Vírgenes y Santos
Santa María Madre de Dios. Enero 1ro
Epifanía del Señor. Enero 6
Solemnidad del Bautismo. Enero 10
Milagroso Señor de Esquipulas. Enero 15
Nuestra Señora de Altagracia. Enero 21
Conversión de San Pablo. Enero 25
San Juan Bosco. Enero 31
!FELIZ NAVIDAD!
!BENDICIONES PARA EL 2022!
Por Padre Clem Oya
JACKSON – El tercer domingo de Adviento tradicionalmente se llama “Gaudete”, expresión latina que significa “regocijarse.”
Toda la liturgia enfoca nuestras mentes en las razones por las cuales regocijarnos. Las vestimentas del sacerdote y el altar son de color rosa y muestran la naturaleza de la liturgia actual. También hoy se enciende el cirio rosa de la corona de Adviento. Todos estos apuntan a la naturaleza del Adviento mismo, que es un tiempo de gozosa espera del Señor.
Toda la liturgia se presenta de forma resumida en un canto extraído de la carta de San Pablo a los Filipenses: “Alégrense siempre en el Señor. Repito: ¡Alégrense!” Filipenses 4: 4.
¿Por qué debemos regocijarnos?
Tenemos muchas razones para regocijarnos. La principal, sin dudas, es porque el Señor está cerca. Filipenses 4: 5.
El pueblo del Antiguo Testamento, que ni siquiera fue testigo de la primera venida de Cristo, se regocijó. Se regocijaron en la esperanza de la promesa de Dios.
La misión del profeta Sofonías, alrededor del año 640 a. C., llegó como un mensaje de esperanza al pueblo de Israel. Este mismo mensaje es relevante para nosotros hoy.
La condición humana concreta en la que algunos de nosotros estamos ahora mismo; las dificultades sociales, políticas y económicas causadas por esta pandemia (COVID-19) y el aparente caos de la vida humana en todo el mundo podría tentarnos a pensar que no hay motivo para regocijarse, pero como somos cristianos, tenemos un motivo para regocijarnos.
Somos un pueblo de “gozosa esperanza” y un “gozo de esperanza.” Jesús es nuestro gozo, y nada puede separarnos de él.
¡DISFRUTE!
Cantar con alegría y orar a Dios por sus bendiciones es en sí mismo una fuente de gozo. La presencia de la Eucaristía en la vida de la Iglesia es una gran bendición que también llama al regocijo. Los cristianos son un pueblo de esperanza. ¿Por qué? La Escritura nos dice que Cristo es nuestra Esperanza y que nuestra Esperanza nunca nos fallará. (cf. Rom. 5: 5)
La esperanza es lo que nos lleva de un día para otro. Incluso mientras seguimos viendo variantes de esta pandemia en diferentes lugares, debemos mantenernos firmes en Cristo. Debemos proyectar pensamientos positivos sobre nuestro futuro. El Señor Jesús vino a este mundo para traer buenas nuevas, o buenas nuevas, a la humanidad y nos ha dado el mandato de proclamar estas “Buenas Nuevas” a todo el mundo.
Pero ¿cómo podemos dar lo que no tenemos? Como dice el antiguo proverbio latino, “Nemo dat quod non habet,” que significa “nadie da lo que no tiene,” los cristianos debemos estar llenos del gozo de la venida del Señor para compartirlo con los demás. La liturgia del domingo “Gaudete”, simplemente dice: ¡DISFRUTE!
Al igual que las personas que acudieron a Juan en el pasaje del evangelio y le preguntaron: “¿Qué debemos hacer?,” algunos de nosotros podemos estar haciendo una pregunta similar al leer este mensaje.
Juan el Bautista, en preparación para el primer advenimiento de Cristo, simplemente les dijo a las multitudes, los recaudadores de impuestos, los soldados y todos los trabajadores públicos que se abstuvieran de hacer a la gente miserable. Les dijo: “No practiquen la extorsión, no acusen falsamente a nadie y estén satisfechos con su salario.” Él instruyó a las multitudes: “El que tiene comida y ropa debe compartir con los que no tienen”. (véase Lucas 3: 10-14)
He aquí una historia de mi experiencia en Mexico:
Hace muchos años cuando estudiaba en Cuernavaca, México, aprendí algo de algunos de los estudiantes universitarios de los Estados Unidos que también habían venido a aprender español en esa ciudad.
