FEATURE PHOTO: … Cooking for Country and Community…
Category Archives: Parish News
Calendar of Events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Genesis of Eve Catholic Women’s Conference, Sept. 18-20 at the Randolph Riverfront Center. Spend time with Jesus in an Adoration service, access priests for confession, shop amazing Catholic artists, authors and vendors; and hear faith-filled Catholic speakers, including Kendra Tierney Norton, Rachel Bullman, Katie Prejean McGrady and Father Brice Higgenbotham. All are welcome. Open to ages 18+. General admission cost: $295.29. Details: visit www.genesisofeve.org.
CAMDEN – Sacred Heart, “Woke in Christ” Mission Revival, Sunday, Aug. 23 at 9 a.m. and Aug. 24-25 at 7 p.m. Guest priest is Father Anthony Bozeman, SSJ. Come be renewed. Encounter Christ. Live the mission. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Details: church office (662) 468-2354.
GRAND COTEAU, La. – St. Charles College, The Chosen retreat experience, Dec. 10-13. Calling all women to relax, restore and reconnect, using the hit series – The Chosen. Details: www.gcretrets.org or text Betsy at (985) 517-1019.
OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, Catechist Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m, with speaker, Dr. Tom Neal. Details: register at https://bit.ly/oxford-catechist-event-26.
MADISON – Millions of Monicas will be praying at St. Catherine’s Village chapel (200 Dominican Drive), the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. When you arrive at the gate, let the team know you are joining the Millions of Monicas ministry. Please, mark your calendars for the following meeting dates: Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 2026. Details: call (601) 613-8526.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Millions of Monicas, Thursdays from 6:15-7:15 pm. Join with other mothers as we pray to grow in holiness and for our children’s faithful return to the Church. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
RIPLEY – St. Matthew, Liturgical workshop in Spanish, Saturday, July 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. All are welcome. Details: church office (662) 993-8832 or stmatthewcatholicchurch@ripleycable.net.
YOUNG ADULTS – Young adults are invited to join the Archdiocese of New Orleans on a Pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea, August 1-10, 2027. Details: contact James Behan at (504) 836-0551 ext. 3228 or email: yam@arch-no.org.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
BATESVILE – St. Mary, Rummage Sale, Aug. 7-8. Details: church office at (662) 563-2273.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, “Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God” Vacation Bible School, July 27-29. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, ABIDE High School Youth Group Kickoff Event, Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7-9 p.m. in Bolton. Bring a chair and join us for food, games and fellowship. Group for 9th-12th graders. Details: Jodi at (601) 383-4720.
MERIDIAN – Catholic Youth of Meridian, Summer Retreat at Pine Lake Camp, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from 5th through 12th graders. Cost: $15 Enjoy fun summer activities, build friendships and encounter Christ. Details: Kristen at (850) 305-1771.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Indoor Yard Sale, Save the Date – Saturday, Aug. 1. Details: church office (662) 895 5007.
Queen of Peace, Family Bowling, Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. at Strik Zone in Southaven. Cost: $15.50 per person (must prepay). Fee includes two hours of bowling and shoe rental. Invite your family and friends – we need a minimum of 30 participants. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
PONTOTOC – St. Christopher, Vacation Bible School, Saturday, July 25 for ages 14-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Details: Sister Raquel – raquelssnd@gmail.com.
DIOCESE EVENTS
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER 2026: Aug. 28-30; and Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
FALL FAITH FORMATION DAY: Save the Date – Sept. 19 at St. Francis of Assisi in Madison. Come for a day of learning, prayer and community for catechists, faith formation leaders, and all those involved in forming disciples of all ages.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT – Registration is now open for the annual Middle School Fall Retreat. This year’s theme is “Others First” at Lake Forest Ranch, Oct. 17-18 for 7th and 8th graders. The retreat will be presented by Cooper Ray – Catholic speaker and worship leader. Cost: $75 per person with a registration deadline of Sept. 11. Contact your parish youth leader to sign up.
