Category Archives: Diocesan News

Father Phipps to lead Charities

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz has appointed Father Ricardo Phipps director of Catholic Charities Jackson. Father Phipps, a Mississippi native, has a doctorate from the University of Mississippi in counselor education as well as a masters in counseling, a masters in divinity and undergraduate degrees in math and history. He has taught graduate level courses at Ole Miss and the University of Texas in Tyler and has served in a number of parishes in the state.
“I am extremely humbled to be appointed to serve at Catholic Charities and also very excited about the appointment. I appreciate the confidence of the bishop in giving me this opportunity,” said Father Phipps. “My training is mental health related, counseling specifically, so I feel like my experience is in line with much of what Catholic Charities is already doing. I want to be a part of assuring that these services will be offered and expanded for a long time,” he added.
“Father Phipps has been a priest of the Diocese of Jackson for the past ten years, and I am confident he will apply his leadership skills to strengthen and develop the array of services that bring support and hope to many in need,” said Bishop Kopacz in a statement.
Linda Raff has been leading the agency temporarily while a search committee looked for a permanent director. The bishop thanked her for coming out of retirement to be the interim director. “I thank Linda Raff for her invaluable leadership during this time of transition. May the Lord continue to bless her and her family,” said the bishop.
Catholic Charities is undergoing re-certification with the national Council on Accreditation (COA) right now. Raff will remain at the agency part-time until the end of September to help smooth the transition and assist with the review. COA accredits child welfare, behavioral health and community-based social service providers. The certification process is very rigorous.
“Father Ric’s background and experience in ministry, education and clinical work in addition to his care and concern for all of God’s children makes him especially suited for the work and mission of Catholic Charities,” said Raff. “I know the agency will thrive under his leadership and I know it will continue to be a beacon of help and hope for all Mississippians especially the poor and vulnerable,” she added.
Catholic Charities is the social service arm of the church in Mississippi, providing direct service to those in need. The agency offers counseling, adoption services, a rape crisis center, a domestic violence shelter, immigration and resettlement services, a health ministry, social justice advocacy, addiction services, disaster response and housing and job training for veterans. Clients do not need to be Catholic, in fact, a majority of those served are not Catholic.
“I feel like Catholic Charities is our greatest evangelization arm in an area where not many people are Catholic, and I am excited to be a part of that,” said Father Phipps. He will remain pastor of Jackson Christ the King, but will no longer be pastor of Jackson St. Therese. Msgr. Elvin Sunds will serve as canonical pastor of St. Therese. See page 11 for these and other pastoral assignments.

State honors church with ecumenical history

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By Joan Shell
FULTON – On April 18, six locations in Fulton were officially named as Mississippi historical sites, including Christ the King Catholic Church, which has been a church site since 1878. The day included the unveiling of the official marker in front of the church and tours of the building. A crowd of people gathered, including current and past church members and state government representatives.
The ceremony itself, much like the history of the church, was interdenominational. Retired Methodist Minister Glyn Wiygul presented the history. He ended the welcome by saying how very pleased everyone was that this building was in the hands of the Catholics because they know it will be well cared for. Sister Betty Clayton then brought the whole crowd to their feet by leading a rousing version of Amazing Grace and Father Albeenreddy Vatti blessed the marker.

Father Albeenreddy Vatti takes the microphone to bless the new historical marker in front of Fulton Christ the King Church.

Father Albeenreddy Vatti takes the microphone to bless the new historical marker in front of Fulton Christ the King Church.

