Category Archives: Diocesan News

Encuentro team examines results for Diocese of Jackson, plans next step

Posted on by
Reply

By Sister María Elena Méndez, MGSpS
WINONA – On Saturday, November 18, the Hispanic ministry team and its delegates; Susana Becerril, Maria Isamar Mazy and Danna Johnson met at Sacred Heart Parish to take the next step in the V Encuentro process. The group took the results of the two diocesan encuentro gratherings to discern the three priorities that the Diocese of Jackson will share at a regional meeting. Jackson is in Region V which includes 30 dioceses in nine states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Before arriving at an agreement, the group reviewed the seven priorities of the Hispanic community that emerged from the V Encuentro process. Many of the issues came from the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. They include: evangelization, proclaiming Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith; creating welcoming and reconciling communities; facilitating the ongoing formation of life-long disciples; promotion of vocations; social outreach and a focus on strengthening family and youth.
Each person chose three areas they believe the Jackson diocese shares with other ministers in the Southeast region. After much discussion regarding common issues and differences, the team agreed to concentrate on the following three areas while emphasizing two projects for each.
1. Evangelization: Proclaiming Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith
Projects: Offer evangelization retreats
Visit those separated from the church and welcome them into the community
2. Family Outreach
Projects: Continue to support the activities that include families, youth and vocations
Work with the Office of Education to foster faith, ministry and Catholic school education to better serve Hispanic children and youth in religious and academic areas.
3. Ongoing formation of life-long disciples
Projects: Offer catechist training for adults
Facilitate formation programs (School of ministries and training workshops)
The team understands that there are other needs in Hispanic communities that require attention, such as needs for children and young people. But the Encuentro approach emphasizes creating a long-term plan which strengthens faith, family and leadership training. Using this approach, leaders will be able to respond to the specific needs of each group one need at a time. It is important that each person offers their gifts and talents in their parish communities in order to respond to all needs.
The Encuentro team shared their plan with Bishop Joseph Kopacz, who reviewed and approved it. Encuentro teams from the entire Region V will meet in Miami from February 22-24, 2018, to share the priorities from their dioceses. The regions will then discern a set of priorities to take to the national gathering scheduled for September 20-23, 2018 in Grapevine, Texas.

Encuentro

Good Morning, White Dove Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Magnolia State

Posted on by
Reply

By Galen Holley
TUPELO – The thumping beat of drums, the comforting smell of pastries and hot chocolate and the soaring sounds of mariachi music filled the air throughout northeast Mississippi earlier this month as Catholic faithful celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
From Tupelo to Ripley, from Pontotoc to Pittsboro, communities gathered in the wee hours for the traditional mañanitas, or songs and devotions offered on special occasions. In parish halls and in outdoor processions, Hispanic Catholics brought to life, through dramatic reenactment, the peasant Juan Diego, gathering armfuls of roses at the feet of young girls who, resplendent in the turquoise mantle and rose-colored dress, portrayed the Virgin with heartwarming reality.
The crowd was standing-room only in Shelton Hall at Tupelo St. James Parish on Saturday, Dec. 9. The festivities began at 10 p.m., with a reenactment of the Virgin’s apparition on the Tepeyac Hill.
Ingrid Juarez was breathtaking, encircled in a corona of light, speaking the Virgin’s comforting words to Alejandro Cruz, who portrayed Juan Diego.
After the drama, some 300 praised in song the “Paloma Blanca,” or White Dove, as the song names the Virgin. “We, supplicants, put our hands together, bearing your likeness,” they sang. Moments later, mariachis, Rayos Del Sur, strolled into the hall, adding to the chorus the fluttering, Spanish guitar and mournful violin.
Song gave way to the clicking of rosary beads and the whispers of the “Padre Nuestro,” and the “Ave Maria.”
It is hard to overstate the importance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Hispanic community, said Raquel Thompson, St. James’s Hispanic minister.
“She is the model to live the life of Christ amid our worries and challenges,” said Thompson. “We come to her because she is the bridge between Jesus and us. Throughout the year, I have seen so many people come and offer prayers to her, and return, days later, with bouquets of flowers, meaning their prayers had been answered. In this celebration, we have people who have been away from the church, but their devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe brings them back to God’s house.”

