Category Archives: Featured

Catechists trained in Call to Protect workshop

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By Maureen Smith
MADISON – The diocesan Office for the Protection of Children welcomed Audrey Oliver, a safety analyst from Praesidium, for two workshops in August. Praesidium is the company that produces “Called to Protect,” the program used in schools and parishes in the Diocese of Jackson.
Oliver led workshops in Madison and Tupelo for catechists and parish leaders who will actually be training youth. “We talked about boundaries, how molesters violate them and how teens can protect themselves,” she explained. In these workshops, Oliver goes through the training process, even asking the adults to participate in the activities teens will do during their trainings. Each group gets a sample situation and they have to discuss how they would react. This exercise in Madison inspired a lively group discussion about how the teens might react.

Audrey Oliver, standing, left, trains catechists in “Called to Protect” during a workshop at St. Joseph School. (Photo by Maureen Smith)

Oliver said she often gets feedback to take back to Praesidium from these trainings. “A lot of people said they have to deal with teens who act as if they don’t want to take this training seriously. This material can be hard to talk about, it can be embarrassing. Sometimes this is the first time people are giving them information about sexual abuse,” she said. “What I tell the trainers is that it isn’t just meant to be you teaching. It’s also about having a discussion with youth. It’s about them talking about their feelings and you have to assure them you are available to them,” Oliver added. Trainers have reported that victims of abuse have come forward as a result of the trainings.
In the afternoon sessions Oliver talked specifically about bullying. “I talked about how to recognize bullying as being different than normal teenage conflict and how to monitor high risk areas and activities for bullying,” said Oliver.
“Bullying is intentional, repeated conduct or negative behavior against a youth who has trouble defending himself or herself,” she explained. Teens will have conflicts, but in normal conflict the people involved are on equal footing and they seek some resolution to their conflict. Bullying, said Oliver, is about how the bully feels as a result of the behavior.
Oliver said the participants had lots of discussion during this segment of the training. Her advice for preventing bullying is for teachers and catechists to be present in as many situations as possible, standing in the hall during class changes and even checking bathrooms and hang-out spots to see if teens are bullying. If a situation arises, she suggests separating the parties and trying to find out why the bullying started. The bully may also need help. “Getting to the root of what’s going on is important.” She suggested telling the bully you support him or her as a person, but you cannot support his or her behavior.
Social media has added a whole new term to the discussion, cyberbullying, or using online tools to target an individual. Oliver urges catechists and parents to do their research so they know what apps and social media networks their teenagers are using.
At the end of the day, she said, catechists and teachers can’t control behavior outside their classrooms, but good communication and a good understanding of Catholic teachings will help prevent this kind of bullying.

School library cleanup results in book donation

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JACKSON – St. Andrew’s Episcopal School donated more than 1,000 books to Catholic Charities in August. The books will go to the many children’s programs of the agency, including Therapeutic Foster Care, the domestic violence shelter and more.

Amy Turner, program director of Therapeutic Foster Care joins fellow therapists Sherrita Harrison, Stacy Pajak, Ann Skelton and Jill Cauthen in selecting books for their clients. (Photo by Michael Thomas)


The donation, according to lower school librarian Laura Ginsberg, was the result of a regular culling of library resources. When books are no longer being checked out, or are a little worn, the library will replace them. The originals are still in good shape, so the librarians started looking for agencies that could make good use of them. When Ginsberg heard about the many children served by Catholic Charities, it seemed like the perfect fit.
Most are children’s books, but some young adult and high school material added. “We had a book fair Aug. 11-14, allowing therapists from all Catholic Charities programs to get books for their consumers,” said Kim Thomason, volunteer coordinator for Catholic Charities. “Our programs were excited for this opportunity to share with their children.  We are very appreciative of this generous gift,” she added.

