SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Woman in the World of Jesus, September 5-6. This retreat will offer an opportunity to focus on the Gospel passages that describe Jesus’ interaction with women. These passages can offer us new insight and appreciation of his generous and inclusive behavior in recognizing their contribution to his mission. Retreat Director: Sister Marian Davis, OSB, Ph.D. This is a one-night retreat. An additional night of retreat is available for those who wis. Cost: Private room $145; shared room $110 per person. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
BROOKSVILLE, The Dwelling Place, Thomas Merton, Spiritual Writer and Contemplative, August 10-11, begins with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Donation: $100. Presenter: Ed Thebaud, a passionate admirer and scholar of Merton. He is a member of the International Thomas Merton Society. During this retreat, we will look at Merton’s historical life and conversion to Christianity. We will also look into essays that Merton wrote for the laity on solitude and contemplation. Coupled with these discussions will be some practical discussion on these sometimes thick subjects. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email at dwellpl@gmail.com.
GREENWOOD, Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, Grace for the Journey Training for Caregivers, Sunday, July 29 at 2 p.m. This training is for family, friends, clergy or employees who take care of people suffering from any illness or injury. Presenters: Catherine Kidd and Charlene Gressett. There is no cost to attend. Details: (662) 299-1232.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY, St. Helen, Book Discussion Group will discuss The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood at the parish hall, Monday, August 13, at noon. Everyone is invited. Details church office (662) 256-8392.
COLUMBUS, Annunciation Sit and Sew Circle, Third Wednesday of each month (next one is August 15) directly after the 8 a.m. Mass in the activity center. Bring your own project to work on from sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, etc. An extra sewing machine will be available if someone needs it. Bring your sack lunch and enjoy the fellowship. Details: Brenda Edwards at the church office (662) 328-2927.
GLUCKSTADT, St. Joseph, Save the Date, GermanFest, Sunday, September 30, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
HOLLY SPRINGS, “Hands-ON + Hearts-IN” provides week-long discernment experiences for women who are considering life as a Catholic Sister on the following dates: August 22-25 and September 10-14. The only cost to attend is the travel to and from the workshop and travel assistance can be provided. Jointed hosted by the Sisters of the Living Word, the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association and Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Applicants must register one full month prior to the start of a specific program. Details: Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW, (847)-577-5972 ext. 233 (office), (601) 291-6738 (cell) or sglumb@slw.org.
JACKSON, St. Richard, Diocesan New Testament course, Tuesdays, beginning August 21 and continuing until Tuesday, September 28 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. in the Chichester Room. Facilitator: Mary Louise Jones. Reading the New Testament by Pheme Perkins; Paulist Press, Third Edition. It will focus on the four gospels and Paul’s Letters. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
NATCHEZ, St. Mary Basilica, Parish Blood Drive, O’Connor Family Life Center, Tuesday, July 31, 12:30 – 6 p.m. Details: Regina Mardis (601) 445-5616 or schedule your online appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org (Sponsor code: stmarynatchez).

YOUTH BRIEFS

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Movie Matinee, Sunday, August 12 at 2 p.m. in the Parish Center. Popcorn, nachos, candy and drinks will be provided. Volunteers to help with refreshments would be appreciated. Friends are welcome. Details: Jenifer Jenkins at (662) 402-7050.
COLUMBUS, Annunciation, CYO Kick-Off Pool Party, Sunday, August 19 at 4 p.m. at Father Jeffrey Waldrep’s house, 811 3rd Street. Details: contact Leslie at (541) 868-4944.
MADISON, St. Joseph Catholic School community is hosting a Blood Drive in support of Finn Blaylock on Thursday, August 2 from 2-7 p.m. in the St. Joe Cafeteria. Finn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the beginning of the summer. He is the six-year-old son of Ron and Lindsay Blaylock and is a student at St. Richard Catholic School. His sister Susanna is a sixth grader at St. Richard; his brothers, Declan, an eighth grader, and Gabe, a senior, are students at St. Joe. Please help us support this family of our school and Church community by visiting the St. Joe website to register www.stjoebruins.com. Details: Tricia Harris (601) 898-4800.