TUPELO – Players in the mariachi band Rayos Del Sur serenade the faithful in honor Our Lady of Guadalupe at festivities at Saint James on Dec. 9. (Photo by Galen Holley)

The image of Guadalupe serves as a source of pride and a means by which to share Hispanic culture with the people of northeast Mississippi, Thompson said. For example, the Matachines, who perform traditional, Aztec-style dancing, in honor the Virgin, and who danced at several community gatherings around northeast Mississippi last weekend, participated in the Tupelo Christmas this year.
The Virgin also symbolizes motherhood, femininity and the challenges women face in society, Thompson added. “She remains our identity, and her image is very much associated with social justice,” said Thompson. “Juan Diego represents immigrants and all vulnerable people.”
Elquin Gonzales reiterated that understanding of the Virgin of Guadalupe as a symbol of femininity at Pontotoc St. Christopher Parish the following morning. “Let us give thanks to the Virgin, and through her intercession, pray for mothers and for all women who suffer from domestic violence and other forms of masculine sin,” said Gonzales, during the petitions.
Before proceeding into the new church hall to celebrate Mass, St. Christopher parishioners gathered in the parking lot. The Matachines, in bright green and red costumes, shifted back and forth rhythmically to the drums. Singing children, bearing handmade images of the Virgin, led the way, and adults carried a statue of the Virgin above the crowd.
“We come together as a pilgrim Church, united with the churches of our continent,” said Danna Johnson, Hispanic minister at St. Christopher, in her opening remarks before Mass. “We celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Americas and Star of the New Evangelization. She brings us her son, and shows him to us with all her love, comprehension, help and defense. We participate with joy in this Eucharist, invoking, along with our various countries of origin, the intercession of the true Mother of God.”
Delicious, herbaceous smells emanated from the kitchen at Ripley St. Matthew Parish on Monday, Dec. 11, as women prepared a hominy dish to be enjoyed by the faithful after Mass. Twelve-year-old Yuridia Benadides practiced a few notes on her clarinet, a little nervous, she said, about playing along to the traditional song, “Las Apariciones Guadalupanas.”
Lilliana Rangel took a break from cooking to reflect on the importance of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the lives of Hispanic Catholics.
“She is important for us in many ways, particularly as a symbol that helps us hold to our culture, our national character and the beliefs that are part of it,” said Rangel. As a mother of three, Rangel said she looks to the Virgin as a guide. “She is a teaching symbol for our children, a demonstration of the importance of their heritage and culture here, in the United States, away from their original homeland,” said Rangel. “She is an example of complete and total love, care and obedience to God. To women she is a strong example of struggling always to care for and defend family and carrying out the will of God in our lives.”
Before Mass, those gathered recited the Joyful Mysteries of the rosary, along with the Litany of Loreto. “Tower of Ivory, pray for us,” they whispered, as one of the many invocations to Mary. “Mystical Rose, Morning Star, Gate of Heaven, pray for us.”
Shortly before sunrise, parishioners gathered at New Albany St. Francis of Assisi. The lights in the sanctuary were dim, and Julia Osorio inched forward on her knees, pausing to venerate the Tabernacle, then resting in front of the statue of Mary. The Virgin of Guadalupe was surrounded by hundreds of roses. Their petals were heavy and fresh, and shown red, white and soft pink in the string of white lights encircling the Virgin. Estella Moreno joined Osorio, kneeling in prayer at the Virgin’s feet, and families trickled in, many bringing fresh bouquets to lay before their Mother in faith.
Pablo Garcia donned his red and black serape and stood in back of the church welcoming families as they entered the warm, quiet sanctuary.
“The Hispanic community walks on a pilgrimage through life with the Virgin of Guadalupe in its heart,” said Garcia. “She protects us and our families, and we want to follow her, as she followed her son, Jesus Christ.

(Galen Holley is a member of New Albany St. Francis of Assisi Parish.)

Youth, religious, priests encourage each other at conference to hear call

Posted on by
Reply

By Sean Gallagher
INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) – The theme of the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis was “Called,” so it was appropriate that the more than 20,000 Catholic youth gathered Nov. 16-18 from across the country gave a bit more attention to the many priests and men and women religious who prayed with them, listened to inspiring presentations with them and had fun with them during the conference.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Members of McComb St. Alphonsus Parish, (l-r) Ajay Vijayakumar, Jacob Harvey, Gina VanNorman, Adrianna Medina, Emily Mullen, Todd Mullen and Shellie Mullen carry a banner into the opening ceremonies of the National Catholic Youth Conference. (Photo credit to Natalie Hoefer/The Criterion).

