Category Archives: Diocesan News

CSA feature: Catelin Britt – saying ‘yes’ to God’s call

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At St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Clarksdale, faith is growing strong among the parish’s young people thanks to Catelin Britt’s “yes” to God’s call – and the vital support of the Catholic Service Appeal (CSA).
For the past eight years, Catelin has served the parish in various ways and now leads as the Coordinator of Religious Education. Her journey in ministry began long before she joined the Catholic Church.

“It started when I was in ninth grade,” Catelin said. “I was asked to be a WYLD Life leader for middle school students. Sharing faith with them and walking through life together really shaped me.”
When she entered the Catholic Church in 2017, Catelin jumped right into parish life. “I was asked to help with Vacation Bible School and said yes right away,” she recalls. “It was chaotic, tiring, but so fulfilling!” That experience led to more opportunities – teaching First Communion prep, Sunday School, and eventually youth ministry. “Whenever I’ve been asked to share my faith, I’ve always said yes. God calls us to use our gifts to evangelize.”
Serving youth has also deepened her own faith. “I spend a lot more time in prayer now, especially for each child in our program,” Catelin said. “It’s also pushed me to keep learning about my faith so I can better guide them.”
Over the past few years, Catelin has witnessed incredible growth among the parish’s youth. “We’ve seen more participation not just in youth group, but at Mass,” she said. “We even have several young men discerning entering the church, inspired by their peers’ love for the faith.”
Thanks to support from the Catholic Service Appeal, ministries like Catelin’s continue to thrive. “The CSA eases financial burdens and allows us to focus on the kids,” she said. “Every dollar helps create opportunities for them to grow in faith. Generosity truly changes lives – and it’s helping form the church of today and tomorrow.”
To support youth ministry and other vital diocesan programs, visit jacksondiocese.org and make your gift to the Catholic Service Appeal today.

The annual Catholic Service Appeal unites Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson to support 14 vital ministries that serve local communities. From faith formation and youth ministry to seminarian education and clergy healthcare, these initiatives help carry the Gospel’s message to those in need throughout the diocese. Give today to help these ministries thrive.

CLARKSDALE – Catelin Britt (far left), coordinator of religious education at St. Elizabeth Parish, stands with the parish’s 2024 Confirmation class on April 6. Pictured with Catelin Britt, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Raju Macherla are Kevin Elias, Angel Zuniga, Dominic Birdsong, Priscila Lopez, Bella Favi, Ayden Lutts and Bailey Martin. (Photo courtesy of the parish)

Click here to DONATE to the CSA in support of faith formation

Faith and friendship flourish in Saltillo

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By Joanna Puddister King
SALTILLO, Mexico – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi traveled together to Saltillo, Mexico, October 15–20, continuing a long tradition of friendship and shared faith between Mississippi and the Diocese of Saltillo.
The trip marked Bishop Kopacz’s eleventh visit to the mission founded by Father Patrick Quinn more than 50 years ago. Father Quinn, who served in Mississippi before being assigned to Mexico in 1969, worked tirelessly to build bridges of faith between the people of Saltillo and the faithful of Mississippi. Today, his legacy continues to thrive through the Mission of San Miguel and the many chapels that extend across the desert landscape.
During their five-day pilgrimage, the bishops celebrated the Eucharist in city parishes and rural communities, visited Father Quinn’s tomb at Parroquia del Perpetuo Socorro, and joined local families in joyful processions honoring the Holy Infant of Good Health. At San Miguel, they gathered with parishioners for Mass before walking through the streets in celebration, surrounded by color, song, and faith-filled joy.
The visit also included confirmation Masses in Garambullo and Tanque del Cerro, meals and fellowship with local priests, and time spent at small desert ranchos where the people welcomed the bishops with open hearts. On the fourth day, rain fell over the desert for the first time in Bishop Kopacz’s eleven years of visits – a moment that filled the communities with thanksgiving and praise.
While in Saltillo, the bishops also visited Father Adolfo Suárez, a diocesan priest from St. Michael Parish in Forest and its missions, who has been serving at the Mission of San Miguel since April. Father Adolfo returned to Mexico earlier this year due to U.S. immigration limits that affect many foreign-born priests and religious serving in dioceses across the country.
Bishop Kopacz continues to raise awareness about the Religious Worker Protection Act (RWPA) – bipartisan legislation that would allow priests, sisters and other ministers like Father Adolfo to remain in the U.S. while awaiting permanent residency. “These faithful men and women serve our parishes and our people with dedication and love,” Bishop Kopacz said. “Their ministry is essential to the life of our church.”
“Every visit to Saltillo is a reminder of the universality of our church,” Bishop Kopacz added. “We may live far apart, but we share the same faith, the same hope, and the same joy in Christ.”
The Mission of Saltillo remains a living partnership between the Dioceses of Jackson and Saltillo – a bond strengthened through prayer, presence and a shared mission to serve God’s people.

