SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

FORT SMITH, Ark, St. Scholastica Monastery, 3-day silent directed retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, January 4-7, 2018, Presenter: Sister Rachel Dietz, OSB. It is a time to practice silence in order to make room for God to work in your life and by this, to strengthen your relationship with Him. Cost: $300.00. A $50.00 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required at the time of registration. Lodging and meals are included. Deadline for registration is December 20. Details: retreats@stscho.org or www.stscho.org/retreats
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Advent day of reflection, Wednesday, December 6, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. An opportunity to ponder your heart’s longing for God in the context of the scripture readings for the Sundays of Advent. Retreat Director: Sister Kathleen Gallas, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch and refreshments. Details: contact Sister Magdalena Craig, OSB, at (256) 615-6114, www.shmon.org.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Spirituality Center and the Redemptorists of Greenwood announce the Second Bilingual Pilgrimage for Life and Family on Saturday, January 20, 2018. All faiths are welcome. The day begins with gathering from 9-10 a.m., a rally from 10-11 a.m., a three-mile pilgrimage on the grounds of Locus Benedictus, with an ecumenical prayer service before a picnic lunch. After the lunch we celebrate Mass in the shrine. Details: (662) 299-1232 or www.locusbenedictus.org.
The Gleaners, an all-faith organization, is celebrating 30 years of contributions to the Jackson-Metro area. Gloria Bomar Martinson named this service after the Biblical story of peasant women picking up the remnants in fields in the Book of Ruth. The organization needs around $50,000 per year for expenses. Tax-exempt donations can be made by check to: P.O. Box 9883, Jackson, MS 39286, phone number (601) 956-4740. Details: Rita Martinson, Lisa W. Davis or Joseph N. Goodell at rrmbm@bellsouth.net (601) 942-0772.
JACKSON Candlelight prayer vigils sponsored by Pastors for Life Mississippi and Pro-Life Mississippi, Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 6 p.m. in the Rotunda of the State Capitol at 400 High Street. Details: plm@ProLifeMississippi.org or (601) 956-8636.
DIAMONDHEAD (Gulf Coast) prayer vigil (see above), Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 6 pm. At Twin Lakes Pavilion, 4040 Twin Lakes Lane. Details: Bill Blaisdell, (228) 255-9835 or bbillblais2@aol.com.
TUPELO prayer vigil (see above), Saturday, January 20, 2018, 6 p.m. Fairpark across from City Hall, Details: Tanya Britton at (601) 672-7010 or tebritton1@yahoo.com.
JACKSON Catholic Charities Adoption program is selling T-shirts and journals. The shirts are purple with an adoption message on the back. The journals are soft bound and have a back pocket. Shirts are $15; journals are $15 or $25 for both. Details: www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org
LAFAYETTE, La, Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat, January 26-28, 2018, Dr. Mary Healy and Father Bill Henry will be featured at the annual Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lafayette. The theme is “Gather in upper room with Mary”. There will also be a Life in the Spirit seminar presented by Deacon Larry Oney, his wife Andi, and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) team. Patti Mansfield will also be featured at this retreat. This retreat is sponsored by CCRNO and serves hundreds of women from throughout the Gulf South. Weekend and Saturday commuters are welcome. Register online at www.ccrno.org or call (504) 828-1368.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY St. Helen, Mission Mississippi, Saturday, December 16 at 8-9 a.m. pancake breakfast and wrapping of gifts for two families. Details: (662) 256-8392.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Ladies of St. Francis Morning Retreat, Saturday, December 16, 9 a.m. – noon. Guest Speaker: Mary Louise Jones. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
JACKSON St. Richard, Christmas candle-light service, a special Christmas remembrance for deceased loved ones, Thursday, December 14, 6:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Open to all, regardless of how long ago the death occurred or your church affiliation. Please RSVP as soon as possible so that preparations can be made. Details: Linda Lalor (601) 853-8840, Suzie Cranston (601) 982-5464 or Nancy McGhee (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Posada, Monday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in the procession with Mary and Joseph in their search for shelter. The night will end with hot chocolate and sweet bread. Details: (662) 342-1073.

YOUTH BRIEFS

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Christmas Pageant during Christmas Eve 4 p.m. family Mass. Practice Monday, December 18 at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Details: Katherine Callon at kecestia@yahoo.com.

VICKSBURG St. Paul, Children’s Christmas Pageant during the Christmas Eve Mass. Children of all ages and teenagers are needed and are encouraged to participate. Practice will be each Sunday at 10 am in Glynn Hall. Details: Candice Reeder (601) 529-0018 or Allyson Johnston at (601) 218-9952.