Maybe God was using that interaction to call the youth to give prayerful reflection to a religious vocation. “Here we’re able to see their real personalities come out,” said Lillieyne Thompson of the Gary Diocese. “They’re seen more as real people and not just as holy figures. You see how they’re cool and do normal things like everyone else does.
“It helps me realize that I can follow God. You can have a fun life, be yourself without the peer pressure of high school,” she told The Criterion, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. “Seeing how cool all the priests are is so inspiring.”
Six young people from McComb St. Alphonsus Parish made the trip with three parish chaperones. The most common reaction among these teens was excitement to be around so many other Catholics.
“Once I understood how enormous our community was, I understood how powerful it was too. Seeing well- known men and women from across the country share their stories and wisdom, helped me realize that Catholicism is bigger than my home town of McComb or even the convention. Catholicism is truly shown in the community,” said Todd Hoang in an email to Mississippi Catholic. The high school senior said it rejuvenated his faith.
“It was an unforgettable experience. My favorite part was being surrounded by so many Catholics my age who are all longing for that relationship with God. It’s so comforting knowing that the Catholic community is so much larger than what we think it is. We are not alone on this journey. I left Indy thankful for friends, my Catholic faith and the love Jesus has for each and every single one of us,” said Shellie Mullen.
Mullen and Ajay Vijayakumar both reflected on how encouraged they were to see how universal the Catholic faith is. “Although we were from different parts of the country, everyone came together to share our faith. I am so glad that I got a chance to meet other Catholics from the whole nation and join them in song and prayer. It was a spiritually life-changing experience for me,” said Vijayakumar.
The priests and religious present at NCYC also represented more dioceses and religious communities than any of the young participants could know in their homes.
“There’s a lot of not knowing what’s out there,” said Oliver Severance of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska. “Coming to a place like this, you get to realize that they’re not super far away, stuck in an abbey somewhere. It makes them more accessible. Once you get that realization, it’s easier to go from not knowing what your vocation is to starting to discern and then choose one.”
Salesian Brother Damien Ho of Orange, New Jersey, agreed.
“A lot of young people don’t recognize that they have a vocation or might not even want to know what it is unless they get exposed to different religious groups or missionary groups,” he said. “People here are willing to share about their vocations. The best way to get more vocations is to share about each other’s vocations.
“It’s encouraging, because, as Salesians, we work with young people. So when we see young people see that they have a potential to be better, to become saints, then that’s when our mission gets fulfilled.”
Other religious at NCYC shared the encouragement experienced by Brother Damien.
“Young people today are so open to their faith and seem to have a passion for living it, not only in the Church, but also in service,” said Sister Jean Rhoads, a Daughter of Charity, who lives in Evansville, and serves as a vocations director for her order. “I am hope-filled and encouraged by that. Is this not the most exciting thing in the church today?”
Seminarian Liam Hosty can speak to the effect that NCYC can have on young people trying to hear God’s call in their lives.
He attended two of the conferences while a student at Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. At the time, he was thinking that God might be calling him to the priesthood, but he wasn’t sure about it.
“I told a couple of priests at NCYC that I was thinking about going to seminary,” said Hosty, a sophomore at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary and Marian University, both in Indianapolis. “I’d say to them, ‘I’m thinking about going to seminary. What do you think?’ Each time, the answer was, ‘Yes. I think you’d be a great fit.'”
He added, “It definitely ramped up my faith. It was absolutely incredible to witness 20,000 youths on fire from all across the country, seeing amazing speakers and having the sacraments available.”
As a seminarian, he participated in his third straight NCYC, but this time as a volunteer, assisting at liturgies and in the room in the Indiana Convention Center where dozens of priests and bishops heard confession.
“It’s life-giving just seeing the young church alive,” Hosty said. “It’s incredible. It’s really cool to be on the other side of the fence trying to help out and kind of give back what all the seminarians and priests gave to me in NCYC.”

