Category Archives: Parish News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
AMORY St. Helen Parish, book discussion group, “Go Set a Watchman,” Monday, Sept. 14, at noon at the parish hall. All parishioners are invited.
BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Program, Thursday, Sept. 17, during the 5:30 p.m. Mass. A rosary will be recited for the intention of Respect Life. St. Mary and Sardis St. John Parish will receive one of the six Silver Roses which are traveling across North America – from Canada through the United States to Mexico.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, ladies seven-week Bible study on the book “At prayer with Mary,” Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. in the parish center. Details: Jamey Gainspoletti, 662-719-6802.
JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, faith formation five-week class, “Rediscover Catholicism: A spiritual guide to living with passion and purpose,” begins Sunday, Sept. 20, at 9:15 a.m. in the Cathedral Center.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish young adult group, six-session on “Untold blessings” Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. Nursery provided.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, “Come and See,” Thursday, Sept. 17, with a repeat on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. in the basilica. For practicing Catholics, returning Catholics, or those who are curious.
PEARL St. Jude Parish, “A biblical walk through the Mass, begins Sept. 13, from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. in the parish hall.

PARISH, SCHOOLS & FAMILY EVENTS
BOONEVILLE St. Francis Parish, annual yard sale,  Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3. Bring donations to the parish house, and let Sheila Przesmicki, lay ecclesial minister, know if you can help prepare or work on either day of the sale.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, blood drive, Sunday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the parish center.
CLARKSDALE Immaculate Conception Parish, celebration of its 70th anniversary, Sunday, Sept. 13, at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Bishop Joseph Kopacz will join parishioners for the celebration. Former priests, religious sisters and brothers, alumni of  Immaculate Conception School and the general public are invited. Details: Josephine Rhymes, 662-902-1846
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Sunday School meeting for seniors and parents of seniors, Sunday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. to discuss the new youth program.
COLUMBUS Annunciation Parish, baptismal preparation class, Sunday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Activities Center. RSVP: Parish office,662-328-2927.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, GermanFest, Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the parish grounds. Admission and parking are free. Advance meal tickets are $6 and $7 the day of the festival. Details: 601-856-2054.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish fair, Tuesday, Sept. 15, beginning at 5 p.m. Spaghetti dinners are $10 each.
GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, birthday party at Golden Age Nursing Home, Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Details: Joan Nored, 662-455-4155.
–Presentation of Saida and George Rashmawi about the Christian struggle in the Holy Land, Saturday, Sept. 12, during the 6 p.m. Mass and on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the 9 a.m. They are volunteers members from the Roman Catholic Church in Bethlehem.
– At St. Francis Parish, on Sunday, Sept. 13, during the 11 a.m. Mass.
GRENADA St. Peter Parish, rosary walk workdays Mondays Sept 7, 14, and 21 from 6 – 7 p.m. The rosary in stepping stones will be behind the Family Life Center.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, Fall Bazaar, Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Booth rental, $25. Call Barbara Dean, 901-486-6470. Volunteers needed. Details: Barbara Smith, 662-233-4833 -901-413-8102.
JACKSON St. Richard Parish, monthly Bereavement Support Group, Thursday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mercy Room. Judy Bryant, chaplain at Fitness Lady, will be the guest speaker. Details: Suzie Cranston, 601-982-5464, or email, ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
MADISON St. Anthony School Grandparents’ Day Mass, Friday, Sept. 18, at 9 a.m.
– Silver Rose with the Knights of Columbus, Wednesday, Sept. 23, during Pledge & Prayer.
– Open House – Sunday, Oct. 18, from 2 – 4 p.m.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Sodality meeting, Sunday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. Deacon Jason Johnston is the guest speaker. All women of the parish are invited.
PEARL St. Jude Parish, “Date Night” hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Saturday, Sept. 26, following the 5:30 p.m. Mass. Tickets are $35 per couple. Live music, open bar, and a catered dinner. Details: Danny Nelson, 601-549-6783.
SHAW St. Francis Parish, sister’s appreciation day, Sunday, Sept. 20, at noon.
PHILADELPHIA Holy Cross Parish, religious education kickoff celebration, trip to Lake Tiak O’Khata, Sunday, Sept. 23, leaving after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Lunch will be provided. Cost for parents is $16, free for children registered for religious education classes.

‘MANY SAINTS, ONE CHURCH’
GREENWOOD – Diocese of Jackson Black Catholic Day of Reflection, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Sessions with Dr. Timone Davis, retreat minister, youth sessions, prayer, Liturgy, vendors. Cost is $15 for pre-registration and $20 at the door.

‘FRIENDS OF THE POOR’
JACKSON – The Society of St. Vincent De Paul – St. Martin De Porres Conference, is hosting a “Friends of the Poor Walk” on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7 a.m. The 5K walk begins and ends at Christ the King Church, 2303 JR Lynch Street. No registration fee is required but donations are accepted. Individuals pledging a minimum of $25 will receive a T-shirt. Details: www.fopwalk.org, Carrie Robinson, 601-238-0872.