SALTILLO, Mexico – Bishops Joseph Kopacz and Louis Kihneman of Biloxi celebrate the first Mass of their trip at Santos Mártires Parish on Oct. 15 with Father David Martínez Rubio and Father Adolfo Suárez Pasillas.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz concelebrates Mass at San Juan Diego Parish on Oct. 16 with Father Adolfo Suárez (right) and visiting clergy from the Diocese of Saltillo.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz blesses parishioners with the cape of the Holy Infant of Good Health after a rosary and procession at San Miguel Parish. Earlier, two parishioners changed the infant’s garment, with the previous cape used in the blessing.
NUEVO GÓMEZ RANCHO, Mexico –Bishop Joseph Kopacz checks in with his ride before joining the procession to San Francisco del Ejido.
NUEVO GÓMEZ RANCHO, Mexico –Students celebrate Confirmation and one First Communion at Santa Teresa Parish.
TONQUE DEL CERRO, Mexico – Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi and Bishop Joseph Kopacz of Jackson celebrate an outdoor Mass with confirmations at Sagrado Corazón Parish on Oct. 19. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

Journey of Hope inspires faithful to “live God’s dream” through service and discipleship

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Catholic Charities’ annual Journey of Hope took on a new format this year, reaching across the diocese with two gatherings that drew nearly 800 people to celebrate faith, service and hope.
More than 550 guests attended the Oct. 22 luncheon at the Country Club of Jackson, while another 250 gathered the following day at St. James Parish in Tupelo, where the focus centered on the outreach of Catholic Charities’ Vardaman office in Northeast Mississippi.
“Each event reflected how Catholic Charities and our programs are guided by our faith,” said Michael Thomas, development director for Catholic Charities of Jackson. “The goal is always that everyone leaves with a positive sense of what Catholic Charities is doing throughout our state to better the lives of so many.”

JACKSON – Father Burke Masters speaks to a crowd of over 550 gathered at the Country Club of Jackson for Catholic Charities annual Journey of Hope event on Wednesday, Oct. 22. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

Featured speaker Father Burke Masters, a former Mississippi State University baseball standout, Chicago Cubs chaplain and priest of the Diocese of Joliet, told guests that discipleship requires the same commitment and discipline once demanded of him on the field.
Scouts, he said, used to rate ballplayers on six “tools”: hitting, power, running, fielding, throwing and baseball IQ. “I was good at everything but great at nothing,” he recalled with a smile. “Not all of us can become Major League ballplayers, but all of us can become better disciples of Jesus Christ.”
He offered a spiritual parallel – the six tools of a disciple: grow, give, serve, worship, imitate Jesus, and build community. “Everybody looks for meaning and purpose,” he said. “And I can’t imagine anything more meaningful or purposeful than eternal life.”
Father Masters urged guests to make time for daily formation. “We practiced five hours a day to be the best baseball players we could be,” he said. “How much time do you and I invest in our spiritual lives?”
He also challenged listeners to approach worship with gratitude. “You don’t have to go to church – you get to go,” he said. “You get to worship the God of the universe.”
Thomas said proceeds from the Jackson event will benefit all Catholic Charities programs, while donations from Tupelo will remain in the Vardaman regional office, supporting ministries that serve families and individuals across the northeast region. “Donors know that they have a vested interest in what is accomplished in their own communities,” he said.
This year’s events highlighted Catholic Charities’ mission to bring hope and healing statewide through more than two dozen programs, from adoption and counseling to domestic-violence intervention and outreach for immigrants and refugees.

