Monthly Archives: October 2015

Diocesan youth contribute chapter to book

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By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – A group from the Diocese of Jackson contributed to a book to be used by the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) nationally during Lent and Easter Season in 2016. Veronica López, an associate in the diocesan Office of Hispanic ministry, and 11 other young Hispanic adults from the diocese traveled to Shreveport in September to finish writing and submit chapter six of the book “Mercy:  Seeing all with God’s eyes.”
Each one of them wrote a part of chapter six, titled “Mercy Missioners,” during several meetings and then gathered and edited the text for the book that will be presented to them already published in a workshop to be held in St. Augustine, Fla., in February 2016.
On Oct. 3, Izamar Mazy, a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, on behalf of the Jackson diocese, presented a copy of chapter six to Dr. Juan José Rodríguez, SEPI’s Hispanic regional youth and young adults coordinator. He will take all the chapters back to SEPI where they will be integrated into one book. Each year since 1980, SEPI has coordinated the preparation and publication of a book in which young people apply the paschal mystery to a topic that they themselves choose and that they believe to be of importance and relevance in their own    lives.
To initiate the process of writing, adult counselors and some youth representatives meet in the spring to select a topic. During two more meetings participants worked on the text of their specific chapter coached by adult counselors who guide them to study different aspects of the selected topic, looking into the subject to which the pascal mystery will be applied.
In previous years they have dealt with different subjects such as freedom, love, community, identity and evangelization.
This book will be used in dioceses throughout the southeastern United States who use SEPI for catechesis and leadership training during the Easter of 2016. Each week consists of dynamics and activities that are carried out in the group to better understand the message.
The book uses church documents on the subject studied, testimonies, thoughts or ideas offered by the young people to delve into the issue selected. It also includes prayers, songs, activities and projects to be conducted outside of the meetings.
When the finished book is presented to them in February, the youth will be trained on how to use it and how to promote it in their own parishes during the Easter season. This helps the young people go from being parishioners to contributors and eventually to community leaders in their faith communities.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, in Jackson, during a meeting of Hispanic leaders in which pastors, lay eccesial ministers and Bishop Joseph Kopacz participated, López gave an overview of the process of writing, editing and using this Lenten resource which will be published both in English and Spanish. She encouraged Hispanic leaders to use the book and told them if they are interested she would visit their communities and show them how to use it.

McGowan named Migrant Center leader

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By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – Amelia McGowan is the new program director of Catholic Charities’ Migrant Support Center.
Previously, McGowan worked at the immigration program for Catholic Charities in Baton Rouge and at her own law firm in Vicksburg mainly dealing with immigration cases.
Since she is an attorney, the center will be able to represent people in court regarding their immigration cases, such as removal proceedings, especially children who entered the United States alone and were caught at the border, or for those who are here without proper documentation.
“We can now represent them in court and try to protect them from deportation and if possible, help them to get permanent residence or asylum,” she said. Chances of being able to stay in this country are higher if people are represented by an attorney because many who go to court don’t know how to navigate the system, they are scared and don’t speak the language.
“In some cases there are special options for adults, those who are being abused or are victims of a crime. We can help them with their immigration status,” she said.
The center also has two new bilingual associates, Elizabeth Adams who is a case manager, and Margaret Drummond as the administrative assistant.
Both will be able to assist with translation of documents such as marriage licenses, birth certificates, divorce papers and death certificates.
McGowan is also excited because in January of 2016 the center will begin a partnership with Mississippi College School of Law. She is going to hold an immigration law clinic for students and after that three or four of the students are going to assist at the center with some cases.
She also noted that the center received a grant from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), an organization that promotes the dignity and protects the rights of immigrants in partnership with a network of Catholic and community legal immigration programs. With the grant, she said, the center was able to hire Mathew Young, who will help with outreach and case management.
McGowan said the center is available to offer workshops on any immigration issue at the parishes. “We want to increase our outreach and let people know we are here to help them with their cases.”
The cost of the initial visit for casework is $40 and the total cost depends in each particular case but McGowan said their services are less expensive that those of other immigration attorneys. “We are very affordable.”
Other services the Migrant Support Center offers include: petition for alien relative, adjustment of status, affidavit of support, visitor’s visa, work authorization renewal, extension of stay, self-petition of domestic and Temporary Protected Status.
The office is located in the Catholic Charities building at 200 North Congress Street in Jackson. For information call 601-948-2635.

