Catholic Charities of Jackson hosted a special baby shower event on May 8 for their adoption services program. Pictured are employees preparing shower gifts. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities)
By Tereza Ma and Joanna King JACKSON – Catholic Charities of Jackson is working to raise awareness that its adoption, maternity support and post-adoption services remain available to families throughout Mississippi.
The agency’s Adoption and Post-Adoption Program has been intentionally reconnecting with community partners, hospitals and other organizations to remind the public that these services continue to be offered and that support is available for those considering adoption, seeking maternity assistance or needing resources after an adoption is finalized.
“The biggest thing we want the community to know is adoption is here,” said Shaniqua Forrest, program director for Adoption and Post-Adoption Services at Catholic Charities. “We are maintaining the program. We are here to support in any way that anyone may need.”
Catholic Charities offers maternity support, domestic and international adoption services, Safe Home Studies, foster-to-adopt opportunities and post-placement visits. The agency’s goal is to place children in loving, stable and permanent homes while providing guidance and support throughout the adoption process.
As part of its outreach efforts, the program recently hosted a community baby shower that provided essential baby items to expectant and new mothers. Participants received diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers and clothing, while donated items such as a stroller and breast pump were also distributed. Program staff noted that two mothers delivered their babies before the event and received their donated items at the hospital.
The agency also provides extensive post-adoption support designed to help families navigate challenges that may arise after an adoption is finalized. Services include counseling, mental health treatment, crisis intervention, family preservation and stabilization services, peer support and respite care.
For Cornella Slaughter, post-adoption specialist with Catholic Charities, ongoing support is essential to helping families thrive.
“The main goal is to make sure that that placement stays permanent,” Slaughter said.
Catholic Charities staff emphasized that adoptive families do not have to face challenges alone and that resources are available to support both parents and children as they adjust and grow together.
The agency will host an event highlighting its Post-Adoption Services on Tuesday, June 30 – “Taco-bout a Great Support System.” Those interested in learning more about adoption, maternity support or post-adoption resources can contact Catholic Charities for additional information at (601) 326-3796.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – For Father Will Foggo, the path to priesthood has always been marked by the people and communities that helped shape his faith.
On Saturday, May 16, those communities came together at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle as Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz ordained the lifelong Diocese of Jackson Catholic to the priesthood.
JACKSON – Surrounded by the prayers of the church, ordinand Will Foggo lies prostrate before the altar during the Litany of Supplication, one of the most solemn moments of the Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood on Saturday, May 16 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photo by Joanna King)
Family members, friends, priests, deacons, seminarians and parishioners filled the cathedral to witness a moment years in the making for the St. Paul Flowood parishioner who attended St. Richard School in Jackson, graduated from St. Joseph School in Madison and later discerned his vocation while active in Catholic Campus Ministry at Mississippi State University.
In his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the gift of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in calling men to serve the church. He noted that a vocation is never formed in isolation, but through families, parish communities and seminary communities that help discern and affirm God’s call.
“We continue the work of the Lord,” Bishop Kopacz said, pointing to Christ’s mission of teaching, proclaiming the Gospel, healing, blessing and gathering people into communities of faith.
Addressing the newly ordained priest, the bishop referenced St. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy: “Let no one have contempt for your youth.”
“Today is not contempt,” the bishop said. “There’s great joy.”
That joy became especially evident near the end of Mass when Bishop Kopacz announced Father Foggo’s first assignments.
Newly ordained Father Will Foggo assists Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz in distributing Holy Communion during the ordination Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
As is customary, the bishop explained that newly ordained priests enter a period of “vocational synthesis,” integrating priestly ministry into daily life after years of seminary formation.
For the next few months, Father Foggo will serve as parochial vicar pro tempore at St. Joseph Parish in Starkville, the same parish community where he served as a transitional deacon following his ordination to the diaconate in November.
The announcement drew enthusiastic applause from the congregation.
Then came a second announcement from Bishop Kopacz.
Beginning Sept. 1, Father Foggo will become parochial vicar at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Madison. The cathedral erupted in even louder cheers.
