By Berta Mexidor MORTON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz officially installed Father Adolfo Suarez-Pasillas as pastor of St. Michael Forest, its mission, St. Anne Newton, St. Michael Paulding and administrator of Centro Católico in Morton on Friday, June 3 with a tri-lingual celebration. Between COVID outbreaks, illnesses and scheduling issues, the installation was delayed almost a year, but the celebration was no less joyous.
The missions in Forest, Newton, Paulding and Morton serve many immigrants, not only of Hispanic descent but also Vietnamese among other nationalities, with a history that dates back to 1996 when the Catholic Center opened in Morton with a spiritual retreat led by Father Jorge Julio Mejia of Bogota, Colombia, who was visiting Mississippi and has continuously offered Sunday Mass and social services to the growing Hispanic community residing in and around Morton.
Father Adolfo was ordained on May 11, 2019, and had his first Mass of Thanksgiving, on June 7 of the same year, in the parish of Jesus of Nazareth, in his hometown Jesús Maria, of Aguascalientes in Mexico. Since childhood, around the age of six, Father Adolfo remembers wanting to be a priest and look at the images of his grandmother’s Bible, when he could not read. His grandmother and aunts taught him the world of faith and prayer.
“The first time I remember, the priesthood came to mind was when I was about six years old. It was Sunday, I was walking with my cousin and I remember telling her I wanted to be a priest. She asked me why, then I told her, because all priests go to heaven,” Father Adolfo recalled in an interview with Mississippi Catholic.
With his longing to serve and desire to follow God, Father Adolfo draws on the example of the many saints who inspire him, St. Augustine, St. John Bosco, St. Francis de Sales, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. John Mary Vianney, St. Francis of Assisi and St. John Paul II, along with his devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe to serve the People of God.
MORTON – Father Adolfo Suarez was installed as pastor of St. Michael Forest on Friday, June 3. The tri-lingual celebration was delayed but was full of joy. (Photos by Carol Evans)
Por Berta Mexidor JACKSON – El hermano Ted Dausch, CFC llego a estas tierras en 1999 y ha devenido como el ‘gringo’ que enseño inglés a los Hispanos, español a los ‘anglos’ y quien se ha convertido, no solo por su promesa religiosa, más por su amor y grata sonrisa, en un verdadero hermano para la comunidad Hispana de Mississippi.
JACKSON – Desde su llegada a Mississippi, el Hermano Ted abrazó la tarea de enseñar inglés a la comunidad Hispana. En la foto de archivo (izq) el hermano Ted en unas de sus clases en 1999. (Foto cortesia del archivo de la Diócesis)
Cuando lo llaman “Hermano” lo hacen con respeto, admiración y el sentimiento de estar hablando con alguien que los entiende, quiere y guía con Dios.
El hermano Ted deja Mississippi después de 23 años de servicio a los Hispanos y en el próximo julio año celebrará sus 54 años de ordenación con nuevos parroquianos.
El Hermano Ted pertenece a la orden de los Hermanos Cristianos con el carisma de la educación de jóvenes, en 1998 le pidieron venir a Mississippi para establecer una comunidad en la Diócesis de Jackson y hoy la orden ha decidido llevar su experiencia a otro estado y continuar con su misión de maestro.
El próximo diciembre 16 se cumplirán 43 años de la primera Misa en español a nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y los cimientos para el Ministerio Hispano en Mississippi. De todos estos años el Hermano Ted se lleva el honor de servir ininterrumpidamente a los Hispanos desde el 2000, de ellos fue acompañado por 16 años por la orden de Hermanas Guadalupanas del Espíritu Santo, quienes lo apoyaron en tantos viajes y eventos durante su peregrinar y servicio.
JACKSON – (Izq – arriba) Con un sabroso pastel, elaborado por Lupita, el MFCC despidió al Hno. Ted, quien ha acompañado a muchos de estos matrimonios en su crecimiento espiritual. (Arriba) El Hno. Ted se dirige a los participantes de una manifestación por los inmigrates, frente al capitolio del estado de Misssissippi, en 2009. (izq) Brother Ted Daush, antes y ahora. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor y Archivos de Mississippi Catholic)
La Hermana Maria Elena Mendez, MGSpS siempre recuerda los inicios de la alianza con el hermano Ted “al principio de mi llegada, fue escucharlo decir que un día fue a Forest, a un retiro que las hermanas organizaron con la gente y le gustó mucho. Al verlas trabajar se dijo ‘esto es lo que estamos necesitando nosotros en la diócesis para potenciar líderes hispanos’.
