Category Archives: Parish News

Diocesan Confirmation retreat builds community

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By Fran Lavelle
CLINTON – What do you get when you mix the Holy Spirit, enthusiastic high school students, dedicated catechists, faith filled college students, an engaging speaker and a beautiful weekend at Camp Garaywa in Clinton? An awesome diocesan high school Confirmation Retreat! The retreat focused on how we are called to service in our families, our community and the world. The Confirmation students were challenged to look for opportunities for service from the smallest acts of kindness.
The retreatants came from parishes of all sizes and demographics from around the diocese Feb. 6-7. Gathered together, the youth beautifully represented the reality of our Catholic faith in the Diocese of Jackson. All together more than 160 youth and adults came together in to pray, reflect, listen and prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Our speaker was Cari Williams, a youth minister and retreat leader from the Diocese of Alexandria, La. Father Rusty Vincent served as the spiritual director for the weekend. We were blessed to have Catholic students from Mississippi State serve as small group leaders.
On Saturday evening retreatants had an opportunity to go to Reconciliation and Sunday morning Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated Mass. Recognizing the importance of the sacramental life of the Church helped them better understand the value of completing the sacraments of Initiation through Confirmation. The youth appreciated the opportunity to spend time with Bishop Kopacz. The six priests who came out to hear confessions include Msgr. Elvin Sunds, Fathers Jeffrey Waldrep, Jose de Jesus Sanchez, Joseph Le, Jason Johnston and Rusty Vincent. It was an awesome sight to see nearly every student and adult present to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Asked what they would take away from the retreat many of the young people commented that they recognized a need to spend more time with God. They also saw what the larger Catholic Church in our diocese looks like, especially for smaller parishes with 2-3 students in the Confirmation program.
Making new friends was a natural by-product of the weekend. I hope they continue to pray for one another and reflect on the message of service. I invite you to pray for all the young people in our diocese who are being prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation. They need our prayers as much as we need their full and active participation in the Church. Confirmation is not Catholic graduation. It is only the beginning of a wonderful life of faith, service and friendship.
(Fran Lavelle is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Chanche medals recall pioneer bishop

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medal_img_1242JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz presented 21 adults and five young people with the Bishop Chanche Award for service during a Mass on Saturday, February 18, in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The award was established during the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of Jackson back in 2012.
Priests and Lay Ecclesial Ministers are invited every year to nominate members of their parish who have offered service to the church. The medal recognizes these unsung heroes for their sacrifices. In many cases, the service may seem simple, someone who cleans the church or makes sure everything is set up for Mass. In other cases, a recipient has led the charge on a huge parish project. Either way, the Bishop Chanche award calls to mind the first bishop of this diocese, John Joseph Chanche, who arrived in the dead of night to lead a diocese with no church buildings, no priests and barely any people. His steadfast courage and persistence remain an inspiration today.
The youth award follows similar guidelines, encouraging young people to embrace their role not as leaders of the future, but as today’s church leaders.
Two recipients received the award posthumously. Robert “Bob” Newell from the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and Jane Sullivan from Tupelo St. James parish both died earlier this year.
Mississippi Catholic does not have room to feature every recipient in print, but a photo gallery of all winners is available online at www.Mississippicatholic.com.

Knights of Columbus build ramp for Carmelites

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JACKSON – Knights from Clinton, Holy Savior build a ramp for the Sisters at the Carmelite gift shop

