JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz ordained seven men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Jackson on July 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. In the following profiles, the new deacons share their vocation stories, the people and experiences that shaped their faith, and their hopes for serving the people of the diocese.

DEACON JEFF COOK
Assigned: St. Richard, Jackson
Spouse: Ann Cook
Hometown: Madison

Were you raised Catholic, or did you convert to the faith?
 I was raised Southern Baptist and converted to the Catholic faith as an adult in Austin, Texas.

Can you share a moment or journey that deepened your faith or drew you closer to the Church?
 A deacon in Austin, Deacon Pete Schwab, guided me through RCIA. That was the beginning of a deeper growth in my life with Christ.

Would you share your vocation story—how did you get called to the diaconate?
 Ann and I have been discerning this vocation for more than 10 years. When the 2022 cohort before ours was forming, we considered it, but the feedback from both my family and hers was essentially the same: “Maybe one day, but this does not seem like the best time for you.” As the deadlines for the 2026 cohort approached, I entered more intentionally into that “maybe” phase of discernment. One morning at Mass, nothing extraordinary happened, but I left with a deep sense of peace. In that moment, the feeling shifted from “maybe” to “probably.”

Where do you feel most called to serve as a deacon? (For example: charity, preaching, family ministry, etc.)
 I feel called first and foremost to be a visible witness of Christ the Servant through daily prayer and by being fully present as Christ the Servant in the liturgy. This is the “who” of the deacon. As for what I may be called to do, I believe I will be open to serving in many different ways, while also recognizing that I am not called to “do it all.” I hope to invite the laity to join in and lead within their own vocation, since we all share in the universal call to holiness.

How has your parish community supported you on this journey?
 With faithful prayer and authentic joy. It is truly humbling. I am regularly overwhelmed with gratitude for the parish community at Saint Richard.

What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey?
 The academic 12- to 15-page papers have definitely been a challenge. I am an engineer, not an English major or theologian. At the same time, this has been a wonderful stretch for me in formation. I have also been surprised and encouraged by the many wonderful, gifted, and faithful couples in our deacon cohort. That has been a great blessing for Ann and me.

What would you say to someone who might be feeling called to the diaconate?
 The formation process works. It prepares you and forms you. You do not have to be fully prepared or fully formed before entering discernment. If the Holy Spirit continues to stir your heart, talk to your priest and to a deacon about it. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had started sooner.

Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why?
Romans 13:14. It reminds me to trust that God will provide everything I need. Our trust in Jesus is not casual; it is total.

Who is your favorite saint and why?
 Blessed Solanus Casey. He is a powerful witness to sacred gratitude and confident hope.

Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why?
 The Divine Mercy image of Jesus. His mercy is abundant and overflowing. Jesus, I trust in You.

What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why?
 Good Friday. The prayers at the foot of the Holy Cross are powerful and effective.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
 I was an All-State Lions Band tuba player in high school.

Any children?
 Our son is Timothy, age 28, and our daughter is Catherine Grace, age 25.

WIVES QUESTIONS

Name: Ann Cook

What did you think when your husband first considered ordination?

Initially, I had significant reservations. I worried that the demands of this calling might exceed what we could realistically carry as a family. I questioned whether we could faithfully balance our commitments to family, careers, ministry, and community. While I believed Jeff would be a good deacon, my fears were strong.

Through time spent in quiet prayer, I sensed God speaking clearly to my heart: “I have never led you where you could not go. This is no different, Ann.” In that moment, a deep peace replaced my anxiety. It truly felt as though a burden had been lifted. Praise be to God.

How has this journey shaped your marriage and family life?

This journey has deepened my reliance on the Holy Spirit in a profound way. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours has introduced a steady rhythm of peace into our daily lives. Jeff and I have become more intentional about protecting time together, ensuring that our vocation to marriage remains primary.

Our gratitude—for our faith and for God’s providence—has grown tremendously. Another great blessing has been the fellowship within our cohort of deacon candidates and their wives. Their support was especially meaningful during the sudden loss of Jeff’s father and my mother nearly two years ago.

How has your parish supported your family during this time?

