Category Archives: Parish News

Todos los Santos y Fieles Difuntos

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Por Berta Del Carmen Mexidor
CORINTH y JACKSON – El día de Todos los Santos fue celebrado en Corinth con una misa oficiada por el padre Mario Solórzano el día primero de noviembre. Al día siguiente, el 2 de noviembre en la parroquia de St. Therese en Jackson, el grupo de jóvenes de la parroquia celebró el día de los Fieles Difuntos con un altar. Monseñor Elvin Sunds y las Hermanas Guadalupanas del Espíritu Santo, María Elena Méndez y María Josefa García, los acompañaron en la víspera, día de todos los Santos.
La vida eterna es la recompensa por el bien hecho en la vida. La muerte es un acto que acerca a la verdad de la fe.
La Iglesia Católica celebra primero a todos los que murieron, después de dedicar su vida al servicio de los demás- la comunidad amplia y que aún después de muertos continúan su trabajo de asistencia desde el altar de Todos los Santos. A ellos la muerte los coronó con el título más alto: SANTO.

JACKSON – (i-d) Los jóvenes Guillermo S. Montoya y Ramiro Ginez contemplando el altar y el joven Joel Andrés Montoya explicándole a la niña Jaslene Castillo. (Foto por Rosalinda Montoya)

Después de ellos viene la celebración de los que murieron en la fe de la resurrección, siguiendo el ejemplo de los santos y con la esperanza de un día encontrarse con su Creador. Los fieles difuntos se recuerdan en cada familia y grupo de amigos, esa pequeña comunidad en la que vivieron, sirvieron y dejaron un legado, válido para recordar en cada uno de los corazones de los que los conocieron, y digno para contar a las generaciones nuevas que no tuvieron el placer de su compañía.
Luis Rosales, miembro de la comunidad, y el grupo de catequistas de St. James de Less en Corinth tratan de enseñar cada año a los niños de la parroquia sobre la vida de los Santos y a la vez mantener la tradición de recordar la vida de estos de una forma especial. En la celebración participaron los niños de la catequesis, quienes representaron a varios santos.

CORINTH – Los niños Mili Rosales, Carlos Acaña, Yuridia Luna, Mia Francisco, Ariel Mejía, Judith Mejía, Leonardo, Francisco del Ángel y Kimberly Santamaría acompañan al padre Solórzano. (Foto por Luis Rosales )

Cada católico tiene uno o más santos afines, alguien al que tratan de imitar o que sirve de amparo y mediador ante Dios en momentos de duda y turbulencia de la vida. Este año cada niño escogió un santo en particular y se vistió acorde a él o ella. Santos como San José, Santa Rita, Santa Mónica, San Francisco de Asís fueron algunos de los representados. No faltaron además la personificación de la Santísima Virgen María, un sacerdote y un ángel. “Parte de nuestra cultura es celebrar el día de los santos” dice Rosales. En la celebración de este año contribuyeron además los catequistas María Cano, María Del Ángel, Devani Ocaña, Magali Heredia, Suemi Rodríguez, Teresita Peña, Yolanda Salinas, Tomas Lara, Saily Salinas, Mariana García y Roberto Santamaria
Joel Montoya de la parroquia de St. Therese in Jackson cuenta que es originario de Tampico, Tamaulipas y quiere que los jóvenes conozcan esta tradición popular. En la presentación del altar participaron los integrantes del grupo de jóvenes de la parroquia de Santa Teresa: Diana Vox, Viviana Martínez, Guillermo Montoya, Juan Sebastián, Juan Diego Chacón y Yovanis Duarte.
En el altar se mostraron algunas fotos de seres queridos de familias hispanas y estadounidenses. Se adornó con las típicas flores de muerto, Zempaspuchitl or Cempaspuchitl (Marigold) y el típico pan de muerto, que ahora se puede comprar en una tienda mexicana. Se adornó además con calaveras de papel representando a cada difunto. La tradición mexicana prepara calaveras de azúcar que los niños comen al final de la celebración, porque al final, la muerte es dulce porque acerca a Dios.

