Category Archives: Diocesan News

Local Catholics give back for #iGiveCatholic campaign

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By Joanna Puddister King

JACKSON – Nine years ago (2015), the #iGiveCatholic campaign for #GivingTuesday took off as an initiative of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, raising over a million dollars in a 24-hour period for Catholic parishes, schools and ministries. Subsequently, this campaign spread to other dioceses throughout the nation, with participating dioceses increasing with each year. The 2023 #iGiveCatholic campaign had a great impact, with growth in dollars given and donors, raising over $20.1 million for Catholic entities this year.

The Diocese of Jackson joined the #iGiveCatholic campaign in 2016, making this year the eighth year of participation in the nationwide campaign, and generating nearly $193,000 in gifts to a total of 27 parishes, schools and ministries within the diocese.

The success of each organization is based on the amount of effort put forth in publicizing their causes, or reason to raise funds, by reaching out to donors via social media (Facebook, Instagram, emails, websites, etc.) and print publications such as bulletins, posters and flyers.

The #iGiveCatholic campaign focuses on electronic giving and includes a specific website provided to the organizations at no cost, in hopes to encourage greater participation and help generate funds. Each year, the diocese receives a generous grant from Catholic Extension to cover half of the online giving platform fees.

Also included in the grant from Catholic Extension was additional money earmarked for training or prizes to aid in a successful campaign and help generate excitement. Five prizes were awarded in random drawings for entities who had online donors during specific time frames; and three prizes were awarded to the top three fundraisers. The grand prize winners this year were Carmelite Monastery in Jackson; Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canton; and St. Richard Catholic School in Jackson.

The National Sponsor of #iGiveCatholic this year was Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic publisher that serves millions of Catholics globally through its publishing and communication services. For the past several years, Our Sunday Visitor has donated offertory envelopes at no cost to participating organizations, to encourage donors, who otherwise would not want to give electronically, helping to increase participation and overall total giving.

“I am always amazed at the generosity of the Catholic community in our diocese,” said Rebecca Harris, director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Jackson. “It is such a blessing to see that same generosity across the country as Catholics generously give to so many ministries.”

In a year when overall donations were down for #GivingTuesday, #iGiveCatholic did not experience that trend, with the giving day raising 8.7% more than in 2022 and a total of 11% more donors.

Harris said, “A big thank you goes out to all those who participated in our diocese and a big thank you to all of the donors who supported so many great projects.”

“What a joy it is to be a part of so many Catholics joyfully sharing their blessings.”

St. Dominic’s sister honored with DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award

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By Meredith Bailess
JACKSON – Sister Mary Trinita Eddington, OP, MSN, RN, FNP, of St. Dominic’s was recently honored with the 2023 DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.

“St. Dominic’s and our nursing team nominated Sister Trinita to honor and celebrate her remarkable contributions and leadership over many decades,” said Tracey Smithson, chief nursing officer at St. Dominic Hospital. “Her unwavering commitment and dedication have made an irreplaceable mark on our healthcare teams and community.”

The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award was created by the DAISY Foundation to recognize nurses across the globe who have devoted their lives to the compassionate care of others. Recipients of this award are recognized for their dedication to nursing through outstanding and transformational leadership, active mentoring, role modeling, advocating for patients and enhanced patient experience and promoting a positive image of nursing.

“This recognition means so much to me because I feel like it is my cohorts, my St. Dominic’s nurses, who brought this about,” shared Sister Trinita. “That’s what makes this so special.”

Carol Marie Eddington, better known to most as Sister Trinita, took her vows as a Springfield Dominican Sister when she was 18 years old. Little did she know that those vows would lead her on a journey that would touch so many lives here in Jackson.

After spending time assigned to the pharmacy, Sister Trinita began her journey to become a nurse. A little over two years later, she received her first nursing degree and started out as a staff nurse until advancing to the positions of head nurse, assistant nursing director, nursing services administrator, and eventually vice president. During that time, Sister Trinita went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in nursing and later a master’s degree in nursing administration with a minor in community health nursing.

When she stepped down from her vice president role in the early 1990’s, she was just getting started. She then began her work on opening St. Dominic’s Community Health Clinic. Through close ties with Stewpot Community Services and the Central Urban Ministry Center, the St. Dominic Community Clinic was established in 1996 to serve those who cannot afford basic medical care. The clinic provides healthcare services free of charge for the medically underserved in Jackson.

