Author Archives: Tereza Ma

In memoriam: Fr. Leonard Elder, SCJ, retired Holly Springs pastor

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Father. Leonard Elder, SCJ

Father Leonard Elder, SCJ, died March 6, after suffering a heart attack. He was 76, and had served from 2004-2015 at Holly Springs St. Joseph Parish. For the past two years he continued to be in residence at the parish in retirement.
Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, and raised in Kentucky, Father Leonard attended the minor seminary as a teen with the intention of pursuing ordained ministry. But instead of continuing his seminary studies he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. In some ways, his time of military service was an extended period of discernment. After four years with the Air force “I asked to return to the community as a religious brother.”
He professed his first vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 1967.
As a religious brother, he served for nine years as a missionary in Zaire (now, the Democratic Republic of Congo). It was in Africa that he once again felt the call to ordained ministry. “God, through the voices of many people where I served, called me to pursue studies for the priesthood,” said Father Leonard.
He returned to the States and earned his M.Div. at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, WI, in 1996. He was ordained shortly after.
Father Leonard said that what he enjoyed most about his years in Africa “were the challenges; learning new cultures, languages, and the daily struggles to overcome the lack of almost everything I was accustomed to using. However, joined with those challenges was discovering a people eager to celebrate God’s love and to share in their lives and struggles.”
Following ordination, Father Leonard served in pastoral ministry in Houston from 1996-2004, and until retirement, at St. Joseph’s parish in Holly Springs.
The Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) is an international Catholic religious order of priests and brothers. In northern Mississippi, the order operates Sacred Heart Southern Missions, which includes parishes, schools and social outreach.

St. Martin offers parental support as part of Priority work

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By Ali and Patricia Lopez
HAZELHURST – Since October 2017, parents from St. Martin of Tours Mission have met on the first Sunday of every month for a program called “School for Parents.” The classes were adapted from a program already in use in Latin America and are part of the parish’s efforts to support the Pastoral Priority of the formation of life-long disciples. About two dozen families participated.
The focus of the program is to support parents who have children enrolled in religious education, especially those who have children preparing for First Communion this year. Themes included effective communication within the family, self-esteem in children, family values, parents’ responsibility to educate their children in the faith and the importance of family prayer.
Jaime and Herlinda Martinez led the closing session, Sunday, March 4. Jaime and Herlinda are graduates of the school of ministries offered by the Southeastern Pastoral Ministries Institute (SEPI) for training in becoming parish leaders. SEPI classes are coordinated by the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

(Alí and Patricia López are members of St. Martin of Tours Mission)

Mission grant applications

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The diocesan office of temporal affairs is accepting applications for its Mission Grant program through the end of the month. Mission grants can go to any parish, school or Catholic ministry. They are generally meant to be used for a specific project, such as supplies or capital improvements.
They are not meant to pay operating costs or salaries.
In the past, grants have been used for new sidewalks or signs; to pay for Vacation Bible School or other religious education materials or for unexpected repairs. These one-time expenses can weigh heavily on a smaller parish or school. Mission grants can ease the burden.
Parish or school administrators need to fill out a four-page application detailing their project. Applications are reviewed by a committee and grants are awarded in the summer. Applications are due March 30. Call or email Cathy Pendleton at 601-969-2135 or cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org for an application.

Bishop Kopacz schedule

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Monday, March 26, 7:00 a.m. – Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Jackson, St. Richard Parish, Foley Hall.
Tuesday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. – Chrism Mass, Jackson, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Wednesday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. – Tenebrae, Jackson, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Thursday, March 29, 5:30 p.m. – Holy Thursday Mass, Jackson, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Friday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. – Good Friday Service, Jackson, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Saturday, March 31, 8:00 a.m. – Easter Vigil, Jackson, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
Monday, April 2, 6:00 p.m. – Catholic Charities, Tennis Tournament
Thursday, April 5 – 12 Visit to Saltillo, Mexico.
Wednesday, April 11, 5:30 p.m. – Ordination of Adolfo Suarez Pasillas to the Transitional Diaconate, Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Friday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. – School play, Columbus, Annunciation.
Saturday, April 14, 4:30 p.m. – Confirmation, Tupelo, St. James.
Sunday, April 15, 1:00 a.m. – Confirmation, New Albany & Ripley, St. Francis.

