Author Archives: Tereza Ma

In memoriam: Michael Raff

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Michael Earl Raff,

JACKSON – Michael Earl Raff, a bold champion of civil rights, public service, the Arts and the city of Jackson, died on Oct. 23, 2019, at Hospice Ministries following a long illness. He leaves behind a broken-hearted family and a legion of relatives, friends and associates.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Michael was the son of the late Mary Nash and Earl Raff. The eldest of five children, his childhood was spent attending Catholic schools where he excelled in academics and sports, especially football. He developed a work ethic for which he later became famous. The family moved frequently during his childhood, and Michael often recalled the difficulty of attending seven schools in a five-year span. This gave him the resilience and the appreciation for friendship that marked his character.
Michael attended Notre Dame, majoring in business and earning membership in the coveted Blue Circle Honor Society. After graduation, Michael answered the call from God to the priesthood. He attended the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri, earning a BA with Honors in Philosophy in 1965 and an MA in Theology, with Honors, in 1969.
His abiding sense of justice and disdain for bullies propelled Michael to Mississippi to join the fight for Civil Rights. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese by Bishop Joseph B. Brunini, on May 24, 1969 at St. Peter’s Cathedral, in Jackson – the church he served so faithfully, first, as an assistant pastor and, later, as a beloved parishioner. This is the same church where his extraordinary life was be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 28.
From 1969 to 1971 Michael served as pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish in Ocean Springs, after which he returned to Jackson as executive director of the Mississippi Council of Human Relations to improve racial relations, to advocate for the poor and disenfranchised, and to act as a liaison for businesses, labor and government to work towards equal employment in state jobs. It was a fateful assignment for it was during this time that Michael met Linda Glass, whose commitment to racial equality was the same as his own. His resignation from the priesthood and marriage to Linda created a partnership for social justice that is unequaled in our time. They each supported the other in their ministries to care for “the least of these.” Their marriage has been a source of delight and inspiration to all who know them.
Instrumental in the founding of Legal Services, Michael developed legal assistance to the poor from 1978 through 1983. He brought his skill in advocacy to the Mississippi Legislature. His experience with Legal Services and battles against unfair energy services led him to run for Public Service Commissioner, a race he lost by a heartbreakingly small margin. Michaels’ expertise in public service led him to work for two governors and for several Jackson mayors, as he developed and administered programs for the poor, the homeless, the young, the old, the hungry and the otherwise forgotten. Along the way, he has accumulated honors only Princes of the Realm accrue: The NAACP Goodman, Chaney, Schwerner Award to Individuals Contributing Most to the Political Power for All Citizens; The Southern Center for Human Rights “Founders Award for Advancing the Cause of Justice;” the Association of Community Action Award for Outstanding Dedicated Service; the Mississippi Religious Leadership Founder Award for Exemplifying Ideals of Peace and Justice; the Center for Justice’s Champion of Justice Award; and the Friendship Ball Honoree in 2000.
But most people reading this will remember Michael best as the Pasta Man and, later, as the consummate and abiding host at Thalia Mara. Beginning in 1989, Michael opened “My Favorite Spaghetti,” in a closed service station on the corner of Jefferson and High Streets. A total departure from his public service career, My Favorite Spaghetti was a great success; Jackson’s first healthy option for fast food. Doris Ward was his mainstay, but he hired his children and many of their friends and taught them the famous Raff work ethic, which is still talked about to this day. Michael talked about them too, relishing in and taking pride in their successes in life.
A kind and gentle single-mindedness of purpose is what folks remember about Michael’s work as Director of Cultural Services for the City of Jackson, his final and, according to him, favorite job. As Director of Cultural Services, Michael oversaw Thalia Mara Hall, Smith Robertson Museum, The Arts Center and the Municipal Art Center. He supported the efforts of the Museum of Art, Ballet MS, the IBC, the Symphony, the Muslim Museum, MS Opera and Very Special Arts.
At Thalia Mara, Michael advocated for and oversaw the refurbishment of the auditorium, a Herculean effort, completed in 2014. No one who saw him, battling arthritis and struggling to walk, will ever forget the transcendent joy the gift of being at Thalia Mara brought him. He retired in November 2018.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard and Mark Raff and Linda’s parents, Marvin and Mary Emma Glass. Surviving him are his beloved wife Linda; daughter Lauren (Ney) and children Clayton and Olivia; and son Matthew (Ginger) and children Mary Emma and Nash. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Kelly (Jerry); his sister Margie Labelle (Ron) and their children and grandchildren; and Linda’s sisters, Sandra Waide (David) and Mary Beth (Roland) and their children and grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to Catholic Charities or The Mississippi Center for Justice.