Pair of bishops support Initiative 42

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Bishop Joseph Kopacz joined with Methodist Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr., to support the passage of Initiative 42 on the Nov. 3 statewide ballot. The bishops released a letter detailing why they would like to see an amendment added to the state constitution that would enforce the Mississippi Adequate Education Act.
There has been some controversy about how the ballot is set up. Voters must essentially approve the initiative two times. First, for approval of Initiative Measure No. 42 or Alternative Measure No. 42A, which was passed by the Legislature and then, further down the ballot vote again for Initiative Measure No. 42.
Here is the text of the bishops’ letter:
Dear Friends in Christ,
“Any long-term solution to poverty in this country must pay serious attention to education, public and private, in school and out of school.  Lack of adequate education, especially in inner city setting, prevents many poor people from escaping poverty.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote these words in a document called Economic Justice for All, but they are especially apt to a discussion of education in Mississippi.
The bishops go on to say, “Since poverty is fundamentally a problem of powerlessness and marginalization, the importance of education as a means of overcoming it cannot be overemphasized.” We affirm this notion and wish to put our full support behind Initiative 42, the ballot initiative meant to ensure full funding for education in the Magnolia State.
We find equal support from the United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline.
“We believe that every person has the right to education. We also believe that the responsibility for education of the young rests with the family, faith communities, and the government. In society, this function can best be fulfilled through public policies that ensure access for all persons to free public elementary and secondary schools and to post-secondary schools of their choice.”
Education is the path out of poverty. It empowers individuals and communities, helps people get better jobs and helps equal the playing field for everyone. We cannot have strong schools unless we provide the resources the schools need to properly educate students, pay for good teachers, supplies and training. Initiative 42 is a way to do that.
We know that racial inequalities manifest themselves in the education system in Mississippi. Approximately three-quarters of majority white school districts are rated A or B while in majority African American Districts less than 10 percent of the schools are rated A or B. Advocates attempted to equal the playing field by passing the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), but lawmakers have consistently refused to follow the law they themselves passed.
The MAEP has only been fully funded twice since its inception. Over time, the cumulative effects of underfunding the formula have had disproportionate effects on schools in low-income communities, which are typically minority communities experiencing population loss that have limited means to make up the difference through local property taxes.
Initiative 42 simply asks lawmakers to follow the law already in place. We know the MAEP formula was designed to address inequities in education funding, ensuring that children in the most impoverished and vulnerable communities have the same access to education as every other Mississippi child.
We would like to urge the faithful in our communities to support Initiative 42 on Nov. 3, and encourage you research the ballot itself, which could be misleading. Voters must approve the amendment to the constitution and then vote in favor of the initiative. This is an opportunity to move Mississippi forward as a united community.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Joseph Kopacz
Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Miss.

Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr.
Resident Bishop
Mississippi Area
The United Methodist Church