Project CHEW offers colorful food lesson

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COLUMBUS – Annunciation prek through second grade students were honored to have the ladies from Project CHEW with the MUW (Mississippi University for Women) Culinary Arts Institute join them on Thursday, October 18. Chef Mary Helen Hawkins and Registered Dietitian, Amanda Dahl, along with student Chef Nicole and student Chef Nolan demonstrated how to “Eat the Rainbow” to get all the nutrients they need to grow. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher)

St. Anthony recognized by Arts commission

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MADISON – The Mississippi Arts Commission recently recognized two schools in the state as models of exemplary practice in arts integration. One of them was St. Anthony, which has had a longstanding participation in MAC’s Whole Schools Initiative.
“St. Anthony Catholic School is extremely honored to be recognized as a model of exemplary practice in arts integration,” said Megan Leake, St. Anthony Whole Schools Initiative project director. “We take pride in teaching the whole child through the integration of the four arts disciplines. St. Anthony knows the value of allowing all types of learners to demonstrate mastery of a skill in a variety of ways. It is intrinsically who we are and what we stand for.”

MADISON – Nicholas Horne and Cy Nobleza worked with visiting artist Laurie Hamilton-Smith to learn about coloring blocking and murals. The art they created will be auctioned at the school’s Starry Night Gala. (Photo by Mary Venable.

The awards presented signify each school’s deep commitment to exemplary arts-integrated teaching, creating a campus-wide culture of arts learning and supporting innovative, educational excellence through the arts.
“Based on decades of research, we know the arts are highly effective as an educational tool, but when you walk into schools like Nora Davis Magnet School and St. Anthony Catholic School, the power of the arts is at every turn,” said Malcolm White, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission. “The children are excited to learn in and through the arts and the value of arts integrated education is evident.”
The Whole Schools Initiative is Mississippi’s first comprehensive statewide arts education program, which uses the arts as a vehicle for promoting high-quality instruction and learning for students in all disciplines. Whole Schools Initiative evaluation results have shown increased standardized test scores, increased community involvement and support, increased parental involvement and improved overall teacher morale. Jackson St. Richard also participates in the program.

Vicksburg Catholic School breaks ground on Early Learning Center

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By Mary Margaret Halford
VICKSBURG – For years, there’s been chatter among people involved with Vicksburg Catholic School (VCS) about adding another piece to the school — an early learning center. It was brought up at Advisory Council meetings; it was discussed by leaders; it just never quite materialized.
But while sitting in his office one day last year, Principal Buddy Strickland got a phone call “out of the blue” from Sam Scott, a graduate of VCS.
“He told me there was a lot for sale adjacent to the school,” Dr. Strickland said. “He said ‘I don’t want to buy the lot for the school and just have it sit there. But if you have a need for it, if you can use it, I’d love to purchase it and donate it to the school.’”
Fast forward about a year to October 2018, and Strickland found himself standing on that very lot surrounded by officials from the City of Vicksburg and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as supporters of VCS.
“From a single phone call, we now find ourselves breaking ground for the construction of our early learning center,” Strickland said.
Lori Tzotzolas, who was tapped to be the Director of the Early Learning Center, is a lifelong resident of Vicksburg who understands the need for such a place in the community.
“I’m so very excited that VCS had the vision and insight to expand our early learning education opportunities and continue our legacy in Catholic education in this community,” Tzotzolas said. “I’m honored and blessed that they trusted in me. I look forward to continuing the legacy and seeing all this come to fruition.”

Father Curley

Students Madalyn Burke and Zoey Nichols help (l-r) Pablo Diaz, of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Deveopment Parternerhip and school respresentatives Riley Nelson, Kristi Smith, Maggie McGahey, Lori Tzotzolas, who will direct the center, and Ken Cook turn the earth.

