By Celeste Zepponi
In my previous column, I wrote about opportunities in our daily lives that can help us embrace this wonderful Year of Mercy. It is exciting to realize we can receive extra mercies during this year. We can also, by the power of the Holy Spirit, become vessels delivering God’s mercies in extraordinary ways during this year dedicated by Pope Francis as the Extraordinary Year of Mercy!
Having examined in my last post the Corporal Works of Mercy which primarily affect the body, this post looks deeper into the Spiritual Works of Mercy which deal primarily with the spirit and the mind.
Juggling the idea of Spiritual Works of Mercy can be overwhelming so, as in my last post, once again, I find clarity in the words of Mother Teresa.  Her words are immensely comforting, freeing and inspiring. But most importantly, her words are motivating!
“God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful.” Unbound by obscure definitions of success, we are completely free to spend our energies on something we can actually accomplish. We can be faithful. We can administer the gifts, resting the outcomes completely in God’s hands.
Armed with Mother Teresa’s commission to be faithful, let us clothe ourselves with Christ’s LOVE as we approach our commission to participate in the Spiritual Works of Mercy.

1. Correct the Sinner:
St. Paul reminds us to “speak the truth in love,” (Eph 4:15). Actions speak louder than words. First and foremost, by example, we have opportunities to “speak the truth in love.” Do we encourage others to avoid occasions of sin by steering clear of situations, conversations, and habits that lead to sin? We ourselves are in constant need of healing and forgiveness. We experience bountiful opportunities to demonstrate the healing power of confession, the Holy Mass, and the consolations of time spent in prayer.
Let’s ask ourselves:
Do I know someone living in serious sin? Have I prayed that they turn from sin? Have I asked God to give me the grace of words and actions that will bless and encourage them?
Love calls us to care, to correct the sinner because we love, not because we condemn. Jesus never condemns, but invites us into repentance and healing. How can I be a vessel of this Heavenly mercy?
How can I help someone to desire the healing touch of Jesus? What one step can I take today, this week, that will demonstrate my commitment toward the Spiritual Works of Mercy?

2. Instruct the Uninformed:
We best share our faith by understanding and appreciating the truths and teachings of our faith. Knowing about God’s love creates hope and brings deeper meaning into our lives. Especially with today’s technology, there is an abundance of educational materials available covering endless topics about the Catholic faith. Studying the traditions of our church, the lives of the saints, the role of our church in today’s culture, and researching why we believe what we believe is exciting and inviting to others.
Let’s ask ourselves:
Have I given any thought of my responsibilities to talk about my faith in the most ordinary circumstances of my daily life?
Do my actions and speech reflect the values and truths of what I profess to believe?
Does my life mirror joy and holiness in a way that would encourage someone to want to know more about my faith?

