Category Archives: Featured

Youth – SEEK24 and High School Confirmation retreat

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SEEK24

ST. LOUIS, MO – Ole Miss students from the College Campus Ministry through St. John Oxford participated in the annual SEEK24 Conference. The group is pictured at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. (Photo courtesy of Alex Barfield)

By Alex Barfield
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – College students from Mississippi joined approximately 20,000 others for a five-day conference focused on faith in St. Louis from Jan. 1-5.

The University of Mississippi brought a group of 18 students, and Mississippi State brought about 80 students.

SEEK is a national conference organized by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).
Each day, students attended Mass in the former hockey arena, listened to speakers like Father Mike Schmitz, and formed community with the universal church.

“SEEK was the most incredible experience that I had no idea I needed so much! Getting to hear the most amazing speakers, meeting so many people on fire for the Lord, and singing and worshipping alongside 20,000 other students truly made me fall in love with the Catholic Church in a whole new way,” said Olivia DeGravelle, sophomore.

“SEEK 24 was yet another reminder to me that the Catholic Church is alive and thriving! I encountered Christ through the many interactions I had with fellow college students, through powerful speakers, and through the sacraments. The Holy Spirit is undoubtedly doing incredible things,” said, Frank Galeziewski, senior.

A yearly event, the SEEK conference will be held in Salt Lake City, UT as its main location in January 2025.

(Alex Barfield is the campus minister at The University of Mississippi through St. John the Evangelist parish in Oxford.)

High School Confirmation Retreat – MACON

St. Michael parish in Forest

MACON – A group of youth from St. Michael parish in Forest participate in group circle time at the annual diocesan Confirmation retreat.(Photos courtesy of Fran Lavelle)

St. Peter parish in Grenada

MACON – A group from St. Peter Grenada participate in the annual Confirmation retreat at Lake Forest Ranch. (Photos courtesy of Fran Lavelle)

Youth – Catholic Schools Week in pictures

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COLUMBUS – Annunciation

COLUMBUS – Annunciation School second grader, Garrison Westby celebrated “In Our Nation” day during Catholic Schools Week.
(Photos by Jacque Hince)

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth School students celebrated their community during Catholic Schools Week. Pictured are members of the sixth grade class volunteering at a Local Care Station. (Photos by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)

MADISON – St. Anthony

MADISON – St. Anthony School celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a special Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Wednesday, Jan. 31. (Photos by Kati Loyacono)

VICKSBURG schools

MADISON – St. Joseph

JACKSON – St. Richard

Catholic Schools Week teachers & students at St. Richard Catholic Church.
Ms. Eve being recognized at Catholic School Week mass for her many years of service at St. Richard Catholic School. (Photos by Chelsea Dillon)

NATCHEZ – Cathedral

Miss. Catholic 2024 Publication Schedule

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The staff at Mississippi Catholic is looking forward to a busy and productive 2024. 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.

The publication schedule for 2024:

PRINT
Friday, Jan. 26
Friday, Feb. 9
Friday, March 8
Friday, April 12
Friday, May 10
Friday, June 14
Friday, July 19
Friday, Aug. 23
Friday, Sept. 13
Friday, Oct. 11
Friday, Nov. 8
Friday, Dec. 6
Friday, Dec. 20


DIGITAL ONLY
Friday, Feb. 23
Friday, March 22
Friday, April 26
Friday, May 24
Friday, Sept 27
Friday, Oct. 25
Friday, Nov. 22

Look for special sections this year marking Catholic Schools Week, the priestly ordination of Tristan Stovall, graduations and the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

Send events and story ideas to editor@jacksondiocese.org. Please, send information three to four weeks before or within one week after an event. Ads are due one week prior to publication, with space reservations due two weeks prior. Visit the paper online at www.mississippicatholic.com.

The staff here at Mississippi Catholic would like to thank you, our readers, for your prayers and support and wish you a blessed New Year.

BE SURE TO JOIN OUR E-NEWS LIST
TEXT MSCATHOLIC TO 84576 OR EMAIL EDITOR@JACKSONDIOCESE.ORG TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST.

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Youth

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Around our Catholic Schools

HOLLY SPRINGS – Teachers at Holy Family School collaborated while starting the process of reviewing the English/Language Arts academic standards on Tuesday, Jan. 2. (Photo courtesy of school)
MADISON – St. Anthony students Hunter Smith, Collin Rayner and Greta Kate Ostrenga work together to build a sailboat during a STREAM lesson on Friday, Jan. 5 at St. Anthony School. (Photo courtesy of school)
JACKSON – Mrs. Sandel’s Pre-K3 class wrapped her in wrapping paper for their Christmas party at St. Richard School. (Photo by Chelsea Dillon)
SOUTHAVEN – For an Advent Service on Dec. 11, each Pre-K through second grade student placed a leaf on a circle on the gym floor to form a wreath. Then the candles were added, followed by the lighting of the candles and the singing of the “Advent Song.” (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue)
MADISON – St. Anthony sixth grade student Natalia Rojas spends time with second grade student Matthew Price preparing for First Reconciliation. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation fourth graders recently participated in a Science Fair. They presented their projects to the entire school and visitors, alike. (Photo by Logan Gentry)

