By Maureen Smith
MADISON – One hundred thirty catechists from across the diocese attended a day-long gathering at St. Joseph School on Saturday, Sept. 30. Fall Faith Formation Day took the Diocese of Jackson’s Pastoral Priorities as its inspiration, offering as its theme: inspire, embrace, serve. When the diocese launched a new set of priorities last year, Bishop Kopacz and his team framed them around a new vision statement to Inspire Disciples, Embrace Diversity and Serve Others.
Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation for the diocese, has been anxious to offer catechists an opportunity to get together. “We wanted to make sure everybody in the formational ministries had a chance to be part of a day that maximized our opportunity to bring in some good speakers and it has given us some great ideas for what we want to do next year,” she added.
Jim Schellman, former director of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, took on the inspire theme, offering a plenary session called ‘A people on the way.’ Schellman is nationally known for his work in the catechumenate and liturgy. Father Joseph Brown, SJ, used his plenary session to talk about embracing diversity. He wrapped his talk around traditional spirituals, music and storytelling. Slaves, he said, sang because they had faith. He called on the audience to remember “how we were all slaves and strangers in a strange land,” as we are connected to the Israelite tradition.
Father Brown said we have to stop calling groups other than our own ‘them’ and try to find ways to tell and listen to the stories everyone has to tell.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz closed the day with the theme of service. He spoke about his work with Catholic Charities, the most visible direct service arm of the Catholic Church.
Between the plenary sessions, attendees could select breakout sessions, which included: youth liturgy, led by Father Jason Johnston, on faculty at St. Joseph High School; creative catechesis led by Jessica McMillan, coordinator for youth ministry at McComb St. Alphonsus Parish; adult faith formation, offered by Wes Williams, who leads several faith enrichment and formation programs at his parish of Madison St. Francis. Father Brown and Schellman also hosted breakouts.
Carrie Lambert, youth minister at Natchez Basilica of St. Mary, enjoyed creative catechesis. “You need to find God everywhere you are and in everything you do. You need to look for him in ways that you wouldn’t think of necessarily so you can reach your youth – whether it’s the little ones or the teens – you find that kernel in there, find a way to get their attention and make it applicable to them. That’s what I love,” she said.
Gladys Russell, Jackson Holy Family Parish coordinator for youth, attended the breakout on liturgy where Father Jason discussed how understanding the liturgy is key to getting young people really involved. “One of the points we need to get across to our youth is the idea of giving of ourselves as Christ gave of himself for us,” she said.
Arista Evans from Canton Holy Child Jesus echoed that sentiment and appreciated the time she could spend with other youth ministers. “I want to get more ideas and find ways to bring the kids closer to Christ and give them a meaning and a reason for wanting to come to Mass instead of because their Mama is making them. I also wanted to get ideas on how to get the parents more involved with bringing their kids to Mass, because they can’t come to Mass unless their parents bring them,” said Evans.
Several catechists who attended Williams’ breakout session said they enjoyed hearing about different programs he has utilized. “He told his own story which was fascinating to follow. He said about five percent of Catholics are involved. Most come to Mass to put in their time. To get them to be missionary disciples takes a lot of work,” said Sister Lael Niblick, CSA, lay ecclesial minister from Amory St. Helen Parish.
“I was interested in learning ways to attract young professionals, just like the speaker, who had grown up Catholic, but no longer owned their faith. He spoke about living through jarring experiences that call your attention. For him it was the death of his father,” explained Joyce Brasfield-Adams of Jackson Holy Family.
Brasfield-Adams praised the day overall, saying it is good for catechists to share their journey with one another. “It’s important that we have sessions like these where we are able to get together to be fed; where we learn something for ourselves. As catechetical leaders, we try so hard to give something to someone else that I wanted something for me,” she explained.
BROOKHAVEN – Father Henry Shelton, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, offers Mass and anointing of the sick monthly for seniors of the parish. The August celebration included lunch. (Photo by Christine Annafiorella)
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKSVILLE, Dwelling Place Retreat Center, “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Evangelist for the 21st century,” October 27-28. Following each session, there will be an opportunity for private prayer and reflection. Presenter: Melvin Arrington, parishioner at Oxford St. John the Evangelist Parish, and retired professor of Spanish. Begins with 6:30 dinner Friday and concludes mid-afternoon on Saturday. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or dwellpl@gmail.com.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, “One Grace, Many Gifts: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation,” Saturday, October 21, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $40, includes lunch and refreshments. Details: contact Sister Magdalena Craig, OSB at (256) 615-6114.