Todas las noches, después del programa de intercambio, cada uno de estos jóvenes estudiantes compraba una comida extra y una hermosa flor y caminaba hacia la plaza del mercado, entregando tranquilamente la comida y la flor a cada mendigo, que habitualmente se queda allí, esperando la limosna de gente. Estos jóvenes, jóvenes en años, pero sabios en acción, compartieron de sí mismos. Fue algo que me tocó el corazón y llenó mis ojos de lágrimas. Tú y yo también podemos hacer algo así en este momento. ¡Qué lección tan profunda aprendí de esos jóvenes estudiantes que ellos mismos no tenían casi nada!
Retiro Universal
Sostengo humildemente que este período de la historia humana puede ser un tiempo en el que Dios nos está llamando a un “retiro universal”. Es una especie de viaje espiritual para todos los humanos.
A medida que nos acercamos a la celebración de la Navidad en medio de este viaje espiritual, el evangelio nos desafía a usted y a mí a compartir todo lo que tengamos con los demás. Es el momento de ayudar a los demás. Es un momento para regocijarse en las bendiciones de Dios.
Sería bueno si tú y yo pudiéramos poner hoy una sonrisa en el rostro de alguien.
¡Regocíjate siempre!
Por Berta Mexidor
Siempre, la celebración de la Virgen de Guadalupe trae color, rosas, música, alegría y muestras de fe en todos los Latinoamericanos asentados en el estado de Mississippi.
La celebración se da, a lo largo y ancho de toda la Diócesis, en cada una de las parroquias católicas con población Hispana.
El obispo Kopacz, eldomingo 12 de diciembre, acompañó en procesión por la tarde a los parroquianos de la Catedral de San Pedro y celebró Misa en la noche en Holy Family de Jackson. Ésta es la primera vez que en esta iglesia, históricamente sirviendo a la comunidad Afrodescendiente del área, se celebra la fiesta de la Guadalupe.
Para el padre Clem Oya, director de la oficina Intercultural de la Diócesis fue también su primera celebración Guadalupana en Mississippi. El domingo 12 de diciembre el padre Clem Oya celebró Misa en St Christopher de Pontotoc y en la noche concelebró con el obispo Kopacz en la parroquia a su cargo, Holy Family, adonde una semana antes, el pasado 5 de diciembre, había hecho historia celebrando la primera Misa en español.
Para el Padre Odel Medina, por el contrario, después de diez años, ésta fue su última celebración de la Guadalupe en Carthage. Esta vez se lleva el recuerdo de una procesión bajo la lluvia, pero con la misma alegría de los nueve años anteriores. “La virgen siempre llega en momentos difíciles y específicos a las personas más vulnerables, “dijo el padre Odel durante su homilía en la Misa de celebración de “nuestra madre, la bienaventurada Virgen Maria,” el sábado 11 de diciembre. ”Para Dios no hay nada imposible,” repitió el Padre Odel varias veces a sus parroquianos, alentándolos a no ver los problemas y tragedias, sino a buscar “la solución al odio, destrucción y ambición de poder…, en la transformación de tu propio corazón,” concluyo el padre Odel.
Para todos los Guadalupanos, el 12 de diciembre es un punto de encuentro, donde quiera que estén, para acercarse a Dios a través de la madre de su hijo Jesucristo. Desde el tres de diciembre comienzan las novenas, en víspera de la celebración. El día nueve, se recuerda con cariño al santo Juan Diego, quien recibió una orden que no podía entender y que a pesar de sus dudas siguió la palabra de encomienda con mucha fe.
Cada persona que conoce la historia de la virgen se identifica con Juan Diego, a quien se le pide evangelizar y llegar a personas poderosas con un mensaje del cielo. Cualquiera, aún en los tiempos del internet, se hubiera llenado de dudas, por la gran envergadura de la misión.
Al final, San Juan Diego cumplió su cometido, con la ayuda del milagro que la virgen hizo al hacerle mostrar la Tilma.
Danza Azteca
Desde esos tiempos los indígenas de la región mostraron su admiración a la virgen danzante y embarazada del salvador del mundo con bailes y cánticos de alegría. La tradición ha continuado hasta estos días y aún para el que no conoce mucho la historia, siempre recuerda que los Latinoamericanos le cantan mañanitas a la virgen y bailan con trajes típicos, muy coloridos en la celebración de su día, tal como si fuera el día de su cumpleaños.
La Catedral de San Pedro en Jackson ha reconocido a Danza Azteca como unos de sus ministerios.