USCCB team visits migrant workers

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By Elsa Baughman and Maureen Smith
JACKSON/CANTON – Representatives from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration and Refugee Services spent five days in the Diocese of Jackson in October. They went out into the fields and production facilities in and around Bruce, Houston, Canton, Vardaman, Greewood and other sites in the Delta as well as paying a visit to Jackson. Bishop John R. Manz, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, led the team. He was joined by Sister Joanna Okereke and David Corrales of the USCCB and Sister Miriam Bannon of the Catholic Migrant Farmworkers Association. Sisters Maria Elena Mendez and Josefina Garcia of the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Jackson accompanied the team on their tour and Bishop Joseph Kopacz was able to join them a couple of times during the visit.
“Every year, usually in the fall, we go somewhere we know migrants are working,” said Bishop Manz. “We want to be supportive to the local church. Sometimes the local church is unaware of migrants in their area, sometimes they are and we support the bishop in his efforts.”
Bishop Manz was complimentary of the work being done in this diocese both by the Office of Hispanic Ministry and the ministers he met during his visit. “Your bishop impresses me. His Spanish is good. His way with people is good. People respond to someone who is open and any effort to learn the language is good. You don’t have to speak it perfectly, if you try it makes a difference,” said Bishop Manz.
Bishop Manz started the tour in Canton on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 11. He celebrated Mass at many of the places he visited, often setting up in a field or community center since the migrants he was visiting were in the fields working. “We go to listen to the people, to find out what they are going through and hear their challenges and to hear the good things,” he said.
At one site the workers were harvesting mustard greens. Bishop Manz described it as back-breaking ‘stoop labor.’ “The foreman let them stop so we could sit down and talk to them,” said the bishop.
Sister Méndez said she was impressed by the many hours and the conditions in which these migrant workers labor. “They start working very early in the morning and they usually don’t know at what time they will finish.” The hours they work depend on the weather and the production, she noted. They don’t have days to rest, unless it rains, she said.
Deborah Holmes, lay ecclesial minister at Bruce St. Luke the Evangelist hosted one of the visits. She said this spring the weather made planting very difficult and some farms were running 24-hours a day in shifts to try and get the crops planted. “I think it was important for the ministers to see this group and be able to say ‘someone who speaks my language is interested in what I am doing,’” Homes said. “It is important for them to know someone cares,” she added.
At the places they visited in Vardaman, Bruce, Cleveland and the Delta area, Bishop Manz spoke mainly with a manager or foreman since the migrants were harvesting. According to Sister Méndez, they stopped briefly for the bishop to greet them and give them a blessing in one of the fields. In Bruce, Mass was at 6 p.m. “Many of our people came right out of the fields. Others could not come because they had to stay and keep working so they sent a child to represent their family. They felt it was important enough to send a child to represent the family. We didn’t expect that, “said Holmes. Those who could come are still talking about it. “They hung on every word. The fact that he stayed to talk to them after Mass – well, many of them just came up to hug him (Bishop Manz),” said Holmes.
Later they visited a catfish farm where they learned about the process of growing catfish. In Cleveland they toured a vegetable farm.
Sister Méndez said these migrants come to the United States with working visas and after about 10 months have to go back to their countries and reapply to come back the following year.
“I would like for all of us to remember, especially during this Thanksgiving celebration, all these people who work so hard and often under deplorable conditions to grow what we eat without even thinking or knowing about their efforts,” Sister Méndez said.
Sister Garcia said she felt bad to see them so sad and looking tired. “We wanted to talk to them using nice words but seeing their faces so sad I thought that there were no words that could bring them joy,” she said, noting that the bishop’s visit was like a ray of light, like a consolation, it said ‘somebody cares about us, they come to see the place where we work, we matter.’ “At the end we saw many of them smiling and they thanked us for visiting them.”
Holmes said this visit really helped her community. “They try to be invisible, to not draw attention to themselves, but this visit reinforced the message of the Holy Father,” said Holmes. “This was not just our parish, not just this diocese that’s interested in them, but someone on a higher level knows about them and cares about them,” said Holmes.
Bishop Manz, who has been making these visits all across the country for 13 years, agrees. “These people are off the radar. You have to go out and meet them. A lot of them work 10-12 hours a day so pastoral care is difficult — even just to get them to Mass,” he said.
The sisters made a point to also speak with the supervisors at the worksites to remind them that the workers deserve to be treated with dignity. “They work hard and suffer from being away from their families, in a place unknown to them,” she said. “They are also isolated from the rest of the world, they don’t have freedom or time to go any places.”
The sisters are very grateful of all the communities who hosted and collaborated with them during this visit of the USCCB personnel to listen about the immigrants concerns about work and safety related issues.