By R. Allen Scott
JACKSON – The Carmelite gift shop on Terry Road in Jackson is easier to get into thanks to the Knights of Columbus Council 7854 out of Clinton Holy Savior Parish. The knights built a ramp on the side of the steps and cleaned up some of the convent grounds while they were on the property.
At a planning meeting back in the fall council Chaplin and pastor Father Thomas McGing made several suggestions on community service projects. One of those suggestions was to contact the Carmelites and see if we could offer any assistance.
The Council contacted Sister Mary (Agonoy), OCD, the prioress, and discussed several projects with her.
On October 29, 2016 Knights Allen Scott, Chris Halliwell, Jim Sharp, and Steve Miller and Holy Savior parishioner Maureen Scott cleaned all the statues on the grounds and pressclinton-knights-build-ramp-2_cure washed the sidewalks.
The Sisters have a gift shop on the grounds and the shop was only accessible to the public through a set of steps. According to Sister Mary this severely limited the ability of the handicapped and some elderly persons from easily accessing the gift shop.
On January 21 and 28, the Knights constructed a handicap ramp to the gift shop. The ramp is about 53 feet long and 4 feet wide and is constructed of treated timber. The Knights solicited funds to purchase the materials and provided the labor to construct the ramp. The total material cost was approximately $2,000. Council 7854 Knights who assisted with the project were: Chris Halliwell, Allen Scott, Craig Harrell, Steve Miller, Mike Kirby, Mike Weisenberger, Mike Booth, Arnie Senger, and Charlie Collins. A total of 206 man hours was donated to complete the construction.
(R. Allen Scott is a member of Council 7854)

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BAY ST. LOUIS, St. Augustine Retreat Center, Willwoods Married Couples Retreat: March 18-19. Suggested donation: $275 requested but not required. Details: www.willwoods.org or Jason Angelette, (504) 830-3716.

CANTON Gray Center, Contemplative Prayer Retreat, April 28-30. Presenter: Trappist Monk and prolific author, Father William. Meninger. He will discuss the connections between forgiveness and love based on his experiences and writings. To register, go to www.graycenter.org Details: marybillups@bellsouth.net or (601) 693-1321.

NEW ORLEANS, La., “Current of Grace” Southern Regional Conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal marking their Golden Jubilee, March 31-April 2, Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel, Metairie, La. Speakers: Sister Briege McKenna, OSC and Father Kevin Scallon, CM. Seating is limited and early registration encouraged. Discounts available for pre-registration. Priests religious brothers and sisters, deacons and their families are invited to attend at no charge, but pre-registration requested. Register at www.ccrno.org Details: info@ccrno.org or (504) 828-1368.

 

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Lenten Mission, March 27-29. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.. Guest speaker: Father David Knight. Details: (601) 833-1799.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Lenten Scripture Study, Mondays, beginning February 27, at 7 p.m. in the Activities Center Conference Rom. Based on weekly scripture readings. Details: Joe Haftek (662) 549-5151 or jotek52jh@gmail.com.
– Annunciation School, Annual $10,000 Drawdown fundraiser, Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center. Drawdown proceeds fill the tuition gap between cost of tuition and actual cost of education. Details: (662) 328-4479.

IUKA St. Mary, Wednesday, March 8, and every Wednesday during Lent, Stations of the Cross at 9:30 a.m. Join us, and consider sharing a meditation on one of the stations. Details: church office (662) 423-9358.

TUPELO The Annual Salvation Army Empty Bowl Luncheon will be Wednesday, March 1, at Tupelo Furniture Market, building 5. Volunteers are needed to donate baked goods or to help serve soup. Tickets are available at the door and from any Salvation Army Auxiliary. Details: Call (662) 842-9222 or (662) 231-6063 for more information.

JACKSON Crisis Line volunteer training classes will begin on Saturday, March 4, and will meet from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Broadmeadow United Methodist Church. To become a certified volunteer telephone crisis counselor, you must attend all classes. Classes are Saturdays, March 4, 11 and 25, and April 1. Volunteers are asked to pledge eight hours per month for at least one year following graduation. The training is free and lunch will be provided. Interested persons can register at the door on March 4, or may pre-register at www.contactthecrisisline.org. Details: call the Crisis Line business office at (601) 713-4099.

