JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.
(View photos from Bishop Chanche Medals at https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.)
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson joyfully honored the anniversaries of married couples from across the diocese with two special Masses, celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz. The first Mass took place on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, followed by a second celebration on Saturday, Feb. 14, at St. James in Tupelo. These gatherings brought together couples of all ages to celebrate the sacred bond of marriage and their commitment to one another through the years.
During the World Marriage Day celebrations, couples were honored with a special anniversary certificate, blessed and signed by Bishop Kopacz. These certificates serve as a meaningful keepsake, commemorating their years of love, commitment and faith.
The ceremonies also provided an opportunity for couples to renew their vows in the presence of family, friends and fellow parishioners, reaffirming their dedication to one another and to God.
The diocese extends heartfelt congratulations to all the couples who participated in this year’s celebrations. Whether newlyweds or those marking decades of marriage, each couple serves as a witness to the enduring power of love and the grace of the sacrament of matrimony.
Please join us in celebrating and praying for these special couples, that their love may continue to grow and inspire others for years to come.
(View photos from World Marriage Day at https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.)
March 2
Fr. Henry Shelton
March 6
Fr. Albeenreddy Vatti
By Joanna King
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Family Ministry will host its first “Fam Jam,” a family-focused evening of music and fellowship, on Saturday, April 11 at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.
Food sales begin at 4:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s Forestry Building, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.
The event will feature Catholic country singer and songwriter Bradley Banning, whose music blends traditional country storytelling with themes of faith and family.
A Texas-born artist, Banning said he shifted his musical focus in recent years to writing songs that reflect his Catholic faith and values while remaining true to the country style he grew up loving. His performances often combine music with personal testimony about faith, family and life.
“My goal was to provide a family-friendly event where Catholics from parishes all over our diocese come together for fun and fellowship,” said Debbie Tubertini, coordinator for the Office of Family Ministry.
Registration is required for the event, which has limited seating. The cost is $10 per person, with a maximum of $40 per family.
(For more information contact the Office of Family Ministry at (601) 960-8487 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.)
By Jennifer Brinker / St. Louis Review
JACKSON, Miss. (OSV News) — Servant of God Thea Bowman was a beacon for the Church to embrace more authentically the essence of what it means to be Catholic, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz told Massgoers at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson.
“To love the Lord your God with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself portrays her lifelong commitment,” he said in his homily at a Feb. 9 Mass of thanksgiving marking the conclusion of the diocesan phase of Sister Thea’s canonization cause. “Her loving heart, her prophetic spirit, her brilliant mind and boundless stamina, even in illness, inspired many.”
The Mass was attended by friends and acquaintances of Sister Thea, representatives from her religious order, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, members of the historical commission who were part of the diocesan investigation and students from Sister Thea Bowman School in Jackson.
An official closing session of the diocesan phase of the canonization process followed the Mass, where the cause’s leaders ceremoniously sealed several boxes containing the diocesan phase’s documents and findings. In all, 10 boxes containing two sets of documents including more than 15,000 pages each, will be sent to the apostolic nunciature in Washington and then transferred to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which will further investigate the cause.
Jackson’s Bishop Kopacz, the main celebrant at the Mass, was among several bishops who witnessed the closing session. Concelebrants included Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso and retired Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Alabama, and Bishop Steven J. Raica and retired Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham, Alabama.
Bishop Kopacz in 2018 opened the cause for Sister Thea, a native of Mississippi who was born in Yazoo City and raised in Canton. She was the only African American member of the Wisconsin-based Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Before she died of cancer in 1990 at age 52, she was a widely known speaker, evangelizer and singer.
Nearly eight years after the cause was opened, Bishop Kopacz described the moment of closing the diocesan phase of the investigation as a blessing, especially for those who have been inspired by Sister Thea’s life.
“There’s considerable joy in the African American community,” he said. “It radiates throughout the whole diocese. Our Hispanic population is very proud of Sister Thea Bowman, too. They look to her as someone who had done a lot in her life and inspires them, in spite of obstacles, to continue forward. She had a great passion and love for God, and she saw the Church as the body of Christ as being for all. She taught people to be proud of their culture, and yet see the universality of the Church.”
Among the documents and findings related to Sister Thea are interviews with more than 40 witnesses as well as her writings, articles and other items pertaining to her life, said Emanuele Spedicato, the postulator for the cause who has been charged with sending the documents to Rome.
