(Editor’s note: The Carmelite Order celebrates the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Avila this year. The local Carmelite community has invited all the faithful to mark this day with a special Mass Saturday, June 6, 10:30 a.m., in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. In an effort to educate people about the order and the anniversary, Dorothy Ashley, a member of the Order of Discalaced Carmelite Seculars (OCDS), interviewed
Sister Mary Joanne  Kuzmic,OCD, (aka “Sister Mary of the Angels”);  Sister Margaret Ellen Flynn, OCD, (aka “Sister Margaret Mary”) and Sondra Powell, OCDS.)

Q1.  When did you feel the call to the vocation of a Carmelite / Carmelite Secular?
Sister Mary Joanne:  I knew at a very early age that my vocation would be to live a life of prayer to God. After reading The Story of a Soul, I knew the Carmelite Monastery would be my home. The depth of the spirituality of St. Therese who lived the life of Carmel in the Monastery appealed to me.
Sister Margaret Mary:  My older sister entered the Monastery in St. Louis and from my earliest years I knew I had a religious vocation, but, assumed it would be to a teaching community because I didn’t know Carmelites existed. But after my sister’s entrance, I felt that was where God was calling me. My sister was Sister Mary Jane. We both entered into the Carmel in St. Louis and we both came on the Foundation to Jackson. She is buried in Gluckstadt, MS.
Sondra Powell: I think that the yearning for a deeper spiritual life began when I was very young and told one of the Sisters, in the first grade, at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Vicksburg that I wanted to be a nun.  Over the years growing up in a Methodist Church, I was always involved in spiritual activities.  I didn’t know that God was preparing me along the way.  Roland and I attended a Marriage Encounter weekend in 1979. After that weekend, my whole being was transformed and I felt I was being guided and being called to something else.  I felt a deep yearning of being unfulfilled.  Later, I became involved with the Cursillo Movement, the Charismatic Movement and then the Kairos Prison Ministry.  All of these were deep spiritual encounters and journeys for me, and as I grew spiritually, I still felt that something was missing in my life.  In the middle 70s, I began reading more spiritual books, leading me to the writings of St. Teresa’s The Way of  Perfection (my Patron Saint); St. Therese’s Story of a Soul: and The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross.
After reading these books over the years, I felt such a strong desire and pull in my soul to want to grow even closer to God and turn my life completely to Jesus.  Then, one Sunday after Mass, Dorothy Ashley asked me if I would be interested in visiting their Carmelite meeting.  I said yes.  After several visits, I felt that Jesus had been leading me to Carmel by preparing me along the way with my involvement in other spiritual movements.  I felt a great peace like I had come home.
Dorothy Ashley: I discerned my vocation as a Carmelite Secular after marriage and four children. Depending on the day of the week, I was wife, soccer mom, CYO Leader at my parish, Lector, and, physical therapist. Being a convert to Catholicism at age 10 and having staunch Baptist parents, I had grown up in the Catholic School system of Jackson and Greenville and attended both Mass and Baptist services regularly nearly every Sunday. While attending Alcorn State University, I was introduced to the Life in the Spirit Seminars  and Charismatic Renewal held weekly at St. Mary’s Basilica in Natchez. All this alongwith a Cursillo Retreat after marriage, help me to develop  a better prayer life and personal friendship with Jesus. I was looking for “more” spirituality and increased faith. It was about this time that I received an invitation to Carmelite Secular meetings held at the Carmelite Monastery here in Jackson.  It was through the formation process that I discerned my vocation to become a Carmelite Secular.

Q2. What about St. Teresa of Avila’s spirituality appeals directly to you?
Sister Mary Joanne:  After reading her autobiography, Way of Perfection, and all her writings, I was extremely comfortable with reading them. I felt at home. This is where I belong.  All of it appealed to me. I loved every word that was in the book and it was “for me.” She was way ahead of me in her spirituality, but, I understood what I was reading and was extremely comfortable reading and understanding it.
Sister Margaret Mary: Well, actually, I entered the Carmelite Order, but, I really didn’t know that much about St. Teresa, but, I learned very quickly through reading and spiritual guidance. It was her love of the Lord, prayer, and, solitude.
Sondra Powell: St. Teresa’s spirituality appealed to me because she was a busy person like I have always been.  Yet, in spite of this, she had been called to a deeper relationship with God, so I felt if I followed her example, I could grow deeper in my relationship with God.  She makes it seem so simple, that you are talking with a friend, who loves you more than you love yourself.  She had problems quieting herself and felt at times her mind was racing like a wild horse, yet, she was able to grow and the Lord would not turn her loose.  I said to myself, if he could do that for her, surely there was hope for me.  I still struggle, the path isn’t easy, but I have perseverance and I don’t plan to turn back.  My prayer life has developed tremendously, even with my ups and downs.  I pray the Morning and Evening Prayers daily, sometimes Night Prayers, read about our Carmelite saints and how they persevered, do Mental Prayer, although it varies: sometimes I pray, listen, use meditations or scriptures.  I know as long as I keep myself focused on Jesus, he’s not going to turn me loose.  I get distracted, lose my concentration, get sidetracked but I’m still trying and persevering to become more detached and to grow in humility and the other virtues.  Carmel has been my lifesaver and the answer to the “something else” that I felt was missing in my life.

