World Marriage Day celebration

By Joanna King

JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson celebrated the anniversaries of married couples from around the diocese with two special Masses celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz. The first on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson and the second on Sunday, Feb. 11 at St. James in Tupelo.

Coordinator for the Office of Family Ministry, Debbie Tubertini said the change was to accommodate more couples in the celebration with recognition in the northern and central areas of the state.

According to World Marriage Day history, the idea of celebrating marriage began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1981, when couples encouraged the Mayor, the Governor and the Bishop to proclaim St. Valentine’s Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.” In 1993, Pope St. John Paul II imparted his Apostolic blessing on World Marriage Day. Celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions every year.

At the World Marriage Day celebrations in the Diocese of Jackson, couples receive an anniversary certificate blessed and signed by Bishop Kopacz.

Please join us in celebrating the anniversaries of these very special couples.

Happy Anniversary

61 Years
Calvin & LaVerne Leverett

60 Years
Charles & Ann Gammill
Jim & Mary Lipscomb
Jimmy & Johnnie Mascagni

52 Years
Jim & Jane Missett
Joe & Margaret Smith

50 Years
Tom & JoAnne Ethridge
Greg & Gio Chinchar
John & Elizabeth Cmar
Wesley & Margaret Gannon
James & Susan Giachelli
Colin & Sarah Greenwood
Mike & Jane Henry
Terry & Ann Jensen
Authur & Mary Louise Jones
Al & Sandra Latham
Raymond & Mary Longoria
Ray & Pam Millwood
Ouida & Ronnie Muffuletto
Bill & Rochelle Paretti
Louis & Marie Renaud
Arnie & Lois Senger
Dennis & Sammye Short
Avery & Lynn Slay
Robert & Vicki Thigpen
Curt & Dolores Ulmer

40 Years
Daniel & Dianne Harper

35 Years
Vicente & Maria Conuelo Gonzalez
Victor & Marina Rodriguez

30 Years
Stephen & Denise Martinolich
Thomas & Michelle Whitenton
25 Years
Jeffrey & Lisa Crout
Fernando & Leticia Gomez
Buddy & Marie Hargrove
Doug & Tricia Harris
Aljandro Rivera & Sandra Hernandez
Keith & Anne Fulcher
James & Vera Kelley
Jim & Robin Mack
Servando & Laura Cristina Murillo
Israel & Isidora Murillo
Patrick & Jennifer Spencer
Matt & Melinda Weisenberger
David & Leigh Wright

Other
Paul & Michelle Harkins – 38 years
Martin & Fabiola Bedolla – 34 yeas
Ted & Raquel Thompson – 28 years
Reynaldo & Araceli Acosta –27 years
Leonel & Cristina Blanco – 27 years
James & Jo Pilgrim – 27 years
Reynaldo & Araceli Acosta – 26 years
Robin & Anne Haire – 26 years
Leo & Glenda Bautista – 23 years
Arturo & Sonia Torres – 21 years
Juan Vazquez & Rosario Gonzalez
– 19 years
Jose Luis & Rocio Espericueta Lopez
– 18 years
Felipe & Gaudelia Gonzalez – 16 years
Martin Hernndez & Maria Mariela
Martinez – 15 years
Jose Solis & Maria Sandoval – 15 years
Joe & Jennifer Torrent – 15 years
Shane & Bettye Dalton – 12 years
Jose Luis & Maricruz Rojas – 12 years
Karlo & Neyda Martinez – 10 years
Francisco Aguilar & Yolanda Chavez
– 8 years
Rigoberto & Virginia Quiroz – 5 years
Erick & Azucena Carrasco Varela
– 5 years
Julian & Hermila Torres Amaya
Jorge & Ana Gonzalez

Jackson – Cathedral of St. Peter (Photos by Debbie Tubertini)

Tupelo – St. James (Photos by Michelle Harkins)

A blessed season for Ole Miss baseball

By Staff Reports
OXFORD – Holy water hit Swayze field the first Friday of February when Father Mark Shoffner blessed the field for the upcoming season.

Head Coach Mike Bianco invited his pastor Father Shoffner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Oxford to pray for the upcoming season.

“Blessings can be bestowed upon people and all manner of objects,” said Alexandra Barfield, campus minister for St. John the Evangelist.

Last year, after a difficult run, Father Shoffner blessed the field, and the Rebels had a winning home tournament.

“Blessings aren’t magical,” said Barfield, “but a petition to God for the good things that He gives.”

