JACKSON – On May 14, 2026, the Franciscans of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Most Rev. Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, placed Rev. Hilary Brzezinski, OFM, pastor of St. Francis Parish, Greenwood, and its mission parishes, on administrative leave pending the outcome of civil, criminal, and church investigations involving allegations of misconduct.
After a preliminary investigation, the Franciscans and the Diocese concluded claims of misconduct against Rev. Brzezinski warranted further investigation. The Franciscan and Diocesan protocols require an accused priest to be placed on leave and removed from ministry pending a complete investigation.
The Franciscans and the Diocese of Jackson are committed to protecting the dignity of the human person. Misconduct by church personnel violates human dignity and the mission of the Church. We are committed to ensuring that all being served by the Church are not at risk of abuse, physical, psychological, sexual or otherwise, by Church personnel. The spiritual well-being of all victims, their families, and others in the community is of ultimate concern to the Church.
The Diocese urges anyone who has information about this situation, or who has been a victim of abuse by Rev. Brzezinski, or by any other church personnel, to contact our victim assistance coordinator, Jenifer Jenkins (601) 960-8471.
For more than twenty years, the Diocese of Jackson has developed and implemented a safe environment program. Both the Franciscans and the Diocese have publicized standards of conduct for priests and deacons, as well as diocesan employees, volunteers, and any other church personnel in positions of trust who have regular contact with minors and vulnerable adults.
For more information about Diocesan policies and procedures, visit our website at: https://www.jacksondiocese.org/child-protection.
Category Archives: Diocesan News
In memoriam: Eternal rest grant unto them
Father Darrell Kelly, SVD
Father Darrell “Chuck” Kelly, SVD, died May 7, 2026, after a lengthy illness in Bay St. Louis.
Born Oct. 8, 1961, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, he attended St. Gabriel School and Immaculate Conception High School. He studied at Mississippi Valley State University, served in the U.S. Army, including during Operation Desert Storm, and later worked as a correctional officer with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
After converting to the Catholic faith, Father Kelly discerned a vocation to the priesthood. He attended Divine Word College, completed his novitiate with the Divine Word Missionaries and studied at Catholic Theological Union. He was ordained May 28, 2005, in Techny, Illinois.
His assignments included Notre Dame Parish in St. Martinville, Louisiana; Holy Ghost Parish in Jackson; and Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite significant health challenges, he continued to serve faithfully in ministry.
Funeral services were held May 13 at St. Augustine Parish in Bay St. Louis, with burial and full military honors.
Father Gerald Joseph Peterson
Father Gerald Peterson, 96, a Glenmary Home Missioner for 73 years, died May 13, 2026, in Cincinnati.
A native of Loretto, Kentucky, Father Peterson joined Glenmary as one of its earliest members and was part of the second novitiate class in 1952. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt University and later studied Spanish in Mexico to better serve immigrant communities.
Throughout his ministry, he served in Appalachia, Virginia; Georgia; Tennessee; Alabama; and Mississippi. From 2001 to 2013, he ministered in Pontotoc, Mississippi, serving local Catholics and the broader community.
Known for his creativity and concern for those in need, Father Peterson helped establish transportation, housing, childcare, health-care and food programs in mission communities. Fellow Glenmarians remembered him as a tireless missionary dedicated to evangelization and service.
He is survived by his twin sister, Geraldine. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 3 in Cincinnati.
Sister Mary Elisa Bauman, RSM
Sister Mary Elisa Bauman, RSM, died May 16, 2026, at Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis. She was 88 and had been a Sister of Mercy for 70 years.
Born Mary Louise Bauman on Nov. 2, 1937, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1955 and professed perpetual vows in 1961. She earned degrees in education and English and devoted much of her religious life to Catholic education.
Sister Elisa taught at schools in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mississippi, including Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis. She also served as principal and administrator at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, Mercy Cross High School in Biloxi and Our Lady Academy.
After retiring from education, she remained active in the Bay St. Louis community before moving to St. Louis in 2022. She is survived by four nieces, members of her Mercy community and many friends. Funeral services were held privately, with a memorial Mass and burial planned in Little Rock.