TUPELO – Wayne Hereford of WTVA interviews Father Burke Masters after his Journey of Hope talk at St. James Parish. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Thomas credited widespread collaboration for the Jackson events’ success, noting leadership from St. Paul, Flowood; St. Francis of Assisi, Madison; and St. Richard, Jackson, who “led parish participation this year and set an example we hope others will follow.”
He also expressed appreciation for Christina Bach, executive director of Catholic Charities; Father Tim Murphy and the St. James staff in Tupelo; Michele Harris, board chair; and Julie Gibert, who chaired the development committee. “Everyone worked so hard to bring back our Journey of Hope and make it a success in both Jackson and Tupelo,” Thomas said.
Thomas said the dual-location format may continue in future years depending on the speaker, noting how fortunate organizers were that Father Masters could address both gatherings.
“Great things are happening with our programs,” he added. “Our Kinship Navigator Program is expanding to Greenwood and Jackson; and Born Free has a new director.”
In closing, Father Masters shared a story about receiving a replica Chicago Cubs World Series ring from seminarians while serving as vocation director. He often shows it to students, who “ooh and ahh” before he explains it is a $15 imitation. “It looks real, but it’s not,” he said, adding that his real focus is on a greater prize. “The crown of eternal glory doesn’t collect dust, it doesn’t fade away, and it lasts forever. Let’s live today as disciples preparing for that face-to-face meeting with God.”

Catholic Diocese of Jackson named 2025 Cognia System of Distinction

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – The Catholic Diocese of Jackson has been named a 2025 Cognia System of Distinction, joining a select group of school systems around the world recognized for exemplary service to learners and sustained commitment to continuous improvement. The honor follows a rigorous review earlier this year and places the diocese among systems in countries such as Belgium, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Accreditation from Cognia, a global nonprofit organization serving more than 40,000 schools and systems in over 90 countries, is widely regarded as a mark of educational excellence. Each year, Cognia identifies a limited number of systems that not only meet but exceed its performance standards in leadership, learning and resource capacity. The Diocese of Jackson was one of only four Catholic systems worldwide – and the only Catholic diocese – to receive the 2025 distinction.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, said the process reflects the organization’s focus on helping all students succeed. He commended the Diocese of Jackson for its strong results during the 2025 review. “Cognia Systems Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments,” Elgart said. “We commend the Diocese of Jackson for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”
The recognition marks a milestone in a process that began in 2018 when diocesan leaders embarked on their first systemwide accreditation journey with Cognia. The two-year process brought together principals, pastors, educators, parents and advisory councils from across Mississippi to build a framework for continuous improvement grounded in Catholic identity and academic rigor. The diocese first achieved system accreditation in 2020, establishing the foundation for this latest honor.
The Cognia review team visited diocesan schools earlier this year, meeting with educators, administrators and families. Evaluators commended the Catholic schools for their collaborative leadership, welcoming communities and the authentic integration of faith and Gospel values throughout daily learning. The team also noted the professionalism of school leaders and the strength of the diocesan system’s vision for student success.
Karla Luke, who retired as executive director of Catholic Education at the end of September after more than 33 years in Catholic education, guided the diocese through the accreditation and review process. She described the System of Distinction honor as one of the most meaningful moments of her career. Luke said that while the recognition was extraordinary, her greatest joy came from working alongside the dedicated principals, teachers and students who make Catholic education thrive across the diocese.
“Over the past 33 years, the most recent accomplishment of having Cognia recognize the Diocese of Jackson as a System of Distinction has been an overwhelming and rare experience,” Luke said. “However, in the everyday realm of the work, I am most proud of being able to interact with so many students, teachers and principals. It is very humbling to know that you have been a tiny part of a student’s life for a short time.”
Bishop Joseph Kopacz praised Luke’s leadership and the collaborative spirit of all involved in Catholic education. He said the distinction reflects both the faith and hard work that define the diocesan school system. He expressed gratitude to the principals, pastors and teachers who continue to advance the mission of forming students in faith, knowledge and service. “This recognition affirms what we already know – our Catholic schools are places of faith, excellence and community,” he said. “I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our principals, teachers and families who ensure that every child is known, loved and challenged to grow in the light of Christ.”
Joni House, who succeeded Luke as executive director in September, said the honor is both a celebration and a challenge to continue striving for excellence. She noted that the Cognia recognition affirms the strength of diocesan schools and their ongoing pursuit of improvement. House, a former principal of Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus and Cognia accreditation specialist, said she looks forward to building on the foundation Luke helped establish. “The recognition as a Cognia System of Distinction affirms the hard work of our schools,” she said, “and it challenges us to sustain and grow that culture of continuous improvement so Catholic education in our diocese remains strong and vibrant.”
As the diocese celebrates this global recognition, families are invited to experience Catholic education firsthand during Discover Catholic Schools Week that takes place Nov. 16-22, 2025. Many schools across the diocese will host open houses and special events offering families the opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms and see how students are growing in faith and learning every day.