Called by baptism to seek vocation

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By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
National Vocation Awareness week is an annual opportunity to pray for, dialogue over, and witness to the call of the Lord to each of us that began through faith and Baptism. Since many of us were carried into church for the sacrament of Baptism a genuine response to the Lord must be loving, prayerful and intentional as the years pass. The Harvest Master desires to send workers into his vineyard, in season and out of season, and an essential part of the workforce is the ordained priest.
Who will finish the Eucharist?
Archbishop Oscar Romero was martyred while serving at the altar in the midst of the Eucharistic Prayer. His blood flowed from his heart in harmony with his Lord whose blood and water, flowing from his side on the cross, began the river of martyrdom that has flowed unceasingly for nearly two thousand years.
“This is my body given up for you; this is my blood poured out for you.” Archbishop Romero did not finish the celebration of the Eucharist. Neither was the Eucharist of his funeral Mass finished. Gunfire and death were again present, and people had to rush into the cathedral for cover. Who will finish the Eucharist is the invitation at the heart of the vocation to the priesthood from where the fountain of God’s grace empowers the priest to be a faithful steward of the mysteries of God, the sacraments, a zealous herald of God’s Word and a Servant-Leader who guides the flock in holiness, and inspires the members of the Church, the Body of Christ, to be faithful to their call.
The Eucharist is the re-enactment of the drama of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bishop Oscar Romero and all priests offer themselves with Christ as a peace offering so that the earth might be reconciled with its creator, and sins be forgiven. Who will finish the Eucharist, the fountain of Sacramental life in the Church that will proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes?
The call to priesthood comes alive through prayer, meditation on the Word of God, and discerning dialogue. Pope Francis repeatedly encourages dialogue because it is not about making compromises, nor about negotiation, but about transformation. The deepest truths about an individual’s purpose in life, discerning his or her vocation, are only attainable through patient exchange, building friendship and transforming our hearts and minds.
This process breaks through an individual’s shallow or narrow personal identity and sets him or her free for friendship with God. This is the fertile ground from which a vocation to the priesthood and religious life is nurtured. We all have the privilege and responsibility to answer the question, who will finish the Eucharist?
We know that God’s grace flows through many streams into a person’s life that make a vocation event possible. The most common and ideal font of life is in the family, where people inter-generationally learn to live and love.
The recent canonization of the parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Luis and Zelie Martin in the midst of the Synod on the family, is an outstanding teachable moment by which we see that the vocations of marriage and of the ordained and/or religious are closely bound. The domestic church plants and nurtures the gift of faith in the young child, and this living presence of God can blossom into a desire to give one’s life in service of the Lord in a vocation in harmony with God’s will. Holiness is integral to all vocations, and the marriage covenant, the sacrificial love of husband and wife for one another, gives witness to the love of Jesus Christ for his Church, every moment of every day. The gift of the celibacy in the life of the ordained and consecrated is a clear sign of the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven, and at times a sign of contradiction as gospel values conflict with the world’s values. Both are not mutually exclusive and Saint Therese captures the holiness of her parents in one of her journal entries. “The good Lord gave me a father and a mother more worthy of heaven than of earth.”
A culture for vocations begins at home but is magnified throughout the Church and society as each person in their respective way of life, married, ordained, religious and single become living witnesses of Jesus Christ, in their daily acts of loving service, sacrifice, joys and sufferings. The promise for vocations begins at home, but it takes the whole Body of Christ to bring to fulfillment what God has begun.
The recently completed Synod on the Family will contribute to a renewed love and respect for family life that is essential for the Church and society. In this light it will be a challenge for the Church to lift up with renewed zeal the vocation of marriage and family in our modern world. To do so, is to strengthen the foundation for the call to men and women to the ordained and consecrated way of life. In this Year of Consecrated Life, coupled with the extraordinary work of the Synod on the Family may the Lord strengthen us to wake up the world to all that is good and lasting.
Who will finish the Eucharist? We give thanks to all who continue to serve the Lord in the ordained and religious life, and may we pray ardently for those who are discerning, begging the harvest master to send laborers into the vineyard.

