Category Archives: Parish News

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus retreat center presents a silent retreat: “Mary in the Mystery of Christ and the Church,” on Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. The presenter is Brother Daniel Korn, C.Ss.R., noted Redemptorist author. Cost is $35 which includes lunch. Details: contact Magdalene Abraham at (662) 299-1232.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Pathways of Prayer Retreat, Saturday, February 11, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Enrich your prayer life by exploring different approaches to growing closer to God. Registration fee of $20 includes breakfast, lunch and all materials for the day. Space is limited; bring registration fee to the church office by February 1. Details: Mary Billups marybillups@bellsouth.net, (601) 693-1321.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion Group on “Small Great Things” by Jody Picoult on Monday, February 13, noon in the parish hall. Everyone is invited to read the book and plan to join in the discussion. Details: call the parish office at (662) 256-8392.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish, St. Monica’s Prison Ministry visits the Washington Co. Correctional Facility on the second Monday of each month to share our Catholic faith. Next visit is February 7. Details: contact Sandra Cirilli or Frank Dantone at the church office, (662) 335-5251.
– St. Joseph “Sharing Christ,” Tuesdays in the parish hall, 6:30 – 8 pm, February 21 – April 4. It is a seven week journey focusing on personal evangelization and sharing our relationship with Jesus in our daily life. Registration forms in back of church. Details: call the parish office, (662) 335-5251.
GREENWOOD Mardi Gras Celebration to benefit St. Francis School, Saturday, February 18, 7 p.m. – midnight, Leflore County Civic Center. Adults only. Featuring: Steve Azar and the Sensation Dance Band of Memphis. Tickets: $35. Includes, buffet, party favors, set-ups. Bar available. Details: (662) 453-0623 or info@deltatics.net
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, weight loss support group. Come join us each week as we support each other on our weight loss journey. Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am for weigh-in and sharing. Details: Liz Brown, (901) 331-3419.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Young at Heart Senior Social, Saturday, February 18, for parishioners and friends aged 65+. Volunteers (youth and adults) and door prizes needed. Bingo, food and great prizes. Details: Charlene Rushing, (601) 431-9127.
– Grief and loss support group, second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.. Next meeting February 13. Compassion Care Hospice Office, Suite A, 113 Jefferson David Blvd. Open to the public. Details: (601)442-6800.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Hospice Ministries Winter Volunteer Training Program, Feb. 3 – Feb. 5. Details: call (601)898-1053, ext. 258.
TUPELO St. James, Knights of Columbus Super Bowl Potluck Party, Sunday, February 5, 4 p.m. in Shelton Hall. Big-screen TV and everyone is invited. Details: Keith Merritt, (662) 322-1427.
VICKSBURG St. Paul, Meals on Wheels chairperson needed. St. Paul sincerely thanks Camille Atwood for her service of 22 years. Meals on Wheels meets the first Saturday of the month and feeds approximately 30 people. Details: (601) 636-0140

YOUTH BRIEFS
Greenville, St. Joseph School, Mardi Gras Fling, Saturday, February 25, at the Washington Co. Convention Center, 6:00 pm to midnight. Must be 21 or older. Cost: $100, admits two for dinner, music from the sounds of Yazoo Gold, “get-down” dancing and drinks, as well as a chance to win $10,000 worth of prizes in the annual draw-down. Details: Tickets on sale in both school offices, the church office or from any school advisory council member. To donate a tax-deductible door prize, contact Missi Blackstock at (662) 378-9711
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, “Souper” Bowl of Caring, youth will be collecting after all masses on the weekend of February 4-5. Goal is to raise $800.00.

TUPELO, Parkgate Pregnancy Banquet, Tuesday, February 21. Any student age 15 or older is invited to volunteer. You will need to be at the Orchard by 5 p.m. and dinner is provided. Details: call or text Jessica Vaughn (662) 871-5033.

VOCATION RETREATS FOR WOMEN
HOLLY SPRINGS The Sisters of the Living Word, the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association CAVA), and Sacred Heart Southern Missions (SHSM)
are jointly hosting “Hands-ON + Hearts-IN: A discernment experience for women at their residence in Holly Springs. Young women will be accompanied by vocation ministers for the Monday through Friday experience, providing a hands-on opportunity to assist those in need while discerning life as a sister. Attendees will reside with sisters from various communities. Service projects include: tutoring children, assisting at a food pantry,cleaning homes for the elderly, repairing damaged homes, serving meals at a soup kitchen. The only cost to attend is the travel to the residence. Available dates: February 6-10 or 20-24; May 15-19 or 22-26; August 29 – Sept. 1; September 18-22
Applicants need to book a spot one month prior to the start of a week-long event. Details: Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW sglumb@slw.org; 847-577-5972 ext. 233 (office); 601-291-6738 (cell).
MOBILE, Ala., Little Sisters of the Poor presents “Listening with Our Lady” retreat Friday, March 24, at 6 p.m.- Sunday, March 26 at 1 p.m., at Sacred Heart Residence of the Little Sisters in Mobile. This retreat is for single Catholic women aged 17-35 who may wish to discern a call to religious life. The weekend includes Mass, talks, question and answer sessions, service opportunities and adoration. Meals provided. Register by March 21. Details: vocmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org or (251) 591-3700.

