Calendar of Events

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
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, grandmothers and step-mothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (601) 856-2054 or email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

St. Joseph, Fatima Five First Saturdays Devotion, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 and May 3, 2025. Confession begins at 8 a.m. and ends with a period of meditation beginning at 10 a.m. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
COLUMBUS – Annunciation Parish, “Columbus Sings G.F. Handel’s Messiah,” Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets available in church office. No charge. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 1-6 p.m. Proceeds go to St. Joseph School. Lot located next to Chillie’s store on Hwy 82. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

JACKSON – Holy Family, Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration, Sunday, Dec. 15 after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Details: church office (601) 362-1888.

Holy Family, Simbang Gabi Mass with a Novena, Dec. 16-24 at 4 a.m. Come join this Filipino spiritual tradtion on the nine days before Christmas.

Holy Family, Las Posadas, Monday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. in Balsar Hall.

JACKSON – St. Peter, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 from 1-2:30 p.m. with speaker Constance Slaughter Harvey. You may write a short reflection on how Dr. King’s message impacted your life or society. Submit by Jan. 10. Details: amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Christmas Candlelighting Celebration for Deceased Loved Ones, Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. in Foley Hall. A ceremony of prayer and rememberance is included, followed by refreshments. Details: RSVP to Nancy at (601) 942-2078 or ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.

St. Richard School, Cardinal Christmas at the new campus (4261 I-55 N Frontage Road), Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy a chili supper, arts and crafts, Santa, Advent pew auction and Special Kids Art Show. Details: school office (601) 366-1157.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Gifts of the Season Performance, Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Details: school office (601) 898-4800.

St. Joseph School, $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 25 from 6-10 p.m. at Reunion Golf Club. Details: visit www.stjoebruins.com/drawdown.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Lessons and Carols, Sunday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Donations welcome. Christmas party to follow in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Cocktails and Catholicism with Father Stephen Huffstetter, SCJ, Friday, Dec. 13, doors open at 6 p.m. Event for 21+. BYOB. Details: register at https://bit.ly/494yJ7L.

Queen of Peace, Christmas Tree Sale, Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. Fraser trees available from 5-10 feet. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

TUPELO – St. James, Misa Mesa Musa, Sunday, Dec. 15, potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. with testimony, scripture and music beginning at 7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 842-4881.

St. James, Family VBS: “I Wonder,” Sunday, Dec. 15 at 10:15 a.m. in Shelton Hall. Details: church office (662) 842-4881.

DIOCESE
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, Dec. 9. Consult your local parish for Mass times.

YOUNG ADULTS – Theology on Tap Karaoke Christmas, Thursday, Dec. 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Mr. Chen’s Restaurant in Jackson. Adults 21+ are welcome for an evening of food, fellowship and karaoke. Guest are responsible for cost of drinks and dinner. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

Campus Ministry Winter Retreat, Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Starkville. Join college students from across the diocese for a day of fellowship, games, prayer, song, scripture, Mass and more. Cost: $20. Details: register at https://bit.ly/3OoES58.

Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, May 12-27. Father Lincoln Dall will be leading this once in a lifetime journey. Space is limited. Email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org for more information.

YOUTH – Diocesan SEARCH Retreat for tenth through twelfth graders, Jan. 17-19, 2025 at Camp Wesley Pines, Gallman. Cost: $125. Search weekend is an encounter that will transform youth and lead to a deeper more fulfilling relationship with the Lord. Details: sign up at https://bit.ly/SEARCH2025 or email abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org for more information.

DCYC for ninth through twelfth grades, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Theme is “Here I am Lord Work in Me.” Keynote presenter is Ali Hoffman with worship led by Josh Blakesley. Featuring talks, music, liturgy, games, small groups and more. Registration deadline Feb. 21, contact your parish to register. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY – Event recognizes couples celebrating special anniversaries in 2025 – 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or longer. Celebrations held in Jackson at the Cathedral of St. Peter on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and in Tupelo at St. James on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. Register by Jan. 7, 2025. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

PENANCE SERVICES
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.
CANTON – Sacred Heart, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Monday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 5:30-7 p.m.
MAGEE – St. Stephen, Monday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Thursday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
PEARL – St. Jude, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE – DEC. 12
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, 8 a.m.
HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, 7 p.m.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, procession at 5:30 p.m. and Mass at 7 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Mass at 7 p.m. with dinner following in social hall.
SENATOBIA – St. Gregory, 5:30 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Las Manañitas, 5:30 a.m.
Christ the King, 12 p.m. and bilingual celebration at 7 p.m.
TUPELO – St. James, 6 p.m. in Shelton Hall.