NATCHEZ Assumption, Going Gluten Free: Becoming Healthy from the Inside Out. An informative meeting to discuss and learn how gluten intolerance affects our health and happiness, Tuite Hall on Saturday, March 4 at 10 a.m.. All are welcome. Facilitator: Mary Frasier. Details: church office (601)-442-7250.
– St. Mary Basilica, Lent program. discussing the book “Oremus – A Guide to Catholic Prayer” by Father Mark Toups, Wednesdays, March 1 – May 3, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.., in the Youth Wing of the Family Life Center. Whether you feel you don’t know how to pray, you would like to develop a deeper prayer life or you think your prayer life could use a little boost, this program is for you. Cost: $10 (includes student workbook). Presenter: Carrie Lambert. Details: (601) 445-5616 or stmaryyouth@cableone.net.

VICKSBURG, March for Life, Saturday, March 4, 11:30 a.m. from St. Aloysius High School to the Monument to the Unborn at noon. Rosary at the monument and transportation back to St. Aloysius provided after rosary. If you are unable to walk, please join us at the monument at noon. Details: (601) 636-0140.

Day honors couples

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JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz honored 77 couples who marked special wedding anniversaries this year at a Mass for World Marriage Day. Dovie and Wayne Munlin of Houston Immaculate Heart of Mary, could not attend the Mass, but were remembered for 71 years of marriage. The annual event is sponsored by the Office of Family Ministry.
Including the Munlins, nine couples marked 60 years or more; 31 couples celebrated 50 years or more and 27 couples marked 25 years. A full list of honoress along with more photos is available on the website, www.mississippicatholic.com.
After the Mass, families gathered in the cathedral center for a reception. The idea of celebrating marriage in this way began in Baton Rouge, La., in 1981, when a group encouraged the city’s mayor, the governor of Louisiana and their bishop to proclaim St. Valentines Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.” The event was so successful, the idea was presented to and adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s national leadership.