El Hermano Ted, siendo un religioso anglo, sin hablar español y sin experiencia apostólica dice que un día le habló a Dios en estos términos, “Dios mío, ayúdame a saber qué es lo que estoy haciendo y, si no, mándame alguna ayuda” y “fue así como Dios me respondió, mandándome un par de Misioneras Guadalupanas del Espíritu Santo, para coordinar el MH en la diócesis.”
El establecimiento del Ministerio Hispano en la Diócesis de Jackson sirvió para el entrenamiento de miles de líderes Hispanos y el aumento de servicios religiosos, sociales y culturales a la comunidad hispana en los condados de la diócesis.
El “Brother Ted”, jubilado desde el 2020, ha seguido en el servicio y continuó sirviendo como asesor espiritual del MFCC, movimiento que ayudo a fundar como parte de su trabajo del Ministerio Hispano. Miembros de este lo despidieron con alegría, como saben hacerlo, para que el Hermano se lleve el calor del amor que sembró aquí. Lupita, miembro del MFCC dice que “sin el trabajo del Hermano Ted y las Hermanas Guadalupanas, hoy no tendríamos el MFCC y a muchos lideres que fueron formados por ellos.” El martes 8, miembros de la directiva del MFCC dieron una cálida despedida con grandes muestras de afecto y un pastel con palabras de agradecimiento que recogieron el sentir de todos, presentes y ausentes.
A su vez el Hermano Ted, siente en su humildad que “La comunidad hispana con su profunda espiritualidad no solamente me ha cambiado, me siento bendecido por haberlos conocido.” Para muchos de los que lo conocen siempre recordaran su gran sonrisa y buen humor.
RICHLAND – Como ya es costumbre el Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Católico (MFCC) de la Federación de Jackson al final de cada período reúne a sus miembros para cerrar el año fiscal. Este viernes 3 de junio a las 5.30 p.m. el MFCC clausuró con éxito su ciclo 2021-2022 en el auditorio “Richland Community Center” La reunión de clausura fue dirigida por los presidentes, Irma y Ernesto Sánchez, quienes dieron la bienvenida a las parejas asistentes. Luego introdujeron al Padre Alexis Zuñiga, ST quien abrió la misma con la oración al Espíritu Santo entonada por todos los asistentes, la palabra de Dios y una reflexión.
A la misma asistieron los directivos del MFCC y una veintena de parejas y el hermano Theodore (Ted) Dausch, CFC., asesor espiritual del MFCC desde que el mismo se creó. Se presentaron los reportes financieros y de los presidentes mostrando el éxito en todas las actividades planeadas y el incremento de los fondos financieros para cubrir los gastos futuros para el ciclo 2022-2023 fueron presentados por los tesoreros Cinthia y Gustavo García y los presidentes del MFCC, respectivamente.
El Padre Alexis en su reflexión les felicitó por sus logros y los animó a crecer en la fe, llegar a mejores obras y a guiar con el ejemplo a las nuevas parejas y familias que lleguen” … Recuerden que como ustedes son, otros serán, hagan que el próximo año sea mejor que esté, porque ahora son ustedes son distintos que hace un año.”
El equipo coordinador de este ciclo tuvo 15 reuniones quincenales con sus asesoramientos. El equipo coordino dos ventas y una rifa para adquirir fondos extras. El movimiento tuvo un retiro de crecimiento con Jesús y Elva y tres retiros s con el Padre Alexis, se celebró el Reencuentro conyugal y una Misa de la Sagrada Familia. Como cada año, la directiva tuvo una reunión con el obispo Joseph Kopacz para presentar el calendario de actividades del ciclo 2021-2022 que termina con esta asamblea de clausura.