“We’re very happy about the support that you’ve had in the presbyterate and among the people of God,” Bishop Kopacz said.
The following morning, Father Foggo celebrated his first Mass as a priest at his home parish, St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood.
The homilist for the Mass was Deacon Scott Beslin, a seminary classmate and friend who was later ordained a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux on June 6. Reflecting on the Feast of the Ascension, Beslin reminded the congregation that Christ’s ascension was not the end of His work, but the beginning of the church’s mission.
Turning to the newly ordained priest, Beslin reflected on the responsibilities that now lay before him. “Through your hands, heaven touches earth,” he said before pausing and adding, “No pressure.”
The church erupted in laughter, including Father Foggo himself.
Beslin continued by speaking of the responsibilities of priestly ministry, including preaching the Gospel, shepherding souls, celebrating the sacraments and being available to God’s people. Despite the humor, he emphasized that priestly ministry does not depend on a priest’s own strength alone.
“None of this depends on you alone,” Beslin said. “It is Christ who lifts you. Christ who works through you. Christ who will be faithful through you.”
Yet some of the most memorable moments came after Communion.
Thanking those gathered for their prayers and support, Father Foggo explained the tradition of the maniturgium, the cloth used to wipe the sacred chrism from a priest’s hands after ordination.
Tradition holds that the cloth is presented to the priest’s mother and buried with her as a symbol of her offering her son to God.
Father Will Foggo elevates the Eucharistic during his First Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood on May 17, one day after being ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Jackson. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
Turning unexpectedly to his parents, Sheila and John Foggo, Father Foggo revealed that he had not told them what was about to happen.
“I’d like to give that to my parents right now,” he said. The congregation responded with sustained applause as he presented the maniturgium to his mother. He then presented his father with the stole that will be used when he hears his first confession, another tradition symbolizing the gift of a son offered in service to the church.
The emotional moment served as a fitting conclusion to a weekend that celebrated not only the ordination of a new priest, but also the many people, parishes and communities that helped nurture his vocation.
Por Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Para el padre Will Foggo, el camino hacia el sacerdocio siempre ha estado marcado por las personas y comunidades que ayudaron a moldear su fe.
El sábado 16 de mayo, esas comunidades se reunieron en la Catedral de San Pedro el Apóstol cuando el obispo Joseph R. Kopacz ordenó a un católico natal de la diócesis de Jackson.
Familiares, amigos, sacerdotes, diáconos, seminaristas y feligreses llenaron la catedral para presenciar un momento que años se gestó para el feligrés de St. Paul Flowood que asistió a la escuela de St. Richard en Jackson, se graduó de St. Joseph en Madison y más tarde discernió su vocación mientras estaba activo en el Ministerio Católico en el Campus de la Universidad Estatal de Mississippi.
En su homilía, el obispo Kopacz reflexionó sobre el don de la fe y la obra del Espíritu Santo al llamar a los hombres a servir a la iglesia. Señaló que una vocación nunca se forma de forma aislada, sino a través de familias, comunidades parroquiales y comunidades de seminarios que ayudan a discernir y afirmar el llamado de Dios.
Will Foggo yace postrado ante el altar durante la Letanía de Súplica en su ordenación sacerdotal, el 16 de mayo, en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol, en Jackson. (Foto por Tereza Ma) Vea más fotografías en jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.
“Continuamos la obra del Señor”, dijo el obispo Kopacz, señalando la misión de Cristo de enseñar, proclamar el Evangelio, sanar, bendecir y reunir a las personas en comunidades de fe. Dirigiéndose al sacerdote recién ordenado, el obispo hizo referencia al ánimo de San Pablo a Timoteo: “Que nadie desprecie vuestra juventud.”
“Hoy no es desprecio”, dijo el obispo. “Eso es una gran alegría.”
Esa alegría se hizo especialmente evidente cerca del final de la misa, cuando el obispo Kopacz anunció las primeras asignaciones del padre Foggo.
