Category Archives: Diocesan News

Golf, giving and community highlight Bishop’s Cup tournament on Sept. 11

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By Staff Reports
JACKSON – Get ready for a day of golf, giving and good company at the 43rd annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament. Set for Thursday, Sept. 11, at Lake Caroline Golf Club, this longstanding tradition invites players of all experience levels – men and women – to enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition and community.

Steve Carmody, who has led the tournament for more than 33 years, said, “We’re grateful for the incredible support this tournament receives. It’s a fun and meaningful way to bring people together while supporting the needs of our parishes and schools. We look forward to seeing Bishop Kopacz and so many familiar faces on the course.”

bit.ly/BishopsCup2025

Whether an avid golfer or just in it for fun, the Bishop’s Cup has something for all. Tee-off begins at 1 p.m., and participants can register individually or with a team. Registration is $200, and priests play for free. Also, the excitement builds with a $10,000 hole-in-one prize waiting on the course.

Registration includes a pre-tournament lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, snacks and drinks throughout the course, a commemorative golf towel and balls, and dinner with two drink tickets at The Mermaid Café.

Not a golfer? Dinner-only tickets are available for $40 and include both silent and live auctions to support a meaningful cause.

Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation, said, “We’re thrilled to see the Bishop’s Cup continue to grow year after year. It’s always a joy to welcome back our supporters and sponsors, whose generosity makes this day – and our mission – possible.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Dave Cowger Memorial Trust, which provides funding for impactful grant projects throughout the diocese, and the Youth Ministry Trust, which supports retreats and programs such as the youth convention, fall junior high retreat, and SEARCH.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels. To register or become a sponsor, visit bit.ly/BishopsCup2025. The committee is also collecting items for this year’s auctions. To donate or help assemble a themed auction package with friends, contact Rebecca Harris at (601) 960-8477.

Mark your calendars and gather your foursome – it’s going to be a day to remember on the green!

Pastoral Assignments

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Rev. Marvin Gyasie, SVD, appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish in Vicksburg and Administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Port Gibson, effective July 1.
Deacon Anthony Schmidt appointed to serve in diaconal ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Gluckstadt, effective August 1.

CSA feature: A heart for faith and formation

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For more than two decades, Michelle Harkins has been a steady and faithful presence at St. James Parish in Tupelo, Mississippi. From full-time volunteer to trusted parish leader, her ministry has touched the lives of countless families – and it all began with a mother’s simple “yes.”

Her ministry started with a desire to support her children’s faith journey.

“I felt it was crucial, as a parent, to be involved and active,” she said.

That involvement soon grew into teaching CCD classes, working with the Catholic Youth Program and eventually leading the parish’s Protection of Children ministry.
Over the years, Harkins’ own faith has deepened.

“Working with the youth helps me learn more so I can give a simple answer to what they may find a difficult question,” she said.

She speaks with great pride about the bonds that are built through ministry – connections that last well beyond confirmation or graduation.

“The moments I treasure most are when I’m told, ‘Thank you for being there with me through it all. Thank you for your time and understanding,’” Harkins said.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of her ministry has been seeing the full circle of faith lived out in the lives of the young people she once taught.

“There are so many stories,” she said. “But the ones that stand out are those I walked with through faith formation and now they walk with me as adult teachers and chaperones. Lauren Pound, Patrick Dye, Denise Burnley … they were ‘my kids’ and today they are young adults who are constant and present for the youth in our parish. It’s amazing and beautiful to see the full circle come to completion with the Catholic faith as their strong foundation.”

Harkins’ ministry is one of many supported by the Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), which funds programs and services throughout the Diocese of Jackson. She believes in it wholeheartedly and encourages others to give.

“The CSA provides so much more than people realize,” she said. “Please give and take the time to find out all the various and beautiful opportunities it supports across the diocese. It continues to provide for our retired priests like Father Henry Shelton – who is retired, yet still faithfully serves St. James.”

“To those who give to CSA and those considering a gift,” she added, “know in your heart that you are serving others in our diocese in so many ways. If you want to understand all that the CSA does, take the time to do your research. Contact the diocese. Ask questions. You’ll find that you are giving to a truly great cause.”

As Harkins continues her ministry, her story stands as a testament to the lasting impact one person can have on a faith community – and the ripple effect of generosity shared through initiatives like the Catholic Service Appeal.

The annual Catholic Service Appeal unites Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson to support 14 vital ministries that serve local communities. From faith formation and youth ministry to seminarian education and clergy healthcare, these initiatives help carry the Gospel’s message to those in need throughout the diocese. Give today to help these ministries thrive.

