Category Archives: Parish News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • AMORY St. Helen women parishioners are invited to participate in the Women’s Retreat at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Ala., Feb. 20-22. Details: Carlos Ann Sanders, 662-315-4022.
    – The Scripture class on Parables continues on Wednesdays, from 6 – 7 p.m.
  • BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, Lenten mission,   March 2-4. Led by the Redemptorist priests serving in  Greenwood.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, ladies’ Bible study group, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. at the parish center. Discussion of the book, “Longing for the Holy.” Details: Jamey Gainspoletti, 662-719-6802, or Cathy Shivers, 588-0216.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, adult education class, eight-week study of “Oremus” on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in room 106. The program teaches the essentials of an effective and fruitful prayer life.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish mission on Feb. 22-24. Led by Michael Cumbie. Reconciliation service on Tuesday after the mission.
  • GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, retreat, “Mary in the Mystery of Christ and the Church,” Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Led by Brother Daniel Korn, C.Ss.R.  Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Send payment to: Locus Benedictus, P. O. Box 9791, Greenwood, MS  38930. Details: Magdalene Abraham, 662-299-1232.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, “Coffee and Creed,” Sundays from 9:15-10:15 a.m. DVD presentation and discussion of a directed study from the Augustine Institute in Colorado.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, six-week program on  the exhortation of the call to holiness, Mondays from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Led by Mary Billups. Cost for materials is $10. Details: 601-693-1321, marybillups@bellsouth.net.
  • MOBILE, Ala., Liturgy and luncheon for single women 17-35 who are considering a religious vocation or who want to learn more about the consecrated religious life, Saturday Feb. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with option for full weekend stay. There is no charge for the program. Details: RSVP by Feb. 18 to Sister Carolyn at vocmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org or call 251-591-3700. Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Ave., Mobile AL 36604.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, celebration of the “World Day of the Sick” Wednesday, Feb. 11, with an anointing Mass, at 11 a.m. followed by lunch in St. Therese Hall.
    – There will be no anointing Mass at Assumption Church in February.

PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • CAMDEN Sacred Heart Parish, celebration of Black History Month, Sundays in February at the 9 a.m. Mass.
  • CLARKSDALE Immaculate Conception Parish, celebration of the golden jubilees of Sisters Maureen  Delaney, SNJM, and Teresa Shields, SNJM, Sunday, Feb. 8, at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Bishops Joseph Kopacz and  William Houck will participate in the celebration. A reception will follow.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, bingo night, Friday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. sponsored by the youth group.
  • GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish annual Black History Program, Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. Details: Stephanie Brooks.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, Spring Fling, “Denim and Diamonds,” Saturday, Feb. 14, from 6 p.m. – midnight at the Washington County Convention Center. Tickets are $100 and admit two people. Volunteers are needed.
  • GREENWOOD St. Francis Parish, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Leflore County Civic Center. Featuring “The Sensations Dance Band” from Memphis. Tickets are $30, which includes a Taste of New Orleans buffet.
  • JACKSON St. Mary Parish, CWA “Sweetheart Sale,” Sunday, Feb. 7, after the 11 a.m. Mass.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, bereavement support group presentation, “A Therapeutic Heart,” Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Led by Pam Wirtz, St. Richard parishioner and professional counselor. Details: Nancy McGhee, 601-942-2078, ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
    – Watercolor workshop, Feb. 9-11, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Glynn Hall. Cost is $200. Details: Addie Louis, 601-940-0572.
    – Supper & Sustance, Saturday, Feb. 14, beginninga at 6 p.m. in Foley Hall. Cost is $65 per couple. Reservations are required. Details: Debbie Tubertini, 601- -366-2335, ext. 107, tubertini@saintrichard.com.
  • JACKSON Christ the King Parish needs photos for the 70th anniversary display.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, training for present and future lectors and commentator, Saturday, Feb. 7,  at 10 a.m.
    – To lead a small group or participate in the Lenten program “Living the Eucharist” contact Mary Billups.
  • NATCHEZ Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8, blessing of throats at the end of each Mass at St. Mary and Assumption parishes in observance of St. Blaise feast.
    – St. Mary Basilica, party honoring parishioners 65+ years of age, Saturday, Feb. 14, from 1 – 3:30 p.m. in St. Therese Hall. Entertainment, lunch, bingo, and prizes. Details: Charlene Rushing, 601-431-9127, or the church office, 601-445-5616.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish, kick-off of the Lenten program “Living the Eucharist” Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5:45 p.m. at the Rosary Garden. Refreshments will be served afterward in the parish hall. Parishioners of all ages are invited to attend. Small groups will begin meeting the week of Feb. 16-22.
  • SHAW St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Mardi Gras party, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6:30 p.m. for parishioners and in thanksgiving for those who helped with the spaghetti dinner.