Pablo Diaz, president and CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership said that the center is coming at a pivotal time for Vicksburg.
“This answers the call for better quality of life to attract more jobs and investment in Warren County,” Diaz said. “From 0 to 5, every small child deserves the best education they can have, and this adds to our ability to demonstrate that we can provide that.”
Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs also attended the groundbreaking ceremony, and he, too, noted how important the center will be for the community as a whole.
“This is the kind of vision we’ve always hoped for in this city,” Flaggs said. “It’s what makes this city move forward, and what better way than to start with the youngest generation?”
Flaggs also announced a financial commitment on behalf of the city.
“We owe you a debt of gratitude for this,” he said. “Partnership and collaboration are what speaks volumes about this community.”
But that sense of partnership is nothing new to the VCS and Vicksburg community, as Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Education Catherine Cook pointed out at the groundbreaking.
“I don’t need to tell you the rich history you have, you know that already. We are honored to be part of the rich history of Vicksburg,” Cook told the crowd gathered at the groundbreaking. “We’re about to celebrate 158 years here. Today we stand on the shoulders of all those who came before us — priests, sisters and brothers that paved the way.”
Cook added that the center will make VCS the only Catholic school in the state that educates and cares for children from infancy through high-school graduation all in one unified school.
“Not only is VCS still going strong, it’s expanding into the 21st century,” she said. “I’m sure if those early missionary priests, brothers and sisters were here today, they would say with great appreciation, ‘Well done, good and faithful servants.’”
The VCS Early Learning Center will serve those from six-weeks to three years old, and the administration is hoping to open in fall of 2019.

(Mary Margaret Halford is a member of Vicksburg St. Paul Parish.)

Parish calendar of events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, An Advent Overnight – the Good and Perfect Gift, December 7-8. Beginning Friday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. until Saturday, December 8 at 4 p.m. Gift yourself or a friend the gift of a day to celebrate the Christ Child. Call a halt to the many Christmas preparations and take time to ponder the reason for gift-giving and family gatherings. Spiritual Director: Clare Van Lent, MA CSp., Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com for more information.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, An Advent Day of Reflection – Hospitality of the Soul, Saturday, December 1, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Advent invites us to a deeper reality as we celebrate Christ’s Incarnation. Retreat leader: Andrea Vidrine, LCSW, 14-year veteran at the Jesuit Spiritualty Center in Grand Coteau. She serves as interfaith minister, hospice chaplain and spiritual director. Suggested donation: $40, includes lunch. Details: Sister. Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, – Grandparent’s Day Mass and Children’s Play, Sunday, December 16, at 11 a.m. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner, Thursday, November 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: $9 per plate. Tickets available from any Knight. Details: church office (662) 833-1799.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Bible Study “Who Am I to Judge: Responding to Relativism with Logic and Love” at Noon on Wednesdays in the rectory. Join scholar Edward Sri in discussing cultural questions about morality for all people. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Taste of Italy – lasagna dinner,” Tuesday, November 13, 4:30 – 7 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $10 dine in or carry out. Details: church office (662)846-6273.
GREENWOOD St. Francis of Assisi, Bible Study, Mondays at 6 p.m. in the Friary Library. Everyone is invited to grow in their Catholic Faith. Details: church office (662) 453-0623.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Annual frozen casserole sale, Saturday, November 17. We are asking each family to donate at least one of your favorite casseroles. Details: Cil Johnson (662) 420-9875 or the church office (662) 429-7851
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, “Make Room for Jesus” Advent Fair, Sunday, November 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Many volunteers are needed to set up, decorate, assist with children’s craft and projects, etc. Details: Mary Catherine at mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, the 33rd Annual Festival of Lights, Wednesday, November 14, at 7 p.m. featuring the Mississippi College Singers. Free and open to the public. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
St. Mary Basilica blood drive, Tuesday, November 27, from 1-6 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
PEARL St. Jude, Adult Faith Formation meets each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. with the Gus Lloyd audio series on Apologetics. He is the host of “Seize the Day” on the Catholic Channel on Sirius XM satellite radio. Topics will include: the Eucharist, the papacy and Peter, confession and more. Facilitator: Mark Bowden. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Bake Sale, Tuesday, November 20, in the cafeteria from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. The proceeds will be used by the Religious Education Department to send our catechists for faith formation to the Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference in January. Details: church office (662) 746-1680.