CORRECTIONS
In our annual report published last week, we accidentally omitted Religious Sisters living and working in the Diocese of Jackson. We deeply regret the error and honor the Sisters for all the work they do.
2016/2017 Stats: Sisters: 122 (includes 53 in residence at St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa)

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, Icon workshop/retreat for students who are beginners in iconography, August 20-27. They will be led by Father Igumen Mefodii from the Prosopon School of Iconography. Suggested donation: $1,145. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
FORT SMITH, Ark, St. Scholastica Monastery, July 19 – 22, Standing in the Presence: the Benedictine way for everyone. Presenter: Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB. The focus will be Benedictine spirituality as a pathway for spiritual growth. Cost: $300. Lodging and meals are included. Deadline for registration is July 5. Details: retreats@stscho.org or www.stscho.org/retreats or (479) 783-1135.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Spirituality Center, The Redemptorist priests of Greenwood are now available at the retreat center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. for spiritual direction, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and prayer. Details: (662) 451-7980.
HOLLY SPRINGS, “Hands-ON + Hearts-IN” provides week-long discernment experiences for women who are considering life as a Catholic Sister on the following dates: August 22-25 and September 10-14. The only cost to attend is the travel to and from the workshop and travel assistance can be provided. Jointly hosted by the Sisters of the Living Word, the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association and Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Applicants must register one full month prior to the start of a specific program. Details: Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW, (847)-577-5972 ext. 233 (office), (601) 291-6738 (cell) or sglumb@slw.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion on To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis, Monday, July 9, at noon in the parish hall. Details: (662) 256-8392.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, college/young adult Bible study meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and will be discussing popular questions about Catholicism. Details: Sarah Cauthen at the church office (662) 624-4301 or (662) 645-6260
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, “Extending Our Reverence” – Christian Yoga Workshop, begins Tuesday, July 10 at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. It is a four-week workshop and will focus on breathing, movement, body alignment and meditation with Lectio Divina. The workshop is limited to 10 spaces and is being taught by Teresa Speer. Cost: $20 donation. Sign-up sheets are on the table in the church foyer. Details: (601) 856-2054.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Parish Blood Drive in the O’Connor Family Life Center, Tuesday, July 31, 12:30 – 6 p.m. Details: (601) 445-5616.
Choral Concert, Wednesday, July 18 at 7 p.m. Free admission and open to the public. Guest Conductor: Dr. Rollo Dilworth. Details: (601) 445-5616.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Parish Potluck Lunch, Sunday, July 15 after 10:30 a.m. Mass in the Parish Hall cafeteria. The church will provide the meat, bread and drinks. Parishioners’ last names A-D, please bring a salad, E-H, please bring a meat or vegetable casserole, I-Q, please bring a vegetable, R-Z, please bring a dessert. Details: (662) 746-1680.