IN MEMORIAM

  • MILWAUKEE, Wis. – School Sister of St. Francis Helen Pisors (de Porres), 88, who lived her religious vocation in education, died Dec. 30, 2014, at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee. Beginning in 1947, Sister Pisors ministered in Mississippi, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colombia for nearly seven decades. In the Diocese of Jackson, she taught at CADET School in Holly Springs (1969-1980 and 1990-1995), and at Holy Family School in Holly Springs (1995-1998).
    She also served in the ministry of prayer and presence (1998-2003) and as a volunteer (2003-2006) at a local convent in Walls. A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Pisors was celebrated Jan. 7, at St. Joseph Convent, Milwaukee. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Sorority kicks off Alzheimer’s training workshop

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MERIDIAN – St. Patrick Parish hosted a brunch and Alzheimers education workshop on Saturday, Jan. 17.
Sara Murphy, director of the Mississippi Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, presented the training to 50 leaders from Meridian and the surrounding area representing 17 churches of different denominations during the Meridian Martin Luther King, Jr. observance weekend.
The workshop covered how to develop a brain healthy lifestyle, healthy aging, recognizing signs of Alzheimers and resources for caregivers.
The healthy brunch program held at St. Patrick Parish Center was also the first church interdenominational outreach training workshop in Mississippi.
Dr. Rosalyn White Gambrell, DDS, organized the church training workshop by partnering the Catholic Community of Meridian (St. Joseph and St. Patrick) and with her chapter of the national sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Alzheimer’s disease and caregivers support programs are the health targets of community service projects of Meridian Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Stacy Winstead from Footprints Daycare shared information about the Alzheimer’s facility in Newton and about providing resources and support for participants and caregivers.
(Story and photo submitted by Martha Ross)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • BATESVILLE/SARDIS St. Mary and St. John parishes, Bishop Joseph Kopacz will celebrate the 9, 10:30 a.m. and the 5 p.m. Masses on Sunday, Feb. 1.
  • BOONEVILLE St. Francis of Asissi Parish, Holy Hour, Wednesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, “An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the Master Plan for Your Life,” Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. in McKenna Hall preceded by a light dinner. Replay on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 12:10 p.m. in the rectory.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, parish mission, “The Beauty of Catholicism,” Sunday-Tuesday, Feb. 8-10, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Led by Michael Cumbie. A nursery will be provided.  Details: 662-846-6273.
  • CORINTH St. James Parish, novena/prayer service for an end to abortion during Holy Hour/adoration time, Sunday, Jan. 25, at 4 p.m.
  • GLUKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, Bible Timeline Series, Tuesdays  at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays  at 10 a.m. in Heritage Hall.  Details: parish office, 601-856-2054.
  • HATTIESBURG “Fire From Heaven,” Charismatic Catholic retreat sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi Catholic Student Association, Feb. 6-8 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 3117 West 4th Street. Led by Father Mark Goring, Pauline Brazil and Jay Flunker. Details: Jonna van Thiel, 601-450-2520.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, Lenten retreat and anointing service, Saturday, March 14.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, “Old Testament: God’s Revelation,” class sponsored by the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, twice a month on Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Next class is on Jan. 29. Cost is $20. Details: annette.stevenson@jacksondiocese.org.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, Pro-Life day of reflection and prayer, Saturday, Jan. 24, from 8:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Led by Catholic apologist Jim Seghers. Babysitting available.
  • NATCHEZ Assumption Parish, Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew on Fridays in Tuite Hall after the 8 a.m. Mass. Led by Roseminette Gaude.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, a half-day Model for Healthy Living retreat, Saturday, Feb. 28, in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Starts with breakfast at 8 a.m. and ends at 12:15 p.m. Details: Ann Elizabeth Kaiser,  601-213-6378, annelizabeth.kaiser@ccjackson.org.

PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, spaghetti lunch sponsored by the junior and senior high youth, Sunday, Feb. 1, at the parish hall after Mass. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with a maximum of $25 per family.
    Discussion of the book, “Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands,” by Chris Bohjalian, Monday, Feb. 16, at noon.
  • CHATAWA St. Teresa Parish, decorated Christmas tree and two wreaths for sale, on display in the front entrance of the sisters residence building. Details: Sister Helene Robin, 601-730-5458.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth School drawdown,  Friday, Feb. 13, from 7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. at The Bank! Tickets are $100, admitting two people for food, music, and access to the silent auction.
    – School open house, Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, weekly Sunday Mass in Spanish is moving from St. Mary, Shelby, beginning on Feb. 22, at 11: 30 a.m. Bishop Joseph Kopacz will join this Mass on March 1.
  • COLUMBUS Annunciation School, open house for prospective families, Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. – noon.
    – Pancake breakfast, Sunday, Jan. 25, at 8:45 a.m. at Annunciation Parish.
    – Mardi Gras party and $10,000 drawdown, Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center. Tickets are $100 and admits two adults. Details: Parish office, 662-328-2927.
  • GRENADA St. Peter Parish, blood drive, Sunday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, celebration of the feast of the Presentation/Candlemas Day, Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Candles will be blessed at all the Masses. The celebration will begin in a gathering space followed by a candlelight entrance procession into the church proper.
    – The youth will collect monetary donations for the city food pantry after all Masses Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Checks can be made out to Interfaith.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, presentation of Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m. Honorees will be announced soon.
  • JACKSON St. Therese Parish, spaghetti dinner and movie fund-raiser, Saturday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. “Heaven is for Real” will be shown.
  • JACKSON Sister Thea Bowman School students will lead music at Christ the King Parish 9 a.m. Mass Sunday, Jan. 25, as part of Catholic School Week.
  • JACKSON Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, annual Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Regency Hotel.
  • MADISON St. Joseph School, drawdown, “Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues” Saturday, Feb. 7. Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Tickets are $125 and admits two. Details: Office of Advancement, 601-898-4803.
    – Save the date for “Thea’s Turn,” Friday-Saturday, April 10-11, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. A drama based on the life of Sister Thea Bowman.
  • MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish, “Celebration of Light” event, Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Admission is $10. Benefits Mississippi Children’s Home Services.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, Knights of Columbus soup cook-off and bingo, Saturday,  Jan. 24, from 5 – 7 p.m. in Liguori Hall. Fun for all ages. Cost is $5 per person.
    MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Our Lady of Fatima Sodality meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. Theme, “Women in the Acts of the Apostles,” led by Sister Marilyn.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, World Marriage Day celebration, Wednesday, Feb. 11, during dinner in the O’Connor Family Life Center.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7, from 7 – 11 p.m.  Ticket are $10 singles, $15 couples, and $25 families. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Young Apostles.
    – Chicken plates on sale for the Super Bowl for $12 per plate after all Masses Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25. Sponsored by Council 8038 of the Knights of Columbus. Proceeds to benefit Coats for Kids and seminarian education
  • SOUTHAVEN Area parishes will celebrate Scouting Sunday on Feb. 8. At the 8 a.m. Mass at Good Shepherd, the 10 a.m. Mass at Christ the King, the 10:30 a.m. Masses at Holy Spirit and Queen of Peace. All Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are invited to come in uniform.

SPECIAL EVENT

  • JACKSON Fifth Annual Catholic Day at the Capitol, Wednesday, Feb. 4. Begins with Mass at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle with lunch immediately following in the parish hall. Both Bishop Kopacz and Bishop Roger Morin will speak. Catholic legislators will be honored. Details: to register, visit www.mscatholicday.com or call Michael Thomas, 601-331-1152, at Catholic Charities.
  • JACKSON Catholic Charities “Savor the Flavor” Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6 – 10 p.m. at Hal&Mal’s. Admission is $25. Benefits the Migrant Support Center of Catholic Charities Jackson. Taste food from several restaurants, enjoy live music. Cash bar. Details: www.catholicharitiesjackson.