Our pastors, Fr. Joe and Fr. Andrew, have been instrumental—both in allowing Jeff to serve at Mass and in forming him through their example and teaching. The parishioners of St. Richard have supported us with their prayers and encouragement, which we genuinely feel. Their interest in Jeff’s formation has been a constant source of affirmation.

What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey?

The greatest challenge has been balancing the ordinary demands of life with the time commitments of formation.

The most unexpected gift has been how this journey led me to become a certified spiritual director. It is a beautiful reminder that the Holy Spirit often works in ways we do not anticipate.

Favorite Scripture and why?

Romans 5:5 — “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

This passage continually reminds me that authentic hope is grounded in God’s love, which sustains us in every season.

Who is your favorite saint and why?

It is difficult to choose just one, but St. Thérèse of Lisieux has had a profound influence on my spiritual life. She continually points me toward Heaven as our ultimate goal and teaches me to proclaim God’s goodness, even in suffering. Her words remain close to my heart: “The world is thy ship, not thy home.”

Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why?

I am especially drawn to the Annunciation, where Mary models a perfect openness to God’s will. I also have a deep devotion to the Pietà, which reflects the quiet strength, hope, and trust of Our Blessed Mother in the face of suffering.

What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why?

Holy Thursday, because it celebrates the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood—two of the greatest gifts entrusted to the Church.

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz ordained seven men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Jackson on July 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. In the following profiles, the new deacons share their vocation stories, the people and experiences that shaped their faith, and their hopes for serving the people of the diocese.

DEACON DONALD CLINTON COKER
Assigned: Holy Spirit, Hernando
Spouse: Dana Gale Coker
Hometown: Hernando

Were you raised Catholic, or did you convert to the faith? I was raised Southern Baptist.

Can you share a moment or journey that deepened your faith or drew you closer to the Church? I was as catechist for Confirmation in 2015, when Fr. Bob Tucker, SCJ gave a talk to the Confirmation class about the Road to Emmaus and the Eucharist. For the first time, I felt real clarity about the Mass and the Eucharist and that I could teach that to others.

Would you share your vocation story – how did you get called to the diaconate? I felt a call to ministry since I was 17 years old. I was called to acts of service when I became involved with the very active Knights of Columbus Council 7120. I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to deeper service and prayed for years about what that might be. The diaconate is where He was leading me.

Where do you feel most called to serve as a deacon? I feel most called to serve the family by working in Adult Faith Formation, especially the O.C.I.A. By forming adults, we give them the tools they need to evangelize the world, starting with their own families. As Catechesi Tradendae teaches, ongoing adult faith formation “is the principal form of catechesis, because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibilities and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form.”

How has your parish community supported you on this journey? The parishes of Northwest Mississippi have welcomed me into their churches as a minister of the Word and of the Altar. They have attended well several classes that I have taught and talks on our faith that I have given.

What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? The most challenging part has been the academic formation. The depth of wisdom that the Catholic Church offers is so vast, one could never learn it all. This formation plunged me deeper into this faith than I ever expected! I have come to better appreciate the deposit of faith that our Church offers. With this formation I expect to be able to minister to nearly everyone who may have questions about our faith and if I don’t have an answer, I have accumulated vast resources to research.

What would you say to someone who might be feeling called to the diaconate? Pray, consult your parish priest, seek out a spiritual director, volunteer for your parish charitable works, and form yourself in the faith by attending Mass and reading as scholarly of Catholic books as you can understand.

Optional:

Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? Ephesians 2: 8 “For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith. This has not come from you but from the gift of God.” Regardless of what we have done or how unworthy we may feel God offers us salvation because He wills it!

Who is your favorite saint and why? Saint Peter, because like me, he often doesn’t understand and doesn’t know what to do, but Jesus redeems him time and again and gives him a ministry to spread the Gospel.

Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? The Holy Family. It is the image of who we should be to the world.

What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? The Easter Vigil or any Baptism because it’s when we welcome new members into the Church, spreading the Kingdom of God.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I am a veteran of both the MS National Guard and the US Navy. I have lived in Japan and have climbed Mount Fuji.

Any children? My wife and I currently have two teenage daughters, Stelliana Grace and Angelina Faith.