3 & 4 counsel the doubtful and comfort the sorrowful
There are times when we all experience confusion and sorrow in our lives. During these times we greatly benefit from the gift of someone who shares God’s love by being with us. Sometimes our presence is enough, words are not necessary. Other times we need to talk and have someone help us process our fears, doubts and sorrows. A counselor, loved one or trusted friend willing to listen and pray with us allows us to find peace through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s ask ourselves:
• Do I really listen to others and genuinely care about their sorrows and concerns?
• Am I willing to spend the gift of time with someone who is in need of comfort?
• Do I believe my prayers for this person make a difference?
5 & 6  Bear wrongs Patiently & Forgive all Injuries
When someone has hurt us, especially if we feel the hurt was intentional, it can be very hard to forgive. Each time we recite the Lord’s Prayer, we pray these words: “…And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus himself taught us this prayer. Jesus asks us to forgive others as completely as He forgives all our sins. Forgiveness protects us from bitterness and unhappiness. Forgiveness is a spiritual act of mercy. It is the decision of our will to forgive that pleases God and He in turn provides the grace we need to let go and truly forgive.
Let’s ask ourselves:
• Have I allowed myself to grow bitter or better?
• Do I turn to the Lord and ask for the grace I need to truly forgive when I have been offended?
• Am I willing to receive Christ’s healing and accept His gift of peace?
7.  To pray for the living and the dead
Prayer is a powerful act of spiritual mercy. Daily prayer is an act of worship, an acknowledgment of God’s presence and worthiness of our time and attention. It is also a time of petitioning God’s mercy for ourselves and others. God hears and answers our prayers. The greatest prayer is the Holy Mass. During the Holy Mass we pray for all those living as well as all those who have died. God is not bound by time and space and it is not too late to pray for those who have gone before us as they, too, pray for us. Though we may be physically separated from our brothers and sisters in Christ through death of the body, we believe in eternal life and that we will all be united as members of the communion of saints. In the book of Maccabees, we are reminded “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.” 2 Maccabees 12:46 (DRA).
Let’s ask ourselves:
• Do I give thanks and praise for answered prayers?
• Do I take time to be alone with God in silence and remember the needs of others, presenting their needs to the Lord?
• Do I pray for the souls in purgatory?
Let us Pray to the Holy Spirit to give us the grace to cherish these Spiritual Works of Mercy!
Let us memorize this quote:  “God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful.” Mother Teresa
(Celeste Zepponi is an artist, blogger for Catholicmom.com and member of Clarksdale St. Elizabeth Parish.)

JEFF ARTIGUES – St. Joseph, Starkville
“Jeff selflessly gives of his time, often behind the scenes, without recognition and simply for the joy of serving others. He works tirelessly with an inspirational level of dedication, heading everything from our most difficult to our most menial tasks, all while maintaining a sense of humor.” (faith formation, youth ministry, candidate for diaconate)

LUIS BORRELL – St. Joseph, Meridian
“Dr. Borrell is the cornerstone of our Hispanic ministry and does so in a humble and unassuming fashion.” (liturgical ministry, service, pastoral council, Knights of Columbus)

ELIZABETH CARROLL – St. John, Sardis
“Her leadership in, love for and participation in the liturgies is the glue that holds this parish mission church together. She is the concrete of St. John the Baptist, mission of St. Mary. She is totally dedicated to keeping St. John the Baptist in Sardis a viable community.” (liturgical ministries, prayer leader, flower ministry)

TALMADGE CARTER – St. Joseph, Woodville
“Talmadge’s faithful and dedicated witness to her ministerial and pastoral duties has inspired new parishioners at St. Joseph to offer their stewardship of time, talent and treasure as a ‘vounteeristic thank you’ for her ministerial spirit.” (liturgical ministries)

JOAN CLEARY – St. John, Oxford
“Joan is a stellar figure in the parish and I believe the diocese. Most of the parish thinks of her as the ‘church lady’ … (she exhibits) tireless devotion; gives and does not count the cost, as I’m reminded in the Ignatian prayer.” (sacristan, liturgical ministries, hospitality)

DAVID and MONA COBB – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt
“Their care and respect for the youth, who are often misunderstood and overlooked, has been a tremendous blessing to our parish. David and Mona listen to these young people, they respect their ideas, struggles, successes, failures and attempts. They guide with a wisdom few possess.” (finance council, education, youth ministry)

MICHAEL CRANDALL – St. Francis of Assisi, Madison
“At a time when the parish was struggling to build its own sanctuary and Family Life Center … he was instrumental in making that a reality … He is one man who demonstrates a great love for his parish and he takes his faith seriously.” (Knights of Columbus, parish council, finance council)

GIRARD and PAULINE GAUTHIER
St. Alphonsus, McComb
“Both Pauline and Gerard have an infectious and generous voluntary zest. They love to greet new parishioners and help them assimilate into the church family, assisting their ease into the Gloster community at large. Catholics and non-Catholics alike know their generous hearts.” (pastoral and finance councils, church maintenance, service projects)

