Category Archives: Diocesan News

Hope Rising: Diocese launches 2026 Catholic Service Appeal

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson approaches Commitment Sunday for the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), Catholics across the diocese are invited to prayerfully reflect on their commitment to prayer, participation, and generosity in support of ministries that serve communities throughout the diocese.
Commitment Weekend, including the in-pew collection, will take place Feb. 14–15 in parishes across the diocese.

The theme for the 2026 Appeal, Hope Rising, reflects both the spiritual foundation of the CSA and its tangible impact across the diocese. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the Beatitudes, the Appeal supports ministries that bring Christ’s compassion to life in parishes, missions and communities large and small.
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz has emphasized that hope is not an abstract idea, but something made visible through the shared mission of the Church. When Catholics live out the Beatitudes, he notes, hope does not merely glimmer – it rises. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, the faithful become a living witness of Christ’s compassion, serving those in need and strengthening the Church across the Diocese of Jackson.
Funds raised through the CSA support a wide range of diocesan ministries, including the formation of future priests, care for retired clergy, prison ministry, faith formation programs, and the charitable outreach of Catholic Charities. Together, these ministries serve individuals and families facing hardship, accompany those seeking healing and reconciliation, and nurture faith at every stage of life.
The Appeal is the primary means by which the diocese funds ministries that no single parish could sustain alone. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, each parish works toward a shared goal to help sustain diocesan ministries, and through this shared participation, Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson help ensure that pastoral care, education, charitable outreach and evangelization remain accessible in every corner of the diocese.
While the CSA is a financial appeal, diocesan leaders stress that it begins with prayer. Parishioners are encouraged to reflect on how God is calling them to participate – through prayer, service, and, as they are able, financial support.
As one diocesan family, Catholics are invited to be the hands and heart of Christ. When the faithful walk together in faith and generosity, hope truly rises for those they serve.

For more information about the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal, visit csa.jacksondiocese.org or contact Rebecca Harris, director of stewardship and development at rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.

Cognia recognizes Catholic school system in Diocese of Jackson among top school systems worldwide

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Representatives from Cognia formally presented the 2025 Cognia System of Distinction Award to the Catholic Diocese of Jackson on Monday, Feb. 2, recognizing the diocesan Catholic school system for exceptional performance during its most recent accreditation review.
The presentation took place during a gathering that included Bishop Joseph Kopacz, principals from Catholic schools across the diocese, and chancery staff who work closely with Catholic education. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous review conducted during the 2024–2025 school year.
Dr. Jeremy Stinson, Cognia’s director of the Southeast Region, presented the award on behalf of the organization, joined by Dr. Michael Bratcher, vice president of domestic accreditation services and lead evaluator for the diocese’s review. Stinson said the distinction recognizes systems that truly stand out in their service to learners by meeting and exceeding Cognia’s performance standards.
“The System of Distinction program recognizes systems and schools across the world who truly stand out in their service to learners,” Stinson said, noting that honorees demonstrate excellence in culture for learning, leadership for learning, engagement of learning and growth in learning.

RIDGELAND – The Diocese of Jackson was officially presented with a certificate as a Cognia System of Distinction on Monday, Feb. 2 at a special gathering in Ridgeland. Pictured (l-r): Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Karla Luke, Joni House, Dr. Jeremy Stinson and Dr. Michael Bratcher. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