Deacon’s wives questions:

Name (as you want it printed): Dana Gale Coker

What did you think when your husband first began to consider ordination? Honestly, I thought he did not have time to fit it into his schedule without being super stressed out, but he persevered and I am so glad.

How has this journey shaped your marriage and your family life? It has helped us place Christ at the center of our family and teach our children how our family is representative of the Holy Family

How has your parish supported your family during this time? Our priest often emphasizes that our family comes first before the deaconate which helps to continuously center us.

What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? Scheduling special events around his classes.

Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? Psalm 91 because it dispels fear.

Who is your favorite saint and why? Mary The Mother Of God because she brings me to her son and intercedes for me.

Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? The Divine Mercy Chaplet because it asks for Mercy for not only me but for the whole world.

What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? The Good Shepherd Sunday (4^th Sunday of Easter 2026) because our priest sang us the gospel.

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz ordained seven men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Jackson on July 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. In the following profiles, the new deacons share their vocation stories, the people and experiences that shaped their faith, and their hopes for serving the people of the diocese.

DEACON ENRIQUE AMADOR
Assigned: St. James, Corinth
Spouse: Carolina Fierro-Amador
Hometown: Veracruz, Mexico / Tupelo, Mississippi

Were you raised Catholic, or did you convert to the faith? I was raised Catholic.

Can you share a moment or journey that deepened your faith or drew you closer to the Church? Although I was raised Catholic, my religious life consisted of social events. When I met my high school sweetheart (my now wife), and wanted to ask her out for a date, she asked me to meet her in the 8am Mass at the Cathedral of our hometown. Since then, God used her to bring me closer to him and to grow in my Catholic faith.

Would you share your vocation story – how did you get called to the diaconate? Many years ago, while I was studying an evangelization course program with the SouthEast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), one of the professors was a Deacon. I liked the way he taught us. He was smiling all the time; He was joyous not only about being a professor, but about living his faith, and most specifically about being a deacon. This was my first contact with the ministry of the diaconate. Years later, while studying practical theology with Loyola University New Orleans, and serving in my parish at Tupelo, one priest asked me if I had considered to be a deacon; my answer was: I have not. However, the question remained in my mind, and I started praying about it, above all, before the Blessed Sacrament. Later, I was still serving in different ministries at my parish, and I asked another priest about how to become a permanent deacon. He explained to me about the diaconate ministry and recommended to ask God before the Blessed Sacrament, if He wanted me to become one. I prayed about it for some more months until I felt what I thought was God’s call to do it. I talked about it with my pastor; he agreed with me and supported me to start the process. Since I met the SEPI’s professor to the moment I submitted my application to be considered for the diaconate program, about ten years had passed.

Where do you feel most called to serve as a deacon? (For example: charity, preaching, family ministry, etc.). I feel most called to serve as a deacon in preaching, family ministry, couples, youth, confirmation class.

How has your parish community supported you on this journey? My community has been very supporting through prayers, loving encouraging expressions, some guidance and heartily acceptance. After I was instituted as a Lector and as Minister of Holy Communion, they let me serve in those ministries. Also, they outspokenly cheer me up with prayers and encouraging words.  

What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? The most challenging part during this journey has been the formation studies with their heavy workload of assignments, because sometimes we had two or even three courses at the same time. The most surprising thing during this journey has been the outstanding assistance of the Holy Spirit to finish my studies, the profound knowledge I have acquired, and most especially, the way God has been molding me to be his servant. I feel more at peace and sure about myself than before.

What would you say to someone who might be feeling called to the diaconate? I would tell him that the diaconate is a great journey with hard but worthy formation. Also, I would say to him that he will learn and understand more about his faith for sure, and that it is a great blessing to be a servant of God. I would suggest to him to keep praying and asking God before the Blessed Sacrament if this call is for him. Finally, I would assure him that he will not be alone on this journey. I will affirm to him that many people will show him love, support and guidance for him to become a deacon; that his parish community, the professors, the other deacons, the priests and our Bishop will be praying and accompanying him along the way because we all are one same community of family and friends.

Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? My favorite Scripture passage is Rom 8:28, because it reminds me that everything that happens to me will be for my own good, if I love God. This biblical passage gives me peace and trust in God.  