The video of the blessing has been viewed 50,000 times, reaching over 33,000 people.
The introduction to the blessing reads, “God has given us our physical powers in order that we may serve him joyously, help one another, and, by discipline in accord with the law of God, make our body fit for every good work.

“God therefore approves of sport for the relaxation of the mind and the exercise of the body. Care of our bodies fosters mental well-being, and we more readily establish friendly and affable relations with other people,” it continues.

Read more coverage:
https://olemiss.rivals.com/news/i-mean-it-couldn-t-hurt-local-pastor-blesses-ole-miss-baseball-stadium?fbclid=IwAR2oW-NTeOve0wsAdDN_6sllzLkMvUGYu0ICqf_NKhNeDWQgwKr2JJ-7Q9Y

View the video:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3BhMAXNIKd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

About: Catholic Campus Ministry is at the service of the students at the University of Mississippi. CCM is a Registered Student Organization associated with St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Oxford, Mississippi. Alexandra Barfield serves the students as campus minister under the direction of St. John’s priest and pastor Father Mark Shoffner.

St. Francis New Albany celebrates 75 years

By Galen Holley
NEW ALBANY – The theological term “domestic church” expresses well the genesis of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, which began as a modest gathering of Catholics who met in their homes and were ministered to by missionary circuit priests.

In 1922, E.W. Viola, and Dorothy Kelso moved from Jackson, Tennessee, to New Albany, in order to open a bakery. That’s when the first Catholic community began to take shape. Because there was no church in New Albany, the Kelsos had to drive to Oxford or Tupelo for Mass. That changed when an Irish priest, Father Patrick Moran, became pastor of the already established St. Patrick Parish in Water Valley. He also assumed responsibility for St. Patrick’s missionary district, which, among 11 counties, included New Albany.

The fledgling Catholic community celebrated the first Mass in Union County in the fall of 1938. It was in the Kelsos’ home, at 357 Garfield Street, with Father Moran as celebrant. The faithful used a portable altar, about the size of a card table. Dorothy Kelso joked that the table and furnishings were so modest, that, as she put it, “We often thought that only a prayer held it up.” Those present at the first Mass included Viola and Dorothy Kelso, Tom Bonner, a Mr. Flanagan, Mrs. John Tilly and her daughter, Margaret Ellen, and Mrs. Edith Stone.

The following year the center of the missionary circuit shifted from Water Valley to St. John’s in Oxford, and Father Cletus Manon became responsible for making the rounds and celebrating Mass in people’s homes.

Under Father Manon’s leadership, the New Albany Catholics (consisting of less than 20 adults) built their first, physical church on Cleveland Street. Bishop Richard Gerow bought the land in 1948, and the construction was made possible by aid from the Extension Society, along with private donations, including those from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lewis, as well as Dr. Palmer Patterson, and volunteer labor, as from the Milton DeNault family. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church was dedicated on June 19, 1949, by Archbishop William O’Brien of the Extension Society. The first child to be baptized at St. Francis was a young man named Robert Thomas, in 1950.

St. Francis continued as a mission of St. John’s in Oxford, and throughout the years the Sisters of Mercy taught vacation Bible school, and later, Franciscan Sisters from Holly Springs headed educational endeavors. For 10 years, Sacred Heart priests from St. Joseph Parish in Holly Springs served as pastors at St. Francis.

In 1965 it was announced that the small community of St. Christopher’s in Pontotoc would be linked to St. Francis, under the leadership of the Cincinnati based Glenmary Home Missioners. Father Bob Rademacher became the first Glenmarian to pastor both the New Albany and Pontotoc churches in 1967.

Rademacher was a robust, hands-on man, and he continued the tradition of visiting families, celebrating Mass in members’ homes, and maintaining close ties with the rural community. He was even known to help farming families harvest crops.

In October of 1986 the congregation purchased the land on which the church now stands, on Highway 15.

By the late 1990’s many Catholics had begun arriving from Latin America, primarily from Mexico. Mississippi had not experienced an influx of native Catholics like that since the Irish arrived in the early part of the 20th century. Like the Irish, Hispanic Catholics brought with them folk customs, liturgical traditions, and valuable cultural symbols, perhaps none more sacred than the Virgin of Guadalupe. Their contributions enriched and deepened the Catholic heritage at St. Francis and gave members a good perspective on the universality of the Catholic faith.

Glenmary priest, Father Will Steinbacher was pastor when the present sanctuary was built in 1993. He spoke about the intentional choice of architecture. “We chose the design to symbolize arms, reaching into and embracing the community,” said Father Will.