For more information about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Jackson, visit https://jacksondiocese.org/schools-centers.

The Catholic Foundation holds annual membership meeting

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson gathered members and guests on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at the Country Club of Jackson for its annual membership meeting, celebrating another year of faithful stewardship and the continued growth of endowments that sustain ministries across the diocese.
The membership approved the docket of new board members, welcoming Dennis Antici and Gretchen Ware of St. Paul Flowood, Bob Gaston of St. Francis of Assisi Madison, and Bill Morris and Chris Walters of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. Returning board members re-elected to serve additional terms represented parishes from across the diocese, reflecting the Foundation’s wide reach and collaborative mission.
Joe Rice, president of the board of directors, provided an overview of the Foundation’s financial health and ongoing growth. “Since 2006, our investment earnings – measured by income, dividends, and market appreciation – have been a little over $40 million,” said Rice. “During that same period, we’ve distributed more than $20 million and built reserves of over $7 million in anticipation of market weakness.”
Rice noted that the Foundation’s portfolio, valued at $11.3 million in 2010, now stands at $75.5 million. “Our charge is to be good stewards of the money that the faithful across the Diocese have entrusted us with,” he said. “It’s only through and by the grace of God that we’ve been able to accomplish these things and keep our finances strong.”

One of the year’s most significant developments, Rice shared, was the establishment of an endowed operational trust to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s work. “This decision allows our executive director and staff to focus on what they do best – telling the story of the Foundation and helping donors create new trusts to support the ministries they are passionate about,” he said.
Executive director Rebecca Harris expressed gratitude to members and donors who make that mission possible. She shared that the Foundation now manages 407 trusts with total assets of $75.5 million. These funds support parishes, schools, diocesan ministries, seminarian education and Catholic Charities. “I love sitting down with donors and talking about what is their passion,” Harris said. “I ask them to pray about where the Holy Spirit is calling them to give – and it’s always a blessing to see where that leads.”
Harris also celebrated the success of the annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament, which raised a record amount this year to support diocesan youth ministry. Funds will assist in sending more young people to DCYC – the diocese’s annual youth convention, helping strengthen faith among the next generation.
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz concluded the evening with a reflection on the Jubilee Year of Hope. “The work of the Foundation feeds hope in the lives of many people,” he said. “We are so grateful to God for the blessings He continues to pour out on our diocese.”

