Monthly Archives: August 2017

Donate to Seminarian Endowment, Catholic Extension will add to gift

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson is sending ten sons to college this year. Some of them are pursuing an undergraduate degree while others seek advanced studies in theology, philosophy, liturgy and ministry. All of them intend to spend their lives in service to the church, in fact, most of them spent the summer serving at parishes across the state.
As the seminarians report back to Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, St. Joseph Seminary college in Benedict, La., and Sacred Heart Seminary in Wisconsin, the costs begin to add up. Of course, the return on the investment is out of this world, but, the bills are pretty steep in the meantime. The diocese will pay $325,000 this year on seminary education.
The diocese featured snippets from the seminarians’ summer assignments on the facebook page for the last couple weeks. Among the more far-flung adventures were Tristan Stovall’s nine-day wilderness hike with COR International, Andrew Nguyen’s participation in the Institute for Priestly Formation at Creighton University and Aaron Williams’ continuing studies at the Liturgical Institute. Closer to home, Cesar Sanchez and Adolfo Suarez learned about pastoral ministry in a hospital setting at St. Dominic’s Hospital. Andrew Bowden and Marc Shoffner served in parishes.
While regular college students might take summers off or work at home, these men continued their formation in one way or another.
Catholic Extension has offered a $25,000 match if the diocese can raise $100,000 in new donations for seminary education this year. To help people better understand how anyone can support this effort, the Office of Vocations and Stewardship and Development are sponsoring a series of brunches in three locations.
Flowood St. Paul Parish will host the first brunch on Saturday, Sept. 9. The second is at Natchez St. Mary Basilica’s Family Life Center on Saturday, Sept. 23. The final brunch is set for Saturday, Nov. 4 at Oxford St. John Parish. At the brunches, donors will meet the seminarians and have the opportunity to support this fund.
A group of people can pool their money, but each new gift must equal at least $1,000. Those who cannot attend the brunches are welcome to send donations separately. To learn more about the Seminarian Endowment, to RSVP to a brunch or to donate, contact Pam McFarland at 601-960-8479 or by email pam.mcfarland@jacksondiocese.org.
Donations can be mailed to Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Seminarian Education Challenge, PO Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225.

Foundation still accepting grant applications

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By Rebecca Harris
JACKON – The mission of the Catholic Foundation is to help our donors create a legacy by supporting their parish, school or organization within the Diocese of Jackson through planned giving gifts such as bequests, trusts and charitable gift annuities. Over the years, many families have chosen to start a family trust that support charitable works. Currently the Foundation has 38 such trusts. Parishes, schools and organizations within our diocese can submit a grant requesting funding for a project.
In the past five years the Catholic Foundation has awarded more than $290,000. Last year these trusts supported 26 projects throughout our diocese totaling more than $68,000. Twelve parishes received funding for their projects that helped to purchase religious education materials, after-school care, summer enrichment programs, church repairs and bilingual materials.
The Foundation made it possible for Houston Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish build a new handicapped ramp for their church. The previous ramp was steep and extremely dangerous. Now with the new ramp elderly and handicapped parishioners can safely enter the church.

HOUSTON – A parishioner watches as a work crew puts finishing touches on a handicapped ramp at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. The parish used a Catholic Foundation grant to build the new ramp. (Photo courtesy of Lorenzo Aju)

At Indianola St. Benedict the Moor, a grant was awarded for outreach and evangelization in that community. “Our goal is to reach out to the unchurched in our community and educate them on our Catholic faith,” stated Jaqueline Mabace, outreach chairperson. “The grant enabled us to have a successful vacation bible school with children of all nationalities and faiths from our community,” she added.
The Foundation awarded grants to four of our Catholic Schools. Grants that built a new outdoor space and Greenville Our Lady of Lourdes and ELL tutoring at Jackson St. Richard. At Clarksdale St. Elizabeth School a grant added a promethean board to the fifth and sixth grade math and science room. “I wanted to provide an interactive and real-world learning experience. Even though our school is in rural Mississippi I wanted to bring the outside world into our classroom by using technology. If we would not have gotten this grant we would not have been able to have this is my classroom,” stated Jane Rutz, math and science teacher.
Grant awards went out to six organizations within our diocese. The Catholic Charities Shelter for Battered Families and Born Free and New Beginnings purchased supplies for their clients with grant money.
Funding was given for a computer lab at St. Gabriel Mercy Center in Mound Bayou. Many of the citizens of Mound Bayou cannot afford a home computer. They can go to the computer lab to work on homework, seek employment opportunities and learn computer skills. “Students that are seeking online college classes can come into the computer lab to work on their college courses. We also utilize the lab to help our GED students to prepare for the exam,” said Mavis Honorable, assistant director for St. Gabriel. “They work in conjunction with Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, to allow students to utilize the pre-testing center that will help them to pass their GED test,” she added
The Bishop’s Poor Soul Novena Trust helps to fund charitable projects that specifically fund senior citizens’ ministries. Last year four grants awarded includes Greenville Sacred Heart Parish community garden where parishioners do all the planting, watering and harvesting for their elderly neighbors in need. Jackson Christ the King Parish used their grant to promote healthier, happier lives for senior citizens by offering them opportunities to socialize and grow spiritually. Not only do Christ the King parishioners attend by invitations are extended to senior citizens of other faiths. Transportation is even provided if needed. “This grant allows us to have speakers on health issues, legal issues and scams that prey upon our senior citizens. The grant also helped to provide transportation to attend a civil rights museum event. We usually have 30 to 40 people in attendance,” stated Genevieve Feyen, senior activity chairperson.
It is not too late to submit a grant application for this year. Applications are being accepted through August 31. Contact Pam McFarland at pam.mcfarland@jacksondiocese.org. If you would like to start a charitable works trust in your family name please contact Rebecca Harris at The Catholic Foundation, 601 960 8477 or email: rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.