During that time, she was not only planning and starting the community clinic, but she was also studying to become a nurse practitioner and designing a program for a residential Alzheimer’s facility at St. Catherine’s Village.

Although Sister Trinita has “semi-retired” from her nurse practitioner practice and role at the clinic, she continues serving the St. Dominic’s ministry and Jackson community as a nurse and leader. There are not enough words to convey how thankful we are for her unwavering support of St. Dominic’s, the Jackson communities, and the nursing profession.

(Meredith Bailess is the senior director of marketing and communications for St. Dominic Hospital/Franciscan Missionairies of Our Lady Health System.)

St. Joseph Fighting Irish hold off Kirk Academy to win state championship

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By David W. Healy, Delta Democrat-Times

JACKSON – Of the five state football championships the St. Joseph Catholic School football program has won over the last seven years, the one they won on Friday, Nov. 17 night may be the sweetest.
Unlike in years past, the 2023 version of the Fighting Irish (8-5) were not a super team that dominated the season from start to finish. Instead, they were a bunch of kids who kept fighting through adversity and got better and better as the season wore on.

St. Joseph’s 6-0 victory over Kirk Academy in the MAIS Class 3A State Championship Friday, Nov. 17 at Jackson Academy was much like their season as a whole. It was a gritty victory and the Fighting Irish had to battle until the very end.

Led by senior quarterback Carter Hatchcock, the Kirk Academy Raiders, who entered the title game with a perfect 12-0 record, made one last frantic drive in the final two minutes of the game. The drive ended, however, when a Kirk Academy receiver caught a pass for a first down inside the 3-yard line with three seconds left on the clock.

JACKSON – The St. Joseph Fighting Irish of Greenville battled the Kirk Academy Raiders for the MAIS Class 3A Football State Championship on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Jackson Academy football field in Jackson. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

The game saving tackle was made by St. Joseph junior Chris Moore.

But, because he could not get out of bounds and the Raiders were out of the time outs, the head official restarted the clock and the final seconds ticked off.

After that, the celebration could finally begin.

“This win was all about our defense,” St. Joseph head coach John Baker said. “Our defense stepped up time after time after time.

“This championship was our hardest to win, but our players came together at the right time. And that is what you want to see as a coach, them getting better and better and better every single game. The team we played out here today was undefeated and were a good football team and we rose to the occasion.”
Said senior Greg Fore, “This is my last high school ever, and I could not be happier for my teammates. We were saying that we needed to keep ourselves composed because we have been here before and we knew what to do.”

After a scoreless first half, St. Joseph senior Mikael Jones finally broke loss for an 80-yard touchdown run for the game’s only points with 6:24 left in the third quarter. Once Jones got through the Kirk Academy defensive, he used his speed to outrun the rest of the Raider defenders to the endzone.

The St. Joseph defense made a number of timely plays in the latter part of the game. Fighting Irish senior Maurice Thorton, for example, intercepted a Kirk Academy pass in the opening moments of the fourth quarter.

St. Joseph senior Alex Foster, who is committed to Baylor, then made it two turnovers in the row for the Fighting Irish when he forced and then recovered a fumble at midfield with 10:08 left in the game.
“This win means a lot. It is great to win back-to-back state championships We didn’t have the record we usually have, but we still managed to come out on top. I love being a member of this team,” Foster said.

Although the Irish did not score on their ensuing drive after Foster’s fumble recovery, they did manage to eat up nearly seven minutes of clock thanks to some tough rushes by Quay Nash and a big first-down catch by sophomore Ronnie Williams from sophomore quarterback Victor Baker.

Kirk’s final possession started at their own 16-yard line with 2:29 left in the game. A quarterback sack by Foster put the Raiders further behind the clock, but a 23-yard reception by senior Heath Mabry, and a pass interference call on the St. Joseph defense allowed Kirk to get into the redzone.

Kirk Academy’s Devon Hennis caught a first down pass on fourth-down-and-12 with 21 seconds left in the game to set up the chaotic ending.