Go: Celebrating 35 years of catechetical formation

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KENNER, LA, - Bishop Kopacz, center, celebrated the closing Mass for the conference with diocesan priests Father Arokia Savio, right of the bishop, pastor of Grenada St. Peter Parish, and Father Paneer Arockiam, pastor of Yazoo City St. Mary Parish. Two local deacons assisted. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

KENNER, LA, – Bishop Kopacz, center, celebrated the closing Mass for the conference with diocesan priests Father Arokia Savio, right of the bishop, pastor of Grenada St. Peter Parish, and Father Paneer Arockiam, pastor of Yazoo City St. Mary Parish. Two local deacons assisted. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Hundreds of delegates from Southhaven to Natchez descended on Kenner, La., to participate in the recent Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference. More than 1,200 participants from Region V, in which this diocese is located, came for all or part of the three-day conference. The diocesan delegation included Bishop Kopacz, who celebrated the closing Mass on Saturday.
In its 35th year, the conference was previously known as the Hofinger Conference, named for Fr. Johannes Hofinger, S.J., a world-renowned missionary, evangelizer, teacher, and catechetical leader. “This year’s theme, ‘Prayer: Our Faith Prayed and Lived,’ reminded us of our need for prayer and to experience prayer in new ways. There really was a little bit of something for everyone as the topics covered were quite varied,” explained Fran Lavelle, director of the department of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson and one of the conference organizers.
“In addition to the areas one would expect, topics like ministry for special needs and the elderly were covered. A track for liturgy was also provided as well as a track for those working with high school students,” she added.
Members of her team and diocesan representatives, including Will Jemison, coordinator for Black Catholic ministry for the diocese, Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for Youth Ministry, Catherine Cook, Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Karla Luke, coordinator for operations for the schools, also attended.
In addition to the keynote speakers and breakout sessions, participants had access to exhibits and liturgies. “One of my favorites was a beautiful exhibit on icons and their use in personal and communal prayer. It was a great feature,” said Lavelle.
Lori Arreola agreed. She was a first-time attendee from Grenada St. Peter Parish. “I liked the transforming of icons for catechesis and prayer workshop because it takes me to a closer intimate relationship with the Lord as well as deeper understanding level,” she explained.

Fathers Aroika and Savio, pictured at the closing Mass, brought people from their parishes to the conference. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

Fathers Arockiam and Savio, pictured at the closing Mass, brought people from their parishes to the conference. (Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

Father Aroika Savio, pastor of Grenada St. Peter Parish has attended several of these conferences, but none of his catechetical staff had the opportunity until this year when a delegation of six went with him. Rosa Buzzarde, took the Liturgy track. She said she learned how to write the prayers of the faithful to include all people. She also learned about new rites of ceremony for weddings that have additions and exclusions written into them.
Annette Tipton, took the family evangelization and spirituality track. “I learned about the need for Spiritual Coaches in our parishes and how to accompany people in their faith walk,” she said. She added that she enjoyed not just the academic and logistical side, but got a lot from the spiritual offerings. “In a different venue, Dr. Brant Pitre of Gray, La, powerfully taught a deeper understanding of Lectio Divina – keeping a dialogue with Christ in prayer,” said Tipton.
Nancy Oswalt also attended the lectio breakout. “I learned about Lectio Divina, scripture and prayer and how important it is to our faith, and then some ways to actually pray and have a conversation with Christ. For the youth I now have some new ways to lead ‘guided prayer’ and modeling prayer,” she said.
Father Savio said he values conferences such as this one. “I wanted my people to see how other parishes are celebrating liturgy, offering catechesis and doing other things,” he said.
This was the first year the faith formation directors in this region took a lead role in both content and logitics for the conference.
“For several years the conference was planned by a professional meeting planner. We were given the opportunity last year to continue with an outside planner or taking on the role as a region,” said Lavelle. “With more input from the region felt we are able to address our local needs better.”
The diocesan directors for the region have already begun planning for next year’s conference. “It has been a learning experience that paid off,” Lavelle added.
As the faith formation directors plan the next conference, they would like to use feedback from this year. Those who attended the conference should submit an evaluation online at www.go4th.faith. “We want to hear from you so we can continue to provide a first rate Conference,” said Lavelle.