YOUTH BRIEFS

AMORY St. Helen, Vacation Bible School, July 22-24, 5-8 p.m., with a closing cookout at 6 on Wednesday, July 25. This year VBS for St. Helen and First Presbyterian children will be held at First Presbyterian Church. Details: (662) 256-8392.
MADISON St. Joseph School Gym, Bruin Cheer Camp, July 16-20, 9 a.m. – noon for rising K-6th graders. Cost: $150. Details: Coach Racheal Cole at rbcole1225@gmail.com.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Summer Choir Camp, July 16-20, 9-11:30 a.m. Let your child learn the joy of song in the context of children’s choir. Students also will complete a visual arts project and serve as music ministers for the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, July 21. Details: Register online at www.stmarybasilica.org or email Musicdirector@cableone.net.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
FORT SMITH, Ark, St. Scholastica Monastery, July 19 – 22, Standing in the Presence: The Benedictine Way for Everyone. Presenter: Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB. The focus will be Benedictine Spirituality as a pathway for spiritual growth. Cost: $300 Lodging and meals are included. Deadline for registration is July 5. Details: retreats@stscho.org or www.stscho.org/retreats or (479) 783-1135.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Spirituality Center, Empowered by Love Growth in the Spirit Retreat, Friday, June 15, 6 p.m. to Saturday, June 16. Ending with Mass at 4 p.m. Cost: $50. Details: (662) 299-1232 or www.locusbenedictus.org.
KENNER, La, The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) will sponsor its annual Day of Refreshment for Women on Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kenner, in the school gym. The theme is “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight.” Cost is $30 and includes lunch. Details: (504) 828-1368 or register online at www.ccrno.org by Wednesday, June 20, noon to order lunch.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Gospel of Mark four-week Bible study, beginning Monday, June 25, at 5:30 p.m. Presenter: Jim Tomek. Details: Jim Tomek at (662) 846-7136 or tomekj@bellsouth.net.
JACKSON St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Save the Date, Level II Training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Classes are: August 11, September 8, October 6, November 2-3, December 1, January 4-5, February 1-2, March 2, April 6 and May 4. Cost: $675, which includes course materials, lunch, snacks and certification by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, USA. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due by August 1. Details: Rachel Misenar, rachel.misenar@gmail.com or 601-573-3689
St. Peter Cathedral, Bethlehem Nativity Olive Wood carvings and religious item sale, June 30-July 1. Purchases will help the Catholic Community in Palestine. Details: (601) 969-3125.
St. Richard Bereavement Support Group, Tursday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. Sister Pat Clemen speaks on the difference between mourning and grief and the “Tear Soup” recipe for healing grief. Details: Nancy McGhee 601-942-2078 or email ncmcghee@bellsouth.net
LELAND St. James is interested in starting CCD classes. Volunteers are needed to teach, starting in September. Details: Call the rectory at (662) 686-7352.
NATCHEZ Compassion Care Hospice, Suite A, 113 Jefferson Davis Blvd, Grief and Loss Support Group, Monday, June 11 (2nd Monday of the month). Details: (609) 518-6814 or St. Mary Basilica (601) 445-5616.
Grace United Methodist Church, 2 Fatherland Road, Miss Lou Support Group for those grieving loss due to suicide. Meets on Thursdays, June 7 and June 21 at 6:30 p.m. Details: Jana and Pete Mills, (601) 431-4818.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Takeout smoked chicken dinner, Friday, June 29. The Knights of Columbus are pre-selling tickets to raise money for the annual Relay for Life. Details: Michael Lott, Grand Knight (662) 588-6163.
VICKSBURG St. Paul, KAIROS Men’s Weekend at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Pearl, September 27-30. Team members meet once a week for seven weeks in preparation for the weekend. The first team meeting is Thursday, August 9. Details: Any man interested in participating, contact Frank Vollor at (601) 638-8686.

YOUTH BRIEFS
COLUMBUS Annunciation, CYO activities, Saturday, June 23, Movie Night at Malco Theaters, Disney’s Incredibles 2, time TBD. Cost: $10. Also, Saturday, July 14, Bowling at GT Lanes. time TBD. Cost: $8 per person and Laser Tag $8 per person per game. For updates on these events, follow on Instagram@annuciationcyoteens. Details: annunciationcyo@gmail.com or church office (662) 328-2927.
MADISON, St. Francis of Assisi, Castaway Creative Arts Camp for fifth and sixth graders, June 18-22, 9 a.m. – noon. An assistant camp director is needed. Details: (601) 856-5556.
Jr. Bruin Baseball Camp on June 19-21 for boys in Pre-K through rising seventh grades at D.M. Howie Field from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $100.00 per camper. The Bruin coaching staff and players will be on hand to teach the fundamentals of baseball. This camp is for beginners, as well as the most experienced players. Walk-ups will be welcome. Details: Coach Gerard McCall at gmccall@stjoebruins.com.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Summer Choir Camp, July 16-20, 9-11:30 a.m. Let your child learn the joy of song in the context of children’s choir. Students also will complete a visual arts project and serve as music ministers for the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, July 21. Cost: $25 per child. Details: Register online at www.stmarybasilica.org or email Musicdirector@cableone.net. church office (601) 939-3181