Retreat opportunities abound for new year

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St. Mary of the Pines
Eight-day retreats –  $640
Five-day retreats –  $400
Weekend directed retreats – $160
Directed Retreats: The resident retreat director is Sister Dorez Mehrtens, SSND. To schedule a retreat contact Sister Dorez, 601-783-0411 or 601-810-7758 (cell).
“Married as a Path to Holiness,” married couples retreat, Feb. 13-15, 2015. Cost is $340 per couple.
“A Lenten Day of Reflection,” Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $30, lunch is included.
Private Retreats: A private retreat is a retreat without a director and may be scheduled any time space is available. The individual chooses his/her own resources and rhythm of prayer and reflection throughout the day. Suggested donation: $65 per night. Financial assistance for any retreat is available upon request.
Contact: St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, 3167 Old Highway 51 South, Osyka, MS, 39657, 601-783-3494, retreatcenter@ssnddallas.org.

The Dwelling Place
“As I Begin the New Year,” Jan 2-4, 2015. On this feast of the Three Kings, prayerfully using the Scriptures of Epiphany, participants will look at the stars in their lives (the people, events and places that have pointed them to the Christ Child) and will focus on what we seek that is new and good in the new year. Led by Clare Van Lent. Cost is $160.
“Love and Respect: A Couple’s Marriage Enrichment Retreat,” Feb 13-15. Presented by Dr. Steve Street, pastor of Trace Ridge Baptist Church, Ridgeland, Miss. Cost is $275 per couple.
Contact: The Dwelling Place, 2824 Dwelling Place Road, Brooksville, MS, 39739, 662-738-5348, www.dwellingplace.com.

Benedictine Center
“A Reflection Day with the Prayer and Music of Taizé,” Jan. 3, 2015, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Included will be brief presentations on the history and spirituality of Taizé, an ecumenical monastic community in France whose music has touched the hearts of millions around the world. The day will be led by Sisters and musicians of Sacred Heart Monastery. Cost is $9 for lunch; donations accepted.
Contact: Benedictine Sisters, 916 Convent Road, Cullman, AL 35055, 256-734-4622, shmon@shmon.org.

JESUIT SPIRITUALITY CENTER
Directed Retreats: The Jesuit Spirituality Center specializes in personally directed retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Solitude and silence are important aspects of these retreats. Retreats may range from three days, five days, or eight days, to a full month.
Jan 15 or Jan. 18, Feb. 2 or Feb. 5, Feb. 23 or Feb.26. Retreats of eight-days begin on the first date. Retreats of five or three days begin on either date. Costs vary according to the length of the retreat.
“Dream Work: Conversations with the Soul,”  Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Led by Deedy Young, Jungian analyst. In this introductory workshop, participants will consider the attitude with which to approach dreams and will explore key elements in the process of unlocking the dream’s meaning. Cost is $50 and includes lunch.
Contact: Jesuit Spirituality Center,  313 Martin Luther King Dr., Grand Coteau, La 70541, 337-662-5251.

Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO)
“Holy Spirit Teen and Young Adult Retreat: Go Forward,” Jan. 2-4, 2015, at the Landmark Hotel, 2601 Severn Avenue, Metairie, La.
Contact: info@ccrno.org, www.ccrno.org, 504-828-1368.

“Retrouvaille,” an international Catholic peer-to-peer ministry which offers a lifeline to troubled marriages, Jan. 23-25, 2015, at Maryhill in Pineville, La. All inquiries and registrations are held in the strictest confidence. Requested donation is $80 per day. Contact: visit www.retrouvaille.org.

Presentation offers update on Tolton cause

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JACKSON  – Brother Gerard Jordan, O.Praem, presented the story of Father Augustus Tolton at Christ the King Parish Saturday, Nov. 8. Brother Jordan is traveling the country on behalf of Bishop Joseph Perry, of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Bishop Perry’s diocese is sponsoring Father Tolton’s sainthood cause.
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry brought the presentation to Jackson. In late September, the archdiocese sealed up all its research about Father Tolton’s life, evidence of two alleged miracles and countless favors into a formal packet to go to the Vatican for the next step, confirmation of the research and verification of the miracles. Part of this step in the journey is for advocates to travel the world, telling the story of Tolton, the first African American diocesan priest in the United States. “Rome has to hear from you,” said Brother Gerard. “You are the church. If you don’t want this to happen, it won’t,” he added.