Steinbacher spoke glowingly of the Kelso family, having once humorously referred to Dorothy as “the bishop” as well as of the other hardworking people who built the community. True to the Glenmary spirit, and in perfect agreement with the life of St. Francis, Father Will recalled the creation of the Good Samaritan Center as one of the highlights of his time in New Albany. The Good Samaritan Center is an inter-faith, non-profit that helps meet the emergency needs of the poor.

Father Steve Pawelk followed Steinbacher as the pastor in 1993. Pawelk, a Minnesota native, oversaw many of the developments with which younger parishioners are familiar. Pawelk started the Spanish Mass, as well as overseeing the church paying off its debt for the sanctuary and rectory. He was a member of the Board of Directors at New Albany’s Boys and Girls Club and worked vigorously in ecumenical efforts.
Pawelk spoke warmly about his time in New Albany. “St. Francis will always have a special place in my heart,” said Pawelk. “This was my first pastorate. During this time the parish grew with new converts, people moving in and with the beginning of the Spanish Mass. We had a wonderful youth group. Part of my heart will always be there.”

Father Xavier Jesuraj took over as pastor in February 2016, and he has worked hard to learn Spanish as his third language in order to serve the flourishing Hispanic community, while also honoring the Anglo traditions that were there from the church’s inception.

The welcoming spirit upon which it was founded still abides today in the congregation of St. Francis of Assisi, as together in Christ, they continue their seventh decade of worship.

St. Francis New Albany celebrates 70th anniversary (2019)

In memoriam: Sister Barbara Ann Fava, OP

ST. CATHARINE, Ken. – Dominican Sister of Peace Barbara Ann Fava, OP (87), a native of Greenville, Mississippi, died on Feb. 8, 2024, at Sansbury Care Center, St. Catharine, Kentucky. Sister Barbara is survived by two sisters, Annette Willis (Lynn, Massachusetts) and Paula Fava (Brandon, Mississippi), and several nieces and nephews.

A Dominican for 63 years, Sister Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies/English/Education from Siena College (Memphis); a Master of Arts in Theology from Catherine Spalding College (Louisville, Kentucky) and a Master of Arts in History from Memphis State University (Memphis). She ministered as a teacher at St. Dominic (Springfield, Kentucky); St. Joseph (Mattoon, Illinois); Bishop Donahue High (McMechen, West Virginia); Owensboro Catholic (Owensboro, Kentucky); St. Catharine Academy (St. Catharine, Kentucky) and as an instructor at St. Catharine College. Sister also served as parish and campus minister at St. Clare Parish (Berea, Kentucky) and Memphis State University Catholic Center. In 1993, Sister Barbara taught adult education (GED classes) in Marks, Mississippi until 2002. Sister returned to St. Catharine Motherhouse (Kentucky) where she began the ministry of Dominican coordinator at Sansbury Care Center. She held this position from 2002 until 2012. Beginning in 2013, Sister Barbara spent several years at Springbank Retreat Center (Kingstree, South Carolina) where she served on the staff and assisted with the retreat programs on a part-time basis until 2022.

Early 2024, Sister Barbara moved to Sansbury Care Center (St. Catharine, Kentucky) where she began a ministry of prayer and presence.

A funeral for Sister Barbara was held on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Sansbury Care Center Chapel, with burial in the St. Catharine Motherhouse cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Sister Barbara’s memory may be sent to Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH 43219-2098. To make a secure online donation or to view a full obituary, please visit www.oppeace.org

Calendar of Events

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Cocktails and Catholicism, Friday, March 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. with talk and cocktails after with Debbie Tubertini with the Office of Family Ministry for the diocese. She is speaking on marriage. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON – Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Peter. Honoring parishioners with outstanding service to the diocese.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose building. Grand prize $5,000; tickets $100 (admits 2), second chance insurance $20. Enjoy great food, entertainment, silent auction, door prizes and more. Casual attire. Details: contact Shae at (601) 351-5197 or stbdrawdown@gmail.com.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Presentation on St. Peter’s Rome, Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. All history buffs are invited to join Dr. Elizabeth Boggess dscussing the Rome of St. Peter’s time and the history of Jewish communities in Rome from the Diaspora to the present. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

ROBINSONVILLE – Good Shepherd, Labor of Love – Day of Service, Saturday, March 9. Adult volunteers and grades 9-12, come help our fellow parishioners at Good Shepherd with a list of items that need to be fixed, cleaned and organized. Details: church office at Christ the King Southaven (662) 342-1073.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Lenten Lunch and Learn, Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m. Topic: Conversations Overheard by the Cross. RSVP by Sunday, March 10. Details: church office (662) 693-1321.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration, Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. during Lent. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.