Catholic Charities continues assistance

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Louisville – A defiant homeowner in Louisville displays a message of hope May 2, days after a series of deadly tornadoes leveled this block of homes. Catholic Charities continues to help with case management and recovery efforts in all the affected areas. (Photo by Ben Garrott)

Three months after a series of deadly tornadoes caused unbelievable damage to several communities, Catholic Charities’ Disaster Response Teams continue to help manage long-term recovery efforts.
“To date $26,500 has been raised from private donations, diocesean donations and Catholic Charities USA. Currently we are working with local long-term recovery committees in Warren, Winston, Lowndes, Itawamba and Lee County. We are also partnering with Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” explained Chamon Williams, a program specialist with Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities’ Disaster Preparedness and Response program provides assistance with unmet needs by partnering with committees to ensure that families get proper case management and all available resources are exhausted while looking to see that there is not a duplication of services.
On April 28, more than a dozen tornadoes touched down affecting multiple counties within the Diocese of Jackson. “Catholic Charities, Inc. Disaster Preparedness & Response program are ‘early responders,’ which means we enter to provide disaster relief 72 hours after the disaster. Teams conducted damage assessments in Itawamba, Lee, Rankin and Winston counties in coordination with the Warren County EMA. The Knights of Columbus assisted with managing debris removal and volunteers,” said Williams.
“The Disaster Preparedness and Response team would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to all who prayed, donated and volunteered. We would not have the ability to provide disaster assistance without you,” Williams said.
It is not too late for those affected by the storms to seek assistance, contact the team at 601-850-9532. Donations are also still welcomed.

Historic documents receive climate control

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By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – The diocesan archives is getting a new climate control system to assist in maintaining the historical documents and artifacts it houses. The vault where the archives has been stored since Bishop Richard Gerow brought the historical records from Natchez to Jackson in the late 1940s is located on the ground floor of the diocesan chancery

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William Johnson of Upchurch pulls wire as part of the installation process for the Archives’ new climate system. (Photo by Mary Woodward)

office in Downtown Jackson. The vault has never had its own climate system and depended upon the overall building system to keep it regulated.
Archives should be kept at a constant temperature and dryness. The ideal for archive preservation, according to Forrest Galey of the Mississippi State Department of Archives and History, is a constant temperature of 60 degrees and 40 percent humidity.
“The most important condition for archive preservation is providing a stable environment,” Galey said. “Humidity is the enemy of paper and other artifacts. Mold will grow very quickly on paper in a humid environment,” she added.
A new HVAC system based on zones was installed  in the chancery office building by Upchurch Services Company. Due to structural and mechanical issues, the archives was not able to be zoned. Therefore, a smaller system, which cools and dehumidifies was added in the vault itself. Moisture is drained into a front flower bed. The entire archives had to be covered to protect it from the dust created by drilling through 10 inches of concrete.

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William Johnson (left) and Jeffery Williams of Upchurch Services install the new inverter and drain for the diocesan archives’ climate control system. (Photo by Mary Woodward)

Now the system will be monitored in order to maintain a constant and stable environment for diocesan historical and sacramental records. The diocesan archives holds original documents dating to the 1790s when the Spanish governed Natchez and its surroundings. These sacramental records written in Spanish and signed by early pioneer clergy from Ireland are maintained in the vault along with microfilm records of all the parishes from the beginnings of the diocese.
Parishes keep the actual registers on site, but the diocese microfilms these books every 10 years for long term records management. Because of TV shows such as “Who Do You Think You Are?,” the archives has seen a growing interest in genaeolgical research.
The diocesan archives retains a professional researcher to assist those seeking their ancestors through these records. Dr. William Ashley Vaughan is available to trace family histories back to the late 18th century. These requests must be submitted  in writing and are processed as they come. Dr. Vaughan charges a fee for his time.

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The new dehumidifier/cooling equipment sits above a section of the diocesan archives. The entire archives was covered while the equipment was installed. (Photo by Mary Woodward)

Because the archives functions mainly as records retention for the church, the archives is open only to researchers working on doctoral dissertations, masters theses and various historical projects. Our biggest research topics are for the church in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. From this one is able to see the broad spectrum of materials in the archives.
We recently hosted a young man from the National University of Ireland in Galway who was writing his dissertation on antebellum Irish immigration in the dioceses of Charleston and New Orleans. He spent three days pouring over original documents and correspondence from Bishop William Henry Elder’s papers.
Again, all research requests must be submitted in writing with a basic outline of materials sought. It often takes several months to complete requests.

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Diocesan director of archives, Mary Woodward, removes plastic sheeting used to cover the archives during the installation of a new climate control system. (Photo by Contyna McNealy)

If you are seeking your own sacramental records or more recent ones, please contact the parish where you were baptized or married. It is much easier for them to get you a copy than for us to do that. Due to privacy issues and identity theft please be prepared to provide identification in order to receive records.
For genaeology or for historical research send all requests to: Diocesan Archives, P.O. Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225-2248; or email to chancery@jacksondiocese.org. Requests should include contact information with telephone, mailing address, and email.