Nina and Pascual Cruz from Batesville St. Mary, 50 years

Linda and David Harcharik from Jackson-St. Peter, 50 years

Kathy and Steve Bizzarri from Jackson, St. Richard, 52 years

Kathleen and Michael Mansour from Greenville, St. Joseph, 25 years

June and Owen Williamson from Vicksburg, St. Paul 65 years

Johnnie and Houston Patton from Jackson Holy Family, 51 years

Jere and Pat Roy from Batesville, St. Mary, 50 years

Jennifer and Christopher David from Meridian, St. Patrick, 25 yearas

Georgeann and Phil Hale from Natchez, St. Mary, 50 yers

Gayle and Francis Prattini from McComb, St. Alphonsus, 50 years

Emma and Dennis Santos from Clinton, Holy Savior, 30 years

Dede and William McCormack from Jackson, St. Peter, 50 years

Chris and Tom Patin from Vicksburg, St. Michael, 50 years

Cathy and Jon Matthews from Pearl, St. Jude, 50 years

Carolyn and Jack Daughtery from Crystal Springs, St. John, 50 years

Belinda and Juan Vargas from Gluckstad, St. Joseph, 25 years

Asuncion and James Cannon from Pearl, St. Jude, 25 years

Ann and Earl Chastant from Flowood, St. Paul, 50 years

Angela and David McNamara from Jackson, St. Richard, 60 years

Anette and Michael Tipton form Grenada, St. Peter, 25 years

Villa and Ildefonso Ibale from Clinton, Holy Savior, 25 years

Teresa and Maxwell Beluso from Clinton, Holy Savior, 25 years

Sharon and Curtis Hopkins from Clinton, Holy Savior, 50 years

Santa Serrano and Guillermo Benitez from Jackson, St. Therese 23 years

Rosemary and Lewis Grantham from Clinton, Holy Savior, 50 years

Pat and Lin Bloodworth from Batesville, St. Mary, 50 years

Navidad and Damian Roman from Jackson, St. Peter, 25 years

Myra and Hugh Logue from Vicksburg, St. Paul 50 years

Missy and Lamar Fisher from Pearl, St -Jude 25 years

Michele and James Orsborn from Jackson, St. Richard, 25 years

Mary Nell and Wayne McMaster from Vicksburg, St. Paul, 60 years

Marie and Willard Garnett from Tupelo, St. James, 65 years

Margret and Joseph Jones from Gluckstadt, St. Joseph, 50 years

Margaret and John McAleese from Flowood, St. Paul, 63 years

Lori and Eric Kimes from Gluckstadt, St. Joseph, 25 years

Tet rings in year of rooster

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By Father Anthony Quyet
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JACKSON – As we have done every year for the last 30 years, the Vietnamese Catholic Community in Jackson came together at St. Therese Parish to celebrate their New Year – called Tet – on Sunday, January 22. Tet is the first moment of the New Year, and its celebration of this Year of the rooster is made more special for several reasons.
We had the special honor this year of including four Vietnamese priests to the celebration: Fathers Peter Phong Nguyen, SVD, Chien Dinh, SVD, Joseph Le and myself.
Tet is the most sacred time and most celebrated holiday for the Vietnamese people. It’s the time set aside to make peace, to reconcile with self, God and others, and to make new resolutions aiming for a better year.
Tet is a combination of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Memorial Day celebrated here in the United States. Tet is also everyone’s birthday. So on the New Year’s Day, the first greetings are “Chuc Mung Nam Moi!” (Happy New Year) and “Chuc Tuoi Moi!” (Happy Birthday). The blessings of the New Year are expressed through the exchange of best wishes and gifts, especially “Lucky Money” (crisp new money bills in red envelopes).
This is the year of the Rooster. The cycle of animals repeats every 12 years. If we look at life span as 100 years the earliest year of the rooster for most people is 1921. That makes you 96. It
comes back every twelve years. So the next one is 1933, and you are 84; then 1945, you are 72; then 1957, you are 60; then 1969, you are 48; then 1981, you are 36; then 1993, you are 24; then 2005, you are 12.
If you were born in the year of the Rooster, you are observant, hardworking, resourceful, courageous and talented. Rooster people are very confident in themselves, love to talk and like to be the center of attention. They are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering.
The rooster has a special place in the Scriptures which have 13 references. Ten of them are related to St. Peter and his triple denial of Jesus. The crow of the Rooster reminds him of the words of Jesus through which he recognized his sins and received not only forgiveness but his mission to continue Jesus’ ministry.
The spirit of Tet celebration is expressed in the way the Vietnamese talk about the holiday. They do not usually say “celebrate,” instead they use the phrase, “eat Tet” in these expressions and their likes, “Do you eat Tet with your family?” or “Where do you eat Tet?” Of course “eat” here means much more than just sharing the food. It means to be with each other to share food, fellowship, support and concerns.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen once asked a missionary who had just returned from one of the islands in the Pacific Ocean what the people whom he served would consider as the greatest virtue. The priest told the archbishop that, in order to help him understand more fully what the people there considered as the greatest virtue, he would tell him what they considered as the worst sin. “To them,” the priest continued, “it is to eat alone.” That’s why a person might go a day without food, until he or she could find someone with whom to share the meal.
Eating in that sense underlines Tet celebration. The customs and traditions during Tet reflect the harmonious bond with heaven, earth and people. It is the time to give thanks to God for his blessings, for the beautiful seasons and their harmonious cycles and for the nurturing fruit of the earth.
Most importantly, Tet is the time to renew and strengthen human relationship. Tet is a big family reunion. Family here is an extended family that includes not only family members but also relatives, neighbors, friends, benefactors and community. Out of this big family reunion everyone offers and receives the three best wishes: happiness, prosperity and longevity. vietnamese-tet-1rt_c
(Father Anthony Quyet is the rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.)

31st Habitat for Humanity Catholic Build house dedicated

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Msgr. Elvin Sunds, pastor of Jackson St. Therese Parish prays as Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino blesses the new Habitat Home on Greenview Dr. in Jackson.

Msgr. Elvin Sunds, pastor of Jackson St. Therese Parish prays as Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino blesses the new Habitat Home on Greenview Dr. in Jackson.

