Category Archives: Diocesan News

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27 – March 1; May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

DCYC 2026, March 20-22 in Vicksburg. The conference will feature keynote talks, music, liturgy, games, small groups, Bishop Chanche Youth Awards and much more. Open to ninth through twelfth grades. Details: Contact your parish youth ministry office.

Young Adult Spring Retreat, Saturday, April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Locus Benedictus in Greenwood. Ages 21-35 are invited to a day of celebration and spiritual renewal. Cost: $20/includes lunch. Register at https://bit.ly/2026YASpringRetreat. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Lenten Retreat: A Journey with Jesus, Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the parish hall; ends after 4 p.m. Mass in the church. Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 18. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Monday from 5-6 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON METRO AREA – Theology on Tap, Tuesday, March 3 with Diocesan Chancellor Mary Woodward. Meet at Blaylock Photography, 117 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland at 7 p.m. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Lenten Retreat with Father Sebastian Myladil – “The Paschal Mystery: From the Cross to New Life,” March 1-3. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Sister Thea Bowman Annual Musical Celebration, Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. Details: Cherie at arievans29@yahoo.com or (601) 259-1363.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, 20th annual $5,000 Draw Down, Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $120 and second chance insurance $15. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.

JACKSON AREA – Young Adult Basketball League, play March 5 – April 30. Teams for men 18-35. League registration fee: $35. Deadline: Feb. 23. Games at First Baptist Jackson Gym from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 949-6931.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Spaghetti Luncheon, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with silent auction. Cost: $10 adults; $6 child; $35 family. Dine in or carry out. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Registration deadline is Feb. 22, 2026. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School, Open House, Sunday, Feb. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Come meet our staff and learn about our diverse, loving school community. Details: school office (662) 349-0900.

LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Stations and Mass at 5:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals following 5:30 p.m. Mass, every Friday (no meal on March 13). Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. or after Mass.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Knights of Columbus, Fish Fry Dinners, Feb. 27, March 20 and March 27 from 6-7 p.m. following Stations. Dine in, carry out or order in advance at https://bit.ly/STRfish2026. Dinner includes fried fish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and dessert. Cost: adults $15; children $8; families $45. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

MADISON – St. Francis, Rosary at 6 p.m.; Stations at 6:30 p.m.; and Lenten meals at 7 p.m., Fridays during Lent.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent. Supper at 5:30 and Stations begin at 7 p.m. Last Friday of Lent will be Knights Fish Fry. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

OXFORD – St. John, Knights Fish Fry, Friday, Feb. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 234-6073.

PEARL – St. Jude, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Lenten Penance Service, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Stations, Every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Penance Service, Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

CHANCERY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
JACKSON – Event Planning Coordinator: The Diocese of Jackson is seeking a faith-filled and organized Event Planning Coordinator to assist with planning and coordinating diocesan gatherings, meetings and donor events. Applicants should have prior event planning experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and availability for occasional evenings, weekends and travel. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Rebecca Harris at Rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org. Find more information at https://bit.ly/CDJjobs.

Coordinator of Operations: The Office of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Jackson is seeking a detail-oriented and service-minded Coordinator of Operations to support the day-to-day operational needs of diocesan schools and Early Learning Centers. Responsibilities include compliance tracking, recordkeeping, accreditation support, school safety coordination, systems support, and event logistics. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills, comfort with databases and office software, and experience in administration or school-related operations. To apply, submit a résumé and cover letter to Joni House at joni.house@jacksondiocese.org.

New principal to lead St. Joseph School in Madison starting July 1

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By Duncan Dent, Madison County Journal
MADISON – A Greenville native and the current assistant principal at St. Patrick Catholic Middle School on the coast will be the next principal at St. Joseph Catholic High School here.

Trey Bailey will start as principal of St. Joseph on July 1, Joni House, Director of Schools for the Diocese of Jackson, said.

Father Joe Tonos said he and Father Albeen Vatti, administrators at the school, were happy to accept Bailey’s nomination for the position from the School Advisory Committee.

“We welcome Mr. Bailey to the Bruin Family and back home to the Diocese of Jackson,” Tonos said.
Bailey said he looks forward to joining the long legacy of St. Joseph Catholic School.