March for Life dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe

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By Charlotte A. Koestler
JACKSON – Catholic Charities’ Pro-Life Working Group has dedicated the diocesan high school students’ annual pilgrimage to the national March for Life to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn, and in doing so simultaneously thanks her for sending her son, Bishop Kopacz, to the Jackson Diocese.080814guadalupe
“It seems as if Our Lady of Guadalupe graciously reached out to our diocese as Bishop Kopacz was appointed to serve us on her feast day, December 12,” stated Barbara Mustain, working group member.  Bishop Kopacz’s deep devotion to the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe is prominently displayed as a red rose on his coat of arms. The red rose the symbol for the pro-life movement represents all stages of human development from conception until its fulfillment in eternity.
Blessed Mother’s miraculous image produced on Juan Diego’s tilma is abounding in symbolism. The bow on her dress and its high placement and the strategically placed four petal flower, indicate that the virgin is with child making Our Lady of Guadalupe the picture-perfect icon of the pro-life movement. It is interesting to note that Bishop Kopacz selected the Latin phrase Fiat Lux, or “Let there be light,” for his motto since the word, LUZ, Spanish for light, is seen in her garment.
“By this dedication, we are doubly blessed to be under the protection of our mother’s mantle and our bishop’s shield,” said Mustain.
The Catholic Charities Jackson Pro-Life Working Group organizes the annual diocesan high school pilgrimage to the national March for Life. All diocesan high school seniors and juniors are encouraged to go to jacksonmarchforlife.org to learn more about their participation in the 2015 pilgrimage.(Charlotte A. Koestler is a program specialist for parish based ministries for Catholic Charities)

Local Muslims share Ramadan meal

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RIDGELAND – Songul Arslan (l-r), Yasemin Gok, Mahmut Gok and Sezai Cankirli, all of the Rain Drop Turkish House and Community invite Bishop Joseph Kopacz and diocesan chancery staffers, Mary Woodward and Fabvienen Taylor, to join in “breaking the fast” for Ramadan on Monday, July 21, at the community’s center. The month of Ramadan requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sunset. After sundown neighbors traditionally share food and fellowship with one another. Muslim fasting means no food or drink may be consumed at all and is a form of prayer in action by purifying one’s self through self-control. (Photo by Maureen Smith)

 

Educators prepare for new academic term

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Some familiar faces will be taking on new roles at three diocesan elementary schools when the new year starts the second week of August. Vicksburg Catholic, Meridian St. Patrick and Madison St. Anthony schools all have new  administrators this year. Jules Michel, an education veteran in the Diocese of Jackson, will take on the role as principal in Vicksburg for one year. Julie Bordelon, formerly principal at St. Patrick will be principal at St. Anthony for a year while Jennifer David, formerly a teacher at Columbus Annunciation will become the principal at St. Patrick.
Michel retired in 2012 and Bordelon resigned this year. Both were available and agreed to serve a one year term to provide the school communities in Vicksburg and Madison the time to conduct a proper search for a long-term administrator.
“The process of finding the right administrator is not one we take lightly,” said Catherine Cook, superintendent of schools for the diocese. In order to find a new permanent administrator, each school community will form a search committee that will include the school’s pastor or canonical administrator and representatives from parish and school communities including members of the school advisory council. This committee will obtain information from the school stakeholders relative to the unique needs of the school and the qualities desired for a new principal. The committee will help determine a strategy for advertising the opening.

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Norma Thiel moves materials to her new kindergarten classroom at Jackson St. Richard School. (Photo by Margaret Anzelmo)

Once applicants are approved by the superintendent, the committee reviews applications, conducts interviews and recommends the candidate that best fits the needs of the individual school.
Michel has attended or been an administrator in three of the four high schools in the diocese. He graduated from Madison St. Joseph School, was principal at Greenville St. Joseph High school and was the administrator of Natchez Cathedral School. His last assignment in the diocese was as principal of Jackson St. Richard School.
Michel holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, a master’s in school administration from Delta State and has done post graduate work at the University of Tennessee and Spring Hill College.
He started teaching in 1969. During his time in Natchez he was part of the team that built new additions to the school and began a development office. Under his administration at St. Richard the school underwent a $3 million dollar renovation of the facilities. He served for eight years as the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) region V representative for secondary education and was part of the national principals’ retreat team. He was president of the Mississippi chapter for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Michel also served as chairman of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Mississippi secondary committee and national representative for Non Public schools in the accrediting agency. He has served on numerous educational and evaluation committees.
Bordelon holds a bachelor’s of science in elementary education and a master’s in educational leadership from Mississippi State University and has been in education since 1986. She has worked in Tampa and Meridian teaching kindergarten and sixth grade until becoming principal of St. Patrick in 2000. While she was principal she led the first annual appeal for the school, which generated