Celia Alemán, coordinadora de la danza, explica que el grupo lleva nueve años de creados y pocos se han ido. Por tres años recibieron la instrucción sobre las rutinas de la danza, de parte de una instructora de Texas y la preparación espiritual en retiros con sacerdotes, para asumir la tarea de bailar para la virgen. Alemán explica que después de años de preparación los miembros saben el significado de cada elemento de la Tilma y de cada baile en específico. Alemán cuenta que ella se enamoró mucho más de la Virgen y de la gran responsabilidad que es bailar para ella.
Esta vez, como cada año, los danzantes se reunieron en un retiro para rezar el Rosario, dar gracias, hacer peticiones y prepararse para recibir la comunión durante las Misas de la Guadalupe.
Cada una de las rutinas danzarías lleva el significado de dar las gracias a Dios por todo, de allí, por ejemplo, el uso de una canasta de frutas, como representación de las cosechas y las gracias a Dios por el sustento.
Cada miembro en la danza Azteca asume su papel con mucha responsabilidad. El grupo cambia de roles cada cierto tiempo, Miguel Solano-hijo es ahora el tamborero, Esmeralda Mondragón y Sonia Granillo tocan el caracol y este año la Sahumadora (portadora del incensario) es Gloria Mondragon.
Los demás miembros del grupo son Dallanara Renk; Felipe, Cecilia y Estrella Mondragón; Elizabeth Orduna; Araceli Peñaloza; Maria Castro; Nadia Garcia; Anita Arellano; Crystal Yañez y de la familia Arellano están Cecilia, Yamin y Lisbeth.
La población Hispana del estado crece, los números de católicos Hispanos también. Danza Azteca de la Catedral estuvieron ocupados este fin de semana en St. Anne Carthage, la Catedral y Holy Family de Jackson; no pueden estar en cada una de las celebraciones guadalupanas en el área de Jackson. Celia comenta además que el grupo planea ampliarse con más miembros para poder asistir a otras iglesias.
Este mismo esfuerzo se real
iza por los danzantes en el norte del estado, Los Matachines de Tupelo y de Southaven.
Por el momento, en St Therese de Jackson se fortalece el grupo Danza Santa Teresa dirigido por Jorge y Patricia Balderas con las danzantes folclóricas Lupita Resendiz, Silvia Mazy, Rosalva y María Balderas.
Las celebraciones a la Virgen de Guadalupe continuarán y cada iglesia encuentra poco a poco el camino para seguir los pasos de San Juan Diego, cumplir la Misión que le ha pedido la Virgen a cada uno de sus hijos.
JACKSON – On Dec. 12 at Holy Family parish, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Clem observe a dance performance for Our Lady Guadalupe by “Danza Azteca.” The group is a ministry of Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and is coordinated by Celia Aleman, who has studied ancestry dances of indigenous from Latin America for nine years. The dancers used incense, the sound of seashells and colorful clothing to represent scenes of the apparition of the Virgin to St. Juan Diego. Tree seeds are also worn on the ankles, that makes rattling sound that accompanies the rhythm of the drums during the dance. (Photos by Tereza Ma)
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Second printing of Father David O’Connor’s book – A Priestly Pilgrimage, now available. The book is described as “an autobiographical narrative told through the sub-stories of an evolving theology, ministry skills development, cultural transitions, and programs that are responsive to the pastoral needs of God’s people.” Details: His book is available at the parish offices of St. Mary, Assumption and Holy Family churches, at the Natchez Coffee Company (Franklin Street), at Locus Benedictus Retreat Center (Greenwood) or by contacting the author, doconnor.natchez@gmail.com. For a book to be shipped call (601) 442-7250. Cost: $20/plus shipping.
PEARL St. Jude, Sung Mass in Extraordinary Form, first and third Sundays of each month at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Christmas Youth Choir performance, Friday, Dec. 24, 5:30 p.m. Details: church office (601) 328-2927
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Weight Loss Support Group, Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Come join us each week as we support each other on our weight loss journey. Details: Liz Brown at (901) 331-3419.
MADISON St. Francis, Ring in Your Faith 10k/5k, Jan. 1, 2022 at 8 a.m. at Old Trace Park in Ridgeland. They will be serving a New Year’s meal of corned beef, black-eyed peas and cabbage. Cost: $30. Details: register at https://bit.ly/RingInYourFaith.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, “Mash Bash” Blood Drive, Dec. 28 at the KC Hall. Details: vitalant.org.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, the choir will perform a Christmas program from 7:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24, before Christmas Vigil Mass. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
St. Mary Basilica, Vanguard (Young Adult Ministy), Trivia Night, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Only $5 to play with prizes available. Also $5 potato bar and $1 soft drinks. BYOB. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
SENATOBIA Catholic Social Services offices open Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. to assist with food, orientation or financial assistance. Bilingual services/staff available. Details: Please call to make an appointment (662) 560-1991.
