Category Archives: Diocesan News

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.

Ruling highlights separation of civil law from morality

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Complete the circle
By George Evans
Like many of you, as a Catholic, I have been trying for the last days and weeks to get my arms around the impact of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision making same sex marriage legal in all 50 states. Regardless of whether we think the decision is correct or not, or whether we like it or not, there is no question that it is now the law of the land. What then does that portend for us as Catholics in our religious practice? After considerable struggle and thought my conclusion is NOTHING. The Supreme Court does not make moral law.
Civil law and Catholic morality are two different things. Both have an enormous impact on the way we live. Frequently the law changes the way people act. Think of the way the Civil Rights statutes in the 60’s changed voting, housing, accommodations, employment and myriad other parts of our lives. The blockbuster changes in public education effected by the Supreme Court decision in Brown vs. Board of Education has been monumental. Every Southerner who lived through what was a true social revolution based to a great extent on changes in law experienced the practical impact of law on life.
As a Catholic, I have always thought the Brown decision and laws of the Civil Rights Era were in lock step with Catholic morality. They moved this country much closer to its own destiny set forth in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal and to the Old and New Testaments.
Genesis tells us that God created us in His image and likeness and the Gospels tell us His Son, Jesus, proved our worth by dying and rising for us and our salvation. Although legal, it was not moral to have segregated schools, churches, movie theaters, water fountains, bathrooms, etc. Segregation was legal in the south but not moral. Neither was slavery in its day. We now acknowledge the sin of legal segregation as well as slavery. We did not for a long time. I think the Civil Rights decisions and statutes are a great example of how law influenced behavior to be more in keeping with gospel values than did much of the preaching of the time.
On the other hand, Roe v Wade, another monumental Supreme Court decision more than 40 years ago, has had the opposite practical impact. By legalizing abortion it has conveyed the message to many that abortion is okay whether that was the intent of the decision or not. The result has been millions of innocent babies cast onto the trash heap.
Nothing could be further from Catholic morality. The law has not changed the clear teaching of Catholic morality condemning abortion. Those who claim otherwise are, at least objectively, deluding themselves. The sin of abortion is still with us. Roe v Wade has had the opposite effect from the Civil Rights decisions and statutes but also is evidence of how law can affect behavior one way or the other.
There are many areas which may not be quite as clear as Jim Crow and abortion. In my mind the failure in Mississippi of the legislature and governor to expand Medicaid is an affront to Catholic morality which stresses the duty to work for the common good and to care for our vulnerable brothers and sisters. I appreciate that financial arguments to the contrary are made.
I submit that they are hollow and trumped by the financial benefits of new jobs, critical support for hospitals and the moral imperative of healthcare for several hundred thousand people now doing without to the detriment of us all. If we accept Mt. 25 as being at least one standard for our personal salvation, perhaps we need to cure this absence of law to conform with Catholic morality.
Obviously there are many areas where law and morality relate – education funding, euthanasia, death penalty, mental health, immigration, etc. Too many to go into here. But what the Supreme Court has done in the case of same sex marriage highlights the difference between the two. Catholic morality teaches that same sex marriage is unacceptable and violates the consistent teaching of Scripture and the church.
As such we have no duty to accept it in our church practice while still recognizing it as the law of the land until such time as it may be changed. Our moral duty to love and respect all people remains our task including those who enter same sex marriage. Our moral duty to support and promote traditional marriage between a man and a woman continues and even increases as we work to uphold marriage as a special relationship between one man and one woman.
Pope Francis’s Synod in October in Rome will address the family which starts with a man and a woman in marriage. Let us pray for its success, for the success of future propagation, and for a change to the recent decision on same sex marriage.
Let us act in such ways that God’s kingdom comes now as well as later. Let us treat all people in such ways that our witness to the Jesus of the gospels will be irresistible to all who come into contact with us in our daily lives. Then we will have fulfilled our duty as citizens to law and as Catholics to Catholic morality.
(George Evans is a pastoral minister at Jackson St. Richard Parish.)

KATRINA: Faith & Resilience

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A ugust 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina made landfall between the mouth of the Mississippi River and Grand Isle, Louisiana. The storm changed the history of the Gulf Coast, killing more than 1,800 people, flattening entire communities, leaving a million people displaced.  This August Mississippi Catholic will mark the 10th anniversary of the storm FEMA called “the single most catastrophic natural disaster in U.S. history.” The people of the Diocese of Jackson, Catholic Charities, Catholic Extension and the Catholic Schools stepped up to answer the unimaginable challenge of housing, feeding, educating and ministering to those impacted.
The paper will feature reflections from some of the leaders in the Catholic community from that time. The staff would also  like to include your stories. Did you find a new home in the Diocese of Jackson after the storm? Did you shelter evacuees? Did your parish host a fund raiser or go to the coast to help rebuild? Send your 500-700 word reflections to editor@mississippicatholic.com by Friday, August 7. The staff will review and publish some of the stories in the Katrina edition. Others will be posted online the week of the anniversary.