The team from Pearl St. Jude Parish enjoyed the vendor area where attendees could look at the latest in church supplies and catechetical material.

The team from Pearl St. Jude Parish enjoyed the vendor area where attendees could look at the latest in church supplies and catechetical material.

Parish News

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WINONA – Marvin Edwards, OFS, lay ecclesial minister, and Betty Halik Parish Council President, burned the building loan note for Sacred Heart Parish on Dec 31, 2016, following Mass. The parish paid off the loan three years early thanks to “hard work, several fund raisers and generous and dedicated members of Sacred Heart and the community of Winona,” said Cathy Edwards. The parish also dedicated a new lighted sign at the celebration. (Photo by Cathy Edwards)

WINONA – Marvin Edwards, OFS, lay ecclesial minister, and Betty Halik Parish Council President, burned the building loan note for Sacred Heart Parish on Dec 31, 2016, following Mass. The parish paid off the loan three years early thanks to “hard work, several fund raisers and generous and dedicated members of Sacred Heart and the community of Winona,” said Cathy Edwards. The parish also dedicated a new lighted sign at the celebration. (Photo by Cathy Edwards)

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines, annual Jackson St. Richard Parish Ladies Retreat January 20-22. Retreat leader: Molly McCarthy. www.spiritliftingministries.net. Cost $130 per person per double room or $150 per person for single room. For registration forms, go to www.saintrichard.com. Details: tubertini@saintrichard.com, 601-366-2335, ext 107.
COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. – Church of the Incarnation, Women’s Morning of Spirituality, Saturday, February 25, 8:15 am – 1:30 pm with continental breakfast at 7:15 am. Details: call 901-853-7468 or front.desk@incarnationcollierville.org.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat center presents “A Spiritual Journey through Biblical Times” on Sunday, January 29, 2 – 3:30 p.m. The presenter is Dr. Nancy Ehret. The cost is $15 per person and $20 per family. Details: www.locusbenedictus.org or call 662-299-1232
LAFAYETTE, La. – Holy Spirit Regional Women’s Retreat sponsored by Catholic Charistmatic Renewal of New Orleans at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Lafayette, January 27-29. Register by noon January 23. Presenters: Michelle Moran, Fr. Joe Krafft & Deacon Larry Oney. Details: www.ccrno.org, CCRNO 504-828-1368.

PARISH, SCHOOL & FAMILY EVENTS

BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, appreciation dinner for all lay ministers. Friday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Mitchell’s Restaurant. Spouses invited. RSVP by January 20. Babysitting not provided. Details: Parish office: 601-833-1799, office@stfrancisbrookhaven.org
COLUMBUS, Annunciation School Military Appreciation Day (part of Catholic Schools Week), Tuesday, Jan. 31. All members of the military both active and veterans are invited to the celebration. Details: acsmarketing@cableone.net.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, English as a second language classes offered Sunday mornings in the Parish Center Volunteer teachers needed, not necessary to know Spanish. Details: John Czarnetzky, 662-701-8711
GREENWOOD St. Francis School, annual Mardi Gras celebration, Saturday, Feb. 18, from 7 p.m. – midnight, featuring Steve Azar in concert and the Sensation Band of Memphis. Cost is $35, adults only. Details or to purchase tickets, 662-453-0623.
GRENADA St. Peter Parish, Blood Drive, Sunday, January 29 from 10am-2pm. Please make an appointment. Details: Parish office 662-226-2490 or sign up online at stpetergrenadams.com.
HOLLY SPRINGS St. Joseph Parish, Black History program, Sunday, February 5, after Mass honoring Judy Smith, the first black female superintendent of Holly Springs School District.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Super Bowl Raffle tickets are being sold by Knights of Columbus after Masses for $1.00 per ticket. Drawing will be held after 10:30 a.m. Mass January 29.
JACKSON Respect for Life Candlelight Vigil in Rotunda of State Capitol, Saturday, January 21, at 6 p.m. Pro-life of Jackson will sponsor. January 22 marks 45th anniversary of Supreme Court Roe vs Wade. Details: 601-956-8636.
VICKSBURG St. Michael, Adult Faith Formation Class on Sacraments and Worship, beginning Tuesday, January 24, from 7-9 p.m. in the Adult Education Building. Eight class sessions on consecutive Tuesdays with class ending March 21 Textbook: “Sacraments: New Understanding for a New Generation,” by Ray Robert Noll. Cost is $20 plus cost of book. Details: Anita Hossley, 601-638-3871.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES MOVES TO NEW OFFICE