SQUAT & GOBBLE
JACKSON Catholic Charities annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 13, at Old Capitol Inn (new location). Benefits Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Office. Details: Tommy, 601-955-1677.

SAIL group offers support to grieving families

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By Maureen Smith
PEARL – When Abby Nelson moved from Hattiesburg to Pearl, she brought a mission with her to comfort women suffering from infertility or the loss of a child. The effort is very personal to her since she went through it herself. “I feel like I have a purpose for my pain,” said Nelson.
“My husband Danny and I found out we were pregnant with twin boys in November of 2008,” she said. An ultrasound revealed a problem with one of the babies. Despite a trip to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for delivery and care, Daniel Kace only lived an hour on his birth day, June 22, 2009. His brother Cain was fine. “We had Cain so I didn’t have time to grieve or process. When he was about nine months old, it all hit me,” said Nelson.
She joined a group at her Hattiesburg church called Support for Adoption, Infertility and Loss (SAIL). “It gave me a place to talk about thing with someone who was like-minded,” she explained. The group is for any woman experiencing infertility, a miscarriage, the loss of a child at any stage of life or going through the process of adoption. “God was at the center of the group, and that’s what I loved about it.”
“When we moved to Jackson this past June we joined St. Jude, the parish where I grew up and I knew I wanted to bring the group with me,” Nelson said. She spoke with her pastor, Father Jeffrey Waldrep, and he was very supportive.
“People don’t realize sometimes what a sensitive wound people are carrying around,” said Father Waldrep. “When you lose a child what you carry around is more than just grief. It’s that uncertainty – particularly if you don’t have another child – the pain of the reality of all the ‘what ifs,’ the loss of possibility,” he said. “This group lets people know that someone cares, not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the long-term. It lets people process those feelings,” added Father Waldrep. He said when a child dies, the family is often inundated with care right after the incident, but as time goes by, the family may still need an outlet for grief.
One group member, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed. She started attending in January after losing twins in Dec., 21 weeks into her pregnancy. Father Waldrep visited the couple in the hospital and told them about the group. “Your family and friends try to make you feel better, and they are very sincere, but they can’t help you sometimes,” she said. “The world will give you about a month and then they want you to go back to normal,” she said. Attending the meetings “lets you be yourself and feel what you are feeling,” said the woman. “I can talk to them about things I might not want to talk about to other people,” she added.
Parishioners at St. Jude helped SAIL put together memory boxes with a baby blanket, booties, a cross, a candle, a prayer book and contact information for the SAIL group. Nelson approached local hospitals and doctors herself to ask them to give the boxes to families who lose babies.
The group member said she appreciates the boxes because she ended up making her own box after she lost her babies. “I came home from the hospital and spread all this stuff on the kitchen table – the nurses had given us footprints and baby blankets and other things – and I thought, I want to keep this, but I just can’t look at it right now.” She had a box of her own and put her treasured baby items into it.
SAIL is faith-based, but the group welcomes any woman, regardless of her religious affiliation. “This is a good place for us to share our stories without being judged,” said Nelson. The group uses a book about grief and faith called “Holding on to Hope.”
Kathryn Bridges and Kelli McCloskey run the group in Hattiesburg that Nelson first attended. Bridges lost her son the day before her due date. “The main reason it was important to me is I had several friends and acquaintances who reached out to me who had gone through something similar. It helped me tremendously,” said Bridges. She prayed about what to do next and decided to become involved as a SAIL group leader. Her group coordinates a balloon release in honor of the national day devoted to stillborn and miscarriage awareness and hosts a prayer service in December for families who have lost babies.
SAIL has a closed facebook group and an email in addition to the in-person meetings. To find out more about the meetings email sailcentralms@yahoo.com.

Katrina issue rescheduled for September

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By Maureen Smith
Mississippi Catholic will publish a special section to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in the Sept. 4 issue, not in this issue, as originally planned.
The staff decided to take an extra week to gather resources and reflections and include coverage from other outlets in the region in order to better represent what Katrina meant to this diocese and the Gulf Coast in general.
Parishes who host Katrina memorials are invited to share photos and reflections of those services to include in the special edition. Send photos to editor@mississippicatholic.com.
Many people fled to the Diocese of Jackson as Katrina neared the coast. Some settled here, others went home with a whole new network of friends to help in the rebuilding process. Catholic schools here took in more than 800 students for a time and Catholic Charities spent months tending to those who lost so much.
There are so many stories to tell from the storm and its aftermath and we look forward to gathering and telling them in your voices.

Parish News

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, “The Battle Series”a four-part series, first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the library. Babysitting is available.
JACKSON St. Richard Parish, “Go and Make Disciples,” a six-week series on the role of Catholics, begins Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in Glynn Hall. Details: Debbie Tubertini, 601-366-2335, ext. 107, tubertini@saintrichard.com.
MADISON St. Francis Parish, M&M Bible study, “Jesus the Pilgrimage,” Wednesdays from 9:15 – 11:15 in the Family Life Center, room 100. Details: Jan Evans, 601-946-6606.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, Bible study, Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 6, from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. in the parish center. Father Robert Barron’s book, “Untold blessings, the three paths to holiness.” Details: Kathy Foley, 601-616-0025, kathyfoley1941@yahoo.com.
PEARL St. Jude Parish, “A biblical walk through the Mass, begins Sept. 13, from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. in the parish hall.
PHILADELPHIA Holy Cross Parish, couples’ Bible study beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. with Mass. Led by Ben Peebles. Supper and childcare provided. Cost for supper is $4 for adults and $2 for children.

LEVEL ll Catechist certification and adult faith formation courses on-site
JACKSON Holy Family Parish, “Ecclesiology, who we are as church in the world, Wednesdays, Sept. 9-Dec. 2, from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
MADISON St. Francis Parish, “Mary and the saints: Companions on the journey,” Saturdays, Sept. 12, 19, Oct. 3 and 17, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
NATCHEZ Holy Family Parish, “Sacraments and worship: celebration of Christian mystery,” Mondays, Sept. 14-Nov. 2, from 3 – 5 p.m.
Level 1 certification – online courses:
– Role and person of the catechist, Sept. 8-27.
– Faith and moral development, Oct. 4-25.
– Introduction to Scriptures, Nov. 1-22.
Details: Annette Stevenson, annette.stevenson
@jacksondiocese.org., 601-960-8470.

PARISH, SCHOOL & FAMILY EVENTS
CANTON Holy Child Jesus Parish annual Family and Friends Day, Sunday, Aug. 30, beginning at the 11:15 a.m. Mass followed by a picnic on the church grounds. Members, former members and friends are welcome.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish fair, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Volunteers are needed. Details: Lisa Chicorelli, at 662-645-0398.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, cantor workshop, Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. in the church. We focus on treatment of text with a few tips on breathing and vocal technique. Details: Karen Fosheim, 662-347-7653
GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish  Knights of Columbus, MSU/OLE MISS football pool. Cost is $20 a square. Details: Paul Correro, 662-453-7766, or the church office, 662-453-3980.
GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish, health screenings, Sunday, Aug. 30, in the parish hall.
GRENADA St. Peter Parish, blood drive, Sunday, Aug. 30, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, Fall Bazaar, Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Booth rental, $25. Call Barbara Dean, 901-486-6470. Volunteers needed. Details: Barbara Smith, 662-233-4833 -901-413-8102.
JACKSON St. Therese Parish, planning meeting for canonization celebration of St. Therese of Lisieux’s parents, Thursday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. All parishioners invited.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, young adult group “Dining with the deacon,” Thursday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. at Squealr’s Bar-B-Que. Details: Monette Jeter, monettejeter@gmail.com and Mary Billups, 601-484-8954.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, launch party for all  youth group members and their parents – CYO, JCYO, KCYO, St. Mary Kids, CLW, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Sunday Aug. 30, at the Youth Center.
PEARL St. Jude Parish, monthly meeting of SAIL (Support for Adoption, Infertility, and Loss) for women that have lost children, are going through infertility, or adoption, second Tuesday of every month (Sept. 8) at 6:30 p.m. Childcare is provided. Details: Abby Nelson,  sailcentralms@yahoo.com
PHILADELPHIA Holy Cross, Woofer Ball Tournament and picnic, Saturday,  Aug. 29, at 9 a.m. Details: Jason Holland.
– Religious education kickoff celebration, trip to Lake Tiak o’Khata, Sunday, Sept. 23, leaving after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Lunch will be provided. Cost for parents is $16, free  for children registered for religious education classes.
TUPELO St. James Parish, Ladies’ Club meeting,  Sunday, Aug. 30, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass in Mary’s Room to discuss the upcoming rummage sale. All are invited. Lunch will be served.

BLACK CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE
The 2015 National Black Catholic Men’s Conference, Oct. 8-11, at the Double Tree Hotel in Lafayette, La. Sponsored by the Diocese of Lafayette. Registration is $150 for adults, $75 for college students and $25 for high school and youth (8-13). Details: Father Thomas James, SVD, (337) 380-9713 or or www.bowmanfrancisministry.com.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES SERVICES
Born Free and New Beginnings has received a grant from the March of Dimes to add a smoking cessation component to its program. Born Free offers treatment services for women 18 years or older who have been identified as abusing drugs and/or alcohol and are pregnant and/or have children younger than six-years-old. Participants will get counseling for addiction, smoking cessation, safe sleep and referrals to improve the health of their babies. Details: 601-922-0026.