Pastoral Assignments:

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frdavid071015

Father David Szatowski, SCJ

On the recommendation of Father Edward Kilianski, SCj, interim Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests of the Sacred Heart, Father David Szatowski, SCJ, was appointed pastor of      Olive Branch Queen of Peace Parish and Holly Springs St. Joseph Parish, effective July 1.

+Joseph R. Kopacz
Bishop of Jackson

New Bibles distributed

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africanamericani071015The Office of Black Catholic Ministry is distributing hundreds of African American Youth Bibles to schools and parishes across the diocese. The Bibles are funded through a grant from the Extension Society and Black and Indian Missions.
Holly Springs Holy Family School and Jackson Sister Thea Bowman School have already received a few dozen copies each and parishes in the diocese will also receive copies to add to their libraries or provide to their youth groups.
“The purpose of this new edition of the Bible is to provide a fully illustrated view of the Bible that is culturally relevant to youth of all backgrounds. It’s educational and provides a view of the Bible in a way that engages youth and adults through full color maps and easily digestible chronological history,” said Will Jemison, coordinator for the Office of Black Catholic Ministry. “It also stands out through its reference to the evil of slavery and how it relates to African American experience,” he said.
The Bible, published in January, 2015, was the result of years of research and work by retired Bishop John H. Ricard of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, who is president of the National Black Catholic Congress, and St. Mary’s Press.

Catholic conference, inspires, informs, acknowledges special supplement

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By Contyna McNealy
BUFFALO — Great people. Great fellowship. Great renewal. This year’s Catholic media conference provided close to 300 media professionals with wonderful opportunities to learn from and collaborate with colleagues from across the U.S. and Canada. For three days, June 24 – 26, the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center bustled with participants eager to attend the many workshops and master camps offered. As a first time attendee, it was inspiring to meet and break bread with so many gracious, passionate people in the Catholic media industry.
The conference kicked off with a welcoming reception and dinner which featured a tribute to Buffalo’s very own, Tim Russert. Before his death in 2008, Russert was a tenacious journalist, bestselling author, commentator and renowned host of “Meet the Press.” The Diocese of Buffalo along with the Buffalo Historical Museum showcased a video to honor Russert for his standard of excellence in journalism and his unwavering commitment to family and faith. His tribute deepened my appreciation for the work of good editors and journalists. They have such an important job in that they are not just in the business of reporting news and evangelizing; they are responsible for accurately recording the history of the church.
The following night, Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe echoed the conference’s theme “Power of the Word.” She urged Catholic communicators to use their voices to “speak for the voiceless.” A Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sister Rosemary devotes her life to empowering women held captive by the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda.
Her work as director of St. Monica’s Vocational School in Gulu, Uganda, provides these young women and mothers with hope, education and training. She called upon the Catholic media to not “sugarcoat evil” and to continue to cover the atrocities inflicted upon the Ugandan women. Telling the story “keeps it from happening again.”
Shortly after her keynote address, Sewing Hope — a documentary profiling Sister Rosemary and the young women she nurtures — aired at the conference. It was with this small group of attendees that Sister Rosemary viewed the film in its entirety for the first time. Despite the film’s account of immeasurable tragedy, it was all overwhelmingly eclipsed by its revelation of amazing love. Sewing Hope is available for viewing on Netflix streaming.
Father Thomas Rosica, CEO of Salt and Light Catholic Media in Canada, also addressed the Catholic media. Noticing a trend in certain media coverage of Pope Francis as being only surface news, he appealed for media representatives to “go beyond the surface and discover the story within the story.” Father Rosica challenged journalists to fully read the Pope’s closing 2014 address to the Synod of Bishops on the Family and his more recent environmental encyclical “Laudato Si” (Praise be to you). These works “tell the deeper story” of the Pope’s “message of mercy” and his overall “revolution of normalcy.” Journalists were encouraged to communicate the full depth of the Pope’s message to a world truly in need of mercy and normalcy. Salt and Light’s  2013 documentary, The Francis Effect, was also shown as part of the conference schedule. It can be purchased or rented on demand online at saltandlighttv.org.
In addition to two powerful keynote speakers, the presentations of awards and recognitions for excellence in Catholic media were equally inspiring. The Catholic Press Association (CPA) presented the Bishop John England Award to the late Cardinal Francis George of Chicago. Cardinal George was recognized for diligently advocating for the First Amendment rights of Catholic newspapers. His featured columns in the Catholic New World tackled the seriousness of religious freedom and were often reprinted in diocesan publications across the country. Joyce Duriga, editor of the Catholic New World in Chicago, received the award on his behalf.
Former president of the CPA, Greg Erlandson was awarded The St. Francis de Sales Award for his prestigious career in Catholic media. In 2014 he served as a consultant to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Erlandson is currently president and publisher of Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division in Huntington, Ind.
The CPA’s awards banquet and presentation was held in the evening on the last night of the conference. This special ceremony recognizes excellence throughout the Catholic press industry. Mississippi Catholic was among this year’s winners. With the entry of the 2014 special supplement, Follow Me: A Journey to Priesthood, the staff of Mississippi Catholic placed second in the category of “best coverage of a routine sacramental event.” The 20-page supplement featured in-depth articles on the history of priesthood in Mississippi and profiles of Fathers Binh Nguyen, José de Jesús Sánchez and Rusty Vincent, who were ordained last May at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
The theme of the conference took on a deeper meaning for me. I appreciated how “Power of the Word” speaks to the important role of Catholic communicators. The experience of learning from and listening to individuals with such high standards in communication moved me from the status of simple appreciation to absolute admiration.
It was such an honor to represent Mississippi Catholic and the Diocese of Jackson at this year’s conference. I look forward to having many more priceless opportunities to laugh, share stories and troubleshoot problems with people who can truly relate to the unique and rewarding experience of working for the church.
(Contyna McNealy is the creative services coordinator for the Diocese of Jackson and the production manager for Mississippi Catholic.)