STARKVILLE St. Joseph needs volunteers for spring semester food preparation for TND (Tuesday Night Dinners), no previous cooking experience necessary. Details: Joseph Terbrack at ccm@stjosephstarkville.org.
VICKSBURG St. Paul, Children’s Christmas program, Friday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. Details: Jordan Amborn (601) 415-2524.
YAZOO CITY Children’s Christmas Eve program, Friday, Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. Details: church office (662) 746-1680.
YOUTH BRIEFS
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Wednesday night “Open Gym” 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Make plans to come Wednesdays and enjoy food, fun and games. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
TUPELO St. James, Disciple Now – Rhythms, Jan. 14-16, for 7-12 graders. Cost: $50. Details: email Cara at carambristow@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Black & White Ball/Annual Drawdown, Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
MADISON St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at the Country Club of Jackson. To sponsor or purchase a draw down ticket visit www.stjoedrawdown.com.
CORRECTION
In our last edition on the Thanksgiving celebration at St. Patrick Meridian, the cooks name was misspelled. His name is Gary Koca. His family traveled by car, not motorcycle – 1,450 miles is a long way on a bike! We apologize for the error.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
JACKSON St. Richard Bereavement Support Group will again hold a special Candle-light Remembrance Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. There will be a discussion of various ways to honor our deceased loved ones followed by a brief candle-light prayer service. Each couple or person will be given a candle to light in honor of as many loved ones as they wish to remember by name. You may then take your candle home to light again on Christmas Day. A social time follows the service. It is a very beautiful and comforting time for all. Please RSVP, so that we will know how many to plan for and the number of candles needed. Event is open to all, regardless of how long ago the death occurred or your church affiliation. Details: please call Suzie Cranston (601) 573-3347, Nancy McGhee (601) 942-2078 or email ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Second printing of Father David O’Connor’s book – A Priestly Pilgrimage, now available. The book is described as “an autobiographical narrative told through the sub-stories of an evolving theology, ministry skills development, cultural transitions, and programs that are responsive to the pastoral needs of God’s people.” Details: His book is available at the parish offices of St. Mary, Assumption and Holy Family churches, at the Natchez Coffee Company (Franklin Street), at Locus Benedictus Retreat Center (Greenwood) or by contacting the author, doconnor.natchez@gmail.com. For a book to be shipped call (601) 442-7250. Cost: $20/plus shipping.
PEARL St. Jude, Sung Mass in Extraordinary Form, first and third Sundays of each month at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
CANTON Sacred Heart, Ladies Stretch Classes, Thursdays, Dec. 2-23 at 10 a.m. led by Teresa Speer in the Sacred Heart Parish Center. Details: Jo Lynn at (601) 941-0821 or Teresa at (769) 233-1989.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Mississippi Association of Returning Citizens (MARC) will be resuming re-entry classes in prisons in January 2022. If you are interested in serving in this ministry and helping incarcerated men and women “Get Ahead While Getting Out,” make plans to attend a training session in the Family Life Center on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: Bob Pavolini at (334) 717-0890.
MADISON St. Francis, Ring in Your Faith 10k/5k, Jan. 1, 2022 at 8 a.m. at Old Trace Park in Ridgeland. Finisher medals for all and t-shirts for everyone who registers by Dec. 16. Also will serve New Year’s meal of corned beef, black-eyed peas and cabbage! Cost: $30. Details: register at https://bit.ly/RingInYourFaith.
NATCHEZ Assumption of BVM, Bingo, Sunday, Dec. 12 in Tutie Hall beginning 10 a.m. They will play 10 games and break for a burger lunch, then resume for another 10 games. To donate prizes, bring items or gifts before Dec. 12. Details: (601) 442-7250.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Manger Lighting, Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. In union with Knights of Columbus through out the world, there will be prayer, a ceremonial blessing and lighting of the manger. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
Queen of Peace, Annual Women’s Club Bake Sale, Saturday/Sunday, Dec. 11-12. Parishioners are asked to donate a baked item. Please sign up in the Commons area. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.