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKSVILLE Dwelling Place Retreat Center, private or directed retreats, June 8-16 or July 14-21 (schedule 3, 5 or 8 days within this block of time). Donation: $90 per day. Director: Clare Van Lent, founder. A directed retreat is a personally guided prayer experience following the Spiritual Exercises adapted to your needs. Enjoy a time of solitude and prayerful reflection primarily using Scripture. Meet daily with the director for guidance and mutual discernment. Join the community in daily Worship. Details: (662) 738-5348 or dwellpl@gmail.com.
John of the Cross – Hope in Our Darkness, June 22-23. Though John of the Cross lived in the 16th century, he has left us a treasure in understanding the spiritual life and leading others in growth in prayer. As we struggle with the normal dry spells in prayer, John gives us deeper insight into that darkness and dryness, encouraging us in our desire for an ever-deeper relationship with God. He urges us to carve out silence in the midst of all the noise in our culture. Presenter: Father John Bohn, pastor of Jackson St. Richard Parish, a long-time student of Saint John of the Cross. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or dwellpl@gmail.com.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, English as a second language class meets Fridays, 10 a.m., at the parish hall. Details: (662) 256-8392.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Dutch luncheon at the Ranch sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary, Tuesday, May 15, at 11:30 a.m. Details: Joyous Sbravati at (662) 624-6185.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Ladies Bible Study will be studying the book “Walking with Purpose.” Resumes Wednesday, June 6, at 6 p.m. Details: Jenifer Jenkins (662) 846-6273.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Pentecost celebration, Sunday, May 20 at 4 p.m., Special celebration for all six parishes. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
Open House for new chapel and hall that is being renovated, Sunday, June 10, 10:30 – 1p.m. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON The president of the National Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Ralph Middlecamp, will be speaking at St. Richard Parish on Thursday, May 24, at 4:30 p.m. in Glynn Hall. His topic is the strategic plan of the National St. Vincent de Paul Society in the United States. All are welcome. Details: George Evans, 601-707-3218.
PEARL St. Jude Parish international Pentecost celebration. Saturday, May 19, 5:30 p.m. Stations representing peoples’ countries of origins will feature food and cultural heritage representations. The party is open to all and celebrates the founding of our church. Please note Mass will be at 4 p.m. this day. Details: (601) 939-3181.

YOUTH BRIEFS
GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, Color Me Cured – 5K Color Run Run/Walk for Aries Cotton, a St. Joe student, Thursday May 31, at 5:30 p.m., Benny Strazi Football Field. Special pricing on early registration by May 16. Details: school office (662) 378-9711.
Mini Cheer Camp, June 4-6, 8 – 11:30 a.m. Ages 3-12 years. Cost: $50 per camp, includes T-shirt if registered by May 21, snacks and drinks. Details: Perlita Dixon (662) 378-9711.
Tennis Camp, June 18-20. Mark Apartments Tennis Courts, 481 Cyress Lane, Greenville. Camps for 4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years and 13 years and older. Cost: $40 due with application to ensure place at camp. Details: school office (662) 378-9711.
Football Camp, June 4-6, 8-11 a.m. St. Joseph School Field House, coach John Baker.
Basketball Camp, June 4-6 12 noon – 3 p.m., St. Joseph School Gymnasium, Coach James Hunter.
Softball Camp, June 11-13, 8-11 a.m., St. Joseph School Softball Field, Coach Billy Ainsworth.
Soccer Camp, June 25-27, 8-11 a.m., St. Joseph School Practice Field, Coach Craig Mandolini.
Above four camps are for 5-12 years, boys and girls. Cost: $50 per camp. Includes T-shirt if registered by May 21, snacks and drinks. Details: school office (662) 378-9711.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Christian Service Initiative – Putting Mercy in Motion. June 3-8 for girls and June 17-22 for boys. For youth currently in high school to spend the week at Sacred Heart Southern Mission’s Volunteer House in Walls, helping clients in need with odd jobs. Deadline is May 20. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Class of 2018 Senior appreciation Mass and reception on Sunday, May 20, 5 p.m. Reception to follow. Details: (601) 856-5556.
PEARL St. Jude, Homework mission experience for youth, June 27-30. Instead of traveling out of this community for a trip this summer, our youth will have a mission experience in our own backyard, reaching out to our parish, our community and the diocese. It will include service work, spiritual reflection and a lot of fun. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

POSITION AVAILABLE
JACKSON Mississippi Catholic seeks Spanish Language content manager/office manager. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position oversees content for Mississippi Catolico, the Spanish language paper for the diocese, as well as providing translation services as needed. The candidate must be fluently bilingual. Limited travel. Experience with writing and photography beneficial. The office manager for the department of communications is responsible for the day-to-day business operations. This includes managing the subscription database, billing, record-keeping and office maintenance. Candidate will also provide some clerical support for the office of vocations. Application deadline: June 1. Send resumes, writing samples to editor@mississippicatholic.com.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, The Art and Heart of the Spiritual Life, June 17-23. The spiritual life is the ongoing process of being transformed into the image of Christ for the sake of others and breaking free from the agenda of the false self, living in the present moment and willingness to resist temptation and to forgive others. Presenter: Father Albert Haase, OFM. Suggested donation: $450. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, 8-Day Intensive/Post-Intensive Centering Prayer, May 22-29. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required. Deadline for registration and deposit is May 1. Details: Katy Smith at (205) 410-1493 or smithdoc20@gmail.com.