Como es costumbre, el obispo explicó que los sacerdotes recién ordenados entran en un periodo de “síntesis vocacional”, integrando el ministerio sacerdotal en la vida diaria tras años de formación en el seminario.
Durante los próximos meses, el padre Foggo servirá como vicario parroquial pro tempore en la parroquia de San José en Starkville, la misma comunidad parroquial donde sirvió como diácono transitorio tras su ordenación al diaconado en noviembre.
El anuncio provocó entusiasmo y aplausos de la congregación.
Luego llegó un segundo anuncio del obispo Kopacz.
A partir del 1 de septiembre, el padre Foggo se convertirá en vicario parroquial en la parroquia de San Francisco de Asís en Madison.
La catedral estalló en aplausos aún más fuertes.
“Estamos muy contentos del apoyo que habéis recibido en el presbiterado y entre el pueblo de Dios”, dijo el obispo Kopacz.
A la mañana siguiente, el padre Foggo celebró su primera misa como sacerdote en su parroquia natal, la iglesia católica de San Pablo en Flowood.
El homilista de la misa fue el diácono Scott Beslin, compañero de clase y amigo del seminario que en poco tiempo después fue ordenado sacerdote para la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux el 6 de junio. Reflexionando sobre la Fiesta de la Ascensión, Beslin recordó a la congregación que la ascensión de Cristo no fue el fin de Su obra, sino el comienzo de la misión de la iglesia.
Viendo hacia el sacerdote recién ordenado, Beslin reflexionó sobre las responsabilidades que ahora se le presentaban.
“A través de tus manos, el cielo toca la tierra”, dijo antes de hacer una pausa y añadir, “Sin presión.” La iglesia estalló en carcajadas, incluido el propio padre Foggo.
Beslin continuó hablando de las responsabilidades del ministerio sacerdotal, incluyendo predicar el Evangelio, pastorear almas, celebrar los sacramentos y estar disponible para el pueblo de Dios. A pesar del humor, enfatizó que el ministerio sacerdotal no depende únicamente de la fuerza del sacerdote.
“Nada de esto depende solo de ti”, dijo Beslin. “Es Cristo quien os eleva. Cristo que obra a través de ti. Cristo que será fiel a través de ti.”
El padre Will Foggo entrega el maniturgium a su madre, Sheila Foggo, y la estola que utilizará para escuchar su primera confesión a su padre, John Foggo, durante su primera misa en la Iglesia Católica San Pablo de Flowood el 17 de mayo. Estas tradiciones simbolizan la entrega de un hijo a Dios y el apoyo que sus padres le han brindado a lo largo de su camino vocacional. (Foto por Joanna King)
Sin embargo, algunos de los momentos más memorables llegaron después de la Comunión.
Agradeciendo a los presentes por sus oraciones y apoyo, el padre Foggo explicó la tradición del maniturgium, el paño que se utiliza para limpiar el sacro crisma de las manos de un sacerdote tras la ordenación. La tradición sostiene que la tela se presenta a la madre del sacerdote y se entierra con ella como símbolo de que ella ofrece a su hijo a Dios.
Volviéndose inesperadamente hacia sus padres, Sheila y John Foggo, el padre Foggo reveló que no les había contado lo que estaba a punto de suceder.
“Me gustaría dárselo a mis padres ahora mismo”, dijo.
La congregación respondió con aplausos sostenidos mientras él entregaba el maniturgium a su madre. Luego le entregó a su padre la estola que se usará cuando escuche su primera confesión, otra tradición que simboliza el regalo de un hijo ofrecido al servicio de la iglesia.
El momento emotivo sirvió como una conclusión apropiada para un fin de semana que celebró no solo la ordenación de un nuevo sacerdote, sino también a las muchas personas, parroquias y comunidades que ayudaron a nutrir su vocación.
By Joanna King JACKSON – A new diocesan initiative focused on strengthening lay leadership and faith formation across the Diocese of Jackson is taking shape through the newly established Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation, an effort church leaders say grew directly out of listening sessions held during the diocesan Pastoral Reimagining process.