YOUNG ADULT PILGRIMAGE – Young adults ages 21-35 are invited on an unforgettable pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Wisconsin, the site of the only Church-approved Marian apparition in the United States. This eight-day pilgrimage, taking place May 15-22, 2027, includes visits to the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Ave Maria Grotto, Gethsemane Abbey, Saint Meinrad Seminary, the Basilica of Saint Louis King of France, Sister Thea Bowman’s gravesite and more. Daily Mass, prayer and fellowship will make this a journey to remember. Registration deadline: July 31. Cost: $925, includes admission to all pilgrimage stops, transportation, lodging and donations to shrines. Excludes cost of meals. Details: amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
Del Condado Cork a Misisipi: el padre Gerry Hurley celebra50 años de sacerdocio
Por Joanna Puddister King
FLOWOOD – Cincuenta años después de que un joven sacerdote irlandés llegara a Misisipi y comenzara a darse cuenta de que el inglés del sur y el inglés irlandés no siempre eran la misma lengua, el padre Gerry Hurley celebró su jubileo de oro rodeado de su familia, feligreses y compañeros sacerdotes que lo habían acompañado en este camino.
La iglesia estaba llena el 12 de junio, cuando más de dos docenas de sacerdotes concelebraron una misa de acción de gracias para conmemorar el 50.º aniversario de la ordenación sacerdotal del padre Hurley en la iglesia católica de San Pablo, en Flowood.
Entre los más de dos docenas de sacerdotes concelebrantes se encontraban otros clérigos nacidos en Irlanda que habían formado parte de la larga tradición de sacerdotes misioneros irlandeses en Misisipi, incluidos sacerdotes jubilados de la Diócesis de Jackson y sacerdotes que prestan servicio en la Diócesis de Biloxi.
Su presencia sirvió como un recordatorio de la influencia misionera irlandesa que dio forma a la Diócesis de Jackson durante décadas.
Miembros de la familia del padre Hurley viajaron desde Irlanda para la celebración, uniéndose a feligreses y amigos para conmemorar este hito.
La fecha tenía un significado especial. El padre Hurley fue ordenado el 12 de junio de 1976 en la iglesia de San Patricio en Bandon, condado de Cork, Irlanda, para la Diócesis de Natchez-Jackson, por lo que la celebración del aniversario se realizó exactamente 50 años después de su ordenación.
Hoy en día, es el último sacerdote nacido en Irlanda que sigue en activo en la Diócesis de Jackson.
“Recuerdo haber asistido a un 50.º aniversario hace 25 años y pensé para mis adentros: “Esos tipos son viejos””, dijo el padre Hurley durante su homilía, lo que provocó las risas de la congregación. “Y ahora yo soy viejo”.
Cuando el padre Hurley llegó a Misisipi en 1976, los sacerdotes nacidos en Irlanda constituían una parte significativa del clero que prestaba servicio en toda la diócesis.
“Cuando llegué en 1976, la mayoría de nuestros sacerdotes eran de Irlanda”, recordó. “Y ahora contamos con nuevos sacerdotes indios nacidos en el extranjero. Hacen un trabajo magnífico y estamos muy contentos… Como último de los irlandeses que llegué en una época de transición para nuestra Iglesia, sé que está en muy buenas manos con ustedes, hermanos”.
En muchos sentidos, ese momento reflejó el cambio que ha vivido la Iglesia y del que el padre Hurley ha sido testigo a lo largo de su ministerio: los sacerdotes misioneros de Irlanda dieron paso a las vocaciones locales y a misioneros de todo el mundo que continúan la labor en Misisipi.
El obispo Joseph R. Kopacz reflexionó sobre esa continuidad en sus comentarios tras la misa.