Meyrl Schmit
Meyrl Schmit, a former priest of the Diocese of Jackson, died April 27, 2026, at age 87.
Born April 20, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, he later served as a priest in the Diocese of Jackson and subsequently taught as an adjunct professor at community colleges in Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn. Funeral services were held June 12 in Bryant, Indiana, with burial in the parish cemetery.
St. Dominic Jackson marks 80 years of caring
By Staff Reports
JACKSON – On April 15, 2026, FMOL Health/St. Dominic marked 80 years of caring for the Greater Jackson community, honoring a legacy rooted in faith, compassion and a commitment to caring for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Founded in 1946 when the Springfield Dominican Sisters purchased the former Jackson Infirmary and renamed it St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, the ministry has grown from a small community hospital into a leading health system serving communities across Mississippi. Through eight decades of growth and innovation, St. Dominic’s purpose has remained unchanged: to serve others with dignity, respect and excellence.
“St. Dominic’s history is one of faithful service and deep connection to the people of Mississippi,” said Jeremy Tinnerello, Regional President, FMOL Health | St. Dominic and FMOL Health | St. Francis. “Our roots run deep, and they continue to guide how we care for patients today and how we prepare for the future.”
A Legacy of Service and Innovation
Over the past 80 years, St. Dominic has played a significant role in shaping healthcare in Mississippi, achieving numerous milestones that reflect both medical advancement and social responsibility, including:
1946 – Dominican Sisters purchase Jackson Infirmary and establish St. Dominic Hospital
1949 – Opening of St. Dominic’s School of Nursing
1954 – Relocation to the Lakeland Drive campus
1965 – Establishment of Mississippi’s first intensive Coronary Care Unit
1966 – First hospital in Jackson to achieve full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964
1974 – Performance of the hospital’s first open heart surgery
1977 – St. Dominic’s becomes first in state to offer total body CT scanning capability
1989 – Opening of St. Catherine’s Village
1996 – Launch of the Sister Trinita Community Health Clinic
1998 – Opening of Jackson’s first freestanding Comprehensive Cancer Center
2016 – St. Dominic Hospital becomes Mississippi’s first Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center
2019 – St. Dominic joins Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (now FMOL Health)
2021 – St. Dominic opens state-of-the-art expanded Emergency Department
These milestones reflect a ministry that has continually responded to the evolving needs of its community while remaining grounded in its founding mission.
Deep Roots. Bold Future.
Today, as part of FMOL Health, St. Dominic continues to build on its strong foundation – advancing care, embracing innovation and strengthening community partnerships while remaining guided by the same values that shaped its earliest days.
Throughout the anniversary year, FMOL Health | St. Dominic will share stories of healing, innovation and service that highlight the people and moments that define its legacy, including the pioneering work of the Dominican Sisters and the ongoing dedication of providers, nurses and team members.
To learn more about St. Dominic’s 80 year history and watch a commemorative video highlighting key moments from the ministry’s past, visit https://www.stdom.com/80 or view the anniversary video on YouTube.
FEATURE PHOTO: … Installation at Holy Ghost Jackson …
Listening leads to new lay formation hub honoring legacy of Bishop William Houck
By Joanna King
JACKSON – A new diocesan initiative focused on strengthening lay leadership and faith formation across the Diocese of Jackson is taking shape through the newly established Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation, an effort church leaders say grew directly out of listening sessions held during the diocesan Pastoral Reimagining process.
Led by the diocesan Office of Faith Formation under the direction of Fran Lavelle, the center is designed to provide accessible formation and ministry training opportunities for parish and school leaders, catechists, youth ministers and other lay leaders throughout the diocese.
“The absolute best part of my ministry is working with people,” Lavelle said. “The second-best part of my job is looking at ways to better serve our parishes and schools, especially concerning faith formation.”
Lavelle said the idea for the center emerged after parish and deanery listening sessions identified the need for stronger lay leadership formation.