The first church on the site was a large one-room frame structure erected in 1878 by Malachi Cummings. This was the only church in Fulton and all denominations worshipped together with a variety of ministers taking turns officiating. In 1880 Cummings deeded the church to the Methodist Conference for $50. All denominations, both black and white, continued to hold their services in the building, but now they scheduled their individual services at different times.
In 1930 the wooden structure was replaced with the current two-story brick building which the Fulton Methodist Church used until they built a new facility in the mid-1960s. While the building held no services, a MAPA program continued to use the Sunday school rooms for a training class for an integrated group of children with special needs.
This building was sold to the Catholic Diocese July 13, 1968, through the efforts of Glenmary Home Missioners and the Catholic Extension Service. Father Clement Borchers from Aberdeen St. Francis was instrumental in initiating the purchase and presiding at the Saturday Eucharist. Bishop Joseph Brunini of the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson dedicated the newly purchased mission church on Oct. 27, 1968. There were more Methodists present at the dedication than Catholics. There were only 18 Catholics in Itawamba County – including the Catholic students attending Itawamba Community College at the time. The total purchase price for the facility was $20,000 which was, even in 1968, considered to be less than the land value for the downtown corner location.
A Catholic Church in this corner of rural northeast Mississippi was a novelty.  People in the area knew very little about Catholics and 072415fulton01the many misconceptions about our faith made it difficult for the few Catholic families who attended Christ the King. Slowly but surely, the church has come to be an integral part of the community. As more Catholics took leadership roles in the area, the church became a well-respected and an important part of society here.
Christ the King is a mission church of Tupelo St. James with Father Lincoln Dall as the Sacramental Minister. Father Albeenreddy Vatti drives from New Albany every week to celebrate Mass at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and is very much loved by the small Fulton congregation of 35 families and visitors.
Everything is offered at Christ the King as any much larger church – it’s just done on a smaller scale. The recent RCIA class was attended by one person, the vacation Bible school averaged 10 children daily, the religious education classes have 2-4 children in each class. Being small doesn’t stifle enthusiasm, it encourages warm fellowship among the members.
Everyone becomes an important minister in the church and all members rarely say no when asked to fill in for a missing member. Work parties are frequent as are dinners after Mass celebrating any occasion we can come up with.  We take a great deal of pride in our building and its place in downtown Fulton.
(Joan Shell is the Pastoral Minister at Fulton Christ the King Parish)

Four schools have new principals…

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – While students were playing this summer, administrators and construction crews were hard at work getting buildings, programs and themselves ready for a new school year.
The diocesan Office of Catholic Education added Margaret Anzelmo in July as the coordinator of academic excellence. She left her job as assistant principal at Jackson St. Richard to take on the task fulltime.
Last spring, teachers from across the diocese met in subject area teams to continue the process of writing and revising the diocesan curriculum. The 2015-2016 school year will be the second year for the math curriculum and the first year for science, language arts, and religion in grades 6-12.
Teachers and administrators are learning the new curriculum for each subject area and aligning lessons, activities, and technology applications to the standards. Instructional leaders within each school, under Anzelmo’s direction, will guide teachers through the process of implementing the standards and fine-tuning instruction.
Four schools have new principals, Madison St. Anthony, Jackson St. Richard, Vicksburg St. Aloysius and Madison St. Joseph.
Jim Bell is leading Madison St. Anthony School this year. He arrived mid-June to work with Julie Bordelon, interim principal to ensure a smooth transition. Bordelon, a 20-year Catholic school educator from St. Patrick, Meridian stepped in last year as interim while a committee searched for a permanent administrator. “We thank Ms. Bordelon for her service to Catholic schools,” commented Catherine Cook, superintendent.
Cathy Wilson, a graduate of Vicksburg Catholic Schools, is principal at Jackson St. Richard this year. Former principal Lisa Geimer ended her tenure as principal at the end of the last school year. “Mrs. Geimer faithfully served St. Richard as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal for many years, and we thank her for her dedication and leadership”, said Cook.
Vicksburg St. Aloysius’ new principal Dr. Buddy Strickland is busy planning for the upcoming year. Strickland replaces interim principal Jules Michel, who served as principal at three high schools in the diocese. “I can’t say enough about his commitment to Catholic education and his willingness to serve when called,” said Cook.
Cook will lead Madison St. Joseph for the 2015/16 academic year after principal Keith Barnes left. Barnes was part of the St. Joseph community for more than 20 years as a coach, teacher, assistant principal and principal.  “Keith did a lot to bring the entire school community together. I think that is one of his great legacies, he was able to unite parents, students, alumni and faculty with a singular vision,” said Terry Casserino, journalism teacher at St. Joseph. Cassarino credits Barnes with helping the school achieve a number one ranking on Niche.com, a school ranking site. “We have a lot to build on, thanks to Keith (Barnes), and we can build on this foundation and beyond,” he added.
“During the time Mr. Barnes was not teaching/coaching prior to his return to St. Joseph as assistant principal, he served on the Diocesan School Advisory Council”, stated Cook, “so his service to Catholic schools went beyond St. Joe, and we thank him for his service to the Diocese.” Here is a look at what was happening at some schools during summer vacation.