YOUTH BRIEFS
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Bowling for youth in grades 6-12, Saturday, November17 after Mass. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
MADISON St. Anthony School Starry Night Gala, Saturday, December 8. The gala is a fun, festive experience for adults to kick off the Christmas season, while supporting the growth of St. Anthony. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on live and silent auction items, plus an opportunity to win a $5,000 raffle. The Tip Tops of Mobile will provide be the entertainment. Proceeds go to maintaining Advanced STEM program and making improvements in fine arts. Details: Jennifer Schmidt (601) 214-9656 or for tickets, visit StAnthonyEagles.org.

IN MEMORIAM
Deacon Jack Hunter, Diocese of Biloxi, died October 26. Visitation for was November 6 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Biloxi followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial took place in Biloxi National Cemetery. Deacon Jack was ordained at Meridian St. Patrick in 1979.

SAVE THE DATE
JACKSON Carmelite Monastery Gift Shop will have Open House Weekends and Holiday Hours with Bake Sale, November 17 – December 23. Celebrating Fontanini Nativity’s 110th anniversary, they have been awarded a personal appearance with Emanuele Fontanini on Saturday, December 1, from 1-5 p.m.
WASHINGTON D.C. Pro-Life Mississippi’s 46th annual March for Life, “Unique from Day One: Pro-Life is Pro Science,” Washington D.C. on Wednesday, January 16 – Sunday, January 20. For a complete event guide, Text MARCH to 73075 to download the app for your phone. Details: If you would like to sponsor a student’s travel expenses or attend the March, contact (601) 956-8636 or plm@prolifemississippi.org.

Holy Ghost calls alumni home

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Holy Ghost Catholic School educated generations of students before it closed in 1969 and the graduates continue to have an impact on their communities. On the weekend of Oct. 12-14 the parish hosted an all-class reunion.
The gathering marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of the high school at Holy Ghost, the first high school for African-Americans in the city of Jackson. The weekend included a Friday evening fish fry, a photo session for all classes on Saturday, a gala Saturday night and Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Sunday.
Mary Udoh, the last principal at the school, headed up organizing the events.
She even invited Sister Marie Angela Risi, a member of the Missionary Servants of the Holy Spirit, to return to the parish where she served so long ago. Sister Risi spoke of the enduring love the Sisters have for the people of Jackson.
At the end of Mass, Derek Singleton, a Holy Ghost alumnus, spoke of the tremendous impact Catholic education had on all who attended Holy Ghost and invited everyone in attendance to support the nearest Catholic School, Sister Thea Bowman School, located at nearby Christ the King Parish.

Zachary Taylor, class of 1942, lines up for the class photo, assisted by his daughter, Fabvienen Taylor, who attended the school with her brothers until it closed in 1969. (Photo by Laci Smith)

During Mass Sunday morning, Bishop Joseph Kopacz spoke to a packed church about attending his own school reunion recently and about the importance of education as one legacy of the Catholic Church.

(l-r) Nina McKinney Cook; Mary Udoh, the last principal at Holy Ghost School, and her daughter Okononwan Udoh brought up the gifts during Mass. (Photo by Maureen Smith)

Sister Marie Angela Risi, SSpS, came from Illinois for the reunion. She spoke at the closing Mass of the Sisters' love for their students.

Parish ministers process out with Bishop Kopacz at the end of Mass.

A Friday night Fish Fry gave classmates a chance to catch up at a casual meal while the Saturday gala was a more formal event. More than 120 alumni attended events throughout the weekend. Organizers hope to host a reunion every-other-year. (Photo by Laci Smith)