Launched in 2021, Cognia’s Schools and Systems of Distinction program honors institutions in their year of accreditation review that exemplify high-quality instruction, organizational effectiveness and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. During the most recent review cycle, Cognia evaluated more than 1,100 systems worldwide and selected only seven systems across 14 states and four countries for the distinction.
Stinson emphasized that Cognia accreditation is not a checklist or a one-time achievement, but a continuous improvement journey. He said the Diocese of Jackson’s accreditation review was a rigorous external audit of systemwide practices and procedures and reflected the diligence and collaboration of educators and leaders throughout the diocese.
“This great accomplishment emphasizes the importance of a students-first approach and collaborative leadership within the diocese,” Stinson said.
One measure that stood out during the review was the diocese’s Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 389 out of 400, significantly higher than the Cognia network average of 296. Stinson said the score reflects the diocese’s mission in action and its commitment to providing engaging and equitable learning environments.
During the review, Cognia evaluators identified several Noteworthy Practices, including the diocese’s effective and intentional commitment to Catholic identity, mission and guiding principles, as well as its culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Evaluators also highlighted the system’s leadership model, which supports shared priorities while allowing individual schools to reflect their unique charisms and needs.
The System of Distinction recognition builds on work that began in 2018, when the Diocese of Jackson embarked on its first systemwide accreditation process with Cognia. The two-year effort led to initial system accreditation in 2020 and laid the foundation for this year’s honor.
That work was led by Karla Luke, who retired in September after more than 33 years in Catholic education. Luke described the recognition as one of the most meaningful moments of her career.
“Over the past 33 years, the most recent accomplishment of having Cognia recognize the Diocese of Jackson as a System of Distinction has been an overwhelming and rare experience,” Luke said. “However, in the everyday realm of the work, I am most proud of being able to interact with so many students, teachers and principals.”
Joni House, executive director of Catholic Education, said the formal presentation was an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of Catholic school communities across the diocese.
“The recognition as a Cognia System of Distinction affirms the hard work of our schools,” House said, “and it challenges us to sustain and grow that culture of continuous improvement so Catholic education in our diocese remains strong and vibrant.”
Stinson concluded by congratulating the Diocese of Jackson on behalf of Cognia’s leadership, calling the distinction an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of the diocese’s commitment to faith-centered education and continuous growth.

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27 – March 1; May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
DCYC 2026, March 20-22 in Vicksburg. The conference will feature keynote talks, music, liturgy, games, small groups, Bishop Chanche Youth Awards and much more. Open to ninth through twelfth grades. Details: Contact your parish youth ministry office.
Young Adult Spring Retreat, Saturday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Locus Benedictus in Greenwood. Ages 21-35 are invited to a day of celebration and spiritual renewal. Cost: $20/includes lunch. Register at https://bit.ly/2026YASpringRetreat. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Lenten Retreat: A Journey with Jesus, Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the parish hall; ends after 4 p.m. Mass in the church. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 18. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Monday from 5-6 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON METRO AREA – Theology on Tap, Tuesday, March 3 with Diocesan Chancellor Mary Woodward. Meet at Blaylock Photography, 117 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland at 7 p.m. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Lenten Retreat with Father Sebastian Myladil – “The Paschal Mystery: From the Cross to New Life,” March 1-3. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Sister Thea Bowman Annual Musical Celebration, Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. Details: Cherie at arievans29@yahoo.com or (601) 259-1363.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m.
JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, 20th annual $5,000 Draw Down, Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $120 and second chance insurance $15. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.
JACKSON AREA – Young Adult Basketball League, play March 5 – April 30. Teams for men 18-35. League registration fee: $35. Deadline: Feb. 23. Games at First Baptist Jackson Gym from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.
MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Spaghetti Luncheon, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with silent auction. Cost: $10 adults; $6 child; $35 family. Dine in or carry out. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Registration deadline is Feb. 22, 2026. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School, Open House, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Come meet our staff and learn about our diverse, loving school community. Details: school office (662) 349-0900.

LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Stations and Mass at 5:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals following 5:30 p.m. Mass, every Friday (no meal on March 13). Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. or after Mass.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Knights of Columbus, Fish Fry Dinners, Feb. 27, March 20 and March 27 from 6-7 p.m. following Stations. Dine in, carry out or order in advance at https://bit.ly/STRfish2026. Dinner includes fried fish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and dessert. Cost: adults $15; children $8; families $45. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON – St. Francis, Rosary at 6 p.m.; Stations at 6:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals at 7 p.m., Fridays during Lent.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent. Supper at 5:30 and Stations begin at 7 p.m. Last Friday of Lent will be Knights Fish Fry. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
OXFORD – St. John, Knights Fish Fry, Friday, Feb. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 234-6073.
PEARL – St. Jude, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

