By Laura Grisham
SOUTHAVEN – Bishop Joseph Kopacz was the main celebrant at a Mass on Saturday, Feb. 23, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the dedication of Christ the King Church in Southaven.

Speaking to those gathered, Father Ardianto Hendrik, SCJ (“Father Ardi”) expressed gratitude to the attendees and leaders of the church for their presence and guidance. He acknowledged the wisdom, compassion and education of the pastoral staff and thanked them for their inspiration.

Father Ardi also thanked the members of the church, both past and present, for their faith and steadfastness, which formed the foundation of the church family. Additionally, he extended a special thank you to the team behind the 20th anniversary celebration for their hard work and attention to detail.

“As we reflect on the past 20 years and look forward to the future, let us continue to walk together in faith, in unity and love. We’ll walk road of life together, day by day, with love our hearts every step of the way.”

The parish itself began as a mission of Sacred Heart Church in Walls; about 20 families gathered in a car auction barn every week for Mass. The first church was built on State Line Road in Southaven and the mission grew into a parish.

Twenty years ago, the original church was replaced with the present structure to accommodate the nearly 2,000 families that now make up the parish. Mass and other services are offered in both Spanish and English.

(Laura Grisham is the PR and Communications manager for Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls, Mississippi)