Led by the diocesan Office of Faith Formation under the direction of Fran Lavelle, the center is designed to provide accessible formation and ministry training opportunities for parish and school leaders, catechists, youth ministers and other lay leaders throughout the diocese.
The Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation webpage serves as a new diocesan resource for faith formation, leadership training and ministry support for lay leaders across the Diocese of Jackson. The online hub includes formation opportunities, ministry resources and training programs offered in both English and Spanish. (Photo illustration by Joanna King)
“The absolute best part of my ministry is working with people,” Lavelle said. “The second-best part of my job is looking at ways to better serve our parishes and schools, especially concerning faith formation.” Lavelle said the idea for the center emerged after parish and deanery listening sessions identified the need for stronger lay leadership formation.
“Better formation for lay leaders was one of the clarion calls from both individual parishes and the deaneries,” she said. “When you ask people how the Church can better serve them, it is important to act on what you hear.”
An advisory committee formed in late 2024 began reimagining how the diocese could support lay ministry and leadership development. That process ultimately led to the creation of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation.
The center is named in honor of former Bishop William R. Houck, who served the Diocese of Jackson from 1984 to 2003 and was widely recognized for his commitment to Catholic education, evangelization and lay ministry. During his tenure, Houck served as chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization, which published the landmark 1992 document, Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States. The document, still used today, continues to encourage Catholics to embrace the mission of discipleship.
“Bishop Houck was an esteemed educator and a devoted advocate for lay ministry,” Lavelle said. “His vision and voice laid the foundation for lay leadership training in the Diocese. It is our hope to expand his vision to provide high-quality formation and training at every parish, mission and school.”
According to the center’s website, its mission is “to provide lay leaders in the Diocese of Jackson training and formation with emphasis in catechetical, pastoral and ecclesial applications.”
The initiative is built around three foundational pillars: education, evangelization and the development of well-formed lay leaders. The website notes that ongoing formation in Scripture and Catholic teaching helps disciples live out their call, while strong parish communities depend on prepared leaders who can serve with “knowledge, confidence and compassion.”
Unlike a traditional diocesan institute, the Houck Center is not housed in a physical building. Instead, it operates as an online resource hub hosted through the diocesan website. Participants can access diocesan workshops, online courses, ministry resources and leadership development opportunities in a variety of ministry areas.
“We really wanted something accessible to people no matter where they live in the diocese,” Lavelle said. “This is about meeting parish leaders where they are and helping them continue to grow in confidence and faith.”
Current areas of formation include campus ministry, catechist training, family ministry, intercultural ministry, liturgy, OCIA, prison ministry, youth ministry and young adult ministry, along with leadership training opportunities for pastoral councils and parish ministry teams.
One of the center’s first major initiatives is a redesigned Pastoral Ministries Workshop, a longtime diocesan leadership program that has now been restructured to better accommodate busy parish volunteers and ministry leaders. Previously offered as a four-year program requiring participants to attend a weeklong summer session each year, the workshop has been reformatted into a more flexible intensive weekend model.
“The length of time to complete the old program, along with the difficulty many volunteers had getting away for an entire week, made us realize we needed a more accessible format,” Lavelle said. “We wanted to preserve the richness of the formation while making it realistic for people serving in parish ministry.” The new two-year program consists of six four-hour sessions focused on prayer, theology, pastoral leadership and practical ministry skills. Courses will be offered concurrently in English and Spanish, reflecting the diversity of the diocese and the center’s emphasis on broad accessibility.
This year’s workshop topics include the foundations of Catholic pastoral ministry, pastoral identity and spirituality, and communication and relationship-building in ministry. Participants will explore themes such as servant leadership, intercultural communication, conflict transformation and spiritual practices that sustain ministry.
Lavelle said the workshop is intended not only for new ministers and catechists, but also for experienced parish leaders seeking renewed formation and support.
“Our primary goal is to provide a foundation in Catholic pastoral ministry through prayer, theology, practical skills and reflection,” she said.