By Peggy Hampton
JACKSON – Ariel and Christopher Jones of Jackson and their three children now have a safe, decent, affordable home and a brighter future, thanks to a partnership of Catholic parishes in the metro Jackson area.
The 31st Habitat for Humanity Catholic Build home was dedicated Wednesday, January 25. Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino blessed the new home and homeowners. Partner churches included Flowood St. Paul; Madison St. Francis of Assisi; Clinton Holy Savior; Gluckstadt St. Joseph and Jackson’s St. Therese, St. Richard, Christ the King and the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle; along with St. Dominic’s Health Services and the Catholic Diocese of Jackson.
Volunteers from the partnership worked eight Saturdays in October and November to build the house. The homeowner couple worked along with volunteers, building not only a house but a bond with the partner members.
“The Catholic Build volunteers are the most loving people I have ever met,” Ariel said. “I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know each and every one of them.
“This was a great Habitat build,” added Christopher. “From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate it, and we thank you.”

JACKSON – Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino blessed every room of the newest Habitat for Humanity Home on Greenview Drive in South Jackson on Wednesday, Jan., 25. At left, volunteers, area pastors and sponsors gathered for the dedication and blessing. This is the 31st home built as part of Catholic Build. (Photos by Peggy Hampton)

JACKSON – Bishop Emeritus Joseph Latino blessed every room of the newest Habitat for Humanity Home on Greenview Drive in South Jackson on Wednesday, Jan., 25. At left, volunteers, area pastors and sponsors gathered for the dedication and blessing. This is the 31st home built as part of Catholic Build. (Photos by Peggy Hampton)

The house was built on Greenview Drive in south Jackson, a street that the Catholic community has played a major role in transforming through its partnership with Habitat. The first two new houses built on the street were the Pope Francis House and the 2015 Catholic Build home, and now the recently dedicated Catholic Build home. The street is located immediately west of St. Therese Parish, and the families who occupy these homes are neighbors.
The partnership will begin plans soon on the 32nd Catholic Build Habitat home – this one also to be constructed on Greenview Drive.
For more information about how to become a Habitat volunteer, donor, or homeowner, please call 601-353-6060 or visit www.habitatmca.org.
(Peggy Hampton is the public relations, marketing and fundraising coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area.)

Homeowner Ariel Jones stands in front of her new home with her baby.

Homeowner Ariel Jones stands in front of her new home with her baby.

Parish News

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BAY ST. LOUIS, St. Augustine Retreat Center, Willwoods Married Couples Retreat: March 18-19. A great opportunity for couples to break away from the daily tasks and spend quality time enriching their marriage. Suggested donation: $275 requested but not required. Details: www.willwoods.org or Jason Angelette, (504) 830-3716.
CANTON Gray Center, Contemplative Prayer Retreat, April 28-30. Presenter: Trappist Monk and prolific author, Fr. William Meninger. He will discuss the connections between forgiveness and love based on his experiences and writings. To register, go to www.graycenter.org Details: marybillups@bellsouth.net or (601) 693-1321.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, Grace for the Journey “A Spiritual Path to Addiction Recovery” meets every Thursday at 6 pm. There is no cost to attend. Details: Magdalene Abraham at (662) 299-1232.

 

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Mardi Gras Drawdown for $10,000, Friday, February 24. Includes food, music, and silent auction. Cost: $100 ($25 extra for insurance). Details: Tickets available at the school (662) 624-4239 or parish office (662) 624-4301. Silent auction items being collected: artwork, special services (tours, etc), and other items. To donate, contact Jacquee Wells (662) 902-3115 or (662) 627-3114.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Supper, Thursday, February 16, 4:00-6:30 p.m., KC Hall on Hwy. 8 West. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any KC member. Details: Logan Roberts, (662) 588-5444 or church office, (662) 843-1437.
GRENADA St. Peter, Life Line Screening, Tuesday, February 21. You must sign up in advance. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, Lenten retreat and Mardi Gras party and anointing, Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. Doors open at 9a.m. Open to all parishioners, especially those with chronic illness or age 60 years plus. Pre-registration is encouraged. Details: Laura Tarbutton (601) 613-2430.
– St. Richard, “Supper & Substance” celebrating the sacrament of marriage, Saturday, February 11, in Foley Hall. Social at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner. Presenters: John and Carolyn Harris. Cost: $40 per couple. Reservations required and space is limited. Babysitting available. Details: Debbie Tubertini, (601) 366-2335, ext 107, tubertini@saintrichard.com.
MADISON, St. Francis of Assisi, “Jeans, Jazz, and Bruin Blues,” St. Joseph School’s 24th Annual Draw Down, Feb. 18, 2017, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $130 and admit two adults. Each ticket includes a chance to win $10,000 plus gourmet food, assorted desserts, an open bar and live entertainment. Second chance insurance may be added for $20. To sponsor or purchase tickets, visit stjoebruins.com or call the school office at 601-898-4800.