Parish celebrates El Día de los Muertos

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By Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – A Mexican altar at the entrance of the church, a family’s “kermes,” rosaries and a Mass, reflect how parishioners of St Therese celebrated the All Souls’ Day (El Día de Los Muertos), during the first weekend of November.
At St. Therese, this is the third year that Latin American parishioners have staged a traditional Mexican altar in memory of the family members that passed. During the event, the altar received pictures of the dead, food and drinks that the dead enjoyed in life, as well as, plenty of paper crafts and sugar figurines. In the days before the parish festivities, the parish’s youth group built the altar, carrying on the tradition of their parents.
It is a Mexican tradition to gather around the altar and celebrate as a family, the memories of those who are waiting for the resurrection in another place.

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Coincidentally, the large family of the Latino community of St. Therese had a fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 2 where parishioners enjoyed a family gathering on St. Therese’s fields for hours, even under the inclement weather of a cold morning, to enjoy soccer and other games, food and Christian brotherhood. The weather improved during the day and the celebration ended up being a huge success, raising more than $7,000.
On Sunday, Nov. 3, parishioners concluded all of the celebrations with a Mass in Spanish for Father Juan, priest of Santa Teresa.
From the Gospel, Father Juan illustrated the example of Zacchaeus. Like Zacchaeus, every Christian should have an open heart that wants to see Jesus, welcoming him for only one day, today.
“Today, that is the most important day for all of us,” said Father Juan. “Today, we may be looking for the Lord, as Zacchaeus did and, in the end, due to conversion, to feel the true happiness, the happiness that only Jesus provides,” he concluded.
At the close of Mass, Father Juan blessed the Jorge and Rosita Valderas’ family celebrating 42 years of marriage, and the family with the responsibility to pray for vocations, during the week. The congregation also congratulated Joel and Rosalinda Montoya, who received a Family of the Month certificate from Ben Mokry, Treasurer of Council 8285 of the Knights of Columbus. Father Juan thanked all parishioners for their support and with a prayer to St. Michael, he dismissed all to return to the routine of today’s life.

“When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?”

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Daisey X. Martinez

STAFF REport
By Daisey X. Martinez
JACKSON – I went to a detention center in Louisiana to visit a Mississippian who has been there since Aug. 7th. Honestly, I was hesitant about going inside and thought about backing out. Then, I thought about all of the times that I heard Matthew 25:34-40 growing up and made up my mind to go inside.
While I was waiting for the guards to bring in my potential new friend, I looked around the bare room. There were men in beige-colored uniforms sitting with women and children. I saw many smiles and happy tears, but the sadness of the situation lingered. The young man to my left was making a flower out of candy wrappers for his little sister. When he was finished, he turned around and called to one of his block mates; the young man introduced him to his mother and two sisters. The older man smiled and told the young man’s mother that her son was a good kid.
As I felt tears gathering in my eyes, a man with a curious look on his face approached me. It was the person that God wanted me to visit. I immediately apologized to him in case he had hopes that it would be his wife and daughter sitting at the plastic table and then asked him if it was okay that I had come. He turned down my apology and thanked me instead. Visitors are rare, but when he does get a visitor, it helps him escape from his current reality and he’s thankful for that.
I learned that he loves scary movies, enjoys playing video games (so much that his daughter’s middle name is the name of a character from one of his favorite games), adores playing soccer and that his wife basically rejected him when they first met. We laughed about that last part. He is from the same state in Mexico that my father is from, so we talked about the traditions and foods from that beautiful place. He told me that his daughter just had a birthday and has been asking when he will be coming home. He tells her he is on vacation because the truth would be harder for his young daughter to understand.
I was so happy that this man was starting to open up to me because I was worried about him. He was in the same detention center where just a few weeks before, a prisoner of ICE had committed suicide. I wanted to let him know that there are so many people outside of this place that cared about him and all of the others who are in this situation. I told him that not everyone sees him as a criminal. Some people understand the reasons he had to come into this country. I’m not sure if he believed me.
He told me that he understands that he broke some rules, but has been living a quiet life for the past two decades. He was hard at work when ICE showed up and took him away. He knows of others who would get arrested for a DUI or some other crime and then let go. He doesn’t understand why people who were working were separated from their families.
I wanted to keep talking to him, but time was running low. I looked at him and asked him if I could pray for him right then and there. He nodded and we conversed with God. We then stood up and I asked if I could hug him. My brother in Christ hugged me back and I pray that he knows that God loves him and hasn’t abandoned him. With a promise that I would return, I said goodbye.
I really wish that there wasn’t a language barrier so that we could all hear the struggles and stories of the immigrants in our state. People can argue about the methods used to get here, however, for a brief moment, I wish we could live the words of Matthew 25 “…When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?”

