Category Archives: Diocesan News

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.

Fall Faith Formation Day gathers parish leaders for renewal, connection and new pathways for lay formation

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By Joanna Puddister King
MADISON – Parish leaders from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the annual Fall Faith Formation Day, a one-day workshop hosted each November by the Department of Faith Formation. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together,” invited catechists, youth ministers, DREs and parish volunteers to reflect on their call to accompany the people of God with renewed purpose.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia speaks to faith formators from across the diocese for Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The keynote presenter was Robert Feduccia, a nationally recognized speaker who grew up in Brookhaven and attributes his own call to ministry to formative experiences in the Diocese of Jackson. He opened the day with lively “would you rather” questions that had participants laughing, moving and interacting with one another before leading them into deeper conversations about the heart of ministry.

Feduccia encouraged parish leaders to see themselves not as program directors who simply manage logistics, but as ministry leaders rooted in the church’s tradition and attentive to the lived reality of their parish communities. He noted that Mississippi’s Catholic population, though small and diverse, is uniquely positioned for authentic accompaniment and relationship-based ministry. He urged participants to present the faith as truly good news, helping people encounter Christ rather than focusing solely on intellectual debates or apologetics.

Sister Amelia Breton provided live translation during the keynote, allowing Spanish-speaking participants to engage fully. For the first time, the event also offered breakout sessions presented entirely in Spanish.

Throughout the day, attendees chose from a range of practical workshops addressing real needs in parish life. Presenters included Sister Amelia Breton, who spoke on accompaniment of migrant communities; Rebecca Harris, who discussed parish fundraising and stewardship; Emily Moran, who explored the confirmation journey with young people; Ruth Powers, who addressed reclaiming community life within parishes; Amelia Rizor, who focused on small-group ministry; and Debbie Tubertini, who offered insights on marriage enrichment. Spanish-language sessions were led by Danna Johnson and Raquel Thompson, who both presented on developing community involvement and small groups within parish settings.

In the closing session, Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, introduced the work of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation. She emphasized that one of the most important lessons learned through the diocesan synod and pastoral reimagining process is the need to respond when the faithful are asked to share their needs and hopes. She said the Center represents a concrete response to that input and thanked those who helped develop its formation path.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia engages participants during his keynote presentation at Fall Faith Formation Day on Nov. 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Leaders from parishes across the diocese gathered for a day of workshops, prayer and formation. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

The Bishop Houck Center for Lay Formation is designed to help lay leaders grow in faith, knowledge and service through programs grounded in education, evangelization and leadership development. The initiative builds on Bishop Houck’s legacy of supporting lay ministry and evangelization and offers formation opportunities in both English and Spanish for parish teams and individual leaders across the diocese.

The event closed with a final keynote from Feduccia, sending participants back to their parishes encouraged, energized and reminded that God works powerfully through the faithful who say yes to serving his church.

(To learn more about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation and upcoming opportunities for training and enrichment, visit jacksondiocese.org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.)

Click to see photos from Fall Faith Formation Day 2025

CSA feature: Catholic Charities – Diocese of Jackson

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Catholic Charities continues its mission to serve the poor and vulnerable across all 65 counties. Interim executive director Christina Bach said the agency remains grounded in the national theme: “Love Your Neighbor.”

“Our work is rooted in this call,” Bach said. “We live it out through programs such as adoption and maternity services, counseling and wraparound support, substance-abuse treatment for pregnant and parenting women, foster care for unaccompanied refugee minors, domestic violence and rape crisis services, immigration legal assistance, disaster response and parish-based ministry.”

Christina Bach, interim executive director of Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Diocese of Jackson.

Bach shared a recent example from the Kinship Navigator program, which helps relatives caring for children when parents cannot. The program supported a caregiver who had taken in her sister’s two children while the family was facing homelessness. “When we first met them, they needed housing, move-in assistance, birth certificates, clothing and other essentials,” Bach said. “Kinship was able to pay the deposit and rent so they could secure a place to live.”

The caregiver later told staff, “I appreciate y’all going to bat for me and the kids. I’ve been getting the runaround from others. This is a huge help.” Bach said responses like this show how vital the program is in keeping children connected with relatives instead of entering foster care.

Bach said that poverty and unaddressed trauma continue to be the biggest challenges for many families. “Trauma also has a high cost to individuals and to the community. We work to break those cycles by giving a hand-up, building family capacity, and teaching people to advocate for themselves.”

She emphasized that Catholic Charities aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to help families move toward long-term stability. “We want everyone we meet to be in a better situation than when we met them,” she said.

Bach believes the organization’s long history of responding to underserved needs distinguishes it from others. “We’ve often been approached by community leaders to provide programs no one else is offering,” she said. “We take seriously the call to assist the ‘least of these,’ and we believe all of God’s children deserve love and care.”

