This is an official promotional poster for the documentary “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood.” The documentary will air on ABC stations nationwide beginning Oct. 2, 2022. (CNS photo/courtesy NewGroup Media). The film can also be viewed on the Diocese of Jackson’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/SisterTheaFilm
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – A new documentary from NewGroup Media and the Diocese of Jackson, Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood, presents the riveting life of Sister Thea Bowman, an African American Catholic Franciscan Sister who used her powerful gifts to educate and challenge the church and society to grow in racial inclusivity. Her skills of preaching, music, and teaching moved many Catholics to begin to confront their own racism while she urged her African American brothers and sisters to claim their gifts and share their “fully functioning” personhood. Thea worked tirelessly to proclaim this message until her untimely death from breast cancer in 1990.
The film features interviews and commentary from her family, Sisters in community, colleagues, friends, and former students. Input from African-American scholars, clerics and bishops will speak to the ongoing issue of systemic racism in the church and country. Extensive use is made of archival media that portrays Thea in action–photographs, film, video and audio recordings recorded in locations of significance to her life.
The program title is drawn from a quotation attributed to Sojourner Truth. When Thea was asked what she wanted said at her funeral, she answered, “Just say what Sojourner Truth said: ‘I’m not going to die. I’m going home like a shooting star.’”
The film, part of the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission’s fall documentary season, began airing on ABC stations nationwide on Oct. 2, 2022. As of Oct. 11, the following Mississippi stations have scheduled showings of the film: WLOX Biloxi – Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.; and WAPT Jackson – Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. Contact your local ABC affiliate station for additional dates and times.
The film can also be streamed on the Diocese of Jackson’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/SisterTheaFilm. The film is free to view, with donations requested to the Cause for Sister Thea Bowman.
The film makes a strong connection between Thea’s Gospel call for justice, love and unity and the current effort of Black Lives Matter activists and efforts to combat systemic racism. Many in the film cite Thea’s voice as an influence on their ongoing efforts to achieve social and racial justice.
Production of “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood” was made possible with funding from the Catholic Communications Campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as support from various foundations and congregations of U.S. men and women religious.
By Joanna Puddister King GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph parish hosted their annual Germanfest on Sunday, Sept. 25 on the church grounds. The Gluckstadt community was founded in 1905 by German immigrants. Many of the descendants of the original families still attend the parish.
Much prep work goes into planning this fun-filled festival. Families gather weeks in advance to can sauerkraut using a traditional recipe. In the days leading up to the Germanfest you can find parishioners preparing sausages, bratwurst, desserts and other German delicacies to share with the community. This year, Germanfest was a hot one with temps in the low-to-mid 90s, but festival goers had lots of fun, good food and a variety of beer to sample.
The general store was stocked with sauerkraut and other goodies for sale. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King. More pictures from Germanfest can be found at mississippicatholic.com)
Morgan Ladner grits her teeth in the Women’s beer stein holding competition. Morgan Moore pulled out the win this year.
Germanfest attendees tried to beat the heat under tents.
Food, beer, games, music and fellowship are staples at Germanfest each year.Friendly competition was the name of the game for Vicki and Sarah in the beer stein holding contest.The men’s group holds their steins steady in the opening of the Men’s beer stein competition.
By Joanna Puddister King MADISON – With clear skies, twenty-three teams competed for the Catholic Foundation’s 40th annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament on Thursday, Sept. 15 at Lake Caroline.
The proceeds from this year’s tournament aided in raising funds for the Catholic Foundation Grant Trust. “This trust provides funding for grant projects throughout the diocese,” explained Catholic Foundation executive director, Rebecca Harris.
“Each year parishes, schools and other catholic ministries are invited to submit grant applications for projects that they help fund. The Catholic Foundation raises money throughout the year to help fund these grant projects.”
MADISON – The Catholic Foundation’s 40th annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament took place on Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Lake Caroline Golf Club in Madison. Pictured is the winning team of Chris Savell, Toliver McMullen, Ken Guthrie and Joseph Pressley playing for the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle Jackson and sponsored by Matthews, Cutrer and Lindsay, P.A. accounting firm based in Ridgeland. (Photos courtesy Rebecca Harris)
After a marvelous day of golf, teams gathered for an awards dinner and silent auction at the Mermaid Café. Awarded with the cherished Bishop’s Cup trophy this year were Chris Savell, Toliver McMullen, Ken Guthrie and Joseph Pressley, playing for the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle Jackson, and sponsored by Matthews, Cutrer and Lindsay, P.A. accounting firm based in Ridgeland. The second-place team was sponsored by WAPT and the third-place team was sponsored by BankFirst.
