Por Berta Mexidor JACKSON – Como ya es tradición, en enero, la oficina de Caridades Católicas de Vardaman en el noreste de Mississippi realiza la Semana Nacional de Migración, en coordinación con los líderes pastorales del decanato V de la Diócesis de Jackson. Este año, durante los días 9 al 11 de enero, el tema “Promoviendo una Iglesia y un Mundo para Todos” fue tratado por la hermana Norma Pimentel, Misionera de Jesus. La hermana Pimentel, MJ. es la directora ejecutiva de Caridades Católicas de Rio Grande en Texas y recipiente del premio “Laetare Medal” de la Universidad de Notre Dame. Su trabajo de servicio a los inmigrantes, a través del “Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen”, Texas y los retos de éste, cerca de la frontera con Mexico, la han puesto más de una vez en la palestra nacional. El programa incluyó conferencias a las comunidades de Vardaman y Tupelo. El viernes 10 de enero, en Vardaman, asistieron entre otros, Wanda Thomas Directora Ejecutiva de Caridades Catolicas de Jackson, el padre Fred Ruse desde Florida, representantes de la Universidad de Mississippi de Oxford, y el profesor Robert Stewart, retirado de Delta State University y presidente de la Junta de Asesores de Caridades Catolicas en Vardaman.
VARDAMAN – El obispo Joseph Kopacz oficio Misa el viernes, ene. 10, concelebrada con los sacerdotes: (al fondo de i-d) Raj Xavier, pastor de St. Francis of Asisi de New Albany, Adolfo Suarez, sacerdote asociado en St. James de Tupelo y Tim Murphy, pastor de St. James de Tupelo y de St. Christopher de Pontotoc. (Foto cortesia de Danna Johnson)
Steward definió a la Hna. Pimentel como “…una mujer tranquila, que parece casi tímida, pero que tiene un aura de estabilidad y fuerza. Ella habla en voz baja pero claramente audible. Ella dice mucho,” y explica que “…Me impresionó su preocupación tanto por las personas cansadas y asustadas que buscan asilo en los Estados Unidos asi como por los diversos funcionarios del gobierno, incluidos los agentes de ICE y la Patrulla Fronteriza. Ella entiende que todos los involucrados pagan un precio emocional. “ Danna Johnson, coordinadora de Caridades Católicas en Vardaman, expresó que la celebración del evento”… fue un éxito en el esfuerzo al llamado, a todos los católicos y personas de buena voluntad, a tener un mejor entendimiento y apreciación de este importante tema que nos afecta a todos.”
Por Berta Mexidor y Joanna King JACKSON – “Dios no te abandona” fue el mensaje del cardenal Álvaro Ramazzini Imeri durante su visita a la diócesis de Jackson entre el 19 y el 21 de diciembre de 2019. Este mensaje fue recibido por cientos de personas, en su mayoría inmigrantes, que asistieron a sus charlas en las comunidades de Cartago, Canton y Forest que fueron afectadas luego de las redadas de inmigración en agosto de 2019 y que resultaron en más de 700 detenciones, donde muchos de los detenidos son ciudadanos guatemaltecos. El cardenal Ramazzini, de Huehuetenango, Guatemala y elegido al rango de cardenal en octubre por el Papa Francisco, es conocido por su ayuda y defensa de los derechos humanos para con los pobres de América Central. Durante su gira de amor y esperanza en Mississippi, el cardenal Ramazzini habló sobre la situación económica en Guatemala, que hace que muchos se vayan del país a buscar una vida mejor; y alentó en la fe a los afectados con los que se reunió, mientras que muchos enfrentan el proceso legal de deportación de los Estados Unidos. En una conferencia de prensa el 20 de diciembre, en la oficina de la diócesis en Jackson, con el obispo Joseph Kopacz, Joe Boland, vicepresidente de misión para Extensión Católica y el padre Roberto Mena, ST de St. Michael Forest, el cardenal Ramazzini explicó su posición con respecto al gobierno de EE. UU. Agradeció a los estadounidenses de todo el país su muestra de solidaridad y toda la ayuda humanitaria recibida de católicos y no católicos, por igual, a los afectados por las redadas.