(Daisey X. Martinez is the Associate for Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the diocesan Office of Intercultural Ministry. She is part of a network of volunteer drivers who pick up released people from the ICE detention centers and work together to get them home to their families in Mississippi. If you would like more information on how to be a volunteer driver, please email daisey.martinez@jacksondiocese.org.)

Synod calls for more church roles for women, but stops short of diaconate

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By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Members of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon asked that women be given leadership roles in the Catholic Church, although they stopped short of calling for women deacons.
In the Amazon, like in the rest of the world, the essential roles women play within the family, the community and the church should be valued and recognized officially, members of the synod said in their final document. The document, which synod members voted on Oct. 26, included a call for the creation of “the instituted ministry of ‘woman community leader,'” something they said would help meet “the changing demands of evangelization and community care.”
Speaking after the vote on the document, Pope Francis said the synod’s discussion on women “falls short” of explaining who women are in the church, particularly “in the transmission of faith, in the preservation of culture. I would just like to underline this: that we have not yet realized what women mean in the church,” but instead “we focus on the functional aspect, which is important,” but is not everything.
Synod members also asked Pope Francis to revise St. Paul VI’s 1972 document on ministries, “Ministeria Quaedam” (“Some Ministries”), so that women could be installed formally as lectors and acolytes and in any new ministries to be developed.
The final document also asked that “the voice of women be heard, that they be consulted and participate decision making” in the church. “It is necessary for the church to assume with greater strength their leadership within the church and for the church to recognize and promote it by strengthening their participation in the pastoral councils of parishes and dioceses, or even in instances of government,” the document said.
While noting that a “large number” of participants in the pre-synod consultations asked for women deacons and that several members of the synod itself made such a call, the final document did not include an explicit request for such a move.
In his post-vote talk to synod members, the pope gave the same explanation, but promised that he would have the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith “reconvene the commission or perhaps open it with new members.”
Quoting a speech from Pope Paul in 1965, the final document said, “The hour is coming, in fact has come, when the vocation of woman is being achieved in its fullness.”
When many women are “victims of physical, moral and religious violence, including femicide, the church commits to defense of their rights and recognizes them a protagonists and guardians of creation,” synod members said. Without specifying further, the document said that “it is urgent for the church in the Amazon to promote and confer ministries for men and women in an equitable manner.”

Proposed Amazonian rite centered on Christ

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By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Addressing concerns about a proposed Amazonian rite in the Catholic Church, an indigenous participant at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon called on Catholics to soften their hearts and understand the needs of Catholics in the region.
At a synod briefing Oct. 24, Delio Siticonatzi Camaiteri, a member of the Ashaninka people and a professor from Peru, said that fears about the proposal are unwarranted because indigenous people seek unity and not division.

Pope Francis accepts a plant during the offertory as he celebrates the concluding Mass of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 27, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

“Do we (want to) have our own rites? Yes, we do! But those rites must be incorporated with what is central, which is Jesus Christ. There is nothing else to argue about on this issue! The center that is uniting us in this synod is Jesus Christ,” he said.
Throughout the synod, members discussed the possibility of incorporating local traditions and cultural elements in the liturgy. While there are nearly two dozen different rites in the Catholic Church, those critical of the proposal fear that it would introduce so-called pagan elements into the liturgy.
Speaking to journalists at the briefing, Siticonatzi said that he noticed those present seemed “a bit uncomfortable” and did not “understand what the Amazon truly needs” when it comes to establishing a new rite.
Nevertheless, he added, there are many who are “doubtful of this reality that we are looking for as indigenous people. Do not harden your hearts! Soften your hearts; that is what Jesus invites us to do,” he said. “We live together. We all believe in one God! “
Mexican Father Eleazar Lopez Hernandez, a member of the Zapotec community and an expert on indigenous theology, told journalists that the churches in Latin America also “need to be able to express our faith within our own framework.”