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JACKSON – Brother Gerard Jordan, O.Praem, brought a presentation about Father Augustus Tolton to Christ the King Parish Saturday. Nov. 8. The priest is a candidate for sainthood. (Photo by Maureen Smith)

Father Tolton’s story has all the drama and intrigue of a classic American adventure tale. Born into slavery at the cusp of the Civil War, Father Tolton’s brave mother ran away from her owners with her three tiny children in tow. When they were stopped at the Mississippi River by a group of Confederate soldiers, it looked like the group was doomed. A troop of Union soldiers stepped in. The two groups agreed they would put mother and children into a boat in the Mississippi River and it would be up to Martha Tolton to try and get to freedom on the other side.
“The boat was old, they only gave her one oar, the Mississippi River is huge and Martha Tolton had never rowed a boat in her life,” explained Brother Jordan. “When she was half way across the soldiers started shooting at them. (Tolton) said she never missed a beat. Can you imagine? Three babies and a mother who had never been in a boat,” Brother Jordan added. The family made it to shore and eventually settled in Quincy, Illinois.
The pastor in Quincy tried to put 14-year-old Tolton in the parish school, but the white families rose up against him. He was educated by nuns who agreed to tutor him separately. He had a similar experience when he tried to enter seminary. He and his pastor wrote letters to every seminary in the country, but none was ready to accept an African American.
In 1872 letters to the Vatican and help from numerous priests and faithful resulted in his admission to the Collegium Urbanum de Propaganda Fide in Rome. He studied in Rome for six years, spending extra time studying African culture and languages since he assumed he would be sent to Africa as a missionary. He was ordained at Easter in 1886. The cardinal in charge of assignments sent Father Tolton back to Quincy, where hundreds came to his first Mass.
Father Tolton was assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Quincy. Although the parish was meant to serve the African American community, crowds of both white and black faithful came to hear Father Tolton. The pastor at the white parish, St. Boniface, complained to the bishop several times. Father Tolton, frustrated and upset, finally asked to be moved. He opened St. Monica Parish in a storefront in Chicago in 1891 and began raising money for a real structure.
Father Tolton would never see the church completed. He died during a heat wave in July 1897 at the age of 43. In his 11 years as a priest he had attended five gatherings of the Black Catholic Caucus. “Thousands lined the streets of Chicago when he died. Thousands more lined the train route when his body was sent back to Quincy,” said Brother Jordan.
How is it that Father Tolton was so famous at the time of his death, but now very few know his story? Brother Jordan said racism and a lack of promotion caused him to fade into the background, but that now is a critical time for Father Tolton.
“The work begins with you. You have got to tell the story,” he urged. Brother Jordan outlined four priorities for the faithful who wish to support Father Tolton’s cause. “The first and foremost is to pray, asking God to prove to the world that heaven and earth made a connection through the intercession of Father Tolton,” said Brother Jordan. “The second thing that needs to happen is catechesis,” he said. Brother Jordan also brought prayer cards and books for everyone, paid for by Father Ricardo Phipps, pastor of Christ the King. The third step is to tell the story, especially to children. Finally, said Brother Jordan, is to pay the cost for all the research and verification, currently at $264,000.
Brother Jordan closed by saying he has written a plan any parish or group can use to establish small groups who will pray together and share Father Tolton’s story. Father Phipps said he would like to establish a group at his parishes and will start spreading the word in the coming weeks.
Those who wish to learn more about Father Tolton can visit the website www.toltoncannonization.org.

Community invited to parish fair

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A blues musician entertained the crowd.

JACKSON – St. Mary Parish hosted its Fall Carnival Saturday, Oct. 18. This year’s emphasis was placed on increasing participation from the surrounding community. Local residents joined parishioners for activities including a performance by the “Blues Man,” a mini petting zoo, and  a magical clown. The local fire department brought a truck for the young people to explore. In addition, representatives from local religious orders were available to share information about their faith, and a representative from the American Cancer Society had an exhibit about breast health.
Food was prepared by Daniel Dillon and was free so everyone would feel welcome to attend regardless of their ability to pay.