“El Señor enseñó a los discípulos que un buen escriba en el reino puede acudir al almacén y sacar lo mejor de lo antiguo y lo mejor de lo nuevo”, dijo el obispo. “Creo que eso describe muy bien al padre Gerry”.
El obispo también elogió el don del padre Hurley para la vida comunitaria y su extraordinaria capacidad para recordar nombres.
“No sé si hay sacerdotes con mejor memoria para los nombres que el padre Gerry”, dijo el obispo Kopacz. “Ha aprendido a preguntar “¿Quién es tu mamá?” y todo eso –muy al estilo sureño”.
La familia del padre Hurley ofreció su propia visión del sacerdote que habían conocido mucho antes de que Mississippi lo conociera, compartiendo recuerdos de un niño en Irlanda que anunció desde muy temprana edad que tenía la intención de convertirse en sacerdote.
“Intentó dedicarse a la cirugía”, bromeó una de sus hermanas durante sus comentarios después de la misa. “Pero la paciente –mi muñeca– no sobrevivió. La cirugía no fue un éxito”.
Su propia trayectoria comenzó en la ciudad de Cork, Irlanda, donde nació el 25 de enero de 1952. Estudió en el Carlow College antes de ser ordenado para la Diócesis de Natchez-Jackson y llegar a Misisipi más tarde ese mismo año.
Su primer cargo fue como vicario en la parroquia de San Pablo en Vicksburg, donde pronto descubrió que adaptarse a la vida en Misisipi implicaba algo más que un simple cambio de lugar.
“Un sábado por la noche, una señora mayor se me acercó después de la misa y me dijo: “Padre, me encanta escucharlo hablar”. Me dijo: “No lo entiendo, pero me encanta escucharlo hablar””, recordó, provocando las risas de los presentes. “Me ha llevado casi 50 años aprender a hablar correctamente de nuevo”.
Durante las siguientes cinco décadas, el ministerio del padre Hurley lo llevaría por toda la Diócesis de Jackson, prestando servicio en San José en Greenville, como director diocesano de jóvenes, en San Ricardo en Jackson, San José en Starkville, la Anunciación en Columbus, San Judas en Pearl y, finalmente, San Pablo en Flowood, donde ha prestado servicio desde 2010.
San Pablo se ha convertido en su asignación más prolongada –más larga, señaló, que cualquier lugar en el que haya vivido durante su infancia en Irlanda–.
“Qué lugar tan maravilloso para pasar ese tiempo”, dijo. “Les agradezco a todos por su bienvenida y su apoyo a lo largo de los años”.
Para el padre Hurley, las lecturas elegidas para la misa reflejaban la esencia del ministerio sacerdotal y el discipulado.
En el Evangelio, Jesús le pregunta a Pedro tres veces: “¿Me amas?”, antes de encargarle que apaciente a sus ovejas.
“Jesús no le pregunta a Pedro: “¿Te arrepientes?”, ni le pide que nunca vuelva a fallar”, dijo el padre Hurley. “Le pregunta: “¿Me amas?”. Porque para Jesús, el fundamento del ministerio es el amor a Cristo y el cuidado de su pueblo”.
Tras cinco décadas de sacerdocio, el padre Hurley sigue agradecido por la vocación que lo llevó a cruzar el Atlántico y por las personas que han caminado a su lado.
“Después de 50 años, estoy agradecido por todo lo que Dios me ha dado y por las abundantes bendiciones que me ha concedido a través de cada uno de ustedes y de los muchos otros que nos han precedido”, dijo.
Al concluir la celebración, la congregación se unió para cantar “Irish Blessing”, despidiendo al sacerdote que llegó desde el condado de Cork a Misisipi hace 50 años hacia el siguiente capítulo de su ministerio con las palabras que desde hace mucho conectan a ambos lugares que ahora considera su hogar:
“Que el camino se levante para recibirte. Que el viento siempre sople a tu favor.”