(Rebecca Harris is the director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Pope leads prayers for an end to ‘inhuman violence’ of terrorism

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By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – “Let us beg the Lord, God of mercy and peace, to free the world from this inhuman violence,” Pope Francis prayed after a week of deadly terrorist attacks in Africa and Europe.
Reciting the Angelus prayer at midday, the pope asked an estimated 10,000 people in St. Peter’s Square to pray in silence and then to join him in reciting the Hail Mary for the victims of the attacks the previous week in Burkina Faso, Spain and Finland.
At a restaurant in Ouagadougou Aug. 13, gunmen opened fire on people eating outside. Authorities in Burkina Faso said 18 people died and 20 were injured. The gunmen were believed to be part of a group known as “al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.”
In Spain, 13 people died after a van mowed down pedestrians Aug. 17 on Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas street and another woman died in a vehicle attack the next day in Cambrils. Five suspects were killed by police and other members of what authorities described as a 12-man terrorist cell were being sought.
In Turku, Finland, Aug. 18, two women were stabbed to death and eight other people were injured in what police described as a terrorist attack.
Among the pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square for the midday prayer were the 50 first-year students of the Pontifical North American College, the seminary in Rome sponsored by the U.S. bishops. Pope Francis gave them a shoutout before wishing everyone in the square a happy Sunday.
In his main Angelus talk, the pope spoke about the day’s Gospel reading from St. Matthew about the Canaanite woman who persistently asks Jesus to heal her daughter.
“This woman’s interior strength, which allows her to overcome every obstacle, can be found in her maternal love and in her trust that Jesus can fulfill her request,” the pope said. “This makes me think of the strength of women. With their strength they are able to obtain great things. We’ve know many women like this.”
In the Gospel story, when the woman first cries out, Jesus seems to ignore her, the pope noted. But she is not discouraged and continues to call out to him.
In the end, Jesus recognizes her great faith and answers her request, the pope said. “Her insistence in invoking Christ’s intervention stimulates us never to be discouraged and not to despair when we are oppressed by the harsh trials of life.”
“The Lord does not turn away from our needs and, if sometimes he seems indifferent to our requests for help, it is to test us and strengthen our faith,” Pope Francis said. “We must continue to cry, like this woman: ‘Lord, help me. Lord, help me.’”