Llamados por el bautismo a discernir vocación

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Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
La Semana Nacional de Sensibilización Vocacional es una oportunidad anual para orar, dialogar y ser testigos de la llamada del Señor a cada uno de nosotros que empieza a través de la fe y el bautismo. Dado que a muchos de nosotros nos llevaron a la iglesia para el sacramento del bautismo una respuesta genuina al Señor debe ser amorosa, de oración e intencional con el pasar de los años. El viñador desea enviar obreros a su viña, en temporada y fuera de temporada, y una parte esencial de la mano de obra es el sacerdote ordenado.

¿Quién terminará la Eucaristía?
El Arzobispo Oscar Romero fue martirizado cuando estaba en el altar en medio de la Plegaria Eucarística. La sangre brotó de su corazón en armonía con su Señor, cuya sangre y agua, brotando de su costado en la cruz, comenzó el río del martirio que ha continuado incesantemente durante casi dos mil años. “Este es mi cuerpo, que será entregado por ustedes; ésta es mi sangre que será derramada por ustedes”. El Arzobispo Romero no finalizó la celebración de la Eucaristía. Tampoco fue finalizada la misa de su funeral. Los disparos y la muerte estaban presentes de nuevo y la gente tuvo que apresurarse a la catedral por seguridad.
Quién terminará la Eucaristía es la invitación en el espíritu de la vocación al sacerdocio desde donde la fuente de la gracia de Dios faculta al sacerdote para ser un fiel administrador de los misterios de Dios, los sacramentos, un celoso heraldo de la Palabra de Dios, y siervo-lider que guia al rebaño en santidad y que inspira a los miembros de la iglesia, el Cuerpo de Cristo, para ser fieles a su llamada.
La Eucaristía es la representación del drama de la pasión, muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo. Oscar Romero y todos los sacerdotes se ofrecen a sí mismos con Cristo como una ofrenda de paz a fin de que la tierra pueda reconciliarse con su creador y los pecados sean perdonados. ¿Quién terminará la Eucaristía, la fuente de la vida sacramental de la iglesia que anunciará la muerte del Señor hasta que él venga?
La llamada al sacerdocio cobra vida a través de la oración, de la meditación de la Palabra de Dios y discerniendo el diálogo. El Papa Francisco repetidamente alienta al diálogo porque no se trata de hacer concesiones, ni sobre la negociación, sino acerca de la transformación. Las verdades más profundas del propósito de vida de un individuo, discerniendo su vocación, sólo son accesibles a través de un intercambio paciente, fomentando la amistad y transformando nuestros corazones y nuestras mentes.
Este proceso se abre paso a través de la superficial o estrecha identidad personal de un individuo y lo deja libre para una amistad con Dios. Este es el terreno fértil del cual una vocación al sacerdocio y a la vida religiosa se alimenta. Todos tenemos el privilegio y la responsabilidad de responder a la pregunta, ¿quién va a terminar la Eucaristía?
Sabemos que en la vida de una persona la gracia de Dios fluye a través de muchos riachuelos que hacen que una vocación sea posible. La más común y la fuente ideal de la vida está en la familia, donde la gente de varias generaciones aprenden a vivir y amar. La reciente canonización de los padres de Santa Teresa del Niño Jesús, Luis Martin y Zelie Martin, en medio del Sínodo de la Familia, es un excelente momento para enseñar que la vocación del matrimonio y de los ordenados y/o religiosos está estrechamente ligada.