“The Bishop’s Cup committee began working on this tournament back in early July. They would like to thank all of the sponsors for helping to make the event such a success,” said Harris.
The 40th annual Bishop’s Cup was sponsored by: St. Dominic Health Services, Inc.; Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC; Citizens National Bank; Regions Bank; Rusty and Yvonne Haydel; BankFirst; BankPlus; Campus Dining; Capital Glass; Ken and Maetta Lefoldt; Matthews, Cutrer and Lindsay, P.A.; Mike and Diane Pumphrey; Old River Companies, Inc.; Raymond James; Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Canton; Allen and Maureen Scott; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gluckstadt; Tico’s Steak House; Trustmark Bank; and WAPT. Special thanks to all of the hole sponsors, as well.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – As a part of the Eucharistic Revival, developed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Diocese of Jackson is holding a Eucharistic Congress on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt. The event also flows out of the diocesan “Year of the Eucharist.”
The event features an evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass. The featured speaker for the event is Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
“This will kick off the Eucharistic Revival’s focus on the Eucharist in parish life and the re-evangelization of parishioners through reverence for the Eucharist in their lives and connecting the Eucharist to service and how parishioners are called to be the Real Presence of Jesus Christ to others,” said Mary Woodward, chancellor for the Diocese of Jackson.
GLUCKSTADT – The Diocese of Jackson is hosting a Eucharistic Congress on October 28-29 at St. Joseph parish in Gluckstadt. All are welcome to attend this evening and morning of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks and Mass.
“As we move further into this focus, we will provide more opportunities for parishes to deepen their worship life and prayer life.”
Woodward says that the Eucharistic Congress is not just about adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which is a necessary, vital and profound action, but also a deeper understanding of and commitment to worshipping the Eucharist as active participants in liturgy. “This in turn leads to an internalization of the Real Presence so that one can then reflect that Real Presence of Christ to the world that is so in need of the presence of Christ,” says Woodward.
The schedule for Friday, Oct. 28 consists of a holy hour of exposition, adoration and evening prayer from 5-7 p.m.; a spiritual talk on the gift of the Eucharist by Father Gibson at 7 p.m.; and adoration, night prayer and benediction from 7:30-9 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 29, the morning begins with exposition, adoration, morning prayer and benediction from 8:30-10:30 a.m.; a spiritual talk on living the Eucharist by Father Gibson; and closing Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz at 11:15 a.m.
For those unable to attend the Congress, look for local opportunities for adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation during event times. For more information on the national Eucharistic Revival, visit www.eucharisticrevival.org.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Bestselling author, David Magee imparted valuable life lessons to those in attendance at Catholic Charities Journey of Hope event on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Jackson Convention Complex. Emceed by news anchor, Maggie Wade of WLBT, event attendees were also in for a treat with a special performance of “One Mississippi” by Steve Azar, backed by the St. Richard sixth grade choir.
JACKSON – Hundreds gathered to hear bestselling author, David Magee speak at Catholic Charities annual Journey of Hope event on Sept. 20 at the Jackson Convention Complex. Pictured at the event with Magee (on right) are Dr. Judy Alsobrooks Meredith and James Meredith. On right, Steve Azar, backed by the St. Richard sixth grade choir, sang “One Mississippi.” (Photos by Joanna Puddister King
Beginning his talk to the over 500 in attendance at the event, Magee spoke about an encounter with a young lady working at the hotel he was staying in while in town for the Journey of Hope event.
After sharing with her that he was in town to speak at a Catholic Charities event, the young lady excitedly shared her life changing experience with the organization back when she was just 16 years old. Magee shared with the crowd that she only had to rely on Catholic Charities resources briefly, and today she and her family had everything they could want, including joy. Magee said that the young lady told him ”’but I’m not sure how it would have worked out without Catholic Charities.’”
“It changed her life,” stated Magee.
Speaking on his critically acclaimed book, Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss, Magee chronicled his families struggle with addition and loss. Magee and his wife, Kent, lost their son William to an accidental drug overdose in 2013 and they nearly lost their other son, Hudson, to an overdose as well.