God Needs Better Press

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IN EXILE

Father Ron Rolheiser

By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
The word “Protestant” is generally misunderstood. Martin Luther’s protest that led to the Protestant reformation was not, in fact, a protest against the Roman Catholic Church; properly understood, it was a protest for God. God, in Luther’s view, was being manipulated to serve human and ecclesial self-interest. His protest was a plea to respect God’s transcendence.
We need a new protest today, a new plea, a strong one, to not connect God and our churches to intolerance, injustice, bigotry, violence, terrorism, racism, sexism, rigidity, dogmatism, anti-eroticism, homophobia, self-serving power, institutional self-protection, security for the rich, ideology of all kinds and just plain stupidity. God is getting a lot of bad press!
A simple example can be illustrative here: In a recent book that documents an extraordinary fifty-year friendship with his former coach, basketball legend (and present-day exceptional writer), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, shares why he became a Muslim. Raised a Roman Catholic, a graduate of Catholic schools, he eventually left Christianity to become a Muslim. Why?
In his own words: Because “the white people who were bombing churches and killing little girls, who were shooting unarmed black boys, who were beating black protestors with clubs loudly declared themselves to be proud Christians. The Ku Klux Klan were proud Christians. I felt no allegiance to a religion with so many evil followers. Yes, I was also aware that the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was also a proud Christian, as were many of the civil rights leaders. Coach Wooden was a devout Christian. The civil rights movement was supported by many brave white Christians who marched side by side with blacks. When the KKK attacked, they often delivered even worse beatings to the whites, whom they considered to be race traitors. I didn’t condemn the religion, but I definitely felt removed from it.”
His story is only one story and by his own admission has another side to it, but it’s highly illustrative. It’s easy to connect God to the wrong things. Christianity, of course, isn’t the only culprit. Today, for instance, we see perhaps the worst examples of tying God to evil in the violence of ISIS and other such terrorist groups who are killing, randomly and brutally, in the name of God. You can be sure that the last words uttered, just as a suicide bomber randomly kills innocent people, is: God is great! What horrible thing to say as one is committing an act of murder! Doing the ungodly in the name of God!
And yet we so often do the same thing in subtler forms, namely, we justify the ungodly (violence, injustice, inequality, poverty, intolerance, bigotry, racism, sexism, the abuse of power and rich privilege) by appealing to our religion. Silently, unconsciously, blind to ourselves, grounded in a sense of right and wrong that’s colored by self-interest, we give ourselves divine permission to live and act in ways that are antithetical to most everything Jesus taught.
We can protest, saying that we’re sincere, but sincerity by itself is not a moral or religious criterion. Sincerity can and often does, tie God to the ungodly and justifies what’s evil in the name of God: The people conducting the Inquisition were sincere; the slave traitors were sincere; those who protected pedophile priests were sincere, racists are sincere; sexists are sincere; bigots are sincere; the rich defending their privilege are sincere; church offices making hurtful, gospel-defying pastoral decisions that deprive people of ecclesial access are very sincere and gospel-motivated; and all of us, as we make the kind of judgments of others that Jesus told us time and again not to make, are sincere. But we think that we’re doing this all for the good, for God.
However in so many of our actions we are connecting God and church to narrowness, intolerance, rigidity, racism, sexism, favoritism, legalism, dogmatism and stupidity. And we wonder why so many of our own children no longer go to church and struggle with religion.
The God whom Jesus reveals is the antithesis of much of religion, sad but true. The God whom Jesus reveals is a prodigal God, a God who isn’t stingy; a God who wills the salvation of everyone, who loves all races and all peoples equally; a God with a preferential love for the poor; a God who creates both genders equally; a God who strongly opposes worldly power and privilege. The God of Jesus Christ is a God of compassion, empathy and forgiveness, a God who demands that spirit take precedence over law, love over dogma and forgiveness over juridical justice. And very importantly, the God whom Jesus incarnates isn’t stupid, but is a God whose intelligence isn’t threatened by science and a God who doesn’t condemn and send people to hell according to our limited human judgments.
Sadly, too often that’s not the God of religion, of our churches, of our spirituality, or of our private consciences.
God isn’t narrow, stupid, legalistic, bigoted, racist, violent, or vengeful and it’s time we stopped connecting God to those things.
(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher and award-winning author, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.)

Biloxi’s Msgr. Farrell remembered for service in two dioceses

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Monsignor Martin Francis Farrell

Monsignor Martin Francis Farrell, died peacefully on August 12 in Biloxi.
Martin Francis Farrell was born in Co. Mayo, Ireland on September 23, 1930 and studied for the priesthood in St. Patrick College, Carlow.
He was ordained on June 5, 1955 for the Diocese of Natchez, in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, Ireland. As a priest he served in the following parishes as associate pastor: Jackson St. Richard, Vicksburg St. Paul, Natchez St. Mary, which was then the cathedral. As pastor he served at Natchez Assumption, Sacred Heart in D’Iberville, Our Lady of the Gulf, Bay St. Louis and his final assignment as pastor was at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Biloxi until his retirement on December 31, 2000.
Father Farrell was elevated to Monsignor on July 9, 1989. Since his retirement he has resided at Our Lady of Fatima and assisted there as long as his health permitted.
Monsignor Farrell was predeceased by his parents John and Margaret Roche Farrell of Westport, Ireland, His sisters Anne and Theresa Farrell of Galway, Ireland and Kathleen McLoughlin of London, England.
He is survived by his brother Patrick ‘Paddy’ Farrell of Lecanvey, Ireland, his nieces Margaret Bentaleb, Catherine Hunt and Mary Bennebri and their families, of London, England, and numerous cousins around the world.
A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Friday, August 18, in Our Lady of Fatima Church, followed by burial at the Biloxi City Cemetery at the priests’ plots on Caldwell Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, Monsignor Farrell requested that donations be made to any of the following charities: Fatima St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 4098, Biloxi, MS 39535; Catholic Extension Society, 150 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606 or; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

La peregrinación “a través del océano” proporciona compañerismo, comida, acción de gracias para los sacerdotes irlandeses