YOUTH BRIEFS
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Toby Mac Concert at Mississippi Coliseum, Sunday, February 26, 7 pm, featuring five other Christian artists as well. Meet at coliseum at 6:20 p.m. Open to other parishioners as well. Group rate is $20 per ticket. Registration due by February 17. Details: lindsey.binion@stfrancismadison.org (601) 856-5556.
McCOMB, St. Alphonsus, Deanery Two Youth Gathering and Mass, Sunday, February 19, Grades 7-12. Natchez, Crystal Springs, Brookhaven & McComb youth gather at Liguori Hall at 3:30 p.m. for food & games followed by Mass at 5:30 p.m. Details: Jessica McMillan, (760)-402-0872.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., St. Francis Hospital, mother/daughter program to learn about God’s plan for growing up, becoming a woman and His gifts of sexuality, fertility and chastity, Sunday, March 19, for 10 – 12-year-old girls and Sunday, March 26 for 13 – 16-year-old girls and their mothers. All programs begin at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Francis Hospital, 5959 Park Avenue in Memphis. $25.00 per family. Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.cdom.org. Go to bottom of page and click “2017 Mother/Daughter Programs”. Details: Mary Pat Van Epps at Diocese of Memphis NFP Center (901) 373-1285.

STORM RELIEF
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reports a total of more than 1,400 homes damaged in eight counties, 715 of them were destroyed or sustained major damage from tornadoes and severe storms on Jan 21-22. There were also four confirmed deaths and 60 injuries. Check the MEMA site at https://www.msema.org/ and select “news” for updates on recovery efforts. Catholic Charities – Biloxi will be assisting those affected in Forrest, Lamar, Perry and Jones counties. They are accepting monetary donations at: 1450 N. Street, Gulfport, MS 39507, Attn: Catholic Charities Disaster. For those affected in the counties of Lauderdale, Pike, Franklin and Wilkinson, contact the Jackson Catholic Charities office at 601-326-3785. Monetary donations to Catholic Charities Jackson can be sent to 850 E. River Place, Jackson, MS 39202 or www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org, Attn: Disaster Ministry.

La Semana Nacional de Migración 2017

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VARNAMAN - Representates de diferentes países presentaron sus culturas durante la noche del encuentro como parte de la Semana Nacional de la Migración. (Foto de Danna Johnson)

VARNAMAN – Representates de diferentes países presentaron sus culturas durante la noche del encuentro como parte de la Semana Nacional de la Migración. (Foto de Danna Johnson)