Volunteers make plates for people attending the St. Mary Parish Fair Saturday, Oct. 18. (Photos courtesy of Monique Davis)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, book discussion group   Monday, Nov. 17, at noon to discuss Stephen King’s :The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.”
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, Bible study on Jewish King David, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Led by Edgar Meyer.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, “The Bible Timeline,” an in-depth follow-up to the Quick Journey Through the Bible, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and on Thursdays at 10 a.m. (excluding Nov. 13) in Heritage Hall.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, rosary on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Father Tom Lalor Chapel.
  • GREENWOOD St. Francis Parish revival, Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 17-18, at 6:30 p.m. led by Father Anthony Bozeman, SSJ, from New Orleans.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, Advent retreat, “Incarnation: The Marvelous Way God Found Us,” Saturday, Dec. 6, begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration and ends with Mass. Presented by Father Anthony Quyet, rector. Lunch will be served.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, “Preserving Your Memories,” an art therapy project, Monday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Open to all who are grieving. Details: Jan Mills, 210-737-4759.

    PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, Bishop Joseph Kopacz will celebrate the 11 a.m. Mass Sunday, Nov. 23. Lunch will be served afterwards.
    –Adult Christmas dinner party on Saturday, Dec. 13, and celebration of Grandparents’ Day on Sunday, Dec. 14.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite Mass in Latin, Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. This Mass is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.
  • CLEVELAND ecumenical Thanksgiving service, Sunday, Nov. 23, 6 p.m. at the First Assembly of God on Yale St. Area ministers, including Father Kent Bowlds, pastor of Our Lady of Victories Parish, will lead  the prayers and area choirs will lead the music. People are invited to bring non-perishable groceries and an offering will be taken up for Helping Hands, the local Christian assistance agency.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, annual Advent choir concert, Sunday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. Mass, followed by a reception in the library.
    – Children’s Christmas pageant, “Following the Star,” Saturday, Dec. 6. All children are invited to participate. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church. This program is held in conjunction with the chili supper.
  • GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish, full health screenings on Sunday, Nov. 23, after the 9 a.m. Mass.
  • GREENVILLE Our Lady of Lourdes School, Soup-R Fall fund-raiser, Thursday, Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m. The events will include children’s artwork display, bingo games and a silent auction of class artwork.
  • GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary, daily Mass is being celebrated at 7 a.m. in the main church (instead of the chapel) followed by Eucharistic adoration from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., and ending with Benediction.
  • GRENADA St. Peter Parish hosting Paul George, renowned speaker, on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, Ministry appreciation supper, Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: 662-429-7851.
    – Frozen casserole sale, Saturday, Nov. 22, beginning at 9 a.m. Parishioners are encouraged to donate at least one casserole for the sale. Details: LaRae Walgenbach, 901-486-0225.
    – Performers for the Christmas program “Our Way to Bethlehem” are needed. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 6 – 7 p.m. The program is set for Sunday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. Details: Lisa Ward, 901-268-8648.
  • JACKSON Christ the King Parish, Knight of Peter Claver Junior Daughters’ spaghetti dinner, Sunday, Nov. 16. Plates are $5.
  • JACKSON St. Therese Parish Knights of Columbus will cook meats for Thanksgiving (smoked or fried turkey, and smoked ham). Cost is $50 each. Details: Julian Valencia, 601-906-1967.
  • LEXINGTON St. Thomas will celebrate Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays beginning the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30 in place of the Saturday vigil Mass.
  • MADISON St. Anthony Catholic School Starry Night Gala, Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $150 and admit two. Details: Jennifer Kelemen at (601) 607-7054.
  • MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish, needs participants for the “Christ in Christmas” program. Sign up on Nov. 15-16 after all Masses.
    – Advent Fair, “The King is Coming,” Sunday, Nov. 23, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. All are invited for lunch, kid’s Advent crafts and games. To assist contact Mary Catherine George, mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
  • NATCHEZ “Souvenirs of Travel: Natchezians and the Grand Tour,” a program/presentation by Jefferson Mansell, Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 106 S. Commerce Street.  Mansell will present his research on the art work of Clifton House, Natchez – destroyed during the Civil War, which includes the “Cathedral Paintings,” now in the St. Mary rectory.
    – Blood drive, Monday, Nov. 17, from noon – 6 p.m in the Family Life Center. Visit www.bloodhero.com to make an appointment.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish, illuminated Advent rosary, Sunday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Rosary Garden. Cookies and cocoa will be served following the rosary.
    – All children ages 3 years – sixth grade are invited to sing in the choir for the 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. Practices will be held on Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21, at 3 p.m.
  • SOUTHAVEN Christ the King Parish, Advent/Christmas concert, Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. followed by a dinner.
  • YAZOO CITY Parishioners are invited to join the Sunday school teachers to make casseroles in the cafeteria kitchen after Mass on Sunday, Nov. 16, for the bake sale.
    – St. Mary Parish bake sale, Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Casseroles, dressing, breads, desserts, misc. food items and a variety of Christmas items will be sold. A grilled chicken plate lunch will be available for take out.

