Corazón Ardiente llega a Mississippi
ROCKFORD, Wa. – Sister Kay was born Frances Catherine (Kay) Burton on Nov. 3, 1936, in Santa Monica, California to Gordon and Marie Burton while Gordon was employed by Douglas Aircraft to work on experimental airplanes. The family moved to Issaquah, Washington, in 1942 when Gordon began work as a government inspector on airplanes in Renton. They lived there for less than a year when the family moved to Rockford, Washington, where Kay had fond memories of living on the Saunders place. In 1948, the family moved to Lake Creek, Idaho, into the farmhouse where Gordon had been raised and that is still standing today.
In 1954, Kay graduated from Rockford High School as Valedictorian. She enrolled in Holy Names College, Spokane, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Education and began her teaching career at Deer Park High School. In January 1960, after a year and a half teaching in public schools, Kay entered the novitiate of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary at Marylhurst, Oregon receiving the religious name Sister Gordon Mary. She pronounced first vows on Feb. 5, 1962.
Sister Kay spent years developing peace-education programs and anti-racism curricula as an inner-city teacher and administrator in Seattle. She traveled to Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1978 to teach at Immaculate Conception School and earned a M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance from Western Michigan University in 1979. After returning to Spokane from 1983-87 to assume a leadership role as Provincial Director of her SNJM community, Sister Kay returned to Mississippi. She bought a house which she immediately remodeled into appropriate space for tutoring. She reached out to the Jonestown community to find out what people wanted. As a result, Sister Kay established GED programs, garden projects, softball teams and life skills classes for the people of Jonestown. Music was important to her and became a major emphasis. She encouraged instructors to come to Jonestown to teach music. The result was joyful singing at annual Christmas celebrations and Black history presentations, as well as piano recitals and other wonderful gatherings.
Her successful volunteer recruitment campaigns led to innumerable home repair and Habitat for Humanity projects benefiting the residents of Jonestown. Volunteers created a playground for younger children and helped upgrade basketball, baseball and track facilities. Sister Kay provided enrichment opportunities to the young people of Jonestown by organizing field trips and driving students to meet Sisters and others involved in service work. These ranged from travels to the Native American Community in Wapato, Washington, to Holy Names Convents in Lesotho, Africa.
Sister Kay also helped found The Call to Vietnam Program which sent Sisters of the Holy Names and volunteers to teach English language skills to the young Lovers of the Holy Cross Sisters in Hue, Vietnam.
Sister Kay’s career spanned a lifetime of giving to those in need. Her gifts as a teacher, administrator, volunteer, advocate, innovator, gardener and counselor touched the lives of the thousands of people she served. The people of Jonestown, Mississippi, will never forget Sister Kay and the impact she had during the thirty-plus years of her ministry there.
Sister Kay Burton, SNJM, died March 18, 2022, in Spokane, Washington, at Hospice House of Spokane. There must have been a joyous greeting in Heaven that morning as her mom and dad along with brothers Dick, Bill, Jim, and Ira met Kay on her journey to everlasting life.
Sister Kay is survived her five brothers: John, Tom, Don, Bob and Steve and generations of nieces and nephews who knew and loved their Aunt Kay. Sister Kay is also survived by members of her religious community the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
A funeral Mass was held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rockford, Washington. She is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund, PO Box 398, Marylhurst, OR, 97036 or online at www.snjmusontario.org/donate.
SINSINAWA, Wis. – Sister Rosemary Empen, OP, died March 2, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Manor, Footville, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Aemilia. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, March 11, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Rosemary made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1957, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1960. She taught for 16 years and served as principal for five years. Sister Rosemary was a missionary in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, for 13 years. This work led her to continue her ministry with Spanish-speaking people when she returned to the United States. She served as pastoral minister for 12 years, director of a multicultural center for five years, and codirector of a Catholic parish for 10 years. Sister Rosemary was a gentle person who responded to the needs of others by asking, “What will we do about this?”