(Gallagher is a reporter at The Criterion, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Wendy Blue, youth minister for St. Alphonsus contributed to this story)

Bishop adds holiday calls to communication lineup

Posted on by
Reply

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz made a few phone calls Thanksgiving week, a few thousand phone calls. For the first time, the bishop tried out an automated call system to send a Thanksgiving greeting to parishioners. Anyone who had a home number on file with their parish received a call. Bishop Kopacz recorded the messages earlier in the month.
The response was overwhelming. The chancery offices were inundated with calls to ask about the program and thank the bishop for the message. “I felt like this was a good way to greet people on a special holiday as we entered the season of Advent,” said the bishop. “I love traveling to the parishes and meeting people – this was a good way to keep in touch, so to speak,” he added.
“We initiated this program to bring people together and stay connected,” said Rebecca Harris, Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Jackson. She coordinated the program. “During the holidays when we gather with family and friends, we often give thanks. We wanted people to know we are thankful for them, for their faith and for all they do in our parishes, schools and missions,” added Harris. The parishes and the chancery work together to track membership through an online database program called ParishSoft. Both the office of Stewardship and Development and Mississippi Catholic use that database to get addresses and contact information for people in the parishes.
A second call will go out with a Christmas message on December 22. Those who wish to be on the call list should make sure their home land line phone numbers are on file with their parishes. Or you can email your cell phone number and expressed permission to Rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org. Those who do not wish to receive a call please email Rebecca Harris.

#iGiveCatholic beats national goal, local participants laud their results

Posted on by
Reply

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson raised more than $92,000 in one day during the #iGiveCatholic 24-hour giving blitz held on Giving Tuesday, November 28. Jackson ranked fourth of all the dioceses involved The national campaign raised $2.6 million. Seventeen dioceses and archdioceses participated, a huge jump from last year, in the online giving effort which started in the Archdiocese of New Orleans three years ago.
The Office of Stewardship and Development coordinates the effort and pays the participation fee for the Jackson diocese. Christopher Luke, coordinator of stewardship, is the project leader. He set up what he called a ‘war room’ in the chancery office to watch the leaderboards live, encourage participants, manage the social media presence and interact with the media. Not only did the effort raise money, a television story in Jackson and print stories in other communities raised awareness of the work of the Catholic church throughout the state.

Callie Combs, development director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans coordinates the national effort. She said the success in Jackson proves that anyone can make this campaign work. “You get the tools – it’s all about how you use them and how you market this,” she said. #iGiveCatholic offers graphics, a social media calendar and suggestions for marketing on its website. Many parishes and organizations use those images and suggestions to spread the word about their projects. Combs added that this is a great opportunity to increase participation and awareness among those who want to help, but may not have deep pockets. “You can give $25 and you are making a difference,” she said.
Jackson St. Richard School edged out Madison St. Francis of Assisi Parish as top earner this year. The school raised almost $10,000 for lab equipment for their Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering and Mathematics (STREAM) lab. Development Director Wendi Shearer said the school used a combination of traditional and non-traditional tactics to alert people to the campaign. “We understand that while the #igivecatholic campaign has been designed as a social media push, not all of our parents and parishioners are active on the Facebook/Twitter/YouTube platforms. Acknowledging this, we leveraged some of the other resources offered by the #igivecatholic team – flyers, signage, and the oldest tactic there is – picking up the phone and calling people,” she explained.
St. Francis Parish leaders will make a joyful noise with the more than $9,000 they raised to repair the electronics controlling their bells as well as to purchase song books for their youth. The parish posted videos to social media throughout the day explaining the projects they wanted to complete and having a little fun. “The biggest key to success was setting clear, definable, and reachable goals,” said Sallie Ann Inman, office manager for the parish. She called it a team effort. Once they identified their projects, the staff got estimates for the work so they had exact amounts to raise.
“These goals were definitely discussed in advance of Giving Tuesday so that we had at least two weekends to put the word out to the parish from the pulpit and in the bulletin. We also promoted the project on our Facebook page and sending out text notifications on the MyParish App. We leaned heavily on social media in general, and Facebook in particular. Our priests got involved by making videos about our projects that were posted on our Facebook page,” said Inman. Staff members were watching the results throughout the day and posted about once an hour. She said the real success was getting more people interested and involved in two important parish projects.
Jackson Sister Thea Bowman School almost doubled the amount they raised last year. Shae Robinson, principal, said they posted messages and updates all the way up to midnight. “We decided this year to just let the accomplishments of the students speak for why people should give to Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School. We invited people to stop by for a visit and tour our school. Once we get a conversation started, we never miss an opportunity to promote our school or the iGiveCatholic global on-line giving day. I feel we were really successful this year, because we have people who truly support the mission of our school,” she said.
Starkville St. Joseph ended up raising more than $8,000 for a new roof. Other top earners included Cleveland Our Lady of Victories Parish, and the Carmelite Monastery in Jackson.