Who is your favorite saint and why? Saint Theresa of Lisieux, the Little Flower. She is the patron saint of Missions. Eight years after a vasectomy, my wife and I got three miscarriages. We prayed to the Little Flower to intercede for us in having a baby, now that we discovered the vasectomy had naturally reverted, and she did! We had two more babies. The first one of those has her name: Teresita de Jesus.

Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? One of my favorite devotions is praying the rosary. This prayer helps me to be at peace and to keep me accountable of my actions. Also, I know for a fact that it is a powerful prayer for difficult cases.

What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? My favorite liturgy of the year is the Easter Vigil celebration, because it is beautiful and deeply symbolic of our daily spiritual life with the candles in darkness, the blessing of the fire, and the welcoming to new Catholics to our Church.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? People might be surprised to discover that I am a very reserved person. I get nervous when I need to talk in front of many people, even if I have done it before. I used to, generally, force myself to do it.  

Any children? (if you want it printed).

Yarah, José Enrique, Teresita de Jesús and Juan Francisco, Amador-Fierro.

In heaven: Dulce Maria, Carolina Isabel, Guillermo, Rogelio.

Deacon’s wives questions:

Name (as you want it printed): Carolina Fierro-Amador

What did you think when your husband first began to consider ordination? I thought it was a privilege and felt happy and blessed.

How has this journey shaped your marriage and your family life? Wow, what can I say? This journey has been transformational for my husband and I right from the beginning. It has given us resilience, clarity, and courage to make changes that we had thought of making but never did before. It also prepared us to face extremely difficult family situations that shook us and could potentially break us. Most especially, it has made us humbler to recognize our dependence on God, our limitations, and our fragilities.  

How has your parish supported your family during this time? The parish has been very generous and open to giving my husband plenty of opportunities to strengthen his formation. The parish community, the people of the pews, have been amazingly encouraging and loving towards all of us.

What has been most challenging or surprising during this journey? The most surprising thing has been my direct witnessing of the hard and complex formation that the diaconate life implicates. At the same time, it has been one of the most challenging things as well, because of the time, money and effort invested in the process by both my husband and me.

Do you have a favorite Scripture passage and why? Deuteronomy 6:4-9 because it grounds me on the most important and basic things in life. It gives me direction, peace, and encouragement to continue being loyal to God regardless of the difficulties I face.

Who is your favorite saint and why? Saint Jean-Marie Vianney because he showed me with his life what to do fighting for the people around me, even if they do not want to get closer to God.

Do you have a favorite religious image or devotion and why? Praying the Prayer of the Hours is one of my favorite devotions because it is a powerful experience to know that the universal Church is praying together in the silence and intimacy of ordinary life. Most especially, it has had a mysterious unifying effect in my marriage since my husband and I pray it together. There are two prayers within the breviary that I hold close to my heart and constantly pray them: 1) “Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and sleep, rest in his peace.” 2) “Father, creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call to you. May our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our works give you honor, and our voices celebrate you forever.”

What is your favorite liturgy of the year and why? Easter Vigil Mass is my favorite liturgy of the year because the remembrance of God’s love for us through the readings fills me with joy and hope. The symbolism and beauty throughout the celebration leave me in awe, reverence, and gratitude for being part of such a perfect Church regardless.

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz ordained seven men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Jackson on July 18, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. In the following profiles, the new deacons share their vocation stories, the people and experiences that shaped their faith, and their hopes for serving the people of the diocese.

Click each photo to read about our new permanent deacons and their wives.

DEACON ENRIQUE AMADOR
Assigned: St. James, Corinth
Spouse: Carolina Fierro-Amador
Hometown: Veracruz, Mexico / Tupelo, Mississippi

DEACON DONALD CLINTON COKER
Assigned: Holy Spirit, Hernando
Spouse: Dana Gale Coker
Hometown: Hernando

DEACON JEFF COOK
Assigned: St. Richard, Jackson
Spouse: Ann Cook
Hometown: Madison

DEACON PABLO GARCIA
Assigned: St. Francis of Assisi, New Albany
Spouse: Isabel Garcia
Hometown: New Albany

DEACON CHRIS HALLIWELL
Assigned: Holy Savior, Clinton
Spouse: Sandy Halliwell
Hometown: Clinton

DEACON WILLIAM VAUTROT
Assigned: St. Gregory the Great, Senatobia
Spouse: Ellen Vautrot
Hometown: Sunset, Louisiana

DEACON HUNTER YENTZEN
Assigned: Holy Savior, Clinton
Spouse: Mary Katherine Yentzen
Hometown: Clinton

By Joanna Puddister King
CANTON – Father Guy Wilson, ST, has been nominated by the Diocese of Jackson for Catholic Extension Society’s 2026-2027 Lumen Christi Award, the organization’s highest honor.

