DIOCESAN NEWS
12/09/11
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Catholic Extension helps with renovations
of Port Gibson St. Joseph Church
PORT GIBSON – In a fund raising letter to parishioners during the summer, Father Faustin Misakabo, O.Praem, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, told the story of Elvie Bowie Moore , a young woman who spearheaded the efforts to raise funds to build St. Joseph Church in 1849.
Moore was the daughter of Resin and Margaret Bowie and the niece of legendary Jim Bowie who is known for the Bowie knife. The Bowies were devout Roman Catholics and Elvie decided a Catholic Church was needed in Port Gibson and she stated collecting funds to build one.
Her husband, John Taylor Moore, grew tired of her efforts and said he would build her a church if she would stop soliciting. He kept his word and the parish was recognized by the Diocese of Natchez in 1849 and the building of St. Joseph Church was begun.
(This story was originally told in the book, “Christ: The Living Water, The Catholic Church in Mississippi” written by Cleta Ellington for the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Jackson in 1989.)
St. Joseph “still stands as one of the loveliest buildings in Port Gibson and the oldest surviving church building in town,” said Father Misakabo in his letter.
But Father Misakabo told parishioners in his August letter that, “Along with the diminishing number of members in our congregation comes the challenge of maintaining this beautiful architectural landmark. “ He told them the total estimated cost of renovations was $170,000.
And he told them, “We have secured the support from a Catholic organization that is willing to match every dollar raised locally with three dollars from their own funds.”
Father Misakabo didn’t ask them for a specific amount, but merely said, “We need your participation in this fund raising to preserve this precious part of our city’s heritage and integrity.”
The parishioners responded in record time. In fact 10 months earlier than their deadline, they raised the matching amount of $33,750.
On Nov. 27, Aad de Lange, director of the diocesan Department of Administration and Finance, went to Mass at St. Joseph and presented Father Misakabo a certificate from Catholic Extension announcing the matching grant of $101,250.
“We congratulate you on your achievement and are proud to be a partner in your success,” said Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension.
The money was expected to be sent electronically on Friday, Dec. 9.
Catholic Extension provides funding and resources to under-resourced dioceses and parishes through programs and services investing in people, infrastructure and ministries. This support is given based on need, passion and commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith. Since 1905, Catholic Exten-sion has distributed nearly $500 million to communities across America.
A special collection for Catholic Extension is taken up in parishes throughout the Diocese of Jackson during September.
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