DIOCESAN ANNOUNCEMENT
The Office of Family Ministry is seeking parish participation for a divorced Catholics support ministry. In every parish, there are some marriages that end in divorce. The first place most Catholics turn when confronted with divorce is to their own parish. The Diocese of Jackson wants to support parishioners recovering from divorce, by assisting them with learning and living their faith more fully. Will you help to support divorced Catholics in your parish? The “Recovering from Divorce Parish Program” can help you get started. Details: Charlene Bearden at 601-960-8487 or email at charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, book discussion group will discuss “Red Sparrow” by Jason Matthews on Monday, May 14, at noon. Details: (662) 256-8392.
CANTON Sacred Heart Parish is hosting more than 100 exhibitors during the Canton Flea Market, Thursday, May 10. Details: John Oliver Dowdle, Chairman at 601-955-3117 or https://www.facebook.com/CantonFleaMarketCatholicChurch/
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Pentecost International Food Festival, Sunday, May 20, from 5 p.m. – sunset. Details: to volunteer to be the coordinator for a food region (Cajun, Southern, Italian, etc.), contact Mike Cancellare at mikecancellare@hotmail.com or (703) 597-3498.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, Formal Tea on Saturday, May 19, 2 p.m., in the Parish Hall, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Available for purchase after all Masses on May 6 and 13. Proceeds will be donated to the Carmelite Monastery in Jackson. Details: Gracie Wilson at (601) 790-4524.
JACKSON St. Richard, Cardinal Men’s Club “Flight to the Finish” 5K Run, 5K Race Walk and Mile House Challenge, Saturday, May 5 at 9 a.m. After the 5K, Pigs ‘N’ Tails from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Includes all-you-can-eat crawfish and pulled pork. They’ll be serving hamburgers and hot dogs also. Cost: $15 – age 13 and older; $10 – age 5-12. Free for age 4 and younger. Details: Shannon Garner garner@saintrichard.com or (601) 366-2335.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mouth-watering food will include crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, boiled crawfish and other Cajun delicacies. Festival favorites also include corn dogs, funnel fries and sno-cones. Entertainment will include games for the kids, awesome raffle prizes and bingo. Dance to live music or pick up a bargain at the Cajun Fest General Store. Arts and craft vendors will also have a variety of Mississippi-made products on display. Details: call Amy Hornback at the church office (601) 856-5556 or https://www.facebook.com/stfrancismadison/
PEARL St. Jude, Adult Faith Formation, “Symbolon – The Catholic Faith Explained,” Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

YOUTH BRIEFS
CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of Clarksdale, Shipwrecked Vacation Bible School, June 18-22. Volunteers are needed. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, “Camp Catholic” Vacation Bible School, June 11-13. Join us as we prepare to Camp in God’s Creation. Adult and youth volunteers fifth-graders and older are needed. Volunteer sign-up sheets will be in the back of church. Details: contact Karen Worrell at kworrellcre@hotmail.com or church office (601) 856-2054.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, “Open Gym” for sixth-12th graders, Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The Men’s Association provides dinner and a time for fellowship before religious education classes. Additional volunteers are needed to help chaperone. Details: Hank Ludwig at (662) 404-4672 or hludwig@renasant.com.
MADISON, St. Francis of Assisi, summer trip for current eighth- 12th graders. Includes a fun-filled service conference, a day at the beach and a theme park. Details: Amy Lipovetsky amy.lipovetsky@stfrancismadison.org or church office (601) 856-5556.
St. Joseph School will host a Jr. Bruin Baseball Camp June 19, 20 and 21 for boys in Pre-K through rising seventh grades at D.M. Howie Field from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $100.00 per camper. The Bruin coaching staff and players will be on hand to teach the fundamentals of baseball. This camp is for beginners, as well as the most experienced players. Details: Please pre-register with Coach Gerard McCall at gmccall@stjoebruins.com.
NATCHEZ Cathedral School, Crawfish Countdown, Friday, May 11, at 6 p.m. Includes crawfish, jambalaya, desserts, beverages and prizes. $100 ticket admits two people and the chance to win $5,000. Details: (601) 442-2531 or www.cathedralgreenwave.com.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, A Lenten Day of Reflection, God’s Love and Mercy. Saturday, February 17, 2018, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Presenter: Sister Dorez Mehrtens, SSND. Cost: Suggested donation: $40, includes lunch. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org
St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, Tending the Soul of Marriages, Married Couples Retreat, February 16-18, 2018. Begins Friday 4 p.m. – Sunday morning. Presenters: Robin and Easton Hebert, spiritual directors and retreat leaders from Lafayette. They have built a ministry of mentoring those who prepare for marriage and those who desire to live the sacrament more fully. Cost: Suggested donation: $360 per couple. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Epiphany Retreat: The Invitation of Epiphany, January 5-7, 2018. With the season of Christmas behind us and the new year inviting us forward, Epiphany is a perfect time to pause and reflect on Christ in our midst. Retreat Director: Sister Elisabeth Meadows, OSB. Cost: Private Room $245.00; Shared Room $205.00/person. Details: contact Sister Magdalena Craig, OSB at (256) 615-6114, www.shmon.org
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Spirituality Center and the Redemptorists of Greenwood announce the second bilingual Pilgrimage for Life and Family on Saturday, January 20, 2018. All faiths are welcome. The day begins with gathering from 9-10 a.m., a rally from 10-11 a.m., a three-mile pilgrimage on the grounds of Locus Benedictus and an ecumenical prayer service before a picnic lunch. The day ends with the celebration of Catholic Mass at 4 p.m. at the shrine. Details: (662) 299-1232 or www.locusbenedictus.org