Since 1978, the annual award has recognized individuals, groups and institutions whose service radiates and reveals the light of Christ in the communities they serve. This year, bishops from 46 dioceses across the United States submitted nominations highlighting spiritual care, compassionate service and self-sacrifice.

“The Lumen Christi Award is a real-time window into the incredible impact of people of faith in America,” said Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension Society. “Born out of their love for God, the dedication of these nominees to the good of the Church and the good of their neighbors should make us all proud to be Catholic.”

Father Wilson, 74, has served as a priest for 47 years in a variety of cultures and communities. He currently serves as pastor of two historically Black Catholic parishes in Camden and Canton – Sacred Heart and Holy Child Jesus – where his ministry brings together pastoral care, community development and outreach across racial, cultural and denominational lines.

Music remains a defining part of parish life at both churches, whose choirs carry forward a tradition shaped in part by Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, a Canton native whose cause for canonization is under consideration by the Vatican. Father Wilson is also collaborating with the Diocese of Jackson as it prepares for a future shrine honoring Sister Thea.

His ministry extends to Canton’s growing Latino population through bilingual programming and diocesan gatherings, including youth activities and three-day retreats for Spanish-speaking men and women.

Father Wilson has also developed ecumenical partnerships in a region where Catholics make up a small percentage of the population. His “Pray and Play” initiative brings together Catholic, Baptist and evangelical communities through a faith-based youth basketball program. Participants commit to attending Sunday worship, and tournaments begin and end with prayer.

Through the Sacred Heart Family Center in Camden, Father Wilson oversees food distribution programs, daily meals for seniors and adults with special needs, and summer nutrition assistance for children.

Other community efforts on parish property include a health clinic serving an aging population with limited access to care and the Theresa Day Care Center, the only childcare facility within 30 miles. Father Wilson is also working to address the area’s shortage of affordable housing, with a long-range vision of building 40 homes on church-owned land.

The nomination describes a ministry encompassing the liturgical, cultural, social and developmental needs of the community – work that strengthens faith while building relationships among historically divided communities.

“Please keep Father Guy in your prayers throughout this process,” said Rebecca Harris, director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Jackson. “We are grateful for his faithful ministry and the many ways he serves the people of our diocese. We pray that God will continue to bless his work and guide him in the days ahead.”

Catholic Extension Society expects to announce the award finalists later this summer and select the national honoree in the fall. Each finalist will receive $15,000 to support and expand their ministry. The national recipient will receive $50,000, with an additional $50,000 awarded to the nominating diocese.

By Michael O’Loughlin
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – Twenty-three School Sisters of St. Francis of the United States Province celebrated milestone anniversaries of service as women religious on June 20, 2026 with a Jubilee Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Chapel at the sisters’ motherhouse in Milwaukee.

In addition, nine lay women and men in Associate Relationship with the community celebrated their 25, 40, and 50-year Jubilees of partnership with the community.

One sister, who is celebrating seven decades of consecrated life, has significant service in the Diocese of Jackson.

Sister Kathleen Kunze (70 years) was born in Milwaukee. In the Diocese of Jackson, she was a teacher at St. Francis School in Yazoo City (1962-1970), Holy Family School in Jackson (1977-1978), and Christ the King School in Jackson (1970-1973), where she also served as principal (1974-1977). She served as a religious education consultant from 1973-1974 at St. Francis Parish, Yazoo City; Holy Savior Parish, Raymond; and Immaculate Conception Parish, Clinton.