SPECIAL EVENT
JACKSON Life performances of the Whirling Dervishes from Konya and Turkish Sufi music ensemble, Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall. Inspired by Rumi, one of the world’s greatest and best-selling poets of all time.

State honors church with ecumenical history

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By Joan Shell
FULTON – On April 18, six locations in Fulton were officially named as Mississippi historical sites, including Christ the King Catholic Church, which has been a church site since 1878. The day included the unveiling of the official marker in front of the church and tours of the building. A crowd of people gathered, including current and past church members and state government representatives.
The ceremony itself, much like the history of the church, was interdenominational. Retired Methodist Minister Glyn Wiygul presented the history. He ended the welcome by saying how very pleased everyone was that this building was in the hands of the Catholics because they know it will be well cared for. Sister Betty Clayton then brought the whole crowd to their feet by leading a rousing version of Amazing Grace and Father Albeenreddy Vatti blessed the marker.

Father Albeenreddy Vatti takes the microphone to bless the new historical marker in front of Fulton Christ the King Church.

Father Albeenreddy Vatti takes the microphone to bless the new historical marker in front of Fulton Christ the King Church.

The first church on the site was a large one-room frame structure erected in 1878 by Malachi Cummings. This was the only church in Fulton and all denominations worshipped together with a variety of ministers taking turns officiating. In 1880 Cummings deeded the church to the Methodist Conference for $50. All denominations, both black and white, continued to hold their services in the building, but now they scheduled their individual services at different times.
In 1930 the wooden structure was replaced with the current two-story brick building which the Fulton Methodist Church used until they built a new facility in the mid-1960s. While the building held no services, a MAPA program continued to use the Sunday school rooms for a training class for an integrated group of children with special needs.
This building was sold to the Catholic Diocese July 13, 1968, through the efforts of Glenmary Home Missioners and the Catholic Extension Service. Father Clement Borchers from Aberdeen St. Francis was instrumental in initiating the purchase and presiding at the Saturday Eucharist. Bishop Joseph Brunini of the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson dedicated the newly purchased mission church on Oct. 27, 1968. There were more Methodists present at the dedication than Catholics. There were only 18 Catholics in Itawamba County – including the Catholic students attending Itawamba Community College at the time. The total purchase price for the facility was $20,000 which was, even in 1968, considered to be less than the land value for the downtown corner location.
A Catholic Church in this corner of rural northeast Mississippi was a novelty.  People in the area knew very little about Catholics and 072415fulton01the many misconceptions about our faith made it difficult for the few Catholic families who attended Christ the King. Slowly but surely, the church has come to be an integral part of the community. As more Catholics took leadership roles in the area, the church became a well-respected and an important part of society here.
Christ the King is a mission church of Tupelo St. James with Father Lincoln Dall as the Sacramental Minister. Father Albeenreddy Vatti drives from New Albany every week to celebrate Mass at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and is very much loved by the small Fulton congregation of 35 families and visitors.
Everything is offered at Christ the King as any much larger church – it’s just done on a smaller scale. The recent RCIA class was attended by one person, the vacation Bible school averaged 10 children daily, the religious education classes have 2-4 children in each class. Being small doesn’t stifle enthusiasm, it encourages warm fellowship among the members.
Everyone becomes an important minister in the church and all members rarely say no when asked to fill in for a missing member. Work parties are frequent as are dinners after Mass celebrating any occasion we can come up with.  We take a great deal of pride in our building and its place in downtown Fulton.
(Joan Shell is the Pastoral Minister at Fulton Christ the King Parish)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, book discussion, “The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen,” Monday, Aug. 10, at noon at the parish hall.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, adult summer Bible study, “Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come,” Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the classroom in Heritage Hall.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish, Healing Mass, Thursday, July 30. Prelude music begins at 11:15 a.m. Mass at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch in the parish hall.
  • GRENADA St. Peter, praying the rosary, Sundays at 6 p.m. in the church.
    – Book discussion, “The Light is on For You” Tuesdays, at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: Cecilia Lucio or Irene Stark.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, “Go and Make Disciples,” a six-week series on the role of Catholics, begins Thursday, Aug. 27, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in Glynn Hall. Details: Debbie Tubertini, 601-366-2335, ext. 107, tubertini@saintrichard.com.
    – Book discussion, “Jesus – A Pilgrimage,” by Father James Martin, SJ, for six-weeks beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the library. Books are available in the parish office for $20. Details: George Evans, evans@saintrichard.com.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish Catholic Book Club, review of the book on Luis Antonio Talge, current cardinal of the Metropolitan See of Manila, Phillippines, Monday, Sept. 14. Details: Kathy Foley, 601-616-0025, kathyfoley1941@yahoo.com.
  • YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish, “The Rosary and Me,” Sundays, Aug. 30 and Oct. 25. More information to come.

