By Joe Lee
JACKSON – Originally from Joliet, Illinois, and the parish priest at St. Isaac Jogues Church in nearby Hinsdale, Father Burke Masters almost seems like a native Mississippian despite living most of his life near Chicago.
Even casual sports fans remember his starring role on the 1990 Mississippi State baseball team that made the College World Series, and many people across the state have met him through his keynote appearances at Journey of Hope luncheons in 2019 and 2025.
“Since college, Mississippi has always been like a second home,” said Masters, who was ordained as a priest in 2002 and authored A Grand Slam for God, published in 2023 by Word on Fire Press. “I grew up in Illinois but spent five years in Starkville. Coming back to see friends I’ve known since I arrived there in 1985 is like a home week for me.”

Masters will be honored at the 21st annual Bishop’s Ball on Thursday, June 18 at the Jackson Country Club. Also honored will be Jacksonian Tommy Turk, whose “Friends for a Cause” nonprofit supports Squat & Gobble each Thanksgiving, a beloved event that helps fund the Catholic Charities domestic violence program.
“The Bishop’s Ball gives us a chance to honor the support of the bishop each year, as well as others who have contributed significantly to Catholic Charities,” said executive director Christina Bach. “As one of our major fundraisers, it provides the necessary funds to support Born Free/New Beginnings, a substance use recovery program for pregnant or parenting women in order to keep families together and help babies enter the world free of drugs.”
Other programs support victims of sexual assault, and counseling services are available for families with children experiencing behavioral issues. Catholic Charities of Jackson’s efforts reach 65 of Mississippi’s 82 counties.
“Our honorees have been very committed to Catholic Charities for a long time,” Bishop Joseph Kopacz said. “Tommy Turk has directed a generous amount of the proceeds from community fundraisers to Catholic Charities, raising money and awareness in the process.
“Father Burke has traveled to our diocese on separate occasions to evangelize and to raise money out of love for the work of Catholic Charities and the people of Mississippi. It is a blessing to honor these men of God.”
Masters will also receive a Knights of Columbus award from Cameron Ellis and Luke McClure from the regional KC insurance office that serves Alabama and Mississippi.
“Catholic Charities does so much for the poor,” Masters said. “In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that ‘whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.’ That’s the call for all of us to share the good news God has given to us, and Catholic Charities is on the front lines all over the world and certainly in Jackson.”
“It is often said that Catholic social teaching is the best kept secret in our Church,” Kopacz said. “This is certainly true for many in our diocese regarding Catholic Charities, whose programs serve those in need throughout our state. Come out and enjoy the evening and support the mission to be a visible sign of Christ’s love.”

(Visit https://event.gives/bb26 to purchase tickets to the Bishop’s Ball or to sponsor the event.)