Posadas, Belen and Reyes Magos

By Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – In the Latino Hispanic tradition, Christmas starts with Posadas, weeks ahead of Dec. 25, and ends on Jan. 6 with the celebration of the Epiphany.
Every Christmas season, parishioners decorate the building with nativity scenes, “El Belen” that include each protagonist of the most important event for the Christian community worldwide. The decoration came alive when people started representing the season’s most important moments.
The Posadas (translation for Inn) is a remembrance of the time when Mary and Joseph were looking for a place where pregnant Mary could deliver the baby, but only received rejections.
Posadas are a procession during the night, led by Mary and Joseph’s actors accompanied by people singing villancicos (Carols for this special occasion), and holding candles.
“The Pilgrims…
I’ve asked you for lodging
Dear innkeeper
Because the mother is going to be
The queen of the heavens.
The Innkeepers…
Then if it is a queen
Who requests it
How is it that at nighttime
She’s traveling so alone?”
Posadas are hosted by a family who opened their house’s doors at the end.
At the Christmas vigil, the Nativity scene is alive with people impersonating the story’s characters.
The Epiphany, in most of the towns, is celebrated with a big parade where three people impersonate the Reyes Magos (the wise men), who distribute sweets, and gifts among the crowd. This action is replicated at home by adults giving gifts to children.

PONTOTOC – Parishioners of St. Christopher parish represented the Nativity scene during “Posadas.” (Photo by Aracely Nieves)
PEARL – St Jude parish celebrated “Posadas” on Wednesday, Dec. 20. In front, Jospeh and Mary are looking for a room at the inn. (Photo by Lauren Roberts)

Celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe features celebration of culture, heritage

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By Berta Mexidor
NATCHEZ – On Monday, Dec. 11, a vibrant procession coursed through historic downtown Natchez, featuring the revered Our Lady of Guadalupe with a group of devoted Guadalupeans present for the celebration. The culminating event was a Mass presided over by Father Aaron Williams, accompanied by Father Charles Yaklin, IVE, who delivered the homily.

This marked the second instance in which Hispanic Catholics from the Natchez-Vidalia area received the support of Father Williams, of the Basilica of St. Mary, and Father Charles, a monk hailing from St. Joseph Monastery in Natchez.

NATCHEZ – On Dec. 11 the faithful participated in a procession in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, before Mass celebrated by Father Aaron Williams and Father Charles Yaklin, a monk from St. Joseph’s Monastery. (Photo by Berta Mexidor)

Father Charles, who arrived in Natchez two years ago, has been offering Mass in Spanish to the local Catholic community. In his Spanish homily, he emphasized the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stating that her call is for everyone to draw near to Jesus. He highlighted, “She asked to build a temple, not for her glory, not for us to praise her, because she is surrounded by thousands of angels, but the message of her heart is for us to be close to her son, through the Eucharist.”

The successful organization of the 12-day celebration, including Rosaries and traditional dances, is attributed to the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers, notably Lupe Valencia, of Mexican heritage. Valencia led a group of dancers adorned in ponchos featuring the image of Guadalupe, conchas (shells) and tambor (drum), performing various routines in honor of the Virgin Mary.

A separate dance ensemble from Guerrero, Mexico, showcased the tradition of Los Chinelos, a cultural heritage from Morelos, a region in Mexico. Dressed in colorful attire, the group depicted an elderly figure with a long beard, carrying the image of Guadalupe on the back of the cape. They danced joyously to regional music, adding a dynamic element to the festivities.

Valencia received valuable assistance from a dedicated team, including Paola Siles from Nicaragua, Guillermina Vega, and Monzerrat Gonzalez, a mother-daughter duo from Mexico residing in Vidalia. Rosendo Gonzales and Antonio Ortiz carried the image of Our Lady in the procession, while Bettina Coffey provided translation services for Father Williams at the Family Life Center. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt blessing, lively dances and a shared feast in honor of Our Lady.

Youth

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Around our Catholic Schools

JACKSON – St. Richard sixth graders carried on the tradition of putting on the “Manhattan Mall” for the residents of the Manhattan nursing home across from campus. Seniors are able to “shop” for gifts for their loved ones. (Photo by Chelsea Dillon)
MADISON – Student musicians practice for St. Joseph Catholic School’s annual “Gifts of the Season” Christmas concert that took place on Sunday, Dec. 10, in the school Fine Arts auditorium. Pictured are sophomore Talia Ramos, far right, and freshman Mackenzie Maberry rehearsing for “Gifts of the Season.” (Photo courtesy of school)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation dad, James Wagner, teaches students about electricity during a Superhero themed STREAM Day at the school. (Photo by Logan Gentry)