La iglesia doméstica planta y nutre el don de la fe en el hijo joven, y esta presencia viva de Dios puede florecer en un deseo de dar la vida en servicio al Señor en una vocación en armonía con la voluntad de Dios. La santidad es parte integral de todas las vocaciones, y el pacto matrimonial, el amor del esposo y de la esposa del uno por el otro, da testimonio del amor de Cristo por su iglesia, cada momento de cada día.
El don del celibato en la vida de los ordenados y los consagrados es un signo claro de la promesa del Reino de los Cielos, y a veces un signo de contradicción cuando los valores evangélicos tienen conflicto con los valores del mundo. Ambos no son mutuamente excluyentes y Santa Teresa capta la santidad de sus padres en una de sus entradas de su diario. “El buen Dios me dio un padre y una madre más dignos del cielo que de la tierra”.
La cultura por las vocaciones comienza en el hogar, pero se amplifica a través de la iglesia y de la sociedad en la medida en que cada persona en su respectiva forma de vida, casada, sacerdote, religioso y soltero llegan a ser  testigos vivos de Jesucristo, en sus actos cotidianos de servicio amoroso, sacrificio, alegrías y sufrimientos. La promesa de las vocaciones comienza en casa, pero le toma a todo el cuerpo de Cristo llevar a cumplimiento lo que Dios ha comenzado.
El recién concluido Sínodo sobre la Familia contribuirá a un renovado amor y respeto por la vida familiar que es esencial para la iglesia y la sociedad. A la luz de esto estará el desafío de la iglesia para levantar con renovado ardor la vocación del matrimonio y la familia en nuestro mundo moderno. Hacer esto es fortalecer las bases para el llamado a los hombres y mujeres al sacerdocio y a la vida consagrada. En este Año de la Vida Consagrada, junto con la extraordinaria labor del Sínodo de la Familia, que el Señor nos fortalezca para despertar al mundo a todo lo que es bueno y duradero.
¿Quién terminará la Eucaristía? Damos las gracias a todos los que continúan sirviendo al Señor en el sacerdocio y la vida religiosa, y que podamos orar fervientemente por aquellos que están discerniendo, mendigándole al viñador para que envíe obreros a la viña.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, sign up days for six-week small group retreat, “33 Days to Morning Glory,” Nov. 3-4. The program begins the week of Nov. 5.
  • GREENWOOD – Diocese of Jackson Black Catholic Day of Reflection, Nov. 6-7, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Sessions with Dr. Timone Davis, retreat minister, youth sessions, prayer, Liturgy, vendors. Cost is $15 for pre-registration and $20 at the door.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, book club discussion of “Leading by Listening” by Luis Antonio Tagle, Monday, Nov. 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the parish center.
  • TUPELO St. James Parish, men’s retreat, Nov. 20-22 at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala. Led by Father Henry Shelton. Registration is $95 per person for double rooms; $150 for private rooms. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and is open to all men of the parish and friends. Contact: David Friloux, 662-21-3742, davidfriloux@comcast.net

