JACKSON – Daniel and Mary McNamara celebrated 60 years of marriage on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at St. Richard Jackson. Father Nick Adam said Mass, blessed the McNamara’s marriage and prayed for them on their special day. The McNamara’s give thanks and praise to God for blessing them with their long happy and wonderful lives together to share with family loved ones and many dear caring friends who have made their lives blessed and more meaningful throughout the entire 60 years. They were orignally married at the Cathedral of St. Peter Jackson. (Photo by Maggie Mayer)

By Daisey Martinez
CHOCTAW – “The Choctaw people believe that when you have a skill or a gift, you give it to another person in the family, and I believe [my grandmother] gave that [gift of sewing] to me, Kaylee and Michelle.” Tina Routh, her daughter Kaylee Routh, cousin Michelle Hickman, and friend Gwendolyn Hickman have, so far, made over 4,536 face masks. They average about 100 masks per day.
This project began around mid-March when these kind-hearted women noticed a need for masks around their community. At first, they were only distributing to family and friends, but then their little project grew. They have been providing masks to different departments throughout the Reservation and the Choctaw Health Center which has had the most need for masks. They also send masks to other people who live on different Reservations and to tribal members who live out-of-state.

These incredible women do what they do as they have had many of their loved ones pass away during this pandemic. As tribe members, they know it is important to stand up and to give back when there is a need.
They thank God for the gifts and opportunities they have been given to help other members of the Body of Christ. They are also thankful for Father Bob Goodyear who has always shown his love and support for the Choctaw people.
“We don’t need to think of ourselves; we need to think of others,” Gwendolyn shared and continued, “when Tina and Michelle asked me to help, I thought of my own mom and how I would want her protected and how I want other tribal members to be protected as well.” Gwendolyn credits her grandparents, who were deacons, for her way of thinking.
Kaylee, an upcoming senior at the University of Southern Mississippi, shared her reason for being a part of this project, “I saw the need for masks in my community, especially for our elders, and rather than just sit around all day, which is what I was doing once school was out, I chose to do something productive that could benefit my people. I view our elders as teachers to my people; therefore, anything I could do to protect their health, I was more than willing to do.”
Tina, Michelle, and Kaylee are Catholic, and Gwendolyn is Baptist. They joke about how they do not hold that against her. It is a beautiful thing when people can come together for a great cause. They focus on their common goal of wanting to serve others around them. During these divisive times, it is wonderful to see unity at work. These women are truly living out 1 Peter 4:10: “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Michelle, Gwendolyn, and Tina purchased much of the material using their own funds, but have also received donations from others, even from people out of state. This positive feedback really amazed and further motivated these ladies.
They are always accepting donations to help in continuing the effort to keep others safe, so if you would like to donate material such as fabric, thread, and elastic, please email daisey.martinez@jacksondiocese.org.

By Laura Grisham
SOUTHAVEN – On June 28, well-wishers gathered at Christ the King parish in Southaven to say good-bye to Father Thi Pham, SCJ, as he left to begin a sabbatical.
A ‘COVID-capacity’ crowd at Christ the King gathered (and hundreds more watched a live Facebook stream) to show support for Father Thi at his final Mass in north Mississippi. Father Greg Schill, SCJ, was co-celebrant.
At the conclusion of Mass, Father Greg recognized Father Thi’s work, summing it up by saying, “This man has done a fantastic job.”
The church responded with exuberant cheers and three separate standing ovations.

Parishioner Don Kraft paid tribute to Father Thi, speaking for many to whom the priest has ministered. “On behalf of the congregation, the sheep of your flock, thank you for being our good shepherd. Your energy seems endless even when you profess to be tired. We truly appreciate your vision and care, and sharing of your many talents through the years,” said Kraft.
Touching on Father Thi’s numerous gifts, Kraft pointed out Father’s exquisite decorating of the churches for each liturgical season and celebration, as well as his expert culinary skills, which he shared with the parishes on numerous occasions. Kraft also mentioned the priest’s love of all things ‘outdoors’ — including camping, hiking and kayaking – which Father Thi is sure to do more of during his time of rest.
“Your exuberance and passion for your vocation will remain an inspiration to us all. You choose to be happy and set a grand example about attitude for those who know you … and those who do not. It has been a great pleasure and honor to work and worship with you,” concluded Kraft.
Extending their hands, the congregation shared a final prayer over Father Thi with an Irish blessing asking for guidance of the Spirit, mercy and provision: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the Wind be always at your back. May the Sun shine warm upon your face, the Rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Father Thi addressed the church, thanking all for their support in his ministry and making him feel a part of their families. He also had a special message of encouragement for the children, reminding them of their importance in the Body of Christ.
Exiting the church through a flood of tears, parishioners presented cards, kind words and other tokens to their beloved pastor as they said good-bye one final time.

By Joanna Puddister King and Tereza Ma
JACKSON – On a beautiful Saturday, May 30, Knights from various councils spent their morning in South Jackson at the Carmelite Monestery cutting grass and working on various projects for the cloisered community of nuns that pray for the Diocese of Jackson. But it doesn’t seem like work showing up every other Saturday to work on various projects, “it is very fulfilling,” says Calvin Torregano of St. Jude.