PARISH, SCHOOLS & FAMILY EVENTS

  • BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, young adult fellowship night, Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Amy and Dennis Valentine, 515 S. Jackson Street. All parishioners aged 21-45, are welcome. Refreshments and supper will be served. Details: Valentines, 601-757-1885.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish fair, Tuesday, Sept. 15. Volunteers are needed. Details: Lisa Chicorelli,  662-645-0398.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, Mothers’ Morning Out open house, Sunday, Aug. 2, from 4-5 p.m.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish, 2015 parish fair brainstorming meeting, Wednesday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Details: Missi Blackstock, 662-822-1862.
    – Date and time for the newly formed cancer support group will be announced soon. Details: BeBe, 251-604-2966
  • GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, dedication of new organ, Sunday, Aug. 2, during the 9 a.m. Mass. A concert will be performed at 3 p.m. followed by a social in the parish center. The entire Catholic community of IHM, St. Francis, St. Thomas and Sacred Heart are invited.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, Men’s Association is accepting aluminum cans for recycling. Bring bags to the garage door or put them in the containers marked for cans in the Family Life Center. Proceeds benefit Catholic Social Services, Interfaith Food Bank, and the Cindy Pretti Scholarship Fund. Details: Lee Smith, 662-233-4833, or Sal Galtelli, 662-429-5071.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, Chatham Art Showcase, Friday, Aug. 14, from 6 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Entrance fee is $5 and includes a glass of wine or a soft drink. Applications are available at www.saintrichard.com. Details: Raymond Barry, 601-366-2335, chathamartshowcase@strichard.com.
    – Bereavement support group meeting, Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6:30 p.m. Rev. Keith Tonkel, pastor of Wells Memorial Methodist Church, will speak on “Coping hints at the death of a loved one.” Details: Nancy McGhee 601-942-2078, ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, fund-raiser for Habitat for Humanity Build 2015, sale of high quality trash and garbage bags in three sizes from now until Aug. 23 after all weekend Masses.
    – Fall gala, Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Old Capitol Inn. Details: parish office, 601-969-3125.
  • JACKSON Christ the King Parish, liturgical dance workshop, Friday, July 31, from 1 – 4 p.m. and Saturday,  Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for girls ages 6 and up. All are welcome, free of charge. Led by Sister Lynn Marie Ralph, SBS. Details: Pamela Osborne, 601-948-8867.
    – King Workers yard sale, Saturday, Aug. 1, from 7 a.m. – noon in the Multipurpose Building. Donations are needed (not clothes).
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, blood drive, Monday, July 27, from noon – 6 p.m. in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Schedule your appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org.
  • SHELBY St. Mary’s Parish, Mass of Thanksgiving, celebration of diamond jubilee of the religious profession of Sister Jo Ann Villademoros SSND, Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. Father Sam Messina will be the celebrant. All are invited to the Mass and to the social which will follow.
  • TUPELO St. James Parish, information session on a new class of the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX) Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. in Mary’s Room. Details: Lee Oswalt, 662-322-3741, or Kris Ivancic, 662-791-9643.
    – Visit of the Mexican Consulate, Aug. 15-16. To make an appointment call 877- 639-4835.
    – The Happy Hearts will be traveling to the Abbey at Culman, Ala., on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Cost is $10 person which covers the tour of the grotto and lunch. Reserve your spot by Aug. 12. Details: Jessica, 662-871-5033.
    – Parishioners are invited to support Nikki Ivancic in “Dancing Like the Stars,” Saturday, Aug 22, at the Bancorpsouth Center. An evening that raises money for Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi. Tickets are $50 for the show and dinner and $20 for the show. Details: www.bgcnms.org/nikki-ivancic.aspx.
  • YAZOO CITY Drop off for the shoe box collection for the religious education projects is  Sunday, Aug. 16.

CASH CRAWL

  • JACKSON Catholic Charities inaugural “Cash Crawl” during Fondren’s First Thursday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. This is a fund-raiser for the Rape Crisis Center with an opportunity to take home $1,000 for playing a progressive card game during Fondren’s First Thursday.
    Entry fee is $25. Tables will be set up along State Street and throughout Fondren for your chance to play along. Visit participating merchants and draw a card to enter for a chance to win the big prize. Details: www.ccjackson.org.

INFORMATIVE PRESENTATION

  • JACKSON “Be in the know . .  . before you go,” informative presentation about the different types of senior housing available in the Jackson Metro area, including services and approximate cost. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Dominic Hospital. Presenters will also explain services available to senior adults in the home. Details: 601-200-6698.

Pastoral Assignments:

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Father Ricardo Phipps was appointed director of Catholic Charities Jackson and will remain pastor at Jackson Christ the King, effective August 3.

Upon the recommendation of Father Paul Kahan, SVD, provincial for the Southern Province of the Society of the Divine Word, Father Alfred Ayem was appointed pastor of Jackson Holy Ghost Parish, effective August 17.