Dorothy Ashley:  She was a contemplative, witty, often humorous, and a brave  reformer who loved our Lord very much. Her teachings on prayer, particularly, the prayer of  “Recollection”  are timeless and  one method I use in my own prayer life to help me to quiet myself and allow me to enter into the presence of Jesus in the depths of my inner being and commune with Him.
Q3. What would you say to someone considering a vocation in Carmel/ Carmelite Secular?
Sister Mary Joanne:  Stay in contact with a Carmelite Monastery. Continue correspondence with the nuns. Continue your life of prayer. Remain faithful in keeping the Sacraments.
Sister Margaret Mary:  I hadn’t really thought about it, but, I guess the best thing would be to get acquainted with the Community and the Community gets acquainted with the individual to learn more of our way of life and for us to learn more of her background and now why she came to this conclusion. As far as a “Come and See” weekend, that is what the Postulancy is for—to get acquainted with the life and allow the Community to discern if this person can adapt and grow in the life and for the individual to know if this life is what she is called to.
Sondra Powell: If you feel a deep desire to grow closer to God through your prayer life and to become a closer friend to God, the One who loves you dearly; if you have a deep yearning that you are incomplete in your inner self; if the Carmelite saints pull you toward them when you read their lives, then maybe the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order is for you.  I tell them about the length of time involved, the commitment and dedication needed and that we are family, community and friends.  I tell them that this is a vocation, a calling, and not like joining a club or organization.

Dorothy Ashley:  I invite them to come to our monthly meetings at least 3-6 times and just sit quietly, observe and listen to what is going on. Does any of what they may see or hear appeal to them? Does being in “community” during our monthly meetings appeal to them?  Do they want to learn more? Do they want a deeper prayer life?  Carmel offers one a more prayerful, peace-filled life – – especially in the midst of our everyday “comeapart” moments or days. I invite them to ask questions, pray and discern whether God may be calling them to this secular vocation as a layperson who is a Carmelite.  One must be a practicing Catholic at least age 21 who is in good standing with the Church.  I explain the formation process which includes both information and formation into the charism of Carmel and tell them the estimated length of time involved in each step of the formation process. Most importantly, they should pray and ask God to help them to discern this as a vocation. Our Council will also be praying and discerning individuals who may be called.
Q4. As a Carmelite Nun/Carmelite Secular, how do you incorporate your vocation into your daily life?
Sister Mary Joanne: Our life is like a prayer and we have responsibilities that do not distract us from our life of prayer. So, it’s not a matter of incorporating duties into our vocation…it is keeping in the presence of God, keeping in union with God and still continue with our responsibilities. Each nun has her own responsibility: One is in charge of the altar bread department.  Another is in charge of the gift shop. I assist with the community mail. But, it does not take away the essence of our vocation.
Sister Margaret Mary: Yes, that is why we are here. The vocation is a “calling.” Maintaining the life of the community and prayer is all part of our vocation and we live it all day long. My vocation is prayer and being present with the community in times of prayer and doing my best to supply the needs of the individuals and of the Community as the Leader. (Note: Sister Margaret Mary is the Community’s Prioress.)
Sondra Powell: I incorporate my vocation into my daily life with my Liturgy of the Hours, spending time with Jesus through my mental prayer, reading scriptures, and trying to be a better person toward my family, friends, those I meet along the way and myself, praying for others, helping others when needed, and sharing my talents.
Dorothy Ashley: My vocation is how I live my life every day, meaning, how I develop my personal relationship with Jesus through my prayer life and practicing being in His presence all throughout my day and night. It also is lived in the way I treat my family, friends, strangers, patients, parishioners, and co-workers.  My vocation is a life of service to God and my neighbor by praying for and sharing my gifts and talents with them. My vocation is offering my life and everything I do as a prayer and thanksgiving to Him who is my Friend. My vocation is living the evangelical counsels of  Chastity (according to one’s state of life), Poverty (of spirit), Obedience (to the Carmelite Order and Holy Mother Church)  and, the Beatitudes as is stated when I made my First and Definitive Promises.

Q5.  Do you have certain set times for “community prayer?” (Nuns only)
Sister Mary Joanne:  Yes, we have 2 hours of mental prayer and 3 hours of vocal prayer. We take our meals together.  We converse about the latest events at the dinner table.