“Congratulations to St. Joseph. They are a great team,” Kirk Academy coach Colin Boone said. “Right now, things are a little numb. Hopefully, my players will learn in life that sometimes you come up short. But, at the end of the day, they put it all on the line and that is all that matters.”

The St. Joseph football team won three consecutive state championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Next year, they will look to notch their second three peat as since the Irish are now the champions of 2022 and 2023.

(Permission to reprint granted by Delta Democrat-Times)

Families gather for 180th celebration of St. Michael Paulding

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By Tereza Ma and Joanna Puddister King

PAULDING – On Dec. 2, the faithful gathered at St. Michael in Paulding to celebrate at milestone 180th anniversary with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Adolfo Suarez Pasillas. Established in 1843, the parish is the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi, behind St. Mary Natchez.

Paulding was a bustling town with a thriving trade center before the Civil War. At that time, it was known as “the Queen City of the East.” However, by the 1890s as railways became crucial for trade the town turned down a proposed line that would run through town. The commercial importance of the town drastically dropped but the parish continued to thrive and was a “cradle of vocations,” according to Christ: The Living Water by Cleta Ellington.

PAULDING – Judy and Ricky McDevitt present the gifts to Bishop Joseph Kopacz during a Mass celebrating 180 years of St. Michael in Paulding on Saturday, Dec. 2. The McDevitt’s aid with maintenance of the parish in preparation for Masses and special events. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

Over 20 religious came from the parish and included many Sisters of Mercy, Daughters of Charity and Brothers of the Sacred Heart. A plaque honors many of them in the back of the church building.

Therese Bergin Grant remembers when the original church was destroyed by a fire in July 1942 when she was only about four years old. The church was struck by lightning, with only a few items able to be salvaged. “I will never forget those flames,” said Grant. Until a new church was built, Mass was held in a nearby school building.

Bishop Kopacz blesses the feast following Mass in celebration of 180 years of St. Michael parish. Pictured on the far left is William Harrington, one of the decendants of Michael and Rebecca Harrington, who were one of the original families at the founding of the church in 1843.

Grant also fondly remembered her childhood at the church, walking over three miles to celebrate Mass as a child, with the occasional ride from her first cousin on his shoulders.
“It was fun,” said Grant. “It’s been quite a journey through life, but I always come back to St. Michael’s.”

St. Michael also is home to a Catholic cemetery dating back to the 1860s that contains burial sites for many of the founding families of the parish. Several families present at the 180th anniversary Mass had ancestors buried in the cemetery dating back to the founding of the parish – including the Harrington, Bergin and Finnegan families.

Donnie Bergin was baptized in the church in the 1950s and remembers his pastor at the time – Father Gabriel – pointing you out if you made too much noise in church. He said that around that time about one-third of the church was full of Bergin’s – many of whom are buried in the cemetery today.

Also present at the celebration was Paula Finnegan Phillips. She said that 99% of her family members are buried in the St. Michael cemetery. She was so touched by the Mass celebrated with Bishop Kopacz and so many families present that have been apart of the parish for generations.

“It’s just very spiritual when you come to this church. It’s like you can see those who have past at Mass with you. God talks. Jesus talks. The Holy Spirit talks – when you come here. And I heard it today,” said Phillips.
At present, Father Adolfo celebrates Mass at the historic St. Michael Church on the first and third Saturday of each month. Though many of the families present at the 180th celebration are members of other parishes within the Diocese of Biloxi, that borders close by, they all seem to come back to St. Michael; and feel as Therese Bergin Grant – “It’s home.”

Full pews and hearts abound at St. Michael Paulding, the second oldest Catholic Church in the state of Mississippi.

In memoriam: Sister Loretta Picucci, SP

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By Sister Rosemary Schmalz, SP

ST. MARY OF THE WOODS, Ind. – Sister Loretta Picucci, SP died on Nov. 9 in Providence Health Care. She was born on June 23, 1941 in Chicago to Joseph and Lucy Paoletti Picucci and was baptized Loretta Louise.