Msgr. Elvin Sunds was appointed canonical pastor of Jackson St. Therese parish and will oversee the redistribution of the property of Jackson St. Mary Church, while living in residence at Pearl St. Jude Parish, effective August 3.

Father Mario Solarzano was appointed pastor of Corinth St. James, and sacramental minister for Booneville St. Francis and Iuka St. Mary Parishes, effective August 24.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, eighth annual, “Speak Lord I’m Listening,” retreat for men and women using the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Friday-Sunday, July 24-27. Led by Father Bill Henry. Cost is $140 per person, double occupancy, $160 per person for single rooms and $40 for commuters. Details: Charlene Brown, 601-248-4310.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Latin Mass, Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. Father Scott Thomas, pastor, will celebrate.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, 12-week adult summer Bible study, “Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come,” Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in Heritage Hall. Cost of the book is $22. Details: parish hall, 601-856-2054.
  • MOBILE, Ala. – Little Sisters of the Poor discernment retreat, “Fun in the Sun,” Aug. 7-8 for single women 17-35, led by Father Victor Ingalls and the Little Sisters of the Poor. No charge. Details: Sister Carolyn, lsp, vocmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org, 251-591-3700.

PARISH, SCHOOLS & FAMILY EVENTS

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish vacation Bible school will be held in conjunction with First Presbyterian Church Sunday-Tuesday, July 19-21, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the parish. Supper will be served each evening.
    – Annual cookout for both churches, Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. St. Helen parishioners will be responsible for desserts.
  • BOONEVILLE St. Francis of Assisi Parish, vacation Bible school, “Come to the Feast,” Tuesday, July 14, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m for children ages four- years to fourth grade.
  • CLEVELAND “Life After Loss,” help and support group meets at St. Luke Methodist on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Details: Our Lady of Victories Parish office, 662-846-6273, or Larry Lambert, licensed counselor, 662-719-8756.
  • GRENADA St. Peter parishioners are invited to attend the “Casting Crowns” concert and pre-concert party in Greenwood on Saturday, July 18. Tickets are $25. Details: Tara Trost, 662-515-9126.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish, vacation Bible school, July 13-16 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for children attending five-year-old kindergarten through fifth grade. Details: Mary Ann Barker, 662-335-5251.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, boat ride at the Reelfoot Lake, Wednesday, July 15. Participants will meet at the church parking lot at 5:30 a.m. and get back that evening about the same time. The cost is $10 per person. Details: holyspiritladies@gmail.com or call Cil, 662-420-9875.
    – Parish fair planning meeting, Wednesday, July 29, at 2 p.m. Details: Missi Blackstock, 662-822-1862.
  • JACKSON The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) workshop, scheduled for July 18, was rescheduled for January or early February. Details: Fran Lavelle, 601-960-8473, or fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, family game night, Thursday, July 16, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. in Foley Hall. Bring your own beverages and $5 for pizza.
    – “Sonnets, Strings, and Things,” Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m. Reading of poems and musical entertainment by Jake Slinkard, a graduate of St. Joseph School.
  • JACKSON Holy Family Parish, strategic plan meeting for 2015-2016, Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Past, present and future parishioners invited.
  • JACKSON The Knights of Columbus, pro-life rosary, Saturday, July 25, at 9 a.m. at the Marian Prayer Garden beside the cathedral. St. Peter parishioners are invited.
    MADISON St. Joseph School sixth annual Bruin Burn, Saturday, July 18, beginning at 7 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic School, 1585 Old Mannsdale Road. 5K Run/Walk is $25 per person, and the one-mile fun run is $15 per person. Register online at www.racesonline.com. Details: Bubba Garrard, 601-668-8571, bgarrard06@gmail.com.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, vacation Bible school, July 13-16 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. Details: Ashley Alexander, 601-934-7160.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, “Directors Chorus” Wednesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. Presented by the Mississippi Chapter of the American Choral and Director Association and directed by Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, director of Choral Activities at the University of Southern California. Free and open to the public.
    – Blood drive, Monday, July 27, from noon – 6 p.m. in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Schedule your appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org.
  • TUPELO St. James Parish feast day, Saturday, July 25, pilgrimage walk along the Natchez Trace. Meet at the church at 7:30 a.m. to be shuttled over to the Chickasaw Village to start the walk at 8 a.m. There will be a spiritual pilgrimage in the church beginning at 9 a.m. Afterwards, there will be a breakfast in Shelton Hall provided by the Hispanic community.
    – Confirmation will be held during the vigil Mass on July 25 at 4:30 p.m. in Shelton Hall.
    – Parishioners are invited to attend “Dancing Like the Stars,” Saturday, Aug 22, at the Bancorpsouth Center. An evening that raises money for the Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi. Tickets are $50 for the show and dinner and $20 for the show. Details: www.bgcnms.org/nikki-ivancic.aspx,
  • –SHAW St. Francis of Assisi Parish, summer social with cookout, Sunday, July 26, at 6 p.m.