Charleston casts us into boat with Jesus

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By Mary Woodward
On June 21, the Sunday after the terrible tragedy of Charleston’s historic Emanuel AME Church, I sat in church trying to make sense of a world gone insane with violence, turbulent politics and this most horrific crime of murdering nine innocent people who had gathered to study God’s Word by an assailant who was welcomed in by those he slaughtered.

Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston S.C., offers a prayer while paying his respects to the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, a pastor and state senator, inside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., June 24. Rev. Pinckney, who was pastor of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, was one of nine people shot and killed at the church June 17. (CNS photo/Mic Smith, The Catholic Miscellany)

Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston S.C., offers a prayer while paying his respects to the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, a pastor and state senator, inside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., June 24. Rev. Pinckney, who was pastor of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, was one of nine people shot and killed at the church June 17. (CNS photo/Mic Smith, The Catholic Miscellany)

And then the Liturgy of the Word began and the first reading was from Job. Poor Job – faithful to God even when God took everything away from him and cast him to the dump.
The letter from Paul that the love of Christ impels us transitioned us to the crowning jewel of the Gospel from Mark in which Jesus said to the wind and the sea, “quiet, be still.”
Reflecting on these readings, I began to wonder if God is speaking to us out of the storm again. Soon the homilist commenced to deliver the very homily I needed to hear in my troubled and fearful heart. He pointed to Charleston and the response to this vicious and unimaginable act by the family members of the murdered innocents. He described the deep witness of faith given by them as the best homily that could be given on this Sunday anywhere in our country.
Each family had the opportunity to address the young man whom their deceased loved one had embraced with the love and light of Christ that fateful night in the church and how that light was extinguished through this young man’s act of darkness, hate and evil.
One by one each family member through voices of anguish and incredible loss reached deep down into faith and offered forgiveness. Many even asked God to have mercy on his soul.
In the face of the violent storm of evil, fear, loss, peril, panic and violence, these Christians lived their faith and became still. With a calmness that only can come from that faith, each one looked evil in the face and said ‘be still my soul.’ Each one knew with a knowledge that only comes from faith that the Lord is right there with them, carrying them on and that the Lord was with their lost loved one in that moment when evil took them from this world.
That unshakeable faith was what Jesus was teaching when he slept in the boat during the storm. And when the disciples turned to him in fear saying: “Wake up, Jesus, we are perishing!” He awakened and calmed the storm on the sea and in their beings.
In that Gospel, Jesus then asks the disciples: “Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?” The passage then says: “They were filled with great awe and said to one another, Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” The family members of those lost in Charleston answered the disciples’ question with their deeply profound faith.

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Mourners cast shadows on the wall of a makeshift memorial at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., June 18. Nine people were murdered the day before during a Bible study session at the church. (CNS photo/Brian Snyder, Reuters)

Where we go from here is the next step in healing our troubled and violent world? Our state and our country are at a moment in time when we have to look within ourselves and our collective psyche and come to an honest realization that the evil of racism still exists in our communities though it may be hidden just below the surface. Our Christian faith impels us to look to Christ and follow his way. In Him we find the truth. It may not fit with what the crashing sea of our world is trying to convey, but it is what we must, with calm resolve and in faith, seek.
As the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis approaches, will we walk forward as a people of faith who look into the storm of this evil and are able to “be still” in the knowledge that Jesus is in the boat with us? Will we be able to have honest and respectful dialogue about racism and bigotry still prevalent in our society though we may wish to believe these are in the past?
Or will we continue to be tossed about on the turbulent sea that is our world today and forget that the love of Christ impels us to act with mercy and to reach out in compassion and love?
It is easy to shout: “Wake up, Jesus, we are perishing!” It is not so easy to “Be still.” And yet we have our witnesses in Charleston who in wanting to cry out “wake up, Jesus” in the face of violence and evil were able to “be still.” Though their hearts were filled with unending grief and pain, they took solace in the truth and found strength in a faith “tried in the fire” and ready. In their actions, they are the awakened Christ saying to evil and to our violent world: “quiet.”
(Mary Woodward is the chancellor for the Diocese of Jackson.)