There are main components of a canonization investigation, which include a proven reputation for holiness, a rigorous examination of the candidate’s writings and life, the testimony of witnesses regarding heroic virtue and the investigation of at least one miracle attributed to their intercession.
Once the Vatican accepts the acts of the diocesan investigation, the sealed boxes will be opened and then begins the work of summarizing the information, said Spedicato, who will be tasked with writing the “positio,” which lays out the case for sainthood. From there, it is sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and then ultimately to the pope.
“The most exciting part is being here today and showing the people the formalities (of the investigation) that are not only formalities but it’s for a purpose,” Spedicato said.
Sister Thea is among seven Black Catholics with active sainthood causes — dubbed the “Saintly Seven.”
Of the seven, four have been declared “Venerable”: Mother Mary Lange, who founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first Catholic order of African American women religious, in Baltimore; Father Augustus Tolton from Chicago, the first Catholic priest in the United States known to be Black; Pierre Toussaint from New York City, known for his works of charity; and Mother Henriette Delille, foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans.
Two others, like Sister Thea, have the title “Servant of God”: Julia Greeley, who was born into slavery and after her emancipation later moved to Denver, where she was known for her works of charity; and Father Martin de Porres Maria Ward, a Conventual Franciscan and Boston native who served the poor and the sick on mission in Brazil well into the late 1990s.
Among those who attended the Mass at the Jackson cathedral was Myrtle Otto, one of Sister Thea’s pupils at Holy Child Jesus School in Canton.
After joining the Francsican Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Sister Thea returned to the school where she once was a student to teach music and English literature. She often stressed the importance of receiving a good education but also knew how to have fun, too, Otto said.
“We respected her in the utmost,” she said, adding that Sister Thea’s legacy should live on in how we treat others.
“Always learn to be kind,” Otto said. “Always learn to give people what’s due to them. She was a strong woman, and she taught us how to be strong. Regardless of what goes on, you pray and you go on and you’ll be successful. She’s now gone to glory with God.”
Several members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration leadership were in attendance, including Sister Georgia Christensen, who knew Sister Thea from the time they were junior professed sisters.
Years ago during one of her assignments at a predominantly Black school in California, Sister Thea had come to help out for a brief period and was encouraging with the students, Sister Georgia recalled.
“She always had a spirit of joy about her,” she told the St. Louis Review, news outlet of the St. Louis Archdiocese, which Sister Thea visited on numerous occasions in the 1980s.
“She was able to break into song at any time, just praising God and making others happy. It touches the soul, and what it says is her life was a life worth living,” Sister Georgia recalled.
As part of their community’s perpetual adoration, the Franciscan sisters include a prayer at the end of every hour with the line: “All praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment thine.”
“I couldn’t help but think of that here today,” Sister Georgia said. “This is a moment of glory to God and Thea was the cause of it.”
Jennifer Brinker is a reporter at the St. Louis Review and Catholic St. Louis, the news outlets of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. This story was originally published by the St. Louis Review and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.
By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson approaches Commitment Sunday for the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), Catholics across the diocese are invited to prayerfully reflect on their commitment to prayer, participation, and generosity in support of ministries that serve communities throughout the diocese.
Commitment Weekend, including the in-pew collection, will take place Feb. 14–15 in parishes across the diocese.
The theme for the 2026 Appeal, Hope Rising, reflects both the spiritual foundation of the CSA and its tangible impact across the diocese. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the Beatitudes, the Appeal supports ministries that bring Christ’s compassion to life in parishes, missions and communities large and small.
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz has emphasized that hope is not an abstract idea, but something made visible through the shared mission of the Church. When Catholics live out the Beatitudes, he notes, hope does not merely glimmer – it rises. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, the faithful become a living witness of Christ’s compassion, serving those in need and strengthening the Church across the Diocese of Jackson.
Funds raised through the CSA support a wide range of diocesan ministries, including the formation of future priests, care for retired clergy, prison ministry, faith formation programs, and the charitable outreach of Catholic Charities. Together, these ministries serve individuals and families facing hardship, accompany those seeking healing and reconciliation, and nurture faith at every stage of life.
The Appeal is the primary means by which the diocese funds ministries that no single parish could sustain alone. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, each parish works toward a shared goal to help sustain diocesan ministries, and through this shared participation, Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson help ensure that pastoral care, education, charitable outreach and evangelization remain accessible in every corner of the diocese.