CHANCERY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
JACKSON – Event Planning Coordinator: The Diocese of Jackson is seeking a faith-filled and organized Event Planning Coordinator to assist with planning and coordinating diocesan gatherings, meetings and donor events. Applicants should have prior event planning experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and availability for occasional evenings, weekends and travel. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Rebecca Harris at Rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org. Find more information at https://bit.ly/CDJjobs.
Coordinator of Operations: The Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Jackson is seeking a detail-oriented and service-minded Coordinator of Operations to support the day-to-day operational needs of diocesan schools and Early Learning Centers. Responsibilities include compliance tracking, recordkeeping, accreditation support, school safety coordination, systems support, and event logistics. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills, comfort with databases and office software, and experience in administration or school-related operations. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Joni House at joni.house@jacksondiocese.org.

New principal to lead St. Joseph School in Madison starting July 1

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By Duncan Dent, Madison County Journal
MADISON – A Greenville native and the current assistant principal at St. Patrick Catholic Middle School on the coast will be the next principal at St. Joseph Catholic High School here.
Trey Bailey will start as principal of St. Joseph on July 1, Joni House, Director of Schools for the Diocese of Jackson, said.
Father Joe Tonos said he and Father Albeen Vatti, administrators at the school, were happy to accept Bailey’s nomination for the position from the School Advisory Committee.
“We welcome Mr. Bailey to the Bruin Family and back home to the Diocese of Jackson,” Tonos said.
Bailey said he looks forward to joining the long legacy of St. Joseph Catholic School.
“I am looking forward to joining a faithful community in carrying on the excellent tradition of Catholic education in the Jackson Metro area at St. Joseph, one that has been carried on for over 155 years,” Bailey said.

He currently serves as the assistant principal over the Middle School at St. Patrick in Biloxi and is also head coach for men’s football and athletic director for the high school.
Bailey will finish the school year on the Coast. He will work with interim principal Dr. John Jordan while making the transition to Madison this summer.
Bailey said it will be his goal as principal of St. Joe to prepare each student for all aspects of life.
“While we will strive to accomplish a wide array of goals, our primary focus will be on developing the student spiritually, emotionally, academically, and physically in order to leave St. Joseph and go into the world and carry out the Great Commission,” Bailey said.
Bailey is a native of Greenville and a graduate of the city’s Catholic schools. He has a BA in History from Millsaps College, an MA in Educational Leadership, and a designation as an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.
He has taught special education, world history, physical education and Mississippi studies in Bolton, Raymond and Richland.

(Reprinted with permission of Madison County Journal.)

Walking with our Catholic schools

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FAITH IN EDUCATION
By Joni House
As I reflect on the first semester, I am grateful for the time spent simply being present in our schools and early learning centers. There is something powerful about walking into a classroom, standing in a hallway, or sharing a brief conversation, moments that quietly remind you why Catholic education matters so deeply.
These experiences have reinforced an important truth: the heart of our schools cannot be understood from a distance. It is found in the daily faithfulness of faculty and staff, the curiosity of students, and the steady leadership of those who serve our communities with care and conviction. Presence allows us to see, to listen, and to appreciate the quiet work that so often goes unnoticed.
Being in our schools has also deepened my understanding of our shared culture. While each community is unique, all are united by a common mission to foster disciples and pursue excellence in a Christ-centered environment. That mission is strengthened when we walk together, supporting one another through both moments of joy and seasons of challenge.

Our early learning centers, in particular, remind us that Catholic education begins long before a child enters a traditional classroom. These spaces are where trust is built, faith is gently introduced, and the foundation for lifelong learning is formed.
Christ led by walking with His people, meeting them where they were. In that same spirit, I remain committed to being present, listening with intention, and accompanying our school communities.
As we continue the school year, I return often to our theme rooted in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Being present in our schools has reminded me that listening comes first. When we take the time to truly hear one another, to know our students, our educators, and our communities, we lead with greater clarity, compassion and purpose. It is through this listening and accompaniment that the culture of Catholic education is strengthened and our mission continues to unfold.