JULIE HARKINS – Holy Savior, Clinton
“She goes beyond the call of duty (and paid hours) to travel from home to parish events. She helps generously in a quiet way to meet the needs of parishioners, shut-ins … for most of her adult life she has been dedicated to the work of the church at parish and diocesan level.” (parish secretary, Catholic Foundation, youth ministry, parish activities)

KERMIT and DAISY HARNESS – Holy Family, Jackson
“When one drives onto the grounds and sees the blooming rose bushes or flowering shrubs or goes into a classroom and sees the whiteboards on each wall or looks on the floor to see the age-appropriate religious-themed rugs or sees the kitchen cabinets or sees other projects completed, one sees can see how their service has made a difference in the parish.” (beautification, music ministry, projects as needed)

JEFFREY and CHRISTI HOUIN – St. James, Tupelo
“Jeff and Christi bring a great deal of enthusiasm and joy to our parish community. They are always reaching out to new families who come to the parish … as a priest I know they are always there for me and always giving me a kind, encouraging word.”
(Knights of Columbus, music ministry, liturgical ministries, marriage preparation)

BENNY and AMANDA JEANSONNE
St. Mary Basilica, Natchez
“Both offer their service, support and insight for projects they consider important in the parish and the community. Amanda spends countless hours each week as director of the Stewpot… I don’t think either Benny or Amanda see the use of their time/education/expertise as a sacrifice, rather they see it as the right thing to do.” (pastoral and finance councils, community service, liturgical service)

THOMAS EDWARD LEWIS – St. Richard, Jackson
“Since almost the moment Tom was confirmed via RCIA in 1991, he has taken an active role in service to St. Richard Parish and to the community. He has spent untold hours working at the parish in various ministries. Tom is available for his parish whenever he is called upon and very often, Tom is the one that identifies the need and volunteers his service. (RCIA, computer work, Christian Service Committee)

CHRISTINE McDANIEL
Immaculate Conception, Clarksdale
“I am not afraid to say that a lot of Mrs. McDaniel’s work around Immaculate Conception has helped keep the parish alive … she has helped keep the doors to the parish open as well as bring many people back into the church.” (business manager, service outreach, hospitality)

DAVID and KARLA McHAN
St. Michael, Vicksburg
“Because they are serious about their ministries, they take advantage of most every opportunity to further their own faith and spiritual development. They participate in parish, diocesan and regional faith formation opportunities for catechists and lay ministers.” (faith formation, music ministry, youth ministry)

LEONARD ROBINSON
Sacred Heart, Camden
“He faithfully visits the shut-ins and brings them Communion, even as his own health was failing… It’s hard to find people willing to go and visit the shut-ins on a consistent regular basis. The shut-ins really feel connected to the parish community and the community to them.” (Eucharistic ministry, hospitality, cursillo)

ROLAND STEWART – St. Patrick, Meridian
“He is a true servant of God in our Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, in our diocese and in the city of Meridian and surrounding areas.” (evangelization, faith formation, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Peter Claver)

TENY TUMINELLO – St. Alphonsus, McComb
“She is our parish historian. She breathes life and stories into the names listed in our history. She is a direct link to the earliest beginnings of our parish. (parish council, liturgical ministries, parish historian)

MARY HELEN WALLER
Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland
“Mary Helen is one of those people in a parish who stays in the background, but who is instrumental in the success of many parish activities, from liturgy to non-liturgical gatherings.” (liturgical ministry, hospitality)

JUNE WICHERS – St. James, Magnolia
“She deserves this award because she does everything, prepares the church for Mass, rosary, Stations of the Cross, arranges books, marks the readings. She sacrifices her time, work and money for her church. (liturgical ministry, pastoral and finance councils)

Youth honorees
BRANDI GROTHMAN – St. Joseph, Greenville
“Brandi is passionately Catholic, a strong leader and an evangelist. She turns every struggle into an opportunity to grow closer to Christ.”