“I am looking forward to joining a faithful community in carrying on the excellent tradition of Catholic education in the Jackson Metro area at St. Joseph, one that has been carried on for over 155 years,” Bailey said.

He currently serves as the assistant principal over the Middle School at St. Patrick in Biloxi and is also head coach for men’s football and athletic director for the high school.

Bailey will finish the school year on the Coast. He will work with interim principal Dr. John Jordan while making the transition to Madison this summer.

Bailey said it will be his goal as principal of St. Joe to prepare each student for all aspects of life.

“While we will strive to accomplish a wide array of goals, our primary focus will be on developing the student spiritually, emotionally, academically, and physically in order to leave St. Joseph and go into the world and carry out the Great Commission,” Bailey said.

Bailey is a native of Greenville and a graduate of the city’s Catholic schools. He has a BA in History from Millsaps College, an MA in Educational Leadership, and a designation as an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

He has taught special education, world history, physical education and Mississippi studies in Bolton, Raymond and Richland.

(Reprinted with permission of Madison County Journal.)

Walking with our Catholic schools

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FAITH IN EDUCATION
By Joni House
As I reflect on the first semester, I am grateful for the time spent simply being present in our schools and early learning centers. There is something powerful about walking into a classroom, standing in a hallway, or sharing a brief conversation, moments that quietly remind you why Catholic education matters so deeply.

These experiences have reinforced an important truth: the heart of our schools cannot be understood from a distance. It is found in the daily faithfulness of faculty and staff, the curiosity of students, and the steady leadership of those who serve our communities with care and conviction. Presence allows us to see, to listen, and to appreciate the quiet work that so often goes unnoticed.

Being in our schools has also deepened my understanding of our shared culture. While each community is unique, all are united by a common mission to foster disciples and pursue excellence in a Christ-centered environment. That mission is strengthened when we walk together, supporting one another through both moments of joy and seasons of challenge.

Our early learning centers, in particular, remind us that Catholic education begins long before a child enters a traditional classroom. These spaces are where trust is built, faith is gently introduced, and the foundation for lifelong learning is formed.

Christ led by walking with His people, meeting them where they were. In that same spirit, I remain committed to being present, listening with intention, and accompanying our school communities.

As we continue the school year, I return often to our theme rooted in John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Being present in our schools has reminded me that listening comes first. When we take the time to truly hear one another, to know our students, our educators, and our communities, we lead with greater clarity, compassion and purpose. It is through this listening and accompaniment that the culture of Catholic education is strengthened and our mission continues to unfold.

(Joni House is the executive director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Mississippi Catholic 2026 Publication Schedule

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The staff at Mississippi Catholic is looking forward to a busy and productive 2026 As always, we invite participation from faithful from across the diocese. Please submit your stories, photos and events so we can include them in the paper, as time and space allow. The publication schedule for 2026 follows:

Friday, Jan. 16
Friday, Jan. 30
Friday, Feb. 13
Friday, March 13
Friday, April 17
Friday, May 15
Friday, June 19
Friday, July 17
Friday, Aug. 21
Friday, Sept. 18
Friday, Oct. 16
Friday, Nov. 20
Friday, Dec. 18

Look for special sections this year marking Catholic Schools Week, Graduations and the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.

Send submissions to editor@jacksondiocese.org. Submit information three to four weeks before or within one week after an event. Again, due to space constraints we will not be able to publish all information received. Visit the paper online at www.mississippicatholic.com.

The staff at Mississippi Catholic thank you – our readers – for your prayers and support. We wish you a blessed New Year.

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Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27-March 1; May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson. Theme is “Beholding the Dream” with speaker Dr. William Jemison. Details: email amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Monday from 5-6 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON METRO AREA – Theology on Tap, Feb. 3 with speaker, Ann Cook; March 3 with speaker, Mary Woodward. Meet at Blaylock Photography, 117 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland at 7 p.m. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

OXFORD – Diocesan Campus Ministry Winter Retreat “Radical Grace: Living the Gospel Upside Down,” Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cost: $20 – Registration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, “Beloved Sons” Men’s Conference, Saturday, Feb. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m in the parish hall. Event features Joe Heschmeyer, speaker for Catholic Answers and host of the Shameless Popery podcast; and Dr. Mario Sacaca, marriage counselor and host of the Always Hope podcast. Tickets $50. Details: register at https://stjohnolemiss.flocknote.com/signup/238790.