Sister Loretta entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Sept. 12, 1964 and received the name Sister Loretta Joseph. She professed final vows Apr. 24, 1976. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University, Chicago. Of her 59 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered as a primary teacher for 14 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois and Washington DC. Committing herself to working with the poor, she served as an assistant director of a Congregation Day Nursery in Chicago for two years, an outreach minister at Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Mississippi for eight years, a family care professional in Chicago for five years and an ESL teacher in California for five years. Her last 15 years of active ministry were at Providence in the Desert in Coachella, California, a sponsored ministry of the Congregation serving a Hispanic community, many of whom were farm workers. There she continued to teach English. Retiring in 2018, she moved to the motherhouse where she committed herself totally to the ministry of prayer.

All of Sister Loretta’s ministries were rooted in compassion and love. She never rushed. No matter what needed to be done, she worked from a contemplative center, living in the present, giving her full attention to the task at hand and the person she was serving.

Sister Loretta is survived by a sister Josephine Mooney of Pittsburgh. She is preceded in death by a brother, Peter Picucci.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, with burial in the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.

Happy Ordination Anniversary

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December 16
Father Alexis Zuniga Velasquez, ST
St. Anne Carthage, Sacred Heart Camden & Holy Child Jesus Canton

December 18
Deacon Carlos Sola
St. James Tupelo

December 19
Father Thomas Mullally, SVD
Retired

December 27
Father Antony Chakkalakkal
St. Dominic Hospital & Cathedral of St. Peter

Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose
St. Patrick & St. Joseph Meridian

Advent Reconciliation/Penance Services

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BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Advent Penance Service, Thursday, Dec. 14, after 5:30 Mass.

CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Confessions, Monday, Dec. 11 from 4:30-6 p.m.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Penance Service, Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Advent Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Reconciliation Service, Monday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Advent Penance Service, Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Confession, Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 4:30-6 p.m.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Advent Confessions, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. until Christmas.

MADISON – St. Francis, Reconciliation Service, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

OLIVE BRANCH – Advent Penance Service, Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

PEARL – St. Jude, Reconciliation Service, Monday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Advent Penance Service, Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

VICKSBURG – St. Michael, Advent Penance Service, Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

VICKSBURG – St. Paul, Penance Service, Thursday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

YAZOO CITY – St. Mary, Reconciliation Service, Monday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

Calendar of Events

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PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
ABERDEEN – St. Francis, Christmas Party, Sunday, Dec. 10 with happy hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Potluck, sign up to bring your dish in the parish hall. Dirty Santa with $15 gift after dinner. Details: church office (662) 813-2295.

ANGUILLA – Our Mother of Mercy, Celebrating 100 years of our Catholic faith, Saturday, Jan. 27. Mass at 10:30 a.m. with reception following. Please join us!

CHATAWA – Our Lady of Hope and Camp Chatawa, Christmas in Chatawa, Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy a live Nativity, pancake breakfast, train rides, caroling hay ride, Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer games, crafts and hot chocolate bar. Cost: $20 per person. Details: RSVP at ourladyofhopems.com.

St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal, Save the date: Friday, Feb. 2 from 7-11 p.m. at The South Warehouse. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.

Catholic Charities, Born Free/New Beginnings program is seeking a sponsor(s) for Christmas 2023 gifts. Born Free offers substance abuse treatment for pregnant mothers and mothers with children ages 0-4 residing in Mississippi. Details: www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org or call (601) 326-3714.

CANTON – Diocesan Young Adult Advent Day of Reflection, Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Camp Bratton Green. Join young adults from around the diocese for a day of fellowship, fun and prayer. Cost: $30 Details: register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/140596 or contact amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Bingo, Monday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Details: church office (662) 453-0623.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Cocktails and Catholicism, Friday, Dec. 8. Mass at 6 p.m. with talk and coctails after with Father Bruce Cinquegrani speaking on the Blessed Mother. Details: RSVP at https://bit.ly/CocktailsCatholicismDec2023.

Holy Spirit, Advent Day-by-Day “Slow Down and Just Breathe.” Three part program begins Thursday, Dec. 7 from 6:30-8 p.m.; then Thursday, Dec. 14 and 21 in Chapel Hall with facilitator Chris Greer. Don’t be overwhelmed by the demands of the season, we can wait for Jesus in joyful hope! Details: church office (662) 429-7851; sign up in the narthex.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Liturgical Living: Liturgy of the Word, Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 6-7 p.m. in Foley Hall. Series will focus on the order and structure of the Mass, beginning with the Liturgy of the Word. All adults welcome for refreshments, resources and fellowship. Nursery available. Details: RSVP to dre@saintrichard.com.