World Marriage Day 2015

  • JACKSON – World Marriage Day 2015 will be held Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. There will be Mass with a reception immediately following. The Mass honors all married couples, but invites those celebrating their 25th, 50th, 60th or any significant anniversary. Those interested in attending are asked submit their name, address and wedding date to their parish secretary by Dec. 27,  2014. Invitations will be mailed in late January. Details: Jennifer Eidt at the Office of Family Ministry at 601-960-8487, Jennifer.eidt@jacksondiocese.org.

Special Kids, Scouts start fund-raising for new facilities

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Joshua R. helps prepare a meal as part of life skills training in the Special Kids Program.

Joshua R. helps prepare a meal as part of life skills training in the Special Kids Program.

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – St. Richard Parish has officially kicked off an effort to build a new facility for the Special Kids Program as well as a Boy Scout building and parking lot. The building will be located on property already owned by the parish, across from the main church building.
The Special Kids Program serves young men and women with intellectual and emotional disabilities. Younger students take classes in St. Richard School while the older kids, age 13-21, go to a parish-based program currently located in a house owned by the parish. There, teachers Kim Turner, Lindsay Blaylock and Agnes Morgan build individualized education plans for each student based on their strengths and needs. “It is the best place to be,” said Turner. “These kids are happy. The program offers a calm, stable, happy place and they are learning over here,” she added.
Because each student’s needs and goals are different, they all get very personal attention to learn life skills such as cooking, shopping, cleaning and how to navigate social situations. The students visit the public library, plan menus, shop for, cook and serve meals to special guests and run a small gift booth in the parish office. During the academic portion of the day they will all focus on one theme, but each will get a personalized lesson. “Let’s say we’re talking about money. Some kids will be counting money from the gift booth and talking about how to use it while others will just be recognizing forms of money,” Turner explained. When the students go shopping each one has a specific job. One may push the cart while another uses a written shopping list. Still another may use pictures to find needed items.

Before Special Kids Golf Tournament last year, Mary F. practiced putting.

Before Special Kids Golf Tournament last year, Mary F. practiced putting.

Every year the students host a golf tournament to raise money to support the program. This year the tournament was Thursday, Oct. 17. Turner said they prepared for weeks so the students would know what was expected of them. They have also planted a garden from which they can harvest their own food.
This is the only program in the diocese for children and young adults with these types of disabilities and Turner said the fact that it has a Catholic base is one of the aspects she loves best about it. Pastor Father Michael O’Brien agrees. He said the program is good for the whole St. Richard community, including the typical kids who take classes with the special kids in the separate elementary school program. “It is so good for them to go to school in that atmosphere,” he said. “It’s pro-life all across the board,” he went on to say.
The new development would also include a place for the Boy Scout troops to meet. That program was meeting in another house owned by the parish, but the structure is in need of repair. The special kids building, already named Farrell Hall in honor of Msgr. Patrick Farrell, who founded the Special Kids Program more than 30 years ago, would be connected by a porch to the Boy Scout building. An architect will design each to fit the needs of each program. Turner said updating the design would allow the program, which currently serves seven students, to expand.
A third goal of the project is to add off-street parking for events. Father O’Brien explained that the parish already owns some empty lots across the street. Currently people coming to events in Foley and Glynn Halls have limited parking along the street. Parish leaders decided to join the three efforts into one so the whole development could be cohesive. It will include landscaping and fit into the neighborhood.
Those who wish to donate can contact the parish. Donations can be earmarked specifically to each of the three projects. For more information, call the parish office at 601-366-2335.