YOUTH BRIEFS
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Wednesday night “Open Gym” 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Make plans to come Wednesdays and enjoy food, fun and games. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Santa Breakfast, Saturday, Dec. 11 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Family Life Center. Details: Carrie Lambert at (601) 920-9538.
TUPELO St. James, Disciple Now – Rhythms, Jan. 14-16, for 7-12 graders. Cost: $50. Details: email Cara at carambristow@gmail.com.
St. James, Christmas VBS – Follow the Star, Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m for ages three through sixth grade at the St. James Catholic Life Center. Register by Dec. 8. Details: Lora Beth at (662) 213-7959 or lorabethb@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE
JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, World Day Marriage on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 at 3 p.m., there will be Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz. The Mass honors all married couples, but especially invites those celebrating their 25th, 50th and 60th anniversaries. Details: to have your anniversary recognized, call your parish office or email charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. This festive evening features a brass band, silent and live auctions, a cash drawing, and cocktails and cuisine. Tickets are $50/per person or $100/per couple in advance. Sponsorships are available and come with reserved seating and an invitation to the pre-event VIP Cocktail Hour. Details: development@strichardschool.org.
MADISON St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 at the Country Club of Jackson. To sponsor or purchase a draw down ticket visit www.stjoedrawdown.com.
By Berta Mexidor
CAMDEN – “There is no truer proof of a great love of God than a great love of our neighbor.” Father Thomas Judge, Founder of Trinity Missions
Hundreds of parishioners from four parishes gathered at Sacred Heart Camden to celebrate 100 years of Trinitarian Missions with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz and concelebrated by the Trinitarian priests, Fathers Mike Barth, general custodian of Trinity Missions, Odel Medina, Guy Wilson, Gustavo Amell, Raul Ventura, Alexis Zuniga Velasquez, Robert “Bob” Goodyear; in addition to Father Mike O’Brien of Sacred Heart Canton.
Bishop Kopacz recognized the Trinitarian’s servants’ deeds serving four Bishops before him, Bishops Gerow, Brunini, Houck and Latino, and thousands of Catholic Mississippians for more than 77 years. “We have the spirit of awe, for all what God has done for us … The Holy Spirit is flying above this assembly … because we are children of God. We have a spirit of hope and gratitude,” Bishop Kopacz said in his homily.
The apostolic Spirit, that Father Judge envisioned 100 years ago makes “missionary disciples offer the fire of God to all. This celebration is the first day of 100 more years,” Bishop Kopacz concluded.
At the end of the Mass, Father Mike Barth gave recognition plaques for their contribution to the Trinitarian Missions to representatives of Sacred Heart Camden, Holy Child Jesus Canton, St. Therese Kosciusko, St. Anne Carthage, Holy Rosary Indian Mission, Sister Mary Anne Poeschl, RSM and Bishop Kopacz. Father Barth also blessed the renovated cross in front of the Sacred Heart Camden Church; and Father Guy Wilson, ST created a ceramic necklace in memory of the centennial celebration for each attendee.
Foundation of the Trinitarians
It only takes a tiny spark from the Holy Spirit to ignite a fire that grows into something magnificent. And for the Trinitarians that spark grew into an institution that has helped millions of people over a 100-year period.
In this case, the Holy spark came in 1909 from six female volunteers in Brooklyn, who met with Father Thomas Judge to discuss their interest in assisting Catholic immigrants. They began an outreach program to visit homes and offer what help they could. This was the beginning of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate (lay missionaries).
Father Judge, a son of Irish immigrants, arrived in Opelika, Alabama, an area with very few Catholics, in 1920. He then began forming lay groups or “cenacles.”
Due to their hard work and zeal for the salvation of souls, the Cenacle was then formally recognized by Bishop of Mobile, Edward Patrick Allen, in 1921.
Today, there are over 145 Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity in missions around the world, most within the United States.
Trinitarian history reaches back 77 years in Mississippi
History books recall that Trinitarians first came to Mississippi in 1944, represented by Father Andrew Lawrence, ST, taking responsibility of Immaculate Conception, and at that moment, its missions: Sacred Heart on Sulphur Springs Road near Camden and St. Anne in Carthage.
With the direction of Bishop R. O. Gerow, Father Lawrence started looking for a place to first build a church, then schools to follow, to improve the lives of local African Americans – this led to a place named Sulpher Springs.