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Bishop Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
Después de tres años y medio como el 11ª obispo de la Diócesis de Jackson, era tiempo de seguir las huellas de nuestros obispos diocesanos en la época moderna quienes viajaron a Irlanda. Muchos no saben que durante la mayor parte del siglo XX, la mitad de los sacerdotes en Mississippi eran de Irlanda, el semillero de vocaciones al sacerdocio y a la vida religiosa. Incontables miles de misioneros irlandeses fueron enviados como heraldos del Evangelio por todo el mundo de habla inglesa. Por supuesto, me gustaría decir que los mejores vinieron a Mississippi para servir en la Diócesis de Natchez, Natchez-Jackson y, desde 1977, las Diócesis de Jackson y Biloxi, en las misiones estadounidenses, tal como se entiende comúnmente en Irlanda.
El Obispo Joseph Brunini tuvo la alegría de ir a Irlanda a ordenar sacerdotes para la diócesis de Natchez-Jackson. En la última parte de su episcopado las ordenaciones cesaron, y el propósito de sus visitas fue dirigido a la celebración de Misas de Acción de Gracias con las familias de los sacerdotes que habían servido, o estaban aún en servicio en Mississippi. Durante la época del Obispo Brunini, el Obispo Joseph Howze hizo lo mismo en su ministerio como Obispo Auxiliar de la Diócesis de Natchez-Jackson. El Obispo William Houck y el Obispo Joseph Latino continuaron las visitas pastorales a las localizaciones y los condados de Irlanda, donde miembros de las familias y los sacerdotes pudieran reunirse con el obispo para ofrecer la Eucaristía, la gran oración de acción de gracias de la Iglesia.
Aunque mi peregrinaje de una semana de duración no es un gran período de tiempo, necesita una generosa medida de organización y coordinación. A este respecto, le agradezco al Padre Mike O’Brien y a su familia y a la familia del Padre Patrick Noonan.
Originalmente, el Padre Mike y yo habíamos planeado celebrar dos Misas de Acción de Gracias, una en Roscommon y la otra en Limerick con el Padre Noonan como guíal. Pero su muerte el 4 de julio agregó una tercera Misa en la vigilia de la Asunción en su casa parroquial, Santa Ita en Raheenagh.
Nuestra primera Misa de Acción de Gracias tuvo lugar en la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón en Roscommon y cerca de 60 miembros de las familias de los sacerdotes, vivos y fallecidos, que han servido en Mississippi estaban presentes: el Padre Brian Carroll, el Padre Gerry Hurley, el Padre Dan Gallagher, el Padre Frank Cosgrove, el Padre Tom McGing, el Padre P.J. Curley, Monseñor Patrick Farrell, el Padre Bernie Farrell, el Padre Tom Delaney, el Padre Mike O’Brien, el Padre Mattie Ruane, el Padre Juan Atkinson, el Padre Jim O’Riordan y Monseñor Noel Foley. Para continuar la reunificación después de la Misa nos reunimos con el original de la Abadía dominicana en el Hotel Abbey, construido a principios de los 1200s recordándome lo antigua que es la fe católica en Irlanda.
Nuestra segunda Misa de Acción de Gracias se realizó en la biblioteca del Hotel Strand en Limerick, con vistas al río Shannon y el centro de la ciudad. Aunque un grupo mucho más pequeño, el ambiente era muy adecuado para una Misa más cómoda y íntima y almuerzo.
Las familias del Padre David O’Connor, el Padre Mike O’Brien, el Padre Patrick Noonan, el Padre P.J. Curley, el Padre Jim O’Riordan, y el Padre Frank Corcoran estuvieron representadas en esta ocasión. Con esta segunda Misa de Acción de Gracias la peregrinación cambió su locus de Roscommon, en el centro de Irlanda, al suroeste del país, el lugar amado del Padre Noonan en el condado de Limerick.
En chanza clásica irlandesa, el Padre Noonan me había dicho, sabiendo que el Padre O’Brien sería mi chofer y guía durante el primer tramo del viaje, que hay mucho más de Irlanda que el Condado de Roscommon, la tierra natal del Padre Mike. Tal como habíamos disfrutado de la hospitalidad y de la casa de Tom O’Brien, el hermano del Padre Mike en Roscommon, fuimos cálidamente acogidos en el hogar de Michael Noonan donde estuvimos alojados durante el resto de nuestro tiempo en Irlanda. En tres mañanas consecutivas tuvimos el placer de disfrutar y el reto de consumir el “completo y variado desayuno irlandés” por lo que Irlanda es bien conocida.
Estas comidas fueron proporcionadas amablemente por cinco sobrinas del Padre Noonan. El lunes por la noche, la familia del Padre Noonan y muchos de los feligreses de su parroquia natal devotamente participaron en la Misa de los Preciados Meses en la vigilia de la Solemnidad de la Asunción. Qué oportuno fue celebrar la entrada de la Santísima Virgen a la vida eterna a través de los méritos de la muerte y resurrección de su Hijo mientras encomendábamos al Padre Noonan a Dios en la Eucaristía que él celebró durante 54 años como sacerdote. Después, nos reunimos en la finca de la familia donde el Padre Noonan vivió y creció antes de irse al seminario y ordenarse. Su hermano menor, ahora en su años 70, y sus hijos continúan la tradición familiar de la producción lechera.
En conclusión, me gustaría recordar las palabras al final del Evangelio de san Juan cuando el Evangelista afirma que si él hubiera escrito todo lo que Jesús dijo o hizo, no habrían suficientes libros en todo el mundo para incluirlo todo.
Asimismo, había mucho que ver mientras conducíamos a través de la campiña irlandesa. Vimos hombres y mujeres participando en juegos de hockey y rugby, cabras y vacas, y naturalmente tuvimos la oportunidad para jugar golf. Tuvimos muchas conversaciones que duraron hasta bien tarde en la noche. Siempre había mucho que comer y beber. Habían tierras pantanosas y piedras, una pinta de Guinness, y una gota de Jameson. Fue la “ irlandés plena” de hospitalidad y amabilidad a cada paso a lo largo de las carreteras del país. Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar, que Dios nos sostenga en la palma de sus manos.