CANTON– “Ser Cardenal abre ventanas de comunicación con más personas … para servir mejor, en la última etapa de mi vida, y especialmente en servicio a las personas más marginadas del mundo,” dijo el cardenal Ramazzini el viernes dic. 20, 2019, en conversación con Guatemaltecos afectados por las redadas de ICE y parroquianos de Sacred Heart en Canton.(Foto por Berta Mexidor)
En la conferencia, el cardenal Ramazzini dijo que aboga por una “política de migración con rostro humano”, para resolver las condiciones económicas que obligan a muchos a abandonar su país de origen y detener la costumbre donde los inmigrantes son tratados como delincuentes, aún sin tener antecedentes penales. El cardenal Ramazzini evaluó con el mismo peso a los gobiernos de Barack Obama y Donald Trump al aplicar las leyes de inmigración con “legalidad y poca justicia”. Además, denunció el trato inhumano de los inmigrantes cuando han sido esposados en sus lugares de trabajo frente a colegas y familias.
FOREST – Cientos de parroquianos de St. Michael, religiosos, cuidadanos Guatemaltecos y simpatizantes de immigrates se reunieron para Misa, el sádado dic. 21, 2019. En procesión, el padre Roberto Mena, ST. pastor de St. Michael(frente), el cardenal Ramazzini (centro), quien fue el Homilista y el obispo Joseph Kopacz (atrás) el celebrante. (Foto por Luis G. Espinoza/ La Noticia)
Al mismo tiempo, el cardenal Ramazzini criticó fuertemente al gobierno guatemalteco por su pobre modelo económico que deja a los nativos al borde de la desesperación. Durante su labor de concientización a lo largo de los años, ha explicado a los guatemaltecos el peligro de ponerse a sí mismos y a sus hijos en manos de “polleros” y “coyotes”. Después de la conferencia de prensa, el cardenal Ramazzini se reunió con feligreses en St. Anne Carthage, Sacred Heart Canton y St. Michael Forest. En cada una de las reuniones, agradeció a los sacerdotes que atendían a sus rebaños: el padre Odel Medina, ST, el padre Michael O’Brien y el padre Roberto Mena, ST. Los sacerdotes también le agradecieron su visita y le explicaron su trabajo con los feligreses y las familias afectadas por las redadas, lo que incluye mucho apoyo financiero ya que muchos no pueden trabajar, además de consolar a los feligreses a través del trauma experimentado por las redadas.
CARTHAGE– Al final de la Posada, el cardenal Ramazzini bendice la casa y a todos los presentes. Al fondo, Joe Boland, vicepresidente de Catholic Extension, organización a cargo de la visita y ayuda a los afectados.
Durante su conversación con las comunidades, algunas familias afectadas compartieron lo que sufrieron en el momento de la detención, la vergüenza y la incertidumbre al momento de enfrentar un tribunal federal; pero también su esperanza para el futuro. También muchos comunicaron al cardenal Ramazzini su gratitud por el trabajo de los sacerdotes, religiosos, voluntarios y organizaciones benéficas católicas, quienes han hecho que esta vez sea un poco menos difícil y, por lo cual, no les ha faltado alimentos, ayuda y pagos financieros para mantener casa y servicios para sus familias. El cardenal Ramazzini mencionó que muchas personas que han ayudado a las familias afectadas son prueba de que Dios no deja a las personas solas. “En los momentos de prueba, la solidaridad y la ayuda de otros probaron que Dios no nos abandona”, dijo en su visita. Durante sus conversaciones con cada una de las parroquias en su conjunto, el cardenal Ramazzini comparó la situación de los inmigrantes arrestados en las redadas con Job, quien lo perdió todo y hasta quedó enfermo y solo. “…Este libro de Job puede ayudarnos a todos cuando pasamos por tiempos difíciles. Y Job le pregunta a Dios por qué está sufriendo. Y la respuesta de Dios fue y es ‘No te he abandonado, solo quería ver si eras fiel’ … Cuando todo va bien, nos olvidamos de Dios. No debería ser así, pero somos seres humanos…,” dijo el cardenal, y continuó. “Debemos estar seguros de que Dios no nos abandona, pero es muy fácil decir esto cuando todo está bien, pero después de estar en la cárcel, o ver a un miembro de la familia atrapado y pasar momentos difíciles, la gente siempre se pregunta en una situación así, ‘Dios, si eres amor, ¿por qué permites que sucedan cosas como esta?’ La tentación de la desesperación, de la falta de confianza en Dios, es muy grande … Le pido al Señor que no te deje caer en esa tentación porque, a pesar del momento difícil, Dios no nos abandona,” enfatizó el cardenal Ramazzini. Además de las conversaciones comunitarias, el cardenal Ramazzini participó con los feligreses pidiendo Posada en St. Anne Carthage y St. Michael Forest, una tradición antes de Navidad que representa a la Sagrada Familia en busca de refugio, hasta encontrar un lugar en un establo. Fue allí donde nació el hijo de Dios,”…para enseñarnos que entregarnos a los demás nos hace felices”, dijo el cardenal Ramazzini. Agregó que ser cristiano es ser coherente con la fe y ayudarse mutuamente, recalcando “… si usted cree que Dios es amor, ese, es el camino a seguir.”