While the CSA is a financial appeal, diocesan leaders stress that it begins with prayer. Parishioners are encouraged to reflect on how God is calling them to participate – through prayer, service, and, as they are able, financial support.
As one diocesan family, Catholics are invited to be the hands and heart of Christ. When the faithful walk together in faith and generosity, hope truly rises for those they serve.
For more information about the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal, visit csa.jacksondiocese.org or contact Rebecca Harris, director of stewardship and development at rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.
By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Representatives from Cognia formally presented the 2025 Cognia System of Distinction Award to the Catholic Diocese of Jackson on Monday, Feb. 2, recognizing the diocesan Catholic school system for exceptional performance during its most recent accreditation review.
The presentation took place during a gathering that included Bishop Joseph Kopacz, principals from Catholic schools across the diocese, and chancery staff who work closely with Catholic education. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous review conducted during the 2024–2025 school year.
Dr. Jeremy Stinson, Cognia’s director of the Southeast Region, presented the award on behalf of the organization, joined by Dr. Michael Bratcher, vice president of domestic accreditation services and lead evaluator for the diocese’s review. Stinson said the distinction recognizes systems that truly stand out in their service to learners by meeting and exceeding Cognia’s performance standards.
“The System of Distinction program recognizes systems and schools across the world who truly stand out in their service to learners,” Stinson said, noting that honorees demonstrate excellence in culture for learning, leadership for learning, engagement of learning and growth in learning.
Launched in 2021, Cognia’s Schools and Systems of Distinction program honors institutions in their year of accreditation review that exemplify high-quality instruction, organizational effectiveness and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. During the most recent review cycle, Cognia evaluated more than 1,100 systems worldwide and selected only seven systems across 14 states and four countries for the distinction.
Stinson emphasized that Cognia accreditation is not a checklist or a one-time achievement, but a continuous improvement journey. He said the Diocese of Jackson’s accreditation review was a rigorous external audit of systemwide practices and procedures and reflected the diligence and collaboration of educators and leaders throughout the diocese.
“This great accomplishment emphasizes the importance of a students-first approach and collaborative leadership within the diocese,” Stinson said.
One measure that stood out during the review was the diocese’s Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 389 out of 400, significantly higher than the Cognia network average of 296. Stinson said the score reflects the diocese’s mission in action and its commitment to providing engaging and equitable learning environments.
During the review, Cognia evaluators identified several Noteworthy Practices, including the diocese’s effective and intentional commitment to Catholic identity, mission and guiding principles, as well as its culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Evaluators also highlighted the system’s leadership model, which supports shared priorities while allowing individual schools to reflect their unique charisms and needs.
The System of Distinction recognition builds on work that began in 2018, when the Diocese of Jackson embarked on its first systemwide accreditation process with Cognia. The two-year effort led to initial system accreditation in 2020 and laid the foundation for this year’s honor.
That work was led by Karla Luke, who retired in September after more than 33 years in Catholic education. Luke described the recognition as one of the most meaningful moments of her career.
“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.”
Joni House, executive director of Catholic Education, said the formal presentation was an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of Catholic school communities across the diocese.
“The recognition as a Cognia System of Distinction affirms the hard work of our schools,” House said, “and it challenges us to sustain and grow that culture of continuous improvement so Catholic education in our diocese remains strong and vibrant.”
Stinson concluded by congratulating the Diocese of Jackson on behalf of Cognia’s leadership, calling the distinction an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of the diocese’s commitment to faith-centered education and continuous growth.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27 – March 1; May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
DCYC 2026, March 20-22 in Vicksburg. The conference will feature keynote talks, music, liturgy, games, small groups, Bishop Chanche Youth Awards and much more. Open to ninth through twelfth grades. Details: Contact your parish youth ministry office.
Young Adult Spring Retreat, Saturday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Locus Benedictus in Greenwood. Ages 21-35 are invited to a day of celebration and spiritual renewal. Cost: $20/includes lunch. Register at https://bit.ly/2026YASpringRetreat. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Lenten Retreat: A Journey with Jesus, Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the parish hall; ends after 4 p.m. Mass in the church. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 18. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Monday from 5-6 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON METRO AREA – Theology on Tap, Tuesday, March 3 with Diocesan Chancellor Mary Woodward. Meet at Blaylock Photography, 117 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland at 7 p.m. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Lenten Retreat with Father Sebastian Myladil – “The Paschal Mystery: From the Cross to New Life,” March 1-3. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Sister Thea Bowman Annual Musical Celebration, Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. Details: Cherie at arievans29@yahoo.com or (601) 259-1363.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m.
JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, 20th annual $5,000 Draw Down, Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $120 and second chance insurance $15. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.
JACKSON AREA – Young Adult Basketball League, play March 5 – April 30. Teams for men 18-35. League registration fee: $35. Deadline: Feb. 23. Games at First Baptist Jackson Gym from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.
MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Spaghetti Luncheon, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with silent auction. Cost: $10 adults; $6 child; $35 family. Dine in or carry out. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Registration deadline is Feb. 22, 2026. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School, Open House, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Come meet our staff and learn about our diverse, loving school community. Details: school office (662) 349-0900.
LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Stations and Mass at 5:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals following 5:30 p.m. Mass, every Friday (no meal on March 13). Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. or after Mass.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Knights of Columbus, Fish Fry Dinners, Feb. 27, March 20 and March 27 from 6-7 p.m. following Stations. Dine in, carry out or order in advance at https://bit.ly/STRfish2026. Dinner includes fried fish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and dessert. Cost: adults $15; children $8; families $45. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON – St. Francis, Rosary at 6 p.m.; Stations at 6:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals at 7 p.m., Fridays during Lent.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent. Supper at 5:30 and Stations begin at 7 p.m. Last Friday of Lent will be Knights Fish Fry. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.
OXFORD – St. John, Knights Fish Fry, Friday, Feb. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 234-6073.
PEARL – St. Jude, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.
CHANCERY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
JACKSON – Event Planning Coordinator: The Diocese of Jackson is seeking a faith-filled and organized Event Planning Coordinator to assist with planning and coordinating diocesan gatherings, meetings and donor events. Applicants should have prior event planning experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and availability for occasional evenings, weekends and travel. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Rebecca Harris at Rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org. Find more information at https://bit.ly/CDJjobs.
Coordinator of Operations: The Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Jackson is seeking a detail-oriented and service-minded Coordinator of Operations to support the day-to-day operational needs of diocesan schools and Early Learning Centers. Responsibilities include compliance tracking, recordkeeping, accreditation support, school safety coordination, systems support, and event logistics. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills, comfort with databases and office software, and experience in administration or school-related operations. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Joni House at joni.house@jacksondiocese.org.
By Duncan Dent, Madison County Journal
MADISON – A Greenville native and the current assistant principal at St. Patrick Catholic Middle School on the coast will be the next principal at St. Joseph Catholic High School here.
Trey Bailey will start as principal of St. Joseph on July 1, Joni House, Director of Schools for the Diocese of Jackson, said.
Father Joe Tonos said he and Father Albeen Vatti, administrators at the school, were happy to accept Bailey’s nomination for the position from the School Advisory Committee.
“We welcome Mr. Bailey to the Bruin Family and back home to the Diocese of Jackson,” Tonos said.
Bailey said he looks forward to joining the long legacy of St. Joseph Catholic School.
“I am looking forward to joining a faithful community in carrying on the excellent tradition of Catholic education in the Jackson Metro area at St. Joseph, one that has been carried on for over 155 years,” Bailey said.
He currently serves as the assistant principal over the Middle School at St. Patrick in Biloxi and is also head coach for men’s football and athletic director for the high school.
Bailey will finish the school year on the Coast. He will work with interim principal Dr. John Jordan while making the transition to Madison this summer.
Bailey said it will be his goal as principal of St. Joe to prepare each student for all aspects of life.
“While we will strive to accomplish a wide array of goals, our primary focus will be on developing the student spiritually, emotionally, academically, and physically in order to leave St. Joseph and go into the world and carry out the Great Commission,” Bailey said.
Bailey is a native of Greenville and a graduate of the city’s Catholic schools. He has a BA in History from Millsaps College, an MA in Educational Leadership, and a designation as an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.
He has taught special education, world history, physical education and Mississippi studies in Bolton, Raymond and Richland.
(Reprinted with permission of Madison County Journal.)
February 6
Bishop Joseph Kopacz
(ordained bishop)
February 7
Father Hendrik Ardianto, SCJ
February 14
Father Jofin George
February 19
Father Vijaya Bhaskar Madanu, SVD