MARY GRACE HUDSON – St. James, Tupelo
“Mace values her faith and is always wanting to learn more. Her qualities include a heart for service, a willingness to help when needed and she is a strong leader.”

BRIAN McHAN – St. Michael, Vicksburg, senior
“Brian is a kind, generous, loving and quietly unassuming faith-filled young man. However, he has never been afraid to say how important his faith is to him or to speak of the many blessings that God has bestowed upon him.”

SARAH ORR – Holy Savior, Clinton
“Sarah is not only faithful, but she exhibits reverence through leading fellow students in prayer and worship.”

MEGAN MARIE PATTERSON
St. Richard, Jackson, senior
“Megan’s faith has been a light for her and others around her. When she is surrounded by others who have faiths different from hers or no faith at all, she continues to faithfully express her Catholic religion in word and example.”

JOHN CHARLES WOLFE, JR.
Holy Family, Jackson
“John ‘Jay’ is deserving of the award because of his willingness to help others… three qualities that exemplify him are patience, grace and dignity and leadership ability.”

AREN ELAINE WORRELL
St. Joseph, Gluckstadt
“Aren is an extremely responsible, dependable and driven individual. She is a natural leader by her example of excellence in all she does.”

JACKSON – “This scripture comes to mind about the Habitat process – Isaiah 43:18-19: Do not dwell on things of the past. See I am doing a new thing. Can you not perceive it?” Cindy Griffin, executive director for the Capitol Area Habitat for Humanity used this verse to kick off the dedication of two new homes on Greenview Drive on Friday, Feb. 19.
One was dedicated to Pope Francis. The other is the work of the annual Catholic Build. The homeowners, Shavers Houston and Tequila Johnson, are both excited about raising families in a community in the midst of revitalization. Another new Habitat house, built by Episcopal volunteers, sits across from the Catholic one and more are planned for the street in South Jackson near St. Therese Parish.
“This is going to be a street filled with hard working families and a place where children can walk to school in safety and security. We are not going to dwell on the past. We are going to help build a new future for Greenview and for these great families,” added Griffin.
Houston has already contributed 150 hours of ‘sweat equity,’ working on other Habitat houses. He and his four children, Anasia, 13, Ariyana, 10, and twins Shaffar and Shafaria, seven, are moving from a two bedroom apartment into the new home. “My children are more excited than I am. They keep asking when are we going to move and will they have their own rooms.”
Shavers said he is honored to be the homeowner for the Pope Francis House. “This has been a very special experience near and dear to my children’s hearts,” he said. “I want to thank Habitat and the individuals who donated and volunteered to help my family. I can’t thank them enough.” The Pope Francis House was made possible by an anonymous donor who offered half the money needed for construction.
Johnson has two boys, five-year-old Keaton and Moderia, 18.
“You just don’t know how happy I will be to have my own house. This has been a dream of mine for years. I want to keep pushing for that so my kids and I will have a better life,” she said.
Parishes from across the Jackson area joined together to raise the money for and build the homes, starting in September. Bishop Joseph Kopcaz joined representatives from the various parishes for the dedication. Father John Bohn, pastor of St. Richard, spoke about that community’s long-standing dedication to Habitat.
Allen Scott, a member of the Habitat board of directors presented each family with a Bible for their homes to remind them that they were built in Christian love.