“Better formation for lay leaders was one of the clarion calls from both individual parishes and the deaneries,” she said. “When you ask people how the Church can better serve them, it is important to act on what you hear.”
An advisory committee formed in late 2024 began reimagining how the diocese could support lay ministry and leadership development. That process ultimately led to the creation of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation.
The center is named in honor of former Bishop William R. Houck, who served the Diocese of Jackson from 1984 to 2003 and was widely recognized for his commitment to Catholic education, evangelization and lay ministry. During his tenure, Houck served as chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization, which published the landmark 1992 document, Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States. The document, still used today, continues to encourage Catholics to embrace the mission of discipleship.
“Bishop Houck was an esteemed educator and a devoted advocate for lay ministry,” Lavelle said. “His vision and voice laid the foundation for lay leadership training in the Diocese. It is our hope to expand his vision to provide high-quality formation and training at every parish, mission and school.”
According to the center’s website, its mission is “to provide lay leaders in the Diocese of Jackson training and formation with emphasis in catechetical, pastoral and ecclesial applications.”
The initiative is built around three foundational pillars: education, evangelization and the development of well-formed lay leaders. The website notes that ongoing formation in Scripture and Catholic teaching helps disciples live out their call, while strong parish communities depend on prepared leaders who can serve with “knowledge, confidence and compassion.”
Unlike a traditional diocesan institute, the Houck Center is not housed in a physical building. Instead, it operates as an online resource hub hosted through the diocesan website. Participants can access diocesan workshops, online courses, ministry resources and leadership development opportunities in a variety of ministry areas.
“We really wanted something accessible to people no matter where they live in the diocese,” Lavelle said. “This is about meeting parish leaders where they are and helping them continue to grow in confidence and faith.”
Current areas of formation include campus ministry, catechist training, family ministry, intercultural ministry, liturgy, OCIA, prison ministry, youth ministry and young adult ministry, along with leadership training opportunities for pastoral councils and parish ministry teams.
One of the center’s first major initiatives is a redesigned Pastoral Ministries Workshop, a longtime diocesan leadership program that has now been restructured to better accommodate busy parish volunteers and ministry leaders. Previously offered as a four-year program requiring participants to attend a weeklong summer session each year, the workshop has been reformatted into a more flexible intensive weekend model.
“The length of time to complete the old program, along with the difficulty many volunteers had getting away for an entire week, made us realize we needed a more accessible format,” Lavelle said. “We wanted to preserve the richness of the formation while making it realistic for people serving in parish ministry.”
The new two-year program consists of six four-hour sessions focused on prayer, theology, pastoral leadership and practical ministry skills. Courses will be offered concurrently in English and Spanish, reflecting the diversity of the diocese and the center’s emphasis on broad accessibility.
This year’s workshop topics include the foundations of Catholic pastoral ministry, pastoral identity and spirituality, and communication and relationship-building in ministry. Participants will explore themes such as servant leadership, intercultural communication, conflict transformation and spiritual practices that sustain ministry.
Lavelle said the workshop is intended not only for new ministers and catechists, but also for experienced parish leaders seeking renewed formation and support.
“Our primary goal is to provide a foundation in Catholic pastoral ministry through prayer, theology, practical skills and reflection,” she said.
This year’s workshop will be held July 31-Aug. 2 at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond. Registration is open through July 10. More information about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation can be found at jacksondiocese.org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.
(For questions on the Center or the upcoming Pastoral Ministries Workshop, contact fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.)
Happy Ordination Anniversary
May 7
Bishop Joseph Kopacz
(ordained priest)
May 11
Father Mark Shoffner
Father Adolfo Suarez Pasillas
May 14
Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam;
Father Andrew Bowden;
Father Jason Johnston; and
Father Joseph Le
May 17
Father Matthew Simmons
May 18
Father Tristan Stovall
May 23
Deacon Hank Babin
May 24
Father Bob Goodyear, ST
May 27
Father Carlisle Beggerly
Father Charles Bucciantini
Father Leon Ngandu, SVD
May 29
Father Hilary Brzezinski, OFM
May 31
Father Nick Adam
Father Lincoln Dall
Father Binh Nguyen
Father José de Jesus Sanchez
Father Rusty Vincent
Father Aaron Williams
‘Leave a Legacy’ of faith and stewardship
By Staff Reports
JACKSON – As Catholics across the country observe Leave a Legacy Month in May, the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson is encouraging families to take an important step in planning for the future while also considering how their faith can continue to make an impact for generations.