Only public events are listed on this schedule and all events are subject to change.
Please check with the local parish for further details

Sitios cristianos benefician de visitas, colecciones locales

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Obispo Joseph Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
Para los peregrinos que visitan la Tierra Santa, en cualquier momento desde que la peregrinación comienza, la meta y la experiencia culminante son la llegada a Jerusalén. Este es precisamente el camino de salvación que los evangelistas, Mateo, Marcos, Lucas y Juan describen en sus narraciones de la vida, muerte y resurrección del Señor Jesús.” Su ministerio público comenzó en Galilea y continuó hacia el sur como el Río Jordán en dirección a Jerusalén. Seguimos este corredor del Evangelio en la reciente peregrinación patrocinada por los Caballeros y Damas del Santo Sepulcro. Al principio nos instalamos en el área del Mar de Tiberias en el norte de Israel, la ubicación de Nazaret, Cafarnaún, Cana, el Sermón de la montaña y la Transfiguración, antes de dirigirnos al sur hacia Jerusalén. Aunque la región está azotada por el odio, la violencia y los brotes periódicos de hostilidades mortíferas, una realidad consistente es que los peregrinos son siempre bienvenidos. Obviamente, esto es lo pragmático que hay que hacer, pero este es también un signo del infinito respeto y buena voluntad que muchos en Israel y Palestina, judíos y musulmanes por igual, tienen las antiguas iglesias cristianas.
Sin duda, para los cristianos que trágicamente están disminuyendo en número a través del patriarcado de Jerusalén, la Iglesia madre de toda la cristiandad que engloba a Israel, Palestina y Jordania, la presencia de los peregrinos es crítica para su supervivencia. “Las peregrinaciones son una forma de sustento para la supervivencia de miles de familias.” (Cardenal Leonardo Sandri: Congregación de las Iglesias Orientales: carta de llamamiento del Viernes Santo) No sé el impacto financiero total anual de los peregrinos que vienen de todo el mundo, pero es sustancial. Sin embargo, podemos cuantificar el dinero que se recolecta para la Tierra Santa cada año el Viernes Santo. El año pasado, los católicos en los Estados Unidos, incluyendo la Diócesis de Jackson, la cual recaudó más de $32,000, contribuyeron más de $20.000.000 para la misión y ministerios del Patriarcado Latino de Jerusalén. Con esta generosidad, los fieles de la Tierra Santa renovaron y restauraron la Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro en Jerusalén y la Iglesia de la Natividad en Belén. Recientemente estalló un conflicto cuando la Municipalidad Judía de Jerusalén con una inminente votación en la Knesset, iba a codificar un derecho tributario opresivo a las iglesias cristianas con la posibilidad de exclusión y confiscación de propiedades si las cuotas no eran pagados. Las tradiciones cristianas que supervisan la Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro, los ortodoxos, armenios y católicos, respondieron con el cierre temporal de este lugar sagrado de la crucifixión y entierro del Señor.