Pilgrimage ‘across the pond’ provides fellowship, food, thanksgiving for Irish priests

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Bishop Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
After three and one half years as the 11th bishop of the Jackson Diocese it was time to follow in the footsteps of our diocesan bishops in the modern era who traveled to Ireland. Many may not know that for the greater part of a century half of the priests in Mississippi were from Ireland, the seedbed for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Countless thousands of Irish missionaries were sent as heralds of the Gospel throughout the English speaking world. Of course, I like to say that the best came to Mississippi to serve in the Diocese of Natchez, Natchez-Jackson, and since 1977, the dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi, to the American Missions, as is commonly understood in Ireland.
Bishop Joseph Brunini had the joy of going to Ireland to ordain clergy for the diocese of Natchez-Jackson. In the latter part of his episcopacy the ordinations ceased, and the purpose of his visits was directed toward the celebration of Masses of Thanksgiving with the families of priests who had served, or were still serving in Mississippi.
Bishop Joseph Howze during the time of Bishop Brunini did the same in his ministry as the Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Natchez-Jackson. Bishop William Houck and Bishop Joseph Latino continued the pastoral visits to the locales and counties in Ireland where family members and priests could gather with the bishop to offer the Eucharist, the Church’s great prayer of Thanksgiving.
Although my pilgrimage of a week’s duration is not a large period of time, it still required a generous measure of organization and coordination. In this regard I thank Father Mike O’Brien, and his family and the family of Father Patrick Noonan back home in Ireland.
Originally, Father Mike and I had planned to celebrate two Masses of Thanksgiving, one in Roscommon and the other in Limerick with Father Noonan as the local guide. His unexpected death on July 4 added a third Mass, his Month’s Mind, or the Mass offered a month after someone has died, on the Vigil of the Assumption in his home parish church of Saint Ita’s at Church Raheenagh.
Our first Mass of Thanksgiving took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Roscommon and nearly 60 family members of the priests, living and deceased, who have served in Mississippi were in attendance: Father Brian Carroll, Father Gerry Hurley, Father Dan Gallagher, Father Frank Cosgrove, Father Tom McGing, Father P.J. Curley, Msgr. Patrick Farrell, Father Bernie Farrell, Father Tom Delaney, Father Mike O’Brien, Father Mattie Ruane, Father Sean Atkinson, Father Jim O’Riordan and Monsignor Noel Foley.
After the Mass we gathered at the Abbey Hotel to continue the reunion with the original Dominican Abbey, constructed in the early 1200s, providing the background setting, reminding me of how ancient the Catholic faith is in Ireland. Our second Mass of Thanksgiving occurred in the Library Room of the Strand Hotel in Limerick overlooking the River Shannon and the city center.
Although a much smaller gathering, the ambience was well suited for a comfortable and more intimate Mass and luncheon.
The families of Father David O’Connor, Father Mike O’Brien, Father Patrick Noonan, Father P.J. Curley, Father Jim O’Riordan, and Father Frank Corcoran were represented on this occasion.
With this second Mass of Thanksgiving, the pilgrimage shifted its locus from Roscommon in the center of Ireland to the southwest of the country to Father Noonan’s beloved County Limerick. In classic Irish banter, Father Noonan had pointed out to me, knowing that Father O’Brien would be my chauffer and guide for the first leg of the journey, that there is a lot more to Ireland than County Roscommon, the home turf of Father Mike.
As we had enjoyed the hospitality and home of Tom O’Brien, Father Mike’s brother in Roscommon, we were warmly welcomed into the home of Michael Noonan where we were lodged for the remainder of our time in Ireland.
On three consecutive mornings we had the pleasure of enjoying and the challenge of consuming the “Full Irish,” the smorgasbord breakfast for which Ireland is well known. These meals were provided graciously by five of Father Noonan’s nieces.
On Monday evening the family of Father Noonan and many of the parishioners of his home parish devoutly participated in the cherished Month’s Mind Mass on the Vigil of the Assumption. How fitting it was to celebrate the Blessed Mother’s entrance into eternal life through the merits of her Son’s death and resurrection while commending Father Noonan to God at the Eucharist that he celebrated for 54 years as a priest.
Afterwards, we gathered at the family farm where Father Noonan spent his formative years prior to his seminary formation and ordination. His younger brother, now in his 70s, and his sons continue the family’s tradition of dairy farming.
In conclusion, I recall the words at the end of the Gospel of Saint John when the Evangelist asserts that if he wrote down everything that Jesus said or did, there wouldn’t be enough books in the whole world to contain it all. Likewise, there was so much to see as we drove through the Irish countryside.
There were so many engaging conversations that rolled on into late night gatherings. Always, there was plenty to eat and plenty to drink. There were bog lands and stone, a pint of Guinness, and a drop of Jameson. There was men’s hurling, and women’s rugby, goats and cows, and, of course, an opportunity to golf. It was the “full Irish” of hospitality and graciousness at every turn along the country roads. Until we meet again, may God hold us in the palm of his hands.

Calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BROOKSVILLE Dwelling Place Retreat Center, “Knowing Myself in Christ”, October 8-10, begins with 6:30 p.m. dinner on Sunday and goes through Tuesday. Using the backdrop of the story of the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well, the retreat will explore the thirst of all of us “to be known without feeling judged.” Presenter: Father Henry Shelton, pastor of St. Francis Church, Brookhaven. Donation: $200. Details: (662) 738-5348 or dwellpl@gmail.com.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth will host a regional “Faith in Action” workshop on Saturday, September 23, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. in McKenna Hall. Organized by the Office of Social Justice of Catholic Charities. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, repeat series on “Discovering Christ,” Saturday, September 26, 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall for seven sessions. Gather to share dinner, listen to dynamic teaching and explore answers to some of the most important question worth asking about God and finding ultimate purpose in life. Details:church office (662) 335-5251.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Spirituality Center will begin another “Grace for the Journey” support group: Renewal for Caregivers. This is a Scripture-based program for those serving as caregivers, as well as those who have been caregivers in the past. The meetings will be held each Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Center beginning Thursday, September 14. There is no cost. Details: Magdalene Abraham, (662) 299-1232.

 

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

FLOWOOD The next offering of Discovering Christ begins September 12 at St. Paul Parish. This year, the program is open to anyone who wants to attend, not just parish members. The sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning September 12th with the first two weeks being a chance to tour the church and meet the team. Then, the next seven Tuesdays will be dedicated to the Discovering Christ Series which includes a meal, prayer and song, a video teaching, and small group discussion. One of the highlights is a Retreat Day on Saturday, October 28th. Details: www.saintpaulcatholicchurch.com or call the church office 601-992-9547.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Save-The-Date: The 31th annual St. Joseph Catholic Church GermanFest, Sunday, September 24, 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Advance meal tickets are $6 and are available from parishioners. Meals the day of the festival will be $7. Admission and parking are free. Details: Pam Minninger, 601-856-2054 or www.stjosephgluckstadt.com.
JACKSON Christ the King, Senior Swingers are planning a bus tour on October 10-11. Will include many important civil rights points of interest. Details: Sarah Griffin, (601) 613-8017 or Genevieve Feyen, (601) 373-4463.
– Memorial Service for unborn victims of abortion, Saturday, September 9 at 12:30 p.m. on the corner of Mississippi Street and North President Street. The main speaker is Pastor Ryan Sullivan of Grace Community Church. It is part of the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children and the public is invited. Details: Laura Duran, 601-956-8636, plm@prolifemississippi.org.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Annual Parish Celebration, Saturday, September 16, “Our Parish at Prayer: Living the Paschal Mystery” presented by Msgr. Liam Bergin, parish family cookout at the O’Connor Family Life Center following the 5 p.m. Mass. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Annual Crafts, Flea Market, garage sale, in the gym, Saturday, October 7, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A small donation is encouraged to reserve your space for that day. Profit from your items is yours to keep. This is a fundraiser for the Religious Education Program. Details: call Diane Melton (662) 746-1680 if you have items you wish to donate.

YOUTH EVENTS

GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, 103rd Annual Parish Fair, Tuesday, September 12, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. food, fun, fellowship! Drive through 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.; Take out 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.; Dine in 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Homemade spaghetti, meatballs, burgers, homemade candy and pastries, booths and silent auction in the gym. Details: Details: Missy Blackstock, (662) 378-9711.
GRENADA St. Peter, Save The Dates, October 21-22, Middle school (7th-8th grades) Diocesan Fall Retreat at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon, led by NET ministries. Details: Annette Tipton (662) 226-2490.
MADISON St. Joseph School, annual Open House, Sunday, November 5, a student-inspired, performance-filled showcase with incredible art, academics, theater, music and athletics. Details: (601) 898-4800.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Multi-Parish Youth Celebration, Sunday, September 17, led by three dynamic members of the Dumb Ox Ministries Team, Concerts for Hope, an afternoon of music and witness with award-winning musician and composer Eric Genius. Details: Details: (601) 445-5616.
VICKSBURG St. Aloysius alumni football “Legends of the Fall” banquet, Saturday, Sept. 23, 5:00 -8:30 p.m. in Farrell Hall. Keynote speaker Andy Bourgeois, St. Al’s Head Coach, ’61-64, also feature speakers Eddie Ray ’65, Delvan Irwin ’85, author of St. Aloysius HS Football History, 1928 – 1986; Michael Fields, St. Al’s Head Coach 2017. All proceeds benefit the St. Al Football Program. Details: Kevin Mahoney at (601) 529-7244. Go to www.flasheslegends.eventbrite.com to register. There is limited space.