St. John the Evangelist, “Beloved Daughters” Women’s Conference, opening potluck on Feb. 6 from 6-8 p.m. and conference on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event features Catholic speaker, Devanie Cooper. Cost: $35 and includes light breakfast after Mass and a catered lunch. Details: register at https://stjohnolemiss.flocknote.com/signup/238779.

PILGRIMAGE – Travel to Italy with Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez of St. Joseph Greenville, Feb. 16-25, 2026. See the Vatican, Assisi and more. Details: visit catholicjourneys.com/tour/shrines-of-italy-pilgrimage.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Annual Garage Sale, Saturday, Jan. 31 from 7 a.m. to noon. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, “Back to 80’s” $10,000 Drawdown, Saturday, Jan. 31 in the Family Life Center. Cost: $150/admits two. Details: https://bit.ly/StPaul80sDrawdown2026.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Andrew McQueen Civic Center. Cost: $45/person. Details: (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 7 at Fondren Hall from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Attire: “after five.” Details: Christ the King church office (601) 948-8867.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Westin Jackson. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4pGfEAc for more info.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

MADISON – St. Francis, Mexican Fiesta Parish Dinner, Wednesday, Jan. 21 starting at 5:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Youth will serve your choice of a nacho bar or hotdog and chips, plus dessert and drink. Cost: $7/person or $25 per family. Proceeds benefit the Saltillo Mission. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.

NATCHEZ – Basilica of St. Mary, Rectory Open House, Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. Wear your best purple, gold and green to celebrate Mardi Gras! Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

NCEA president highlights joy, faith during school visits across the diocese

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, visited Catholic schools across the Diocese of Jackson Dec. 8–9 as part of his national “Bright Lights of Catholic Education” tour, a campaign designed to celebrate and spotlight the mission of Catholic schools across the country.

JACKSON – Kindergarten students in Kate Morris’ class at St. Richard Catholic School listen as Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, reads Everybody’s Tree during his Bright Lights tour visit. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

During his two-day visit, Cheeseman toured Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus, St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison, St. Richard Catholic School, St. Anthony Catholic School, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, and St. Richard Early Learning Center in Jackson. The visit was initiated by April Moore, a fourth-grade teacher at Annunciation Catholic School, who invited Cheeseman to experience Catholic education in Mississippi firsthand.

The Bright Lights tour highlights schools that embody the mission and values of Catholic education while also providing opportunities for listening and learning from local communities.
“Soon after beginning this role, I embarked on an exciting initiative called the ‘Bright Lights of Catholic Education Tour,’” Cheeseman said. “This nationwide campaign celebrates, learns from and shines a spotlight on the remarkable work happening in Catholic schools across the country.”

The Diocese of Jackson spans a large rural region, and many of its Catholic schools serve small communities with limited resources. Despite those challenges, Cheeseman said what stood out most during his visit was the joy students clearly have for their schools.

“Kids are coming in so happy and so excited to be there,” he said. “Walking in to students singing at the top of their lungs just brings tears to your eyes. There’s a tremendous joy, which gives me incredible hope for the future – not only locally, but for what these students can contribute on the national level.”

Cheeseman also noted the strong faith life and parish involvement he observed throughout the diocese, describing it as a defining strength of Catholic education in Mississippi.

“I love the fact that pretty much everywhere I went, pastors were involved,” he said. “You could see they weren’t just showing up because they had a visitor. They were part of the lifeblood of the school. When there’s a real connection between the parish and the school, or the pastor and the principal, it makes an incredible difference.”

JACKSON – “This Little Light of Mine” echoed through the halls as students at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School welcomed Dr. Steven Cheeseman, president of the National Catholic Education Association, during his Bright Lights tour. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Joni House, executive director of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Jackson, said the visit affirmed and strengthened the work already underway across diocesan schools.