This year’s workshop will be held July 31-Aug. 2 at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond. Registration is open through July 10. More information about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation can be found at jacksondiocese.org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson has entered an important period of listening and discernment as it explores the possibility of a future diocesan-wide capital campaign. This effort, known as a feasibility study, is being led by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson and is designed to gather input from clergy, parish leaders and parishioners across the diocese.
A feasibility study is a critical first step in determining whether a campaign is both needed and achievable. It allows diocesan leadership to better understand the needs, hopes and priorities of the faithful before making any decisions. Rather than beginning with assumptions, the diocese is committed to ensuring that any future campaign reflects the real needs of parishes, ministries and the broader Church.
“This is first and foremost a listening process,” said Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation. “We want to hear what matters most to our parishioners and how we can best support the mission entrusted to us as a diocese.”
Bishop Joseph Kopacz also emphasized the importance of participation in a recent letter to parishioners: “I write to you with gratitude and hope as our diocese enters a time of prayerful listening and discernment … Your voice is essential in this process.” His invitation underscores the central goal of the study which is to ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
The feasibility study will explore several key areas, including support for parish needs, a retired priest endowment, parish endowments, and the Bishop Houck Lay Leader Center endowment. Another component of the campaign being tested is seminarian education. As the diocese continues to experience growth in vocations, the financial commitment required to educate and form future priests has also increased.
“As we look to the future, investing in seminarian education is essential to the life of our Church,” Harris said. “We are seeing great momentum in vocations, and we must ensure we have the resources to support these men as they prepare for the priesthood.”
Participation from across the diocese is essential to the success of this effort. Feedback gathered during this phase will help determine not only whether to move forward with a capital campaign, but also what priorities it should include if it proceeds.
As part of the process, parishioners should have received a Flocknote message inviting them to complete a brief survey. This survey is one of the primary tools being used to collect input from parishioners around the diocese. All parishioners are encouraged to take a few minutes to share their thoughts.
Results of the feasibility study are expected in mid-May and will guide diocesan leadership in determining next steps.
“This is a moment of opportunity for our diocese,” Harris added. “By listening carefully and planning responsibly, we can ensure that any future campaign strengthens our parishes, forms future priests, and supports the mission of the Church for generations to come.”
All are invited to participate and to keep this effort in prayer as the Diocese seeks to follow God’s guidance in the months ahead.
By Joanna Puddister King FLOWOOD – A life-size bride dressed in handmade flowers greeted parishioners at St. Paul Church this Easter, her gown a delicate arrangement of soap petals crafted by members of the parish just weeks before.
Inside the church, those same flowers adorned the altar, the result of a daylong, bridal-themed workshop that invited participants to reflect on the Church as the Bride of Christ and her call into the “Divine Dance.”
More than 100 parishioners gathered March 14 for the Easter soap flower workshop led by Amber Earles, owner of A’Marie’s Bath Flower Shop, along with Cecilia Carlton, director of liturgy at St. Paul, and parishioner Pam Harkins. Guests of all ages filled tables, shaping delicate soap petals into flowers that would become part of the parish’s Easter environment.
The event blended creativity, catechesis and celebration, with each element of the bridal theme pointing to a deeper spiritual meaning.
“We’ve worked on this for a year, just letting things come to us from the Holy Spirit,” Earles said. “It wasn’t forced – it just unfolded, like the flowers.”
Earles, a St. Paul parishioner, began her business more than a decade ago after creating a bouquet of soap flowers for her hospitalized mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law hesitated to use them because they were “too pretty,” Earles developed a petal-by-petal design that could be enjoyed both visually and practically.
While her handcrafted flowers are now shipped nationwide, Earles said opportunities like the parish workshop remain central to her mission.
“This is why I do what I do,” she said. “Yes, I work to live, but this – seeing people come together, creating and finding joy – this is the purpose behind it.”
Throughout the day, participants created mostly white flowers symbolizing the purity of the Bride of Christ, along with multicolored blooms representing the unique gifts within the Body of Christ. These were later incorporated into both the altar display and the atrium scene depicting Jesus inviting His Bride into the Divine Dance.