In memoriam: Eternal rest grant unto them
Father Darrell Kelly, SVD
Father Darrell “Chuck” Kelly, SVD, died May 7, 2026, after a lengthy illness in Bay St. Louis.
Born Oct. 8, 1961, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, he attended St. Gabriel School and Immaculate Conception High School. He studied at Mississippi Valley State University, served in the U.S. Army, including during Operation Desert Storm, and later worked as a correctional officer with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
After converting to the Catholic faith, Father Kelly discerned a vocation to the priesthood. He attended Divine Word College, completed his novitiate with the Divine Word Missionaries and studied at Catholic Theological Union. He was ordained May 28, 2005, in Techny, Illinois.
His assignments included Notre Dame Parish in St. Martinville, Louisiana; Holy Ghost Parish in Jackson; and Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite significant health challenges, he continued to serve faithfully in ministry.
Funeral services were held May 13 at St. Augustine Parish in Bay St. Louis, with burial and full military honors.
Father Gerald Joseph Peterson
Father Gerald Peterson, 96, a Glenmary Home Missioner for 73 years, died May 13, 2026, in Cincinnati.
A native of Loretto, Kentucky, Father Peterson joined Glenmary as one of its earliest members and was part of the second novitiate class in 1952. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt University and later studied Spanish in Mexico to better serve immigrant communities.
Throughout his ministry, he served in Appalachia, Virginia; Georgia; Tennessee; Alabama; and Mississippi. From 2001 to 2013, he ministered in Pontotoc, Mississippi, serving local Catholics and the broader community.
Known for his creativity and concern for those in need, Father Peterson helped establish transportation, housing, childcare, health-care and food programs in mission communities. Fellow Glenmarians remembered him as a tireless missionary dedicated to evangelization and service.
He is survived by his twin sister, Geraldine. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 3 in Cincinnati.
Sister Mary Elisa Bauman, RSM
Sister Mary Elisa Bauman, RSM, died May 16, 2026, at Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis. She was 88 and had been a Sister of Mercy for 70 years.
Born Mary Louise Bauman on Nov. 2, 1937, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1955 and professed perpetual vows in 1961. She earned degrees in education and English and devoted much of her religious life to Catholic education.
Sister Elisa taught at schools in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mississippi, including Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis. She also served as principal and administrator at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, Mercy Cross High School in Biloxi and Our Lady Academy.
After retiring from education, she remained active in the Bay St. Louis community before moving to St. Louis in 2022. She is survived by four nieces, members of her Mercy community and many friends. Funeral services were held privately, with a memorial Mass and burial planned in Little Rock.
Meyrl Schmit
Meyrl Schmit, a former priest of the Diocese of Jackson, died April 27, 2026, at age 87.
Born April 20, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, he later served as a priest in the Diocese of Jackson and subsequently taught as an adjunct professor at community colleges in Illinois.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn. Funeral services were held June 12 in Bryant, Indiana, with burial in the parish cemetery.
Calendar of Events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, Healing Retreat with Maria Vadia, Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: contact (662) 299-1232 or email contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com.
OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, Catechist Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m, with speaker, Dr. Tom Neal. Details: register at https://bit.ly/oxford-catechist-event-26.
PILGRMAGE – Travel with Father Carlisle Beggerly to Italy/Greece, Oct. 7-20, 2026. Cost: $5,999 per person. Details: Contact Proximo Travel (855-842-8001) or visit proximotravel.com (enter Fr. Carlisle in search box).
Travel with Father Raju Macherla to Portugal, Spain and France, July 6-17, 2026. Cost: $5,500 per person (sharing room), with departure from Memphis. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4efWoql.
Travel with Father Jesus Sanchez to “Rome and Marian Shrines” Portugal: Fátima and Lisbon, France: Lourdes, Spain: Garabandal, Covadonga and Santiago de Compostela, Italy: Rome and Assisi and Bosnia and Herzegovina: Medjugorje. July 26 – Aug. 10, 2026. Cost: $4,900. Details: Contact (626) 379-0944 or email gpilgrimages@yahoo.com.