Q6. What are the most pressing needs that your Carmel or Carmelite Community has today? How can the general public help with those needs?
Sister Mary Joanne:  We need religious vocations to help us. We have much property that needs our attention.
Sister Margaret Mary: Financial needs…..we have to pay the hired help. We want to pay them fair wages. Thanks to our Foundresses, we have established a financial background that helps us attempt to support ourselves by benefactors through the mail and we have a mailing list that Sister Joan helps to take care of.  That particular way of correspondence, I would say is one of our major sources of contributions from benefactors. Occasionally, someone will leave a piece of property when they die to our Community. If it’s not something we can utilize, we will get advice and sell it as appropriate.
Sondra Powell: Our most pressing needs:  building up our Order with more vocations to keep us viable; helping our Friars and Nuns, when possible, so they can continue to offer the prayers that are needed to keep this world going.  We can help by trying to live as examples of someone who has been touched by God, not being overbearing in our approach so that the way we live will attract others to Carmel.
Dorothy Ashley: We have a Carmelite Secular Community right here in Jackson—St. Joseph and St. Therese of Lisieux Carmelite Secular Community. We meet monthly at the Carmelite Monastery at 2155 Terry Road on the 4th Saturday of every month except July (no meeting), November and December (meet 3rd Saturdays of these months). Our meetings begin with Mass with the nuns at 9:30a.m. We welcome those who would like to visit our Community to come and be with us for a couple of hours. Shopping in the Carmelite Gift Shop is another source of financial support for the nuns. They really need customers to come and shop for religious items as this helps to support their household. Gift Shop hours are M-F 10-4p.m. and Sat. 11-3p.m.; 2155 Terry Road; Jackson, MS  39204. I would also like to invite the public to come meet and celebrate with us and the Carmelite nuns the 500th birthday of  the Foundress of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, St. Teresa of Avila, at St. Peter’s Cathedral; 123 N. West Street; Jackson, MS  39201 at 10:30a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2015 with Mass.

Q7.  How many nuns can stay in this Monastery/Carmel?
Sister Margaret Mary:  Well, it’s like this…the Monastery is built for the normal capacity of a Monastery which is 21. But since we haven’t had 21, we 6 have expanded into all the empty spaces (laugh)….everyone has a workroom and a playroom….

Q8. Where were you born? Catholic or Convert? How many siblings and their sex(es)?  Where were you  in the birth order…Number what?
Sister Mary Joanne: I was born in Kansas City, Kansas. I am a member of a very devout Polish Catholic family. I am the eldest of 6 children. Among our devotions, at Christmas and Easter, my father shared a wafer called an oplatki with mother as the family gathered around the dinner table. . My father would say a prayer, “May God continue to share his blessings with you.”  Then, Mother shared it with the person next to her and said a prayer, “May you live forever in God’s grace.” Each person at the table partook in the family blessing.
Sister Margaret Mary:  I was born to a Catholic family in St. Louis, MO.  I have 5 brothers and 1 sister. My sister was a member of the Community.  She entered Carmel first and I followed in her footsteps. I am in the middle of 7 children, so, I was the 4th child. My mother went to daily Mass and brought me up going to daily Mass with her. We all received the Sacraments. My parents sent all of us to Catholic School. We lived in an area where there was a new parish starting and they didn’t have a school. One mile in one direction, there was a Catholic school. One mile in the other direction, there was a Catholic school. My mother wondered where she would send us. Well, the one in one direction, there was a railroad crossing right at the school boundary, so, my mother decided that she wasn’t trusting her kids to get across that railroad, so we went to the other Catholic school (laugh). I had 5 brothers. In St. Louis, they have diocesan high schools and if you go to them, your parish has to pay part of your tuition. Actually, my sister and I went to a different system—a parish high school taught by the Dominican nuns because my mother had a cousin that attended that school and she wanted us to go there, but, my brothers all went to diocesan high schools.
Sondra Powell: I was born in Vicksburg, MS.  My first school was Saint Mary with the Holy Spirit Sisters.  I grew up as an African Methodist Episcopal member, although I went to St. Mary’s to church often and the teachings never left me that I was determined that one day I would become Catholic, which I did, after I married.  I was the oldest of 3 children.  My baby sister died at the age of 3 from asthma complications when I was 5 and my brother was killed in an automobile accident while serving in the army in Germany at the age of 23. I was 25. I was 23 when I converted to Catholicism.
Dorothy Ashley:  I was born in Neshoba County in Philadelphia, MS. I began Catholic School in Jackson at Christ the King Catholic School, now renamed “Sister Thea Bowman School”, at age 5. I am an only child. We moved to Indianola, MS when I was 9 years old and I then attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Greenville, MS from 4th through 8th grades. Ninth and tenth grades were attended at St. Joseph Catholic School in Greenville, MS and I graduated from Gentry High School in Indianola, MS. My parents were staunch Missionary Baptists and never converted to Catholicism although they  consented to my request to become Catholic and allowed me to be baptized Catholic at age 10  on
May 7, 1967.  They were very faithful in allowing me to go to Mass every Sunday. They would drop me off for Mass while they continued  to their church for Sunday School about a mile away. Indianola was a small community and they knew the families at our small church, so, they felt secure that I was safe. When Mass was over, I was taken to the Baptist church by one of the parishioners if it was the second or fourth Sunday because my mother and father’s church continued with preaching after Sunday School on those Sundays and I had to attend. There was no way that I could remain at home and they be in church….it just wasn’t happening in my household!! Looking back, I know that all that was a great grace given to me by our Lord and one of the highlights of my journey of faith.