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Jubilee Year of Hope Celebration Mass, Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Details: RSVP to church office (662) 624-4301.
DIOCESE/CLINTON – Diocesan Youth Adult Day of Reflection “Prepare the Way,” Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Garaway, Clinton. Register at https://bit.ly/YAReflection25. Deadline Nov. 19 at noon. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, CYO Garage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8-11 a.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Card Night hosted by the Men’s Club, Friday, Nov. 14 in the social hall. Dinner at 6 p.m. and games at 7 p.m. All are invited to this fun evening of cards and fellowship. Entry fee: $20 – includes poker chips, dinner and beverages. Games: three 50-minute rounds with 10 minute intermissions. Choose from Black Jack or Texas Hold’em. Details: sign up in the Commons or contact Tracy at (901) 828-4848.

EMPLOYMENT
JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks an Assistant Stewardship and Development Director to support fundraising and stewardship, including the Annual Catholic Service Appeal; full-time. Requirements: bachelor’s (related field), 3+ years development/fundraising, strong writing skills, Excel, relationship skills; practicing Catholic in good standing. Apply by Nov. 15: send résumé and cover letter to Rebecca Harris, Diocese of Jackson, PO Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225.
JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes and schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/life-health-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to Cathy Pendleton at cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS – The Diocese of Jackson seeks qualified, faith-filled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details and applications, visit jacksondiocese.org/administrator-employment.

JACKSON PARENTS SHARE YOUR VOICE IN THE METRO SCHOOL SURVEY
JACKSON – Families with children from early childhood through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Jackson Catholic Schools Family Survey on Education.
Whether your children attend Catholic schools or not, your feedback will help us better serve families across our Catholic community. The short survey asks about your experiences and how you make schooling decisions. Take the survey today at https://tinyurl.com/JacksonCatholicEd or scan the QR code to participate.

FEATURE PHOTO: … Pray for Saltillo mission …

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GARAMBULLO, MEXICO – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson (center) concelebrates Mass with Father David Martínez Rubio (left) and Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi (right) during a visit to mission communities in the remote Saltillo region. The annual diocesan mission trip by the bishops continues the work begun decades ago by Father Patrick Quinn. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE/MADISON – Fall Faith Formation Day, Saturday, Nov. 15 at St. Francis, Madison from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Department of Faith Formation welcomes all formation leaders and volunteers for a keynote by Robert Feduccia and a variety of breakout sessions to with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope Journeying Together.” Cost: $10. Register at https://bit.ly/FFFDay2025. Deadline is Nov. 5. Details: email fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.

DIOCESE/MOBILE, Ala. – Sister Thea Bowman Jubilee of Hope Bus Pilgrimage, Nov. 15-16 to Mobile and Montgomery, Ala., for a powerful journey of faith, history and fellowship. Highlights include visits to the Africatown Heritage Center, the Equal Justice Initiative and more. Details: Visit https://bit.ly/srtheapilgrimage2025 for more info and to register.

DIOCESE/NATCHEZ – Diocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to St. Mary Basilica in Natchez, Nov. 8. Register by Nov. 1. Cost $25. Fee does not include transportation, meals or optional overnight stay. Details: https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/222556 or email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

DIOCESE/CLINTON – Diocesan Youth Adult Day of Reflection “Prepare the Way,” Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Garaway, Clinton. Register at https://bit.ly/YAReflection25. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Parish Ladies Retreat, Saturday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Join us for a time of fellowship, reflection and prayer. Retreat includes Mass, presentations and lunch. Details: Register at https://bit.ly/HSLadiesRetreat112025.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. on the parish playground. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the upper parking lot. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Our Lady of Lourdes parking lot. Details: Katherine at (662) 836-6108.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Parish Gala, Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Club Rooftop. Join us for this no tie occassion to raise funds for the Cathedral kitchen and promote community in the parish. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.

MADISON – St. Francis, Parish Mission “Hope and Pilgrimage,” Oct. 26-27 from 5:30-7:45 p.m., with speaker and author Joan Watson. All are welcome. Please RSVP. Details: church office at (601) 856-5556.

