Category Archives: Parish 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.

Handmade with care: St. Jude Artisan Guild serves those in need

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By Staff Reports
PEARL – The St. Jude Artisan Guild, a ministry of St. Jude Catholic Church, met Saturday, Jan. 24, to prepare Comfort Kits for individuals experiencing homelessness. The kits include handmade items designed to provide warmth, dignity and practical support.

The Artisan Guild is a small group of parishioners led by Linda Tynes-Artman that uses artistic skills to support other parish ministries, primarily Feed My Sheep. Last year, the group collected used linens – including blankets, drapes and other heavy materials – with strong support from St. Jude parishioners. Guild members transformed the donated materials into ponchos and oversized tote bags, which serve as staple items in the Comfort Kits. Members also created pouches to hold feminine hygiene items for distribution.

PEARL – Members of the St. Jude Artisan Guild, a ministry of St. Jude Church, display handmade items prepared for Comfort Kits during a recent work session. Pictured, from left, are Ascuncion M. Canon, Linda Tynes-Artman, Dusty Avilez, Marlene Williams, Christi Doucet, Myra Woodward and Deniza Buenaventura. (Photos courtesy of Linda Tynes-Artman)

The St. Jude Feed My Sheep Ministry distributed 39 Comfort Kits at the Opportunity Center. Each kit contained a poncho, tote bag, hat and scarf. The items were shared with guests receiving essential services such as showers, laundry, mail, computer access, and case management for housing and employment.

The donations helped provide comfort, dignity and practical assistance to individuals who rely on the Opportunity Center as a safe daytime “home base,” particularly during times of need. Shared with unhoused individuals, “these kits reflected God’s love in action and the strength of a community caring for one another,” said Tynes-Artman.

The Artisan Guild meets on the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. in the old rectory and plans to begin work in February on new additions to the Comfort Kits, including sleep mats and knapsacks.
Tynes-Artman expressed appreciation on behalf of the Guild saying, “We are so grateful to parishioners for their generous donations late last year and look forward to continued collaboration in the year ahead.”

(For more information on the Artisan Guild at St. Jude parish contact (601) 939-3181.)

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.

Called to Carmel: Sister Maryann Koine makes solemn vows

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By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – The Carmelite community of the Diocese of Jackson celebrated the solemn profession of religious vows of Sister Maryann Wambui Koine of Jesus Crucified, OCD, during a Mass on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Carmelite monastery chapel.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz served as principal celebrant as Sister Maryann made her solemn vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before the Discalced Carmelite nuns, members of the Carmelite Seculars, and friends from the greater Jackson community and beyond.

In his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on Mount Carmel and the Carmelite tradition, emphasizing that religious profession points not only to a particular vocation, but to the baptismal call shared by all Christians. Rooted in the mystery of the Cross, he said, religious life bears witness to the hope of eternal life and calls the church to deeper fidelity to Christ.

Religious life, the bishop noted, “points toward heaven,” reminding the faithful that following Christ requires daily self-gift and transformation of heart and mind – a call lived uniquely through the vows of religious life and universally through baptism.

Sister Maryann, originally from Kenya, first entered Carmel in Savannah, Georgia, in 2015. She professed her first vows in 2018 and transferred to the Carmelite monastery in Jackson in 2024 following the closure of the Savannah community. Her solemn profession marks a lifelong commitment to the Carmelite way of contemplative prayer and simplicity.

Speaking after the Mass, Sister Maryann expressed gratitude to those who supported her vocation, thanking the priests, sisters and community members who accompanied her along the journey. “This community has been my second family,” she said. “I am grateful to be a part of it.”

She also acknowledged the presence of her mother, who traveled from Kenya to attend the profession and spent several weeks visiting her daughter at the monastery. While language barriers limited communication during the liturgy, Sister Maryann said the shared joy of the occasion transcended words.

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St. Francis of Assisi New Albany celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe

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By Galen Holley
NEW ALBANY – Seven-year-old Luis looked the part, right down to his drawn-on mustache and loose-fitting tilma, and watching him alongside his parents, one could imagine Juan Diego woofing down a cookie prior to the Mass, just as Luis did. The glory and pageantry of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was resplendent on a cold night in New Albany.

“We feel our hearts burning with gratitude to Our Lady,” said Alma Solis, who, on Dec. 12, buzzed around the sanctuary organizing the celebration. Solis, a tireless volunteer, directed altar servers, gave dancers their cues, and translated on-the-fly from English to Spanish.

Marta Miranda sings in the choir during the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Albany on Dec. 12. (Photos by Galen Holley)

“The celebration is important for Catholics and especially for Mexicans,” said Solis, whose father-in-law, Pablo Garcia, despite a language barrier, is in formation to become a deacon.

Parents in the Hispanic community had dressed their little boys as the sainted peasant, Juan Diego, the simple indigenous man to whom, in 1531, Mary, the Mother of God appeared. Our Lady visited Juan Diego on the Tepeyac Hill in what today is Mexico City. She admonished the people to turn from pagan practices and offered miraculous signs as proof of Jesus’s love. Mary, through the power of God, caused roses to bloom in winter on the Tepeyac Hill, and Catholicism thenceforth bloomed in Latin America.