Catholic Charities office will be completely relocated to 850 E. River Place, Jackson MS 39202, in Jackson on Jan. 1, 2017. The new site offers more parking and represents a savings of $70,000 to $110,000. There are 160 employees in the organization and the new personnel director has been a very positive influence.
The Domestic Violence Shelter has purchased a building and offers day care for children, as well as housing. They will relocate when renovations are complete
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CATHOLIC DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Catholic Charities has decided not to stage a Catholic Day at the Capitol for 2017 and instead focus on regional legislative advocacy meetings. Check the Catholic Charities website for details and updates, www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org.

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY 2017
World Marriage Day 2017, Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. Mass and reception at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The celebration honors all married couples, but those celebrating their 25th, 50th or 60th anniversaries or any significant anniversary are invited to participate.

SAVE THE DATE

Matthew Kelly will be coming to the Jackson area on Saturday March 11th from 2-6 pm at the Madison Central High School Auditorium. The facility seats 1,000 people. The cost of the event is $39.00 per person.
Tickets will be available at the Chancery, various Jackson Metro Area parishes and online at DynamicCatholic.com.
In addition to attendance at perhaps the best Catholic event in America this year, the ticket price includes:
• Hardcover copy of The Four Signs of a DynamicCatholic (retail value $25)
• CD copy of The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality (retail value $10)
• Inspirational Journal (retail value $12)
• Dynamic Catholic pen (retail value $1.95)
• Mass Journal (retail value $10)
Total Retail Value: $58.95
*Please note these products are subject to change.

Charities’ office offers National Migration Week celebrations

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By Amelia McGowan
VARDAMAN – The Northeast Mississippi office of Catholic Charities of Jackson is preparing for its third annual National Migration Week celebration, “Creating a Culture of Encounter,” which will take place in locations throughout northeastern Mississippi during Jan. 8-14, 2017. The events will include Eucharistic celebrations, cultural expressions and legal workshops conducted by Catholic Charities’ Migrant Support Center.
With this celebration, the Diocese of Jackson joins dioceses throughout the country in reflecting upon the circumstances confronting migrants in the country, including immigrants, refugees, children and victims and survivors of violent crimes and human trafficking.  The theme for National Migration Week 2017 draws attention to Pope Francis’ call to create a culture of encounter, and in doing so to look beyond our own needs and wants to those of others around us.
In the homily given at his first Pentecost as pope, he emphasized the importance of encounter in the Christian faith: “For me this word is very important. Encounter with others. Why? Because faith is an encounter with Jesus, and we must do what Jesus does: encounter others.”
While Mississippi’s immigrant population is not as large as more populous states, it is growing rapidly. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Mississippi’s foreign-born population rose from 0.8 percent of the total statewide population in 1990, to 1.4 percent in 2000, and to 2.1 percent in 2013.
The kickoff for National Migration Week is Sunday, January 8, at Tupelo St. James with a bilingual screening of the film “The Invisibles” from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Jan. 10, I will provide an immigration workshop and legal consultations at Ripley St. Matthew Parish from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, will feature Eucharistic celebrations commemorating National Migration Week throughout the area. I will provide a second immigration workshop at Corinth St. James Parish on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6 – 8 p.m.
The week concludes with a Night of Cultural Expression on Friday, Jan. 13, from 6 – 8 p.m. at a location to be determined, and a closing ceremony at St. James Parish on Saturday, Jan. 14, which will feature Sister Gabriela Ramirez from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Birmingham, Ala., from 3 – 4:30 p.m.
All are welcome to join in the National Migration Week festivities as we celebrate the diversity of our towns and parishes. For more information about the week’s events call 662-682-9992.

(Amelia McGowan is the Program Director and an Immigration Attorney for Catholic Charities’ Migrant Support Center.)