(Joni House is the executive director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Mississippi Catholic 2026 Publication Schedule

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The staff at Mississippi Catholic is looking forward to a busy and productive 2026 As always, we invite participation from faithful from across the diocese. Please submit your stories, photos and events so we can include them in the paper, as time and space allow. The publication schedule for 2026 follows:

Friday, Jan. 16
Friday, Jan. 30
Friday, Feb. 13
Friday, March 13
Friday, April 17
Friday, May 15
Friday, June 19
Friday, July 17
Friday, Aug. 21
Friday, Sept. 18
Friday, Oct. 16
Friday, Nov. 20
Friday, Dec. 18

Look for special sections this year marking Catholic Schools Week, Graduations and the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

Send submissions to editor@jacksondiocese.org. Submit information three to four weeks before or within one week after an event. Again, due to space constraints we will not be able to publish all information received. Visit the paper online at www.mississippicatholic.com.

The staff at Mississippi Catholic thank you – our readers – for your prayers and support. We wish you a blessed New Year.

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Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27-March 1; May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson. Theme is “Beholding the Dream” with speaker Dr. William Jemison. Details: email amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Monday from 5-6 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON METRO AREA – Theology on Tap, Feb. 3 with speaker, Ann Cook; March 3 with speaker, Mary Woodward. Meet at Blaylock Photography, 117 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland at 7 p.m. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

OXFORD – Diocesan Campus Ministry Winter Retreat “Radical Grace: Living the Gospel Upside Down,” Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cost: $20 – Registration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, “Beloved Sons” Men’s Conference, Saturday, Feb. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m in the parish hall. Event features Joe Heschmeyer, speaker for Catholic Answers and host of the Shameless Popery podcast; and Dr. Mario Sacaca, marriage counselor and host of the Always Hope podcast. Tickets $50. Details: register at https://stjohnolemiss.flocknote.com/signup/238790.

St. John the Evangelist, “Beloved Daughters” Women’s Conference, opening potluck on Feb. 6 from 6-8 p.m. and conference on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event features Catholic speaker, Devanie Cooper. Cost: $35 and includes light breakfast after Mass and a catered lunch. Details: register at https://stjohnolemiss.flocknote.com/signup/238779.

PILGRIMAGE – Travel to Italy with Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez of St. Joseph Greenville, Feb. 16-25, 2026. See the Vatican, Assisi and more. Details: visit catholicjourneys.com/tour/shrines-of-italy-pilgrimage.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Annual Garage Sale, Saturday, Jan. 31 from 7 a.m. to noon. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, “Back to 80’s” $10,000 Drawdown, Saturday, Jan. 31 in the Family Life Center. Cost: $150/admits two. Details: https://bit.ly/StPaul80sDrawdown2026.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Andrew McQueen Civic Center. Cost: $45/person. Details: (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 7 at Fondren Hall from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Attire: “after five.” Details: Christ the King church office (601) 948-8867.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Westin Jackson. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4pGfEAc for more info.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

MADISON – St. Francis, Mexican Fiesta Parish Dinner, Wednesday, Jan. 21 starting at 5:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Youth will serve your choice of a nacho bar or hotdog and chips, plus dessert and drink. Cost: $7/person or $25 per family. Proceeds benefit the Saltillo Mission. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.

NATCHEZ – Basilica of St. Mary, Rectory Open House, Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. Wear your best purple, gold and green to celebrate Mardi Gras! Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

NCEA president highlights joy, faith during school visits across the diocese

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, visited Catholic schools across the Diocese of Jackson Dec. 8–9 as part of his national “Bright Lights of Catholic Education” tour, a campaign designed to celebrate and spotlight the mission of Catholic schools across the country.

JACKSON – Kindergarten students in Kate Morris’ class at St. Richard Catholic School listen as Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, reads Everybody’s Tree during his Bright Lights tour visit. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

During his two-day visit, Cheeseman toured Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus, St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison, St. Richard Catholic School, St. Anthony Catholic School, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, and St. Richard Early Learning Center in Jackson. The visit was initiated by April Moore, a fourth-grade teacher at Annunciation Catholic School, who invited Cheeseman to experience Catholic education in Mississippi firsthand.

