Category Archives: Diocesan News

2017 #iGive Catholic training underway

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By Christopher Luke
JACKSON – #iGiveCatholic returns to the Diocese of Jackson on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The one-day giving blitz offers parishes, schools and organizations a chance to raise money online with support from the Catholic Foundation and the iGiveCatholic organization. Twenty-eight people completed the first training for participants on Wednesday, September 27, in Jackson. Training will continue until the final session, a webinar set for Tuesday, October 24, at 2 p.m.
During this mandatory training, representatives will learn how to register their ministry on the #iGiveCatholic website, promote the giving day using volunteers, social media, newsletters, emails, bulletin announcements, etc., and thanking and following-up with donors.
Trena Robinson, Director of Advancement and Communications/Public Relations for the Mound Bayou St. Gabriel Mercy Center is participating for a second year. “Attending the #iGiveCatholic training session was very informative. I learned about the new requirements as well as the updated technology guidelines. The marketing ideas session was very intriguing,” she said. “Examples of how to reach more donors through the use of social media were given.” Last year, the proceeds from #iGiveCatholic were used towards the renovation of the cafeteria at St. Gabriel. This year, the proceeds will be allocated to a new roof on the learning center.
#iGiveCatholic is a 24-hour online crowdfunding effort that is held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The Catholic Foundation has made this opportunity possible by paying the entry fee for the entire diocese. The campaign involves 16 total arch/dioceses with a goal to raise $3.5 million in gifts. The goal for the Catholic Diocese of Jackson is $150,000. #iGiveCatholic isn’t just a fund-raiser. It is also an opportunity for the Catholic community to affirm its faith as disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing gifts out of love for God and one another.
In 2016, the campaign included the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Houma-Thibodaux, Biloxi, and Austin, Texas. This year the campaign has extended to the Archdioceses of Atlanta, Ga., Kansas City, Kan., and Mobile, Ala., the Dioceses of Helena, Mont., Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn., Lexington and Owensboro, Ky., Lubbock, Texas, and Paterson, N.J.
Last year, donors exceeded the $1.5 million goal, giving $1.8 million dollars with a total of 6,826 gifts. The Catholic Diocese of Jackson raised $132,736 from 1,019 givers.
How does #iGiveCatholic work? Donors will visit iGiveCatholic.org, the online platform and search for their participating parishes, schools, ministries, and not-for-profit organizations. From November 10-26, donors can schedule gifts to their favorite ministry. Donors can also donate on the actual giving day. Leaderboards on the website will keep track of donations to each organization. The minimum donation is $25.00 and there is no maximum.
Parish, school, or not-for-profit organization representatives have a little time left to sign up for the effort. All it requires is a training session and some enthusiasm. Contact Christopher Luke at 601-960-8481 or email at cluke@jacksondiocese.org to get details.

Charities to relocate domestic violence shelter

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Rendering of shelter layout. (Graphic courtesy of Catholic Charities)

(Editor’s note: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Catholic Charities has offered a way out for those in abusive situations for decades through counseling, advocacy and a shelter for women and children hoping to break the cycle of abuse. Bishop Joseph Kopacz recently announced that the shelter will soon have a new home. The bishop submitted the following reflection to area publications describing the new operation and inviting the community to step in and help.)
We at Catholic Charities are excited to know that in the near future the goal of a new domestic violence shelter will be realized in the city of Jackson. Early 2018, a newly renovated building will be providing a safe haven for adults and children suffering from the trauma of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Catholic Charities has provided this critical service since the 1980s and very soon we will be able to do so in a building specifically designed to serve this vulnerable population. It is challenging enough for an adult to leave a destructive relationship, but it is daunting to do so with children and youth who may or may not understand the gravity of the situation.
Our new shelter will be able to serve the children at each developmental stage while their parent or caregiver receives the support to begin again. We are so grateful for our dedicated staff at Catholic Charities who accompany our brothers and sisters, as well as for our benefactors whose generosity allows us to further our mission to serve and empower. Together we are a visible sign of Christ’s love.
The facility will be divided into three main functions: the housing area, a childcare center and offices for the administrative staff. The shelter will include eight bedrooms beautifully designed to meet the individual needs of the family. Staff members will be housed on-site to assist victims 24-hours a day. Other amenities will include a therapeutic group and counseling area, a suite of offices to assist victims, a family room, dining area and bathing facilities. The shelter will be confidentially located and will serve Copiah, Hinds, Rankin, Madison, Issaquena, Sharkey, Simpson, Yazoo and Warren counties.
The childcare program will offer individual and therapeutic groups/intervention to 35 children ranging in ages from six weeks to 12-years old. Trained staff and teachers will work in the program. The childcare program will offer enrichment activities with a well-designed playground in the rear of the building. Finally, a commercial-grade food preparation area will be onsite to prepare meals and snacks for the victims and children.
Work continues to make the shelter both safe and welcoming. The next step is to find partners in that effort. Contact the program directors for more information on how your parish, school, youth group or office can help in the final touches by calling 601-326-3714 or 601-326-3758.
Those who wish to help can also participate in the Purple Dress Run, an evening 5-K walk and run, Thursday, Oct. 19, at Hal and Mal’s in downtown Jackson. Register online by clicking the icon at www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org.

St. Michael parishes celebrate patronal feasts

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FOREST – Members of St. Michael Parish celebrated the feast of the Archangels, including their patron Michael as well as Gabriel and Rafael, with Mass, music, a picnic and lots of family fun on Saturday, Sept. 24. In top photo, people line up for Communion. In lower photo, Sister Obdulia Olivar, MGSpS helps with tug-o-war. (Photos by Sister Maria Elena Mendez)

Respect Life Month inspires prayer vigils

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JACKSON – Deacon Nick Adam, at left, waits to speak at the kickoff to 40 Days for Life in Jackson on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at noon outside the abortion clinic in Fondren. 40 Days for Life is a national campaign of prayer, fasting and advocacy focused on an end to abortion. (Photo by Suzan Cox)

JACKSON – Pro-Life Mississippi sponsored a memorial service in downtown Jackson on Saturday, Sept. 9, to mark the National Day of Remembrance for the Unborn. Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP, was one of several local faith leaders who led rally participants in prayer for aborted babies and their families. (Photo courtesy of ProLife Mississippi)

Fall Faith Formation Day offers framework for diocesan vision

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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.

MADISON – Jessica McMillian spoke about creative catechesis at Faith Formation Day at St. Joseph High School. (Photos by Maureen Smith)

MADISON – Raquel Escobar of Tupelo St. James, and Stacy Wolf and Kathleen Edwards of Pearl St. Jude Parish listen to Father Joseph Brown speak.

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.

Parish calendar of events

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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 prepare for Marian consecration

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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)

Pastor who served in Clarksdale dies

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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.