Deacon Miller brings Mississippi connection to MLK celebration

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Deacon Art Miller of the Archdiocese of Hartford, Conn., is the homilist for this year’s diocesan Martin Luther King, Jr., memorial celebration and Mass, sponsored by the Office of Black Catholic Ministry, set for Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
miller-art-staff106Deacon Miller believes in thoughtful action, not just words. “The whole idea of celebrating Dr. King’s birthday is celebrating peace and justice and righteousness,” said Deacon Miller. “The prophet Micah said ‘do justice,’ he didn’t say form a committee,” he added.
He is a nationally known revivalist, preacher and radio host. He calls on people to embrace what he calls radical love. He has been active in the Black Lives Matter movement and is the former head of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries in his home diocese.
“Deacon Art is an everyday kind of guy who leverages his life experiences to make the Gospel relevant and impactful to all, regardless of their knowledge of scripture. Considering the times we are living in, his message will leave you wanting to improve your relationship with God,” said Will Jemison, coordinator for the Office of Black Catholic Ministry.
Deacon Miller said most Catholics need a reminder to take what they get out of Mass and put it into practice in their daily lives. “Do you know what I wish we said at the end of Mass? ‘The Mass has ended, now the work begins,’” he said. He calls Mass just the start of the conversation with God.  “We need to apply what we do Sunday morning to the rest of the week,” he explained.
“Deacon Art Miller is not only an engaging speaker, he is also an effective motivator. He genuinely has walked the walk, not just talked the talk,” said Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson. “He gently calls us to our most noble calling, that of Catholic Christian disciple and does in an affirming way,” she continued.
Deacon Miller has a long-standing connection to Mississippi. He was a friend of Emmitt Till, the 14-year-old Chicago native who was beaten and lynched in Mississippi 50 years ago. Deacon Miller wrote a book, “The Journey to Chatham,” about the impact the killing had on his community hundreds of miles away. He said it woke him up to what the Civil Rights Movement was all about. “It was personal. It no longer became a faded black and white picture in a history book,” he said.
Deacon Miller went on to become an activist for justice and racial reconciliation. Mississippi plays an important role in that effort. “The borders of Mississippi are the U.S. borders in terms of who we are as a people,” he said. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Deacon Miller spent time in Bay St. Louis helping people clean out and repair their homes. “When someone you love dies, you have a kind of joyous sorrow. That’s my relationship with Mississippi.”
In addition to speaking at the MLK celebration, Deacon Miller plans to visit several schools in the diocese.
All are welcome at the event, but larger groups should notify the Office of Black Catholic Ministry, 601- 949-6935.

Parish News

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
AMORY St. Helen Parish, discussion of the book “Devil in the White City” by Eric Larson on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at noon.
VICKSBURG St. Paul Parish, “Discovering Christ,” a seven-week experience, Tuesdays, Jan. 10-Feb. 21,   2017, at night in Farrell Hall. Details: Parish office: 601-636-0140.
VICKSBURG St. Michael Parish, eight-week adult faith formation class on Sacraments and Worship, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 24-March 21, 2017, from 7- 9 p.m. in the Adult Education Building. Cost is $20 plus the cost of the book. Details: Anita Hossley, 601-638-3871.

PARISH, SCHOOL & FAMILY EVENTS
BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, the Knights of Columbus float won third-place in this year’s Batesville Christmas Parade.
– Food drive of non-perishable goods and monetary donations now until the end of the year for the parish’s food pantry.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, special prayer service held by the youth of the parish, Sunday, Jan. 8, at 5:30 p.m. in honor and memory of the persons for whom luminaries were purchased.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, free walking workout exercise classes led by Gloria Brister, Dec. 26-29 from 4 – 5 p.m. Details: Brister, 662-719-7371.
– Parish mission, “Surge of the Heart,” Jan. 22-24, featuring nationally known speaker Jon Leonetti.
COLUMBUS As part of Catholic Schools Week, Annunciation School will devote Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, to honoring the military. All members of the military both active and veterans are invited to the celebration. Details: acsmarketing@cableone.net.
GREENWOOD St. Francis School, annual Mardi Gras celebration, Saturday, Feb. 18, from 7 p.m. – midnight, featuring Steve Azar in concert and the Sensation Band of Memphis. Cost is $35, adults only. Details or to purchase tickets, 662-453-0623.
JACKSON St. Richard School Annual Krewe de Cardinal Ball fund-raiser, Feb. 24, 2017, at the Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson. This event will feature both a silent and live auction along with New Orleans-style cocktails and cuisine and the Southern Komfort Brass Band.
JACKSON Holy Family Parish, celebration of the feast of the Holy Family, Friday, Dec. 30.  There will be some Kwanzaa  activities as well.
JACKSON Dr. Martin Luther King anniversary Mass, Saturday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (See pag. 6 for more details)
MADISON Applications are now being accepted at St. Joseph School for the 2017-2018 school year. Application are at the school or visit, www.stjoebruins.com,  under the Admissions tab. Registration begins Feb. 1, 2017. Parents have to go through the admissions process before they can register. Details: Kristi Garrard at 601-898-4812.
– “Jeans, Jazz, and Bruin Blues,” St. Joseph School’s 24th Annual Draw Down, Feb. 18, 2017, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $130 and admit two adults. Each ticket includes a chance to win $10,000 plus gourmet food, assorted desserts, an open bar and live entertainment. Second chance insurance may be added for $20.To sponsor or purchase tickets, visit stjoebruins.com or call the school office at 601-898-4800.
OXFORD St. John Parish, children’s musical, Saturday, Dec. 24, at 5:15 p.m.
– Gift certificates are available for the annual retreat at Our Lady Queen of Peace Retreat Center on Feb. 10-12. Participants will carpool. Details: Lucienne Savell, lucienne.savell@att.net.
SHELBY St. Mary Parish, annual spaghetti dinner, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Tickets are $10. Dine-in or take-out. Raffle tickets are also available for $1 each, with a chance to win $500.
VICKSBURG St. Michael Parish, annual Nativity play, Saturday, Dec. 24, during the 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.
VICKSBURG St. Paul Parish, Saturday, Dec. 24, at 6:30 p.m. a special choir “Cantata,” a program of Christmas music featuring a variety of old and new carols          and some arrangement of old favorites.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish, children’s Christmas party, Thursday, Dec. 29, at 6 p.m. in the parish hall.