Delio Siticonatzi Camaiteri, a member of the Ashaninca indigenous people in Peru, and Sister Mariluce dos Santos Mesquita, a member of the Barassana people in Brazil, attend a news conference after a session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 24, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

“This is what the Amazonian rite is based on,” Father Lopez said. “We can no longer continue living within frameworks that are foreign to our people. This is alienation.”
When it comes to the liturgy, he continued, Christians have a responsibility to know the difference between “what is substantial in the Christian perspective and what is secondary, what is cultural.”

(Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju)

Church cannot remain indifferent to cry of the poor

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By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – After listening to indigenous people and church leaders at the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon, the Catholic Church cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of the region’s people, Pope Francis said.
“The cry of the poor, together with that of the earth, came to us from the Amazon,” the pope said during his Sunday Angelus address. “After these three weeks, we cannot pretend that we have not heard it.”
The pope shared his thoughts about the synod Oct. 27 as he greeted pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square; he had just finished celebrating the synod’s final Mass.
The synod, he said, was a time of “a walking together,” engaging in sincere dialogue “without hiding difficulties and “experiencing the beauty of going forward united.”
Pope Francis told the crowd that in the second reading at the day’s Mass, St. Paul, aware of his imminent death, expressed hope that “through me the proclamation might be completed.”
St. Paul’s last wish, the pope said, was not for himself but that the Gospel “be proclaimed to all nations.”
During the synod, he continued, participants reflected on how to open new paths of evangelization.
“We felt spurred on to go out to sea, to leave the comfortable shores of our safe harbors to enter deep waters,” the pope said. “Not into the marshy waters of ideologies, but into the open sea in which the Spirit invites us to throw our nets.”
Before leading pilgrims in reciting the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis prayed for the intercession of Mary, “Queen of the Amazon,” who “became that not by conquering, but by inculturating herself.”
“With the humble courage of a mother, she became the protector of her children, the defense of the oppressed; always going to the culture of the people,” the pope said.
Pope Francis did not specifically mention the statues of the naked pregnant woman that some people referred to as Our Lady of the Amazon, but which Vatican officials repeatedly described as an image signifying life. Others described it as “Pachamama” and condemned it as an idol. Some copies of the statue were thrown in the Tiber River, but recovered by police.
“There is not a standard culture, there is not a pure culture, which purifies the others,” Pope Francis said. “There is the pure Gospel, which is inculturated. To her, who in the poor house of Nazareth took care of Jesus, we entrust the poorest children and our common home.”

(Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju)

Parish calendar

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Advent Hermitage Overnight, Dec. 13-14 begins with 5:30 p.m. dinner. In the prayerful space of a hermitage, come away, block out our society’s noisy Christmas preparation and focus on the real meaning of Christ/Emmanuel coming among us. Director: Clare Van Lent, MA CSp., founder and director of the Dwelling Place. Cost: $90 per day. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, An Advent Day of Reflection “What am I Waiting for?” on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advent is always seen as a time of waiting and anticipation. Sister Pat Thomas, O.P., a member of the founding staff of the Peace Center in New Orleans, is currently a leader in pastoral and educational roles around the country. Suggested donation: $40, includes lunch. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
GREENWOOD The Sacred Nexus-Psychological Links to the Image of God is the latest book written by Michael Whelan, Ph.D., a psychologist and resident of Greenwood, MS. Dr. Whelan uses Holy Scripture, an array of ideas and perspectives by some of the great spiritual writers and psychologists as well as his vast experience from his private practice and first-hand assessment of convicted criminals at the MS State Penitentiary at Parchman. Proceeds from the purchase of the book benefit Locus Benedictus whose ministry is Inner Healing.
JACKSON 39th Annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 21 6-10 p.m. at the Railroad District, 824 S. State St., Jackson. Great food and beverages, door prizes, silent auction and entertainment by Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. Cost: $45 if purchased before Nov. 12 and $55 if purchased after Nov. 12. Proceeds to benefit the victims of human trafficking and domestic violence in the Metro area. Details: www.friendsforacause.com or (601) 955-1677.
METAIRIE La. Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO), Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat, “2020: Without a Vision the People Perish,” Jan. 24-26, 2020 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lafayette. Johnnette Benkovic Williams, Fr. Mark Goring, Deacon Larry and Andi Oney and Patti Mansfield will be featured. Details: www.ccrno.org; info@ccrno.org or (504) 828-1368.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