Catholics built a church on the site of the apparition in the 16th century, and today it’s among the most visited destinations in all the Christian world. Still, as St. Francis’s pastor, Father Xavier Jesuraj said in his homily on Dec. 12, the basilica represents something deeper.

“The building of the church was not the most important thing for the Blessed Mother,” said Father Raj. “The Virgin was present not only as an outward sign but as a promise that she is with us in our joys and sorrows, in all moments and aspects of our lives. She encourages us to offer our daily lives as a devotion and continuation of the celebration in which we participate tonight.”

One-year-old Ulysses Sanchez, dressed as St. Juan Diego, catches a nap prior to the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Albany on Dec. 12.

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has become the most popular symbol of faith among Mexican Catholics. The enculturated apparition of Mary, with mocha skin and dark hair, is a stark contrast to European images of the Blessed Mother, and suggests her universal character as Mother of the Church. As Father Raj put it, “She came as a sign not only for Latin America but for Europe and all the world proclaiming the love of her son, Jesus.”

The mustaches drawn onto the lips of babies at St. Francis was an adorable sign of just how much the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe means to Hispanic Catholics. The sight of the beatified Lilliputians tottering into the sanctuary, draped in their peasant’s garb, straw hats in-hand, was enough to inspire religious delight.
St. Francis Parish recently celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary, and, as on every Dec. 12, the church was packed. Little Kaitlyn Melany lovingly yet shyly placed a bouquet of flowers before the statue of Our Lady. One-year-old Ulysses Sanchez slept angelically in the arms of his mother, all gussied up in his costume of Juan Diego with red and green. Katherine and her little sister, Melanie, were both dressed as Our Lady, and they seemed to enjoy the pageantry and the energy of the congregation.

Outside, members of the dance troupe from St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ripley, including Emily Juarez, Sandy Ruiz Martinze, and Giovanni Martinez, moved in time with the thumping of the drum. The faithful sang hymns to Our Lady, giving thanks for her intercession and prayers, then they enjoyed a sumptuous meal as children scurried about with smiles and squeals of joy.

(Galen Holley is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Albany. Contact him at galenholley@gmail.com and watch his “Saint Michael Podcast” on YouTube.)

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

Joyful homecoming: St. Paul parish returns to renewed sanctuary

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By Joanna Puddister King
FLOWOOD – After more than a year of construction, parishioners of St. Paul Catholic Church returned to their newly renovated sanctuary and expanded gathering space for a joyful rededication Mass on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 – the Feast of Christ the King.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz served as principal celebrant, blessing the walls of the church as more than 450 parishioners filled the new pews, admiring the bright, welcoming space they can now enjoy before and after Mass.

Construction began in October 2024 and included new pews, flooring, paint, lighting, a redesigned sanctuary, and a new tabernacle. A major highlight was the expansion of the front entry and the creation of a true main entrance – replacing the previous side-entry layout. The parish’s façade is now illuminated at night, offering what many describe as a warm invitation to all traveling down Highway 25.

“We were one of the few churches in the diocese that didn’t have a front door,” said Father Gerry Hurley, pastor of St. Paul. “It took quite a while – and as we’ve said a couple of times, God’s plan takes quite a while. Thank you for your gifts and generosity. We were able to bring it about eventually.”

In a nod to their year-long displacement during construction, he added with a smile, “We are very thankful to be back in this space after a long sojourn in the desert at the Family Life Center. Like the people of Israel, we weren’t sure we were going to get there … but we’re finally here 12 months later. I am very happy to be back in this space.”

Several priests joined the celebration in support of Father Hurley, including Father Tommy Conway of Hattiesburg, retired priest Father Bernie Farrell, and Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam, chaplain at St. Dominic Hospital. Also joining was Deacon Tony Schmidt.

During his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the parish’s long journey toward this day. “It is joyful to be here with Father Gerry and all the staff at St. Paul’s – all that has come into this moment. It’s incredible to be part of it and to rejoice with you in God’s house,” he said. He noted that one of his earliest visits around the diocese in 2015 included a stop at St. Paul to review building plans, drawing warm applause as he commended Father Hurley for his “incredible dedication to the parish.”

Chris Cox, who helped lead renovation efforts with a committee of other parish leaders, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “It has been a real blessing to me to work in renovating the church. It has been a true blessing, an honor, and a labor of love,” he said. He thanked parishioners for their generosity to the capital campaign, which not only met but exceeded its goal. “Thanks to all who supported the project financially and spiritually.”

Though nearly everything in the physical space has been refreshed, the parish’s spirit remains unchanged. As several parishioners remarked, the building may be new, but the sense of home at St. Paul is as strong as ever.

Click to see photos from St. Paul Flowood’s Rededication Mass

FLOWOOD – St. Paul Catholic Church unveiled its newly renovated sanctuary and expanded front entrance during a rededication Mass on Nov. 23, 2025, celebrated by Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz. Parishioners filled the new gathering space following Mass, rejoicing in the parish’s return after more than a year of construction. (Photos by Joanna King)