CARTHAGE – Decenas de peregrinos, de la parroquia de Santa Ana, acompañaron en Posada al cardenal Ramazzini y al padre Odel Medina, ST., el viernes, dic. 12, 2019. Antes y después de la posada hubo oraciones, música, ponche caliente y comida de Guatemala.
Apoyo continuo para familias afectadas Durante su visita a Mississippi, el Cardenal Ramazzini recibió el compromiso continuo de miembros de Caridades Católicas Jackson, el Centro de Justicia de Mississippi, el Instituto Jesuita de Investigación Social, la Alianza de Derechos de Inmigrantes de Mississippi (MIRA) y otros grupos comunitarios, que han movilizado voluntarios para distribuir ayuda, ofrecer transporte para visitar a familiares detenidos y servicios de traducción para los tribunales. Extensión Católica, organización sin fines de lucro con sede en Chicago, que patrocinó la visita pastoral del cardenal Ramazzini, anunció, en la conferencia de prensa celebrada en la oficina de la Cancillería en diciembre 20 de 2019, su nueva iniciativa de salud mental a través de su “Fondo Holy Family” para proporcionar asesoramiento y otros servicios a las familias afectadas por las redadas. Esta iniciativa de Catholic Extension es una asociación entre el Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) de Miami y el Fondo Holy Family, un programa de ayuda a las familias en los Estados Unidos que dependen financieramente de un padre que ha sido detenido o deportado por razones de inmigración. A través del fondo, Catholic Extension ha garantizado el flujo de ayuda para apoyar .la entrega de recursos básicos a las iglesias que atienden las necesidades humanitarias y espirituales de las familias en Mississippi afectadas por la crisis causada por las redadas de ICE. “Las redadas, como la que vimos en Mississippi, causan un caos masivo para estas familias,” dijo Joe Boland, vice presidente de Extensión Católica. “Necesitamos continuar asegurándonos de que obtengan los recursos y servicios que necesitan para abordar el sufrimiento a largo plazo causado por un sistema en el que los padres son separados por la fuerza de sus hijos, y eso es lo que pretendemos hacer.” La iniciativa de salud mental se creó para aliviar el trauma y la ansiedad persistentes creados para los niños separados de sus padres debido a la detención o deportación. Este esfuerzo incluirá asesoramiento, atención pastoral, ayuda para la salud mental y otros servicios para abordar las consecuencias psicológicas que sufren las familias que han sido separadas. Durante la conferencia de prensa, Boland describió haber recibido una carta de un niño de 8 años de Morton después de las redadas. La madre del niño había estado detenida durante dos meses antes de ser puesta en libertad. El niño escribió: “Gracias por recordarnos, por no abandonarnos. … En el futuro, no se olviden de nosotros porque son los niños los que más sufren.” Se pueden hacer donaciones al Fondo Sagrada Familia para ayudar a lanzar y mantener este nuevo programa de salud mental en catholicextension.org/family
CARTHAGE – El cardenal Ramazzini escuchó varios testimonios de familias afectadas por las redadas de Inmigracion. Después de su conversación, el viernes, dic. 20, 2019, varias madres pidieron al cardenal bendiciones para sus hijos.(Fotos por Berta Mexidor)
GREENVILLE – Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 the new members of the Sacred Heart parish council were installed, prayed over and blessed with holy water by Father Thomas Mullaly. The new parish council members are listed from left to right, Remika Wright, Micheal Courtney, Marilyn Williams, Staphanie Foules- Brooks, Lisa Kemp, Donald Davis, Reba Moton, and Douglas Wise. Not pictured are David Torres and Will Jenkins. (Photo by Maurice Mosley)