A life-size display depicting Jesus inviting His Bride, the Church, into the “Divine Dance” is featured in the atrium of St. Paul Catholic Church for Easter. (Photo by Amber Earles)
During a midday reflection, Carlton guided participants into the theological meaning behind the imagery.
“We are not meant to stand apart from the Lord,” Carlton said. “We are invited to the feast of the Lamb – invited into relationship, into communion, into the dance itself.”
Drawing from Scripture and tradition, Carlton described the Divine Dance as the movement of love within the Trinity and the invitation extended to all believers.
“No more standing at a distance,” she said. “There is a place set for you at the table.”
The bridal theme carried through the day with a wedding-style cake, a bouquet toss and soap flower bases given as favors – lighthearted touches that reinforced the central message of the wedding feast of the Lamb.
By the end of the workshop, the room that once buzzed with conversation and careful handiwork reflected a shared sense of joy and participation in something greater.
“It’s not just about making something beautiful,” Earles said. “It’s about being invited into something deeper – into God’s love.”
(Above) Kerry Doyle, a parishioner of St. Paul Church, displays a handmade soap flower she crafted during a March 14 workshop preparing decorations for the Easter altar and atrium. (On right) Amber Earles speaks to participants about the origins of her handcrafted soap flowers and A’marie’s Bath Flower Shop. (Photos by Joanna King – For more photos visit jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.)
Por Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – La Diócesis de Jackson ha entrado en un periodo importante de escucha y discernimiento mientras explora la posibilidad de una futura campaña de capital a nivel diocesano. Este esfuerzo, conocido como estudio de viabilidad, está liderado por la Fundación Católica de la Diócesis de Jackson y está diseñado para recopilar información de clérigos, líderes parroquiales y feligreses de toda la diócesis.
Un estudio de viabilidad es un primer paso fundamental para determinar si una campaña es tanto necesaria como alcanzable. Permite al liderazgo diocesano comprender mejor las necesidades, esperanzas y prioridades de los fieles antes de tomar cualquier decisión. En lugar de partir de suposiciones, la diócesis se compromete a garantizar que cualquier campaña futura refleje las necesidades reales de las parroquias, los ministerios y la Iglesia en general.
“Esto es, ante todo, un proceso de escucha”, dijo Rebecca Harris, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación Católica. “Queremos escuchar qué es lo que más importa a nuestros feligreses y cómo podemos apoyar mejor la misión que se nos ha encomendado como diócesis.”
El obispo Joseph Kopacz también subrayó la importancia de la participación en una reciente carta dirigida a los feligreses: “Les escribo con gratitud y esperanza mientras nuestra diócesis entra en un tiempo de escucha y discernimiento en oración … Tu voz es esencial en este proceso.” Su invitación subraya el objetivo central del estudio, que es garantizar que cada voz tenga la oportunidad de ser escuchada.
El estudio de viabilidad explorará varias áreas clave, incluyendo el apoyo a las necesidades de la parroquia, un fondo de dotación para sacerdotes jubilados, las dotaciones parroquiales y la dotación del Centro de Líderes Laicos del Obispo Houck. Otro componente de la campaña que se está poniendo a prueba es la educación de seminaristas. A medida que la diócesis continúa experimentando un crecimiento en vocaciones, también ha aumentado el compromiso financiero necesario para educar y formar a futuros sacerdotes.
“A medida que miramos hacia al futuro, invertir en la educación de seminaristas es esencial para la vida de nuestra Iglesia”, dijo Harris. “Estamos viendo un gran impulso en las vocaciones, y debemos asegurarnos de contar con los recursos para apoyar a estos hombres mientras se preparan para el sacerdocio.”
La participación de toda la diócesis es esencial para el éxito de este esfuerzo. Los comentarios recopilados durante esta fase ayudarán a determinar no solo si avanzar con una campaña de financiación, sino también qué prioridades deben incluirse si sigue adelante.