ADDENDUM
The First Communion and confirmation photos from Olive Branch Queen of Peace, New Albany St. Francis and Ripley St. Mathew’s published on the edition of June 26 were taken by Joseph Swords.

CASH CRAWL
JACKSON Catholic Charities inaugural “Cash Crawl” during Fondren’s First Thursday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. This is a fund-raiser for the Rape Crisis Center with an opportunity to take home $1,000.
Entry fee is $25. Tables will be set up along State Street and throughout Fondren for your chance to play along. Visit participating merchants and draw a card to enter for a chance to win the big prize.

IN MEMORIAM
INDIANA – A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Junkin, D.C., was celebrated June 27 at Seton Residence Chapel in Evansville, Ind. Burial followed at St. Joseph Cemetery in Evansville. Sister Junkin died June 24 at Seton Residence. She was 89 years of age and spent 62 years as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Sister Junkin began her ministry in education at St. Joseph School in New Orleans. She taught at Cathedral Schools in Natchez from 1973-1974 and served as principal from 1974-1981. She also served as librarian at the school and at St. Mary’s Parish.
She is survived by her sister, Marty (J.W., III) Seibert of Natchez, nieces and nephews.

Parishes invited to plan Fortnight for Freedom services

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WASHINGTON (CNS) – Threats to religious freedom continue to emerge, making it more urgent for people of faith to take action to defend the full realm of religious practice, said Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore.
Speaking during a May 28 webinar announcing the fourth annual Fortnight for Freedom, Archbishop Lori called on Catholics to learn about the importance of religious liberty throughout the history of the United States and to actively promote free religious practice during the two-week period beginning June 21.
This year’s fortnight observance will open with Mass at 9:45 a.m. June 21 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. It closes with Mass at 11a.m. July 4 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
The Diocese of Jackson invites parish leaders to plan their own services for Fortnight for Freedom, sharing resources and ideas from USCCB with pastors, lay ecclesial ministers and community leaders.
“Religious freedom is not something that stands alone. It’s not simply a legal question for the church. It pertains very much to the new evangelization,” Archbishop Lori explained.
This year’s fortnight observance theme is the “Freedom to Bear Witness,” stemming from the Gospel message that Jesus came to the world to bear witness to the truth, explained Hillary Byrnes, assistant general counsel for the USCCB, who joined the archbishop during the webinar.
She said dozens of local events in dioceses across the country are planned, including prayer services, discussions and charitable works.
“We’re looking this year to raise awareness of religious freedom so people don’t take it for granted,” she added.
Archbishop Lori said government policies, such as the federal mandate to include a full range of contraceptives in employee health insurance and the redefinition of marriage throughout the country, pose growing threats to religious freedom.
The fortnight, he said, also is meant to draw attention to the dangers to religious liberty around the world as Christians and people of other faith traditions face persecution, limits on their freedom and death.
“Pope Francis pointed out that we are truly living in an age of martyrs,” the archbishop said. “I think we have to pay a lot of attention to the sacrifices which people are making for their faith around the world. Many Christians are being persecuted, beheaded. And Muslims are being persecuted for not being Muslim enough.
“These are men and women of deep faith and deep courage, and as we witness their sacrifice, first of all I think we have to hold up and to highlight what’s happening to them. I’m not sure our leadership is paying enough attention to their sacrifice.”
Information about the fortnight and various resources to help plan local observances are available online at www.Fortnight4Freedom.com and on page 13 of this issue. Share celebrations with Mississippi Catholic by emailing photos and information to editor@mississippicatholic.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place retreat, “The Psalms: My Book of Prayer,” June 20, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $35 and includes lunch. Details: 662-738-5348.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, eighth annual, “Speak Lord I’m Listening,” retreat for men and women using the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Friday-Sunday, July 24-27. Led by Father Bill Henry. Cost is $140 per person, double occupancy, $160 per person for single rooms and $40 for commuters. Details: Charlene Brown, 601-248-4310.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Mass on Thursdays at 12:10 p.m. until school starts back.
McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, last two classes of “An Introduction to the Theology of the Body,” Wednesdays, June 17, and 24. Led by Jason Angelette, co-director of Faith & Marriage, New Orleans. Details: Margaret Weathersby, 601-754-5554.