St. Francis, Parish Lenten Mission, March 18 and 19 from 6-8 p.m. Gifts of the Holy Spirit presented by Father Bill Henry. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Parish Lenten Mission, Feb. 25-27 from 6-7 p.m. Mission featuring Father Phil Krill, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. All are welcome. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

NATCHEZ – 2nd annual Believe Conference, April 19-21, 2024. Featured speakers are Anne Trufant, Catholic speaker and founder of The Mission on the Mountain; Barbara Heil, Catholic speaker and founder of From His Heart Ministries; and Joanne Moody, minister author, and founder of Agape Freedom Fighters. Cost: $100 for the weekend; $50 for students. Lunch included on Saturday. Details: visit https://www.themissiononthemountain.com.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, Thursdays, April 4, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23 30; and June 6 from 6:30-8 p.m.How do these Jewish roots help us, today to understand his real presence in the Eucharist? Facilitator is Don Coker. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. – Women’s Morning of Spirituality, Saturday, April 13 at Catholic Church of the Incarnation (360 Bray Station Road). Continental breakfast in the gym at 7:15 a.m; Program begins in Sanctuary at 8:15 a.m.; Mass at 12:15 p.m. Opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Details: church office (901) 441-6157.

JOB OPENING
JACKSON – The Department of Faith Formation is looking for a full-time administrative assistant. The successful candidate will provide administrative assistance exercising quality pastoral skills for those in pastoral and formational ministry in the Diocese of Jackson. Details: 3-5 years’ experience in an administrative role providing direct support to a multicultural intergenerational department. Understanding basic accounting a plus. High school diploma or GED certificate required; completion of college degree in business preferred. Contact fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org with questions or for full job description. Send a cover letter and resume no later than March 11, 2024.

TRAVEL
“SPIRIT OF IRELAND AND SCOTLAND” WITH FATHER O’CONNOR – Join Father David O’Connor on a trip to Ireland and Scotland, June 8-17. Itinerary includes: flight to Dublin, two nights in Belfast, ferry to Scotland, two nights in Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh and return flight from Edinburg. Travel in a luxury coach from arrival time until departure, a professional driver/guide, 4-star hotels. Tour highlights include City of Belfast, Titanic, historic and architectural sites, wonderful landscapes and lakes of the Scottish highlands, Scottish food and entertainment. Cost: $4,955 (per person sharing) or $5,950 single. Only a few spots left! For more information/reservations contact Cara Group Travel at (617) 639-0273 or email bookings@caragrouptravel.com.

IRELAND AND SCOTLAND WITH FATHER AUGUSTINE – Join Father Augustine on a trip to Ireland and Scotland, Sept. 6-18. Trip includes stops in Galway, Our Lady of Knock, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Edinburgh and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Cost: $5,499 – all inclusive, including airfare. To register, contact Proximo Travel at (855) 842-8001 or visit www.proximotravel.com.

Alrededor de la Diócesis

Día Internacional del Matrimonio

TUPELO – En fotos, algunos momentos de la Misa del Día Mundial del Matrimonio el pasado 11 de febrero en St. James de Tupelo con el Obispo Joseph Kopacz. entre los matrimonios que celebraron sus votos se encontraban varios matrimonios de inmaculado Corazón de María Houston: Azucena y Erick Carrasco, Servando y Laura Murillo, Jose y Rocio Espericueta, Arturo y Sonia Torres, Martin y Fabiola Bedolla, Jose Luis y Maricruz Rojas, Victor y Marina Rodriguez, Jorge y Ana Gonzalez , Erick y Azucena Zarate y Jose y Rocio Espericueta. (Fotos de Danna Johnson, LEM y Debbie Tubertini)

Miércoles de Ceniza

JACKSON – Como cada año, al comenzar la Cuaresma, católicos reciben la señal de la cruz, después de Misa de Miércoles de Ceniza, coincidiendo esta vez con el Día de San Valentín. (arriba) El obispo Joseph Kopacz en la Catedral de San Pedro, el 14 de febrero dibuja la cruz en la frente de cada feligres asistente a la Misa. (Foto de Tereza Ma)