Esto provocó una reacción internacional y la Knesset canceló la votación, al menos por ahora. Naturalmente, los cristianos no deberían embarcarse en una cruzada en el sentido clásico, sino espiritual y el apoyo económico sí importa. La generosidad, la oración y la atención de muchos católicos y otros cristianos el viernes Santo y durante todo el año hacen una diferencia. ¿Por qué deberíamos estar preocupados? “La fe cristiana tuvo el primer impulso de la Iglesia madre de Jerusalén, la cual tiene una vocación especial para vivir la fe en un contexto multi-religioso, político, social y cultural, nada menos que para mantener viva la memoria de nuestra redención”. (Cardenal Sandri) Por supuesto, no es sólo una cuestión de preservar los sitios antiguos, sino también de fomentar la misión universal de nuestro Señor crucificado y resucitado a través de los ministerios modernos de las Iglesias que luchan por sobrevivir y prosperar.
El Cardenal Sandri escribe, “a pesar de las dificultades y las inseguridades, las parroquias continuan sus servicios pastorales con una atención preferencial a los pobres. Esperamos contra toda esperanza, que las escuelas sirvan como un lugar de encuentro entre cristianos y musulmanes, donde preparen un futuro de respeto mutuo y colaboración, que los hospitales, las clínicas y centros de reunión continuen acogiendo a los que sufren y a los necesitados, a los refugiados y a personas desplazadas, personas de todas las edades y religiones, golpeados por el horror de la guerra.
Un gran número de ellos están en edad escolar, que apelan a nuestra generosidad para reanudar su vida escolar y el sueño de un futuro mejor.” En su carta el Cardenal Sandri amplía la situación de muchos cristianos de toda la región. “Nuestra atención se dirige a la pequeña comunidad cristiana en el Oriente Medio, la cual sigue sosteniendo la fe entre las personas desplazadas procedentes de Irak y Siria y entre los refugiados en Jordania y el Líbano. La Jornada Mundial de la Paz del papa fue dirigida a la crisis de los refugiados. “En un espíritu de compasión abracemos a todos aquellos que abandonan su patria huyendo de la guerra y del hambre, o forzados por la discriminación, la persecución, la pobreza y la degradación ambiental”. La mayoría de los cristianos iraquíes y sirios quiere regresar a su propia tierra donde sus casas fueron destruidas, con escuelas, hospitales e iglesias devastadas. No los dejemos solos.”
Sabemos que el camino cuaresmal no es un acto solitario, sino un itinerario de solidaridad por el cual cada uno de nosotros está llamado a la pausa y, como el Buen Samaritano, a acompañar a nuestros hermanos que por muchas razones les es difícil levantarse y continuar su viaje. Esto es claramente la realidad en la Tierra Santa y en todo el Oriente Medio y oramos para que la colecta del Viernes Santo eleve a nuestras hermanas y hermanos cristianos. Somos bendecidos por haber podido hacer una peregrinación a la Tierra Santa, una vez en la vida quizás, pero una vez al año durante la Semana Santa, podemos hacer una peregrinación espiritual mediante la oración y la generosidad para estar en solidaridad con muchos que están sufriendo persecución y penurias. Por favor, sean generosos.