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

JACKSON Christ the King, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, February 3 at JSU E-Center, sponsored by the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary #199. If you want to be represented in the ad booklet, contact any member to purchase an ad. Tickets will be available at a later date. Details: (601) 948-8867
St. Therese, Society of St. Vincent de Paul meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. in St. Therese Parish Hall. Participation is welcomed as an active or associate member. Calls are accepted every Thursday from 3-5 p.m. Details: If you know of anyone in need of their services, please have them call (601) 896-8710.
St. Richard, “Following Christ,” begins, Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Gives important ways of maintaining and growing in our relationship with Jesus. Go to www.christlife.org for details. Details: If you have completed Discovering Christ and have not yet signed up for Following Christ, go to www.saintrichard.com or call Nancy McGhee at (601) 942-2078.
NATCHEZ Mental Health First Aid training, January 25 (adult) and 26 (youth). 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. This public education program introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact and overviews common supports. Course can be used for continuing education credits. Cost $30. Catholic Charities is one of the sponsors. Details: Ann Elizabeth Kaiser 601-807-1840 or annelizabeth.kaiser@catholiccharitiesjackson.org.
VICKSBURG St. Paul, Following Christ – Part two of Christ Life, (repeat sessions from last Fall, 2017), January 10 – February 14, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Farrell Hall. Details: church office (601) 636-0140

YOUTH BRIEFS

JACKSON St. Richard, 5th Annual Krewe de Cardinal Carnival Ball at the Railroad District in downtown Jackson (new venue), Friday, February 9, 2018, featuring New Orleans- style cuisine and cocktails, music from the Southern Komfort Brass Band, and both a live and silent auction. Hibbett and Susan Neel have been selected as this year’s Grand Marshals. Details: school office (601) 366-1157 to purchase tickets or to become an event sponsor
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Save the Date for NET Retreat for 7th – 12th graders, Saturday, February 10, 2018. Details: church office (601) 856-5556
PEARL St. Jude, Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Party, Saturday, December 31, 6:30 – 9 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your favorite party food to share. Dancing, karaoke, games, food and more. Details: Stacy in the church office (601) 939-3181

SAVE THE DATE

World Marriage Day, the Catholic Diocese of Jackson and the Office of Family Ministry is pleased to announce that the diocesan World Marriage Day Celebration will be held Sunday, February 4, 2018, at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. There will be Mass with a reception immediately following. The Mass honors all married couples, but invites those celebrating their 25th, 50th and 60th anniversaries or any significant anniversary. Please contact your parish office for registration details. Details: For additional information, or questions, please call the Office of Family Ministry at 601-960-8487 or email Charlene Bearden at charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org .
VICKSBURG Prayer Ministry, The Mercy Associates are a group of lay men and women who work with the Sisters of Mercy to further the charism of mercy in our parishes and community. The group of 20 women is committed to pray for each intention several times each day for seven days. All prayer requests are held in complete confidentiality. Details: Contact Mercy Associate, Karen Harrison at (601) 397-7879 to submit a prayer request.