PARISH, SCHOOLS & FAMILY EVENTS

  • BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, Thanksgiving Fare,  Sunday, Nov. 8, at noon.
    – Parishioners are invited to participate in the  Christmas Parade this year on Dec. 8. Floats are to be in line by 6 p.m.
  • BOONEVILLE St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Sunday, Nov. 15, Mass with Father Henry Shelton at 11 a.m. followed by lunch and a continuation of the mission, “How Accessible Am I to God?” On this Sunday only Sunday School will be at 9:15 a.m. and there will be no 8:30 a.m. Mass.
  • BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, health walk and pancake breakfast every Monday following the 7:30 a.m. Mass.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Knights of Columbus meeting to decide future of this organization in Clarksdale, Thursday, Nov. 5, beginning with dinner at 6:30 p.m. in St. Elizabeth School cafeteria.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “A Taste of Italy,” lasagna plate and bake sale, Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4:30 – 7 p.m. Plates are $10 in advance, and $11 at the door.
  • CORINTH St. James Parish, family movie night, Friday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
    – The Knights of Columbus Women’s Auxiliary needs donations of crafts and baked goods to be sold at the Green Market Holiday Sale on Nov. 21.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, All Souls Day Mass, Monday, Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel.
    – The burial of pre-term babies from St. Dominic Hospital will be in the cemetery at 5:30 p.m.
    – New and very gently used coats and blankets drive, Sunday, Nov. 8, from 5 – 8 pm. Sponsored by the youth group.
  • GREENVILLE Father Tom Mullally, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, will bless the cemeteries: Delta Memorial Gardens, Nov 8 at 3 p.m.; Lakewood at 3:30 p.m. and Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens at 3:45 p.m.
    – Free healthy eating class on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the hall. Open to everyone.
  • GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish,   Time and Talent Stewardship pancake breakfast, Sunday, Nov. 15, after the 9 a.m. Mass in the Parish Center.
  • GRENADA St. Peter Parish, altar guild selling raffle tickets for a Fontanini Nativity (valued at more than $300). Tickets are $1 each or 12 for $10. Proceeds will be used to repair the altar and purchase linens. Details: Irene Stark, 662-417-0968, Krystal Hogan 251-362-1091.
  • JACKSON St. Dominic Hospital, “Making the holidays joyful (again),” Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 a.m. in St. Dominic Centre. Free. Details: 601-200-6698.
    – “A tribute to Bob Hope and USO,” Monday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. in St. Dominic Centre. Free. Refreshments will be provided. Details: 601-200-6698.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, Hunger Banquet, Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6 – 9 p.m. in Foley Hall. The theme is “My big fat St. Richard wedding.”
  • MERIDIAN All Souls Day Mass, Monday, Nov. 2, at 12:05 p.m. at St. Patrick Cemetery. In case of inclement weather the Mass will be celebrated in St. Aloysius Chapel.
    – 16th annual Fall Musical and Variety Show, Saturday, Nov. 14, at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Reserved tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children through high school. Proceeds benefit St. Patrick School. Details: reserved tickets, Mary Yarger, 601-482-6014.
  • MOUND BAYOU St. Gabriel Mercy Center, Harvest Festival, Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, blood drive, Tuesday, Nov. 17, from noon to 5:45 p.m. Online sign-up at www.bloodhero.com.
    – Healing Hands is collecting baby blankets for distribution in a hospital in Haiti run by Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. Place donations in the box in the O’Connor Family Life Center by Dec. 1.
    – Assumption Parish, Hispanic altar for the Day of the Dead will be on display until Nov. 25.
  • TUPELO St. James Parish, Ladies Club rummage sale, Saturday, Nov 7, from 8 a.m. – noon in the Catholic Life Center. Donations for the food bazaar are needed. Details: Kathy Weatherford, 662-322-2556.
  • YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish Prayer Shawl Ministry will make scarves for the homeless in Yazoo City for Christmas. Parishioners can participate by donating scarves or giving money for supplies. Scarves are due by Dec. 3. Details: parish office, 662-746-1680.

FALL GALA
JACKSON – The Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Fall Gala, Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Capitol Inn. Tickets are $60 per person and $100 per couple and includes food, cocktails, 50/50 split pot raflle, silent auction and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit the renovation of the cathedral. Details: 601-969-3125.

SQUAT & GOBBLE
JACKSON Catholic Charities annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 13, at Old Capitol Inn (new location). Benefits Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Office. Details: Tommy, 601-955-1677.

STARRY NIGHT GALA
MADISON St. Anthony School’s 2015 Starry Night Gala, “Embrace the Moment,” Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. on the school’s campus, 1585 Old Mannsdale Road. Guests will enjoy music and dancing with “D-Play Band,” live and silent auctions, food from the Knights of Columbus and area restaurants, and the $5,000 drawdown. Tickets are $150 per couple. Details: Theresa McMullin, 601-607-7054, www.stanthonyeagles.org.

Six hundred attend Journey of Hope

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Six hundred people packed into the downtown Jackson Marriott to hear Father Jonathan Morris speak at the Catholic Charities Journey of Hope luncheon Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Father Morris talked about his work in the Bronx in New York and as a news analyst for Fox News. He pointed out that Pope Francis has encouraged all the faithful to be people of service to the poor.
He recalled the story of Zacchaeus, in which Jesus calls the tax collector by name and offers to dine with him. Father Morris said the story, and much of what Pope Francis did while he was in the United States, demonstrates the kind of personal interaction and service all Catholics are called to perform.
He said the nation is in a battle for it’s very soul and that the church is trying to be a positive force in that. Father Morris closed by encouraging everyone on hand to donate to the work of Catholic Charities Jackson.
The evening before Journey of Hope, Father Morris hosted a meet and greet at the Old Capitol Inn. Almost 200 bought tickets for the meet for a chance to chat one-on-one with Father Morris and hear more about the work of Catholic Charities.