Como parte del proceso, los feligreses deberían haber recibido un mensaje de Flocknote invitándoles a completar una breve encuesta. Esta encuesta es una de las principales herramientas que se utilizan para recopilar opiniones de los feligreses de toda la diócesis. Se anima a todos los feligreses a dedicar unos minutos a compartir sus opiniones.
Los resultados del estudio de viabilidad se esperan a mediados de mayo y guiarán al liderazgo diocesano en la determinación de los próximos pasos.
“Este es un momento de oportunidad para nuestra diócesis”, añadió Harris. “Escuchando atentamente y planificando con responsabilidad, podemos asegurar que cualquier campaña futura fortalezca nuestras parroquias, forme a futuros sacerdotes y apoye la misión de la Iglesia para las generaciones venideras.”
Todos están invitados a participar y a mantener este esfuerzo en oración mientras la Diócesis busca seguir la guía de Dios en los próximos meses.
JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.
Fatherhood comes first as Mario Villasenor of St. Therese Parish in Jackson cares for his baby during Mass.Jose Varela of St. Jude Parish in Pearl is pinned with the Bishop Chanche Medal for service. Elizabeth Liddell of Holy Ghost Parish in Jackson prays during the Bishop Chanche Medal Mass.Liz Edmondson of St. Michael Forest poses for a photo with Bishop Joseph Kopacz after receiving the Bishop Chanche Medal for service to the Church.Honorees stand during the Bishop Chanche Medal ceremony recognizing their service to the Church. (Photos by Joanna King)
By Joanna King JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Family Ministry will host its first “Fam Jam,” a family-focused evening of music and fellowship, on Saturday, April 11 at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.
Food sales begin at 4:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s Forestry Building, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson. The event will feature Catholic country singer and songwriter Bradley Banning, whose music blends traditional country storytelling with themes of faith and family.
A Texas-born artist, Banning said he shifted his musical focus in recent years to writing songs that reflect his Catholic faith and values while remaining true to the country style he grew up loving. His performances often combine music with personal testimony about faith, family and life.
“My goal was to provide a family-friendly event where Catholics from parishes all over our diocese come together for fun and fellowship,” said Debbie Tubertini, coordinator for the Office of Family Ministry.
Registration is required for the event, which has limited seating. The cost is $10 per person, with a maximum of $40 per family.
(For more information contact the Office of Family Ministry at (601) 960-8487 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.)
By Joanna Puddister King GALLMAN – High school juniors and seniors from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at Camp Wesley Pines near Hazlehurst Jan. 16–18 for the annual diocesan SEARCH Retreat. SEARCH is a Catholic youth retreat modeled after the Cursillo retreat for adults, designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors who desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ.
A retreat “for teens, led by teens,” SEARCH is an experience like none other, with a strong focus on vocations. It engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold, real, active and healthy way.
“Much of what happens in the retreat is kept a mystery, but a few things are certain – you will have fun, you will be challenged to grow in your faith, and chances are you will make a few new friends,” said Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Jackson.
The retreat team is primarily made up of a youth staff of teens who have previously attended a SEARCH retreat. Once a teen attends a SEARCH weekend, he or she has the opportunity to apply to staff future retreats, Schuhmann explained.
While the teens lead the retreat, adult leaders and clergy serve largely behind the scenes. Deacon Will Foggo assisted throughout the weekend and led adoration and benediction, helping guide the teens in prayer and worship. Seminarians Joe Pearson and Henry Haley were also present, offering witness talks and spending time with participants to share about vocational discernment and life in seminary.
The SEARCH model gives youth the opportunity to demonstrate and carry out servant leadership. The retreat would not be possible without the support of adult volunteers who have served in this ministry for many years.
“We are especially grateful to Ann and Jeff Cook for continuing to serve as volunteer adult SEARCH coordinators,” Schuhmann said. “Without their dedicated service, this ministry would not be where it is today.”
The SEARCH ministry continues to grow in the diocese, with each retreat welcoming new participants into what has become a strong and enduring SEARCH family.