Q9. How long have you been in your vocation?
Sister Mary Joanne: After graduation from Loretto Academy High School, I worked for three years as a secretary. After those 3 years, I decided that my vocation was in Carmel. I celebrated my Golden Jubilee in Carmel in 2009. I have been in the Monastery 56 years.
Sister Margaret Mary:  I entered Carmel in 1949. That’s 66 years.
Sondra Powell: I have been a Discalced Carmelite Secular since 2009.
Dorothy Ashley:  I became a Discalced Carmelite Secular on Oct. 11, 2003.

Q10. What do you want people to remember about you?
Sister Mary Joanne: (She could think of nothing to say about herself, but, instead elaborated on Sister Margaret Mary.) Sister Margaret Mary is invaluable. You know Thomas Merton said, “The only person qualified to be the perfect Superior in a Monastery is Jesus. She fits in that category. She oversees everybody. She’s just perfect. She never complains. She’s so humble and peaceful. We go up and approach her and all we see is PEACE. So I say, “What am I doing here?” (laugh) “Go back to what you were doing.” She’s just a beautiful person. She goes over and helps Sr. Dona in the Gift Shop. She helps me with my mail. She helps everybody with their work. So, we all go to her. She gets to know each one’s responsibility. She oversees everybody and having the quality of doing that is just superb!
Sondra Powell: I want people to remember that I loved my Carmelite community; that I was dedicated, helpful and tried to use my gifts to strengthen my community and to help it grow.
Dorothy Ashley: My name, “Dorothy” means, “Gift of God.” I hope that people remember me as one who loved the Lord and others and who used the gifts that God gave me to build up His Kingdom.

Q11.  Sister Margaret Mary, what gives you that peace?
Sister Margaret Mary:  I think it’s something I grew up with. I was from a very large family, but, it was always very peaceful and everybody was always very amenable and it’s just been my way of life my whole life. Obviously, my prayer life contributes to my own inner peace. We were just a very peaceful household.  There were 7 of us—7 children and 2 parents. We had to learn to live in peace. My mother didn’t put up with anything at all (laugh)!

Q12.  (Carmelite Seculars only):
A. Tell me about your family (husband, married how long, how many children, ages), type of work you do, or, if retired, what type of work you did.
Sondra Powell:  My husband, Dr. Roland H. Powell, Sr., is a retired veterinarian (Valley Street Animal Clinic and Terry Animal Clinic) and college professor (Assoc. Prof. of Biology-Jackson State University).  We married December 23, 1955 and will celebrate 60 years this year.  We have 5 adult children: one daughter-57; 4 sons: 55, 54, 51, and 49,
Before moving back to Jackson, I worked as a chemist and research technician in cardiac research and later, sickle cell anemia.  After moving to Jackson, I was administrative assistant (manager) for our 2 clinics until 1997, and later for 2 of our sons in their business.  I still help them with their accounting.
Dorothy Ashley: I have been married for 34 years and have 4 adult children—3 sons and 1 daughter who are 23, 25, 27, and, 30. I am a physical therapist and worked in hospitals, long-term rehab and home health for 29 years. I stopped work for 3 years to care for my widowed father who had Alzheimers. He passed away in 2013. I am now blessed to be working as a Pastoral Associate at St. Dominic Hospital here in Jackson.

B.  What does your family/or spouse+/or children think of you being in this vocation as a Carmelite Secular?
Sondra Powell:  They accept my vocation as a part of me.  They also know I don’t let too many things interfere with my fulfilling my needs in my vocation.  I try to arrange family things around my time needed for my vocation when possible.  I do not neglect my time needed for my husband and family.  It’s a matter of scheduling, getting up earlier sometimes, or staying up later at other times, or just using your time wisely instead of wasting it with frivolous things, such as TV.
Dorothy Ashley:  Before making your Promise, my Secular Council asked me the same question. One’s spouse, in particular, has to be in agreement that one enter into this vocation because it is a way of life. My husband was very supportive of me entering Carmel. My children were in preschool and elementary school when I began my formation and by the time I became Carmelite, they were in elementary and high school. But, because of the support from my husband, I was able to attend the monthly Saturday meetings while he was the “soccer dad”  and “taxi-driver.” (laugh) They are very accepting and supportive of my vocation. My adult children just say I am “different.” (laugh)

Q13. (Nuns only):  
A.  What do you like about living in a cloister? What do you like about living in community?
Sister Mary Joanne:  The cloister provides the silence and solitude needed for contemplative prayer. The community provides the communication with others who have the same interests. This is my “family.”
Sister Margaret Mary:  Well,….I’ve been doing it for so long, I can’t remember! (laugh) Actually, it’s a wonderful family spirit and I grew up in a very close family and I find community life very supportive in prayer and in duties, and, the cloister protects our way of life and gives us more time and freedom for prayer time and for privacy. I don’t know anything to compare it with because I’ve never lived as a teacher.  I was a student nurse and I at times thought I would become a Sister of Mercy, but actually that wasn’t what developed. This is the only life I’ve known for 60 plus years.