Most Catholics intend to create a will, but many delay the process, according to Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation.
“Creating a will is one of the simplest and most important ways to care for your loved ones,” Harris said. “It ensures that your wishes are clearly known and provides peace of mind for your family.”
The Catholic Foundation has partnered MyCatholicWill.com to provide Catholics in the Diocese of Jackson with access to a free online platform that allows users to create a simple and legally valid will in about 20 minutes.
Harris said the process is not only about financial planning, but also about faith and stewardship.
“Planned giving is not only about finances. It is about faith,” Harris said. “It is a way to continue living out the Gospel values of generosity and stewardship for generations to come.”
The Foundation is also encouraging Catholics to consider including charitable giving in their estate plans. Through a will, individuals can establish a perpetual trust or named endowment through the Catholic Foundation to support a parish, school or diocesan ministry long into the future.
“These funds are invested and a portion is distributed each year, providing ongoing support for the ministries that matter most to you,” Harris said.
The Foundation noted that gifts of any size can help sustain ministries such as Catholic education, vocations, youth ministry and parish outreach efforts.
In addition to the free will resource, the Foundation has released a short video about the importance of leaving a legacy of faith. The video can be viewed on the Diocese of Jackson’s YouTube channel or by scanning the QR code provided.
“Your family deserves clarity. Your faith can leave a lasting mark,” Harris said. “This May, consider making your will and your legacy a reflection of both.”
(Questions? Email rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org)
Calendar of Events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GRENADA – St. Peter, Teatime with Mother Mary, Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m. All girls, young and old, mothers, daughters, single women are invited to attend including non-practicing Catholics, friends of parishioners, etc. Details: contact Cecilia at (662) 688-3024.
OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, Catechist Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with speaker, Dr. Tom Neal. Details: register at https://bit.ly/oxford-catechist-event-26.
PILGRMAGE – Travel with Father Carlisle Beggerly to Italy/Greece, Oct. 7-20, 2026. Cost: $5,999 per person. Details: Contact Proximo Travel (855-842-8001) or visit proximotravel.com (enter Fr. Carlisle in search box).
Travel with Father Raju Macherla to Portugal, Spain and France, July 6-17, 2026. Cost: $5,500 per person (sharing room), with departure from Memphis. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4efWoql.
MADISON – Millions of Monicas will transition from St. Joseph Church to praying at St. Catherine’s Village chapel. Meetings will now take place on the second Tuesday of each month, with the first gathering scheduled for May 12. Please note that our meeting time will change to 6 p.m. The Chapel is located at 200 Dominican Drive, Madison. When you arrive at the gate, let the team know you are joining the Millions of Monicas ministry, and you will be directed to the chapel. After entering through the roundabout, the chapel will be on your left. Please, mark your calendars for the following meeting dates: May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 2026. Details: call (601) 613-8526.
YOUNG ADULTS – Young adults are invited to join the Archdiocese of New Orleans on a Pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea, August 1-10, 2027. Details: contact James Behan at (504) 836-0551 ext. 3228 or email: yam@arch-no.org.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Baby Bottle Drive, Get a bottle, fill it with coins, cash, or a check, and return it in the coming weeks. Every donation will help support pro-life ministries and life-affirming services for mothers, babies, and families in our community. Volunteers are needed to distribute and collect bottles. Details: call Chris at (601) 757-9910.
JACKSON – Holy Family, Pentecost Cultural Diversity Picnic, on Saturday, May 23, from 5-7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, bring tents and lawn chairs. Personal fans are also recommended. Music and games will be provided. Details: call Joyce at (601) 214-6123.