She also served in Illinois, New York, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Mississippi. In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Rosemary served as codirector at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Houston, 1996-2006.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, Healing Retreat, Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., presented by Maria Vadia; Mental Well-being and Trust workshop, Sunday, April 10 from 2-4 p.m., presented by Michael Whelan, Ph.D.; God’s Love Retreat, Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. presented by the Locus Benedictus ministry team. Details: email contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com or call (662) 299-1232.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, White Elephant Sale on April 2 by the Knights of Columbus. No clothing donations. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
COLUMBUS Annunciation Catholic School, Draw Down/Art Auction on Friday, April 22 from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center. Adults only with dinner and open bar. Draw down ticket $100. Art auction ticket $35 at the door. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.
CLEVELAND Our Lady Of Victories, Egg Hunt for birth to sixth grade, April 3, 10-11 a.m., please bring 12 candy filled eggs. Details: olvcc@att.net.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Pancake Breakfast, April 9 from 7-10 a.m. hosted by Knights of Columbus. Proceeds from event benefit family of Maria Guillen, who was diagnosed a few weeks ago with Leukemia and is currently at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cost is $10. Details: Cathy Finley (662) 378-9711.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Annual Countdown fundraiser on Friday, April 22. Tickets will go on sale soon and are $100 for a full ticket but partial tickets can be bought for as little as $25. Grand prize is $5,000. Details: school office (601) 482-6044.
SOUTHAVEN Sacred Heart School is seeking a PK-3 and first grade teacher; as well as, a social studies teacher for 6-8 grades. Must have basic understanding and acceptance of the Catholic School philosophy, goals and objectives. Details: shsjobs@shsm.org.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 17, immediately following Mass. Details: church office at yazoocitystm@jacksondiocese.org.
YOUTH BRIEFS
SEARCH retreat for juniors and seniors, April 1-3, at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Retreat is “for teens, led by teens” and is an experience like none other; with a strong focus on vocations. SEARCH engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold real, active and healthy way. Cost $125. Details: abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
SAVE THE DATE
COLLECTION Rice bowl collection is set for Holy Thursday, April 14. Collect your bowl from your parish.
JACKSON St. Richard, VBS 2022, June 6-9. Online registration dates will be announced soon. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON St. Francis, VBS 2022, June 20-24 for all children going into Pre-K4 through fourth grades. Help is needed to plan, teach, assist, decorate, lead music and prepare snacks. Details: Mary Catherine at mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
PONTOTOC St. Christopher Catholic Friendship Camp, ages 7-11, June 12-18; and ages 12-14, June 19-25. Details: Heidi Stephens campsm@juno.com or https://www.campfriendshipmississippi.com.
LENTEN MEALS AND STATIONS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent. A light meal will be served in Serio Hall following Stations.
CANTON Sacred Heart, Stations on Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. followed by a soup supper (no charge).
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Fish Fry in the Activity Center after Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the main church.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Fish dinner every Friday after Stations at 6 p.m. Donations accepted. All are welcome.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Fish Fry after Stations on Friday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
JACKSON St. Richard, Fish Fry after Stations at 6 p.m., Foley Hall, dine in or to-go. Cost: Adults $12, kids 12 and under $6.
MADISON St. Francis, Rosary 6 p.m., Stations 6:30 p.m. and Lenten meal 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Lenten meal offering changes each week.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Fish Fry after Stations each Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry each Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. Drive through only at the Family Life Center parking lot side door. Cost: Catfish $12, Shrimp $12, Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. No children’s plate offered.
OXFORD St. John, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus Fish Fry from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the parish center. Take-outs are available. Plates cost $9.
PEARL St. Jude, Stations every Friday during Lent following 10 a.m. Mass and at 6 p.m. Fish Fry after 6 p.m. Stations. Reservations required. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
RIPLEY St. Matthew, Fried Catfish Dinner, Fridays through April 8, 4-7 p.m. Dinner inclides two fillets, coleslaw, sweet corn nuggets and choice of beverage. Cost is $10. Dine-in or take-out. Proceeds benefit St. Matthew’s youth ministry program.