RICHLAND – Matrimonios de las diferentes etapas del MFCC Federación de Jackson, MS, escuchan la reflexion del Padre Alexis Zuniga, ST en la asamblea de clausura del ciclo 2021-2022 el 3 de junio en el Richland Community Center. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor)
From the Archives By Mary Woodward JACKSON – As we begin our journey into the lovely days of summer filled with that heat and humidity we treasure so much, I thought I would share some more experiences of Bishop John Gunn’s adventures. These few entries detail his battles with travelling in July on the Gulf Coast, which was once part of our diocese until the Diocese of Biloxi was established in 1977.
The 17 counties that make up the Diocese of Biloxi would have been Deanery VII of this Diocese in Bishop Gunn’s time. It stretches up to Laurel and over to Tylertown. Bishop Gunn enjoyed being on the Gulf and spent a lot of time in Pass Christian. He attributed it to the easier access to rail and road travel from the Coast than Natchez had.
DeLISLE – The interior of Our Lady of Good Hope parish is pictured in Christmas of 1920. Bishop John Gunn takes readers on summer adventure at the parish when he visited in July of 1912. Established in 1872, the church was first destroyed by fire in 1905 and rebuilt by Father René Sorin and ultimately destroyed beyond repair by Hurricane Camille in August 1969. (Photos courtesy of archives)
The week of July 23, 1912, Bishop Gunn, who was only a few months into his tenure as bishop, spent a couple of days visiting DeLisle and its missions. Once again, the entries reflect Bishop Gunn’s dry wit and matter-of-fact demeanor. As a disclaimer, the reader needs to remember this is 110 years ago and conditions would have been different in the state of communities and parishes.
“July 23 – DeLisle and Missions: Big reception at the church – dinner in St. Joseph’s Hall. DeLisle has a long history and is connected with big men. The present Bishop of Oklahoma [Théophile Meerschaert] commenced his missionary career at DeLisle. Father [Alphonse] Ketels, now in Biloxi, followed him and Father [René] Sorin has spent nearly 20 years in the most abject poverty and isolation that it is possible to imagine a priest can have.”
“July 24 – Gave Confirmation after Mass in DeLisle. Gave a lecture at Cuevas at eight o’clock on Wednesday night and got the scare of my life in the house to which I was assigned to sleep after the lecture. It was a little bungalow, and I got the best room in the house and I think I got the concentrated heat of the entire coast.”
“I was wet and tired, and I fell asleep as soon as I could. … In the middle of the night I thought my last hour had come as something got into the bed with me and fought me like a tiger. I had nothing but a sheet covering me and in my surprise, to get the bed all to myself I rolled the sheet round the visitor and we had an unequal tussle.”
“It seems a big Scotch Collie had been accustomed to sleep in the bed and had not been notified of the change of occupants. I rolled the sheet ‘round the collie who objected to the familiarity and frightened me thoroughly before I let him loose.”
“July 25 – I gave Confirmation in Cuevas or Pineville. After the Mass and Confirmation and a sermon, I felt as if I had been pulled out of the ocean and it was then I was told that I had to see all the people.”
“I was wet – the church itself was the reception room. The Protestant idea of using the church for everything obtains unfortunately in Mississippi when actual service is not going on. For a little while, I endured the handshaking and the heat, but I begged the priest to get me somewhere where I could get rid of my wet clothes and effect a change at least in parts.”
DeLISLE – Our Lady of Good Hope parish was served by Father René Sorin, from 1896 until his death on Feb. 6, 1955.
“There was no available spot in the church nor in the sacristy, nor behind the altar – nor anywhere and I found my wet clothes now growing cold. Finally, the priest asked me if I would use a kind of closet that was in the sacristy. The closet was about three feet square and contained a barrel in which all the things the ladies of the Altar Society did not want the Bishop to see – old flowers, old candles, broken vases, etc., but I was glad to get even there to get out of my wet clothes.”
“I was progressing rapidly and quickly, when I looked at a slit in the closet and there to my horror, I saw a snake looking right into my eyes. About four or five inches of him stuck to the wall and the rest of him hissed at me.”
“I did not take long to beat a retreat and I never thought I could be such a coward. Irishmen and snakes don’t agree.”
So, I sit here in my air-conditioned office, thinking of those mid-summer days growing up without this luxury and how we managed to endure it. Then I imagine the most likely wool-suited Bishop Gunn perspiring in buckets in his missions throughout the diocese – fending off creatures in the night and slithering snakes in closets – to be shepherd to his sheep. God bless him.