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De Danna Johnson

La Semana Nacional de Migración 2017 fue una gran oportunidad de encuentro de diferentes culturas. El Centro de Apoyo al Migrante de Caridades Católicas, la Iglesia Católica de St. James de Tupelo y la oficina de Caridades Católicas de Vardaman, unieron esfuerzos para crear este ambiente de encuentro.
Esta semana de actividades comenzó con la inauguración en St. James de Tupelo con la celebración de Epifanía y con la presentación del video “Los Invisibles”. Mas de 100 personas estuvieron presentes. Todos y todas fueron invitados a compartir sus historias como migrantes en Mississippi. La conclusión de este primer dia fue que: “Migracion es un acto de fe”.
En los siguientes días de la Semana Nacional de Migración, Amelia McGowan, abogada de migración de Caridades Católicas y directora del Centro de Apoyo al Migrante, ofreció talleres informativos y consultas individuales sobre el tema de migración. Esto se llevó a cabo en las comunidades de Ripley, Corinth y Vardaman.
Muchas familias del Deanery V se hicieron presentes. Amelia ha construido confianza y credibilidad con su dedicación, excelente servicio y su pasión por apoyar a las familias migrantes de toda la Diócesis de Jackson.
La Iglesia Católica de San Cristóbal de Pontotoc celebró una misa conmemorando la Semana Nacional de Migración 2017. El Padre Tim Murphy recibió a todos los asistentes, incluyendo al Padre Octavio Escobar, quien nos visitó desde México y quien celebró la Eucaristía en un ambiente de hospitalidad y esperanza. La invitación fue abierta a reflexionar sobre el Salmo 104: “El Señor nunca olvida sus promesas”.
El viernes 13 de enero, la Noche de Expresión Cultural se llevo a cabo en Vardaman. Nancy Sánchez, de la oficina de Centro de Apoyo al Migrante de Caridades Católicas y un equipo de voluntarios hicieron posible este evento de juntar a la diversa comunidad.
Hubieron demostraciones artísticas, comida, bailes de varios países, entre ellos: México, Honduras, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Colombia e India. Liza May y Sandra Loucios ambas nativas de Vardaman, dieron la bienvenida a todos los asistentes con “Gracia Suprema” y presentando datos culturales tanto de la región del sur y de Vardaman. En palabras del Presidente de la junta directiva de la Oficina de NE de Caridades Católicas, “Esto es algo en lo que necesitamos crecer”. Alrededor de 150 personas de diferentes culturas del NE de Mississippi estuvieron bajo un mismo techo, celebrando lo que todos tenemos en común: nuestra diversidad.
La clausura de esta semana especial estuvo a cargo de la Hermana Gabriela Ramírez de Caridades Católicas de Birmingham, AL. Ella abrió su presentación con la pregunta: ¿Podemos crear una cultura inclusiva?
Dorothy Balser, Directora de la división Comunidad y Ministerios de Alcance Social de Caridades Católicas de Jackson, dijo que “Este ha sido un tema muy poderoso para crear conciencia y educación, y que buscaremos la oportunidad de hacerlo de nuevo en este año.”
La Hermana Ramírez cerró la Semana Nacional de Migración 2017 invitándonos a unirnos en oración, teniendo a Jesús como modelo: “Padre, que todos ellos sean uno, como nosotros somos uno” (Juan 17,21)

 