NEW ORLEANS, La. Notre Dame Visit, Pre-discernment trip, Jan. 31 – Feb. 2. While on campus, the men will hear talks about discernment from Father Jim Wehner, rector, take part in a Bible Marathon campus, enjoy community life and witness a beautiful liturgy on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Details: Father Nick Adam frnick@saintrichard.com or (601) 366-2335.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, Spirit of Mississippi Women’s Retreat, Feb. 14-16 at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Ala. This retreat is for the women of the parish. The cost is $200 for a double room and scholarships are available. A deposit of $50 is due by Feb. 1 to Carlos, Ann or Chris. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Thursday, Feb. 13 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the KC Hall on Highway 8 West. Eat in, take out or drive through. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.
GREENWOOD St. Francis, 34th Annual Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 1 at Jackson State University E-Conference Center, 1230 Raymond Rd., Jackson at 8 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $30. Details: contact any member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Court #199 or email maxiemsdelta@hotmail.com or the church office (662) 453-0623.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, 2nd annual Spaghetti Dinner, Friday, Feb. 7 from 4-8 p.m. Cost: adult plate $10 and kids 12 and under $5 per plate. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph & St. Patrick, Mary: Unveiling Scripture and Tradition, Thursdays, Feb. 6 through March 26 from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Ken Woodward facilitates the Augustine Institutes new Lectio program. Details: Mary Billups to register and reserve study guide at (601) 693-1321 ext. 8.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, ChristLife Part 2: Following Christ, Sunday evenings beginning Feb. 16 until April 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 7:15 p.m. meeting for eight weeks. It is for any Catholic Christian. Those who are at the beginning of their spiritual journey will learn the tools to grow in faith and grace. Those who are further along the path to Christ will have the opportunity to share their experiences and practices to encourage others. Details: participants can register at christlifestmarybasilica@gmail.com by sending in name and phone number.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Calling all men, Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just bring yourself to relax with the Lord Jesus Christ. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Calling all women, Morning of Spirituality, “How do we call others to holiness?” Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
YOUTH BRIEFS
COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Parade to honor our Military, Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m. Details: Katie Fenstermacher at (552) 328-4479 or marketing@annunciationcatholicschool.org.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship, Saturday, Feb. 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the gym. The contest is open to both boys and girls ages 9 to 14. They do not have to be a student at St. Richard School. There is no charge to sign up and entry forms are available in the church office. Refreshments will be provided. Every participant will receive a certificate and the winners receive plaques. Details: Rusty Haydel at (601) 953-9711.
St. Richard School, 7th annual Krewe de Cardinal, Friday, Feb. 21 from 7-11 p.m. at the South Warehouse in Downtown Jackson. Cost: General admission tickets are $50. Proceeds go towards playground upgrades for the upper elementary students. Details: school office (601) 366-1157 or www.strichardschool.org.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Youth Retreat “Anchored in Hope,” Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 7th – 12th graders from around the diocese. It will be led by the National Evangelization Team and will include witness talks by team members, games and fun activities, small group sharing, Mass and more. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
St. Joseph Catholic School, Bruin Break Tour Day, Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are known for their incredible faith-infused art, academics, theater, music and athletics. Details: Tricia Harris, Advancement Director at (601) 898-4803 or tharris@stjoebruins.com.
MERIDAN St. Patrick School, Countdown 2020, the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. It will include Dinner, 50/50 drawings, silent auction, wine pull and live music. Wine and spirits will be available. Cost: Tickets are $100 each and may be split. Details: Tickets are available from any St. Patrick school advisory council member or the school office at (601) 482-6044.
NATCHEZ Cathedral School, Open Enrollment for the 2020-21 school year. Applications are available at www.cathedralgreenwave.com or at the schools. Details: school office (601) 442-2531.
St. Mary Basilica, Save the Date, Mother-Son Mardi Gras MOMbeau, Friday, Feb. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the O’Connor Family Life Center. Cost: Advanced tickets are $20 (by Feb. 1) or at the door for $30. Proceeds benefit St. Mary youth programs Pre-K3-8th grades. Details: Carrie Lambert at stmaryyouth@cableone.net or the church office (601) 445-5616.
PEARL St. Jude, Alive in You – Catholic Conference and Service Camp, July 14-19. Youth currently in grades 7-12 enrolled and participating in Sunday School at St. Jude can attend. Total cost: $340 (includes meals and lodging). If your child would like to participate, but finances are an issue, please contact Stacy. Details: Stacy Wolf, DRE or Mara Villa or Elizabeth Walter, Youth Ministers at the church office (601) 939-3181 or www.aliveinyou.com.
By Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Father Anthony Quyet celebrated his last Mass at as the official pastor for Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson on Sunday, Jan. 12, before his retirement. Ordained on June 18, 1983 at St. Patrick Meridian by Bishop Joseph Brunini, Father Quyet was quoted then saying that he was “pretty nervous and wanted everything to go well.” After 37 years as a priest, serving the parishes of St. Patrick Meridian, St. Therese Jackson, St. Michael Forest, Immaculate Conception Indianola, St. Benedict Indianola, Christ the King Jackson, St. Mary Jackson and Cathedral of St. Peter Jackson, in addition to serving various roles through the years such as part-time vocation director, Father Quyet was at ease for his retirement celebration after all of his prior experience.
JACKSON – Father Anthony Quyet pictured during his last Mass at Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle Jackson before a huge retirement celebration on Sunday, Jan. 12. (Photo by Joanna King)
Originally from Bui Chu, Vietnam, Father Quyet attended seminary school in Missouri. Bishop Joseph Kopacz spoke at the celebration Mass about the story of how Father Quyet ended up in Mississippi. He told the packed pews that a chance meeting between Cardinal Bernard Law and Father Quyet sparked the decision to consider a move to Mississippi, as the temperatures were more complimentary to Vietnam than those in northern states. “I was impressed by Father Anthony because he not only had to learn to speak English when he came, he had to learn to speak Mississippian,” joked Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino.
JACKSON – Father Anthony Quyet pictured on his ordination day at St. Patrick Meridian on June 18, 1983. He retired on January 12, 2020, serving the diocese for 37 years. (Photo from archives)
“How he ended up in Mississippi, God only knows.” During his time in Mississippi, Father Quyet got to serve in ten different parishes and communities. “[I served] those big and small. I served black, white, Hispanic and Vietnamese,” said Father Quyet. He began celebrating Mass in Spanish at St. Michael Forest in April 1991, a tradition that continues today to the large Hispanic population in the area. In part to Father Quyet, Bishop Kopacz said he could “see the face of the universal church in many ways in our diocese and our priests. We are very blessed in that way.” Father Quyet closed the Mass with his final remarks, so thankful to be surrounded by all of the people he touched over the years from many different parishes in attendance at his final Mass before retirement. “I am grateful to God for His grace that enabled me to serve God and people as a priest for the last 37 years,” said Father Quyet. “I am grateful to you for your love and support and generosity that helped my ministry grow.” Instead of simply growing, Bishop Latino said of Father Quyet, “he surely bloomed where he was planted.”
JACKSON – Father Anthony Quyet venerates to Our Lady of Guadalupe at a celebration in 2018 at Cathedral of St. Peter Jackson. (Photo by Berta Mexidor)
By Berta Mexidor JACKSON – This year two parishes had a special inn or Posada, with the presence of Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini Imeri of Guatemala, who became a pilgrim asking for an inn for the birth of the Savior. In the parishes of St. Anne Carthage and St. Michael Forest, cardinal Ramazzini was accompanied by the priests of the parishes, Odel Medina, ST and Roberto Mena, ST, respectively, and was followed by dozens of pilgrims, including numerous children dressed as Mary and Joseph. As is tradition, during the walking tour, several songs were sung, the Holy Rosary was prayed and the pilgrims carried candles. At the end of the road, a few blocks walking, the pilgrims reach the house of one of the parishioners who open the door, after the well-known Christmas carol, where the pilgrims, headed by Joseph, explain to the owner of the house, that Mary being pregnant of the Word made flesh, Jesus, needs a place to rest.
In Carthage and Forest, the cardinal accompanied the pilgrims asking for Posada, a tradition before Christmas that represents the Holy Family in search of refuge. History tells that they looked for an inn until, at the end, they found a place in a stable. In the parish of St. Anne Carthage, cardinal Ramazzini sang “Silent Night” with parishioners, a song that reminds that Christmas Eve is a night of peace and an announcement of the gift that Jesus gives – peace and love. Cardinal Ramazzini blessed the house and everyone present. At the end of the Inn, as is common, there was music, prayers and Guatemalan food, accompanied by a hot punch to remedy the cold outside. At St Michael Forest, after the Posada, a Mass was celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Cardinal Ramazzini was the homilist and Father Roberto Mena, St the concelebrant. In the end, the parishioners enjoyed traditional Guatemalan dances and food in the spirit of Christmas. Cardinal Ramazzini arrived to Mississippi to give words of encouragement to families affected by immigration raids, coinciding with the time of Advent. The cardinal explained, in his visits in both parishes, that the tribulation of the Holy Family seeking refuge and the humility of the place of Jesus’ birth demonstrates Jesus gave himself to serve humanity. The Holy Family only found a place where shepherds kept animals and tools, in a very humble place “… and it was there that the son of God was born, the one who has power over humanity,” said Cardinal Ramazzini. He came “to teach us that giving ourselves to others makes us happy.” He added that “to be Christian is to be consistent with your faith and help each other, … if [you] believe that God is love, that is the way forward.”
WINONA – Sacred Heart Catholic Church sponsored their 8th annual Ladies’ Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 11, 2019. Pictured are Krystal Hogan (in front), Mike Lucio, Father Arokia Savio and Cecilia Lucio. This year’s theme was “A Roaring 20s Christmas.” With a backdrop of black, white and gold, guests were treated to an Art Deco atmosphere with a menu from the 1920s and original music from the era. They even had a photo booth! Guests were also able to take home a recipe book of their meal, treats and door prizes. (Photo by Cathy Edwards, OFS)
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Introduction to Center Prayer, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2020 beginning with supper at 6:30 p.m. The retreat will help to enable you to spend time learning how to practice centering prayer and learning about how God uses this to not only transform our inner lives, but to also transform the world around us. Presenter is Reverend Anne-Russell Bradley, a United Methodist pastor in Columbus. She is a certified Spiritual Director through Journey Partners. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or dwellpl@gmail.com.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, Introduction to Spiritual Warfare – What Every Christian Should Know presented by Father David Seid, O.P., Dr. Sheryl Jones and Joyce Pellegrin on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18.
“The Real Saint Francis from Sentimentality to Reality” presented by Father Joachim Studwell, O.F.M. on Saturday Jan. 25. Details: For more information, call (762) 299-1232 or info@locusbenedictus.org.