Mardi Gras – Martes de Festival – Martes Gordo

BRANDON– La parroquia de St Jude Pearl participó en un desfile local de Brandon por las festividades de Mardi Gras – Martes de Festival o Martes Gordo – donde se come y se bebe cada año antes de Miercoles de Ceniza. (izq.) En las tres fotos se ven algunos de los jóvenes que acompañaron al obispo Joseph Kopacz y al Padre César Sánchez en la carroza de este año, el martes 13 de febrero. (Fotos de Tereza Ma)

Mardi Grass en Cancillería

JACKSON – Los trabajadores de la oficina diocesana, celebraron el Mardi Gras, el martes 13 antes del Miercoles de Ceniza. En fotos, algunos de los detalles que identifican a esta celebración festiva de los católicos a nivel mundial. (Fotos de Tereza Ma y Berta Mexidor)

Centennial faith: the enduring spirit of Our Mother of Mercy

From the Archives
By Mary Woodward

JACKSON – Last Saturday, Jan. 27, was a cloudy damp day in the Mississippi Delta, but the joy and the warmth flowing from the pews filled with the faithful and friends of Our Mother of Mercy Mission in Anguilla dispelled any thoughts of the atmospheric conditions outside. The church was marking the 100th anniversary of the first Masses celebrated in people’s homes.

Anguilla is situated on Highway 61 in Sharkey County. In the early 1900s, Father Andrew Gmelch would come from Merigold. Father Gmelch served the Austrian Catholic farmers in that town, but the continual flooding challenges caused this small contingent of Catholic farmers to move away. Around 1912 Anguilla became a mission of Cleveland and Belzoni All Saints became a mission of Greenwood where Msgr. John Clerico, known as the pastor of the Delta, based himself.

Msgr. Clerico roamed the entire Delta tending to the flock scattered across the Alluvial plain. In 1927, Anguilla became a mission of Greenwood and Msgr. Clerico made regular visits to celebrate Mass in homes of the faithful and share meals and conversations in Italian with those who shared his Italian heritage and birth.

With donations from its faithful and a nice grant from Catholic Extension, Anguilla bought a small piece of land in March 1929 and built Our Mother of Mercy Church. Bishop Richard Gerow dedicated the church on Aug. 6, 1929.

Belzoni and Anguilla became missions of Leland in 1944 when Msgr. Clerico’s Greenwood parish was divided. A few years later in 1953, Belzoni was elevated to a parish and Anguilla became its mission. Today, Anguilla is served by Father Panneer Arockiam Selvam from Yazoo City.

This is a brief history of Our Mother of Mercy and its journey taken from Cleta Ellington’s book Christ the Living Water written for the 150th anniversary of the diocese in 1987. These excerpts capture only a small glimpse of the closeness of this small Catholic community in the Delta.

To get an eyewitness account of the dedication day festivities, I looked up Bishop Gerow’s account of the day in his diary and below is his entry for Aug. 6, 1929.

“This morning at 9 o’clock, assisted by Father Clerico and in the presence of a large number of people, I dedicated the new Church of Our Lady of Mercy at Anguilla.

“The lot on which this church is situated was bought with funds raised by the people of Anguilla and thereabout. Extension Society gave the people $2,500 for the building of the church and $400 worth of equipment, vestments, etc. It is quite a nice little church and substantially built, and the people are very justly proud of it.

Linda Alford gets a hug from her former pastor, Father P.J. Curley at the anniversary celebration at Our Mother of Mercy on Saturday, Jan. 27.

“Joe Prestiano, a zealous and enthusiastic member of the congregation at Anguilla, was determined to make this a big day. He had, therefore, advertised it very extensively. Through his efforts the Knights of Columbus band came up from Vicksburg for the occasion. Father Clerico brought his Greenwood choir over and a great many friends from Vicksburg, Greenville, Greenwood and surrounding cities and towns were in Anguilla for the dedication; besides a great number of the faithful from the small towns who will attend Anguilla as their mission church.

“The dedication started at 9 o’clock. A procession formed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cook, headed by the Knights of Columbus band playing lively march music – the procession made up of the men of the congregation and a few altar boys, with Father Clerico, and the Bishop dressed in cope, miter and carrying his crozier – and marched to the front of the church.

“After the dedication Father Clerico sang the high Mass – the Greenwood choir did itself proud – and the bishop preached a sermon to the people; and after the church ceremonies a general picnic was held, the people remaining upon the grounds all day, the Knights of Columbus band supplying very good music for the occasion. It was a great day for the people of Anguilla.