VBS
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5:15 to 8 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Dinner and games are from 5:15-6 p.m. Open to all children entering K-6th grade, Cost: $15 per child/$30 Max per family. Details: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/stjosephgluckstadt and select one-time donation and then VBS to make your payment.
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, Calling all 4 year olds through fourth graders – Save the date: June 1-4, 2026.
HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, June 16–18, 2026. Details: call Teri (Teresa) Mason at (815) 729-4219.
DIOCESE EVENTS
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER 2026, Aug. 28-30; and Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
PERMANENT DIACONATE ORDINATION: Six men will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. Blessings to Enrique Amador, Donald Clinton Coker, Jeff Cook, Pablo Garcia, Christopher Halliwell, William Griffith Vautrot, and Hunter Yentzen.
PASTORAL MINISTRIES WORKSHOP, July 31 through Aug. 2 at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond. Cost is $300, which includes room, meals, and course materials. (Commuter rate: $125) Registration deadline is July 10. Register at https://bit.ly/pmw2026. Details: fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
Diocese explores future campaign through feasibility study
By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson has entered an important period of listening and discernment as it explores the possibility of a future diocesan-wide capital campaign. This effort, known as a feasibility study, is being led by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson and is designed to gather input from clergy, parish leaders and parishioners across the diocese.
A feasibility study is a critical first step in determining whether a campaign is both needed and achievable. It allows diocesan leadership to better understand the needs, hopes and priorities of the faithful before making any decisions. Rather than beginning with assumptions, the diocese is committed to ensuring that any future campaign reflects the real needs of parishes, ministries and the broader Church.
“This is first and foremost a listening process,” said Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation. “We want to hear what matters most to our parishioners and how we can best support the mission entrusted to us as a diocese.”
Bishop Joseph Kopacz also emphasized the importance of participation in a recent letter to parishioners: “I write to you with gratitude and hope as our diocese enters a time of prayerful listening and discernment … Your voice is essential in this process.” His invitation underscores the central goal of the study which is to ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.
The feasibility study will explore several key areas, including support for parish needs, a retired priest endowment, parish endowments, and the Bishop Houck Lay Leader Center endowment. Another component of the campaign being tested is seminarian education. As the diocese continues to experience growth in vocations, the financial commitment required to educate and form future priests has also increased.
“As we look to the future, investing in seminarian education is essential to the life of our Church,” Harris said. “We are seeing great momentum in vocations, and we must ensure we have the resources to support these men as they prepare for the priesthood.”
Participation from across the diocese is essential to the success of this effort. Feedback gathered during this phase will help determine not only whether to move forward with a capital campaign, but also what priorities it should include if it proceeds.
As part of the process, parishioners should have received a Flocknote message inviting them to complete a brief survey. This survey is one of the primary tools being used to collect input from parishioners around the diocese. All parishioners are encouraged to take a few minutes to share their thoughts.
You can access the survey here: https://bit.ly/jacksondiocesestudy
Results of the feasibility study are expected in mid-May and will guide diocesan leadership in determining next steps.
“This is a moment of opportunity for our diocese,” Harris added. “By listening carefully and planning responsibly, we can ensure that any future campaign strengthens our parishes, forms future priests, and supports the mission of the Church for generations to come.”
All are invited to participate and to keep this effort in prayer as the Diocese seeks to follow God’s guidance in the months ahead.
Happy Ordination Anniversary
April 6
Father Joseph Golamari
April 10
Father Pradeep Kumar Thirumalareddy
April 12
Father Raju Macherla and Father Sleeva Reddy Mekala
April 14
Father Suresh Reddy Thirumalareddy
April 18
Father Vijaya Manohar Reddy Thanugundla
April 19
Father Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD and Father Joseph Ashok Thumma
April 26
Father Jesuraj Xavier
May 7
Bishop Joseph Kopacz (ordained priest)
May 11
Father Mark Shoffner and Father Adolfo Suarez Pasillas