Hispanic Ministry plans two V Encuentro gatherings for diocese

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By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – As parishes come to the end of their five listening sessions of the V Encuentro, the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Jackson is asking parishes to save the date for the two diocesan-wide Encuentros.
The word Encuentro loosely translates as ‘encounter’ and is meant to describe the start of a new relationship and exchange of ideas, a strengthening of faith. These diocesan gatherings are the next step in a national process. In Tupelo, the Encuentro is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at St. James Parish. The Jackson-area Encuentro will be held on Saturday, October 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Madison St. Francis Parish.
The registration fee for youth and adults is $25, which includes lunch and a t-shirt. The cost for children ages six to 12 is $5, but does not include a T-shirt. There will be activities planned for these children in keeping with the theme of the V Encuentro. There will be no childcare for children younger than the age of six.
These gatherings are part of a process which will take several years to complete. First, dioceses across the country have assembled Encuentro teams to lead group discussions. Then, those teams host listening sessions at individual parishes to discuss specific issues facing the Hispanic Catholic community in America. These parish groups lead to a parish Encuentro to invite the whole community to participate.
Parishes will bring the results of their discussions to the diocsean Encuentro meetings. Finally, the dioceses will present their thoughts and themes at a national Ecuentro set for 2018 in Texas. National organizers hope to get an accurate picture of the Hispanic Catholic Church in America and to use that information to evangelize and strengthen the church overall.
Two parish meetings have been held so far, one in Hazlehurst on Sunday, July 16, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church and the other was held Saturday, August 19, at Carthage St. Ann Parish. Other communities in the diocese will continue to hold these Encuentros until all have participated.
In her presentation at the parish Encuentro in Hazlehurst, Patricia Lopez told the participants she understands that they may have felt a little unprepared to be a part of the Encuentro process. “But we must remember that when God chooses us to do something for Him, he does not leave us alone, since God does not call those who are prepared, but prepares each one who is called,” she explained. “When Jesus chose his apostles, these were people who had no preparation, they only knew how to fish. Jesus only had to ask them if they wanted to be fishers of men, and they followed him.”
Miguel Cruz, vice president of the Jackson-area Christian Family Movement, said he was very motivated because the attendees of the sessions have learned how to be leaders. One of the parts of the training he valued the most was learning how to meet their brothers and sisters who have moved away from the church.
“They have motivated us to not sit idly by, to get out there and to meet the needy in our communities. I am happy to be living this process which is the experience of new evangelization that Pope Francis has entrusted to us,” he said.
The themes covered in the sessions will help Brenda Valdez of Madison St. Francis Parish in Madison, be a missionary of Christ. She is pleased to have the opportunity to live this encounter. “I’m learning a lot of new things, especially the problems that some of the Hispanics are going through in the state and the needs that exist in different communities,” she said.
According to the national organizers of this process, more than 5,000 parishes, 175 dioceses and more than one million people are participating in the country. Millions of committed leaders have participated in its implementation.
To register or find more information, visit the Hispanic Ministry page on the Diocese of Jackson website, http://jacksondiocese.org/about/offices/hispanic-ministry or call 601-949-6931.

HAZLEHURST – La Hermana Josefina García (izq.) y un grupo de participantes reflexionan sobre los frutos de las cinco sesiones del V Encuentro durante el Encuentro parroquial en la Iglesia San Martín el 16 de julio.

MADISON – Marta McLean, recepcionista de la parroquia San Francisco, le mostró las instalaciones de la parroquia a los miembros del comité organizador del Encuentro Diocesano del área de Jackson. El evento se realizará el sábado 21 de octubre. (Foto courtesy Hermana Maria Elena Mendez)

Bishop to consecrate diocese to Immaculate Heart of Mary

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – In honor of the centennial of the appearance of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal, and as a way to strengthen the Pastoral Priorities implementation, Bishop Joseph Kopacz will consecrate the Diocese of Jackson to the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary on Sunday, Oct. 8.
All are invited to the Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle at 2:30 p.m. After the Mass, the bishop will lead a procession around downtown and present representatives from each parish with prayer cards to take back to their home communities. Bishop Kopacz is asking every parish to offer the prayer as the Pastoral Priority teams start their work. On Saturday, Oct. 7, all are welcome to the cathedral for a  a rosary starting at 10:30 a.m. 
Outlying parishes can participate by offering a rosary at that hour so the diocese is all praying together. The bishop will also ask parish priests to consecrate individual parishes to the Immaculate Heart the weekend following the diocesan consecration.
When Mary appeared to a trio of poor shepherd children in Fatima 100 years ago, she asked them to spread a message of prayer and repentance. She appeared to the three for six months and asked that people pray the rosary and make sacrifices for sinners. Two of the visionaries, 9-year-old Francisco and 7-year-old Jacinta, became the church’s youngest non-martyred saints earlier this year. Both died young of illnesses. Their cousin, Lucia dos Santos, went on to become a nun. Her cause for sainthood is underway. The three shared Mary’s messages, which included predictions of war, a vision of hell and encouragement to pray and repent.
“This is one way we can ask Mary to guide us and watch over us during implementation (of the Priorities),” said Mary Woodward, chancellor for the diocese.