St. Richard, Christmas Candlelighting Celebration for Deceased Loved Ones, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in Foley Hall. Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP will share comments on her own experiences with lost loved ones. A brief ceremony of prayer and rememberance is included, followed by drinks and light refreshments. Details: please RSVP to Nancy at (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.

Carmelite Gift Shop, Meet Emanuele Fontanini, Friday, Dec. 1 from 1-4 p.m. Location: 2155 Terry Road. Details: call (601) 373-3412.

MADISON – St. Anthony School, Starry Night Gala, Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Flowood. VIP preview party from 6-7 p.m. with general admission opening at 7 p.m. Cost: Event tickets $150 per couple. You do not need to be present to win the $5,000 raffle and tickets are only $10 per chance. Details: purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/StarryNight2023.

St. Francis, Ring in Your Faith 10k/5k, Monday, Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. You are guaranteed a delicious New Year’s Day meal and fellowship after the race. Cost is $30, with proceeds to assist Knights ongoing service projects. Register at https://bit.ly/ringinyourfaith2024. Details: Joe at leslieslee@hotmail.com.

St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz and Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at the Reunion Country Club. Sponsorships available. Details: www.stjoedrawdown.com.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Candy Cane 5k Dash and Fun Run, Saturday, Dec. 2. Details: register at https://bit.ly/CandyCane2023.

St. Patrick, Memorial brick campaign. Cost of each brick is $125, with a maximum of three lines with up to 18 letters per line. Brick size is 4×8 inches. Net proceeds for recent parish repairs. Details: https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/catholicmeridian.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Advent Fair and Wreath Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Families can come to learn about the history and symbolism of the Creche, with craft activities for kids, snaks and the opportunity to make an advent wreath for your home. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Harmonies of Christmas Concert, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. All are welcome! Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

Queen of Peace, Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. in the social hall. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

PAULDING – St. Michael, 180th Celebration with Bishop Kopacz, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. Details: caevans745@gmail.com.

STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, CYO Garage Sale, Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8-11:30 a.m. in the parish hall. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
NATCHEZ – 2nd annual Believe Conference, April 19-21, 2024. Featured speakers are Anne Trufant, Catholic speaker and founder of The Mission on the Mountain; Barbara Heil, Catholic speaker and founder of From His Heart Ministries; and Joanne Moody, minister author, and founder of Agape Freedom Fighters. Cost: $100 for the weekend; $50 for students. Lunch included on Saturday. Details: visit https://www.themissiononthemountain.com.

NEW ORLEANS – St. Augustine Church, Eucharistic Celebration of Servant of God, Venerable Henriette Delille, Saturday, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Sisters of the Holy Family Motherhouse (6901 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans). Reception to follow. Details: https://www.sistersoftheholyfamily.com.

PINE MOUNTAINS, GA – The Girls Garden Retreat, April 4-7, 2024 at Callaway Resort and Gardens. Retreat is for any woman who seeks goodness of God through beauty, rest, prayer and small community. Featured speaker is Laura Huval, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, Catholic speaker, author and more. Details: for registration, information and pricing visit www.girlsgardenretreats.com.

Catholic Foundation celebrates 50 years of community service and vision for the future

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By Joanna Puddister King

JACKSON – In 1973, Bishop Joseph Brunini called a group of community leaders together from across the diocese to form The Catholic Foundation. Fifty years later, on Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Foundation gathered for its golden anniversary celebration and annual membership meeting at the Country Club of Jackson. The event celebrated half a century of community service and included heartfelt tributes to key figures who played pivotal roles in the Catholic Foundation’s journey.

Among those acknowledged was Msgr. Thaddeus Harkins, who worked closely with Bishop Brunini in shaping the Foundation during its early years. Joe Rice, president of the Catholic Foundation, acknowledged Msgr. Harkins, stating, “Msgr. Harkins was the self-proclaimed historian of the Foundation. He understood and appreciated the mission from the outset.”

Another remarkable figure celebrated during the event was Jack Geary, the founding president of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. Geary, who passed away in the week before the anniversary celebration, served as chairman of the investment committee and was a member of the executive committee. Rice made special mention of Geary’s significant contributions, saying, “he was a mentor to many of us. We learned so much from Jack. We learned not only a lot about the securities industry but more importantly, how it pertained to doing the Lord’s work.”