As we make the slide into the heat and humidity of Mississippi’s summer through the traditional doorway of Memorial Day weekend, let us remember to offer prayers and thanks for all who have served our country and paid the ultimate price on the battlefields of the world. Bishop Gunn, who loved three things – his Catholic faith, his Irish heritage, and his American citizenship – would expect that of us. Amen.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson)
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Family, friends and supporters gathered on Saturday, May 14 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson for the priestly ordination of Andrew Bowden, who set his sights on the priesthood from the time he was a kindergartener.
Father Bowden was the first seminarian welcomed into the program by Bishop Joseph Kopacz in 2014, after Bowden graduated from high school.
Bishop Kopacz said that eight years ago “seems like a lifetime age,” something that vocation director Father Nick Adam concurred with.
In 2014, Father Nick was still in seminary formation when Bowden was accepted to the program. “It’s great to see the growth … from 18-years-old to now 26, but also the growth in his identity as a future priest of the church,” said Father Nick.
JACKSON – Attendees witness the Priestly Ordination of Father Andrew Bowden on Saturday, May 14 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Bowden is pictured as he lays prostrate on the floor for the Litany of Supplication. This symbolizes his unworthiness for the office he is about to assume and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community. The Litany of Saints is sung, which is a great reminder that we are all connected with the body of saints in heaven. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
At the joyful celebration, Bishop Kopacz was joined by many other priests in the diocese, seminarians and Father James Wehner, STD, rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.
Bishop Kopacz gave special acknowledgement to Father Wehner, who is leaving his position as rector after a 10 year “tour of duty,” returning to his home diocese of Pittsburg.
Wehner was a huge part in the lives of our recent generation of priests in the diocese. Bishop Kopacz acknowledged, while running through the lists of “characters” that have entered the priesthood under Father Wehner’s tenure.“Twelve seems to be the number … we have truly been blessed in our diocese,” said Bishop Kopacz.
The Solemn Mass of Ordination featured the election of the candidate with Father Nick Adam proclaiming Bowden’s worthiness; the promise of the elect, where Bowden agreed to live his priesthood in the imitation of Christ; the litany of supplication, where Bowden laid prostrate on the floor while those at the church prayed for the saints protection; the laying on of hands by brother priests; the prayer of ordination over Bowden by Bishop Kopacz; vestition by Father Matthew Simmons; the anointing of hands with sacred oil; presentation of the chalice and paten as symbols of the priestly office; and the fraternal kiss, where the Bishop and all brother priests present exchange a sign of peace.
In his homily, Bishop Kopacz spoke on the tradition of the priesthood over 2000 years.
“We go from Jerusalem to Jackson. Same work; same faith; same Holy Word of God; and this great gift of the Lord’s presence in our midst.”
At the end of the liturgy, Bishop Kopacz thanked everyone who helped prepare for the ordination and all in attendance for the celebration, mentioning the upcoming ordination of Carlisle Beggerly to the transitional diaconate on June 4 at his home parish of Immaculate Conception in West Point.
After Mass, many in attendance traveled a few blocks from the Cathedral to the Two Mississippi Museums for a reception honoring Father Bowden and to receive first priestly blessings.
The day after Father Bowden’s ordination, he celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish of St. Jude Pearl, with his family, friends and fellow parishioners, who supported him during his journey to the priesthood.
For the Mass, Father Bowden invited Father Nick, as his vocation director to give the homily. Speaking directly to Father Bowden, Father Nick told him that he had been waiting for this day a long time. “But, probably not as long as you,” joked Father Nick.
“As your vocation director, it has been a joy to see you being formed into a man who is going to be a fantastic priest.”
Most striking about Father Bowden’s ordination was the number of young people who came to show their support, noted Father Nick.
“That is a testament to the spiritual fatherhood that you have already taken on,” said Father Nick to Bowden during his homily.
At the end of the Mass, the newly ordained Father Bowden did his best to recall all to thank for their support of him and his journey to the priesthood.
“St. Jude is a place where I first started to learn to love the church, so it’s very special for me to come back and … celebrate this Mass,” said Father Bowden.
“I could not have gotten here with out all of you and your prayers and support for me.”
Father Bowden was appointed parochial vicar of St. Richard Jackson by Bishop Kopacz. He will begin his ministry at the parish on June 1.