Torregano set up an app for Knights from various councils to coordinate who can help and when. It has helped the councils chip away at the various projects at the property, built in 1836.
It all began with Father Lincoln Dall about two years ago with a conversation after Mass, says Torregano. Father Lincoln mentioned how many projects needed to be tackled at the monastery and then the idea “blew up” at a Knights convention on the coast.
In the past, individual councils from Holy Savior Clinton, St. Paul Flowood, St. Jude Pearl, St. Joseph Gluckstadt and St. Richard Jackson have worked to replace windows, rebuild a gazebo, to build two handicap accessible ramps, to clean and rebuild a wall and much more. Even the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Joseph Gluckstadt has jumped in to help with various cleaning projects starting three years ago with pressure washing and work inside the Carmelite gift shop. This past year, even a group of seniors from St. Joseph school in Madison came out to help to clean up the grounds. “It is the perfect place for service hours,” says Torregano.

For large projects, Victor Gray-Lewis of the St. Richard group of Knights and the Diocese of Jackson helps make sure all of the details are covered for construction. The Knights aim to complete a few projects before the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16. Torregano says they would like to finish spreading some dirt, get siding on the garage replaced and painted and a new roof on the gift shop, among others.

SAVE THE DATE

JACKSON St. Richard School, Save the Date Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, Krewe de Cardinal. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
NATIONAL Virtual 2020 Catholic Immigrant Integration Initiative, Oct. 1-2. The CIII seeks to understand, expand and strengthen the work of Catholic institutions with immigrant communities. Registration will open soon. To receive updates about registration, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/4gX2XS3enWoP9vAp9. Details: For details about the virtual conference visit https://cmsny.org/event/2020-catholic-immigrant-integration-initiative/

YOUTH/VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Virtual VBS, Monday July 6-10. You will receive a video playlist for each day of the week. Details: Call 662-624-4239 to reserve a spot.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, CYO Virtual Summer Camp, Tuesday June 23-25. Ten service hours will be awarded to those who attend all three days. There will be small group discussions, speakers, games and more. Details: Call Carrie Lambert, youth director at 601-445-5616.
PEARL St. Jude, Drive-in VBS: Crayons – The Colorful Life of King David. Families will park their cars and enjoy a Bible story about King David, a snack and a story of a saint. Monday evenings 6:30-7 p.m. on June 15, 22, 29 and July 6, 13, 20, 27. For children in K-6th grade. Registration is required for the days you plan to attend. Details: Register at https://signup.com/go/thDEvnX.

In person Masses are now open at many parishes within the Diocese of Jackson. Check with your local parish for details and follow guidelines in place for attendance.
Some parishes are still offering live streaming options to be present to their faith communities and bring Mass to the faithful.
The following is a listing of virtual Mass opportunities established by priests and parishes in the diocese.
The obligation to attend Mass continues to be dispensed, so if you do not feel safe attending, or have an underlying health condition, or feel sick, please stay hope. Be safe and stay vigilant!
All dates and times subject to change.

DEANERY I
CANTON Sacred Heart, Details: Saturday 4 p.m.; facebook @sacredheartcantonms
CAMDEN Sacred Heart, Details: Sunday 3 p.m.; facebook @sacredheartcamdenms
CLINTON Holy Savior, Details: follow YouTube – search Holy Savior Catholic Church Clinton
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Details: Sunday 10:30 a.m.; YouTube – search St. Paul Catholic Church and subscribe or facebook @StPaulCatholicChurch
JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter, Details: Sunday 10:30 a.m. English, 1 p.m. Spanish; facebook @jacksondiocese, YouTube search Catholic Diocese of Jackson
JACKSON Christ the King, Details: Sunday 9 a.m.; facebook @CTKJacksonMs
JACKSON Holy Family, Details: Sunday 9:50 a.m.; facebook @HFCCJackson
JACKSON St. Richard, Details: Daily Monday through Friday 7 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; facebook @saintrichardms
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Details: Daily 7 a.m., Sundays 10:30 a.m.; facebook @stfrancisassisimadison and YouTube
PEARL St. Jude, Details: Tuesday 6 p.m., Wednesday 6 p.m., Thursday 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. English, 2 p.m. Spanish; facebook @stjudepearl
VICKSBURG St. Michael, Details: Sunday 8:30 a.m.; www.stmichaelvicksburg.org
VICKSBURG St. Paul, Details: Sunday 10:30 a.m.; facebook @Saint-Paul-Catholic-Church-of-Vicksburg-562031117586220

DEANERY II
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Details: Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @stmarybasilica or visit https://greenwavesports.live

DEANERY III
GREENWOOD St. Francis of Assisi, Details: Daily 7:30 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. English, 1:30 p.m. Spanish; facebook @stfrancisgreenwood
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Details: Sunday 10:30 a.m.; facebook @St.-Joseph-Catholic-Church-of-Greenville-Mississippi-114619032033970