Catholic Day at Capitol returns in 2018

Posted on by
Reply

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Catholic Charities will again host Catholic Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. Mental health is the keystone topic for the event. Angela Ladner from the Mississippi Psychiatric Association and Joy Hogge of Mississippi Families as Allies are the main speakers.
Catholic Day at the Capitol was founded as a way for Catholics from across the state to address their lawmakers. A team from Catholic Charities identifies key issues related to Catholic Social Teaching which the legislators may have on their agenda for the year. The committee then gathers resources for those who can advocate on behalf of the church and those who may be impacted.
In the last two years the event has gotten a makeover. The team used to be called the Poverty Task Force. It is now called the Faith in Action Team (FIAT) and hopes to bring Catholic Social Teaching to the forefront of social justice work throughout the diocese.
Sue Allen, coordinator for social justice ministry for Catholic Charities of Jackson, has been traveling to parishes in each deanery offering workshops about Catholic Social Teaching and about advocacy in general. She believes empowered and educated people can do more by meeting their lawmakers at home than by coming to the capitol during the busy session. In this way, Catholic Day at the Capitol becomes a day for people to gather and learn about key issues and take that information back to their parishes and communities, where they can advocate for better care for everyone.
Registration will open soon on the Catholic Charities website. Register by contacting Sue Allen at Catholic Charities at 601-383-3849 or by email at sue.allen@ccjackson.org.

Mississippi Catholic 2018 Publication Schedule

Posted on by
Reply

The staff at Mississippi Catholic is looking forward to a busy and productive 2018. As always, we invite participation from faithful from across the diocese. Please submit your stories, photos and events so we can include them in the paper.
The publication schedule for 2018 follows.

Look for special sections this year marking Catholic Schools Week, two priestly ordinations, graduations and the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
Send submissions to editor@mississippicatholic.com. Send information three to four weeks before or within one week after an event. Ads are due one week prior to publication. Visit the paper online at www.mississippicatholic.com.
The staff here at Mississippi Catholic would like to thank you, our readers, for your prayer and support and wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Parish calendar of events

Posted on by
Reply

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

FORT SMITH, Ark, St. Scholastica Monastery, 3-day silent directed retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, January 4-7, 2018, Presenter: Sister Rachel Dietz, OSB. It is a time to practice silence in order to make room for God to work in your life and by this, to strengthen your relationship with Him. Cost: $300.00. A $50.00 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required at the time of registration. Lodging and meals are included. Deadline for registration is December 20. Details: retreats@stscho.org or www.stscho.org/retreats
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Advent day of reflection, Wednesday, December 6, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. An opportunity to ponder your heart’s longing for God in the context of the scripture readings for the Sundays of Advent. Retreat Director: Sister Kathleen Gallas, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch and refreshments. Details: contact Sister Magdalena Craig, OSB, at (256) 615-6114, www.shmon.org.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Spirituality Center and the Redemptorists of Greenwood announce the Second Bilingual Pilgrimage for Life and Family on Saturday, January 20, 2018. All faiths are welcome. The day begins with gathering from 9-10 a.m., a rally from 10-11 a.m., a three-mile pilgrimage on the grounds of Locus Benedictus, with an ecumenical prayer service before a picnic lunch. After the lunch we celebrate Mass in the shrine. Details: (662) 299-1232 or www.locusbenedictus.org.
The Gleaners, an all-faith organization, is celebrating 30 years of contributions to the Jackson-Metro area. Gloria Bomar Martinson named this service after the Biblical story of peasant women picking up the remnants in fields in the Book of Ruth. The organization needs around $50,000 per year for expenses. Tax-exempt donations can be made by check to: P.O. Box 9883, Jackson, MS 39286, phone number (601) 956-4740. Details: Rita Martinson, Lisa W. Davis or Joseph N. Goodell at rrmbm@bellsouth.net (601) 942-0772.
JACKSON Candlelight prayer vigils sponsored by Pastors for Life Mississippi and Pro-Life Mississippi, Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 6 p.m. in the Rotunda of the State Capitol at 400 High Street. Details: plm@ProLifeMississippi.org or (601) 956-8636.
DIAMONDHEAD (Gulf Coast) prayer vigil (see above), Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 6 pm. At Twin Lakes Pavilion, 4040 Twin Lakes Lane. Details: Bill Blaisdell, (228) 255-9835 or bbillblais2@aol.com.
TUPELO prayer vigil (see above), Saturday, January 20, 2018, 6 p.m. Fairpark across from City Hall, Details: Tanya Britton at (601) 672-7010 or tebritton1@yahoo.com.
JACKSON Catholic Charities Adoption program is selling T-shirts and journals. The shirts are purple with an adoption message on the back. The journals are soft bound and have a back pocket. Shirts are $15; journals are $15 or $25 for both. Details: www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org
LAFAYETTE, La, Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat, January 26-28, 2018, Dr. Mary Healy and Father Bill Henry will be featured at the annual Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lafayette. The theme is “Gather in upper room with Mary”. There will also be a Life in the Spirit seminar presented by Deacon Larry Oney, his wife Andi, and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) team. Patti Mansfield will also be featured at this retreat. This retreat is sponsored by CCRNO and serves hundreds of women from throughout the Gulf South. Weekend and Saturday commuters are welcome. Register online at www.ccrno.org or call (504) 828-1368.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

