By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
MADISON – A kind word, a listening ear or an invitation to share a gift can become a powerful expression of faith. That message connected art, storytelling and practical ministry workshops during the Diocese of Jackson’s Fall Faith Formation Day Sept. 19 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Centered on the theme “Formed to Serve, Sent to Lead,” the gathering brought together catechists, youth ministers and other parish leaders for prayer, fellowship, two keynote presentations and breakout sessions addressing the opportunities and challenges of sharing the faith today.
Keynote speaker Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, used his colorful artwork and personal stories to encourage participants to recognize God’s presence in everyday encounters. An artist, author and retreat leader based in Camden, New Jersey, Brother Mickey belongs to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and has worked in full-time art ministry since 1994.
Throughout his presentations, he returned to the influence of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, whose life and witness helped him discover a new purpose for his artistic gifts.

Brother Mickey recalled first encountering Sister Thea through a magazine interview while his father was seriously ill. Later, watching a video about her life inspired a series of paintings and set him on a path of sharing her story through art. Over more than three decades, that inspiration has continued to grow. Forty-seven of his paintings inspired by Sister Thea are now part of the materials gathered for her canonization cause.
For Brother Mickey, Sister Thea’s example offers a lesson in transforming grief into hope and using personal gifts to build others up. He encouraged those working in faith formation to see their ministry as an opportunity to accompany people and help them recognize their own worth.
“It’s just saying to somebody, ‘I’m here. You’re not alone,’” he said.
His afternoon presentation expanded that message through stories of community mural projects and friendships formed through art. He described people finding moments of peace, connection and renewed confidence while painting together, including those experiencing grief or hardship. Creativity, he suggested, can open a door to relationships that might otherwise never develop.
For Timothy Roberts of St. Alphonsus Parish in McComb, the presentation deepened an existing interest in Sister Thea.
“It just enhanced everything I already knew about her, and I want to learn more,” said Roberts, who teaches fourth-grade parish religious education with his wife, Mary.
The day’s breakout sessions gave participants opportunities to connect that spirit of accompaniment with their own ministries. Topics included mental health, artificial intelligence, Confirmation preparation, engaging teaching methods, youth summer experiences, young adult discipleship, Catholic social teaching and immigration. Sessions on Catholic social teaching and immigration were offered in English and Spanish.
In “Created in His Image: Faith, Human Dignity & A.I.,” Joni House, executive director of Catholic education for the diocese, invited participants to consider how technology can serve people while preserving human dignity and relationships.
Her presentation offered six areas for discernment: dignity, truth, relationship, responsibility, the common good and mission. Participants considered whether information is trustworthy, whether a human person remains accountable for decisions and whether technology helps people love God and serve their neighbors.
Small-group exercises applied those questions to situations such as using AI to draft parish messages or formation materials and using AI-generated information in decisions affecting a person.
Jeanne Setzer, who serves in a book group at St. Francis of Assisi in Madison, said the workshop addressed an increasingly important part of daily life.
“I think it’s very important for us to learn how to use AI responsibly,” Setzer said, emphasizing that human connectedness should remain central. “AI should help enhance our relationships with each other.”
Amy Chaney of St. Michael Parish in Vicksburg also valued the discussion, along with the chance to learn from other catechists. Having taught First Communion preparation for about three years, she came seeking ideas for educating children and sharing the faith.

“I’m enjoying communicating with other people in the diocese and meeting people that I’ve talked to on the phone and being able to connect with them in person,” Chaney said.
Other workshops explored how ministers can care for themselves and accompany people through important transitions.
Dr. Kayla Acklin led “You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Mental Health and Ministry,” addressing personal well-being as an essential part of caring for others. Dr. Edgar Meyer facilitated “Beyond Graduation: Accompanying Young Adults into Lifelong Discipleship,” which included a panel of young adults sharing their experiences.
Deacon Bill Vautrot, ordained in July and assigned to St. Gregory the Great in Senatobia, attended both sessions.
“I really learned how important it is to take care of yourself so you can take care of others,” he said.
The young adult panel also helped him better understand the challenges people face after college and how the church can support their continued growth in faith. Attendees were also able to leave with resource guides on building a young adult ministry program and campus ministry programs for local colleges.
For those teaching children and teenagers, workshops offered ideas to bring home to parish classrooms and youth groups.
Mary Roberts attended April Moore’s session on bringing joy and energy into faith formation. She said the discussion offered ways to use visuals, games and interaction to engage students while continuing to teach the faith.
Lauren Cotting, youth minister and Confirmation catechist at St. Alphonsus in McComb, attended Abbey Schuhmann’s session on Catholic camps, conferences and service experiences.
Schuhmann and the panel introduced opportunities ranging from service-centered experiences to summer programs combining recreation and faith formation, giving Cotting options to share with her parish team.
Amy Le and Cindy Tran, youth ministry leaders at St. Michael Parish in Forest, said the day offered encouragement for a growing ministry. Le recalled beginning with only two or three students; the group now consistently draws at least 15.
They came away with ideas for developing leadership, involving young people in service and strengthening relationships within the parish.
“It’s just nice to have another perspective on how to do things,” Tran said.
For Le, the gathering reinforced the possibilities ahead as their young people continue to grow together in faith.
“I think it’s beautiful to be here today,” she said.

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