Greenville St. Joseph
and Our Lady of Lourdes

  • Our Lady of Lourdes will to the St. Joseph campus  after construction is complete.
  • Groundbreaking for the merger was set to happen July 24.
  • St. Joseph will add rigor to the math curriculum to allow students to take algebra earlier.
  • Additionally, math teachers received training to implement Southern Regional Educational Board Math, a course of study designed to strengthen algebra and geometry skills in preparation for college.

Madison St. Joseph

  • Crews revamped existing space in the administration building to add an 80-seat chapel capable of hosting each class for liturgies.
  • Teachers are participating in a three-day training to roll out a science, technology, religion, engineering and math program.
  • Every teacher will get a MacBook computer and training. Additionally, 48 Macbooks have been ordered for student use in classrooms.technology infrastructure has been upgraded to move to the student one-to-one laptops scheduled for implementation in January 2016.

Vicksburg Catholic

  • Preschool teachers attended early childhood education conferences in New Orleans and Dallas. Several elementary teachers attended a conservation in education workshop. The high school librarian attended the 2015 Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference in Dallas.
  • High School teachers attended AP certification classes in chemistry, English, government and calculus.
  • The school will also add SREB math like Greenville St. Joseph.

Natchez Cathedral

  • Teachers attended workshops including a Civil War workshop, “Wired Differently” workshop,  the Secondary Science Olympiad Summer Institute and an institute on teaching reading at Columbia University.
  • New dropped ceilings and insulation were installed in the elementary classrooms and the cafeteria to improve noise, appearance and energy efficiency.

Madison St. Anthony

  • New website launched.
  • Teachers and staff participated in the Whole Schools Initiative training.
  • St. Anthony will be the first school in the state to offer Wilson Fundations, a supplemental phonics, spelling, and writing program to pre-K4 – second grade students.
  • First through sixth grade students will have access to iPad mini tablets. Kindergarten will have two touch screen smart boards and Pre-K4 will be getting two flat panel TV monitors.
  • The Via Creativa Program will have seven new offerings:  BRICKS4KIDZ, chess, computer explorers, Skyhawk soccer, tech club, Challenge Island and drama.

Meridian St. Patrick

  • Reworked entrance added a covered driveway to the new building dedicated earlier this year. Administrators and teachers moved into the new offices and classrooms.
  • The library was renovated.
  • The school installed a science and engineering lab and new playground equipment.

    Southaven Sacred Heart

  • Upgraded IT network, adding fiber optic connections, wireless networking throughout the school and an Internet connection five times faster than the current speed.
  • The school will add several cultural awareness days that showcase diversity of the Sacred Heart community.

Jackson St. Richard

  • Document cameras, a projection system to increase student engagement, are being added to classrooms.
  • Teachers are receiving IPads for their use with student classroom Ipad carts.
  • Teachers participated in a variety of professional development including the Whole Schools Institute, Handwriting Without Teachers, and STREAM-Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Clarksdale  St. Elizabeth

  • Added a shaded area to campus thanks to a donation.