February is Catholic Press Month. This year’s theme reflects the core of the Department of Communication’s new mission statement: Encountering others in Joy: Communicating the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
As communicators we, the staff in the Department of Communications, seek to encounter you, the faithful, pastors and lay ministers and members of our communities, in a manner that is relevant and informative while also offering content that inspires.
We want to tell your stories and be a resource for open communication throughout the diocese and the community at large. We want to use all the tools we can, print, digital and social media to spread the joy of the gospel, but we also want to meet you where you are.
Catholic Press Month gives us an opportunity to promote how our Catholic community has supported us in putting our mission statement into action. Copies of the promotional poster below will soon go out to all the parishes.
This poster offers a small glimpse into how we as a church have encountered others in love and joy. Encounters such as – (clockwise) ordaining men to lead and grow the church; offering confidence to inner-city school girls through the services of Catholic Charities; celebrating the amazing resilience of a 130 year old parish; dedicating a chapel rebuilt after a fire; fostering unity while building stronger relationships among Catholic youth; and honoring community members who have faithfully returned their time and talents to the church – all communicate the life and mission of Jesus Christ. We hope seeing the impacts of our faith in action will encourage us to grow deeper in that faith.
Thank you for your support. Your willingness to read the paper, share our facebook posts, share your stories and welcome members of the staff into your communities is truly inspiring.
We ask you to continue to partner with us in our mission to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. Send your stories, photos and thoughts to us. Be our eyes and ears in the parishes, schools, missions and communities who are sharing the joy of the gospel.
You can email editor@mississippicatholic.com, call 601-969-3581, or send a good old fashioned letter to 237 East Amite Street, Jackson, MS 39201.

NATCHEZ – Father David O’Connor, pastor of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Parish, will lead a 10-day tour to Ireland departing from Jackson on Friday, July 8, and returning Monday, July 18.
The trip will include nine nights in Ireland, seven of which will be in four-star hotels and two will be in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. The overnight stays will be in Dublin, Donegal, Mayo, Limerick, and the final night will be at Carton Manor Hotel in Kildare County. Each day will begin with a full Irish breakfast. Seven dinners, including a medieval banquet in a castle, are part of the tour. The group will travel in a luxury air-conditioned motor coach.
“I will be with the group throughout their visit to Ireland, and will offer a tour of my home town and will introduce them to the history, culture and myths of my native country,” said Father O’Connor. “My initial plan is for a group of approximately 30 people. At least half of that number have already indicated an interest. My hope is that those who decide to make this tour will enjoy the natural beauty and history of Ireland and will return home with great memories.”
Upon arrival at Dublin airport the group will be transferred to Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, overlooking Dublin Bay, for a two night stay. Dublin adventures will include a tour into the heart of the world famous Guinness Brewery and a guided tour of Ireland’s Capital city, In the afternoon the group will travel south to Wicklow, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’ where they will see the monastic settlement established by St. Kevin in the sixth century.
A stop in Northern Ireland will include a visit of the city of Derry. This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest walled cities in Europe. In Donegal, the group will experience the stunning scenery on the Wild Atlantic Way where the Atlantic Ocean has beaten the coast for millennia, shaping and molding it to the whim of the tides for generations.
From Donegal the group will head for Mayo, stopping to visit the grave of W.B. Yeats, a round tower dating from the 11th century, and will spend two nights in the picturesque town of Ballina. We will visit Knock Shrine, the site of the apparition of Mary in 1879, and Croagh Patrick, a place visited by St. Patrick.
A two night stop in Limerick will include a visit to Adare – Ireland’s prettiest village with its 13th century church, and to Father O’Connor’s home church where he was baptized and attended elementary school.
The group, on its last day in Ireland, will travel through Tipperary County, making a stop at the seminary where Father O’Connor studied theology and was ordained to priesthood, and/or also visiting the ‘Rock of Cashel’, a monastic site with the ruins of a Gothic cathedral dating from the 13th century.
The package price, including airfare is $3,675 per person.
Further information on the tour is available by visiting St. Mary Basilica website (www.stmarybasilica.org), calling Father O’Connor, 601 445-5616, or emailing the agency at info@caragrouptravel.com. For registration call Sara, 617-639-0273.
(Submitted by Regina Mardis, secretary at St. Mary Basilica)