Calendar of events

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
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, grandmothers and step-mothers as we pray to grow in holiness and humility, and for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: church office (601) 856-2054 or email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

St. Joseph, Fatima Five First Saturdays Devotion, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 and May 3, 2025. Confession begins at 8 a.m. and ends with a period of meditation beginning at 10 a.m. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. On Dec. 4, Annunciation School will lead us in prayer. Join early and place your intentions in the chat. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024 or check the diocese calendar of events.

ROBINSONVILLE – Good Shepherd, “Journey through Advent,” Wednedays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Small group sessions on Advent Sunday readings led by Sister Rose. All are invited! Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
COLUMBUS – Annunciation Parish, “Columbus Sings G.F. Handel’s Messiah,” Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets available in church office. No charge. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.

CORINTH – St. James the Less, Parish Thanksgiving Meal, Thursday, Nov. 28 after 9 a.m. Mass. Bring your favorite dish and celebrate Father Mario’s birthday. Come enjoy fellowship and give thanks to God for all of His blessings. Details: church office (662) 331-5184.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Christmas Bingo, Friday, Dec. 6, doors open at 6 p.m. with bingo at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to wear your festive Christmas attire and come join the fun. Adults only. BYOB. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.

St. Paul, Breast Cancer Support Group, Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center (St. Peter’s Room). A gathering of women in all stages of their breast cancer journey. Details: call or text Monica at (601) 942-5753.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Christmas Program and Dinner, Sunday, Dec. 8. Save the date. Details: Keelan at (601) 604-2202.

JACKSON – St. Peter the Apostle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 from 1-2:30 p.m. with speaker Constance Slaughter Harvey. You may write a one page reflection on how Dr. King’s message impacted your life or society. Submit no later than Jan. 10. Details: amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick School, Candy Cane Dash, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. Details: register at https://time2run.raceentry.com/candy-cane-5k-dash/race-information.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Advent Wreath Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 1, in the Family Life Center after 10 a.m. Mass. Families or individuals are invited to come and make an Advent wreath. Fun craft activities available for children. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Advent Program, Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. followed by dinner. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

DIOCESE
#iGiveCatholic on #GivingTuesday, Dec. 3, Advanced giving is now open – Nov. 18 through Dec. 2. Details: https://jackson.igivecatholic.org.

YOUNG ADULTS – Theology on Tap Karaoke Christmas, Thursday, Dec. 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Mr. Chen’s Restaurant in Jackson. Adults 21+ are welcome for an evening of food, fellowship and karaoke. Guest are responsible for cost of drinks and dinner. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, May 12-27. Father Lincoln Dall will be leading this once in a lifetime journey. Space is limited. Email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org for more information.

YOUTH – Diocesan SEARCH Retreat for tenth through twelfth graders, Jan. 17-19, 2025 at Camp Wesley Pines, Gallman. Diocese High School Confirmation Retreat, Jan. 25-26, 2025 at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Diocese Catholic Youth Conference – DCYC for ninth through twelfth grades, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER – CEE is the diocesan marriage prep program for couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. The upcoming weekends for 2025 are: Feb. 21-23; Aug. 1-3; and Oct. 24-26 at Camp Garaywa in Clinton; and April 25-27 at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Louisville. Register at https://bit.ly/CEE2024-2025. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

PENANCE SERVICES
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.
CANTON – Sacred Heart, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Monday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 5:30-7 p.m.
MADISON – St. Francis, Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
MAGEE – St. Stephen, Monday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
PEARL – St. Jude, Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.

Pastoral Assignments

Rev. Joseph Ashok Thumma appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish in Batesville and its mission St. John the Baptist in Sardis; St. Peter Parish in Grenada, and St. John Parish in Charleston, effective Nov. 1, 2024.

Rev. Joseph Reddy Golamari appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Madison, effective Nov. 1, 2024.

Rev. Gabriel Antonysamy Savarimuthu appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Greenville, effective Nov. 1, 2024.

Legacy in motion: St. Joseph School unveils new athletic facility upgrades

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph School held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 16 for their new athletic upgrades. Pictured (l-r): Britt Virden, Carl McGee (president of the Washington County Board of Supervisors), Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Principal Craig Mandolini and Mayor Errick D. Simmons. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

By Tereza Ma and Joanna King
GREENVILLE – Thanks to the generosity of Salvador Sarullo, student-athletes at St. Joseph School now enjoy upgraded athletic facilities. The school celebrated the grand opening of its new athletic complex with a special Mass and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz led a blessing for the facility, which adds over 4,700 square feet to the guy and includes new, expanded locker rooms for boys’ and girls’ basketball, soccer, baseball and softball teams. The complex also features dedicated training and recovery room to help athletes stay healthy and perform at their best.

