Catholic Service Appeal annual report
Reply
Category Archives: Diocesan News
Catholic Service Appeal image holds special meaning
From the Archives
By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – The image chosen for this year’s Catholic Service Appeal has special meaning from an archives perspective. The chalice and Roman Missal belonged to Bishop William R. Houck and Bishop Joseph N. Latino respectively.
Bishops’ chalices, rings, pectoral crosses and other episcopal accoutrement belong to what is called the patrimony of the diocese and are kept as part of the diocesan archives collection as spiritual gifts to the church.
Bishop Houck’s chalice was made by the Gilles Beaugrand Goldsmiths Company in Montreal, Canada in 1951 for his ordination on May 19 of that year. It is a simple, elegant, styled chalice with a hammered finish. The inscription on the bottom of the chalice has his name and date of ordination.
The central knob has images of Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac and then replacing him with the lamb on an altar. Another image is Jesus offering the Last Supper juxtaposed to an image of the breast of the Lamb of God pierced and pouring blood into the chalice. It is beautiful when held in the hand and examined closely.
Having worked with Bishop Houck closely, I can see why he would have chosen this style and imagery. He was viewed as larger than life by many, but ultimately, he was a priest and churchman who placed his heart on the altar during the Liturgy so that it could be swept up into the heart of God in the Sacred Mysteries.
Bishop Latino’s chapel missal lies open on the cathedral altar next to the chalice in the CSA image, which is how it always lay on his altar in his chapel at his residence in Jackson. He kept his beloved chalice and paten on his home altar as well.
Fashioned in cross-hatched white enamel. Bishop Latino’s chalice was created by the famous Swiss chalice maker, Meinrad Burch in 1963. It was consecrated by Archbishop John P. Cody in New Orleans a few days before Cody ordained then Joseph Latino a priest for the archdiocese.
Bishop Latino’s cousins Joseph and Josephine Riccobono gave him the chalice along with the paten, which contains Josephine’s diamond from her wedding ring. In the early 1960’s, Burch was sought after for his unique chalice work. Bishop Latino shared with me the story of the diamond placement in the paten.
Burch initially told the young Latino that he did not put “headlights” on chalices, referring to the desire to have the diamond on the actual chalice. This left the young ordinand crest fallen. A few days later, Burch sent word that he would however be happy to include the stone underneath the paten and all was well in the Latino household again.
Once again, the style of the chalice and its origin fit the man. Bishop Latino loved his Sicilian, New Orleans family and all that went with that, but he loved the Lord more than anything and cherished every opportunity he had to celebrate the Sacred Mysteries on the altar of the Lord. It is fitting that the last Mass he celebrated on earth was on the 58th anniversary of his ordination – elevating his chalice and paten as he poured his heart into God’s heart.
This year our diocese is intensely “reflecting, remembering and renewing” our love of the Holy Eucharist as we make our way slowly through this pandemic. The elements used in the CSA image and this year’s CSA theme of “Hope Rising” offer a beautiful image of the lives of our most recently deceased bishops and how dedicated they were to participate in the Sacred Mysteries as priests of God. Each time I see the image I remember their dedication and unending love for the Eucharist and being able to offer it to God’s people. I offer a prayer for them both and soak in the many memories of assisting at Mass with them.
This year as you consider your CSA pledge take a moment to reflect on, remember and renew your love of the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of your faith and our faith. It is our foretaste of Heaven.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson)
Synod process continues with listening sessions across diocese
By Joanna Puddister King and Laura Grisham
JACKSON – After months of planning, printing material and a bit of prayer, parishes across the diocese are now beginning to host synod listening sessions, as a part of the 2021-2023 Synod of Bishops, titled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.”
Each parish in the diocese is tasked with hosting a listening session, and other entities such as schools and youth programs, are encouraged to offer sessions, as well.
During Advent, the diocese director of faith formation and synod lead coordinator, Fran Lavelle and the synod core steam invited groups, including clergy, deacons and LEMs, to go through the listening session process to aid them in planning their own local synodal listening sessions.
“By all accounts, it was a success,” said Lavelle.
Kicking off the parish listening sessions was Christ the King Southaven, that held a listening session for parishioners on Thursday, Jan. 23, with Deacon Ted Schreck as coordinator.
In attendance at the listening session was Elizabeth Clark, who commented that the session was great and “the process was well aligned to get answers that are needed in order for us to grow as a church.”