Las Iglesias en Jerusalén cierran el Santo Sepulcro  en señal de  protesta

https://ofm.org/es/blog/las-iglesias-jerusalen-cierran-santo-sepulcro-senal-protesta/

Christian sites benefit from visits, local collection

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Bishop Joseph Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
For pilgrims who visit the Holy Land, at whatever point on the compass the pilgrimage begins, the goal and culminating experience are the arrival in Jerusalem. This is precisely the path of salvation that the Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John describe in their narratives of the Lord Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. His public ministry unfolded in Galilee and flowed southward like the Jordan River in the direction of Jerusalem.
We followed this Gospel corridor on the recent pilgrimage sponsored by the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulcher. At first, we settled in at the Sea of Tiberius in northern Israel, the location of Nazareth, Capernaum, Cana, the Sermon on the Mount and the Transfiguration, before turning southward toward Jerusalem. Although the region is wracked by hatred, violence and periodic outbreaks of deadly hostilities, a consistent reality is that pilgrims are always welcome. Obviously, this is the pragmatic thing to do, but this is also a sign of the abiding respect and good will that many in Israel and Palestine, Jews and Muslims alike, have for the ancient Christian Churches.
Without a doubt, for the Christians who tragically are diminishing in number across the Jerusalem Patriarchate, the mother Church of all Christianity encompassing Israel, Palestine and Jordan, the presence of the pilgrims is critical for their survival. “The pilgrimages are a form of sustenance for the survival of thousands of families.” (Leonardo Cardinal Sandri: Congregation of the Oriental Churches: Good Friday Appeal Letter) I do not know the total annual financial impact of the pilgrims who come from across the globe, but it is substantial. However, we can quantify the money that is collected each year from the Good Friday Holy Land collection.
Last year Catholics throughout the United States, including the Diocese of Jackson that raised ore than $32,000, contributed more than $20,000,000 to the mission and ministries of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. From this largesse the faithful of the Holy Land were able to renovate and restore the Churches of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Recently, a conflict erupted when the Jewish Jerusalem Municipality, with an impending vote in the Knesset, was about to encode in law oppressive taxation upon the Christian Churches with the possibility of foreclosure and seizure of properties if assessments were not paid. The Christian traditions who oversee the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Orthodox, Armenian, Catholic, responded with the temporary closure of this holiest of sites of the Lord’s crucifixion and burial. (Their statementis posted on www.mississippicatholic.com with this column.)
This sparked an international response and the Knesset canceled the vote, at least for now. Naturally, Christians would not and should not embark on a Crusade in the classic sense, but spiritual and economic muscle do matter. The generosity, prayers and attention of many Catholics and other Christians on Good Friday and throughout the year make a difference. Why should we be concerned? “The Christian faith had the first impulse from the mother Church in Jerusalem which has a special vocation to live the faith in a multi-religious, political, social and cultural context, nothing less than keeping the memory of our Redemption alive.” (Cardinal Sandri)
Of course, it is not only a matter of preserving the ancient sites, but also of fostering the universal mission of our crucified and risen Lord through the modern day ministries of the Churches fighting to survive and thrive. Cardinal Sandri writes: “Notwithstanding the challenges and insecurities, the parishes continue their pastoral services with a preferential attention for the poor. We hope against hope, that the schools serve as a place of encounter between the Christians and the Muslims, where they prepare a future of mutual respect and collaboration, the hospitals and clinics, the hospices and meeting centers continue to welcome the suffering and those in need, refugees and displaced, persons of all ages and religions, struck by the horror of war. A great number of them schooling-age, who appeal to our generosity to resume their scholastic life and dream of a better future.” In his letter Cardinal Sandri elaborates upon the plight of many Christians throughout the region. “Our attention goes to the small Christian community in the Middle East, which continues to sustain the faith among the displaced persons from Iraq and Syria and among the refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. The Pope’s World Day of Peace was directed to the refugee crisis. ‘In a spirit of compassion let us embrace all those fleeing from war and from hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homeland.’ Most Iraqi Christians and Syrians want to return to their own land where their houses were destroyed, with schools, hospitals and churches devastated. Let us not leave them alone.”
We know that the Lenten journey is not a solitary act, but an itinerary of solidarity by which each one of us is called to pause, and like the Good Samaritan, accompany our brethren who for many reasons find it difficult to stand up and continue their journey. This is clearly the reality in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East and we pray that the Good Friday collection will raise up our Christian sisters and brothers.
We are blessed to be able to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, once in a lifetime perhaps, but once a year during Holy Week we can make a spiritual pilgrimage through prayer and generosity to be in solidarity with many undergoing persecution and hardship. Please be generous.

Churches in Jerusalem close the Holy Sepulcher in protest

https://ofm.org/blog/churches-jerusalem-close-holy-sepulcher-protest/

 

Sister Michele Doyle celebrated

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YAZOO CITY – St. Mary parishioners surprised Sister Michele Doyle, SSND, with a luncheon to celebrate her 92 birthday on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Sister Doyle teaches two classes at the parish, one on Tuesdays and one once-a-month on Sunday. She also teaches classes in Lexington St. Thomas Parish, Jackson Holy Family Parish and at Madison St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Parishioners from Greenville St. Joseph and Indianola Immaculate Conception Parishes attend the class at Yazoo City. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