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, “Come and See Day,” Saturday November 11, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and “Listening with the Ear of One’s Heart: The Benedictine Way of Living,” May 4-6, 2018. If you are a single, Catholic woman who is curious about the Benedictine way of seeking God, we invite you to come spend some time with the Sisters to learn about their life together and to ask questions. Details: contact Sister Magdalena Craig, OSB at (256) 615-6114.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
ABERDEEN, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Picnic, Sunday, October 22, in the church hall following 4 p.m. Mass. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided by the church. Signup sheet will be posted in the hall for sides, condiments, and buns, etc. Details: church office
(662) 813-2295.
AMORY, St. Helen Parish, Book Discussion Group has changed the discussion of “Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver to Monday, October 16, at 12 noon at the parish hall. Everyone is invited to bring a lunch and join in the discussion. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
CLEVELAND, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Fellowship Luncheon, Tuesday, October 17, 11 a.m. at No Way Jose Mexican Restaurant. Details: Ellen Duplantis, (662) 402-9722.
COLUMBUS, Annunciation Parish, Doctor Raymond Overstreet is considering starting a men’s Bible study. Details: church office (662) 328-2927 if interested in participating.
GREENVILLE, Sacred Heart, Harvest Festival Fish Fry, Saturday, November 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Take out or eat in. Donations are $10. Details: church office (662) 332-0891.
HERNANDO, Holy Spirit Parish, attention all cooks – frozen casserole sale seeks casseroles to sell. Sale is Saturday, November 18 and benefits the Ladies Association. Details: Cil Johnson at (662) 420-9875 or the church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON, St. Richard Parish, Monsignor Glynn Brunch to benefit seminarian education, Sunday, November 5, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass hosted by the Knights of Columbus and the St. Richard vocations committee. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
St. Richard, The Third Peace Conference, December 8-9 in Glynn Hall. Guest speaker will be Reverend Edward “Monk” Malloy, CSS, former president of Notre Dame. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
St. Therese Parish, Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. They assist needy members of St. Therese and non-parishioners living within their parish boundaries. Details: (601) 896-8710 on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m.
NATCHEZ, St. Mary Basilica, Flu Shots will be administered by Walgreens representatives on Wednesday, October 18, in the youth wing of Family Life Center, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Parishioners should call their prescription drug coverage plan and/or Medicare plan and verify they are covered through Walgreens. If not, they will be billed for the flu shot administration. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
VICKSBURG, St. Michael Parish, Annual Women’s Retreat, October 27-29. Facilitator: Jill Hisaw, who has a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Spring Hill College. Register early. Details: Ellen Moomaw, (601) 456-1238 or the rectory by noon, (601) 636-3445.
YAZOO CITY, St. Mary, Mary and the Saints class, Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m. – noon and will continue each third Saturday of the month. Great opportunity for beginning certification for catechists. However, all are invited. Details: church office (662) 746-1680.
YOUTH BRIEFS
AMORY, St. Helen, Parish youth 8-12 grades will travel to Memphis to the Midsouth “Haunted” Maze on Saturday, November 4. Sign up by October 22. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
MADISON, St. Joseph School Open House: Sunday, November 5, at 2:00p.m. Details: Tricia Harris, Director of Events (601) 898-4803 or tharris@stjoebruins.com).
St. Joseph School, Save the Date, Jeans Jazz and Bruin Blues annual fundraiser, Saturday, February 3, 2018. The Draw Down team needs both family and business sponsors. Details: Marcie Ralston, (601) 214-9809, Bobbie Simpson, (601) 953-6365 or Tricia Harris, (601) 898-4803 or tharris@stjoebruins.com).
MERIDIAN, St. Patrick School, Halloween Bingo, Friday, October 27, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Cost: $6 bingo card to play all evening. Gift card prizes. Details: school office (601) 482-6044.
SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKSHOPS
Catholic Charities Office of Social Justice is offering half-day workshops on Faith in Action in the Diocese of Jackson. All workshops are from 8:30 -11:30 a.m.