MADISON – Millions of Monicas will be praying at St. Catherine’s Village chapel (200 Dominican Drive), the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. When you arrive at the gate, let the team know you are joining the Millions of Monicas ministry. Please, mark your calendars for the following meeting dates: July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 2026. Details: call (601) 613-8526.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Millions of Monicas, Thursdays from 6:15-7:15 pm. Join with other mothers as we pray to grow in holiness and for our children’s faithful return to the Church. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
YOUNG ADULTS – Young adults are invited to join the Archdiocese of New Orleans on a Pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea, August 1-10, 2027. Details: contact James Behan at (504) 836-0551 ext. 3228 or email: yam@arch-no.org.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
BATESVILE – St. Mary, Rummage Sale, Aug. 7-8. Details: church office at (662) 563-2273.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, 100th Anniversary Celebration of Franciscan Sisters of Charity’s Ministry in Northwest Miss., Sunday, July 12, with Mass at 10 a.m. and reception following.
Queen of Peace, Indoor Yard Sale, Save the Date – Saturday, Aug. 1. Details: church office (662) 895 5007.
VBS – VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis of Assisi, “Rainforest Falls” Vacation Bible School, Friday, July 12-15 from 5:30-8:00 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m. Ages PreK-4 through sixth grade. Details: church office at (601) 833-1799.
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, “Cathletics” Vacation Bible School, Monday, June 29 – July 2 from 6-8 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Open to PreK-4 through sixth. Details: church office at (601) 992-9547.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, Monday, July 27-29. Details: church office at (662) 335-5251.
MAGEE – St. Stephen, “Deep Sea of Faith” Vacation Bible School, Friday, July 17, 6-8 p.m. – Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a towel and swimsuit. Details: church office at (601) 849-3237.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Vacation Bible School presented by the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word, July 7-10. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Vacation Bible School, Monday, June 22-26, from 6-8 p.m. Details: church office at (662) 342 1073.
DIOCESE EVENTS
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER 2026: Aug. 28-30; and Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
PERMANENT DIACONATE ORDINATION: Six men will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. Blessings to Enrique Amador, Donald Clinton Coker, Jeff Cook, Pablo Garcia, Christopher Halliwell, William Griffith Vautrot and Hunter Yentzen.
PASTORAL MINISTRIES WORKSHOP: July 31 through Aug. 2 at Egale Ridge Conference Center in Raymond. Cost is $300, which includes room, meals, and course materials. (Communter rate: $125) Registration deadline is July 10. Register at https://bit.ly/pmw2026. Details: fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
FALL FAITH FORMATION DAY: Save the Date – Sept. 19 at St. Francis of Assisi in Madison. Come for a day of learning, prayer and community for catechists, faith formation leaders, and all those involved in forming disciples of all ages.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Mississippi Catholic will publish a Sacraments edition in July. This means we need First Communion and Confirmation photos. This is your only chance to submit posed group photos for publication. The final due date for submissions is be Friday, July 3. Details: email editor@jacksondiocese.org.
FEATURE PHOTO: … Installation at Holy Ghost Jackson …
Calendar of Events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GRENADA – St. Peter, Teatime with Mother Mary, Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m. All girls, young and old, mothers, daughters, single women are invited to attend including non-practicing Catholics, friends of parishioners, etc. Details: contact Cecilia at (662) 688-3024.
OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist, Catechist Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with speaker, Dr. Tom Neal. Details: register at https://bit.ly/oxford-catechist-event-26.
PILGRMAGE – Travel with Father Carlisle Beggerly to Italy/Greece, Oct. 7-20, 2026. Cost: $5,999 per person. Details: Contact Proximo Travel (855-842-8001) or visit proximotravel.com (enter Fr. Carlisle in search box).