The Bright Lights tour highlights schools that embody the mission and values of Catholic education while also providing opportunities for listening and learning from local communities.
“Soon after beginning this role, I embarked on an exciting initiative called the ‘Bright Lights of Catholic Education Tour,’” Cheeseman said. “This nationwide campaign celebrates, learns from and shines a spotlight on the remarkable work happening in Catholic schools across the country.”

The Diocese of Jackson spans a large rural region, and many of its Catholic schools serve small communities with limited resources. Despite those challenges, Cheeseman said what stood out most during his visit was the joy students clearly have for their schools.

“Kids are coming in so happy and so excited to be there,” he said. “Walking in to students singing at the top of their lungs just brings tears to your eyes. There’s a tremendous joy, which gives me incredible hope for the future – not only locally, but for what these students can contribute on the national level.”

Cheeseman also noted the strong faith life and parish involvement he observed throughout the diocese, describing it as a defining strength of Catholic education in Mississippi.

“I love the fact that pretty much everywhere I went, pastors were involved,” he said. “You could see they weren’t just showing up because they had a visitor. They were part of the lifeblood of the school. When there’s a real connection between the parish and the school, or the pastor and the principal, it makes an incredible difference.”

JACKSON – “This Little Light of Mine” echoed through the halls as students at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School welcomed Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, during his Bright Lights tour. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Joni House, executive director of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Jackson, said the visit affirmed and strengthened the work already underway across diocesan schools.

“Dr. Cheeseman’s visit and the Bright Lights tour affirmed the good work already taking place, provided meaningful encouragement for the journey ahead, and strengthened our shared commitment to advancing Catholic education across the diocese,” House said.

A key goal of the Bright Lights tour is storytelling – sharing the lived experiences of Catholic schools to inspire broader support for Catholic education nationwide. Cheeseman said his final stop at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School was especially meaningful.

“I think that final stop is the one that sort of leads the story,” he said. “From the moment I arrived, I felt a tremendous welcome and pride for the schools and the students. Walking through the halls, walking in the door, it all came to a culmination of what it means to be a Catholic school student here in the Diocese of Jackson.”

Through a dedicated website and social media campaign, NCEA is sharing stories from dioceses across the country to highlight innovation, faith and mission in Catholic education.

“At the heart of this campaign is a simple but profound goal,” Cheeseman said. “To showcase the bright lights of Catholic education and inspire our community to continue being the light in a world that so desperately needs it.”

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Fatima Five First Saturdays Devotion, Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2. Church opens at 8 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m.; followed by Rosary. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27-March 1; April 24-26; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2 -4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson. Theme is “Beholding the Dream” with speaker Dr. William Jemison.

World Marriage Day 2026, Join us Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson at 1 p.m. or Saturday, Feb. 14 at St. James Tupelo at 1 p.m. for this celebration of marriage across the diocese. If you are celebrating your 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th+ in 2026 this celebration is for you! Please register to join us by visiting jacksondiocese.org/family-ministry. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Ladies Retreat, Feb. 6-8, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Osyka. Open to women age 21+. Cost: $300/person, includes accommodations and all meals. Deadline to register is Jan. 16. Details: email claudiaaddison@mac.com.

OXFORD – Diocesan Campus Ministry Winter Retreat “Radical Grace: Living the Gospel Upside Down,” Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cost: $20 – Registration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

PILGRIMAGE – Travel to Italy with Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez of St. Joseph Greenville, Feb. 16-25, 2026. See the Vatican, Assisi and more. Details: visit catholicjourneys.com/tour/shrines-of-italy-pilgrimage.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Andrew McQueen Civic Center. Cost: $45/person. Details: (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 7 at Fondren Hall from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Attire: “after five.” Details: Christ the King church office (601) 948-8867.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Westin Jackson. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4pGfEAc for more info.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

MERIDIAN – Knights of Columbus Mash Bash Blood Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the K of C Hall. Details: schedule through vitalant.org.

PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.