ABERDEEN St. Francis of Assisi, Adult Bible Study studying the Gospel of John, Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Details: church office (662) 813-2295.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Thursday, Nov. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: $9 per plate, eat in or take out. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Taste of Italy” Lasagna Dinner and bake sale, Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4:30-7 p.m.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Comedy Dinner Theatre, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Fundraiser for Women’s Guild. Entertainment by The Detectives Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Cost: $35 per person. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Christmas Program/Pageant, Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Details: (662) 429-7851 or e-mail holyspiritchurch@shsm.org to volunteer.
JACKSON St. Richard, Companions in Christ, meets every Sunday from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Mary Room. It is a small faith community for adults in their 30s who want to grow in their faith and spirituality. We offer rest, encouragement, and accountability on our journey. Get added to the weekly email list to receive reflections and discussion questions for upcoming meetings. Details: email Kathleen Carter at strcompanionsinchrist@gmail.com or Facebook at “Companions in Christ at St. Richard’s.”
PEARL St. Jude, Adult Faith Formation meets Sunday morning during the school year in the classroom across the hall from the church office from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Bishop Barron’s series “Pivotal Players.” Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Bake Sale, Lunch & Bingo fundraiser, Tuesday, Nov. 26 in the Parish Hall/Cafeteria. 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Bake Sale begins 12 p.m.; $5 lunch and also Bingo. The public is invited to participate. The funds raised will be used to benefit the Religious Education Program. Details: Diane Melton at the church office (662) 746-1680.

YOUTH BRIEFS

COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Thursday, Nov. 21, 8:30 a.m. Mass in the gym followed with 9:15 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and reception for new building expansion.
Grand Opening Celebration at 5 p.m., which will include a BBQ dinner, light music and guided tours of the new building expansion. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Open House, Sunday, Nov. 17 at 11:30 a.m. Details: school office (601) 366-1157 or www.strichardschool.org.
The Special Kids Art Show, Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. in Foley Hall. Icons, crosses, photographs and other artwork by the Special Kids will be on display and available to purchase. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
Sr. Thea Bowman School, Open House, Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Details: school office (601) 352-5441 or www.theabowmanschool.com.

Purple Dress Run supports domestic violence shelter and programs

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JACKSON – About 200 runners and walkers grabbed their running shoes and purple dresses for Catholic Charities 8th annual Purple Dress Run at the District at Eastover in Northeast Jackson on Thursday, Oct. 17 in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Racers ran and walked through the Eastover neighborhood to raise awarness about domestic violence and to raise money for Catholic Charities newly opened domestic violence shelter.

Youth news

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Pinwheels for peace at St. Patrick Meridian

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick School recently held its annual Pinwheels for Peace program in celebration of International Day of Peace.
Students were chosen to write essays on what peace meant to them and pinwheels were placed in front of the school with messages of hope and peace.
Shown placing their pinwheels are Mrs. Palmer’s third grade students Helena Rutledge, Miles Whitman, Reese Ann Gressett and Victoria Ramirez. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)

Fighting Irish football

GREENVILLE – Bishop Kopacz enjoyed a night of Fighting Irish football at St. Joseph school. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)

Math gets technical

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman school students Khamari, Harry and J’Zarrio are concentrating hard to solve math problems using their tech tablets. (Photo courtsey of school)

Firefighters visit promotes fire safety first

COLUMBUS – First grade students at Annunciation school enjoyed a visit from local fire fighters who discussed fire safety and the importance of an evacuation plan in an emergency situation. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher)

Field trip fun

GREENVILLE – Greenville’s St. Joseph fourth through sixth graders got to attend Native American Day at Winterville Mounds on Oct. 10. They learned a lot about the Native American culture and also got to make a few crafts. Fun was had by all! (Photo by Nikki Thompson)

Grandparents breakfast at St. Thea Bowman

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman school grandparents Cathy Pendleton and Shirley and Phil Thiac enjoyed a nice breakfast with their grandchildren at the annual “We Love Our Grandparents Breakfast.” (Photo courtesy of school)

NFL Great Rocky Bleier speaks at Catholic Charities “Journey of Hope”

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By Terry Dickson
JACKSON – A champion on the football field and a hero on the battlefield, former Pittsburgh Steelers star and decorated Vietnam War veteran Rocky Bleier imparted valuable life lessons during a recent visit to Jackson.