An image of Mary, taken from a window at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, is seen on the Pastoral Priority Booklet cover.

Bishop Kopacz pointed out that Mary is already prominent in the Pastoral Priority plan as her image, taken from the rose window at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, is on the cover of the booklet outlining the Priorities. “The Blessed Mother is almost a subtle presence on our Pastoral Priorities booklet, yet clearly present,” said the bishop. “I think we can safely say she is our model for life-long intentional discipleship – right to the foot of the cross and into the resurrection and Pentecost event,” he continued. ” She gave birth to the incarnate Son and was central to the birth of the Church. As the Mother of the Church I think it is fitting to consecrate the diocese to her intercession and maternal care on the 100th anniversary of Fatima,” concluded Bishop Kopacz.
The Congregation for Divine Worship lists the consecration as one of the devotions approved by the church, but only with a proper understanding of what it is. The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy describes it this way: “The history of Marian devotion contains many examples of personal or collective acts of ‘consecration or entrustment to the Blessed Virgin Mary’ … Seen in the light of Christ’s words (cf. John 19, 25-27), the act of consecration is a conscious recognition of the singular role of Mary in the Mystery of Christ and of the Church, of the universal and exemplary importance of her witness to the Gospel, of trust in her intercession, and of the efficacy of her patronage, of the many maternal functions she has, since she is a true mother in the order of grace to each and every one of her children (253).”
“There is a rich tradition of Marian consecrations in the Church. Many people immediately think of Louis de Montfort’s 33-day consecration – or the spinoff, ’33 Days to Morning Glory,'” explained Deacon Aaron Williams, who composed the prayer to be used in the Diocese of Jackson. Deacon Williams researched different forms of consecration during the process. He also took language from the Pastoral Priorities and the new mission and vision statements.
“Pope Pius XII wrote his own consecration prayer, in response to the request of Our Lady of Fatima, which he urged all priests to make use of in parishes during his reign. We could have naturally looked to any of these prayers, but in the end, I felt it was more fitting for our situation to have a prayer which expressed the goals we had in mind for the consecration of our diocese,” said Deacon Williams.
“I decided to look at a number of consecration prayers and see what elements should be included, and used some elements of the Pius XII prayer as a model. I also wanted to include references which were particular to our own diocese. For example, the Diocese of Natchez was established under the patronage of Our Lady of Sorrows (the titular title of the Basilica in Natchez). So, there was already some form of consecration to Mary in our diocese. The prayer I composed makes the consecration itself to ‘the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart.’ A later line speaks of Mary as ‘constantly showing [Jesus] the sorrows of [her] heart,'” explained Deacon Williams.
When an individual consecrates themselves to the Virgin, they commit to receive reconciliation, pray a rosary, receive Eucharist and offer certain prayers and meditations on the first Saturday of each month. They put themselves entirely in Mary’s care in their prayers.

Pope Francis uses incense as he venerates a statue of Our Lady of Fatima during the canonization Mass of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the three Fatima seers, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, May 13. The Mass marked the 100th anniversary of the Fatima Marian apparitions, which began on May 13, 1917. The Diocese of Jackson will honor the centennial in October when Bishop Kopacz will consecrate the diocese to Mary. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

“Since this consecration is being done to highlight the envisioning plan, I also wanted the prayer to reference that in some way. One of the intercessions of the prayer quotes the diocesean Mission statement. ‘Help us, Joyful Mother, through your example of living the Gospel, to faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ to be Savior of our hearts,'” said Deacon Williams.
“Finally, as a sort of homage to the Pius XII prayer, I wanted something in this prayer to hint at the ministry of the Holy Father. Pope Francis is often talking about the need to ‘accompany’ people in their journey towards holiness. The prayer I composed speaks of Mary saying, ‘you do not abandon any person who loves your Son, Jesus, but instead accompany the Christian people in true discipleship.'”
Jackson joins a number of dioceses across the nation who have consecrated themselves to Mary this year, including the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, the Diocese of Victoria in Canada and the Diocese of Winona, Minn.
Diocesan Chancellor Mary Woodward is working on a brochure to distribute at the consecration with information on the devotion and prayers people can use in their homes with their families.
(Editor’s note: to see the Pastoral Priorites or find the prayer, go to http://jacksondiocese.org/vision/. Download the Prayer of Consecration for the diocese, parishes and families here.)