B.  What did it take you a long time to get used to or accept when you were discerning your vocation to be a cloistered nun?
Sister Mary Joanne:  It didn’t take very long. I was the oldest of 6 and I helped my parents financially with another income so that after high school, there were three incomes coming in. And, I worked for three years.  When two of my brothers and sisters graduated from high school, I decided to enter the Carmelite Monastery.
Sister Margaret Mary: It took time, but, I grew up in a large family and I was accustomed to sharing and taking my turn and doing the things I was supposed to. Now the prayer time….two hours of mental prayer a day…I think it took me….it wasn’t something that was difficult….but, it wasn’t something I felt that I was doing correctly for a long time. It wasn’t something I didn’t like…it’s just that it felt like I was fighting for my life to be prayerful two hours a day.  It was just adapting to the structure as it was. I do one full hour of morning prayer and one full hour of prayer in the evening. The first hour in the morning is an hour of mental prayer and again from five to six in the evening.
Sister Mary Joanne:  We arise at 6:00 in the morning and then we have one hour of mental prayer 6:15 to 7:15. Vocal Prayer/Morning Prayer from 7:15 to 7:30, then, Mass. Then, we have after Mass, Office of Readings, and, then, 4:30 is Evening Prayer followed by one hour of Mental Prayer. Night Prayer is at six followed by Supper and then nothing structured. Night Prayer used to be at 7:30 but we were down to so few Sisters that we decided to have it at six. However, the 7:30 bell still continues to ring. Maybe one day we will go back to 7:30. Bedtime is different for each Sister. Some go to bed at 8, some 9, some 10p.m.

By Father Gerard Hurley and Maureen Smith
PEARL – Hundreds gathered at Pearl St. Jude Parish to remember and celebrate Father Martin Matthew Ruane, 76, with a funeral liturgy. He was buried in Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish cemetery after the Mass Wednesday, May 20.
Father Ruane died May 15 at St. Dominic Hospital after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Menlough, Co. Galway, Ireland, on December 20, 1938, son of the late Martin and Margaret Ruane of Garbally House.
He was the second of seven siblings raised on a small dairy farm. Father Ruane attended the local school after which he went on to St. Jarlath’s Minor Seminary in Tuam. From there, he moved to the Major Seminary, St. Patrick’s College, Carlow, where he completed his philosophy and theological studies.
Father Ruane was ordained on June 8, 1963, at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow, for the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson. He arrived in the diocese on September 4, 1963, and shortly thereafter took up his first assignment at Pascagoula Our Lady of Victories. From there, he moved to Meridian St. Patrick Parish. In 1970, he was appointed the pastor of Belzoni All Saints Parish, where he served for 10 years. Next, he pastored at Clinton Holy Savior where he was best noted for leading the people in building their new sanctuary.
After spending two years at Columbus Annunciation Parish, Father Ruane moved to Pearl St. Jude Parish where he served for 12 years, his longest tenure. He spent one year at Crystal Springs St. John and Hazelhurst St. Martin Parish before finally settling in at Grenada St. Peter Parish and its mission, Charleston St. John.
Those who knew him all mentioned his sense of humor and his great love for evangelizing.
“He loved the Catholic faith and he just felt we had a great treasure in our Catholic faith and he used every opportunity he got to share that. If we were in a restaurant he would start a conversation with the waiter or waitress and find a way to bring it around and talk to them about their faith,” said Father Mike O’Brien, pastor of Jackson St. Richard Parish and friend of Father Ruane.
“He also loved reconciliation services for Christmas and Easter. He did everything to have a big turnout so his parishioners would be ready for the big feasts,” added Father O’Brien.
Father Gerard Hurley, pastor of Flowood St. Paul Parish, agreed. “It was a particular gift that Mattie had. He could really draw close to people. He was the perfect model of a missionary. Once he could draw near, he could instruct people and bring them into the church,” said Father Hurley.
Both men remember Father Ruane’s love for sports, entertaining and telling a good story. He would play golf with friends as often as he could. Once, when Father Ruane was on a golf outing, he met a man fishing and ended up accepting some fish. “He left the fish in the back of Father Walter Maloney’s car. Walter went back to Yazoo City and didn’t even realize the fish were back there. Mattie called me the next day to say Walter had called to say every fly in Yazoo County was in his car,” said Father Hurley.
Father Hurleys and O’Brien said humor was one of the gifts he used to get to know people. “He was a great entertainer, a great friend to the priests and he loved to have a good time,” said Father Hurley. He said Father Ruane was always comforting his fellow clergymen and offering his support.
“Those who have been ordained share a bond in a unique fraternity,” said Mary Woodward, diocesan chancellor. “When a member of the priesthood dies, it is a brother dying to those in that bond. Father Martin Ruane was a brother to so many of his Irish and adopted state’s priests. He was also a mentor to young men considering the priesthood. His life was about priesthood and bringing people to Christ.
“Though there are a million stories from the golf course, his real story is the legacy he leaves – of hearts touched and healed, spirits lifted and revived, lives changed because Father Martin Ruane took the time to share the compassion and invitation of Jesus Christ with those whom he encountered along his own journey to the Father,” Woodward added.
Rhonda Bowden, who worked with Father Ruane at St. Jude, said he was always the one people turned to in times of need. “Once, when there was a standoff in our neighborhood, our first thought was to call Father Ruane. He came – the swat team was there and everything – and he helped talk a man into surrendering,” she said. She also noted that he was able to diffuse almost any situation with humor.
In all, Father Ruane had 52 years of dedicated service, and each assignment brought him great joy in his ministry. He had an uncanny ability to touch the lives of many people because of his enthusiasm, energy and great love of the Catholic faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Father Tommy and Paddy. He is survived by his brothers, John, Michael, and Larry (Maire); and his sister, Annie “Sister Anthony.”
In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Priests’ Retirement Fund of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi, c/o P.O. Box 2248, Jackson. MS 39225-2248.