St. Francis, Trunk or Treat, Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6:30-8 p.m. Details: church office (601) 586-5556.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Trunk or Treat and Halloween Carnival, Thursday, Oct. 30 in the parking lot on Union Street across from Memorial Park. Details: church office at (601) 445-5616 or secretary@stmarybasilica.org.

PEARL – St. Jude, Remembrance Mass, Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. Come for a special celebration in memory of our loved ones that have gone before us. Details: office@stjudepearl.org.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Halloween Bash, Friday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Games, concessions and more. Cost of entry: one bag of candy. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, CYO Garage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 8-11 a.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.

EMPLOYMENT
JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes and schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/life-health-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to Cathy Pendleton at cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS – The Diocese of Jackson seeks qualified, faith-filled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details and applications, visit jacksondiocese.org/administrator-employment.

Blues, BBQ and blessings: Homegrown Harvest strengthens support for seminarians

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By Joanna Puddister King
MADISON – The spirit of faith and generosity filled St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Saturday, Oct. 11, as nearly 300 guests gathered for the sixth annual Homegrown Harvest Festival – an evening of blues, barbecue and support for the future priests of the Diocese of Jackson.

The event raised a record $189,000, with donations still coming in. Funds from the night directly support the diocese’s 12 seminarians and the Office of Vocations’ efforts to promote priesthood.

MADISON – Jo Ann Foret (center) waves with excitement as guests arrive for the Homegrown Harvest Festival at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Oct. 11. The event celebrated the diocese’s seminarians and future priests.

For the first time, the event featured a live auction led by EJ Martin, who energized the crowd with a “raise your paddle” appeal. Guests pledged at various levels helping the live auction alone bring in $15,400.

“It was a wonderful evening,” said Father Nick Adam, diocesan director of vocations. “We had a record number of guests and raised a record amount for our seminarians. Every dollar supports our twelve current seminarians and our efforts to continue to promote the priesthood throughout the diocese.”

Father Nick noted that three additional men are currently applying for seminary next fall. “We would love to hit $200,000, which was our goal heading into the night,” he said. “If we do, that amount would help educate four of our seminarians for a year.”

The silent auction was another highlight of the evening, featuring dozens of donated items, including 12 themed baskets created by the families of each seminarian. The baskets reflected the personalities and favorite pastimes of the seminarians – from sports teams to snacks, and even a few with bottles of their favorite spirits.

“One of the greatest gifts of the evening was seeing our seminarian parents having such a great time and working together in support of our men,” said Father Nick. “They’ve really grown together over the past several months as they walk with their sons.”

A new touch this year were special buttons and ribbons worn by seminarian mothers, a visible sign of their pride and their sons’ ongoing discernment. Many families spoke about forming a prayer group to lift up their sons, Father Nick and future vocations.

Seminarian Grayson Foley, a graduate of St. Joseph School in Madison, drew laughter and applause when he shared his vocation story with the crowd. Using humor and heartfelt honesty, Foley told how God spoke to him through his love of basketball.

“I had an experience in adoration where I saw the Lord face to face,” he said. “I prayed, ‘Thy will be done,’ and for the first time I really meant it. I thought I was giving up basketball, but the Lord gave it back a hundredfold.”

Foley explained how he met then-Deacon Nick Adam on a basketball court years ago, where the two bonded over the sport that would later lead Foley to discern seminary. “Everything we do is for you,” Foley told attendees. “My life is not my own – it’s completely yours.”

Among the seminarians recognized was Will Foggo, who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Nov. 29 at Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. Foggo, the most senior of the group, will serve as a deacon at St. Joseph Parish in Starkville until his priestly ordination in May 2026.

The cost of education, room and board for each seminarian runs close to $50,000 per year, underscoring the importance of continued support from across the diocese.

MADISON – Seminarian Grayson Foley speaks to guests at the Homegrown Harvest Festival at St. Francis of Assisi Parish on Oct. 11, sharing how God used basketball to lead him to discern the priesthood. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

“The work of calling forth more young men to consider priesthood is continuing,” said Father Nick. “We still have our goal of 33 seminarians by the year 2030. I know it sounds crazy, but with God, anything is possible.”