TUPELO St. James, Lenten Meatless Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Diocesan Priest Education Fund on Friday, April 1 at 5:30 p.m. in Shelton Hall. Dine-in and to-go available. Served with choice of red or white sauce, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Cost: $9 for adults and $6 for kids.
PENANCE/RECONCILIATION SERVICES
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish-wide Reconciliation, Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Reconciliation service, Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph March 31 at 5:30 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Reconciliation, Wednesday, April 6 from 4-6 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON St. Richard Thursday, April 7 at 6 p.m.
LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Reconciliation every Wednesday during Lent at 12:15 p.m.
LENTEN MEALS AND STATIONS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent. A light meal will be served in Serio Hall following Stations.
CANTON Sacred Heart, Stations on Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. followed by a soup supper (no charge).
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Fish Fry in the Activity Center, after Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the main church.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Fish dinner every Friday after Stations at 6 p.m. Donations accepted. All are welcome.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Lenten dinner on March 25.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Knights of Columbus Fish fry on March 25 in the parish hall.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Fish Fry after Stations on Friday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
MADISON St. Francis, Rosary 6 p.m., Stations 6:30 p.m. and Lenten meal 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Lenten meal offering changes each week.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Fish Fry after Stations each Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry each Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. Drive through only at the Family Life Center parking lot side door. Cost: Catfish $12, Shrimp $12, Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish please call 30 minutes ahead – Darren (601) 597-2890. No children’s plate offered.
OXFORD St. John, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus Fish Fry from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the parish center. Takeouts are available. Plates cost $9.
PEARL St. Jude, Station every Friday during Lent following 10 a.m. Mass and at 6 p.m. Fish Fry after 6 p.m. Stations. Reservations required. Details: church office (601) 939-3181
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry every Friday during Lent from 5-6:30 p.m. All orders are to-go and cost $12/plate to benefit charity.
PENANCE/RECONCILIATION SERVICES
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish-wide Reconciliation, Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Penance service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. in the main church. Penance also offerd on Saturdays before Mass at 4:45 p.m.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Reconciliation service, Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Reconciliation, Wednesday, April 6 from 4-6 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Reconciliation every Wednesday during Lent at 12:15 p.m.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Reconciliation service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6:15 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
STATIONS ONLY
ABERDEEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m. followed by Mass.
CLINTON Holy Savior, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
GRENADA St. Peter, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6:15 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Stations at 6:30 p.m. on March 11, 18, 25 and April 1. Stations and fish fry on April 8. Stations at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 15.
JACKSON Christ the King, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 12:05 p.m.
LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Stations every Friday during Lent at 3 p.m.
MAGNOLIA St. James, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.
MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Stations every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 3 p.m.
PONTOTOC St. Christopher, Spiritual reflection followed by Stations at 11 a.m. each Friday during Lent. Details: email st.christopher.ms@gmail.com
STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
TUPELO St. James, Stations on Fridays following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and 6 p.m. (Bilingual).
VICKSBURG St. Mary, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
VICKSBURG St. Michael, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON – This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the Office of Youth Ministry awarded seven young people the Bishop Chanche youth service award. Six were presented their award at DCYC at the Vicksburg Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 20. Award recipient, Owen Wolf was a part of the Bishop Chanche award presentation with adult recipients, as his parents Michael and Stacy Wolf were also awarded for their service to the church.
The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the young men and women who serve the church today.
When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.
OWEN Wolf – St. Jude, Pearl
Owen is dedicated and faithful to the parish and to his convictions. During the pandemic Owen showed great leadership and dedication of service to the parish by helping to transition a trailer into an altar so we could have drive in Mass. He served as usher and traffic director at every Saturday evening drive in service from May thru November of 2020 and still serves today whenever he is needed. The qualities that best describe Owen are humble, trustworthy, honest, a gentle leader and steadfast in his faith. – Father Lincoln Dall
Anna Harvey – St. Alphonsus, McComb
Anna is a great witness at our youth Mass, always willing to lector. She uses her gifts to glorify God and never to glorify herself. She often wins games and displays great humility. She has discussions with at least one non-Catholic friend about the Catholic faith and desires to share the best she can.