“Dr. Cheeseman’s visit and the Bright Lights tour affirmed the good work already taking place, provided meaningful encouragement for the journey ahead, and strengthened our shared commitment to advancing Catholic education across the diocese,” House said.

A key goal of the Bright Lights tour is storytelling – sharing the lived experiences of Catholic schools to inspire broader support for Catholic education nationwide. Cheeseman said his final stop at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School was especially meaningful.

“I think that final stop is the one that sort of leads the story,” he said. “From the moment I arrived, I felt a tremendous welcome and pride for the schools and the students. Walking through the halls, walking in the door, it all came to a culmination of what it means to be a Catholic school student here in the Diocese of Jackson.”

Through a dedicated website and social media campaign, NCEA is sharing stories from dioceses across the country to highlight innovation, faith and mission in Catholic education.

“At the heart of this campaign is a simple but profound goal,” Cheeseman said. “To showcase the bright lights of Catholic education and inspire our community to continue being the light in a world that so desperately needs it.”

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Fatima Five First Saturdays Devotion, Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2. Church opens at 8 a.m.; Mass at 9 a.m.; followed by Rosary. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026 dates, Feb. 27-March 1; April 24-26; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2 -4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson. Theme is “Beholding the Dream” with speaker Dr. William Jemison.

World Marriage Day 2026, Join us Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson at 1 p.m. or Saturday, Feb. 14 at St. James Tupelo at 1 p.m. for this celebration of marriage across the diocese. If you are celebrating your 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th+ in 2026 this celebration is for you! Please register to join us by visiting jacksondiocese.org/family-ministry. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Ladies Retreat, Feb. 6-8, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Osyka. Open to women age 21+. Cost: $300/person, includes accommodations and all meals. Deadline to register is Jan. 16. Details: email claudiaaddison@mac.com.

OXFORD – Diocesan Campus Ministry Winter Retreat “Radical Grace: Living the Gospel Upside Down,” Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Cost: $20 – Registration deadine is Jan. 23. Come and be renewed! Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

PILGRIMAGE – Travel to Italy with Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez of St. Joseph Greenville, Feb. 16-25, 2026. See the Vatican, Assisi and more. Details: visit catholicjourneys.com/tour/shrines-of-italy-pilgrimage.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the Andrew McQueen Civic Center. Cost: $45/person. Details: (662) 453-0623.

JACKSON – Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 7 at Fondren Hall from 7-11 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Attire: “after five.” Details: Christ the King church office (601) 948-8867.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Westin Jackson. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4pGfEAc for more info.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

MERIDIAN – Knights of Columbus Mash Bash Blood Drive, Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the K of C Hall. Details: schedule through vitalant.org.

PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MS – World Youth Day in South Korea, Aug. 3-7, 2027. Join the Priests of the Sacred Heart on an unforgettable pilgrimage that includes Mass with Pope Leo and more. For ages 16-23. Cost: $1,333 plus fundraising. Application packets available in the parish office. Details: Contact Vickie at (662) 895-5007.

Fall Faith Formation Day gathers parish leaders for renewal, connection and new pathways for lay formation

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By Joanna Puddister King
MADISON – Parish leaders from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the annual Fall Faith Formation Day, a one-day workshop hosted each November by the Department of Faith Formation. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together,” invited catechists, youth ministers, DREs and parish volunteers to reflect on their call to accompany the people of God with renewed purpose.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia speaks to faith formators from across the diocese for Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The keynote presenter was Robert Feduccia, a nationally recognized speaker who grew up in Brookhaven and attributes his own call to ministry to formative experiences in the Diocese of Jackson. He opened the day with lively “would you rather” questions that had participants laughing, moving and interacting with one another before leading them into deeper conversations about the heart of ministry.

Feduccia encouraged parish leaders to see themselves not as program directors who simply manage logistics, but as ministry leaders rooted in the church’s tradition and attentive to the lived reality of their parish communities. He noted that Mississippi’s Catholic population, though small and diverse, is uniquely positioned for authentic accompaniment and relationship-based ministry. He urged participants to present the faith as truly good news, helping people encounter Christ rather than focusing solely on intellectual debates or apologetics.