PARISH, SCHOOLS & FAMILY EVENTS
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, presentation of the options for the renovation of the church, Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m.
– Vacation Bible school, July 12-16 from 6 – 8 p.m. Volunteers needed. Details: Jennifer, 662-402-7050.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, family picnic and movie night, Friday, July 10 at 6 p.m. Hot dogs and homemade ice cream will be provided.
GRENADA St. Peter Parish is seeking musicians and singers. Details: Karla Houston, 662-417-2333, JoAnn Gonzales, 662-417-4551.
– A statue of St. Joseph with the Child Jesus has been ordered in memory of Father Martin Ruane. Mark donations “memorial statue” and add to the collection basket.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish will celebrate three Masses as a Father’s Day spiritual remembrance for fathers, grandfathers, and godfathers living and deceased beginning with Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, and on Wednesdays, Aug. 5 and Sept. 9. Look for envelopes in the pews to participate.
JACKSON Catholic Charities Human Trafficking Awareness Workshop, Saturday, June 27, from 8:30 a.m. – noon at St. Richard Parish, Foley Hall. Details: Dorothy Balser, 601-326-3725.
– Parish-Based Ministries of Catholic Charities Poverty Task Force meets the third Wednesday of each month, (June 17) from 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Catholic Charities downtown office.  Members are committed to standing with the poor and vulnerable through concrete acts of charity and justice. Details: Dorothy Balser, 601-326-3725, dorothy.balser@ccjackson.org.
JACKSON Christ the King Parish vacation Bible school, June 22-26 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
“Taste of Christ the King,” Saturday, June 27, from 2 – 5 p.m. in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the parish. Tickets are $5. The event is open to the public.
JACKSON St. Richard Parish, Bereavement Support Group will meet on Thursday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m in the Mercy Room. Details: Nancy McGhee, 601-942-2078, ncmcghee@bellsouth.com
JACKSON St. Peter Parish summer picnic and bingo, Saturday, June 20, from  noon – 2 p.m. Details: RSVP to 601-969-3125.
MADISON St. Joseph School sale of used uniform items on Saturdays, June 20 and July 18, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the library. Donations of uniforms can be dropped off at the Administration Building at the front office. Details: Paula Morgan, 601-573-1244, henryandpaula@bellsouth.net.
– Fifth annual Booster Club Bruin Burn 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run, Saturday, July 18. Registration is now underway for the race which will begin and end at St. Anthony Catholic School, 1585 Old Mannsdale Road, behind St. Joseph. Details: Mike Crandall, 601-953-1817, mcrandall84@comcast.net or Bubba Garrard, 601-668,8571,  or bgarrard06@gmail.com.
MERIDIAN Xavier University Meridian Alumni Chapter, “Juneteenth Celebration,” first annual legacy jazz brunch featuring Meridian jazz artist and New Orleans food, Saturday, June 20, at St. Joseph Kehrer Hall from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Details: Dr. Otis Gowdy, Otis_gowdy@comcast.net; Anny Ramsey, 601-693-2161.
_ St. Patrick Parish vacation Bible school, July 13-16 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. Details: Marilyn Winkel, 601-484-8955, mwinkel@bellsouth.net.
NATCHEZ Compassionate Care Hospice, 113 Jefferson Davis Blvd., Suite A, sponsors a grief and loss support group meeting on the second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Details: 601-442-6800, 1-855-642-6800 (toll free).
PEARL St. Jude Parish, Mass celebration of the 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood of Father Jeffrey Waldrep, pastor, Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m. followed by a reception in the parish hall.
SHAW St. Francis of Assisi Parish summer social, (cookout) Sunday, June 28, at 6 p.m.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish needs volunteers to help with a project in the summer to teach young people learn about the rosary. Details: Diane Melton.

RCIA WORKSHOP 2015
JACKSON The diocesan Office of Religious Education and Faith Formation will offer a Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) workshop on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Madison St. Francis Parish. The guest speaker is Mary Birmingham, director of music, Liturgy and Christian Initiation at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, Fla.
Information will be provided on the resources available to use with participants. Cost is $25 per participant which includes lunch; $20 per person if three or more come from same parish.
Birmingham is the author of Year-Round Catechumenate, the Word & Worship Workbook series, and the new Faith, Life and Creed series. Details: Fran Lavelle, 601-960-8473 or fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.

IN MEMORIAM
FOND DU LAC, Wis. – A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Joellen Flynn was celebrated on May 11. Sister   Flynn, a Sister of St. Agnes (CSA), died May 6 at Nazareth Center. She served as elementary teacher for 36 years in Kansas, New York, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. She later ministered for 15 years as a teacher and teacher aid in the Diocese of Jackson in Camden, Indianola, Thomastown and Carthage.
Burial took place at St. Joseph Springs Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Ministry of “Adelante Mujer, Inc.,” an organization which offers medical scholarships to women in Nicaragua, 375 Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935, Attn: Sister Ann Mckean.

SPECIAL NEED
HERNANDO Sacred Heart Southern Missions Thrift Store is accepting clothing, all household items, furniture, blankets, toys, books and holiday items, any unused makeup, creams or nail polish. Proceeds go towards the food pantries. Details: Laura, 662-342-3316.
Drop boxes are located in the parking lots at Sacred Heart School and at Christ the King Church in Southaven. Details: Laura at 662-342-3316.
Shopping hours are 10 a.m. – 6-p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. New hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.