Fatima centennial tour
The World Apostolate of Fatima Centennial US Tour for Peace will be passing through the Diocese of Jackson on Jan. 3-5, 2017. The tour is marking the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady at Fatima. The international Virgin statue has traveled worldwide for 70 years visiting more than 100 countries, including Russia and China.
The statue will visit the following locations in the Jackson diocese:
– Tuesday, Jan. 3, Grenada, St. Peter the Apostle, from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
– Wednesday, Jan. 4, Gluckstadt St. Joseph
– Thursday, Jan. 5, McComb St. Alphonsus

World Marriage Day 2016
JACKSON – World Marriage Day 2017, Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. Mass and reception at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The celebration honors all married couples, but those celebrating their 25th, 50th or 60th anniversaries or any significant anniversary are invited to participate. Submit your name, address and wedding date to your pastor or parish secretary by Friday, Dec. 30.

Mass for deceased Irish priests
PASCAGOULA – The annual Mass for deceased Irish priest will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Father Enda McKenna of  St. Antonio, Texas, will be the homilist.
A reception will follow. This Mass honors all those priests who came from Ireland to serve in Mississippi, especially those who have died in the last year.

Mass, meal and history lesson converge at Christ the King anniversary

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Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated Mass for the 50th anniversary of Christ the King Parish.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated Mass for the 50th anniversary of Christ the King Parish.

By Laura Grisham

SOUTHAVEN – On Saturday, Nov. 26, the feast of Christ the King, the parish of the same name celebrated its 50th anniversary. Christ the King is one of several parishes in the northern part of the Diocese of Jackson served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart as part of Sacred Heart Southern Missions.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated a Mass along with Father Ed Kilianski, CSJ, provincial superior for the U.S. province for the Priests of the Sacred Heart and many of the Sacred Heart priests who have served the parish.
After Mass, parishioners enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal featuring their own dishes as well as 21 turkeys prepared by Father Thi Pham, SCJ, moderator of the community.
Christ the King was established March 13, 1966, as a mission of Sacred Heart Church. Seventeen Catholics from Horn Lake and Southaven gathered with Father Michael Maloney to celebrate a Mass at Dealers Auto Sales, a car auction barn. Each weekend, parishioners moved the cars out of the barn before Mass.
Construction on the first parish church started in 1969. The first Mass was celebrated in July and the church was dedicated in October. The parish has only grown since then. The parish started on the current structure in 2002. Christ the King is the largest parish in the diocese, according to the 2016 Status Animarum, an annual census of the diocese. The pastoral team includes Fathers Pham, Zbgniew Morawiec and Greg Schill, all SCJ.
(This story was reprinted with permission from the newsletter for Sacred Heart Southern Missions, From the Heart.)

A young member of Christ the King looks at the history display at Christ the King's anniversary celebration.

A young member of Christ the King looks at the history display at Christ the King’s anniversary celebration.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz posed with Hispanic dancers after he celebrated Mass for the 50th anniversary of Christ the King Parish.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz posed with Hispanic dancers after he celebrated Mass for the 50th anniversary of Christ the King Parish.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated Mass for the 50th anniversary of Christ the King Parish.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated Mass for the 50th anniversary of Christ the King Parish.

SOUTHAVEN - Christ the King members gathered for a feast after the Mass.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King members gathered for a feast after the Mass.