Click here to DONATE to the CSA in support of faith formation

FEATURE PHOTO: … Early Learning Center Staff Formation

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JACKSON – Educators from the Diocese of Jackson’s Early Learning Centers gathered July 28 at Christ United Methodist Church for their annual professional development. The Office of Catholic Education partnered with the Little Light House of Central Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center to provide training on Child Find, social-emotional therapy techniques and CARES behavior strategies. (Photo by Rachel Patterson)

Característica de CSA: Formación en la fe con Michelle Harkins

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Durante más de dos décadas, Michelle Harkins ha sido una presencia constante y fiel en la parroquia de St. James, en Tupelo, Misisipi. Desde voluntaria a tiempo completo hasta líder parroquial de confianza, su ministerio ha influido en la vida de innumerables familias, y todo comenzó con un simple “sí” de una madre.

Su ministerio comenzó con el deseo de apoyar el camino de fe de sus hijos.

“Sentí que era crucial, como madre, involucrarme y participar activamente”, afirma.

Esa implicación pronto se convirtió en impartir clases de catequesis, colaborar con el Programa Juvenil Católico y, finalmente, dirigir el ministerio de Protección de los Niños de la parroquia.

A lo largo de los años, la fe de Harkins se ha profundizado.

“Trabajar con los jóvenes me ayuda a aprender más para poder dar una respuesta sencilla a lo que para ellos puede ser una pregunta difícil”, afirma.

Habla con gran orgullo de los lazos que se crean a través del ministerio, conexiones que perduran mucho más allá de la confirmación o la graduación.

“Los momentos que más atesoro son cuando me dicen: ‘Gracias por estar ahí conmigo en todo momento. Gracias por tu tiempo y tu comprensión'”, afirma Harkins.

Quizás la parte más gratificante de su ministerio ha sido ver cómo se ha completado el círculo de la fe en las vidas de los jóvenes a los que una vez enseñó.

“Hay tantas historias”, dijo. «Pero las que más destacan son aquellas con las que caminé a través de la formación en la fe y ahora caminan conmigo como profesores y acompañantes adultos. Lauren Pound, Patrick Dye, Denise Burnley… eran “mis hijos” y hoy son jóvenes adultos que están siempre presentes para los jóvenes de nuestra parroquia. Es increíble y hermoso ver cómo se completa el círculo con la fe católica como su sólida base».

El ministerio de Harkins es uno de los muchos que reciben el apoyo de Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), que financia programas y servicios en toda la diócesis de Jackson. Ella cree en ello de todo corazón y anima a otros a contribuir.

“CSA ofrece mucho más de lo que la gente cree», afirma. «Por favor, donen y tómense el tiempo para descubrir todas las diversas y hermosas oportunidades que apoya en toda la diócesis. Sigue proporcionando ayuda a nuestros sacerdotes jubilados, como el padre Henry Shelton, que está jubilado, pero sigue sirviendo fielmente a St. James”.

“A aquellos que donan a la CSA y a aquellos que están considerando hacer una donación”, añade, “sepan en su corazón que están sirviendo a otros en nuestra diócesis de muchas maneras. Si quieren comprender todo lo que hace la CSA, tómense el tiempo necesario para investigar. Pónganse en contacto con la diócesis. Hagan preguntas. Descubrirán que están contribuyendo a una causa verdaderamente grande”.

Mientras Harkins continúa con su ministerio, su historia es un testimonio del impacto duradero que una sola persona puede tener en una comunidad de fe, y del efecto dominó de la generosidad compartida a través de iniciativas como la Catholic Service Appeal.

La Catholic Service Appeal anual une a los católicos de toda la diócesis de Jackson para apoyar 14 ministerios vitales que sirven a las comunidades locales. Desde la formación en la fe y la pastoral juvenil hasta la educación de los seminaristas y la atención sanitaria del clero, estas iniciativas ayudan a llevar el mensaje del Evangelio a los necesitados de toda la diócesis. Done hoy para ayudar a que estos ministerios prosperen.

Haga clic aquí para DONAR a la CSA.

STREAM of success: Two Catholic schools earn national STEM honor

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Two Catholic schools in the Diocese of Jackson have earned national recognition for their focus on science, technology, engineering and math education.

Annunciation School in Columbus and St. Anthony School in Madison recently received STEM certification through Cognia, a global nonprofit that accredits schools and educational institutions. The designation recognizes schools that integrate STEM across student learning and meet rigorous standards for innovation, critical thinking and problem solving.

Annunciation is the first school in the Golden Triangle area, and only the second in Mississippi, to earn the honor. St. Anthony became the first school in the state to achieve certification in 2017 and recently renewed its status.