JACKSON – Tickets are still available for the 10th annual Catholic Charities Bishop’s Ball to be held on Saturday, June 6, at the Country Club of Jackson. Catholic Charities will be honoring Mr. Archie R. McDonnell, Jr., Citizens National Bank of Meridian and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gaston of Madison who have worked relentless in helping Catholic Charities mission.

Auction organizers sort and package items for the Catholic Charities Bishop’s Ball, set for June 6 at the Country Club of Jackson. (Photo by Julie O’Brien)

The event will offer a live auction featuring a painting by Yvette Sturgis, a three-night stay in Sandestin, a football autographed by Eli Manning, and a chair by Greg Harkins. The silent auction will feature many pieces of art by Diego Larguia, Paul R. Smith and Walter Anderson just to name a few. Decorative items from John Richard Furniture, jewelry, gift cards, trips and so much more.
Don’t forget the fabulous raffle packages “All About You” for the ladies, “Made in Mississippi.” “Cheers” for the wine lover, “Outdoor Living” for those avid hunters and a 48” HDTV. The Bishop’s Ball is Catholic Charities premier fundraising event to support programs such as adoption, therapeutic crisis centers, foster care, and the domestic violence programs. Visit catholiccharitiesjackson.org to purchase tickets or contact Julie O’Brien at (601)326-3758 or julie.obrien@catholiccharitiesjackon.org.

By Lisa Zepponi
GREENVILLE – During the annual crowning of Mary at Our Lady of Lourdes School on Friday, May 15, the students, current and former faculty, parents and friends recognized and honored Sisters Mary Elizabeth DeBoer and Marie Elizabeth Alspaugh for their unwavering devotion and loyalty to the students, both past and present.
Both sisters will be returning to their religious orders in New York and

ay Robinson walks Sister Mary Elizabeth DeBoer to her seat.

Walker Zapponi walks Sister Marie Elizabeth Alspaugh to her seat for a ceremony to honor both sisters service to Our Lady of Lourdes School. (Photo by Lisa Zepponi)

Pennsylvania, respectively.
Seventeen years ago, Sister DeBoer arrived in Greenville to begin teaching language arts and math to fifth and sixth graders. During the past eight years Sister DeBoer has been the volunteer librarian at Our Lady of Lourdes, where she has shared her love of reading with children and adults alike.
Sister DeBoer entered the Dominican Sisters of Hope in Newburg, NY in 1949, and began her teaching career in 1952. She has taught in Catholic schools in New York, North Carolina, New Jersey and Mississippi and served as principal of two separate schools in Durham, NC and Glen Rock, NJ. She brought her love of education to many who have walked through the doors of Our Lady of Lourdes.
“Teaching children and developing their spiritual life is a life process, which I am most proud to have participated,” said Sister DeBoer.
As she begins her new chapter of life in Ossining, NY, she said, “My hope is to read children’s books to adults who can no longer read or are incapable of reading.”
After turning down several different principal positions, including one in West Virginia and three in the Jackson area, Sister Alspaugh chose to make Our Lady of Lourdes and Greenville her home for the next 25 years. She joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in Philadelphia in 1956, and began teaching in 1959 at St. Bern in Philadelphia. She has taught and served as principal in Catholic schools in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey and Mississippi. She has served as a classroom teacher for 16 years and as a principal for 33 years, 18 of which were for Our Lady of Lourdes.
“I chose Lourdes and Greenville because of the great support I received from Father Ferrell, formerly of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the parents and the strong group of teachers,” she said, adding that she wanted to involve the families in their children’s education. “I felt I could accomplish this goal here in Greenville where I stayed for 25 years because I love Greenville, the culture, the children and the families.”
Sister Alspaugh retired as principal of Lourdes in 2008 and began her new parish work including volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, which she continues today. In 2011 she was enticed to return as a teacher of an advanced math class for sixth grade students, which she continued for the past four years to fifth and sixth graders.
We pray for their safe return to their respective orders and for the Lord’s continued blessing upon them.   You will be missed and forever loved.
(Lisa Zepponi is the public relations director for Greenville St. Joseph Catholic School.)