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$151,000. She also helped with a $1.4 million capital campaign to build a new facility and started the first trust fund for the school. Bordelon started a development office and helped launch a marketing campaign for the school resulting in an 80 percent increase in enrollment. She is a member of NCEA and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum development.
The advisory council at St. Anthony hosted a meet and greet event for Bordelon Sunday, July 13, at the school. Families crowded the school’s reception area to get a chance to welcome their new principal.
David received her bachelor’s from the Mississippi University for Women and her master’s in education from Marymount University in Arlington, Va. She attended St. Mary School, now known as Columbus Annunciation, and started teaching first grade there in 1996. She went on to teach fifth and sixth grade as well as becoming the assistant principal. She helped establish the middle school at Annunciation and taught math and science to sixth-eighth graders.

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David

“I am so excited to be the new principal at St. Patrick Catholic School, a school well-known in the community for high academic standards and Christian values.  Like St. Patrick’s students, I was fortunate to get my start in Catholic schools, giving me a solid foundation for life,” said David. “I cannot wait to meet each and every member of our St. Patrick school family in the coming weeks.  Together, we are going to have a great year,” she added.
Father Frank Cosgrove, pastor for the Catholic community of Meridian said he and the community are very excited to welcome David.
“She went to Catholic school herself, and that’s important. She also got her graduate degree from a Catholic university,” said Father Cosgrove. He said he and the search committee were very pleased when they found her.
“We really believe she will help St. Patrick continue to provide the highest academic standards rooted in a deep Catholic identity. We always say St. Patrick is not just a ‘private’ school, it’s a Catholic school, and that is very important to us,” he added.
(Editor’s note: find related back to school content in the bishop’s column on pages 3 and 11 and on page 14)

Soldier’s children’s book opens minds, builds peace

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By Maureen Smith
An unlikely children’s author took on an international peace project with help from an art community in north Mississippi. Major Shawn T. Robinson, USMC, is serving as a military advisor in Afghanistan. In addition to being a soldier, he is a Catholic and a father. He is studying for his confirmation and his reflection on his life as a Christian, his work in Afghanistan and his family life led him to write a book for children called “Shoulder to Shoulder.” the-end-new-day
“Shoulder to Shoulder is basically an expression of the love we are supposed to have for our fellow man. The other thing that we are called to be as Catholics is brave. How many times does Jesus tell us not to be afraid?” wrote Robinson in an email from Afghanistan. The book follows the lives of two families, one Afghan, one American.
“I had the idea that I would write a book to my daughter explaining to her why Dad had to go to Afghanistan and it occurred to me that there was a father in Afghanistan that was having the same personal experience that I was,” explained Robinson in a story for the American Forces Network (AFN). The book follows the fathers and their sons as they tell the stories of meeting one another, becoming friends and seeking peace while deployed far from their homes.
For illustrations, Robinson turned to his mother, Diane Dryja, a member of Hernando Holy Spirit Parish. Dryja is involved in an artists’ group.
“I felt very honored when Shawn first approached me with the project. Then I felt overwhelmed because I knew there was no way I could do it on my own in a timely fashion. That is when I decided that I would approach my art teacher, Bernadette Grantham, and my art class for help with the project. They were absolutely wonderful,” said Dryja.
The book is trilingual, with text in English, Dari and Pashto. Dryja said her group wanted to make sure the pictures would also appeal to all audiences. “We knew it would be important to research and learn about uniforms, clothing, family life and customs. We also wanted the pictures to be able to tell the story,” she explained.
The group wanted to be sure the pictures were consistent despite the many hands working on them and keep the story moving.
“So we did our research and went page by page planning what might work. We then divided the pictures up depending on who was interested and able to commit the time painting each particular scene. Many of the pictures had a main artist and another artist did the background. Shawn actually came up with the idea of having the night sky unify the book – the idea being that we all live on the same planet under the same vast sky,” said Dryja.
One of Robinson’s good friends, also an American soldier, died in Afghanistan in 2008. He admitted the loss left him with some bitter feelings about the country, but that all changed during his current deployment. Robinson said the people of Afghanistan “changed my heart.” He wants others to be open to changing their attitudes about people different from themselves.
“I think a lot of people in the United States are afraid to talk about, or associate with Muslims, especially if they are from Afghanistan.