Around the diocese

COLUMBUS – Father Jeffery Waldrep assists Mrs. Ford’s Kindergarten class with their Thanksgiving story bracelets. (Photo by Logan Gentry)
MADISON – St. Anthony School PreK-4 students, Bryan Gardner and Ridge Bond, were excited to find a candy treat and prayer card in their shoes on the Feast of Saint Nicholas on Dec. 6. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)
PEARL – St. Jude youth performed their annual Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 12. (Photo courtesy of Lauren Roberts)
AMORY – The children of St. Helen Church proclaimed the Christmas Story, “Our Chaos, His Peace,” for parishioners and all grandparents following Mass on Dec. 10. Afterwards, they presented grandparents with hand-painted ornaments. High school youth served as lectors, intercession readers and greeters for the Mass. (Photo by Jean Pinkley)

Youth

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Around our Catholic Schools

VICKSBURG – The second grade “Saints Celebration”, with assistance from sophomores, is a wonderful tradition at Vicksburg Catholic School. (Photo courtesy of school)
JACKSON – Kindergarteners at St. Richard School performed “The Great Turkey Day Race” play for school students and families before Thanksgiving break. (Photo by Chelsea Dillon)
WEST POINT – Adults and youth at Immaculate Conception parish get competitive at a game of musical chairs with Father Binh Nguyen at the parish fall festival event. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)
PEARL – Nate Pearson and Jojo Roberts get ready for Christmas at the St. Jude Young Apostles youth center on Wednesday, Nov. 15. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
WEST POINT – Two “Ninja Turtles” play some croquet at Immaculate Conception parish’s annual Fall Fest. (Photo by Cathy Johnson)
SOUTHAVEN – PreK three and four year old students culminated their unit on Nursery Rhymes with a Nursery Rhymes Olympic Day. Pictured: Addison Wade as one of the King’s Men gives her crown to another one of the king’s men to ride off and try to put Humpty dumpty back together again. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick first graders enjoys a super “Saints-giving” party. They learned about their individual saint, dressed as that saint and enjoyed a special snack. (Photo by Kasey Owen)

Families gather for 180th celebration of St. Michael Paulding

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By Tereza Ma and Joanna Puddister King

PAULDING – On Dec. 2, the faithful gathered at St. Michael in Paulding to celebrate at milestone 180th anniversary with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Adolfo Suarez Pasillas. Established in 1843, the parish is the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi, behind St. Mary Natchez.

Paulding was a bustling town with a thriving trade center before the Civil War. At that time, it was known as “the Queen City of the East.” However, by the 1890s as railways became crucial for trade the town turned down a proposed line that would run through town. The commercial importance of the town drastically dropped but the parish continued to thrive and was a “cradle of vocations,” according to Christ: The Living Water by Cleta Ellington.

PAULDING – Judy and Ricky McDevitt present the gifts to Bishop Joseph Kopacz during a Mass celebrating 180 years of St. Michael in Paulding on Saturday, Dec. 2. The McDevitt’s aid with maintenance of the parish in preparation for Masses and special events. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

Over 20 religious came from the parish and included many Sisters of Mercy, Daughters of Charity and Brothers of the Sacred Heart. A plaque honors many of them in the back of the church building.

Therese Bergin Grant remembers when the original church was destroyed by a fire in July 1942 when she was only about four years old. The church was struck by lightning, with only a few items able to be salvaged. “I will never forget those flames,” said Grant. Until a new church was built, Mass was held in a nearby school building.

Bishop Kopacz blesses the feast following Mass in celebration of 180 years of St. Michael parish. Pictured on the far left is William Harrington, one of the decendants of Michael and Rebecca Harrington, who were one of the original families at the founding of the church in 1843.

Grant also fondly remembered her childhood at the church, walking over three miles to celebrate Mass as a child, with the occasional ride from her first cousin on his shoulders.
“It was fun,” said Grant. “It’s been quite a journey through life, but I always come back to St. Michael’s.”

St. Michael also is home to a Catholic cemetery dating back to the 1860s that contains burial sites for many of the founding families of the parish. Several families present at the 180th anniversary Mass had ancestors buried in the cemetery dating back to the founding of the parish – including the Harrington, Bergin and Finnegan families.

Donnie Bergin was baptized in the church in the 1950s and remembers his pastor at the time – Father Gabriel – pointing you out if you made too much noise in church. He said that around that time about one-third of the church was full of Bergin’s – many of whom are buried in the cemetery today.

Also present at the celebration was Paula Finnegan Phillips. She said that 99% of her family members are buried in the St. Michael cemetery. She was so touched by the Mass celebrated with Bishop Kopacz and so many families present that have been apart of the parish for generations.

“It’s just very spiritual when you come to this church. It’s like you can see those who have past at Mass with you. God talks. Jesus talks. The Holy Spirit talks – when you come here. And I heard it today,” said Phillips.
At present, Father Adolfo celebrates Mass at the historic St. Michael Church on the first and third Saturday of each month. Though many of the families present at the 180th celebration are members of other parishes within the Diocese of Biloxi, that borders close by, they all seem to come back to St. Michael; and feel as Therese Bergin Grant – “It’s home.”

Full pews and hearts abound at St. Michael Paulding, the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi.