Category Archives: Parish News

The life of Sister Thea Bowman celebrated in Canton

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By Madelyn Johnson
JACKSON – On March 29, Holy Child Jesus Catholic Church celebrated the life of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA.

Born on Dec. 29, 1937, Sister Thea converted to Catholicism at the age of nine and attended Holy Child Jesus School in Canton. A passionate educator and lover of music, she dedicated her life to teaching and advocating for faith and justice. After a courageous battle with breast cancer, she passed away on March 30, 1990, at the age of 52. Each year, Holy Child Jesus Catholic Church commemorates her life around the anniversary of her passing.

Holy Child Jesus was Sister Thea’s home parish, and the celebration drew many of her former students, colleagues, and friends. Participating choirs included Holy Child Jesus, Sacred Heart Canton and Camden combined choirs, Christ the King choir, and the Rembert Washington Memorial Chorale of Canton, led by Pastor John Woodard Jr. Soloists Frazier Riddell and Elaine Gager also performed. Artwork by Father Guy Wilson, ST, was sold to support Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in Jackson, including special ornaments featuring Sister Thea’s likeness.

The spirit of Sister Thea resonated throughout the event, especially through songs like “I Just Wanna Praise You.” Attendees shared personal memories of Sister Thea and her ability to encourage people beyond their comfort zones.

CANTON – Parishioners and guests are filled with song at the annual Sister Thea Bowman celebration at Holy Child Jeus parish on Saturday, March 29. (Photos by Madelyn Johnson)

Edd Hightower, one of Sister Thea’s former students, recounted a memorable experience:

“Sister Thea really had a way of getting everyone out of their comfort zone. She invited me on a trip to the Virgin Islands and invited me to go horseback riding. I was nervous, because I don’t like animals that are larger than me. The instructor told me how to control the horse with the reins, but I forgot it all the second he encouraged him forward. But you know what? That horse got me up the mountain and back down. I had to have faith in that horse. And I believe Sister Thea really wanted me to experience that.”

The choirs created an atmosphere of praise, with guests dancing and singing along. Frazier Riddell and Elaine Gager performed moving duets, while Pastor Woodard engaged the audience as his choir delivered a stirring performance. Pastor Woodard, a former student of Hightower, founded the Rembert Washington Memorial Chorale in honor of his mentor. Christ the King choir also delivered a dynamic performance, and in a powerful closing moment, Hightower took to the piano and invited all former students, teachers and choir members of Sister Thea to stand and sing together.

DeAsia Evans, who coordinated the choirs, also shared her memories of Sister Thea. Despite recently undergoing knee replacement surgery, she stood before the crowd, proclaiming:

“I just had a knee replacement, but Lord willing I am standing up here on two feet today ready to give some praise and celebrate Sister Thea!”

To view more photos of the event visit: https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com/galleries/events/celebration-of-the-life-of-sister-thea-bowman?ct=2

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CAMDEN – Sacred Heart, Intercultural Competence Workshop for Parish Leaders, Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presenter: Deacon Juan Pagan of the Diocese of Lafayette. Explore what is culture and more. Details: Sister Amelia at amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Chrism Mass, Tuesday, April 15 at 11:30 a.m. and Tenebrae Music Service on Wednesday, April 16 at 5:30 p.m.

OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. The upcoming Rosary is on May 7. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Divine Mercy Holy Hour, Sunday, April 27 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Live Stations of the Cross, Friday, April 18 at 2 p.m. Details: church office (662) 563-2273.

CANTON – Catholic Charities, Birdies for Born Free Golf Tournament, Tuesday, June 10, registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. and tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. Details: register at https://www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org/event-details/birdies-for-born-free. For more information contact deja.errington@ccjackson.org or (601) 355-8634.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation School, Easter Festival, Sunday, April 13 from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy games, prizes, crafts, snacks and egg hunts by grade for ages infant through fifth grade. Be sure to bring your Easter basket. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.

CORINTH – St. James the Less, Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 20 between Masses. Details: church office (662) 331-5184.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Central Grocery Muffuletta Sale, Thursday, May 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pickup location is in parish hall. Cost: $25 with proceeds going to St. Joseph School. Tickets available in church and school office. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON – Catholic Charities, Bishop’s Ball, Saturday, July 19 at the Two Mississippi Museums, with cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and auction beginning at 7 p.m. Early bird ticket sale ends May 15. Details: https://event.gives/bb25.

JACKSON – Holy Ghost, 50th Anniversary of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Saturday, June 21. More information to come.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Men’s Prayer Breakfast with Bishop Kopacz, Monday, April 14, beginning with Mass at 6:30 a.m. and breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus at 7 a.m. in Foley Hall. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

JACKSON – St. Richard School, Flight to the Finish 5k and Fun Run, Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. Details: Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/MS/Jackson/FlighttotheFinish.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Drawdown 2025, Saturday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Grand prize is $5,000. Tickets cost $120; with additional $15 for second chance. Join us for fellowship, food, entertainment, silent auction and more! Details: email stbdrawdown@gmail.com or visit https://bit.ly/STBSDD2025.

MADISON – St. Francis, Live Stations of the Cross, Friday, April 18 at 2 p.m. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.

NATCHEZ – Cathedral School, Crawfish Countdown, Friday, May 2. Save the date.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 12 at 10 a.m. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

PEARL – St. Jude, Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 13 at 11:45 a.m. (after Sunday School class). Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

PILGRIMAGES
HOLY LAND – Pilgrimage to Holy Land: Join Father Mark Shoffner, pastor of St. John Oxford, July 21-31, 2025. Details: lpjp.org, then click on “All Pilgrimages” and “Holy Land.” Details: church office (662) 234-6073.

MARIAN SHRINES – Pilgrimage to Marian Shrines (Fatima, Spain and Lourdes) with Father Lincoln Dall and Deacon John McGregor, Sept, 15-24, 2025. Details: for more information visit www.206tours.com/frlincoln.

ROME/LISBON/FATIMA – Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Lisbon and Fatima with Father Carlisle Beggerly, Oct. 4-15, 2025. Cost: $5,799 per person (includes airfare from anywhere in the U.S.) Details: contact Pat Nause at (601) 604-0412; Proximo Travel at (855) 842-8001 or proximotravel.com. Mention trip #1181.

Happy Ordination Anniversary

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April 6
Father Joseph Golamari
St. Francis Madison

April 10
Father Pradeep Kumar Thirumalareddy
St. Mary Batesville

April 12
Father Raju Macherla
St. Elizabeth Clarksdale

Father Sleeva Reddy Mekala
St. James Leland & Immaculate Conception Indianola

April 14
Father Suresh Reddy Thirumalareddy
St. Alphonsus McComb

April 18
Father Vijaya Manohar Reddy Thanugundla
St. Francis Brookhaven

April 19
Father Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD
Sacred Heart Greenville

Father Joseph Ashok Thumma
St. Peter Grenada

April 26
Father Jesuraj Xavier
St. Francis New Albany

Thank you for answering the call!

FEATURE PHOTO: Correction …

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VICKSBURG – St. Paul Parish hosted its first ever Mardi Gras party on Sunday, March 2, after the 10:30 am Mass. It was very well attended, and every one was very well fed with gumbo, jambalaya, hot dogs and King Cakes from New Orleans with Cajun music playing in the background. (Photo by Connie Hosemann)

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CAMDEN – Sacred Heart, Intercultural Competence Workshop for Parish Leaders, Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presenter: Deacon Juan Pagan of the Diocese of Lafayette. Explore what is culture and more. Details: Sister Amelia at amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

MEMPHIS – St. Michael, St. John Paul II Biographer George Weigel Event, Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. Weigel will reflect on writing St. John Paul II and stories about the great saint. Details: email khira.rotty@stmichaelmemphis.org.

OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. The upcoming Rosary is on April 2. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024.

VIRTUAL – Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Stay with Me: Lenten Prayer for Disciples virtual event, Wednesdays through April 9 at 7 p.m. Register once for participation in any or all of the sessions at springfieldop.org/events. Hear reflections on the theme, enjoy periods of silence and sharing, and build a community of prayer for Lent. Details: call Sister Denise at (217) 787-0481.

VOCATIONS – Come and See Weekend, April 11-13 at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana. Father Tristan Stovall is hosting an opportunity for young men age 16-18 to learn more about the priesthood, to begin discernment of a vocation and to connect with other teens who love their faith. Details: visit https://jacksonvocations.com/events for more information and to register. Deadline is April 3.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Musical Celebration in honor of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, Saturday, March 29 at 3 p.m. Details: “Cherie” at arievans29@yahoo.com or (601) 259-1363.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Youth Bake Sale, Sunday, March 30 after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.

HERNANDO – Cocktails and Catholicism will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hernando on April 11th. 21 years old+ event.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Men’s Prayer Breakfast with Bishop Kopacz, Monday, April 14, beginning with Mass at 6:30 a.m. and breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus at 7 a.m. in Foley Hall. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.

JACKSON – Holy Family Catholic Church is holding a three day Lenten Revival from April 7th through April 9th. The theme is the Power of Prayer. Revivalist is Father Leon Ngandu, SVD. Contact the parish office for more information.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Drawdown 2025, Saturday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Grand prize is $5,000. Tickets cost $120; with additional $15 for second chance. Join us for fellowship, food, entertainment, silent auction and more! Details: email stbdrawdown@gmail.com or visit https://bit.ly/STBSDD2025.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Six Parish Youth event – Team Scavenger Hunt and Trivia, Sunday, March 30 from 3-7 p.m. Event begins with Mass, then activities and dinner. Details: call (662) 895-5007.

PILGRIMAGES
HOLY LAND – Pilgrimage to Holy Land: Join Father Mark Shoffner, pastor of St. John Oxford, July 21-31, 2025. Details: lpjp.org, then click on “All Pilgrimages” and “Holy Land.” Details: church office (662) 234-6073.

MARIAN SHRINES – Pilgrimage to Marian Shrines (Fatima, Spain and Lourdes) with Father Lincoln Dall and Deacon John McGregor, Sept, 15-24, 2025. Details: for more information visit www.206tours.com/frlincoln.

ROME/LISBON/FATIMA – Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Lisbon and Fatima with Father Carlisle Beggerly, Oct. 4-15, 2025. Cost: $5,799 per person (includes airfare from anywhere in the U.S.) Details: contact Pat Nause at (601) 604-0412; Proximo Travel at (855) 842-8001 or proximotravel.com. Mention trip #1181.

LENTEN RECONCILIATION
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Penance Service, Thursday, April 3 from 6-7 p.m.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Penance Service, Monday, April 7 at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Penance Service, Monday, April 7 at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Reconciliation, available every Saturday during Lent from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Confession practicum by Father Joe Tonos at 10 a.m. every Saturday during Lent in Foley Hall.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Penance Service, Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.

Walking together in faith – Father Albeen celebrates 25 years of priesthood

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By Joe Lee
MADISON – Father Albeen Reddy Vatti looked totally at home as he mingled with guests in the St. Francis of Assisi family life center in Madison on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Knowing the celebration, which featured a gourmet meal served by the St. Francis Knights of Columbus, would last well into the evening, he happily made time for everyone who wanted a handshake, hug, or selfie.

“As a priest serving at St. Francis,” he said, “I have learned not to walk before the people or behind the people, but to walk together with people.”

MADISON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz gives a final blessing to Father Albeen Vatti (right) and his childhood friend Father Shobhan Singareddy serving in the Diocese of Birmingham. Many gathered for a special Mass at St. Francis of Assisi for Father Albeen’s 25th anniversary as a priest. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

That approach is a big reason why Father Albeen isn’t just considered a beloved priest. He’s practically family as far as parishioners are concerned. In nearly ten years at the Madison parish, he has watched with pride as youth group kids he mentored at the beginning are now active members and starting families.

“One of my proudest achievements,” he said, “is strengthening and encouraging the parish ministry and parish lay leaders who give their time, talents and treasures so generously.”

“Father Albeen is compassionate and comforting in our parishioners’ darkest times,” said St. Francis office manager Sallie Ann Inman. “He enjoys being included in their celebrations, and he loves working with the children, such as when they learn the importance of altar serving.”

Arriving in the Diocese of Jackson from his native India in 2012, his first assignment was at St. Richard Church in Jackson, giving him an opportunity to work with a priest who to this day remains very important to him.

“It was a God-given blessing to work as an associate priest with Father Mike O’Brien,” he said. “Father O’Brien was such a caring, understanding and encouraging priest.”

After five months at St. Richard, Father Albeen was asked by Msgr. Elvin Sunds to serve in northeast Mississippi. But when made aware he would be among a large contingent of Spanish-speaking parishioners, he was reluctant to go.

“When Father O’Brien heard that, he said, ‘Albeen, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Francis Xavier, and Mother Teresa all came to India without knowing Indian languages and became saints. Don’t you want to become a saint learning Spanish?’”

In February 2013, Father Albeen celebrated Mass in Spanish for the first time at St. Francis of Assisi in New Albany. He remembers the experience like it was yesterday.

“It was cold, but by the end of the Mass I was soaked in sweat because of my nervousness,” he said. “Slowly I learned to read, speak and understand the Spanish culture.”

When Bishop Joseph Kopacz asked him to move to St. Francis of Assisi in Madison, the transition wasn’t as easy as one might think after spending three years in Mississippi.

Father Albeen Vatti received Papal Blesing for his 25th anniversary on March 6, 2025 given by Sallie Ann Inman. View additional photos at https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

“There were challenges,” he said, “especially with St. Anthony Elementary School and the Assisi Early Learning Center (on the St. Francis campus). Another was to fill the big shoes of Msgr. Mike Flannery. The biggest was to get to know the parishioners, but within no time I experienced the love of all the faithful. Now St. Francis has become a home away from home.”

“Father Albeen has been a wonderful pastor and friend to St. Anthony,” said principal Anne Cowger. “One of his unique gifts is the ability to connect with the children during Mass. He often shares stories from his childhood in India, which enhances their understanding and helps them relate to him in a meaningful way.”

He’s an active member of the Knights of Columbus, attending most council meetings at the parish, and typically spends the entire day on campus during Cajun Fest as well as getting up early to take part in the annual Ring in Your Faith run/walk on New Year’s Day.

“When it comes to making our biggest events successful, the one common denominator is the presence of the parish priest,” said past Grand Knight Doug Leo. “Father Albeen has been the backbone of our parish the last several years. There’s never a question about his commitment to his flock.”

He’s also deeply committed to mentoring young priests as well as youth who might be considering the priesthood. Father Joseph Golamari, also from the Diocese of Warangal and temporarily at St. Francis as he awaits his first full-time assignment, has known Father Albeen since he was in eighth grade.

“He was my pastor and guided me to orient my life towards priesthood,” said Father Golamari. “From the moment I arrived here, he was there to encourage me in every aspect, including understanding the Mississippi accent, food and culture. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid of anything. Be confident, but not overconfident. Be available to the parishioners and be approachable.’”

Around the diocese: Lenten meals, stations and more

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LENTEN MEALS/STATIONS
AMORY – St. Helen, Fish Fry, Friday, March 28 at 6 p.m. Dine-in only in the parish hall. Please sign up at the church entrance.

BATESVILLE – St. Mary, KC Council #13502 Fish Fry, Friday, April 11 from 4-6 p.m. Cost: $12/plate in advance or $15 at the door.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Lenten lunches, Fridays at 12 p.m. in McKenna Hall. All are invited for a 10-minute reflection followed by lunch.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth and Immaculate Conception, Stations at 5:30 p.m. followed by Mass and fish fry. Alternates between St. Elizabeth and Immaculate Conception.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Stations and Lenten Meals, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 6 p.m., Lenten meals follow except on March 14. Knights Fish Fry on March 28 with cost of $9 per plate or $40 for family of 5+. Please RSVP for meals: holysavior@att.net.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Stations and Fish Dinner, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel with dinner in Activity Center following.

CORINTH – St. James the Less, Soup Supper and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent after 6 p.m. Stations. No to-go orders.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Fish Fry, March 21 and April 11. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, KC Fish Fry, March 28 and April 11. Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo on Friday, April 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Italian Club with cost of $15. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6:30 p.m.

JACKSON – St. Richard, KC Fish Fry, March 21 and 28, and April 4 and 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Cost: $15 adults; $8 children; $45 families of 4+ (children ages 12 and below).

MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, Rosary at 6 p.m. followed by Stations and Lenten meals, every Friday during Lent.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Lenten meals after 6 p.m. Stations are schedule for March 21 (Crawfish etouffee or shrimp – cost $12/plate) and April 4 (soup and sandwiches).

MERIDIAN – St. Joseph, Fish Fry, Friday, March 14 and 28 and on April 11 after 6 p.m. Stations.

NATCHEZ – Knights Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Eat in or take out. Cost: catfish $12, shrimp $12 or combo $14. Dinner includes fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish, call 30 minutes ahead to Darren at (601) 597-2890.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Soup and Stations, every Friday at 5:30 p.m.

OXFORD – St. John, Fish Fry, Every Friday during Lent following Stations at 5:30 p.m.

PEARL – St. Jude, Fish Fry, Every Friday during Lent following Stations at 6 p.m. Dine-in only.

TUPELO – St. James, Fish Fry, Friday, March 21 and April 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $10.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Lenten Meals, Fridays at 5:30 p.m. KC Fish Fry March 21 and April 4; and soup and sandwiches March 28 and April 11.

STATIONS ONLY
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass.
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 12 p.m.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
FOREST – St. Michael, Way of the Cross (Spanish), every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Stations (Spanish), every Wednesday during Lent at 6 p.m. and Stations (English), every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. with Confessions at 6:30 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON – Christ the King, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
MAGEE – St. Stephen, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6:30 p.m.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Rosary and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. (Stations at 6 p.m.)
NATCHEZ – Assumption, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
PONTOTOC – St. Christopher, Stations (bilingual), every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. in Glenmary Hall.
SARDIS – St. John, Stations, every Wednesday during Lent at 4:30 p.m. followed by Mass.
SENATOBIA – St. Gregory, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m.
TUPELO – St. James, Stations, every Friday during Lent, following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and at 6 p.m. (English). Stations in Spanish, following 6:30 p.m. Spanish Mass every Friday during Lent.






PENANCE SERVICES/RECONCILIATION
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Penance Service, Thursday, April 3 from 6-7 p.m.
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Lenten Reconciliation, Thursday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. Join for a Lenten talk by Father Mark Shoffner followed by confessions until 7:15 p.m.
CLEVELAND– Our Lady of Victories, Reconciliation, Thursday, March 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. (several priests available). Confession also heard before every weekend Mass.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Penance Service, Monday, April 7 at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, April 1 at 5 p.m.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Reconciliation, available every Saturday during Lent from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Confession practicum by Father Joe Tonos at 10 a.m. every Saturday during Lent in Foley Hall.
MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, April 1 at 6 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
PEARL – St. Jude, Reconciliation, Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Penance Service, Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.





(Information subject to change. Check with local parishes for details. List will be updated as more information is received at jacksondiocese.org/lenten-meals-stations-services.)

					

		
		
	


          
            
	

		

						
Scout’s calling transforms storage room into classroom

			
						

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By Joe Lee
In a cartoon, a light bulb would have appeared over the head of Daniel Inman as he walked through a cluttered storage room at Sister Thea Bowman Elementary School (STB) a few weeks ago.

In the real world, it was a God thing.

Inman, a junior at St. Joseph School in Madison and an active member of nearby St. Francis of Assisi Church, is closing in on the rank of Eagle Scout.

“I felt God telling me that this is what my Eagle project should be,” he said.

After speaking to STB principal Christopher Payne, Inman went right to work on a plan to convert the storage room into an additional Pre-Kindergarten classroom for the west Jackson school. He quickly enlisted help from his family and fellow scouts.

“I scheduled them to help clean the room and throw away all the old things that can’t be used anymore,” he said. “We started a drive for items to be put in the new classroom, and once they were purchased and delivered, we arranged them to fit a Pre-K room.”






JACKSON – Christopher Payne, principal of Sister Thea Bowman School shakes hands with Daniel Inman, a scout closing in on the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a project with the school. (Photo courtesy of Sallie Ann Inman)




Studies show that the percentage of Boy Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle is in single digits. Job recruiters and hiring departments often take notice of the designation on a resume, as it represents long-term commitment, perseverance, and the capacity to lead and manage others.

For Inman, what makes the project even better is the contribution to a very small, economically challenged Catholic school.

“It is important to help the community whenever you are able,” he said. “Being able to say that I contributed to something big like a school classroom is very fulfilling.”

The school was named in honor of Sister Thea Bowman, who continues to be part of the conversation when it comes to the possibility of sainthood.

“We’ve been sharing the stories of her legacy with the students,” said Deacon Denzil Lobo, Ecclesial Minister at nearby Christ the King Church and STB Canonical Administrator. “For our Black History Program, they talked about her legacy, and one even acted in the role of Sister Thea.

“We have explained the canonization process to them – including the requirements for miracles – and we’ve explained that with our prayers, perhaps she will be canonized a saint in their lifetime. Several of them went to (St. Peter’s) Cathedral for the blessing of the statue of Sister Thea and sang songs during the Mass.”

Thanks to Inman’s leadership, STB can enjoy what some might consider a small miracle: a fully furnished new classroom at no cost to the school. His efforts come as no surprise to Father Albeen Vatti, Inman’s priest at St. Francis of Assisi for nearly a decade.

“I’ve gotten to observe Daniel closely, since his mother, Sallie Ann, is the office manager and his dad, Will, helps with a lot of parish maintenance,” Vatti said. “I would describe Daniel as gentle and kindhearted, an active participant in religious education and youth activities who always volunteers to help at church.”

“Having Daniel reach out to me about remodeling that classroom back into its original state was a blessing I never saw coming,” said Payne, who was struggling to accommodate increased enrollment in the school’s Pre-K program. “The work that the Inman family and those who supported this project have put in will allow us to take in more students, and continue our mission to serve the students who need us to serve them.”

STB needs volunteers to tutor students after school in math, reading and writing. Payne is also looking for volunteers to read to students in the classroom, and to help with set-up and clean-up before and after school events.

“We can always use new books for our library, art supplies, iPads, and Chromebooks,” he added. “With financial donations, we don’t ask for specific amounts and are just glad to receive whatever donors want to give. If someone gives one dollar, it goes straight to the students.”