Columbus Annunication

  • Opened the library four days a week in summer to support the summer reading program.
  • Hosted art and music camps.

Pastoral Assignments:

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Father Ricardo Phipps was appointed director of Catholic Charities Jackson and will remain pastor at Jackson Christ the King, effective August 3.

Upon the recommendation of Father Paul Kahan, SVD, provincial for the Southern Province of the Society of the Divine Word, Father Alfred Ayem was appointed pastor of Jackson Holy Ghost Parish, effective August 17.

Msgr. Elvin Sunds was appointed canonical pastor of Jackson St. Therese parish and will oversee the redistribution of the property of Jackson St. Mary Church, while living in residence at Pearl St. Jude Parish, effective August 3.

Father Mario Solarzano was appointed pastor of Corinth St. James, and sacramental minister for Booneville St. Francis and Iuka St. Mary Parishes, effective August 24.

St. Dominic offers community education

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JACKSON – St. Dominic Hospital is bringing back by popular demand the series: “Dealing with life’s challenges.” Dan Hall, president of Caring Transitions, will conduct the self-help series on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 11:30 a.m. with the theme “How to start communication about sensitive issues” on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 11:30 a.m.  at St. Dominic Centre.
The second presentation, “Making the holiday joyful (again) – how to overcome seasonal depression,” is set for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Dominic Centre.
Both presentations are free and open to the public. Another free series to be offered this year, this one on wealth and management, will deal with how people can accumulate, preserve and transfer wealth. Themes, dates and times are:
– “Investment/market update – preserving wealth and safekeeping retirement assets,” Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Centre.
– “Avoiding fraud and the state making decisions for you,” Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Dominic’s Centre.
– “Have you saved enough to retire?” Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Centre.
For more information call 601-200-6698.
Also, save the date for the annual senior wellness fair to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. – noon in the Mississippi Trade Mart. This event is free for adults, 55 and older. It’s a fun event with entertainment, exhibits, door prizes, food for all and free health screenings. Flu, pneumonia, shingles and Tdap vaccinations will also be available.
For more information call 601-200-6698.

Workshop leads to interpreter certification

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By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – Andres Hill, one of 19 people attending an intensive interpeter’s workshop offered by the Mississippi State Department of Health, began to interpret when he was attending high school in his hometown of New Orleans. He was the only one in his family who spoke English and Spanish well so he used to accompany his grandmother to her doctor’s visits. “Interpreting was important to me at that time but I never considered it as a career opportunity,” Hill said.

Laura Rivera, (right) an interpreter supervisor at the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Children’s Services in Jackson, explains how to use the interpreter audio equipment during the training. Shirley Pandolfy (left), operations management analyst principal, was one of the instructors of the 40-hour workshop. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

Laura Rivera, (right) an interpreter supervisor at the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Children’s Services in Jackson, explains how to use the interpreter audio equipment during the training. Shirley Pandolfy (left), operations management analyst principal, was one of the instructors of the 40-hour workshop. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