NEW ORLEANS, LA Our Lady of the Cenacle Retreat Center, Finding God in the Now! Every Day Experience, Jan. 17-19. In this retreat, we will learn to recognize God’s presence in the here and now. We will look for the good in challenging situations and through our high and low points in life Presenter: Reverend Jim Sichko. Actual cost of the retreat is $350; minimum payment is $250 and includes accommodations and meals. Details: Susan Halligan at (504) 267-9604 or https://www.neworleansretreats.org/retreats.
Living the Virtue of Hope, Jan. 24-26. Presenter: Reverend Joe Krafft. Actual cost of the retreat is $350; minimum payment is $250 and includes accommodations and meals. Details: Susan Halligan at (504) 267-9604 or https://www.neworleansretreats.org/retreats.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion Group will discuss Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates at 12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, at the parish hall. Everyone is invited to read the book and join the discussion. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Abide in Me, nine-week program will meet on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. in the church meeting room. Come and experience scripture through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Specific dates and details will be forthcoming. Details: church office (662) 624-4301 or Celese Zepponi at (662) 645-2113.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Parish Mission “Life of Passion, Life of Love” Sunday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 pm through Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30–7:30 pm. International Catholic speaker and author, Adam Storey, Director of Marriage Ministry Department, Diocese of Des Moines. Details: (601) 856-2054.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Mary Mother Guardian of the Faith, Patricia Talbot visits Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. She is from Cuenca, Ecuador and will share her experience of faith and the desire of the heart of our Mother to live a life of true conversion. She will talk about the dangers that threaten our faith and how to defend it with love. The talk is in Spanish with English translation. Details: Ruth Powers at (601) 445-5616 or www.guardianadelafe.com.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, CALLING ALL MEN, Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just bring yourself to relax with the Lord Jesus Christ. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PEARL St. Jude, Men’s Retreat, all men are invited and is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The theme is Jesuit spirituality. Retreat directors are Deacon John McGregor, Father Lincoln Dall and Cathy Hayden. Focus will be the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his approach to spirituality, including the spiritual exercises, lectio divina, imaginative contemplation and the examen. There is no cost to attend. Details: Call the church office by Jan. 22 to make a reservation (601) 939-3181.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, CALLING ALL WOMEN, Saturday, Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just bring yourself to relax with the Lord Jesus Christ and experience His love in many different ways. For the women by the women. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
YOUTH BRIEFS
MADISON St. Joseph School – “Jeans, Jazz and Bruin Blues,” St. Joe’s Annual Draw Down is Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 from 6-9 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available and tickets are on sale now. Details: To sponsor or purchase tickets, visit stjoebruins.com or call the school office (601) 898-4800.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Countdown 2020, the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. It will include dinner, 50/50 drawings, silent auction, wine pull and live music. Wine and spirits will be available. Cost: Tickets are $100 each and may be split. Details: Tickets are available from any St. Patrick school advisory council member or the school office at (601) 482-6044.
By Laura Grisham WALLS – In one of the northern-most towns of the Delta, a crowd of about thirty invited guests gathered recently for a Mass in honor the 75th anniversary of the dedication of Sacred Heart Church. Those assembled represented many of the founding families and familiar faces that have been a part of the congregation and the missions over the past seven-and-a-half decades. Many of those present had not been inside the little church in a number of years. Prior to Mass, Father Jack Kurps, SCJ, took them on a tour of the renovations. Recalling the old sanctuary, he said, “I don’t know whether the statue of the Sacred Heart came first, or whether the plastic Jesus did,” noting the importance of Sacred Heart Auto League to the missions. Gone are the old wooden pews and floors of the original church. With new seating and tile, better acoustics were accomplished. Vivid paint, richly colored marble and refurbished windows complete the new look. The new layout provides an open and inviting space for worship and prayer. Father Kurps also provided some background on the custom altar, ambo and base upon which the statue of the Sacred Heart rests — all of which are new additions. A Pennsylvania artist carved the stunning wood pieces using the bases of trees to garner the unique look. The new crucifix is a mixed-media collaboration between the original artist and another Pennsylvania sculptor.