According to Cleta Ellington’s 1989 book, Christ: The Living Water, Sulphur Springs was an extension of land that no one knew where it started, nor where it ended. But there was a Catholic church there, its roof collapsing under snow in 1923, and then rebuilt in Camden with the name of Immaculate Conception of Sulphur Springs around 1927, which then became the first church where Father Lawrence and the Trinitarians began their missions in Mississippi in 1944.
After the church, Father Lawrence and the Trinitarians founded the Sacred Heart Agricultural School in Sulphur Springs for African American youths. The school enrolled over 140 students at one point and was highly praised by the Mississippi Department of Education. Then sadly, the school was destroyed by fire and burned down in 1954.
In her book, Ellington also highlighted the struggles of the Trinitarians creating the Holy Child Jesus’ school in Canton, and how a little, non-Catholic Black girl named Bertha Bowman came to enroll in this school. Of course, this little girl grew up and became the first black Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration – Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman.
In another amazing turn of the history of Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity in Mississippi, the small spark from the Holy Spirit back in 1909 ended up touching the Choctaw Reservation in Philadelphia beginning back in 1944.
From 1975 to 1990 and again from 2006 to the present, Father Robert “Bob” Goodyear, ST has served at the Holy Rosary Indian Mission in Philadelphia. Each Sunday he drives nearly 90 miles to three parishes to celebrate Mass for the Choctaw community. Recently, the work of Father Goodyear was highlighted nationwide when he was recognized as a finalist for the Catholic Extension Lumen Christi award.
In 2019, two Trinitarian priests were at the center of the aftermath of a massive raid against immigrants in Mississippi, Father Odel Medina, of St. Anne Carthage, was one of them. The support they received from volunteers and the whole community, along with their leadership hit the standards set by Fathers Judge and Lawrence years ago.
After almost 10 years in Mississippi, Father Odel has witnessed the growth of the Hispanic community in the state. He views the growth as fruits of the legacy of the Trinitarian founders, ”preserving the faith among immigrants.”
“Father Judge started with mainly the Italian immigrants, here in Mississippi. Hispanic immigrants [are] a new phenomenon and numbers are increasing … The future is going to a pluricultural church,” he said.
“This centenary is a jubilee,” said Father Odel. “I have been walking with all my parishioners, in good and bad times, but mainly with the most vulnerable, it has been a blessing for me.”
In one hundred years, the Trinitarians have accomplished more than just building schools and church buildings, they have touched millions of people from all different backgrounds, races and creeds.
(Joanna Puddister King contributed to this article.)
By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – For the sixth year in a row, the Catholic Diocese of Jackson is joining several dioceses around the country to host #iGiveCatholic on #GivingTuesday, the week after Thanksgiving. Participating parishes, schools and Catholic non-profit organizations will have the opportunity to raise funds online for their own local needs.
This year, on Nov. 30, more than forty dioceses will join together for the day. #iGiveCatholic isn’t just a fundraiser. It is also an opportunity for the Catholic community to affirm their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ and showcase all the good work the church and its parishes, schools and institutions does for the community at large.
In 2020, the sixth year of the campaign raised more than $12.7 million for over 2,600 participating parishes, schools and non-profit ministries representing the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), ministries across the U.S., and 40 arch/dioceses across the country. At the close of the 24-hour giving period, the number of contributions both online and offline totaled more than 48,000 gifts from 50 states and 12 countries.
This year, St. Joseph Starkville is hoping to raise $20,000 for two vital projects. The first is to pay the balance for their “Surrounded by Saints” stained glass windows and the second is to update their outdated fire system in the church.
The parish’s previous church building burned on Good Friday in 1997 and their priority is to prevent another fire tragedy from happening again.
In Jackson, the Carmelite sisters are aiming to raise funds through #iGiveCatholic to aid in covering costs of the on-going renovation project in their chapel and other maintenance projects. Crews began working in early November to level the cement and install vinyl planks in the Monastery Chapel.
“We are most hopeful that your generous support of our ministry through the #iGiveCatholic fundraising campaign will help us raise the amount of $47,000 to cover renovation expenses,” said a statement from the sisters.
Secure, tax-deductible donations to eligible Catholic organizations in the Diocese of Jackson can be made at www.jackson.iGiveCatholic.org through Tuesday, Nov. 30, ending at 11:59 p.m.
CANTON – Father Mike O’Brien blessed graves in the Canton City Cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 7. Sacred Heart parishioners gathered at the grave of Msgr. Edward L. Cratin for a prayer service and learned from Father Mike that he “learned a lot about being a priest” from Msgr. Cratin. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