Travel with Father Raju Macherla to Portugal, Spain and France, July 6-17, 2026. Cost: $5,500 per person (sharing room), with departure from Memphis. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4efWoql.
MADISON – Millions of Monicas will transition from St. Joseph Church to praying at St. Catherine’s Village chapel. Meetings will now take place on the second Tuesday of each month, with the first gathering scheduled for May 12. Please note that our meeting time will change to 6 p.m. The Chapel is located at 200 Dominican Drive, Madison. When you arrive at the gate, let the team know you are joining the Millions of Monicas ministry, and you will be directed to the chapel. After entering through the roundabout, the chapel will be on your left. Please, mark your calendars for the following meeting dates: May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 2026. Details: call (601) 613-8526.
YOUNG ADULTS – Young adults are invited to join the Archdiocese of New Orleans on a Pilgrimage to Seoul, South Korea, August 1-10, 2027. Details: contact James Behan at (504) 836-0551 ext. 3228 or email: yam@arch-no.org.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Baby Bottle Drive, Get a bottle, fill it with coins, cash, or a check, and return it in the coming weeks. Every donation will help support pro-life ministries and life-affirming services for mothers, babies, and families in our community. Volunteers are needed to distribute and collect bottles. Details: call Chris at (601) 757-9910.
JACKSON – Holy Family, Pentecost Cultural Diversity Picnic, on Saturday, May 23, from 5-7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, bring tents and lawn chairs. Personal fans are also recommended. Music and games will be provided. Details: call Joyce at (601) 214-6123.
VBS
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5:15 to 8 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Dinner and games are from 5:15-6 p.m. Open to all children entering K-6th grade, Cost: $15 per child/$30 Max per family. Details: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/stjosephgluckstadt and select one-time donation and then VBS to make your payment.
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, Calling all 4 year olds through fourth graders – Save the date: June 1-4, 2026.
HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, June 16–18, 2026. Details: call Teri (Teresa) Mason at (815) 729-4219.
DIOCESE EVENTS
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER 2026, Aug. 28-30; and Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
PERMANENT DIACONATE ORDINATION: Six men will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. Blessings to Enrique Amador, Donald Clinton Coker, Jeff Cook, Pablo Garcia, Christopher Halliwell, William Griffith Vautrot, and Hunter Yentzen.
PASTORAL MINISTRIES WORKSHOP, July 31 through Aug. 2 at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond. Cost is $300, which includes room, meals, and course materials. (Commuter rate: $125) Registration deadline is July 10. Register at https://bit.ly/pmw2026. Details: fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
Flowers, faith and the “Divine Dance” bring Easter vision to life at St. Paul parish
By Joanna Puddister King
FLOWOOD – A life-size bride dressed in handmade flowers greeted parishioners at St. Paul Church this Easter, her gown a delicate arrangement of soap petals crafted by members of the parish just weeks before.
Inside the church, those same flowers adorned the altar, the result of a daylong, bridal-themed workshop that invited participants to reflect on the Church as the Bride of Christ and her call into the “Divine Dance.”
More than 100 parishioners gathered March 14 for the Easter soap flower workshop led by Amber Earles, owner of A’Marie’s Bath Flower Shop, along with Cecilia Carlton, director of liturgy at St. Paul, and parishioner Pam Harkins. Guests of all ages filled tables, shaping delicate soap petals into flowers that would become part of the parish’s Easter environment.
The event blended creativity, catechesis and celebration, with each element of the bridal theme pointing to a deeper spiritual meaning.
“We’ve worked on this for a year, just letting things come to us from the Holy Spirit,” Earles said. “It wasn’t forced – it just unfolded, like the flowers.”
Earles, a St. Paul parishioner, began her business more than a decade ago after creating a bouquet of soap flowers for her hospitalized mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law hesitated to use them because they were “too pretty,” Earles developed a petal-by-petal design that could be enjoyed both visually and practically.