He also spoke about the effects of substance misuse among individuals and family, how illegal substances have increased in strength with the danger of added ingredients, and of relaxed attitudes toward prescription medications. Through out his talk, he gave guidance for staying safe and helping other seek the help they need.
Through the loss, recovery and healing his family encountered, Magee truly believes in the resiliency of souls. “I think faith, God’s grace, God’s strength – helps us in that resilience,” said Magee. “The power to get up in all the adversity – when we don’t have the strength to take one more step.”
Pointing to the hard times the city of Jackson has had recently with flooding and lack of water, Magee noted that from dark times there is “always a path forward.”
“There is hope. There is a path forward,” said Magee. “… This disease effects everybody. It knows no lines of economics, race, gender … every single American family is touched in one way.”
Magee reminded those in attendance that the resources people have affect their ability to receive treatment for addiction. “That’s why … the work of Catholic Charities and the special focus of this event … changes generations of families, just like that lady I met at the hotel – just in different ways.”
Thanking those present at the Journey of Hope luncheon, Magee concluded his talk, saying “this isn’t about me and it’s not about my family. It’s about you and your family and this community and the state of Mississippi.”
“As we come together as ‘One Mississippi’ – as my friend Steve Azar likes to say – we find power together and Catholic Charities is at the lead of that fight.”
Por Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – A partir de su edición del 16 de septiembre de 2022, los periódicos Mississippi Catholic y Mississippi Católico de la Diócesis de Jackson adoptarán un nuevo calendario de publicación, que incluye las vias impresa y digital.
Mississippi Catholic tendra de ahora en lo adelante sólo una publicación impresa mensual en los meses de febrero a noviembre.
Mississippi Católico, el periódico en español de la diócesis seguirá teniendo su impresión mensual, pero ahora regularmente en la primera quincena del mes, con algunas excepciones.
El periódico Mississippi Catholic seguirá imprimiéndose dos veces en los meses de diciembre y enero, para adaptarse a la necesidad de comunicar informes anuales y noticias sobre la Semana de las Escuelas Católicas.
El cambio en la frecuencia de la edición impresa es parte de una serie de medidas de reducción de costos, debido al aumento de los precios de impresión y envío.
Actualmente, con cada edición impresa, también se crea una versión digital del periódico, así como cada historia individual publicada en mississippicatholic.com y enviada por correo electrónico en una versión electrónica del periódico.
Después de la primera edición impresa del mes, Mississippi Catholic y Mississippi Católico publicarán una edición, solo de forma digital, entre ediciones impresas.
Esta versión estará disponible por correo electrónico a través de Flocknote, en nuestra página de facebook @Diócesis Católica de Jackson, MS y en mississippicatholic.com.
Para acceder a la edición digital: Envíe un mensaje de texto con MSCATHOLIC al 84576; Visite www.jacksondiocese.flocknote.com o; Envíe un correo electrónico a editor@jacksondiocese.org para agregarlo a la lista.
Mississippi Catholic ahora imprimirá una edición por mes de febrero a noviembre y dos ediciones en diciembre y enero. Una segunda edición, sólo digital, se publicará de febrero a noviembre. Los católicos de toda la diócesis pueden registrarse para recibir una copia digital del documento en Flocknote enviando un mensaje de texto con MSCATHOLIC al 84576 o registrándose en jacksondiocese.flocknote.com.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Beginning with its Sept. 16, 2022 edition, the Mississippi Catholic newspaper of the Diocese of Jackson will be adopting a monthly print schedule from February through November. Mississippi Católico, the Spanish-language newspaper of the diocese will continue to have its regular monthly print schedule. The change in frequency of the printed edition is part of a series of cost-cutting measures due to rising print and postage costs.
The paper will continue to be printed twice per month in December and January to accommodate the need to communicate annual reports and news about Catholic Schools Week.
Currently, with each print edition, a digital version of the paper is also created, as well as having each individual story published on mississippicatholic.com and emailed in an e-version of the paper.
After the first print edition of the month, Mississippi Catholic will publish a digital only edition, in between print editions. It will be available via email through Flocknote and on mississippicatholic.com. To access the digital edition, text MSCATHOLIC to 84576, visit www.jacksondiocese.flocknote.com, or email editor@jacksondiocese.org to be added to the list.
Mississippi Catholic will now print one issue per month February through November and two issues in December and January. A second digital only edition will publish February through November. Catholics across the diocese can sign up to receive a digital copy of the paper on Flocknote by texting MSCATHOLIC to 84576 or by signing up at jacksondiocese.flocknote.com.