By Maureen Smith
MERIDIAN – Community, school and parish leaders gathered Thursday, May 21, to celebrate Mass and cut the ribbon on a school expansion at St. Patrick School. The expansion, which includes three new classrooms and administrative offices, was six years in the making.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz spoke to the students about the coming of the Holy Spirit during the Mass before the blessing.

“The school had outgrown the facility,” said Jennifer David, principal. She explained that a committee started meeting to discuss options and raise the money needed for the plan. David started during the fifth year of the process and praises former principal Julie Bordelon, pastor Father Frank Cosgrove and the community for making the project possible.
The new addition is about more than just classrooms. “We needed to make advancements in technology and this helps. Each of the new classrooms is outfitted with an interactive smartboard. We can now start to get those for other classrooms as well,” David said.

First-graders Fredy R., Brooks G., Radiance S., Audrey R., Noelle S. and Emma W. try out one of the new collaboration tables while they tour the new rooms.

The new office space is just one of three phases of improvements. “It’s like a domino effect has started,” said David. A crew will start renovations in the library this summer. The cafeteria manager had an office in the back of the library and the televisions and other school audio/visual equipment were stored there. “Once I move into the new administrative office, the cafeteria manager can move into my old office space and the equipment can move into a new space so we can open up and improve the library,” she said. In addition to taking out some half-walls to rearrange and streamline the space, a crew will paint the library.
The school has plans to add a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lab as well as purchase additional Chromebook tablets. This summer the school will also start work on a new playground, funded, in part, by a grant from the Catholic Foundation. The last part of the plan calls for a new canopy over the driveway and some fencing upgrades.

Media technician and librarian Donna Polizzi demonstrates one of the new interactive smartboards in one classroom.

The school can also celebrate the fact that the money for the expansion was raised before the building was finished. “The people here are so supportive and generous to this school,” said David. She said Father Cosgrove has been a tremendous support to the community. “The school has been here for 150 years so there is a deep base of support, but more than that, I think people appreciate the value of Catholic education,” she said. “We are a diverse community – we have families from a variety of backgrounds and I think people appreciate that,” she added.

Students Lennon Z. and Lilly C. as well as Ann B. and Richleen S. get their first look at the new classrooms (Photos by Maureen Smith)

Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated a school Mass with Father Frank Cosgrove, pastor; Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez, associate pastor and newly-ordained deacon, Jason Johnston, who will spend the summer in Meridian. After the Mass everyone was invited to the front of the new building for a blessing ceremony. Meridian Mayor Percy Bland spoke at the blessing ceremony about his own Catholic education in Jackson and later at Xavier University in New Orleans. Representatives from LPK architects, CF Construction and project manager Ed Johnson were also on hand for the celebration. After the blessing, donors, students, teachers and community leaders toured of the school.

By Father Matthew Simmons
Catholic Extension Society has again offered to include the Diocese of Jackson in the Seminarian Endowment Challenge. In 2013, Catholic Extension matched $25,000 the diocese raised through contributions of individuals for a total of $50,000. This year, the organization will give the diocese up to $25,000 to match $75,000 to be raised in new donations.
The new donations factor is key. Donations by new donors of $1000 or more qualify for the matching funds. If someone gave a gift to the Seminarian Endowment Challenge in 2013 of $1,000 or more, that donor would need to give the same amount given in 2013 plus an additional $1,000. For example, if one gave $1,000, that individual would need to give $2,000 this year in order for the donation to count towards the matching goal.
Although we are very grateful to the various groups in the diocese such as the Knights of Columbus who annually make large donations towards the education of priests, in order to secure this grant from the Extension Society, these donations must come from individuals. The goal of this challenge is to get individuals involved in the support of seminarian education. Donors can spread their gift out throughout the year, but the total must be received before Dec. 31. The donations will be placed in the Catholic Extension Mission Diocese Fund to be used by the Diocese of Jackson for seminarian education.
During the most recent school year, our diocese paid $392,000 to the seminaries in Louisiana for the education of our 10 seminarians. All dioceses in the United States pay for the entirety of a seminarian’s education at the graduate level.
The Diocese of Jackson pays for half of a seminarian’s expenses at the undergraduate level. This is the standard practice for dioceses in this region. By doing so, the diocese makes the cost of undergraduate seminary education roughly equal to that of a state university. Seminary formation is considerably more expensive than a traditional college because the academic component is only one part of a seminarian’s formation. A man in seminary has regular meetings with his priest spiritual director and formation advisor. He has a yearly evaluation with the formation team of the seminary and the diocesan vocation director. He participates in supervised ministry as well as in workshops in pastoral ministry, Catholic spirituality, celibacy and personal health.
For the Seminarian Endowment Challenge, checks can be made out to the Diocese of Jackson; in the notation area of the check mention, “Seminarian Endowment Challenge.” Donations and enquiries can be sent to Father Matthew Simmons, P.O. Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225-2248. Father Simmons can also be contacted at matthew.simmons@jacksondiocese.org or (601)960-8484.
Donors will receive an acknowledgement thanking them for their contribution. We are grateful for all donations for the education of future priests.
(Father Matthew Simmons is the director of Vocations for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Pastoral Assignments:
Mr. Joel Schultz is appointed Lay Ecclesial Minister for Ripley St. Matthew Mission effective June 1.
Father John Bohn is appointed pastor of Jackson St. Richard Parish effective July 1.
Father Mike O’Brien is appointed pastor of Canton Sacred Heart Parish effective July 1.
Father Kevin Slattery is appointed Sacramental Minister of Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish effective July 1.
Abbot Tom DeWayne, OPraem, is appointed Sacramental Minister of McGee St. Stephen Parish effective July 1.