Parish news

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Genesis: beginnings to begin again, April 27-29. During this study/retreat, we will reflect on ways in which the Book of Genesis portrays the Creator creating life in the midst of barrenness and famine, homelessness and hopelessness. Retreat Director: Kathleen O’Connor, Ph.D. Cost: Private Room $245; shared room $205/person. Details: contact Sister Magdalena Craig, OSB, at (256) 615-6114, www.shmon.org.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, book discussion on The Fine Line by Margaret Watkins, Monday, April 9 at noon at the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 256-8392
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, save the date, Family photo shoot May 31-June 2 or June 21-23. Volunteers are needed. Details: (662) 833-1799
CANTON Canton Flea Market at Sacred Heart Parish, Thursday, May 10. More than one hundred great exhibitors will be at the church, located on Peace Street across from the Canton City Hall. Details: John Oliver Dowdle, Chairman at 601-955-3117 or https://www.facebook.com/CantonFleaMarketCatholicChurch
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, save the date for Father Kent Bowlds’ 25th Anniversary, Friday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. Mass with Bishop Kopacz. Invitations will be sent to priests at a later date. Details: (662) 846-6273
CLEVELAND the Italian-American Cultural Society of the Delta. An Italian social club is being organized in Cleveland to promote the culture and heritage of the Delta Italian-American community by offering bi-weekly language classes (starting first week of April) and monthly culture classes, dinners, bocce games, cooking demonstrations and educational events. Details: David Edward Malatesta at malatesta565@yahoo.com
GREENVILLE Sacred Heart, parish picnic, Sunday, June 3, at 1p.m. Details: (662) 332-0891
MADISON St. Catherine’s Village will host free seminar on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Thursday, March 29, at 2:30 p.m. in the Commons Activity Room. Dr. Thomas Mosley, professor and neurological expert, will share the latest advances in Alzheimer’s and dementia research happening now at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s (UMMC) MIND Center. Details: seating is limited so reservations are required. Call (601) 856-0123, or email village@stdom.com or www.StCatherinesVillage.com
St. Francis of Assisi, save the date, Annual Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Details: (601) 856-5556
MOUND BAYOU St. Gabriel Mercy Center’s “A Night to Remember” annual award dinner and fundraiser, Saturday, April 7, at 5 p.m. at the Fred B. Clark Family Life Center, 202 North Edwards Avenue, (Old Highway 61). Cleveland Our Lady of Victories and Sisters Monica Mary DeQuardo and Emy Beth Furrer are being honored. Details: Our Lady of Victories (662) 846-6273 to reserve a seat (no cost)
JACKSON 12th Annual Sister Thea Bowman Drawdown, Saturday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Ticket cost $100, second chance insurance $20. Proceeds will be used for instructional materials and operational expenses. Details: Shae Robinson at (601) 352-5441
The Knights of Peter Claver, Council 199 will host its 7th L. W. Sampson Award Banquet honoring Lady Gwendolyn McGill, Saturday, April 14 at 6:30 in the Christ the King Multipurpose Building. Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased from any Knight. Details: church office (601) 948-8867
PEARL St. Jude, Adult Faith Formation, Sundays at 9:45 a.m. for “Symbolon – The Catholic Faith Explained. This journey of faith, discovery and friendship with Christ will help make a lasting impression on our lives. Details: (601) 939-3181

YOUTH BRIEFS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Sunday, April 8, Easter Egg Hunt after Mass. Details: (662) 833-1799
COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Easter Festival, Saturday, March 31, at 10 a.m. – noon. Details: (662) 328-4479
COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Annual $10,000 Drawdown fundraiser, Friday, April 20, at 7 pm at the Trotter Convention Center. Tickets are $100 and admit two adults (21 and older). Includes dinner catered by Huck’s restaurant, live music by Winwheel, open bar and a chance to win $10,000. Details: Katie Fenstermacher at acsmarking@cableone.net or (662) 328-4479
GRENADA St. Peter, youth should save the date for the Steubenville Youth Conference, July 13-15. Details: Annette Tipton at (662) 226-2490
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Vacation Bible School June 18-22, for pre-k-ourth graders. Volunteers are needed. Details: Mary Catherine at mc.george@stfrancismadison.org to volunteer
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 31, at 9:30 a.m. Details: (601) 445-5616
VICKSBURG, St. Paul, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday March 31, at 11 a.m. Details: (601) 636-0140

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Friday, March 30, noon
COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Wednesday, March 28 at 2 p.m. Living Stations of the Cross in the school gym
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Live Way of the Cross, Friday, March 30, 2 p.m. on church grounds. The event is well-attended to arrive early
NATCHEZ During Lent, at St. Mary Basilica on Fridays at 12:05 and at 5:15 pm. Also, Assumption Parish offers Stations at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays
PEARL St. Jude, Friday, March 30, 12 noon

Regional Catholic superintendents gather to discuss common issues

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MOBILE, Ala. – Diocese of Jackson School Superintendent Catherine Cook makes a point during a discussion with other school superintendents from around the Southeast on Thursday, March 15. This group of school leaders from regions five and fourteen includes representatives from Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. The leaders get together annually to discuss common challenges and share resources. Among the topics this year: a presentation on school choice legislation by Greg Dolan of Catholic School Partners, information on Advanced Ed accreditation, safety, social media and more. (Photo by Rob Herbst, The Catholic Week)

U.S. Catholic schools pray, march during National School Walkout

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By Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Catholic school students across the country prayed with their school communities for school shooting victims or joined marches protesting gun violence March 14 during the National School Walkout, a student-led response to the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. All schools in the Diocese of Jackson were out for Spring Break.
In the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, more than 100 Highland Catholic middle school students, teachers and parents gathered on the school’s front steps in St. Paul for 17 minutes of silence and prayer. They lit 17 blue candles in memory of those who died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and held signs in honor of each deceased individual.
“We’re honoring the lives that were lost,” said seventh-grader Maddie Haider. She and fellow middle school student Lily Anderson organized the prayer service. Students also wrote petitions, which were prayed in the gym following the time of silence outside.

