Convocation draws leaders to Natchez NATCHEZ — A four-day convocation of Catholic priests, deacons and lay ministers for the Diocese of Jackson will be held in Natchez Oct. 15 - 18, according to Father David O’Connor, chairperson of the planning committee and pastor of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Church in Natchez.
Father O’Connor said Bishop Joseph Latino meets every two years with the clergy for ministry study and professional development, for reflection on the work of the church, and for fellowship.
The bishop will open the convocation on Oct. 15 with “An Overview of Pastoral Ministry in the Jackson Diocese.”
Father Elvin Sunds, vicar general of the diocese and a member of the planning committee, said the theme for this convocation is “Pastoral Ministry in the Jackson Diocese in 2007.” The convocation will address challenges facing those in pastoral ministry, spiritual development of the clergy, evangelization initiatives, faith formation, lay leadership in ministry, and the interface between social justice and liturgy.
“For the first time, this convocation is inviting lay persons who hold administrative positions in pastoral ministry and is seeking their insights,” he said
Father O’Connor said, “Another new development for the 2007 convocation is we are not turning to experts from outside the diocese; instead, we are drawing on the experience of clergy and lay ministers who work within the Mississippi church.
“Some 15 - 20 clergy and lay ministers will serve as panelists/presenters; and with the use of a theological reflection process, every participant will be invited to share stories of his/her work experience.”
Among the panelists/presenters will be Jerry Woods of Fulton, Dr. James Herzog of Jackson, Father Henry Shelton of Tupelo, Father Greg Plata of Greenwood, Sister Kate Regan of Ripley, Will Jemison of Jackson, Nancy McGhee of Jackson, and Father Patrick Farrell of Vicksburg.
Father Kent Bowlds, a member of the planning committee and diocesan staff person responsible for the recruitment of seminarians, said, “The inclusion of lay ministers for the first time highlights the fact that declining clergy numbers are now being offset by increasing numbers of trained lay pastoral ministers.
“The Jackson diocese encompasses 65 Mississippi counties from the Tennessee state line to the Louisiana state line, and church ministry in this vast area is carried out by approximately 75 congregations. Now about 20 of these congregations are under the pastoral leadership of a non-ordained minister – lay person or religious sister.”
The planning committee also includes Fathers Lenin Vargas of St. Francis of Assisi, Madison, Matthew Simmons of St. John the Baptist, Crystal Springs, Gerry Hurley of St. Jude Church, Pearl, and Greg Plata of St. Francis of Assisi, Greenwood.
Ruth McWilliams, a native of Natchez and program coordinator for St. Mary Basilica, said, “The Natchez congregations – Assumption Church, Holy Family Church, and St. Mary – are eagerly looking forward to the influx of clergy from all over the diocese and are planning social activities to make the Natchez event a memorable experience for all the participants.
“Some guided tours are arranged in the city of Natchez; St Mary Basilica will host a banquet honoring those in ordained ministry; Holy Family’s African-American choir will perform its musical program “Southern Road to Freedom,” and the Assumption congregation will host a theme luncheon.”
Father O’Connor said, “Approximately 55 priests and 25 lay pastoral ministers are expected to participate. We have no record of this many priests attending a Natchez event previously, possibly, not since the 1937 centenary celebration marking the founding of the diocese in 1837.”
The convocation will be held at the Eola Hotel, and the special worship services will be held at St. Mary Basilica on Tuesday evening, Oct. 16; at Holy Family Church, Mississippi’s oldest African-American Church, on Wednesday evening, Oct.17; and at Assumption Catholic Church on Thursday, Oct.18.
The Tuesday evening worship service will be followed by a banquet honoring those in ordained ministry; the Wednesday evening dinner will feature Holy Family’s Gospel choir; and Thursday’s service will be followed by a Cajun-themed luncheon.