AMORY St. Helen, Mission Mississippi, Saturday, December 16 at 8-9 a.m. pancake breakfast and wrapping of gifts for two families. Details: (662) 256-8392.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Ladies of St. Francis Morning Retreat, Saturday, December 16, 9 a.m. – noon. Guest Speaker: Mary Louise Jones. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
JACKSON St. Richard, Christmas candle-light service, a special Christmas remembrance for deceased loved ones, Thursday, December 14, 6:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Open to all, regardless of how long ago the death occurred or your church affiliation. Please RSVP as soon as possible so that preparations can be made. Details: Linda Lalor (601) 853-8840, Suzie Cranston (601) 982-5464 or Nancy McGhee (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Posada, Monday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in the procession with Mary and Joseph in their search for shelter. The night will end with hot chocolate and sweet bread. Details: (662) 342-1073.

YOUTH BRIEFS

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Christmas Pageant during Christmas Eve 4 p.m. family Mass. Practice Monday, December 18 at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Details: Katherine Callon at kecestia@yahoo.com.

VICKSBURG St. Paul, Children’s Christmas Pageant during the Christmas Eve Mass. Children of all ages and teenagers are needed and are encouraged to participate. Practice will be each Sunday at 10 am in Glynn Hall. Details: Candice Reeder (601) 529-0018 or Allyson Johnston at (601) 218-9952.

Ospino to speak at National Migration Week events

Posted on by
Reply

By Maureen Smith
Parishes in northeast Mississippi will mark National Migration Week, January 7-13, 2018, with five days of educational programing, liturgy and celebrations.. The week offers the faithful a chance to learn more about refugees and migrants in their midst.
The keynote presenter for the week is Hosffman Ospino, an associate professor of theology at Boston College, the director of the V National Encuentro, a member and consultant to the National Catholic Educational Association and the USCCB. He has written several books about Hispanic ministry and Hispanic Catholic identity.
A committee made up of lay ministers Danna Johnson and Raquel Thompson and pastors Father Tim Murphy and Father Mario Solarzano came up with the programs.
“When (Pontotoc) St. Christopher Parish was part of the Glenmary Missioners ministry, it was contacted by Dr. Hosffman Ospino to be part of a national survey of churches with large Hispanic populations. Dr. Ospino is one of the leading experts in Hispanic ministry practices, trends and planning for future ministry in the United States, said Father Murphy, pastor at Tupelo St. James.
“Our Planning Committee has used his research and articles. We asked Danna Johnson to contact him and explore the possibility of a presentation in northeast Mississippi. Beyond all odds, he was available during National Migration Week 2018, and was willing to join us,” he added.
See sidebar for full schedule. For more information about the programs, call the parish at 662-842-4881.

St. Joe state champions

Posted on by
Reply

JACKSON – Greenville St. Joseph football players hoist the MAIS championship trophy after the game on Thursday, Nov. 16. This is the first state championship for the Fighting Irish. (Photo by Chris Todd of the Clarion Ledger)

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Greenville St. Joseph’s football team won its first MAIS state championship on Thursday, Nov. 16 in Jackson. The Fighting Irish beat Tri-County Academy 44-14. The team dominated all of their playoff opponents.
The honors don’t stop there. Three our seniors. Brice Johnson (QB), Jonathan Jordan (WR) and JoQuez Sanders (LB) were selected for the 2017 MAIS All Star Game. The boys reported to Jackson on Tuesday, Nov 28, to be honored at an awards banquet Thursday, Nov 30 and participate in the MAIS All-Star Game Friday, Dec 1 at Jackson Preperatory School.
Congratulations to the Greenville community on the big win.