Student Stefania Lutus lights a votive candle during a solidarity and remembrance service at St. Francis Preparatory School in the Queens borough of New York March 14. The 2,500-student high school community gathered to pray for the victims of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and for an end to gun violence. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) See CATHOLIC-SCHOOLS-WALKOUT-PRAYER March 13, 2014, and SCHOOL-WALKOUT-DON-BOSCO March 14, 2018.

“We’ve been learning about Catholic social teaching and the life and the dignity of the human person,” Anderson said. “After that shooting, we just felt that it needed to be fixed and thought that we’d do something about it.”
Other Catholic schools around the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis held similar observances March 14. Providence Academy in Plymouth also offered a symposium after school for juniors and seniors to discuss gun violence.
The decision to hold a prayer service for peace in the wake of the Florida school shooting was an easy one for students at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis. Determining the place to have the service was even easier – the Blessed Mother Grotto, in front of Our Lady of Peace.
The prayer service was organized by students and led by the school’s campus minister, Dominican Father DePorres Durham, who told students this was the chance to recognize their pain and anxiety and “give voice to our suffering after the senseless act of another school shooting.”
The students and staff members who attended the prayer service, many wearing hoodies on a chilly but sunny morning, circled around the grotto on a high point of the campus overlooking the football stadium. They listened as the names of 27 schools impacted by shootings were read aloud and then were silent before reading reflections and praying the Our Father.
The presenters urged students to write a commitment to action and place it in a basket in the chapel. The suggestions included reaching out to someone at the school who may be experiencing difficulties or is picked on, expressing love and care to a family member, and more.
Danny White, a senior, said the prayer service was intended to show unity. “This was not about political action,” he said. “This was about standing in solidarity. As a Catholic school, we stand in solidarity through prayer and offering guidance from God.”
Father Durham said the grotto was selected because it is “a prayer place” and a site that has a long school tradition. “While this is obviously a very complex problem, one way we can begin is to simply treat each other better,” the campus minister said. “It begins with recognizing the dignity of everybody we live with and that we are responsible for each other.”
Students at Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School in St. Louis took to the streets for about an hour in support of the Parkland students.
Wearing orange arm bands or orange shirts, students, faculty and staff members marched about three-quarters of a mile carrying posters with messages such as “#StopTheViolence,” “Enough is enough” and “Blessed are the children.”
Posters remembered the victims in Florida and victims of gun violence in St. Louis. Freshman Malachi Davis made a poster with a photo of 17-year-old Nicholas Dworet from Parkland, accompanied by snippets of Nicholas’ plan after high school to pursue competitive swimming this fall in college.
The poster project drove home the harsh reality that Dworet “was really dead,” Davis said, adding that creating the poster “was hard. He didn’t deserve to lose his life. … I’m sure he didn’t wake up in morning thinking, ‘I’m going to die today.'”
He likewise couldn’t imagine the shooter “waking up thinking that he’s going to shoot another person and take their life. … It’s really sad. It makes me really think about life,” he added.

Presentation Academy students stand arm in arm on the sidewalk in downtown Louisville, Ky., after walking out of class at 10 a.m. March 14 to call attention to gun violence. They were among thousands around the nation who participated in a National School Walkout. (CNS photo/Marnie McAllister, The Record) See CATHOLIC-SCHOOLS-WALKOUT-PRAYER March 13, 2014, and SCHOOL-WALKOUT-DON-BOSCO March 14, 2018.

Students at Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, made prayer the focal point of their gatherings during the National School Walkout.
“Let’s pray for God to empower us to be the voices for those who cannot speak,” said Eileen Hart, moderator of the Celebrate Life Club at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
Trenton Bishop David M. O’Connell joined the students in prayer and said he was “deeply moved” to do so.

(Contributing to this report was Matthew Davis in St. Paul, Joseph Kenny in St. Louis and Jennifer Mauro in Trenton.)