The night’s joyful fellowship, generous giving and laughter from stories like Foley’s showed that the seeds of that vision are already taking root.

(To support seminarian education, contact Rebecca Harris in the Office of Stewardship and Development at (601) 969-1880 or rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.)

Honoring the past, building the future: Catholic education leadership transitions

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson is marking a significant transition in Catholic education as longtime leader Karla Luke retires and Joni House steps in as the new executive director of Catholic Education.

Luke, who retired at the end of September after more than 33 years in Catholic education, has been a steady and faith-filled leader for diocesan schools. During her tenure, she helped guide the diocese to national recognition when its Catholic schools were named a Cognia “School System of Distinction,” one of only four Catholic institutions worldwide – and the only Catholic diocese – to receive the honor.

FLOWOOD – Joni House, executive director of the Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Jackson, spends a few moments cuddling a baby at St. Paul Early Learning Center while visiting schools in the Jackson area on Thursday, Oct. 2. House stepped into the role following the retirement of longtime Catholic educator and diocesan schools director Karla Luke at the end of September. (Photo courtesy of Joni House)

“Over the past 33 years, the most recent accomplishment of having Cognia recognize the Diocese of Jackson as a System of Distinction has been an overwhelming and rare experience,” Luke said. “However, in the everyday realm of the work, I am most proud of being able to interact with so many students, teachers and principals. It is very humbling to know that you have been a tiny part of a student’s life for a short time.”

Bishop Joseph Kopacz praised Luke’s leadership and dedication, noting how she guided schools through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and into a period of growth. “Karla has dedicated her professional life to the spread of the Gospel and the teachings of the church through Catholic education,” he said. “Her servant-leadership culminated in the exceptional rating from Cognia for the Diocese of Jackson’s Catholic School System. May the Lord bless her in retirement with family, friends, and in all her new adventures.”

House, formerly principal of Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus, began her new role in early September. She was chosen following a five-month national search. With more than 14 years of experience as a Catholic school administrator and several years as a Cognia accreditation specialist, she brings both practical leadership and a big-picture vision.

“I felt called to this role because it allows me to serve our schools and communities in a new way,” House said. “Being a principal taught me the everyday challenges and joys of school leadership, and my Cognia work showed me how powerful continuous improvement can be. Together, those experiences help me bring both practical understanding and a big-picture vision to this role.”

House said she sees exciting opportunities ahead for Catholic schools in the diocese: welcoming more families, strengthening academic programs with new approaches, and deepening students’ faith life so they leave ready to serve others. At the same time, she acknowledged challenges such as enrollment, financial sustainability, and teacher retention, which she hopes to address through collaboration and strong parish partnerships.

She also expressed gratitude for the work done by Luke. “I want to build on the work she started, while also embracing the new opportunities that lie ahead for our schools, families, and communities,” House said. “The recognition as a Cognia School System of Distinction affirms the hard work of our schools, and it challenges us to sustain and grow that culture of continuous improvement so Catholic education in our diocese remains strong and vibrant.”

Bishop Kopacz said he is confident in her leadership. “She has a vibrant faith in the Lord Jesus and is committed to the Great Commission to teach the nations and form disciples,” he said. “Her passion for the children and their families, and her professional support for educators and staff have prepared her well to lead our Catholic school system into the future. I look forward to her leadership in the time ahead.”

Luke, in her retirement letter, expressed deep gratitude to Bishop Kopacz, chancery colleagues, pastors, and especially the administrators and teachers who form “the heart and soul” of diocesan schools. “Though my time in this role will come to an end, my commitment to Catholic education remains steadfast,” she wrote.

For Luke, the joy has always been in the relationships built along the way. For House, the excitement is in the new opportunities that lie ahead. Together, their stories reflect the mission at the center of Catholic education in the Diocese of Jackson: forming students in faith, knowledge and service.