Other beautiful pieces also adorn the church. A dove, representing the Holy Spirit, hangs watchfully from the ceiling. Constructed from antique furniture pieces, one must carefully study it to discern its parts. Flanking the altar, one cannot escape the gaze of the Faithful Companions and Angels of the Heart. The two commissioned paintings honor the saints and angels, and our benefactors, who are devoted to the Sacred Heart. During his homily, Father Kurps marveled at how a conversation in 1941 between an SCJ and a priest in Natchez, resulted in the formation of this church, and subsequently six parishes, Sacred Heart Southern Missions and two schools. Kurps shared highlights of the struggles and triumphs of those early years. At that time, the Catholic population in this area was the smallest in the state. Headquartered in Water Valley in 1942, Father John Flanagan, SCJ, found himself serving a mere 29 Catholics scattered over the 2,000 or so square miles of Marshall, Benton and Tippah counties. The next year, Father Flanagan moved to Holly Springs and was given the charge for priestly work in DeSoto, Tate, Marshall, Benton and Tippah counties by Bishop Gerow of Natchez. In January of 1944, Mass was celebrated for the first time in DeSoto County at the home of Mrs. L.A. Johnson. A week later, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Patterson (Patty) Harris family hosted the service, and in mid-February, the O’Donnell family had the privilege. By that time, there were 40 adults and children squeezed into living rooms and parlors. The tiny Catholic population in northwest Mississippi was growing. On Feb. 21, 1944, Father William Noelken, SCJ, the U.S. Provincial for the Priests of the Sacred Heart, gave approval for a small church in DeSoto County. Plans were quickly drawn up but constructing a church during wartime was no easy feat. Money, supplies and workers were scarce. The War Production Department was another hurdle. Established to prevent unnecessary construction, the government agency halted many a project. After many applications, permission was finally granted on June 6, 1944. A month later, Patty Harris generously donated land for the church and ground was broken. In August, Father Stephen Hoyga, SCJ, joined Father Flanagan as construction continued. Remarkably, just three months later, the date for dedication was set. On Nov. 26, 1944, the church was dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Recognizing the parishes in Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, Senatobia and Tunica, Father Jack remarked, “From start of this small church at the northwest corner of Mississippi, a lot has happened.” Noting the contributions of the School Sisters of St. Francis, Father Kurps talked about the positive impact of our schools through the years. He also commended the SHSM housing and social service ministries and all that has been done to lift up the poor in our area. “Because of the faith of all of these men and women, the faith has taken hold in northwest Mississippi. … It will be interesting to know what this will all look like 75 years from now,” said Father Kurps. “I hope that the progress made in the last 75 years is nothing compared to what is accomplished in the next.”
By Joanna Puddister King NATCHEZ – After a series of book studies, a group of St. Mary Basilica parishioners and leadership were inspired to come up with an action plan to move the parish forward to deepen their relationship with Christ. The answer to their prayers was the ChristLife program. Ruth Powers, program coordinator at St. Mary Basilica said that Discovering Christ, the first program of ChristLife, was probably one of the most successful programs the parish has ever done.
On Sunday evenings during October and November, an average 110 people attended each of the seven weeks of the Discovering Christ program that invites people of all backgrounds to open the door to encounter Jesus. Each session of the series began with a fellowship meal, followed by praise and worship with music by parishioners Drew David and Melissa Johnson. The sessions then progressed into witnessing a video teaching by the ChristLife team, followed by small group discussions on the material. The series was open to all and brought together parishioners from all of the Natchez parishes – St. Mary Basilica, Holy Family and Assumption. Overall, the parish had 14 small groups formed for discussion for each of the sessions, an aspect many found so valuable. “I enjoyed the discussion and finding out that others are going through the same things as me. It made me think more about my relationship with God as an ongoing process and not just at Mass,” says Steve Neilsen, one of the small group leaders. St. Mary Basilica parishioner, Amada Coley was also impacted by the small group connections and by knowing she is not alone in her need to be closer to Christ. “I enjoyed the opportunity to set aside this special, precious time to focus on God and reflect on my relationship with Jesus,” said Coley. Because of the interest expressed at the end of Discovering Christ, preliminary planning is underway to offer the second portion of Christlife, Following Christ, in the Spring.