One thing that really stood out to Clark in the session, and that was the strong desire for community, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that people are more aware of the isolation of individuals, particularly those who live alone.
“We are all feeling that isolation and have the desire to come together – to know and share our faith and be Catholic Christians,” said Clark.
Jeff Wallace equally enjoyed the gathering. “It was uplifting to be able to have some input on possible new directions in the church – You felt like you are helping to make a difference, a change in things to come.”
Wallace likened the process as a “spiritual neighborhood watch.” He said that it is “a broad gathering of our church community in which everyone was able to participate and share topics of concern and suggest ways to address them.”
The best part of the session to Leonard Temple, district marshal for the local Knights of Columbus chapter, was “the ability to send a note on what you feel the Catholic Church needs to address or change.”
As listening sessions are held across the diocese, the hope is that thousands filled with the Holy Spirit will take part and allow their voices to be heard.
All sessions are to be completed by March 4, according to Lavelle. “We will continue to monitor the Covid cases and adjust if necessary.”
After materials from each listening session are collected, the feedback will be consolidated into a 10-page report by late April for submission to Rome. From there synodal reports from around the world will be compiled into a larger report.
In the opening Mass for the Synod in October, Bishop Joseph Kopacz stated that the “summary will be made available for the diocese as a very important body of material for our discernment in light of our mission and our ministries.”
In 2023, after the worldwide synodal process, Pope Francis will speak to the church and to the world the essence of what the Holy Spirit has spoken to the church.
For more information on a listening session near you, please check with local parishes for dates and times.
Longtime diocese staple, Fabvienen Taylor bids farewell
Calendar of events
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Spring Fling 2022, $10,000 Cash Drawdown Mardi Gras, Saturday, Feb. 26 at The Gin at Dunleith in Leland. Drawdown begins at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at church or school office. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Black & White Ball/Annual Drawdown, Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Tickets: $125 and raffle tickets $1. Details: Pat Scanlon (601) 953-6370.
JACKSON St. Richard, Annual Super Bowl Sunday Pulled Pork Dinner. Tickets $10 each and funds raised support St. Richard Boy Scout Troop 30. Dinners available for pick-up on Feb. 6. Tickets are available for purchase in the church and school offices. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
St. Richard, Bereavement Support, Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Chichester Room. Speaker: Pat Walden, retired St. Dominic director of pastoral care. Topic: “Guilt in Grief – How to Deal with it.” All are welcome. Details: Suzie Cranston (601) 573-3347 or Nancy McGhee at (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal, Friday, Feb. 25. This festive evening features a brass band, silent and live auctions, cash drawing, cocktails and cuisine. Tickets: $50/per person or $100/per couple, in advance. Details: development@strichardschool.org.
LELAND St. James Feast of St. Blaise/Blessing of the Throats. On Feb. 3, at 12:15 p.m. for parishioners of St. James, Immaculate Conception Hollandale and Our Mother of Mercy Anguilla. Details: church office (662) 686-7352.
MADISON St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues $10,000 Drawdown, Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Country Club of Jackson. Details: www.stjoedrawdown.com.
St. Francis, Discovering Christ begins Tuesday, Feb. 1. Talk about big questions: What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? Join us one night a week for seven weeks. Details: www.stfrancismadison.org/dc-register-1.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Spaghetti dinner after Mass on Sunday, Jan. 30. Cost: $8/plate; $25/family; $2 smoked sausage ($1 half); $10 quart gravy; $5 quart slaw. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PEARL St. Jude, Super Bowl Chicken Plates. Knights are selling chicken plates for $12 for pick up between 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13. Tickets sold through Sunday, Feb. 6. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
TUPELO St. James, Adult Trivia Night, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at Kingfisher Lodge. Food and drinks served. RSVP to Mary Frances Strange at https://linktr.ee/stjamestupelo Details: church office (662) 842-4881.
SAVE THE DATE
YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST A parish mission on the Eucharist and the Mass is available in the diocese at two locations this Lent. Father Aaron Williams will offer a three day mission at St. Mary’s Basilica Natchez from March 8-10 and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Greenwood from March 27-29. All sessions will begin at 6 p.m.
JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral the Apostle, Bishop Chanche Awards ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 11 a.m.
TRIPS WITH FATHER DAVID O’CONNOR Father O’Connor will be hosting trips to Italy (May 28 – June 6), England and Wales (June 23 – July 3) and Ireland (Sept 7-15). Details: For Italy trip visit caragrouptravel.com/italy-with-father-oconnor-2022/. For England and Wales trip visit caragrouptravel.com/england-and-wales-with-father-oconnor/. For Ireland trip visit caragrouptravel.com/tour-of-ireland-with-father-o-connor-2022/.