Sister Amelia Breton provided live translation during the keynote, allowing Spanish-speaking participants to engage fully. For the first time, the event also offered breakout sessions presented entirely in Spanish.

Throughout the day, attendees chose from a range of practical workshops addressing real needs in parish life. Presenters included Sister Amelia Breton, who spoke on accompaniment of migrant communities; Rebecca Harris, who discussed parish fundraising and stewardship; Emily Moran, who explored the confirmation journey with young people; Ruth Powers, who addressed reclaiming community life within parishes; Amelia Rizor, who focused on small-group ministry; and Debbie Tubertini, who offered insights on marriage enrichment. Spanish-language sessions were led by Danna Johnson and Raquel Thompson, who both presented on developing community involvement and small groups within parish settings.

In the closing session, Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, introduced the work of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation. She emphasized that one of the most important lessons learned through the diocesan synod and pastoral reimagining process is the need to respond when the faithful are asked to share their needs and hopes. She said the Center represents a concrete response to that input and thanked those who helped develop its formation path.

MADISON – Robert Feduccia engages participants during his keynote presentation at Fall Faith Formation Day on Nov. 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Leaders from parishes across the diocese gathered for a day of workshops, prayer and formation. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

The Bishop Houck Center for Lay Formation is designed to help lay leaders grow in faith, knowledge and service through programs grounded in education, evangelization and leadership development. The initiative builds on Bishop Houck’s legacy of supporting lay ministry and evangelization and offers formation opportunities in both English and Spanish for parish teams and individual leaders across the diocese.

The event closed with a final keynote from Feduccia, sending participants back to their parishes encouraged, energized and reminded that God works powerfully through the faithful who say yes to serving his church.

(To learn more about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation and upcoming opportunities for training and enrichment, visit jacksondiocese.org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.)

Click to see photos from Fall Faith Formation Day 2025

CSA feature: Catholic Charities – Diocese of Jackson

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Catholic Charities continues its mission to serve the poor and vulnerable across all 65 counties. Interim executive director Christina Bach said the agency remains grounded in the national theme: “Love Your Neighbor.”

“Our work is rooted in this call,” Bach said. “We live it out through programs such as adoption and maternity services, counseling and wraparound support, substance-abuse treatment for pregnant and parenting women, foster care for unaccompanied refugee minors, domestic violence and rape crisis services, immigration legal assistance, disaster response and parish-based ministry.”

Christina Bach, interim executive director of Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Diocese of Jackson.

Bach shared a recent example from the Kinship Navigator program, which helps relatives caring for children when parents cannot. The program supported a caregiver who had taken in her sister’s two children while the family was facing homelessness. “When we first met them, they needed housing, move-in assistance, birth certificates, clothing and other essentials,” Bach said. “Kinship was able to pay the deposit and rent so they could secure a place to live.”

The caregiver later told staff, “I appreciate y’all going to bat for me and the kids. I’ve been getting the runaround from others. This is a huge help.” Bach said responses like this show how vital the program is in keeping children connected with relatives instead of entering foster care.

Bach said that poverty and unaddressed trauma continue to be the biggest challenges for many families. “Trauma also has a high cost to individuals and to the community. We work to break those cycles by giving a hand-up, building family capacity, and teaching people to advocate for themselves.”

She emphasized that Catholic Charities aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to help families move toward long-term stability. “We want everyone we meet to be in a better situation than when we met them,” she said.

Bach believes the organization’s long history of responding to underserved needs distinguishes it from others. “We’ve often been approached by community leaders to provide programs no one else is offering,” she said. “We take seriously the call to assist the ‘least of these,’ and we believe all of God’s children deserve love and care.”

Looking ahead, Bach said she finds hope in the new strategic direction emerging nationally. “The message for 2026–2030 is simple: ‘Love Your Neighbor,’” she said. “It is timeless, and I have hope because our community is choosing to move forward with this as our guide.”

She said the Catholic Service Appeal is essential. “The CSA allows us to put funds where they’re most needed,” Bach said. “It helps us sustain the programs doing the most good.”

Bach added one final message: “Catholic Charities is a way for the local community to have a statewide impact.”

Click here to DONATE to the CSA in support of Catholic Charities of Jackson