Looking ahead, Bach said she finds hope in the new strategic direction emerging nationally. “The message for 2026–2030 is simple: ‘Love Your Neighbor,’” she said. “It is timeless, and I have hope because our community is choosing to move forward with this as our guide.”

She said the Catholic Service Appeal is essential. “The CSA allows us to put funds where they’re most needed,” Bach said. “It helps us sustain the programs doing the most good.”

Bach added one final message: “Catholic Charities is a way for the local community to have a statewide impact.”

Click here to DONATE to the CSA in support of Catholic Charities of Jackson

Homegrown seminarian, Foggo ordained transitional deacon for the diocese

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Surrounded by family, friends, priests, deacons, and fellow seminarians, Will Foggo was ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz ordained Foggo, marking the final stage of formation before his anticipated priestly ordination on May 16, 2026.

Foggo, a lifelong member of the Diocese of Jackson, grew up at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood and attended St. Richard School in Jackson and St. Joseph School in Madison. He later became deeply involved in Catholic Campus Ministry during his years at Mississippi State University, where he first began to sense a persistent call to priesthood.

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz hands the Book of the Gospels to newly ordained Deacon Will Foggo during his Nov. 29 diaconate ordination at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, entrusting him with the ministry of preaching and service. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

“I never had one specific moment,” Foggo said. “It was a series of events and the work of prayer and reflection over the course of a few years that led me to enter seminary.”

During the Rite of Ordination, Father Nick Adam, Director of Vocations, presented Foggo to Bishop Kopacz and testified that he had been found worthy after inquiry among the faithful and those overseeing his formation. The bishop then formally chose Foggo for the Order of the Diaconate.

In his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the foundations of faith laid by Foggo’s family, parish community, and those who walked with him in discernment. He emphasized the distinct call of the diaconate as a ministry “set apart to serve – not above, but at the heart of the church – in service to God’s Kingdom.” He also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s teaching that charity is the “burning heart” of the church’s mission, noting that the diaconate embodies this spirit in a particular way.

Foggo said the Litany of Saints, during which the ordinand lies prostrate before the altar, was especially profound for him. “The Litany has always been my favorite part of any ordination,” he said. “The entire church is praying for the ordinand that he may fully give of himself to the Lord and the church.”

His devotion to prayer has long been central to his discernment. He often turns to the rosary and Eucharistic adoration, describing them as powerful moments of encountering Christ. He also carries a deep affection for St. Joseph – his confirmation saint – drawn to the saint’s humility and quiet strength. Fittingly, Foggo will now return to St. Joseph parish in Starkville, where he was active during his MSU years, to serve as deacon up until his ordination to the priesthood.

During the Litany of Saints, Will Foggo lies prostrate before the altar at his diaconate ordination on Nov. 29 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Foggo said this moment was especially profound for him, as the whole church prays for the ordinand to give himself fully to the Lord. (Photo by Joanna King) View more photos at jacksondiocese.zenfolio.com.

“It is an honor and an act of divine providence that I am able to serve one of the communities that helped to form me,” Foggo said. “I am excited to begin preaching and the sacraments and to get to better know the people I will be serving.”

At the close of Mass, Father Nick expressed gratitude to all who supported Foggo throughout his formation. He noted the joyful presence of Foggo’s family – including his parents, John and Sheila Foggo – and shared a memory of the day Chris Diaz, who proclaimed the first reading at the ordination, brought Will to his office to receive his seminary application.

As Foggo begins his ministry as a transitional deacon, his prayer is simple: “That the Lord will give me the necessary graces to serve His people the best I can and do His will.”

Foggo will serve at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville until his priestly ordination on May 16, 2026, when he will return to the cathedral to be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Jackson.

Click here to view photos from Deacon Will Foggo’s Ordination

Oxford Knights of Columbus support life through ultrasound program

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By Jacob Eftink
OXFORD – For many years, Knights of Columbus Council 10901 has faithfully supported the Oxford Pregnancy Center, a local resource that offers compassionate, confidential and high-quality care to women and families. The center provides free services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound imaging and counseling – all made possible through the generosity of community donors.

Located in an area of visible need and serving a major university community, the center reaches many women in vulnerable situations. The nearest abortion facility is more than 75 miles away in Memphis, making the Oxford Pregnancy Center’s presence all the more essential.

Recognizing the importance of life-affirming care, the Oxford council partnered with the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Ultrasound Program, which helps pregnancy centers obtain state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. In 2018, after a survey conducted by the Diocese of Jackson, the Oxford Pregnancy Center qualified for the program and dedicated its first ultrasound machine that December.

By 2024, the center’s leadership identified the need for an upgraded machine to continue providing the highest level of care. Once again, Council 10901 stepped forward. Through its major fundraiser – the St. John’s Knights of Columbus Car Parking Event – the council raised about $30,000, covering half the total cost. The Supreme Council’s Ultrasound Program matched the amount, bringing the final purchase price to $59,243.

OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus Council 10901 recently donated a new ultrasound machine to the Pregnancy Center of Oxford. On Nov. 13, Father Mark Shoffner blessed the machine during a small gathering. Pictured from left are Danielle Lewis, Theodore Cutcliffe, Father Mark Shoffner, Father Robert Antony, Louis Cutcliffe and Grand Knight Jim Herzog. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Newsom)

The collaboration among the Oxford Pregnancy Center, the Diocese of Jackson, the local council and the Supreme Council was a testament to faith in action and a shared commitment to the sanctity of life.
The new ultrasound machine was dedicated Nov. 13, 2025, at a ceremony held at the Oxford Pregnancy Center. Father Mark Shoffner offered a blessing over the machine, and attendees included staff, board members, parishioners from St. John’s Catholic Church, and members of Council 10901.

A highlight of the celebration came when the center’s sonographer demonstrated the clarity of the new equipment, showing guests the vivid images it produces. She noted that the difference in image quality was dramatic – and potentially life-changing.

As one Knight observed, “The ultrasound room is truly sacred space – where decisions for life are made every day.”

Through their faith, generosity and unity, the Oxford Knights of Columbus and their partners have once again brought hope, compassion and life-affirming care to their community.

Carmelite community celebrates first vows of Sister Marie Claire

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By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – The small community of Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Jackson celebrated a milestone in their monastery on Saturday, Nov. 22, as Sister Marie Claire professed her first vows during a quiet morning ceremony in the chapel.

Originally from the Congo, Sister Marie Claire made her temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before a small gathering that included members of the Carmelite Seculars and supporters from the greater Jackson community. After Mass, she greeted guests with a radiant smile, wearing a crown of flowers symbolizing her vocation as a bride of Christ and her commitment to a life of purity and devotion.

Sister Marie Claire and Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Nov. 22. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Founded in 1951, the Carmelite monastery has long served the diocese as a place of contemplation, where the nuns devote their lives to prayer, silence and simplicity in service to the People of God.

For those present, the ceremony was a moment of deep joy and inspiration.

“It was a day of great joy,” said Dorothy Ashley, a Carmelite Secular. “I praise God for her vocation and will be praying for her – and hope she’ll be praying for us too.”

For Taylor Coe, who entered the church this past Easter, witnessing his first profession of vows was especially moving. “It was a very enlightening experience,” he said. “Seeing someone commit their entire life to God was beautiful. The nuns have been such a blessing in my life, especially their prayers and their presence.”

The Carmelite community continues to welcome visitors seeking quiet, prayer and the presence of Christ – a mission they describe as sharing “an overflow of contemplation” with the world.

‘Hope does not disappoint:’ A Jubilee for the history books

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By Junno Arocho Esteves
(OSV News) – In his papal bull proclaiming the Jubilee Year, the late Pope Francis emphasized the theme of hope, a much-needed virtue in a time of uncertainty, war and tribulation.

Yet in “Spes Non Confundit” (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), the pope unknowingly described what many Catholics would feel in the year to come.

“Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring,” he wrote.

While the intense monthly schedule of Jubilee events was worrisome, there was still the hope that the ailing pontiff would be able to participate.

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Jackson prepare to enter the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, led by Bishop Joseph Kopacz in October 2025. (Photo by Abbey Schuhmann)

However, those hopes were dashed once his health took a turn for the worse in February, and on April 21, just one day after delivering what would be his final Easter Sunday “urbi et orbi” blessing, Pope Francis died.

For Archbishop Rino Fisichella, organizer of the Jubilee 2025 events and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, the pope’s death “created a silence that was felt in the streets of Rome and the world, as well as in every Christian community.”

In an interview via email Dec. 3, Archbishop Fisichella told OSV News that it was in those days of mourning that “the motto of the Jubilee took on a different light.”
“The faithful understood that Christian hope is not a sentiment, but a promise,” he said.

Interregnum
Despite his ill health, Pope Francis’ death still came as a shock to many and triggered a series of events that occurred only once in the Catholic Church’s history.

The last time the death of a pope and the election of his successor occurred in a Jubilee Year was in 1700 with the death of Pope Innocent XII and the election of Pope Clement XI.

Aside from the uncertainty regarding who would be the next leader of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Fisichella acknowledged that it “was useless to deny” that the interregnum period caused “a certain objective difficulty.”

Alessandro Gisotti, deputy editorial director of Vatican Media, told OSV News Nov. 11 that the Jubilee faced challenges even before the pope’s death.

“When the pope was at Gemelli Hospital, the Jubilee continued, but without the pope, it was naturally more subdued,” Gisotti said.