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Illustrations from “Shoulder to Shoulder,” a children’s book written by a Catholic soldier serving in Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of the author, Maj. Shawn Robinson)

I don’t want my daughter to fear other cultures. I want her to learn about other beliefs and make educated, informed decisions.  I hope that Shoulder to Shoulder brings a human face to Afghanistan,” he said.
“There are a lot of lies being told about Americans and Christians in general by the Taliban and other terrorist organizations. I hope that Afghan children and parents pick up this book and feel the love. If we are doing our job as a church then we should be a beacon of light that people are drawn to. I want this book to be a part of that light. I want this book to directly combat the Taliban’s message because it is just as important to me that Afghan children want to learn about our culture and our beliefs,” continued Robinson.
Robinson hopes to spread a message of inclusion both in Afghanistan and back at home. “We are not going to change the world by just talking to other Christians. Maybe you have a Muslim coworker that you rarely talk to, or maybe there is an Afghan-American child in your neighborhood that doesn’t have any friends because they are Muslim. That is just not right. Open up, talk to that person and eventually without you doing anything they will see the light inside you,” he urged in his email.
“Shoulder to Shoulder” has a Facebook page; an internet search for Maj. Shawn Robinson will bring up the story done by AFN about the book itself.
(Editor’s note: the day of publication, Major Robinson returned safely from his deployment.)

Foundation supports music, arts education

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Songwriter Steve Azar speaking at the music room dedication.

GREENVILLE – St Joseph High School has a new music room thanks to support from the Steve Azar Delta Soul celebrity golf and charity event. Proceeds from the fund-raiser for the St. Cecelia Foundation helped make the room possible.
Father Bill Henry, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, blessed the room at the June 5 dedication celebration. St. Joseph School principal, Paul Artman, welcomed all of the guests, which included founders of the St. Cecilia Foundation, Steve and Gwen Azar, the Delta Soul Committee, sponsors of the Delta Soul event, alumni and friends.
Azar, a native of the Mississippi Delta, is a songwriter, artist and producer who released his debut album, Waitin’ on Joe in 2001. Azar’s song, “I Don’t Have To Be Me, Til Monday,” received the Three Million Radio Airplay Award and is among the top ten most played songs on country radio in the past decade.
The St. Cecilia Foundation, named after the patron saint of musicians and composers, was founded in 2006. The focus of the foundation is to aid charitable organizations, particularly in the Delta region, that aid sick, disadvantaged and abused children of all denominations. The foundation also supports the arts and music within educational and cultural institutions.

Friends, family and alumni gather to celebrate the dedication of a new music room at St. Joseph School thanks to support from Steve Azar’s St. Cecilia Foundation. (Photos by Lisa Zepponi)


In a letter Azar posted in the website for the Delta Soul event he mentioned he has witnessed the progress and difference “we are all making together for the Delta. We must continue to nurture the arts in our children’s lives and in the lives of future generations.”
He added that through the proceeds from the golf and charity event the foundation was able to set up a scholarship fund that awarded 10 college scholarships to one graduate from each high school in Washington County and start a music and arts program at St. Joseph  High School, where three generations of his family have attended. The foundation also created and funded a unique career planning program at Delta State University that integrates business students with music and art students.
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Father Bill Henry, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, leads the group in prayer before the room dedication.


The music and arts programs at both Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Joseph Schools have benefited from Azar’s St. Cecilia Foundation and the accomplishments of the past few years reflect that support. The schools report awards and benefits such as students winning GreenvilleArts Council Merit of Excellence awards in the annual Student Art Exhibit; the creation of full music curriculum, including choir, sacred music, piano, and band; students winning first place in the Mississippi High School Film Competition for two consecutive years; the creation of a digital video department and curriculum; official Selection of a student-created short film by the New York All American High School Film Festival; a student winning a Silver Key Award in watercolor art;  students winning two Regional Scholastic Art Awards; invitations to participate in various National and International Film Festivals and the addition of handbells for Lourdes music classes and the Garage Band App for iPads for music classes.