Nineteen people attended “Bridging the Gap,” a six-day training held in Jackson at the end of June. The Office of Health Disparity Elimination of the Mississippi State Department of Health is offering the course in different cities in Mississippi to improve provider-patient communication by decreasing language barriers and increasing cultural awareness.
The trainers emphasized the treatment of culture as an integral part of communication and an important aspect of the interpreter’s work.
The topics included the roles of the interpreter, code of ethics for interpreters in health care, modes of interpreting, memory development, the role of culture in medical interpretation, cultural bumps, medical terminology and the body systems  such as the circulatory, digestive, nervous and so on.
Among the 19 people who attended the training, 18 are of Hispanic descent and one is married to a Hispanic. Some work in clinics, others are employees of the Department of Human Services in Jackson and the Mississippi State Department of Health Clinic in Scott county (Forest) and in Madison county (Canton).
“There are so many needs among Hispanics, especially the language barrier,” Hill said, “and what a privilege to return to my first love and be there for someone who needs me. For me it was my grandmother and who knows, tomorrow that person may be someone else’s grandmother,” he said.
Something interesting Hill learned was that the base of good interpretation requires the use of three important factors: skip nothing, add nothing and change nothing of the conversation between two people. “And by applying these three principles we achieve proper communication,” he said.
Amanda Fitzgerald was born in Honduras. Her parents are from Nicaragua and at the age of three her family came to live in Miami. She now lives in Brandon and works at the Mississippi State Department of Health County Clinic in Forest. She says she became interested in this training because there are many things that she needs to learn, especially about the culture and the medical terminology.
“I like working with the public and that is why I took the job in the Department of Health, where many people of different cultures go for health services,” she said.
What she liked the most about the training was the area of professionalism while interpreting. “Since I serve as an interpreter at my job, I want to do it correctly and I need to know well the medical vocabulary in both languages in order to be able to communicate well with the patient and the doctor,” she explained.
The training also included information on telephonic and video remote interpreting in health care settings, which are becoming increasingly common in different parts of the United States and in Mississippi.
At the end of the training the participants took an exam. If they pass they will be identified as a qualified medical interpreter and may take the test to become a certified healthcare interpreter, if they wish.
The next 40-hour course will be offered in Jackson on Sept. 16-18 and 23-25, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The cost is $300 for those who register by Aug. 14 and $400 two weeks prior to the course. For more information contact Dora Moreno, 601-206-1540, dora.moreno@msdh.ms.gov.

2015 Annual Stewardship Conference

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The Office of Stewardship and Development is encouraging parish leaders to attend this year’s International Catholic Stewardship Conference (ICSC). The International Catholic Stewardship Council, which puts on the conference, is a professional organization recognized internationally as a source of education, networking and information to advance the ministry of Christian stewardship as a way of life in the Roman Catholic Church, and to promote the cause of Catholic philanthropy in dioceses and parishes worldwide072415stewardship
“With more than 30 presenters from different religious positions and backgrounds, this conference offers something for everyone,” said Christopher Luke, coordinator for the Office of Stewardship. ICSC is open to priests, deacons, religious, and lay parish administrators.
This year’s theme is Stewardship in the Footsteps of Pope Francis. Workshops will focus on how stewardship can transform a parish, how social media can help with evangelization and how to incorporate young adults in stewardship.
In addition to the practical knowledge, ICSC offers the opportunity to pray, reflect and participate in uplifting liturgies. Headliners include Father Michael White and Tom Corcoran, authors of the landmark book Rebuilt; Cardinal Rubén Salazar Gómez, Archbishop of Bogota, Colombia; Archbishop Blasé Cupich of Chicago; Angela Perez Baraquio Grey, Catholic educator and Miss America 2001; and Tom Kendzia, a renowned Catholic composer, producer and musician.
The conference will take place in Chicago Oct. 22-25. The early bird registration fee is $499 until July 31.. After that date, the price goes up to $599 per person for members. Register online at https://catholicstewardship.com. Those who register should let the Office of Stewardship and Development know at 601-960-8481 or email at christopher.luke@jacksondiocese.org.