Anna has been incredibly generous with her time in serving our parish. She has participated in service days, managed games for Easter and Halloween, led music for VBS, played piano for two Masses each month, and lectored often. She has modeled great kindness toward the youth at our parish events, helping the little ones to feel comfortable through her activities. Anna is patient, she listens attentively and strives for excellence in all that she undertakes. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy
Claire Plaisance – St. James, Magnolia
Claire is consistent, dedicated and charitable. These virtues are demonstrated by her in a unique way, and I think her family has instilled these in her very well.
Claire works very hard, not only for her family, but for the parish. She arrived to a service day and was the only teen with a few chaperones who worked to clean an elderly parishioner’s yard. She is generous with her time, and I know would be willing to serve if called upon. Claire has a spirit of courage; I feel she would be willing to stand up for what’s right in the face of adversity. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy
Avery Greyson Calvert – St. Joseph , Gluckstadt
Avery moved to Mississippi the summer before his junior year during the pandemic. He joined our very tiny virtual youth group at the time and quickly grew into the role of a youth leader. He is committed, outgoing, and shares his faith and talents readily with not only our parish, but his school and his community.
Avery volunteered to be a cantor as soon as Masses began again at our parish in 2020. He is a talented vocalist and we had very few cantors at that time. He is among the favorites these days. He cantors for his school Masses at St. Joseph in Madison as well. He joined our youth leadership team at the parish, which meets every Wednesday for training and Sundays for Youth Ministry. Avery has given talks to our Confirmation classes, helped lead retreats and is a member of the Jr. Core Team for LifeTeen. – Pam Minninger, LEM
Austin Dungan – St. Patrick, Meridian
Austin has such a peaceful demeanor. His kindness is genuine and earnest. He has a heart for the faith. His love for his parish family is evident in his very presence and he is such a delight to see on Sunday mornings when he is ushering – no words needed because he greets with a smile every time.
It is evident that Austin does not do what he does for praise or recognition. Everything he does, he does it quietly and almost as if in prayer. He is respectful with a confident “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” and a pleasant “Good Morning” when answering or speaking to any parishioner. He is mindful to not overlook anyone that walks into the church, he is so gracious with a smile. Austin is a natural leader, and his calm and gentle demeanor is infectious. His respect for the Blessed Sacrament and when he approaches the altar does not go unnoticed either. – Father Augustine Palimattam
Frank Joseph Serio – St. Joseph, Greenville
Frank is witty and kindhearted. His dynamic ability to be available for the school and parish, always, whether serving in the Mass, volunteering to help an elderly person or encouraging one of his peers, he is open to the needs of others and available to serve how the Holy Spirit leads. He is altar server every week, Eucharistic minister, leads Middle School small group, encourages his younger peers, friend to the elderly – he even led a service project for his senior class to decorate a widowed parishioner’s home for Christmas.
He serves at St. Vincent de Paul whether it be helping on a Saturday with maintenance or over the summer/spring/holiday breaks to carry items to the vehicle for clients. He also organized the can food drive at his high school that collected and delivered over 3,000 cans for St. Vincent. And what’s so special is that this kid doesn’t realize all that he is: charismatic, thoughtful, faithful, honorable, compassionate for others, spirit filled and joyful. – Monsignor Elvin Sunds
Olivia Ann Hanby – St. James, Tupelo
Olivia’s heart to serve, is never ending. No matter, what she just did, she is going to be there again, for the next thing. This is not just at church; it applies to all areas of her life.
Olivia currently serves as a faith formation teacher on Sunday mornings, as a member of the youth choir and often as a lector at Mass. Recently, she served others through working Habitat for Humanity and she has served with Catholic Heart Work Camp for three years. She has served at school for Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years. Additionally, Olivia has served as a leader for Vacation Bible School for all of her high school career. Currently, she serves as a Math tutor and as a LifeTeen Leader as a Senior. – Father Tim Murphy