St. Joseph Church has worked tirelessly to honor Sarullo’s legacy, using his substantial donation to support the school and parish, while embarking on projects that uplift the Greenville community.

Principal Craig Mandolini expressed gratitude, saying, “We are very fortunate for Mr. Sarullo’s generosity to help out the parish and the school. In addition to the new upgrades, we’ve gotten a lot of new things for the school to benefit our students’ minds and bodies. … We are so honored to receive the gift that we have been given.”

Phil Mansour, director of the St. Joseph School Athletic Association, said that the athletic complex project and other upgrades have been needed for years. He also said that the upgrades allow for the school to host state and district basketball tournaments.

“In addition to Mr. Sarullo, I thank Bishop Kopacz for his dedication and commitment to this school, said Mansour.

He also thanked architect Joseph Orr for working within a tight budget of $1.3 mission, a difficult feat given today’s construction cost. “He did a wonderful job, and we are so proud of the facility,” said Mansour.

Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons also spoke at the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, expressing gratitude on behalf of the city: “We thank the bishop, faculty, and parents of St. Joseph for this wonderful facility based in God. When you think about economic development and you think about merging recreation, education and community development, I think St. Joe has done a really good job.”

A legacy of love and service: School Sisters of St. Francis commemorate 150 years

By Laura Grisham
HERNANDO – Our local School Sisters of St. Francis recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of their religious order with a Mass and dinner at Holy Spirit Church in Hernando, Mississippi. Fittingly, the event took place on the day of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Northern Mississippi’s four School Sisters of St. Francis – Sisters Margaret Sue Broker, Ramona Schmidtknecht, Julene Stromberg and Rose Hacker – were joined by their U.S. Provincial, Sister Kathleen O’Brien, ten local Associates, and numerous parishioners from six area parishes. The Most Reverend Joseph Kopacz served as the main celebrant, with Mississippi SCJs as concelebrants.

The School Sisters of St. Francis was founded in 1874 by Emma Hoell (Mother Alexia), Paulina Schmid (Mother Alfons) and Helena Seiter (Sister Clara), who traveled from Germany to establish the order in Wisconsin. Over the years, the Sisters have expanded their ministries globally, reaching countries such as Honduras, Peru, India, Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and more recently, Tanzania.

HERNANDO – Sister Kathleen O’Brien, OSF addressed those in attendance at the 150th anniversary celebration of the School Sisters of St. Francis about the order’s modest beginnings and praised Sacred Heart School as a “wonderful place and expression” of the Sisters’ mission. (Photos by Laura Grisham)

In his homily, Bishop Kopacz honored the courage of the order’s founders, reflecting on their desire to assist immigrants and create a robust religious community to address the church’s needs. “One year after the Sisters of St. Francis began their migration to this country, the church dedicated the World Day of Migrants and Refugees,” Bishop Kopacz noted. He also highlighted the Sisters’ work in Mississippi, dating back to the 1940s in Yazoo City and later in Walls and Holly Springs, where they were invited to educate and help care for the poor by the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

Drawing from the life of St. Francis, Bishop Kopacz described how the Sisters’ mission reflects his vision of compassionate service. Referencing Pope Francis’ emphasis on tenderness, the bishop remarked that St. Francis was “the original ecologist,” deeply connected to both creation and the cross. He commended the Sisters’ continued dedication, stating, “Every day requires the courage to live and proclaim the Gospel.”
Sister Kathleen O’Brien, OSF, addressed the gathering, describing the order’s modest beginnings and the vision of the three founders, which grew into a global community. “They came from Germany, stopping in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Milwaukee, eventually founding their order in a small town in Wisconsin 150 years ago.” She invited all in attendance to view a display of flags representing the Sisters’ worldwide reach.

Reflecting on her first visit to Mississippi, Sister Kathleen praised Sacred Heart School as “a wonderful place and expression” of the Sisters’ mission. She emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “We consider you partners and collaborators in God’s mission … we are all participants, ensuring this is a community of love and care.” She commended Sisters Broker, Schmidtknecht, Stromberg and Hacker, who together have served 178 years in Mississippi.

In appreciation of the Sisters’ work across northern Mississippi, the Queen of Peace Church Women’s Club presented a $1,000 donation, expressing hope that the Sisters would “continue their mission of witnessing to God’s love and being a source of hope.” The evening concluded with a blessing over the meal, thanking God for the community gathered to celebrate this milestone and for the bounty of creation.

The congregation has a rich history, with Mother Alexia extending the Sisters’ ministries across Europe in the late 19th century. Under the leadership of Mother Alfons, known for her love of the arts, the community developed a strong tradition in music and liturgical arts. This legacy of artistic excellence and leadership continues to shape their ministries. Since their founding on April 28, 1874, the Sisters have devoted themselves to Christ’s mission through nursing, teaching, social work, and pastoral ministry, addressing the needs of their time with enthusiasm and commitment.