Deanery 2 St. Alphonsus, McComb, November 4
Deanery 4 St. Elizabeth, Clarksdale September, 23
Deanery 5 St. Helen, Amory October, 28
Deanery 6 Sacred Heart, Louisville September, 30
Details: Sue Allen at 601-383-3849 or sue.allen@catholiccharitiesjackson.org
Diocesan staff are continuing to prepare for the Consecration of the Diocese of Jackson to the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. The celebration will mark the centennial of Mary’s appearances at Fatima and support the process of integrating the new Pastoral Priorities at the parishes across the diocese. In the Office of Communications, staff members are packing up prayers cards to distribute to all the parishes. The bishop has asked pastors to use the pastoral priority prayer in their parishes as they work on the priorities. Each parish will get a packet, some hand-delivered, others through the mail, to use in the effort. Those who wish to get more cards or Pastoral Priority workbooks can contact Maureen Smith at 601-969-3581 or maureen.smith@jacksondiocese.org. All are welcome to the celebrations of the consecration. The prayer to be used, along with resources for individuals, are posted in
all stories about the consecration at www. mississippicatholic.com. Public Celebrations: Saturday, October 7 – 10:30 a.m.: Rosary at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and in parishes or areas throughout diocese. The Bishop asks parishes in the tri-county area around Jackson to send parishioners who want to participate to the Cathedral. Sunday, October 8 – 2:30 p.m.: Mass of Consecration with Marian procession including representatives from all parishes. All are welcome. Oct. 14-15: All Masses and Sunday Celebrations: Parishes, families, individuals are invited to consecrate themselves to the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary on the local level. A brochure for families and individuals will be sent out along with general intercessions and parish Prayer of Consecration with instructions for the Oct. 14-15 local celebrations.
JACKSON – Maureen Smith, director of Communications for the diocese and Melisa Munoz, Mississippi Catholic contributor, organize Pastoral Priorities prayer cards for distribution from the chancery offices. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
Father Patrick McDermott
Father Patrick McDermott of the Diocese of Biloxi died Sunday, September 17, in Ocean Springs. Father McDermott, 77, a native of Donegal, Ireland, was ordained at St. John College in Waterford on June 14, 1964. In the Diocese of Jackson he served at Clarksdale St. Elizabeth Parish. On the coast, he served as assistant pastor of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Biloxi and St. James Parish, Gulfport. His assignments as pastor included St. James Parish, Gulfport; Our Lady of Victories Parish, Pascagoula; Sacred Heart Parish, D’Iberville and a second stint as pastor of Our Lady of Victories Parish in Pascagoula, where he served until his retirement in January 2010. In retirement, Father McDermott resided at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Biloxi. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, September 25 at Our Lady of Victories Church, 503 Convent Avenue, Pascagoula, Visitation is set for noon to 3 p.m., when the Mass will start. Father McDermott will be buried in Ireland.
By Maureen SMith JACKSON – When Sister Ann Brooks, SNJM, finished medical school she joined a program through which she could pay back her school debt by working in a community in need of medical service. The intrepid Dr. Brooks knew she wanted to stay in the South, but had no specific place in mind, so she grabbed an atlas. “I wrote letters to the mayors of all those towns. One town answered me. That was Tutwiler, Mississippi,” said Sister Brooks. “I had never even heard of it.” In August, 34 years after she opened Tutwiler clinic, she packed up and moved to a retirement home for religious just outside Albany, New York. “One of the hardest things I ever did was leave the clinic in Tutwiler,” she said. When Sister Brooks first visited she found a shuttered clinic in need of some work. The town council offered to purchase medical equipment and she was in business. Within a year she called her friend, Sister Cora Lee, to join her. The two had worked together at a clinic in St. Petersburg, Fla. “When I came, they were surprised. There were no Catholics on the board at that time,” said Sister Brooks. “They came to realize my focus was taking care of people. I was not there to make everyone Catholic, but to take care of people and teach people how to take care of themselves,” she added. “When you look back, there weren’t many Catholics in Tallahatchie County and none in Tutwiler. It’s been a journey for people to see what these two women have done for the community without asking for anything in return. It’s been an education,” said Cindy Herring, co-director of public relations for the clinic. Both Sisters insist that the exchange has been mutual. They both speak about how they have learned as much from the people of Tutwiler as they have taught. Sister Cora Lee is still in Tutwiler serving as the clinic director. She said the mission to educate remains central and she has seen the impact. “I think the community has gotten healthier. When we started, people came in with acute situations, signs of stroke, heart attack, dehydration. We went from that over time to having patients with chronic illnesses coming in earlier,” said Sister Cora Lee. She said the staff concentrates on teaching people to manage their own health and get to the root of their problem rather than just treating symptoms.