Cards and donations in honor of sister’s years of service may be mailed to her attention, c/o Jubilee Committee, School Sisters of St. Francis, 1545 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GRAND COTEAU, La. – St. Charles College, The Chosen retreat experience, Dec. 10-13. Calling all women to relax, restore and reconnect, using the hit series – The Chosen. Details: www.gcretrets.org or text Betsy at (985) 517-1019.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Catholic Roots of the Mass – Five-part journey through the Roman Missal, September 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 5:30 p.m. Discover the biblical, historical, and spiritual meaning of every part of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Be sure to bring your Bible. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

MADISON – Millions of Monicas will be praying at St. Catherine’s Village chapel (200 Dominican Drive), the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. When you arrive at the gate, let the team know you are joining the Millions of Monicas ministry. Please, mark your calendars for the following meeting dates: Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 2026. Details: call (601) 613-8526.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Millions of Monicas, Thursdays from 6:15-7:15 pm. Join with other mothers as we pray to grow in holiness and for our children’s faithful return to the Church. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Parish Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 22 – beginning at 5:30 p.m. Come join in the fun! Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul Early Learning Center, 13th Annual Golf Tournament, Friday, Sept. 18. Registration 11 a.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m.; Shotgun start 1 p.m. Details: Register at https://bit.ly/3UeECf9.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Cocktails and Catholicism, Friday, Sept. 11 at the Family Life Center. Doors open 6 p.m.; Talk at 7 p.m. Guest speaker: Deacon Ted Schreck. Event for ages 21+ / BYOB. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

Holy Spirit, Discovering Christ, Thursdays, Oct. 8 through Dec. 3 in the Family Life Center. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Come explore the meaning of life! Details: Call (662) 342-1073 or email nwms.evangelization@gmail.com.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Parish Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 5-8 p.m. Spaghetti dinner, silent auction, carnival games and more. Event at St. Joseph School. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis of Assisi, 75th Anniversary Mass and Celebration, Sunday, Oct. 4. Details: church office (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, ABIDE High School Youth Group Kickoff Event, Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7-9 p.m. in Bolton. Bring a chair and join us for food, games and fellowship. Group for 9th-12th graders. Details: Jodi at (601) 383-4720.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Men’s Club Golf Tournament, Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. at the Wedgewood Golf Club. Cost: $125/player. Details: call Tim at (901) 515-8598.

PEARL – St. Jude, Wise and Wonderful Luncheon, Friday, Sept. 4 after 10 a.m. Healing Mass. Guest speaker: Mary Woodward, chancellor of the Diocese of Jackson. She will share a presentation on the rich history of the Catholic Church in Mississippi. Details: RSVP on sign up sheet at church or call church office at (601) 939-3181.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Fall Fest, Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us for a day of food, fun, games and fellowship. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

Christ the King, Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Hung Pham, SCJ, Sunday, Aug. 30 at 4 p.m. Dinner following Mass. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

DIOCESE EVENTS
BISHOP’S CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT: Sept. 10 at the Lake Caroline Golf Club in Madison. Lunch at 12 p.m. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Join the Catholic Foundation for this annual day of golf, fellowship and more. Details: https://bit.ly/BishopsCup26.

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER 2026: Oct. 2-4 at Camp Garaywa in Clinton. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

SPANISH ENGAGED ENCOUNTER: Sept. 12-13 at Camp Garaywa in Clinton. Registration forms at https://bit.ly/cdjfamilyministry.

FALL FAITH FORMATION DAY: Saturday, Sept. 19 at St. Francis of Assisi in Madison from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $10. Come for a day of learning, prayer and community for catechists, faith formation leaders, and all those involved in forming disciples of all ages. Registration is now open. Visit https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/267413.

HOPE YOUTH FEST 2026 – Our Lady of Hope, Osyka (Chatawa) Oct. 10 for 9th and 12th graders. Registration is open. Contact your parish youth leader to sign up.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT – Registration is now open for the annual Middle School Fall Retreat. This year’s theme is “Others First” at Lake Forest Ranch, Oct. 17-18 for 7th and 8th graders. The retreat will be presented by Cooper Ray – Catholic speaker and worship leader. Cost: $75 per person with a registration deadline of Sept. 11. Contact your parish youth leader to sign up.

SEARCH RETREAT 2027 – Camp Wesley Pines, Gallman Jan. 15-17, for 10th and 12th graders. Registration opens Fall 2026. Contact your parish youth leader to sign up.