COLUMBUS – Students at Annunciation School react with excitement during a STREAM lesson that included live turtles. The school recently earned national STEM certification through Cognia. (Photo courtesy of school)

At Annunciation, Principal Joni House said the recognition is a reflection of her teachers’ commitment to preparing students for the future.

“STEM education is imperative in today’s technology-driven world,” House said. “This Cognia certification confirms what we already know here at ACS: that our students leave here able to make an impact on whatever sector they choose to work in.”

The school broadens STEM into STREAM, adding religion and art. Teachers introduce STREAM as early as preschool through lessons that range from solar-powered car projects to science fairs and guest presentations from community members.

“The purpose of STREAM is to teach students how to approach problems using their original ideas,” said Nichole Cancellare, Annunciation’s STREAM coordinator. “While the focus is on STREAM subjects, it can encompass any subject. … Our community is involved in a lot of our activities, including STREAM Days and STREAM Career Expos. We rely heavily on our community partners, such as NASA, Mississippi State University and MSMS, to branch out our STREAM learning and for teacher professional development.”

At St. Anthony, Principal Anne Cowger said the re-certification highlights the school’s commitment to 21st-century learning.

“It affirms to parents, students and stakeholders that we are committed to fostering student engagement, critical thinking, collaboration and strong academic performance,” Cowger said.

Stephanie Brown, dean of academics and STEM certification review coordinator, said St. Anthony weaves its Catholic identity and the arts into STEM to form STREAM.

“When our Catholic identity and commitment to the arts are intertwined with STEM programming, we help students become well-rounded disciples of Christ who have the tools and skills they need to be change makers,” Brown said.

One example was a PreK lesson on “The Three Little Pigs.” After hearing the story, students built houses of straw, sticks and bricks, then designed their own stronger structures. The activity used the engineering design process while also teaching teamwork and respect for one another as children of God.

Cognia’s STEM certification process is based on performance standards that emphasize creating a STEM community, building a learning culture, and providing authentic experiences and outcomes. More than 400 schools worldwide have achieved the recognition.

“High-quality learning can transform lives, communities and the world,” Cognia notes in its standards.

With Annunciation and St. Anthony earning the distinction, Catholic schools in the diocese continue to show that students can be prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world while remaining grounded in faith.

Cognia Accreditation: A mark of excellence for Catholic Education across the Diocese of Jackson

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By Staff Reports
JACKSON – In April 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Catholic Education successfully completed its system reaccreditation with Cognia, a globally recognized mark of educational quality.
First accredited as a system in 2019, the office underwent a comprehensive review that engaged administrators, teachers, students, parents and clergy in evaluating the effectiveness of diocesan educational operations. Through Cognia’s system accreditation, every school – large or small – benefits from consistent standards, aligned goals and the strategic sharing of resources, ensuring excellence across the diocesan network.

Cognia: A Mark of Excellence
Cognia’s accreditation framework draws from more than 130 years of expertise, serving more than 36,000 schools in 90 countries. Through a combination of rigorous standards, research-based tools and personalized professional support, Cognia helps school systems set a high bar for academic achievement and organizational effectiveness.
The result is a visible, global designation that signals to families, educators and the broader community that the system is committed to excellence.

Benefits of Cognia Accreditation
Through system accreditation, the diocese benefits from a single, unified review every six years, replacing multiple individual school visits and saving time, resources and costs.
The process offers:

  • A clear, objective view of what is working well and where improvements are needed.
  • Transparency in policies and procedures, ensuring fairness and consistency across schools.
  • More effective management of human and financial resources to meet the needs of every learner.
  • Stronger collaboration and communication among schools, leaders and teachers.
  • Professional development rooted in real classroom data.
  • Enhanced data analysis to inform decisions and track long-term progress.

Continuous Improvement Journey
Cognia’s accreditation process is built on the belief that improvement is a continuous journey. Evaluators partner closely with schools to conduct a thorough self-assessment grounded in both perception and performance data.
Unlike accrediting bodies that rely on a checklist, Cognia emphasizes meaningful growth and measurable progress. As Cognia affirms: Every institution, regardless of where they are today, can be better tomorrow.
This guiding principle shaped our approach throughout the reaccreditation process, inspiring us to reflect honestly, celebrate strengths and identify new opportunities for excellence.

How Did We Do?
The recent Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review confirms that Catholic schools in the Diocese of Jackson are excelling in many areas while identifying opportunities for continued growth.
The review awarded the diocese an Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 389 out of 400 – well above the Cognia network average of 296.
Key strengths noted include:

  • A deep commitment to Catholic identity.
  • A strong culture of continuous improvement.
  • Active stakeholder engagement.
  • Collaborative professional development.
  • Effective use of data to guide decisions.
    Students benefit from safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments enriched by faith, academic rigor and leadership opportunities.
    Growth areas identified include:
  • Expanding professional learning that promotes student voice and ownership of learning.
  • Encouraging teachers to engage in action research to strengthen instructional practices.
    These recommendations will guide ongoing improvement efforts, ensuring that every child grows academically, socially and spiritually.