(Laura Grisham is the PR and Communications manager for Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls, Mississippi.)

Calendar of events

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. On Dec. 4, Annunciation School will lead us in prayer. Join early and place your intentions in the chat. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024 or check the diocese calendar of events.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. – Basilica Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Black Catholic History Month Event featuring Therese Wilson Favors and Ralph Moore on being Black and Catholic (475 E Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA) from 12:30-4 p.m. Details: Office for Black Catholics for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (215) 587-3541.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, “Taste of Italy” Lasagna Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4:30-7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation School, Open House, Thursday, Nov. 14, 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. classrooms open, 8:30 a.m. Mass (optional). Little Eagles Preview at 6 p.m. for PreK-3, PreK and Kindergarten. Details: RSVP to marketing@annunciationcatholicschool.org.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Christmas Program and Dinner, Sunday, Dec. 8. Save the date. Details: Keelan at (601) 604-2202.

MAGEE – St. Stephen, Fall Potluck Lunch, Sunday, Nov. 24. Details: church office (601) 849-3237.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Gender and Theology of Your Body hosted by Jason Evert, Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6-9:15 p.m. Tickets are $15. Proceeds go to the Chastity Project. Details: https://tinyurl.com/stpatmeridian.

St. Patrick School, Candy Cane Dash, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. Register by Nov. 10 to guarantee a shirt. Details: register at https://time2run.raceentry.com/candy-cane-5k-dash/race-information.

St. Patrick, Our Lady’s Corner Christmas Open House, Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 4-6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Come shop for some meaningful Christmas gifts for your friends and family.

St. Patrick, Meridian Catholic Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Sunday, Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Advent Wreath Workshop, Sunday, Dec. 1, in the Family Life Center after 10 a.m. Mass. Families or individuals are invited to come and make an Advent wreath. Fun craft activities available for children. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

NATCHEZ – Wreaths Across America endeavors to honor all veteran’s graves with beautiful wreaths. Home With Heros is the proud, local Miss-Lou partner. Wreath ceremonies take place on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. at Vidalia Cemetery and 11 a.m. at the Natchez National Military Cemetery. Wreaths cost $17/each. Order yours today at https://bit.ly/3AnaFjs. Details: call Larry at (253) 970-2090.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Sunday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. Dine in or carry out. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

Queen of Peace, Day of Reflection for Women of the Parish, Wednesday, Nov. 13 beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the social hall. Presentation by Father Guy Blair, SCJ. Details: Bridget at (901) 412-9865.

Queen of Peace, Fellowship Card Night sponsored by the Men’s Club, Friday, Nov. 15 with dinner at 6 p.m. and games at 7 p.m. cost: $20 per participant for dinner, beverage and 200 chips. All parishioners and guests welcome. Must be 21+. Details: Sign up in the Commons or contact Tracy at lindseyroofing1@gmail.com or (901) 828-4848.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Advent Program, Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. followed by dinner. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

DIOCESE
JOB OPENING – The Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Communications is looking for a full-time communications specialist. Role involves creating and promoting content across multimedia platforms, including social media, websites and promotional materials. The position requires strong communication skills, knowledge of Catholic teachings and proficiency in design and communication software. College degree required with two years experience. Send a cover letter and resume to joanna.king@jacksondiocese.org. If you would like a full job description, visit https://jacksondiocese.org/employment-1.

YOUNG ADULTS – Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, May 12-27. Father Lincoln Dall will be leading this once in a lifetime journey. Space is limited. Email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org for more information.

YOUTH – Diocesan SEARCH Retreat for tenth through twelfth graders, Jan. 17-19, 2025 at Camp Wesley Pines, Gallman. Diocese High School Confirmation Retreat, Jan. 25-26, 2025 at Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Diocese Catholic Youth Conference – DCYC for ninth through twelfth grades, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER – CEE is our diocesan marriage prep program for couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage. The upcoming weekends for 2025 are: Feb. 21-23; August 1-3; and Oct. 24-26at Camp Garaywa in Clinton; and April 25-27 at Lake Tiak-O’Khata in Louisville. Register at https://bit.ly/CEE2024-2025. Details: email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

FEATURE PHOTO … Eucharistic Procession …

NATCHEZ — St. Mary Basilica parishioners participated in the Procession of the Eucharist following 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday. A Eucharist procession is a Catholic ceremony in which the Eucharist — the bread and wine representing Christ’s body and blood — is carried through the streets as the faithful follow along, praying and singing. The St. Mary processional proceeded down Main Street to Wall Street to State Street and back to the church.