Loyola to start new program in North Mississippi

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By Kris Ivancic
TUPELO – What is your ministry? This is the first question students in the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX) are asked.  It is not always an easy question to answer. LIMEX can lead to a master’s degree or certificate in Pastoral Studies or Religious Education. There is also an opportunity to earn undergraduate credit, but is also an opportunity for personal growth.
In Mississippi, we are well aware of the need for laypersons to be prepared to assume ministry in their parishes. Tupelo St. James Parish will be sponsoring another LIMEX learning group, which will begin this fall.
There will be an information session on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. in Mary’s Room of the Catholic Life Center at St. James.  Call Lee Oswalt at 662-322-3741 or Kris Ivancic at 662-791-9643 if you have questions. You can also go online to https://lim.loyno.edu.
In “Called and Gifted,” the U.S. Bishops stated, “Baptism and confirmation empower all believers to share in some form of ministry. Although the specific form of participation in ministry varies according to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, all who share in this work are united with one another.” This document really speaks to the call to all the faithful to participate in the ministry of the church in some way. LIMEX is designed to equip everyone to respond to God’s call in their life. Ministry is not just about teaching religious education or being a lector at Mass. Certainly, those are ministries, however; ministry does not just exist within the liturgy or even the parish.  Ministers function in the workplace, with certain groups, in volunteer organizations — everywhere. Christianity is not a spectator sport.
Here are some former students’ reflections on their LIMEX experience:
“The LIMEX course, especially the group setting, provided the opportunity for service which has made a major life difference for me. It was fun getting a masters degree from a university before setting foot on the campus, but the important factor was the opening for deeper ministry and service to God.”
“I began the LIMEX process for my own self-edification and maybe to help with my role as catechist. I was expecting a completely ‘college-like’ experience, but LIMEX is more than that. It is a faith-sharing experience that has deepened my understanding of ministry and, hopefully, has made me a more effective minister.”
If you are feeling God calling you to deeper participation in His work, maybe LIMEX is for you.  So—what is your ministry?
(Kris Ivancic is a lay minister at Tupelo St. James Parish)

Protection of Children announces renewal details, workshop plans

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The Office for the Protection of Children has two programs in the works this fall. First, all active parish, school and service center employees must renew their child protection certification by Oct. 31. The Diocese of Jackson requires recertification every odd-numbered calendar year as part of its ongoing commitment to the safety of children.
“It is imperative that everyone who has contact with minors understand our policies and that they recognize potential signs of abuse,” said Vickie Carollo, office coordinator. “Renewing these certifications is a way for us to keep everyone up-to-date on the latest research,” she added.
New employees and volunteers must attend an initial training session at their parish, school or ministry site. Those who have already attended a training only need to read a series of review lessons and complete a quiz online. The program will automatically update the status of the volunteer or employee once the review has been submitted. The lessons focus on current research into child abuse, such as what children abusers may target. They also give contemporary examples of abuse cases, including ones involving social media and online communications.
While the review is online, it is possible to print any of the material. The employee must pass each lesson before moving on to the next one, but users can review a lesson and re-take a quiz. Access the quiz using the link on the home page of the Diocese of Jackson website, www.jacksondiocese.org.
The second program is a workshop open to anyone including pastors, catechists, volunteers and concerned parents and parishioners. On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Offices of Protection of Children, Faith Formation and Catholic Schools will offer a workshop at Madison St. Joseph High School from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on “Catholic Citizenship in the Digital Age.”
“We have a responsibility as Catholics to promote internet safety as a church. Education is important to us as good Catholics to be respectable and appropriate users of digital and social media.  Staying well-informed of changes in technology is crucial due to the dangers that threaten us and our children and young people,” said Carollo.
The presenter, Paul Sanfrancesco, is the director of technology for the Garnet Valley School District located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He also teaches as adjunct professor in the graduate education department at St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and Neumann University, in Aston, Penn. Read more about that program here.
A few years ago Sanfrancesco did a survey in his school system on how proficient teachers were at using technology. He found that many needed training not only in technology, but in online platforms such as social media. He started a summer program to train his own teachers. He now takes that program across the country
The workshop is free and lunch will be provided; however, registration is requested. For additional details, call the Office of Protection of Children at 601-960-8471 or email Vickie.carollo@jacksondiocese.org.