Bleier, a Pennsylvania native who was the keynote speaker during the Catholic Charities “Journey of Hope” luncheon Oct. 8 at the Jackson Convention Complex, told his audience that they possess “the power to make a difference, the power to change, the power to have an impact.”

“There are three things we can never get back,” Bleier told the audience. “One is time, one are words and the other are opportunities. What a wonderful time it is for all of us to be here and share in what Catholic Charities is all about, to be a part of this community and being able to change people’s lives.

Opportunities are very important, but we have to take advantage of those opportunities as they come around. The one thing I’ve learned in all the time that I’ve been on this earth is that the one business we’re all in is truly the hope business.”

JACKSON – NFL Great, Rocky Bleier, greets Bishop Joseph Latino at Catholic Charities “Journey of Hope” event on Thursday, Oct. 8. (Photos by Terry Dickson)

“If you truly think about it, no man is an island,” he said. “We didn’t get to where we are today by ourselves. We got here because of someone, something, an opportunity. We got here because of a coach, a teacher or a mentor. We got here because of a parent. We got here because of a drill sergeant. We got here because somebody took an interest, gave us a push, a nudge, gave us a job, opened a door, kicked us in the rear end. We got here because somebody cared.”

Bleier regaled listeners with stories about his own journey and the people who helped him along the way.
A product of Catholic schools, Bleier was a gridiron standout at the University of Notre Dame who was later drafted by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968. However, his football career was almost immediately put on hold that same year when he was drafted into the United States Army.

Bleier earned a Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart during his tour of duty in Vietnam, the latter award a result of an injury he suffered when a grenade exploded near him, taking part of his foot.

Despite the severity of his injury, Bleier persevered and defied the odds, returned to the Steelers in 1970, winning four Super Bowl rings as part of a dynasty led by NFL Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll and Hall of Fame players Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris and Lynn Swann. In Super Bowl 13, Bleier, who played at halfback and on special teams, caught the go ahead fumble and recovered a late onside kick to seal the win against the Cowboys. He retired after the 1980 season. His blocking ability was a valuable contribution to the success of the vaunted Steelers running game.

Bleier’s life story is the focus of his best-selling book, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. Today, Bleier is in high demand as a motivational speaker.

“No matter how hard we work, how talented we may be, how passionate we are about what we do in our community, there are times in our lives when we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders,” Bleier said. “There are times in our lives when we beat our head against the wall. There are times in our lives when we question our own ability and the choices that we make. There are times in our lives when the grass looks greener on the other side. You want to quit, move on and can’t carry the load.”

“I suppose the whole moral of this story is that, if I would quit all those many years ago, I’d never have the opportunity to play those 12 years, play in those Super Bowls or have all those memories. The reason I got a chance to play wasn’t because of my size and speed, but ultimately because of one talent (blocking). We have to understand that each and every one of us possess a singular talent that is our own, different than anybody else’s. It’s really our responsibility to be able to find out what that talent is, and what we bring to our communities and our families and our cities and to be able to use it.”

Approximately 750 people attended this year’s luncheon, which was preceded the previous night by a meet-and-greet with Bleier at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Journey of Hope is one of Catholic Charities’ signature events and a major source of revenue.

“As our state’s population continues to increase, so does the need. Because of the dedication, passion and commitment of the team, we continue to seek out ways daily to be innovative and creative, insuring that we provide effective and quality services to the individuals and families that we serve. This allows us to be better poised to continue with the mission that began so many years ago,” said Wanda Thomas, executive director of Catholic Charities.

“Thanks to the supporters of Catholic Charities, those without housing have been housed, those in domestic violence situations have been kept safe, children have been placed in homes and able to find their forever families. It is the promise of bringing hope to many lives that drives us to keep pressing forward, and to say we can, and we will, give focus to the specific needs of our neighbors, we can and we will be advocates for those who suffer, we can and we will be the vessel to change lives.