Sister Mary Gianini, OP, also known as Sister Mary Mystica, a native of Cleveland, Miss., celebrated 60 years as a Dominican Sister on April 28 with her family. She will have a second private celebration with her fellow Sisters of the Springfield Province in August. Sister Gianini professed her vows August 5, 1955, in the Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, Ill.
She holds a B.A. in education/English from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa.
Sister Gianini taught kindergarten, first and second grades in Catholic parish elementary schools in the Springfield, Peoria, San Diego dioceses and the Chicago Archdiocese. After retiring from teaching, Sister Mary Gianini assisted with retreat ministries at the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL Benincasa Ministries in Illinois.
Being from Mississippi, she is especially known for her “southern hospitality,” her generous spirit and her willingness to help wherever needed.
Currently, Sister Gianini takes very seriously her “prayer ministry” for the needs of individuals requesting prayers and the needs of all people. She lives at the Sacred Heart convent in Springfield.

When the Knights of Columbus gathered in Biloxi the last weekend in April, they did a little showing off – with a twist of humility. Each council submits a write up of their projects from the past year. Service projects, family events, faith formation programs – the variety of endeavors is surprising. A committee reviews the submissions and votes on which ones to recognize in a special way.
While the knights do get awards for the efforts, the real point is to inspire other councils and share ideas. What worked for one council may work for another.
Some examples of projects honored include Flowood St. Paul’s ‘a year for life.’ The knights in that council stepped up to find little and big things they could do to oppose abortion. They raised $2,500 to purchase ultrasound machines – a hefty donation – but they also supplied the snacks for the students who traveled to Washington DC for the March for Life, a less visible, but still needed support.
St. Paul knights also received kudos for a Pentecost parish picnic. Pastor Father Gerard Hurley wanted to celebrate Pentecost outside with Mass and a picnic. The knights did everything from clearing underbrush and securing a tent to helping prepare and serve food the day of the event.
Meridian’s council earned honors for two family-oriented projects. The first was a series of family nights throughout the year. Each night has a theme such as Italian night with lasagna. A band provided entertainment and families enjoyed the evening together. The knights in Meridian also teamed up with their youth groups to prepare care packages which they delivered, with Santa, to children in the hospital on Christmas Eve.
The Hernando De Soto council in Southaven undertook a months-long faith and spiritual formation program. “This is very important to the knights and we wanted to promote it. Some councils are strong on the social side or in doing service. We didn’t want to forget the spiritual side of membership,” explained Ted Lander, grand knight. The program had three main components, monthly morning prayer breakfasts, a Lenten weekend retreat and study groups who used Pope Francis’ Joy of the Gospel as their guide.
“The Joy of the Gospel is profound. It really gets you centered and asking ‘are we doing what the Lord wants us to do?” That question is essential for us as knights, for us as men and for us as Christians,” said Lander.
Lonnie Treadway, who headed up the project, said more than 500 copies of the text were ordered. “It took communication, persistence and leading by example,” said Treadway about how the group got so many men involved. The knights offered a variety of times and places for the study groups to meet to make it easier for men to get involved. The retreat was at Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas.
Both men mentioned that the year spent praying and studying has already led to new ideas for new projects including a blood drive and possible work with the Special Olympics.
In Greenville, the knights handle the parish fair and famous meatball sale. The fair celebrated 100 years last year and was bigger than ever. Jack Duthu said he was glad to lead the effort, even if he joked about being glad when all the work was finished. Knights prepared and served literally thousands of meatballs for the day.
All the money goes to the schools in Greenville, St. Joseph High and Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School. “This fair has more than 100 year history in this parish – which says something in itself,” said Paul Artman, principal at St. Joseph. “Anytime you have a group such as the knights who pour their heart and soul – and all that good cooking – into an event, it makes it all that much better,” he added. The parish fair raised $50,000 for each school, an amazing support for Catholic education in the Delta.
Other notable honorees include Jackson St. Richard Parish for the “Women and Spirit” event including a screening of the documentary of the same name and a luncheon honoring women religious in the diocese.
Oxford St. John’s knights submitted their fundraising projects which benefitted their building fund. Two councils, Southaven and Madison St. Francis of Assisi, were honored for social events which included the wives and widows of knights.
A full listing of the awards along with descriptions of the projects is posted on the convention section of the Knights of Columbus website, www.kofc-ms.org.