Accountability That Inspires Confidence
Choosing Cognia system accreditation is a choice to operate at the highest level of accountability and educational quality. It unites all diocesan schools under one collective vision – fostering a culture where every learner is known, valued and challenged to succeed.
For the families of our diocese, it means confidence that their children are part of a school system that meets rigorous global standards while remaining firmly grounded in the mission of Catholic education.
What are you waiting for? Come join us in spreading the Gospel through academic excellence in our Catholic schools.

(Visit https://jacksondiocese.org/schoolfinder to find one of our Diocesan Catholic Schools today.)

Diocesan seminarians witness history in Rome

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By Madelyn Johnson
JACKSON – Grayson Foley and EJ Martin, seminarians for the Diocese of Jackson currently studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, planned their pilgrimage to Italy months in advance. What they didn’t realize was that their visit would become a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The two were called to join the Pilgrimage of Hope through Rome. After booking their trip in February, they were shocked to learn that a new pope – Pope Leo – had been elected the day before their flight to Rome.

VATICAN CITY – Circled above, seminarians EJ Martin and Grayson Foley of the Diocese of Jackson are pictured among those who served during the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on May 18, 2025. The historic liturgy drew more than 200,000 worshipers, along with global dignitaries, clergy and pilgrims from around the world. (Photo by Julia Mineeva/EGBN TV News/Alamy Live News/Alamy Stock Photo)

While in Rome, Grayson and EJ visited with other seminarians at the Pontifical North American College and spent time with Grayson’s older brother, Sterling Foley, a seminarian with the Legionaries of Christ based at their House of Formation in Rome. The trio toured the city and visited all four major basilicas, walking through each Holy Door during this Jubilee Year.

“We went through all of the basilicas’ Holy Doors, continuously praying for the people back home in Mississippi and those who made the trip possible,” said Grayson Foley.

Shortly after their arrival, news broke that the Installation Mass for Pope Leo XIV – the first American pope – would take place on May 18. The seminarians were faced with a choice: should they stay and serve at the historic Mass? The answer was clear – yes.

Thanks to the hospitality of the Legionaries of Christ seminarians, tickets were secured for EJ, Grayson, and Grant Caillouet, a seminarian from the Diocese of Baton Rouge, to assist with the distribution of Communion during the Installation Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Approximately 200,000 people were in attendance. They were seated to the right of the altar and remained there until the Creed.

“During the Creed of the Mass, we were shuffled back into the adoration chapel within St. Peter’s,” Grayson recalled. “As EJ and I walked into the gigantic empty St. Peter’s, it was the part within the Creed when the words, ‘Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam’ are chanted – which translates to ‘And (I believe in) one holy, Catholic and apostolic church.’ This amazing sight of the Church of St. Peter and how foundational that spot is for the church brought tears to my eyes, but I had to keep it together because we were about to distribute Communion.”

Each seminarian was given 100 hosts to distribute to the crowd of thousands attending the historic Mass. They moved into the crowd calling out “Corpus Christi!” as they gave the Eucharist to the faithful.

“EJ is tall with long arms and he distributed Communion to as many as he could,” said his mother, Dana Martin, who witnessed the event via livestream. “There were barriers holding people behind the pathway and EJ kept pushing through the crowd with Communion – Corpus Christi! Corpus Christi! Corpus Christi!”
After they finished distributing the hosts, the crowd separated them. Grayson found his way back inside St. Peter’s and witnessed Pope Leo greeting dignitaries from around the world, including the King and Queen of Spain.

From left, seminarians EJ Martin and Grayson Foley, both of the Diocese of Jackson, and Sterling Foley of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome, share a moment together in St. Peter’s Square amid the crowds. (Photo courtesy of Laura Foley)

EJ reflected, “Being so close to the installation of the first American pope was incredible. Praying with Jesus in my hands in an empty St. Peter’s was incredible. But the most incredible part was distributing Communion to the people. How joyful they were to receive Jesus at that Mass. These people had probably been waiting five-plus hours for this opportunity. Such a blessed experience – one I will never forget.”

EJ and Grayson were honored to be part of such a profound moment in church history and are thankful to all who supported them in making the pilgrimage possible. As they continue their formation for the priesthood with the Diocese of Jackson, they carry with them the joy of having served Christ and His church in the heart of St. Peter’s – an experience that deepened their call and strengthened their commitment to serve God’s people.