DEANERY IV
CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI (Holy Spirit Hernando, St. Joseph Holly Springs, Queen of Peace Olive Branch, Good Shepherd Robinsonville, St. Gregory the Great Senatobia, Christ the King Southaven) Details: Sunday English and Spanish; facebook @Catholic Parishes of Northwest Mississippi
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Details: Sunday 9 a.m. English, 11:30 a.m. Spanish; facebook @olvcleveland
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Details: Daily Monday through Friday 12:10 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.; facebook @stelizabethclarksdale

DEANERY V
CORINTH St. James the Less, Daily; Details: YouTube – search Saint James Corinth, MS
NEW ALBANY St. Francis of Assisi, Details: Sunday 11 a.m.; facebook @stfrancisnewalbanyms
OXFORD St. John, Details: Sunday 10 a.m.; facebook @StJohnoxfordMs
RIPLEY St. Matthew, Details: Sunday 1:30 p.m.; facebook @StMatthewRipley
STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Details: Sunday 10 a.m.; YouTube search St. Joseph Catholic Church Starkville
TUPELO St. James, Details: Daily Monday through Friday and Sunday 8 a.m. English, 10 a.m. Spanish; facebook @StJames-Catholic-Church-Tupelo-425836438235299

DEANERY VI
MERIDIAN St. Patrick and St. Joseph Community, Details: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. English, 3 p.m. Spanish; facebook @catholiccommunitymeridian

NATION/ WORLDWIDE
VATICAN NEWS: Pope Francis’ events, Details: YouTube search Vatican News
EWTN: Daily events, Details: https://www.ewtn.com

By Joanna Puddister King
FLOWOOD – Famed newspaper cartoonist and editor Marshall Ramsey has a saying that suits us in Mississippi. “When things get bad, we get good.” That saying is no exception for many of our parishes around the diocese, who have been helping others in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

St. Paul Flowood began humbly serving about 50 families at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and now serve upwards of 90 families per week. The program is called “Feed the Hungry” and it grew out of the Backback ministry the parish was operating for Pisgah and Oakdale schools that served disadvantaged children, identified by conselors, on the weekend with snacks.

Cecilia Carlton of St. Paul Flowood says the church “is truly serving the needs of families affected by circumstances for which they had no possibility of preparing.”

“COVID-19 has given our parish family the ability to become ‘missional’ in our intent to serve our brothers and sisters far beyond the walls of St. Paul.”

The parish began their “Feed the Hungry” program with referrals from principals, teachers and counselors at Pisgah, Oakdale, McLaurin and Pelahatchie schools. Carlton also says that a few have come from Northwest Rankin. Once massive layoffs caused unemployment rates to rise, the parish began getting calls from individuals for food assistance as well.

St. Paul parishioners have been very generous, says Carlton. Father Gerry Hurley and Carlton have even taken to calling their makeshift pantry the ‘Table of Plenty.’ Carton says of Father Hurley, “It does his heart good to see cars all through the day bringing in food.”

The Knights of Columbus Council 10216 have also been a huge help to the project, teaming up with those in the parish operating the Backpack Ministry for Pisgah and Oakdale schools. The Knights and chapter president, Jose Lopez have also been filling orders and helping off of the ‘Table of Plenty’ as they hear about needs in the community.

Each year, the Knights smoke boston butts for the fourth of July weekend and sell to raise money for different causes. This year, the smoked butt sale will be on June 28 and funds raised will go to subsidizing the “Feed the Hungry” project. The butts are $40 each and can be purchase through the St. Paul Flowood’s website.

On May 30, Michelle Harris, parishioner of St. Paul, who runs Rosie’s Garden stopped by with fresh produce for St. Paul’s “Feed the Hungry” program. Rosie’s Garden is a non-profit located in Rankin county that grows fresh produce and distributes to non-profits helping with food. The organization regularly delivers to Catholic Charities, The Mustard Seed and Stewpot among others. Now, they are proud to begin helping St. Paul’s efforts to feed the hungry.

“It may have taken us a while to get there, but there are so many people working right now to feed people who need it,” says Carlton.

Additionally, St. Paul Flowood also has a “Feed the Flock” program that is feeding individuals at high-risk for contracting COVID-19. The parish has been delivering meals on Wednesday’s to 24 individuals. The programs are not just for parishioners, said Carlton. “It is for anyone in need who is at high-risk.”

Carlton says that the program will continue until people get back on their feet, no matter how long that may be.

For those that want to help, Carlton encourages everyone to look at their home parishes and see how you can help your community.

Some of the most needed items for the ‘Table of Plenty’ are peanut butter, cereal or breakfast bars, pasta, rice, spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese, canned tuna, chicken, or salmon, canned vegetables, canned fruit, boxed crackers & cookies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bars of soap, shampoo/conditioner, toilet paper and bleach. Donations and can be dropped off before 6pm under the pavilion behind the right side of the church or monetary donations can be made online.

For more information or if you need help, visit www.saintpaulcatholicchurch.com.