“Although the congregation of Anguilla itself is very small, yet Anguilla is centrally situated and people from many other places, such as Rolling Fork, Hollandale, etc., come to church at this point.”

I was struck by how much of that same zeal and flavor was present this past Saturday in January.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz was the celebrant; Father P.J. Curley, former pastor, provided an inspiring homily only he could deliver; several former pastors were present; friends came from all over the region; and the reception after Mass in the parish hall (now occupying those original grounds) was adorned with fabulous food, fellowship and memories – a quintessential Delta brunch.

Even though there was no Knights of Columbus Band or big choir, those present filling the church to capacity offered beautiful hymns, prayers and responses of which they could be proud. I find I am as inspired by these celebrations in smaller communities as much as any Cathedral Mass. The love and joy that flows in and around the sacred mysteries is a powerful witness to the vibrancy of our faith in the diocese. Who knows what the landscape will be in another 100 years, but on a cloudy day in January 2024, Anguilla bore witness to that vibrant faith.

(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Calendar of Events

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
BOONEVILLE – St. Francis, Bingo, Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. till 12 p.m. We play for fun, plus we help the food pantry. Bring your dollars! Details: church office (662) 728-7509.

GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mardi Gras Chili Fest, Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the parish center. Wear your purple, gold and green. Details: church office (662) 453-3980.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Cocktails and Catholicism, Friday, March 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. with talk and cocktails after with Debbie Tubertini with the Office of Family Ministry for the diocese. She is speaking on marriage. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

JACKSON – Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Peter. Honoring parishioners with outstanding service to the diocese.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. Grand prize $5,000; tickets $100 (admits 2), second chance insurance $20. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.

MADISON – St. Franics, Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper, Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5:15-7 p.m. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Mardi Gras Bingo Night, Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Bingo cards are $2 each; $1 soft drinks; $5 potato bar. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, Mardi Gras party, Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. Enjoy jambalaya, salad, bread and King Cake! Donations to the food pantry welcome. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.

VICKSBURG – Vicksburg Catholic School, Drawdown on River, Sunday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Levee Street Warehouse. Enjoy a silent auction, food, drinks and fellowship, in addition to the $20,000 drawdown. Tickets sell out every year – so purchase yours today. Details: https://one.bidpal.net/2024vcsdrawdown/welcome.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Ladies Lenten Retreat – a Reflection on Grace, Saturday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parish hall. Mass will be at 11:30 am. Presenter is Fran Lavelle, Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson. Sponsored by the KC Ladies Auxiliary, lunch will be provided and there is no charge. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Lenten study of “Beautiful Eucharist” by Matthew Kelly facilitated by Sara Rauch. Deepen your relationship Jesus and experience His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Thursdays from Feb. 15 through March 21 from 10-11 a.m. in the room beside chapel. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Lenten Day of Reflection, Saturday, Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. Father Nick Adam will give some prayer, fasting and almsgiving oriented talks and then have Mass and lunch. Sign up in the Narthex. All parishioners welcome to attend, just RSVP. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Parish Lenten Mission, Feb. 25-27 from 6-7 p.m. Mission featuring Father Phil Krill, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. All are welcome. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

LENTEN MEALS
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick/St. Joseph, Stations and Lenten Fish Fry, every Friday in Lent. Fry follows Stations at 6 p.m. Rotates between parishes. Begins with St. Patrick on Feb. 16. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Lenten Fish Fry, Every Friday beginning Feb. 23 from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Cost: Catfish $12; Shrimp $12; Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hushpupppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish call 30 minutes ahead to Darren at (601) 597-2890.

PEARL – St. Jude, Lenten Fish Fry, Every Friday beginning Feb. 16, immediately following 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross. Menu: catfish, fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw and tea. Dine-in only. Proceeds benefit Knights of Columbus community programs. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Lenten Fish Fry, Feb. 15, March 1 and 15. Potluck Lenten meals, Feb. 23, March 8 and 22. Meals at 5:30 p.m. with Stations at 7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

LENTEN RECONCILIATION
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

JOB OPENING
JACKSON – The Department of Faith Formation is looking for a full-time administrative assistant. The successful candidate will provide administrative assistance exercising quality pastoral skills for those in pastoral and formational ministry in the Diocese of Jackson. Details: 3-5 years’ experience in an administrative role providing direct support to a multicultural intergenerational department. Understanding basic accounting a plus. High school diploma or GED certificate required; completion of college degree in business preferred. Contact fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org with questions or for full job description. Send a cover letter and resume no later than March 11, 2024.