MADISON – Mary Frances Strange of St. James Tupelo and Joi Fleming of Holy Family Jackson socialize during a break during Fall Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Aug. 20 at St. Francis parish. Faith formation leaders from around the diocese gathered for the event with the theme “Behold I make all things new,” with keynote speaker Stephanie Cloutre Davis, an Ignatian trained spiritual director and breakout sessions covering a variety of topics. (Photos by Joanna King)
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Known for his servant’s heart, Father Bernard Patrick “Brian” Carroll passed on Monday, Sept 5 at the age of 86, celebrating 60 years of priestly life in Mississippi.
Born on April 27, 1936, in Dublin, Ireland to the late Dan and Bridget Carroll, Father Carroll enrolled at St. Patrick’s College in Carlow, Ireland and was ordained for the Diocese of Jackson (formerly Natchez-Jackson) after completing his seminary studies on June 9, 1962.
Father Bernard Patrick “Brian” Carroll is pictured in 1968. He died on Monday, Sept. 5 at the age of 86, celebrating 60 years of priestly life in Mississippi. (Photo from archives)
While at seminary, Father Brian earned his nickname “Speedy.” His friends would encourage him to “quicken up” his story telling saying “can you speed this up and get to the end.”
“But it never happened,” said Father Gerry Hurley after describing the moniker during his homily at St. Paul parish for Father Brian’s funeral Mass.
Also known for his dry wit and sense of humor, Father Brian had a joke for each occasion, said Father Hurley. “And you weren’t always sure when he reached the punchline.”
Having a servant’s heart, Father Brian was well known for his ministry to children and the sick. Many comments on social media following the news of his passing highlighted just how special Father Brian was to those who knew him.
“Well done good and faithful servant. You gave us so much. I could name it all from baptizing my dying brother with a teacup to giving your best to our youth. We’ll miss you; God give you rest.” – Jimmy Isonhood
“Father Carroll always had the wisdom from the Holy Spirit to guide his parishioners. … He was wonderful to make home visits and give the anointing of the sick to the sick and dying. He anointed my great uncle in Jackson in the middle of the night. He always said God protects us.” – Jeannie Malatesta Roberts
“He was so good to my in laws who came to live with us and attended church at St. Paul with us in Brandon for a few months after they lost everything in Katrina. Later, when my father-in-law died in 2010, [Father Brian] drove from Brandon all the way to New Orleans to concelebrate. He was so good at comforting the grieving, “ wrote Lori Brechtel on the news of Father Brian’s passing.
“Another time, my husband dropped something off after hours at St. Paul, and Father was in the kitchen in the Learning Center by himself cooking anything he could find to feed a family in need that had pulled in from Lakeland Drive. He had a servant’s heart and was so funny and humble. … Well done, good and faithful servant,” Brechtel continued.
The list of memories and stories could fill pages on the love, humor and heart for service Father Brian had for the people of the Diocese of Jackson. Each story, such a wonderful testimony to the joy and compassion over his 60 years in the diocese.
Arriving in the diocese in September 1962, Father Brian was assigned to St. John’s Parish in Biloxi and served as a teacher at Biloxi High School. In 1967, he served on the faculty of Our Lady of Victories High School in Pascagoula and as assistant pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Moss Point.
From the coast, Father Brian then made his way up to Vicksburg teaching at St. Aloysius High School and serving as assistant pastor at St. Paul Parish in 1968. He then served on the Diocesan Board of Consultors as a representative of assistant pastors.
In 1969, Father Brian was assigned as assistant pastor at Annunciation Parish in Columbus and served as chaplain at the Mississippi University for Women (formerly Mississippi State College for Women).
Traveling south, in 1970 Father Brian was assigned as pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish in McComb for six years, in addition to serving as chaplain at Southwest Junior College. After McComb, he served as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Meridian and again as a consultor for the diocese.
After serving as dean of deanery III and VI, Father Brian served as the Pro-Synodal Judge to the Marriage Court before being appointed in 1986 as pastor of St. Elizabeth Clarksdale, where he ministered for 12 years.
From the Mississippi Delta, in 1998 Father Brian was appointed pastor of St. Paul Parish in Flowood, where he served for another 12-year stint. While there, he would often visit the St. Paul Early Learning Center and entertain the children with jokes and sing Irish lullabies and ditties.