Dr. Sister Ann Brooks (Mississippi Catholic archive photo)
“Health is more than just coming to the doctor. Health is more than just medicine. Health is a way of life,” said Sister Cora Lee. Once the two got settled, they realized the people of Tutwiler needed more services than just medical care. They put the word out to their community, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, for a community organizer or social worker. Sister Maureen Delaney answered the call and opened an office in the back of the clinic in 1987. Her goal was to listen to the community and help them answer their own needs. Her mission grew so much it spun off into a separate entity, the Tutwiler Community Education Center. The Center relocated to a building in the tiny downtown of the tiny Delta town and continued to grow. Today, TCEC continues to offer senior programs, a summer program, teen mentoring, music lessons, the now-famous quilting group and more. Sister Delaney took on another ministry in 2015, but a lay staff continues to operate the center. Seeing TCEC thrive – one of the signs of improved overall community health – is one of Sister Brooks’ great joys. “I think Dr. Brooks would have liked to have worked herself out of a job. To have people take care of themselves, she would love that,” said Sister Cora Lee. The clinic had a brief moment of fame in 1990 when the CBS broadcast magazine 60 minutes featured the work being done there. A reporter returned in 2012, calling Sister Brooks “a saint with a stethoscope.” Sister Brooks celebrated 60 years of religious life earlier this year with Mass and a reception at Clarksdale Immaculae Conception Parish. She broke her elbow in 2016 and remains in a brace. That, coupled with the demands of running the clinic – where the staff saw more than 8,500 patients one year, started weighing on her. She and the staff started looking for someone to take over. Tallahatchie General Hospital was looking to expand its community presence and a partnership was born. “When they came to visit, they got excited so I started to get excited,” said Sister Brooks. The hospital took over operations in 2016, retaining the staff, but upgrading the computers and equipment. “The partnership is one of the reasons Dr. Brooks felt comfortable retiring,” said Herring. “She was convinced the mission could continue since the mission of the hospital and the mission of the clinic were already very close,” Herring added. The clinic works with patients on the cost of their care, helping them find coverage, using a sliding scale and taking donations to offset costs. Sister Brooks is trying to stay active, she said she is writing a history of the clinic, praying for her friends and reflecting on the blessings of decades of service. “What’s important is I was able to care for patients – and what a privilege that was.”
OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus Council 10901 participated in the international devotional to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of North America, on September 7th at the Knights of Columbus meeting Room at St. John. At the conclusion of the Devotional, a Silver Rose was carefully packed in its travel box for it’s journey to the next Knights jurisdiction. This year, the Silver Rose was received from the Batesville Council and was carried to the Meridian Council by James Reid, the Coordinator for this year’s devotional.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Silver Rose Pilgrimage has been a tradition for 57 years and was started by a youth group associated with the Knights called the Columbian Squires in 1960. Six Silver Roses travel different corridors in the Western, Central and Eastern portions of North America, with Knights hand-carrying each in specially constructed boxes. Two of the six roses will end their journey at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey, Mexico, on December 12th, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Photo by Gene Buglewicz)
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
COLUMBUS Fall into Art, Trotter Convention Center, Friday, October 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $30 at Annunciation School office or $35 at the door. Auction items can be art pieces, giftcertifi cates, donations from a retail store, etc. to donate, please deliver to the school by October 25. Details: contact Katie Fenstermacher at acsmarketing@cableone.net.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Women’s Resource Center banquet, Tuesday, October 10, at 6 p.m. in the Parish Center. Details: church office (662) 8466273.