COVID NOTE
As the Omicron variant continues, the Diocese of Jackson STRONGLY ENCOURAGES the wearing of masks to Mass and all parish gatherings. Social distancing of 3 feet is recommended.
We appreciate all of your efforts to keep each other safe. Each parish may adapt protocols and make decisions according to the local reality of their individual parish communities.
Annual Report
Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center offers peace, tranquility
By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator
CHATAWA – Nestled in a stunningly beautiful corner of southwest Mississippi, Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center features 400 acres of Mother Nature’s finest work.
Far removed from a main highway, or even a small town, the rolling property offers a welcome tranquility, a place where deer roam freely, where native woods house species of every sort, where a picturesque lake featuring a gazebo and a canoe are the center’s welcome mat.
For Father Mark Beard it is a 400-acre answer to a prayer. A Catholic retreat center serving the Diocese of Baton Rouge has been a dream of his for several years but as he said “didn’t think it would ever come to fruition.”
He and Ponchatoula businessman Mike Fulmer had been seeking to purchase property suitable for a retreat center and believed they had found the ideal setting when the former Rosaryville Center went up for sale. Ultimately, the Dominican Sisters of Peace sold the retreat center to a businessman and it has since been turned into a non-denominational center.
Fulmer later learned St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa, Mississippi was on the market. Originally opened by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1874 as an all-girls boarding school, the facility, which was used as a retreat center in later years, had become too burdensome for the sisters to continue to manage.
“When (Fulmer) called (regarding a visit to Chatawa) I think my first words were, ‘Mike I don’t think we can afford to go down one more rabbit hole,’” Father Beard recalled with a chuckle.
But he relented and during his initial tour Father Beard knew God was revealing his dream before his eyes with each passing step. But he had one more surprise coming when earlier this year the property was sold to an individual who then donated the property to Chatawa Retreat Center, a non-profit business which manages the facility.
“That was manna from heaven,” Father Beard said.
The School Sisters of Notre Dame had had the property listed for close to three years and fielded offers but it remained unsold. Fortunately, the buildings needed little work, a tribute to the sisters who Father Beard said “operated on a shoestring.”
The sprawling property features a combined 100,000 square feet of living areas, while Rosaryville had 10,000 square feet. Additionally, Our Lady of Hope has two dorms that can accommodate more than a combined 100 retreatants, a main dining room along with smaller dining rooms, a chapel that once served as a parish church, an outdoor Stations of the Cross, a firepit, cafeterias and beautiful vistas throughout.
A well-stocked gift shop includes paintings and digital copies of paintings of Drazen Vucina, an artist from Medjugorje, where Father Beard found his calling to be a priest. Our Lady of Hope features more than 50 of Drazen’s original works.
Improvements include turning the property’s oldest building, a storage area built in 1875, into a eucharistic adoration chapel.
Father Beard said all retreat centers offer the same amenities, such as good food and nice beds but what will ultimately separate Our Lady of the Hope are plans for 13 individual gardens that will include a Mary Garden and a garden of the apostles.
Father Beard admitted to some trepidation to opening the center during the COVID-19 pandemic, thinking “Really, Lord?’ Could we have picked a worse time to get started?”
Despite those concerns, success has come early. Already, the center has hosted several retreats, ranging from one day to a week. Other groups, such as ACTS, a production company and high schools have utilized the facility.
Also under discussion is four Catholic high schools who wish to host a four-team basketball tournament with the emphasis on the retreat component.
“It’s kind of hard to sell it until you come and visit it,” Father Beard acknowledged.
In the past few months he has visited the chaplains and youth ministers at the Catholic schools in New Orleans. He followed with personal invitations and open houses.
Father Beard has also made visits to schools in Mississippi and Alabama and a Lake Charles company recently took drone photography for the website.
“A lot of (the marketing) is personal; you need to meet the people and say ‘I need you to come visit,’“ he said.
Exuding an enthusiasm that is contagious, Father Beard discussed his vision for the future, which includes the potential of opening an elementary school that might be more “home schoolish” in the beginning.
Plans also call for building two tiny houses tucked away in the woods away from the center where clergy members can come spend a night or two to enjoy the solitude, to pray, to unwind. Father Beard cited the challenges of being a diocesan priest, saying that 20% percent is spent on the theological side of issues and the remaining 80% on such matters as building facilities maintenance, upkeep and meetings.