For both Archbishop Fisichella and Gisotti, the death of Pope Francis and the conclave and election of Pope Leo XIV did not stop the Jubilee but instead redefined it.

Despite the demanding schedule, the archbishop added, “Pope Leo XIV accepted the calendar without fear and, from the beginning, chose to maintain the programmed Jubilee commitments.”

A door opened, a door closed
In December 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s, marking the beginning of the Jubilee. The task of closing that door now falls to his successor, Pope Leo XIV.

For Archbishop Fisichella, the fact that Pope Francis would not be the one to end the Jubilee of Hope is one of “profound symbolic value.”

“Let this unfinished gesture become an invitation for every believer: The mission of the church never closes,” he said.

“Crossing the Holy Door means assuming the responsibility to bring hope where it is missing,” he said.

“The ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ return to their dioceses with a stronger sense of belonging and, above all, with the awareness that daily witness is the first place of evangelization.”

(Junno Arocho Esteves writes for OSV News from Malmö, Sweden.)

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

CANTON – Sacred Heart, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 859-3749.

CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Advent Confessions, Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 4-6:30 p.m. Several priests will be available.

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.

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

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

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.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Christmas Bingo Night, Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Fun for the whole family, with prizes, concessions and more. Details: church office (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Carmelite Monestary, during this holiday season, they are currently taking orders for their famous Rum Cakes and Brown Breads. To order yours, please call the Gift Shop at (601) 373-1460 during store hours (Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. When you pick up your order check out the wonderful gift shop. Details: www.jacksoncarmel.com or (601) 373-1460.

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

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 12-5 p.m. 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 so much more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising efforts. Application packets available in the parish office. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.

PEARL – St. Jude, Posadas, Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

EMPLOYMENT
DIOCESE – The Diocese seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes/schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/life-health-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS – The Diocese seeks qualified, faith-filled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details, visit jacksondiocese.org/administrator-employment.

Fall Faith Formation Day gathers parish leaders for renewal, connection and new pathways for lay formation

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By Joanna Puddister King
MADISON – Parish leaders from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the annual Fall Faith Formation Day, a one-day workshop hosted each November by the Department of Faith Formation. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together,” invited catechists, youth ministers, DREs and parish volunteers to reflect on their call to accompany the people of God with renewed purpose.

The keynote presenter was Robert Feduccia, a nationally recognized speaker who grew up in Brookhaven and attributes his own call to ministry to formative experiences in the Diocese of Jackson. He opened the day with lively “would you rather” questions that had participants laughing, moving and interacting with one another before leading them into deeper conversations about the heart of ministry.

Feduccia encouraged parish leaders to see themselves not as program directors who simply manage logistics, but as ministry leaders rooted in the church’s tradition and attentive to the lived reality of their parish communities. He noted that Mississippi’s Catholic population, though small and diverse, is uniquely positioned for authentic accompaniment and relationship-based ministry. He urged participants to present the faith as truly good news, helping people encounter Christ rather than focusing solely on intellectual debates or apologetics.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia engages participants during his keynote presentation at Fall Faith Formation Day on Nov. 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Leaders from parishes across the diocese gathered for a day of workshops, prayer and formation. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

Sister Amelia Breton provided live translation during the keynote, allowing Spanish-speaking participants to engage fully. For the first time, the event also offered breakout sessions presented entirely in Spanish.

Throughout the day, attendees chose from a range of practical workshops addressing real needs in parish life. Presenters included Sister Amelia Breton, who spoke on accompaniment of migrant communities; Rebecca Harris, who discussed parish fundraising and stewardship; Emily Moran, who explored the confirmation journey with young people; Ruth Powers, who addressed reclaiming community life within parishes; Amelia Rizor, who focused on small-group ministry; and Debbie Tubertini, who offered insights on marriage enrichment. Spanish-language sessions were led by Danna Johnson and Raquel Thompson, who both presented on developing community involvement and small groups within parish settings.

In the closing session, Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, introduced the work of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation. She emphasized that one of the most important lessons learned through the diocesan synod and pastoral reimagining process is the need to respond when the faithful are asked to share their needs and hopes. She said the Center represents a concrete response to that input and thanked those who helped develop its formation path.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia speaks to faith formators from across the diocese for Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Nov. 15. (Photo by Joanna King)

The Bishop Houck Center for Lay Formation is designed to help lay leaders grow in faith, knowledge and service through programs grounded in education, evangelization and leadership development. The initiative builds on Bishop Houck’s legacy of supporting lay ministry and evangelization and offers formation opportunities in both English and Spanish for parish teams and individual leaders across the diocese.

The event closed with a final keynote from Feduccia, sending participants back to their parishes encouraged, energized and reminded that God works powerfully through the faithful who say yes to serving his church.

(To learn more about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation and upcoming opportunities for training and enrichment, visit jacksondiocese.org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.)

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