GRENADA St. Peter, altar society is selling Advent wreaths which include a 12½” brass holder, green wreath and candles for $20. The money will be used to purchase a new base and Advent wreath for the church Deadline for orders is October 1. Details: Jerome Boudreaux (662) 809-4974 or Irene Stark (662) 417-0968. St. Peter, Adult Faith Formation Retreat, October 13-14, Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m., concluding with Mass at 6 p.m. Presenters: Anne, the lay apostle, and Father Darragh Connolly, Registration is $40. All adults are invited. Details: Annette Tipton (985) 518-5674
JACKSON Christ the King, Father Lawrence Watts Council 199 – Knights of Peter Claver will hold their Annual Fish Fry, Friday, September 29, 4-8 p.m. Plates are $10 and include choice of catfish fillets or pan trout, 2 sides, dessert and drink. Details: church office (601) 948-8867 or see any council member. Holy Family Parish Anniversary, September 29-30 and October 1, celebrating 60 years of worship, praise and joyful events. Banquet on Friday night at 7:00 p.m., a family outing on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sunday Mass with Bishop Kopacz at 10 a.m. All former parishioners, priests and sister churches are invited to join. Details: contact Father Xavier at 601362-1888 or xavieramirtham@gmail.com . St. Richard Parish, Evening with Mary, Tuesday, October 10, 6-8 p.m. This year’s reflection will be on “Our Lady of Guadalupe – patroness of the Americas.” Women of St. Richard come together for prayer, reflection and to share a dessert in a Marian atmosphere. Presenters: Suzan Cox, Josephine Garcia and Sandra Flores. Cost: There is no fee, but reservations are required. Details: Suzan Cox at cox@saintrichard.com or (601) 3662335.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, “A Taste of St. Francis” annual multi-cultural event, Sunday, October 1, in the Family Life Center after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Details: church office (601) 856-5556 or Amy Horback (601) 953-4182 to volunteer with food or any other area.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, St. Mary Book Club, first and third Tuesdays at 6 p.m. (next date is Tuesday, October 3) in the O’Connor Family Life Center. “Aquinas for Armchair Theologians” by Timothy Resnick. Details: church office (601) 445-4616.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, National Prayer Event, Let’s Life Chain America, Sunday, October 1, 2-3 p.m. It is a silent prayer vigil to communicate opposition to abortion. Details: Barbara Dean (901) 486-6470 or MaryAnn (662) 429-7851 or (662) 429-0501.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Annual craft, flea market, garage sale in the gym, Saturday, October 7, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A small donation is encouraged to reserve a space. Profit from your items is yours to keep. This is a fundraiser for the Religious Education Program. Details: call Diane Melton (662) 746-1680 if you have items you wish to donate.
YOUTH BRIEFS COLUMBUS
2nd Annual Friends of the Poor 5K Walk/Run sponsored by Annunciation School at the Boat Ramp Pavilion on the right of Wilkins Wise Rd, Saturday, September 30. Raising money for the St. Vincent de Paul. Details: https://www.fopwalk.org/ eventlisting/eventdetail/?eventid=1765 to register.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Youth volunteers (7-12
grades) are needed to lead children’s games at “A Taste of St. Francis” on Sunday, October 1. Sign up to help at WOW! or on Sunday nights. Details: church office (601) 856-5556 or Amy Horback (601) 953-4182. St. Anthony School, 9th annual Starry Night Gala, Saturday, December 9, 7-11 p.m., with a VIP cocktail hour and auction preview from 6-7 p.m. Live music, live and silent auctions, raffles, food by the Knights of Columbus and area restaurants. The attire will be cocktail, festive Christmas with a holiday atmosphere. Details: Jennifer Schmidt, (601) 214-9656 or Jenniferschmidt819@ yahoo.com
NATCHEZ Cathedral School, Fall Festival Used Book Sale, September 30 – October 1. Drop off donations of books, VHS tapes or DVDs at the cafeteria stage. Details: Sissy Dicks (601) 334-0784.
SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKSHOPS
Catholic Charities Office of Social Justice is offering half-day workshops on Faith in Action in the Diocese of Jackson. All workshops are from 8:30 -11:30 a.m. Deanery 2 St. Alphonsus, McComb, November 4 Deanery 3 St. Francis of Assisi, Greenwood, October 14 Deanery 4 St. Elizabeth, Clarksdale September, 23 Deanery 5 St. Helen, Amory October, 28 Deanery 6 Sacred Heart, Louisville September, 30 Details: Sue Allen at 601-383-3849 or sue.allen@ catholiccharitiesjackson.org