While her handcrafted flowers are now shipped nationwide, Earles said opportunities like the parish workshop remain central to her mission.
“This is why I do what I do,” she said. “Yes, I work to live, but this – seeing people come together, creating and finding joy – this is the purpose behind it.”
Throughout the day, participants created mostly white flowers symbolizing the purity of the Bride of Christ, along with multicolored blooms representing the unique gifts within the Body of Christ. These were later incorporated into both the altar display and the atrium scene depicting Jesus inviting His Bride into the Divine Dance.
During a midday reflection, Carlton guided participants into the theological meaning behind the imagery.
“We are not meant to stand apart from the Lord,” Carlton said. “We are invited to the feast of the Lamb – invited into relationship, into communion, into the dance itself.”
Drawing from Scripture and tradition, Carlton described the Divine Dance as the movement of love within the Trinity and the invitation extended to all believers.
“No more standing at a distance,” she said. “There is a place set for you at the table.”
The bridal theme carried through the day with a wedding-style cake, a bouquet toss and soap flower bases given as favors – lighthearted touches that reinforced the central message of the wedding feast of the Lamb.
By the end of the workshop, the room that once buzzed with conversation and careful handiwork reflected a shared sense of joy and participation in something greater.
“It’s not just about making something beautiful,” Earles said. “It’s about being invited into something deeper – into God’s love.”
(Above) Kerry Doyle, a parishioner of St. Paul Church, displays a handmade soap flower she crafted during a March 14 workshop preparing decorations for the Easter altar and atrium. (On right) Amber Earles speaks to participants about the origins of her handcrafted soap flowers and A’marie’s Bath Flower Shop. (Photos by Joanna King – For more photos visit jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.)
Calendar of Events
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Engaged Encounter 2026: May 1-3; Aug. 28-30; Oct. 2-4. Details: couples may register at https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/230073 or email debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.
GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, Inner Healing Retreat, April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: (662) 299-1232.
HOLLY SPRINGS – Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS, Ladies Group Retreat, Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gregory House, with a talk by Sisters Leonora and Susan. Sign up by April 19. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
PILGRMAGE – Travel with Father Carlisle Beggerly to Italy/Greece, Oct. 7-20, 2026. Cost: $5,999 per person. Details: Contact Proximo Travel (855-842-8001) or visit proximotravel.com (enter Fr. Carlisle in search box).
Travel with Father Raju Macherla to Portugal, Spain and France, July 6-17, 2026. Cost: $5,500 per person (sharing room), with departure from Memphis. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4efWoql.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Calling all Catholic Homeschoolers! We are forming a Catholic Homeschool co-op, join us for Mass and an interest meeting, Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Bring lunch for your family for a picnic following Mass. Details: lumenmundihs@gmail.com.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, CYO Bingo Night Fundraiser, Wednesday, April 22, in the parish center. Games at 6 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $40 at the door for one card for all 10 games. $5 burger meals available. Details: office (662) 453-3980.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Annual Yard Sale, Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: Tena at (901) 598-7927.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Special Kids Art Show, Thursday, April 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Details: call (601) 366-2335.
MADISON – St. Francis, Luella and Floyd Q. Doolittle Golf Tournament, Friday, May 8 at Whisper Lake Country Club. Fun costests begin at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. An awards presentation and a home-cooked meal by KC 9543 will take place in the clubhouse after all participants have cleared the course. Details: Tunney at (601) 622-4145 or tunneyv1@icloud.com.
St. Francis of Assisi, Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 17 from 12-4 p.m. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
CORRECTION
Lewis and Dinah Slay of Sacred Heart parish in Greenville are recipients of the Bishop Chanche Medal for Service this year. The couple were inadvertently left off the list in the last edition of Mississippi Catholic. We apologize for the error.
Parishioners honored for service to the Church with Bishop Chanche Medals
JACKSON – 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.
(View photos from Bishop Chanche Medals at https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.)