Unable to attend the event was Lewis Mallory, the last living member of the original group that created the Foundation with Bishop Brunini. Rice said that Mallory’s perspective on the growth of the Foundation is unique and inspiring; calling him one of the biggest influencers in his adult life.

“He’s just been a wonderful inspiration both professionally and spiritually; and I’m eternally greatful to know him,” said Rice.

JACKSON – Joe Rice, president of The Catholic Foundation, leads a toast in celebration of 50 years of service at the annual foundation membership meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the Country Club of Jackson. (Photos by Joanna King)

As the anniversary event unfolded, Rice shared his vision for the Foundation’s future. Reflecting on the incredible growth and progress over the last 50 years, he stated, “I think the Foundation has evolved and, God willing, will continue to evolve in years to come. We have grown in ways that Bishop Brunni and Msgr. Harkins could never have imagined in the 1970s.”

Indeed, the Foundation’s transformation from its humble beginnings into a force for community support with over $56 million in assets and 400 trusts is a testament to the tireless efforts of its founders and over 600 dedicated members.

This forward-looking perspective underscores the Catholic Foundation’s commitment to adapt to the changing needs of the community and the evolving landscape of Catholic ministries. As the Foundation continues to serve the community and support the mission of the church, its ability to embrace change and innovate will be vital in ensuring its continued success.

Chuck Adams, who served on the executive committee of the Catholic Foundation in the early to mid-1980s and as president for over 20 years, provided a valuable insight into the Foundation’s early years and its remarkable journey.

Reflecting on his time in service, Adams shared his memories of the Foundation’s early days. He emphasized, “At first, there was no real staff. It was all about trying to come up with a vision for how a foundation would work in a mission diocese.”

In those formative years, the Catholic Foundation faced unique challenges, including limited resources and a mission-driven approach to serving the community. Adams highlighted the importance of laying the groundwork, stating, “The first 18 years laid the foundation. We didn’t have a lot of money, but it planted all the seeds that are bearing fruit today. At the end of those first 18 years, we had $2 million in assets.”

This period of growth and development set the stage for the Catholic Foundation’s remarkable journey over the last five decades. Adams expressed his sentiments about his long-lasting involvement, saying, “It’s been a pleasure to be associated with the Catholic Foundation as long as I have.”

His enduring commitment to the Foundation, along with the dedication of others like Lewis Mallory, has been instrumental in shaping the organization into what it is today – a pillar of community support benefiting numerous parishes, schools and Catholic ministries.

As the Catholic Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of individuals like Bishop Brunini, Msgr. Harkins and Jack Geary, who laid the foundation for the organization’s mission-driven success. The Catholic Foundation’s journey from vision to fruition is a remarkable testament to the power of perseverance, community support and a strong commitment to the values and mission of the Catholic Church.

Chancery staff members stand for recognition for their contributions to various ministries across the diocese at the Catholic Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebration and membership meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz offered his words of encouragement during the celebration. He emphasized, “It takes many people to make this work … Again, the promise of the future is there before us. … As long as we seek the Kingdom of God first, everything else will follow.” He expressed his gratitude by saying, “I’m grateful to be here for this milestone.”

Bishop Kopacz’s presence and inspirational words reaffirm the Catholic Foundation’s mission and its dedication to serving the community. As the Foundation celebrates 50 years of community service and looks ahead to the future it does so with the blessings and encouragement of the church’s leadership, including the chancery staff of the diocese, and especially, executive director of the Catholic Foundation and Stewardship and Development director of the diocese, Rebecca Harris, said Bishop Kopacz.

“The Catholic Foundation’s 50th anniversary celebration is not just a reflection on its remarkable history but also a promise of an even brighter future, built on the legacy of dedicated individuals, visionary leaders and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves,” said Harris.

(If you would like to learn more about the Catholic Foundation and become a member contact Rebecca Harris at rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org or call (601) 969-1880. Membership fees and fundraisers aid in covering administrative costs of the Catholic Foundation Office and allows 100% of the annual distributions to go directly to beneficiaries – schools, parishes and Catholic ministries.)