RETREATS

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RETREATS

St. Mary of the Pines
Eight-day retreats –  $640
Five-day retreats –  $400
Weekend directed retreats – $160
Directed Retreats: The resident retreat director is Sister Dorez Mehrtens, SSND. To schedule a retreat contact Sister Dorez, 601-783-0411 or 601-810-7758 (cell), dorezm37@yahoo.com.
Private Retreats: A private retreat is a retreat without a director and may be scheduled any time space is available. The individual chooses his/her own resources and rhythm of prayer and reflection throughout the day. Suggested donation: $65 per night. Financial assistance for any retreat is available upon request.
“Advanced Icon Workshop,” Sept. 23-30 for students who have completed several classes under the tutelage of a master from the Posopon School of Iconography. Taught by Nikita Andrejev. Cost is $930. Registration deadline is July 23.
Contact: St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, 3167 Old Highway 51 South, Osyka, MS, 39657, 601-783-3494, retreatcenter@ssnddallas.org.

LOCUS BENEDICTUS CENTER
“Theology of the Body,” August 7-9 for high school students in grades 9-12.  Tara Trost will be the facilitator. The retreat begins on Friday evening and ends with Mass on Sunday.  Details will be posted on the website in the coming weeks, www.locusbenedictus.org.
Contact: Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, 1407 Levee Rd, Greenwood. Magdalene Abraham, 662-299-1232, www.locusbenedictus.org.
The Dwelling Place
Summer directed/private retreats, Aug. 7-15. Schedule a three, five or eight-day retreat within these blocks of time. Cost is $80 per day.
“Come to the Quiet,” Sept. 4-6 and Oct. 2-4.
Come, get away, be still and sort out your life under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
“Jesus and my ego,” Sept. 25-27. Using Lectio Divina, participants will look at stories in the gospels designed to bring one’s ego out into the open. Led by Father Henry Shelton. Cost is $200.
Contact: The Dwelling Place, 2824 Dwelling Place Road, Brooksville, MS, 39739, 662-738-5348, www.dwellingplace.com.

Benedictine SISTERS
Introduction to Centering Prayer, Sept. 4-6. Centering Prayer is a form of Christian prayer rooted in the ancient Christian contemplative tradition.  Its purpose is to foster a deeper intimacy with Christ through the silence and stillness of contemplative prayer. Private rooms, $245.

“Woman Spirit Rising,” Sept. 25-27. A gathering of women at the Red Tent, a safe place to tell your own stories, to do truth telling, and to share hopes and dreams. Led by Sister Mary McGhehee. Private rooms, $245, shared rooms $205 per person.
Contact: Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, 916 Convent Road, Cullman, AL 35055, 256-734-8302, retreats@shmon.org.

JESUIT SPIRITUALITY CENTER
Directed Retreats: The Jesuit Spirituality Center specializes in personally directed retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Solitude and silence are important aspects of these retreats. Retreats may range from three days, five days, or eight days, to a full month.
Dates: Aug. 13 or 16, Aug 25 or 28, Sept 8 or 11, Sept. 21 or 24; Oct. 5 or 8. Retreats of eight-days begin on the first date. Retreats of five or three days begin on either date. Costs vary according to the length of the retreat.
“An introduction to the directed retreat,” Oct. 2-4. Cost is $160 (includes $70 non-refundable pre-registration fee).
An Introduction to the Directed Retreat is designed for someone making a silent directed retreat for the first time. Group and individual sessions will focus on how to pray, to journal, and to communicate prayer experiences with one’s director. This retreat will also prepare participants for a longer 3, 5, 8 or 30-day retreat. Led by Nelda Turner.
Contact: Jesuit Spirituality Center, 313 Martin Luther King Dr., Grand Coteau, La. 70541, 337-662-5251.

LITTle sISTERS OF THE POOR
Discernment retreat, for single women 17-35, Friday, Aug. 7, from  5:30 p.m. to Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Led by Father Victor Ingalls and the Little Sisters of the Poor. No charge. An extended stay with the Little Sisters is also available.

Contact: Little Sisters of the Poor, Sacred Heart Residence, 1655 McGill Ave. Mobile, Alabama 36604. Sister Carolyn, lsp, vocmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org, 251-591-3700.