By Joe Lee MADISON – Growing up an hour from Chicago, Illinois, long, cold winters were a way of life for Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth as well as an opportunity to enjoy sports that most Mississippians may never experience.
“We went ice skating, sledding and snowmobiling,” said Sister Dorothea, a registered dietician and a 2017 recipient of the Catholic Health Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her ministry at St. Dominic Health Services. “Later, I snow skied in Utah and Colorado when meetings would take me to that part of the country. I’ve gone dog sledding out there.”
MADISON – Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth and Bishop Joseph Kopacz share a laugh at the opening of the Clarence and Sue Smith Rehab Center and Tuscany Skilled Nursing Center at St. Catherines Village in July 2019. (Photo by Joanna King)
The broken neck Sister Dorothea suffered on Palm Sunday in 2015 brought an end to the sledding and snowmobiling the beloved Dominican Sister still enjoyed by then, but in no way did it put a stop to her desire to remain active.
“My broken neck wasn’t from skiing or dog sledding,” she said. “I was at the chapel at St. Catherine’s Village. I got out of a chair, lost my balance, fell back and hit my neck on the back of a padded chair. I had no pain when I stood, but as I drove back to the convent, I felt a lump in my throat and decided to go to the E.R. and have it checked out.”
Sister Dorothea, as she would learn, had torn a ligament in her neck. She had surgery that night and left the hospital the next morning wearing a neck brace.
“I didn’t need rehab, and I thank God and the doctor for the surgery,” she said. “It was a miracle. I had an assistant whose mother is a paraplegic after being injured in a tornado. Another assistant, when I was a dietician, was broadsided in a car accident and died from a broken neck. I said, ‘The Lord has something for me to do.’”
There would be no more snowmobiling, no more daydreams of skydiving. But Sister Dorothea remains active to this day, walking often and gardening the lovely expanse behind the convent every chance she gets. She’s quick to offer gentle encouragement to those who find it difficult to cope with the aging process.
“I was not depressed. It was the reality of it,” she said of the Palm Sunday fall. “I knew God had intervened. God has plans. There’s a reason for everything. We’re not as young as we used to be, and when I’m asked by people, ‘You’re really still working?’, I say, ‘I’d rather wear out than rust out.’
“My mantra is to have everything in your life in balance, everything in moderation. Good exercise, good nutrition, good rest and prayer.”
By Franciscan Friars of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province GREENWOOD – The doors to St. Francis of Assisi School closed permanently when the academic year concluded on Friday, May 20, bringing an end to an institution that has been part of the Greenwood community for nearly three-quarters of a century. The announcement was made on May 13 by the Franklin, Wisconsin-based Franciscan Friars of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province. The Franciscan friars will continue serving St. Francis Parish in Greenwood, an association that began some 70 years ago when Assumption Province was invited by the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson to begin pastoral ministry among the African American community. The school was opened in 1951.
Assumption Province officials cited a combination of factors that led to the decision, including years of: • Steadily declining student enrollment – which plummeted to its current level of 50 total students and was projected to drop even further in the 2022/23 academic year, with only 41 students registered to date. Three of the six grade levels have single-digit student populations – the 1st grade the lowest with two students. The 3rd grade class has the most with 13 students.
• Increasing operating budget deficits – whose gap has widened from a $35,000 shortfall in 2016/17, to the current school year deficit that’s approaching $100,000. The 2022/23 deficit was projected to be $173,950.
• Diminishing funding and financial resources – which has steadily tumbled, from $168,000 in combined donations in 2017/18 to cover tuition assistance, building operations, and educational-related costs, to $30,000 in 2021/22. Despite the support of generous donors to St. Francis of Assisi Mission, the school’s fundraising arm, donations have decreased dramatically due to death and other life-changing events among donors, predominantly an elder population.
• Deteriorating building infrastructure – which a recent independent site survey recommended addressing before the new school session with capital project upgrades, renovations and replacement to outdated electrical, plumbing, windows, parking lot, and other major systems at an estimated cost of nearly a half-million dollars.