SOUTHAVEN - Christ the King members gathered for a feast after the Mass.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King members gathered for a feast after the Mass.

Feast of Gudalupe: ‘This is a day of joy and faith’

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Participants in the Guadalupe Procession wait for the bishop outside the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.

Participants in the Guadalupe Procession wait for the bishop outside the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.

MADISON – Pilar Terrazas (left) and Michelle McLean carry the banner with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in procession toward St. Francis of Assisi while the congregation sings Sunday, Dec. 11. This is the first time the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been celebrated at the parish. Fathers Albeenreddy Vatti, pastor, Jason Johnston and Msgr. Michael Flannery celebrated the Eucharist at 7 p.m.

MADISON – Pilar Terrazas (left) and Michelle McLean carry the banner with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in procession toward St. Francis of Assisi while the congregation sings Sunday, Dec. 11. This is the first time the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been celebrated at the parish. Fathers Albeenreddy Vatti, pastor, Jason Johnston and Msgr. Michael Flannery celebrated the Eucharist at 7 p.m.

Jackson St. Therese and Holy Family parishes joined together for a celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The dancers from St. Therese brought their gifts to Holy Family.

Jackson St. Therese and Holy Family parishes joined together for a celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The dancers from St. Therese brought their gifts to Holy Family.

A baby reaches for the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the celebration at St. Christopher in Pontotoc.

A baby reaches for the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the celebration at St. Christopher in Pontotoc.

JACKSON – Jesüs Galindo, representing Juan Diego, presents the flowers to Bishop Joseph Kopacz at the beginning of the celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

JACKSON – Jesüs Galindo, representing Juan Diego, presents the flowers to Bishop Joseph Kopacz at the beginning of the celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

JACKSON – Members of St. Peter Parish, accompanied by Father Anthony Quyet (center) walk around the downtown area in procession praying the rosary Sunday, Dec. 11, for the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

JACKSON – Members of St. Peter Parish, accompanied by Father Anthony Quyet (center) walk around the downtown area in procession praying the rosary Sunday, Dec. 11, for the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

CARTHAGE – Members of St. Anne Parish band process around the church’s grounds playing songs to the Virgin of Guadalupe during her feast celebration Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. Mass was celebrated after the procession. (Photo by Sister María Elena Méndez)

CARTHAGE – Members of St. Anne Parish band process around the church’s grounds playing songs to the Virgin of Guadalupe during her feast celebration Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. Mass was celebrated after the procession. (Photo by Sister María Elena Méndez)

BOONEVILLE – St. Francis of Assisi Parish children gather in front of a newly blessed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to adorn it with roses Sunday, Dec. 11, during the celebration of her feast day. After Mass parishioners enjoyed a feast of Mexican food and other items during a potluck dinner. (Photo by Sheila Przesmicki)

BOONEVILLE – St. Francis of Assisi Parish children gather in front of a newly blessed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to adorn it with roses Sunday, Dec. 11, during the celebration of her feast day. After Mass parishioners enjoyed a feast of Mexican food and other items during a potluck dinner. (Photo by Sheila Przesmicki)

Online day of giving surpasses goals, earns $1.8 million

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ic_fbbanner_v1By Rebecca Harris
JACKSON –Organizers have deemed the 2016 #iGiveCatholic initiative a huge success for the six participating dioceses. More than $1.8 million was raised from 6,000 donors. This surpassed the goal of $1.5 million.
#iGiveCatholic was an online giving event that provide our parishes, schools, ministries, and not-for-profits affiliated with the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Diocese of Austin, Diocese of Baton Rouge, Diocese of Biloxi, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and Diocese of Jackson the opportunity to connect with donors and establish relationships with new donors. The goal of #iGiveCatholic is to inspire the Catholic community to come together as faithful stewards and to “Give Catholic” on #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving back.
The diocese of Jackson raised more than $115,000.  “We were so overwhelmed by the response from our community stakeholders. This being the first year, we had no idea what to expect, so we set a modest goal of $5,000. We had no idea that we would almost triple that,” said Ann Roberson, Development of Vicksburg Catholic Schools. “It was a great way to reach potential donors with whom we have lost contact. Social media and online marketing are a great way to reach donors and alumni, and this fundraising event proved that. We are looking forward to participating again next year, and build off of this year’s success,” Roberson added.
Advance day giving began Nov. 18 for those donors who would not be available on Nov. 29.  Organizers began seeing donations on Nov. 29 starting at midnight and they continued throughout the day until 11:59 p.m. Throughout the day Jackson diocese parishes, schools and organizations creatively used social media to encourage donors to support their projects.
The fundraising team for Clarksdale St. Elizabeth Parish took their fun pretty seriously, transforming local photos and pop culture references to create memes or photos with captions to illustrate the project they wanted to complete with money raised – paving the parking lot. In one photo, Father Scott Thomas, an avid biker, is seen being swallowed by a pothole.