While at St. Paul, he served as dean of deanery I for two years, in addition to serving again on the College of Consultors and Presbyteral Council.
The year 2010 brought Father Brian to St. Richard Parish in Jackson as a senior associate with Father Mike O’Brien; and as sacramental minister of St. Stephen Parish in Magee. He served in both parishes until he retired on New Year’s Eve of 2014.
“He had a great impact and affect on the lives of people,” said Father Hurley. “Yes, he was known for the funnies and wit and the Irish ditties, but he was most especially known for his pastor’s heart, his generosity to his family and friends and indeed to anybody in need.”
When he was able to travel home to Ireland, Father Brian would make the trek home to Ireland for a visit with family, always bringing a suitcase filled with gifts from Mississippi – whether it be popcorn, candy or over-sized clothing – it was always well received.
Traveling from Ireland to attend the funeral, was Father Brian’s nephew, Donal Carroll. “We were very privileged to have a priest in our family,” said Donal.
He said that some of the most cherished memories in the family was when Father Brian would come home to Ireland with the suitcase of gifts for everyone.
“From pecan logs to Slinkys to popcorn … eventually Father Brian realized after many years of carrying this heavy suitcase … that you could get popcorn and the like in Carrick-on-Shannon or the local towns,” shared Donal.
“It still didn’t diminish our delight to see him coming home for that month.”
On behalf of the family, Donal thanked the many who aided Father Brian in his final years, including the staff at St. Dominic Hospital and St. Catherine’s Village; and to Father Mike O’Brien who helped care for “Speedy” and assisted the family for many years.
Father Mike is currently in Ireland ready to greet “Speedy” along with other family and friends on his final stage of the journey, where he will be buried at Kilmore Cemetery in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon.
“After 60 years of faithful service to God and the people of Mississippi, Father Brian has gone home to his eternal rest in heaven. His body will be buried at home in Ireland. So, again to the Diocese of Jackson and the people of Mississippi, you will be forever enshrined to the Carroll family.”
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – On Saturday, July 16, Bishop Joseph Kopacz ordained six men into the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The men spent the last five years in formation, studying spirituality, canon law, homiletics and learning how to administer sacraments.
To full pews and those standing behind at the entrance to the Cathedral, Bishop Kopacz acknowledged the evident joy and love for Mark Andrew Bowden of St. Jude Pearl, Dien L. Hoang of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Dixon Wesley Lindsay of the Cathedral of St. Peter, John Anh Pham of St. Michael Forest, David Preston Rouch of St. Michael Vicksburg and Anthony William Schmidt of St. Paul Flowood, being ordained to the diaconate.
JACKSON – Six men were ordained into the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle on Saturday, July 16. Pictured during the ordination are Tony Schmidt, David Rouch, John Pham, Wesley Lindsay, Dien Hoang and Mark Bowden. (Picture by Michael Barrett photography)
“The joy is so obvious this morning as we come together in the Lord … to celebrate so much of our tradition of faith … and in the ministries that are such a blessing for our church and our parish communities,” said Bishop Kopacz. “And this morning, we celebrate the great gift of the diaconate.” In his remarks about the readings, Bishop Kopacz pointed out the sacredness and gifts of the office of the diaconate.
“As we appreciate over a long tradition, nearly 2000 years, its service in Jesus Christ. Its His ministry and right at the beginning the Apostles realized we need to designate this and we need to select those who are going to be faithful to the Lord and to the needs of the communities with whom they are entrusted,” said Bishop Kopacz.
“So, we continue that many years later and the church has indeed worked with you over these past five years – give or take – to arrive at this moment,” Bishop Kopacz told the diaconate candidates. He also reminded the new deacons that their ministry is one of service through the word, sacrament and charity.
Drawing on their experience of marriage or family experience, Bishop Kopacz acknowledged that “all have learned how to sacrifice, serve and care up to this point their lives.”
“Now opens another door where they will serve in the midst of our parish communities, serving the Lord and serving those entrusted to them.”
Ordained deacons are assigned to parishes in the diocese and they may administer baptism, serve at the altar at Mass and distribute the Eucharist; bring the Eucharist to the dying; read the sacred Scriptures to the faithful and on occasion, to preach; to administer sacramentals; to assist at and bless marriages and to officiate at funeral and burial rites.
Another group of men have begun their formation process in hopes of being ordained to the diaconate in 2026. For more information on the permanent diaconate visit www.jacksondiocese.org/offices/diaconate.