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON — Fifty couples marking significant wedding anniversaries renewed their wedding vows Sunday, Feb. 7, during a World Marriage Day Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. More than 50 other couples were not able to attend the Mass, but were honored by the Office of Family Ministry.
World Marriage Day is an opportunity for the church to recognize couples who have sustained their commitments to one another. Pastors submit the names of couples celebrating 25 or more years of marriage to the Office of Family Ministry. Every couple is invited to the Mass, but even those who cannot come to Jackson are recognized by the bishop.
This year Betty and Tom Griffith will mark 65 years since they got married in Betty’s hometown of Mobile, Ala. Tom was a Navy pilot serving in Pensacola when they met at a dance on base. After Tom’s career in the Navy, civil aviation and then as a flight instructor, the couple retired in Meridian where they are members of St. Patrick Parish.
The Griffiths raised 10 children, five girls, five boys. Their youngest daughter is a Sister of Mercy in Savannah, Ga. The close-knit family moved all over the country. Their secret for moving with all the kids? “I’d go first by myself and Betty would follow,” laughed Tom.
“When we got married, you decided you would be married for life. It wasn’t something you played with. You have to work on it every day,” said Betty of how the couple have lasted 65 years. Tom added that her good cooking helped.
She said she would tell couples today to stop before their wedding and really reflect. “Take a look at what you are doing and really realize it’s a commitment for life,” she said. She and her husband got involved in the parish in every community where they lived and are still Mercy Associates today.
Anna and Joe Orr of Clinton Holy Savior also met at a dance. They will celebrate 50 years of marriage this year. Joe said they put planning into their marriage, discussing some heavy topics before they made the commitment.
“When Anna and I were planning on getting married we agreed that one, we wanted five children, number two, Anna would always stay at home to take care of the children and number three I would be the only one working to support the family,” said Joe.
He said the couple concentrated on keeping their family close.
“We had our children early in our marriage and they came close together, five kids in 11 years. Since our kids were so close together in age they were always close to each other and us. We went to church together every Sunday, never missing Mass.  Our kids always went to Sunday school and CYO classes.
We did a lot of things together, mostly on weekends, such as swimming, picnics, going to the zoo, movies, visiting relatives etc.,” he said. “Our marriage has been successful because we loved God, loved each other and loved our children,” Orr added.
The Orrs recommend that couples today put time into planning their family life to ensure a long, successful marriage. “Get to know each other’s parents and friends. Go to church together. Discuss education, jobs or career plans. How many children you want and who will take care of them when one or both of you are working. Don’t rush into marriage. Get to know each other and be prepared for a lifetime of marriage and family,” said Orr.
At the end of the Mass, Fran Lavelle, Director of Faith Formation, honored Jennifer Eidt, the coordinator for the Office of Family Ministry for her many years of service to the Diocese of Jackson. Eidt’s family is relocating so this is her last World Marriage Day celebration here.
The Office of Family Ministry is one of the many ministries supported by the Catholic Service Appeal. In addition to this celebration, the office provides marriage preparation programs, coordinates natural family planning training and supports other family ministry. Your donation to CSA is an important part of maintaining these services.

Father Ricardo Phipps announced his resignation as director of Catholic Charities Wednesday, Feb. 10. Father Phipps was appointed in July of 2015. He also requested and was granted a leave of absence from the priesthood, leaving his positions at Jackson Christ the King Parish and Sister Thea Bowman school. Father Phipps informed the bishop he is pursuing a job opportunity in Pennsylvania.
In a letter to the staff at Catholic Charities, Bishop Kopacz called the resignation a complete surprise. He expects to name an interim director in the next few days.
“As for now, I will be celebrating Mass and meeting with Christ the King parishioners the next few weeks and working with Charities senior staff, the governance council and the board of directors to ensure the many vital ministries and services continue to make a positive impact on our community. I ask you to keep Father Ricardo, myself, Christ the King Parish, Sister Thea Bowman School and Catholic Charities in your prayers,” wrote the bishop in a letter to clergy about the resignation.
All of the planned events and services offered by Catholic Charities will continue utilizing the staff already in place at the agency.