Father Scott Thomas, pastor of Clarksdale St. Elizabeth, used humor to get more donations during the lead up to #iGiveCatholic. (Photo courtesy of Father Scott Thomas)

Father Scott Thomas, pastor of Clarksdale St. Elizabeth, used humor to get more donations during the lead up to #iGiveCatholic. (Photo courtesy of Father Scott Thomas)

“This has been a great reminder and teaching experience that fundraising doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead it can be fun and really bring folks together. I can’t take full credit for the memes we created and used. It was the fruit of a group of us working together,” said Father  Thomas, pastor of St. Elizabeth and Immaculate Conception parishes.
Schools posted videos of students asking donors to give Catholic and other parishes just posted stories about their projects.
Since social media was used to get the word out about iGiveCatholic day of giving, parishes and schools saved the usual expenses associated with a fundraising effort, nor did it take a large committee or hours of preparation. Madison St. Joseph School participated and raised more than $5,800. Lauri Collins, development director, is already looking forward to next year.
“I give Catholic was a dream day for our one-man development office. Being part of the big team with the other groups made my job so much easier,” said Collins. “I am grateful to The Catholic Foundation for being the trainer, the collector and the cheerleader throughout the campaign. And I am most grateful to the quick, helpful response when I had a problem that Tuesday morning. The one-day aspect made donating money exciting; that is not always the case. We are already looking forward to next year,” she added.

PEARL – Father Joseph Le shoots a video with Father Jeffrey Waldrep and Stacie Wolfe of St. Jude Parish. The team was able to raise $8,000 for their windows through #igiveCatholic.

PEARL – Father Joseph Le shoots a video with Father Jeffrey Waldrep and Stacie Wolfe of St. Jude Parish. The team was able to raise $8,000 for their windows through #igiveCatholic.

The Catholic Foundation of Jackson funded this effort so that there would be no cost to any parishes, schools or organizations. We wanted everyone to be able to participate in this day of giving. We did not want anyone to have to raise money to participate, we only wanted them to raise money for their projects. This was such an opportunity for Catholics to join together and show what a giving spirit we have. I was so pleased with the results. And I am looking forward to next year having more parishes and raising more money to support the wonderful works going on in our diocese.  The Jackson diocese will participate again next year, so save the date for Nov. 28, 2017, and give Catholic on that day.
(Rebecca Harris is the executive director of the Catholic Foundation.)

Grenada’s St. Peter rock solid after 75 years

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By Maureen Smith
GRENADA – The first sacraments administered at St. Peter Parish were mostly administered to soldiers serving on the nearby Grenada airfield and Camp McCain. When the parish was formally established in 1941, it numbered 20 families, 18 of whom were Italian.
The faith of the immigrants, soldiers and later locals has maintained this church for 75 years. On Sunday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. the congregation celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving.
The packed sanctuary welcomed former members as well as descendants of current and founding families.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz, principal celebrant, was joined by Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino, Deacon Senan Gallagher and almost a dozen brother priests from across the diocese. Father Aroika Savio welcomed the visitors and thanked them on behalf of the community. He presented the bishop with a framed photo of the window depicting the parish patron, St. Peter.
After Mass, the congregation enjoyed a feast in the parish hall. A slide show of photos from the history of the church as well as a display of archive documents offered those in attendance a chance to reminisce.

Deacon Senan Gallagher, ST, assists Bishop Kopacz at the altar.

Deacon Senan Gallagher, ST, assists Bishop Kopacz at the altar.

Priests from across the diocese concelebrated the Mass. Many families who have moved away came back for the Mass. (Photos by Maureen Smith.

Priests from across the diocese concelebrated the Mass. Many families who have moved away came back for the Mass. (Photos by Maureen Smith.

The sanctuary was full for the Grenada St. Peter 75th anniversary Mass.

The sanctuary was full for the Grenada St. Peter 75th anniversary Mass.

during dinner in the parish hall, families enjoy a slide show of historical photos.

during dinner in the parish hall, families enjoy a slide show of historical photos.

Father Aroika Savio, left, presents a framed photo to Bishop Joseph Kopacz during the 75th anniversary celebration at St. Peter Parish.

Father Aroika Savio, left, presents a framed photo to Bishop Joseph Kopacz during the 75th anniversary celebration at St. Peter Parish.