A drop in student enrollment in 2017 – when the projection of 105 students plunged to a “crisis level” of 89, the first time in more than 50 years that its enrollment fell below 100 – prompted Assumption Province to begin a series of emergency meetings with faculty, parents, the school’s advisory board, parish leadership – including the pastoral council and finance council – diocesan officials and the Franciscan Sisters. During these meetings, which continued into 2018, the Province presented the alarming trends of declining enrollment, increasing budget deficits and other mounting financial issues – and engaged with all stakeholders in brainstorming about the school’s future. Enrollment has plummeted 60% since 2015/16, when the school had 123 students, compared to 50 today.
“We had been grappling with this decision for several years, during which we had to plan each new academic year without knowing if we would have the financial resources to actually open the school at the start of each fall semester,” said Father James Gannon, OFM, Provincial Minister of Assumption Province. “We friars are saddened and disappointed to close down an institution that has been vital to the education and faith development of thousands of students in our Greenwood community. But steadily declining enrollment and diminishing resources – coupled with growing budget deficits and deteriorating conditions of an aging physical plant – have made it abundantly clear that the long-term operational viability of St. Francis of Assisi School is no longer a sustainable reality. Our assessment to close the school was a painfully difficult, yet necessary decision.”
He added, “The support of our parent community, and the dedication and perseverance of the administration, faculty, staff, Franciscan Sisters, and friars have been nothing short of amazing during these very challenging years. Our students must also be commended for their numerous achievements during this time. It’s human nature to lay blame, but no one is at fault. This decision is the result of conditions beyond everyone’s control.”
While the school received what is considered extraordinary funding that temporarily kept the doors open – for example, monies from the pandemic-related federal Paycheck Protection Program, which mitigated a fraction of the operating deficit for a short period – Province officials likened this one-time funding assistance, although a blessing, to covering a gaping wound with a band aid. Projected budget deficits had also been mitigated through the years by funding from the Mission, the parish and Assumption Province.
“We are grateful for the prayers and support of our school and parish families, and to those who have provided financial support through the years,” said Father Joachim Studwell, OFM, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
By Michael O’Loughlin MILWAUKEE, Wis. – More than three dozen School Sisters of St. Francis of the United States Province will celebrate milestone anniversaries of service as women religious in 2022. A Mass to honor the Jubilarians will be held Saturday, June 11, at Alverno College in Milwaukee.
Among those being honored is Sister Noel Le Claire, whose 75 years of consecrated life include ministry in the Diocese of Jackson.
Sister Noel LeClaire
Sister Noel was born in Escanaba, Michigan. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Alverno College; her licentiate of theology degree from Regina Mundi College in Rome; her master’s in theology from Marquette University; and her master’s in religious education from Regis College.
In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Noel served as a social service worker at Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Holly Springs (1992-1994) and at a Holly Springs social services agency (1994-2005).
In the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, she served in religious education and social work at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Williamsburg (1970-1983). Sister worked in the Appalachian Ministry at Queen of All Saints School in Beattyville (1970-1983). In Booneville, Sister was a regional peace and justice worker (1986-1989); a diocesan peace and justice coordinator (1989-1991); and Workers of Rural Kentucky liaison (1991-1992).
In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Noel served as a teacher at Our Lady of Charity School in Cicero (1951-1957).
In the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Sister served as a teacher at Alverno Elementary School (1960-1961); St. Rita School in West Allis (1963-1965); Alverno College (1965-1968); and St. Therese Little Flower School in Milwaukee (1968-1970). She served as an assistant mistress at St. Joseph Convent High School in Milwaukee (1961-1963). Sister volunteered in Milwaukee at Penfield Children’s Center (2006-2008); St. Ben’s Prison Ministry (2008-2010); Clare House (2010-2012); Clare Terrace Homes (2012-2014); and in outreach (2014-2017). Sister serves in the ministry of prayer and presence at Our Lady of the Angels in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
Cards and donations in honor of Sister Noel’s years of service may be mailed to Sister’s attention, c/o Jubilee Committee, School Sisters of St. Francis, 1545 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215.
VICKSBURG – St. Aloysius 2022 graduates have some fun! (Photo by Lindsey Bradley) Please, share your graduation pictures with us! Mississippi Catholic will publish our annual Graduation edition soon. Please send photos in actual size and include the following: full names of those pictured by row (left to right, top to bottom) and name of photographer. Candid photos also welcome. Please email photos and information to editor@jacksondiocese.org.