“You are not in the theology world and you can see it on the priests,” he said. “They are exhausted and his will give them a chance to get away and to be alone.”
For now, Father Beard roams the grounds frequently, checking on the status of projects, or more important checking on his dream.
“I love it,” he said. “I love the quiet. I love only to have to talk about our faith. We want to pass Catholicity through the door to as many people as we can.”
For information on Our Lady of Hope and how to book a retreat visit www.ourladyofhopems.com.
‘Hope Rising’ – heart of 2022 Catholic Service Appeal
By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson kicks off the 2022 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), Rebecca Harris paused to remember all that has changed in our world and our lives over the past 24 months.
“We remember that our Catholic faith has been there in these trying times. Let us find comfort in the Eucharist knowing that Jesus is guiding each of us. He has been our ‘Hope Rising,'” said Harris.
Each year in January Bishop Joseph Kopacz sends letters to all parishioners in the diocese asking for support of 11 ministries that are vital to the Catholic faith.
“When you make a gift you become the ‘Hope Rising’ to those served by the appeal,” Harris says.
The Catholic community can become the hope to those served by these ministries: Seminarian Education, Catholic Schools, Retired Priests, Catholic Charities, Campus Ministry, Formation Ministry and Religious Education, Intercultural Ministry, Evangelization and Communication, Family Ministry, Youth Ministry and Parishes.
For detailed information on each of these ministries supporters can visit website csa.jacksondiocese.org.
Harris says that supporters will also find stories from people who have been supported by the Catholic Service Appeal.
“This year, we are featuring stories that show a small piece of how donations to the CSA make huge impacts.”
Supporters can click on the “Voices” page to see how donations supported Izzy from the Catholic Charities Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program; or learn how the Pastoral Ministry Retreat supports Letty Ruiz as a catechist at her parish. Site visitors can also hear how the vocations ministry supported Kathleen McMullan as she answered the call of God; and discover how Father P.J. Curley is supported through donations to retired priests. And lastly, read how youth ministry supports Carrie Lambert and the youth of her parish at St. Mary Basilica in Natchez.
“Let us reflect, remember and renew all those who are served by the ministries supported by the Catholic Service Appeal. With your gift you are our ‘Hope Rising,'” says Bishop Joseph Kopacz.
There are several ways to give to the 2022 Catholic Service Appeal. Pledge cards can be mailed to PO Box 22723; Jackson, MS 39225; supporters can visit csa.jacksondiocese.org to donate online; or text to give at 601-706-5858.
Gifts of stocks can also be made to support the CSA. For more information on the CSA, contact Rebecca Harris at (601) 960-8477.
Bless the Kelly’s of Potato Hill
From the Archives
By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – As we begin the new calendar year, let’s visit another interesting stop in Bishop John Gunn’s diary. This time we are on the road in northeast Mississippi in June of 1912.
On this trip, Bishop Gunn visits Tupelo and Plantersville among other places. He conferred the sacrament of confirmation and spoke to large gatherings of Catholics and non-Catholics in each location.
On June 12 he arrived in Tupelo and here is what he had to say about his visit: “Tupelo is a boom town of new growth with plenty of activity, and a promise that it may become something. The town hall was secured, much free advertisement was given, and I said Mass on the stage, confirmed a few Catholics there and found the big event of the visit was to be a mass meeting in the theatre to hear the Bishop talk of Catholic claims.”
“I spoke about an hour in Tupelo on that night and was congratulated for nearly another hour afterwards with such vigorous handshaking that I was afraid of arm dislocation.”
From Tupelo, Bishop Gunn headed the next day to Plantersville – called Potato Hill by locals. There he encountered an elderly Mrs. Kelly, who was overcome with tears of joy to meet the Bishop. Bishop Gunn’s diary account gives the reason for her outpouring.
“There was one family of the name Kelly – the oldest settler in that section – and after walking, riding and climbing for a number of hours we reached the little log cabin on a hill where Mrs. Kelly was rocking herself in expectation.”
“She was old and very religious and as soon as she heard that there was actually a Bishop on her porch she commenced to weep and to talk about John. ‘Do you think, Bishop, he will ever be forgiven, or what part of hell is he in, or can you get him out?’ Or other questions equally hard to answer.”
