Holy Ghost planning 100th anniversary in October
By Fabvienen Taylor
JACKSON — A big October celebration is brewing for Holy Ghost Parish as committees plan everything from a school reunion, a family day, a banquet, liturgy and a reception.
“Our celebration will be a reflection of the 100 years of faith, love, community and hope here at Holy Ghost Parish,” said Father Darrell Kelly, pastor.
“Things are really beginning to fall into place,” he said.
The parish will celebrate its centennial anniversary Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4, primarily on the church campus on Cloister Street in mid-town Jackson.
“One Hundred Years Teaching and Living the Love of God” is the theme of the celebration.
“The parish family is getting excited about the upcoming celebration,” said Ann Calhoun, chairwoman of the centennial committee.
“Various committees are working very hard to make the celebration a big success,” she said.
Any person who attended the parish or the school is invited to attend as well as friends and supporters throughout the greater Jackson area.
Organizers said the celebration will acknowledge the parish and former school’s spiritual ancestors — the Society of Divine Word Priests (SVD), the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), lay teachers and parents — who worked tirelessly to infuse the community with the Catholic faith and provide its children a Christian education.
Funds are being raised to help defray the costs of the celebration through a commemorative/souvenir book and a planned raffle of a large-screen television.
With the exception of the banquet, which will be held at a Jackson hotel, all activities will be on the church grounds.
More information about youth activities, musical performances and special guests will be announced as plans are finalized.
Events will kick off with a school reunion from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in Drexel Hall.
Saturday is Family Day with games, food and other fun activities scheduled 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. also on the grounds.
That evening from 5:30 - 8:30 a celebratory banquet will be held at the Hilton Hotel, 1001 E. County Line Road. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased from the centennial committee beginning in August.
On Sunday, the centennial Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Principal celebrant will be Bishop Joseph Latino, with guest priests concelebrating.
A reception will follow.
For more information call the church at 601-353-1339.
For an ad in the souvenir booklet, contact Sondra Powell at 601-857-8910 or Ocey Graves at 601-487-6065.