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus retreat center presents a silent retreat: “Mary in the Mystery of Christ and the Church,” on Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. The presenter is Brother Daniel Korn, C.Ss.R., noted Redemptorist author. Cost is $35 which includes lunch. Details: contact Magdalene Abraham at (662) 299-1232.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Pathways of Prayer Retreat, Saturday, February 11, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Enrich your prayer life by exploring different approaches to growing closer to God. Registration fee of $20 includes breakfast, lunch and all materials for the day. Space is limited; bring registration fee to the church office by February 1. Details: Mary Billups marybillups@bellsouth.net, (601) 693-1321.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion Group on “Small Great Things” by Jody Picoult on Monday, February 13, noon in the parish hall. Everyone is invited to read the book and plan to join in the discussion. Details: call the parish office at (662) 256-8392.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish, St. Monica’s Prison Ministry visits the Washington Co. Correctional Facility on the second Monday of each month to share our Catholic faith. Next visit is February 7. Details: contact Sandra Cirilli or Frank Dantone at the church office, (662) 335-5251.
– St. Joseph “Sharing Christ,” Tuesdays in the parish hall, 6:30 – 8 pm, February 21 – April 4. It is a seven week journey focusing on personal evangelization and sharing our relationship with Jesus in our daily life. Registration forms in back of church. Details: call the parish office, (662) 335-5251.
GREENWOOD Mardi Gras Celebration to benefit St. Francis School, Saturday, February 18, 7 p.m. – midnight, Leflore County Civic Center. Adults only. Featuring: Steve Azar and the Sensation Dance Band of Memphis. Tickets: $35. Includes, buffet, party favors, set-ups. Bar available. Details: (662) 453-0623 or info@deltatics.net
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, weight loss support group. Come join us each week as we support each other on our weight loss journey. Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am for weigh-in and sharing. Details: Liz Brown, (901) 331-3419.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Young at Heart Senior Social, Saturday, February 18, for parishioners and friends aged 65+. Volunteers (youth and adults) and door prizes needed. Bingo, food and great prizes. Details: Charlene Rushing, (601) 431-9127.
– Grief and loss support group, second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.. Next meeting February 13. Compassion Care Hospice Office, Suite A, 113 Jefferson David Blvd. Open to the public. Details: (601)442-6800.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Hospice Ministries Winter Volunteer Training Program, Feb. 3 – Feb. 5. Details: call (601)898-1053, ext. 258.
TUPELO St. James, Knights of Columbus Super Bowl Potluck Party, Sunday, February 5, 4 p.m. in Shelton Hall. Big-screen TV and everyone is invited. Details: Keith Merritt, (662) 322-1427.
VICKSBURG St. Paul, Meals on Wheels chairperson needed. St. Paul sincerely thanks Camille Atwood for her service of 22 years. Meals on Wheels meets the first Saturday of the month and feeds approximately 30 people. Details: (601) 636-0140

YOUTH BRIEFS
Greenville, St. Joseph School, Mardi Gras Fling, Saturday, February 25, at the Washington Co. Convention Center, 6:00 pm to midnight. Must be 21 or older. Cost: $100, admits two for dinner, music from the sounds of Yazoo Gold, “get-down” dancing and drinks, as well as a chance to win $10,000 worth of prizes in the annual draw-down. Details: Tickets on sale in both school offices, the church office or from any school advisory council member. To donate a tax-deductible door prize, contact Missi Blackstock at (662) 378-9711
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, “Souper” Bowl of Caring, youth will be collecting after all masses on the weekend of February 4-5. Goal is to raise $800.00.

TUPELO, Parkgate Pregnancy Banquet, Tuesday, February 21. Any student age 15 or older is invited to volunteer. You will need to be at the Orchard by 5 p.m. and dinner is provided. Details: call or text Jessica Vaughn (662) 871-5033.

VOCATION RETREATS FOR WOMEN
HOLLY SPRINGS The Sisters of the Living Word, the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association CAVA), and Sacred Heart Southern Missions (SHSM)
are jointly hosting “Hands-ON + Hearts-IN: A discernment experience for women at their residence in Holly Springs. Young women will be accompanied by vocation ministers for the Monday through Friday experience, providing a hands-on opportunity to assist those in need while discerning life as a sister. Attendees will reside with sisters from various communities. Service projects include: tutoring children, assisting at a food pantry,cleaning homes for the elderly, repairing damaged homes, serving meals at a soup kitchen. The only cost to attend is the travel to the residence. Available dates: February 6-10 or 20-24; May 15-19 or 22-26; August 29 – Sept. 1; September 18-22
Applicants need to book a spot one month prior to the start of a week-long event. Details: Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW sglumb@slw.org; 847-577-5972 ext. 233 (office); 601-291-6738 (cell).
MOBILE, Ala., Little Sisters of the Poor presents “Listening with Our Lady” retreat Friday, March 24, at 6 p.m.- Sunday, March 26 at 1 p.m., at Sacred Heart Residence of the Little Sisters in Mobile. This retreat is for single Catholic women aged 17-35 who may wish to discern a call to religious life. The weekend includes Mass, talks, question and answer sessions, service opportunities and adoration. Meals provided. Register by March 21. Details: vocmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org or (251) 591-3700.