“I thought that John probably had misconducted himself in years gone by – he was now eleven years dead – and his wife had not completely forgiven him. I tried to make the man’s excuse as well as I could, but she would talk of John and finally I let her tell the whole story.”
“John and I came from Ireland to Mobile and we got married there and struck out to find a quiet place to spend our honeymoon. We got tired just here and we camped and thought it would be a good place to remain.”
“The Indians were everywhere but they didn’t bother us. John – who was a carpenter – cut down the logs and I was strong enough to drag the logs up here. John and I built this log house, and we were the happiest people in the world for some thirty or forty years. The Indians roundabout didn’t bother us, but the Protestants wanted me and John to go to their meeting houses, or they wanted us to pray with them.”
“This made John mad and every time he saw anything like a preacher he commenced to curse and swear, and I had great trouble in keeping John from attacking the preacher. This kept on for years and finally the great trouble came to John one evening when two men came up the side of the hill on horseback. John and I were on the porch looking at them coming.”
“John whispered to me ‘here are two more preachers’ and it was not long until one of them came up and said, ‘Aren’t you John Kelly?’ He said ‘Yes, what do you want?’ “Well, John, I heard you are a Catholic.’”
“Then John got mad, and he asked the preacher what in —- did it matter to him, and the preacher smiled, and that made John madder and madder. He told the preacher to go to the bad place. This made the man get off his horse and John got ready to thrash him when the preacher said to him: ‘Why, John Kelly, I am Bishop Elder, the Bishop of Natchez, and that is the way you receive me and treat me.’”
“Poor John was dumbfounded that he couldn’t speak but fainted. To send his Bishop, who had come 28 miles on horseback to see him – to welcome him in such a way. And Mrs. Kelly’s whole trouble was to find out if poor John, who had received the last Bishop who had visited them, was still suffering from the reception given.”
“The Kelly’s had been visited 28 years before by Bishop Elder and poor Mrs. Kelly was glad to see another Bishop who promised all kinds of excuses for her old man, John.”
“She had a number of grown-up children and their families. They were all at supper in the log cabin at Potato Hill. I got the best room and enjoyed it as the trip was long and tiresome.”
This is a great account of life on the road in our diocese. We take for granted being able to travel most places in the diocese in one day. Here we have the accounts of bishops travelling to some outlying areas to find their sheep – even sheep who greet them in a not so pleasant way.
God bless the Kelly’s of Potato Hill – salt of the earth.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson)
In memoriam: Sister Marie Elizabeth Alspaugh, SSJ and Paul Artman
FLOURTOWN, Pa. – Sister Marie Elizabeth Alspaugh, SSJ, died on Nov. 23, 2021, at age 86. She was a dedicated servant in Catholic education for 33 years. From 1990-2008, she served as principal at Our Lady of Lourdes in Greenville.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Services are private but will be livestreamed from the Saint Joseph Villa website, www.stjosephvilla.org.
Sister Alspaugh is the daughter of the late Howard and Henrietta (nee Klenke) Alsplaugh, sister of Alice Both (David), and her late sisters Mary Bowers, Judith Sullivan (Stewart), and Sister Marie St. Paul Alspaugh, SSJ. She is also predeceased by her brother Richard Alspaugh. She is survived by nieces Susannah Beacom, Karen and Willa Sullivan, Julie George and nephew Grayson George. She is also survived by members of her congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sister’s name to Saint Joseph Villa, 110 W. Wissahickon Ave., Flourtown, PA 19031.
GREENVILLE – On Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, Paul Artman, devoted family man, dedicated friend, community servant-leader, and faithful child of God died at the age of 70. He was born July 21, 1951, in Greenville, Mississippi, to Carol and Paul Artman, loving parents who would be his model for the extraordinary life he enjoyed. He married the former Barbara Deaton in 1975 and the two had four children.
Paul was a life-long learner; therefore, he revered his studies at the University of Notre Dame and Delta State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in Social Sciences, a Master of Educational Supervision, a Master of Education in History, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.
Paul was a graduate of the Catholic Lay Ministry Program in the Diocese of Jackson and served both St. Rita Catholic Church at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greenville as an Extraordinary Minister and Faith Formation teacher. He served both St. Rita and St. John Catholic Schools on their School Advisory Councils.
Artman served as Greenville mayor from 1996-2004 after serving on city council starting in 1989. He was also the administrator at St. Joseph Catholic School until his retirement four years ago.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the institution he so loved, St. Joseph School Facilities Organization, P. O. Box 1406, Greenville, MS 38702. Go Irish!