACKSON – St. Richard Pre-K students threw beads and candy to the crowd of spectators that lined up for their annual Mardi Gras parade.

JACKSON – St. Richard students

JACKSON – St. Richard students Annabelle Allen, Fallon Zimmerman and Estephan Choufani are ready for the St. Richard Mardi Gras parade (Photos by Chris Lombard)

JACKSON – St. Richard students

VICKSBURG – “King” Sam Armstrong and “Queen” Luella Lambiotte lead the preschool, Montessori and kindergarten classes in the annual Mardi Gras parade outside of Vicksburg Catholic School. Mardi Gras, celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, was traditionally a day to celebrate and eat sweets and meats before the fasting of Lent began. (photo by Ann Robertson)

MCCOMB– At left, preschool students use art to learn about the Bible in St. Alphonsus’ Parish School of Religion. In right photo, Jessica McMillan, at far right, St. Alphonsus Youth Minister begins Parish School of Religion with a song and dance. (Photos by Connie Harrington)

McComb, St. Alphonsus

McComb, St. Alphonsus

McComb, St. Alphonsus

McComb, St. Alphonsus

Deacon Miller returns to celebrate Black History Month

Posted on by
Reply

By Maureen Smith
CANTON – Deacon Art Miller wants every person he meets to know how important they are to God. The value of each individual played an important part in his homily for the diocesan Black History Month and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass at Holy Child Jesus Parish on Saturday, Feb. 25. Bishop Joseph Kopacz concelebrated the mass with Father Michael O’Brien, pastor at Canton Sacred Heart and Father Jeremy Tobin, OPraem, one of the Norbertines from Raymond. The Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver attended in regalia.
“I enjoyed this program to the highest. It was so uplifting and spiritual,” said Myrtle Otto, parishioner at Holy Child Jesus. “The speaker was dynamic and he needs to come back again, we love him. Just talking about the spirit of where we come from, our ancestors and our goal to keep going and don’t stop supporting our culture – we should always embrace that and teach our children,” she continued.
Tereza Ma, Mississippi Catholic’s production manager, attended the Mass. “Deacon Miller’s speech was intense and his firm but friendly voice danced around. I like how he engaged the audience,” she said. “He spoke about value and he used brilliant example of the $100 bill – even if it is torn in half, stepped on or shredded onto little pieces – it is still a $100 bill – it has the same value,” she continued. Deacon Miller often preaches about what he calls ‘radical love’ which has to do with accepting the grace and power offered only by Christ. “He emphasized in his homily that God sees the best of us no matter what the other people see or say,” said Ma.
Other attendees agreed. “I thought the program was absolutely wonderful. Deacon Miller did a wonderful job in reminding us how important we are. We are very important in the eyes of God and that was a point well made,” said John Conway.
The Canton gospel choir added their voices and some color to the program. The choir director’s sister made cloth flower pins out of African kente cloth for the people of the parish, explaining that these are the colors of celebration.

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus

The choir kept the congregation moving with uplifting Gospel music.

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus

Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, Catherine Cook, superintendent of schools and Shae Robinson, principal of Sr. Thea Bowman School, greet Deacon Miller after Mass.

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus

CANTON – Deacon Art Miller asked for affirmation from the congregation that God sees the best in all people.

Flowers made of Kente cloth to the celebration.

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus

Deacon Miller visiting Canton, Holy Child Jesus


After Mass, the community gathered for a picnic on the church grounds. This celebration was originally slated for January in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, but an ice storm made travel too dangerous. Deacon Miller made time on his first visit to visit with students at several schools and was generous enough to offer to return for a Black History Month Celebration. He stopped by several more schools on this return visit – teaching the students about black Catholic history and culture and delivering his message of God’s love for all.
His presentation at Greenville St. Joseph School made an impression on the juniors and seniors. This was “very inspirational and heartwarming. He truly has a passion for inspiring others,” said senior Christen Thompson.
“He absolutely touched these students’ hearts and minds. Hopefully – and I believe it will – this will move them in the right direction,” commented Debbie Williams, a teacher at St. Joseph.
(Missi Blackstock, public relations director for St. Joseph School contributed to this story).

Pastoral Priority community meetings

Posted on by
Reply

Bishop Joseph Kopacz and his Envisioning Team will roll out the new Vision, Mission and Pastoral Priorities for the Diocese of Jackson at a series of community meetings throughout March and April of this year. All are invited, but members of pastoral and finance councils are especially encouraged to attend. The meetings are not parish-specific, so anyone can attend any meeting.

Sunday March 19 6 p.m. Jackson St. Dominic Annex
(on I-55 Frontage Road)
Monday March 20 6 p.m. McComb St. Alphonsus
Tuesday March 21 6 p.m. Vicksburg St. Paul
Thursday March 23 6 p.m. Greenwood Immaculate Heart of Mary

Sunday March 26 5 p.m. Southaven Christ the King
Monday March 27 6 p.m. Oxford St. John the Evangelist
Tuesday March 28 6 p.m. Cleveland Our Lady of Victories

Tuesday April 4 6 p.m. Meridian St. Patrick
Thursday April 6 6 p.m. Tupelo St. James

***CORRECTION: Last week’s listing had an additional meeting in Meridian. There is only one meeting in Meridian. We regret the error. ***