Category Archives: Parish News

Upcoming Retreats

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St. Mary of the Pines
Eight-day retreats –  $640
Five-day retreats –  $400
Weekend directed retreats – $160
Directed Retreats: The resident retreat director is Sister Dorez Mehrtens, SSND. To schedule a retreat contact Sister Dorez, 601-783-0411 or 601-810-7758 (cell), dorezm37@yahoo.com.
Private Retreats: A private retreat is a retreat without a director and may be scheduled any time space is available. The individual chooses his/her own resources and rhythm of prayer and reflection throughout the day. Suggested donation: $65 per night. Financial assistance for any retreat is available upon request.
“A Lenten Day of Reflection,” Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $30, lunch is included.
Contact: St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, 3167 Old Highway 51 South, Osyka, MS, 39657, 601-783-3494, retreatcenter@ssnddallas.org.

The Dwelling Place
“Spiritual Doors, Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $45 and includes lunch.
This experience is a time to open the doors of our hearts to the fruits of the spirit. Going beyond the door we discover God’s unique gifts. Led by Karen Hodges and Lee Oswalt from Tupelo
Contact: The Dwelling Place, 2824 Dwelling Place Road, Brooksville, MS, 39739, 662-738-5348, www.dwellingplace.com.

Benedictine Center
“Holy Week at the Monastery,” April 2-5. Experience the days of the Sacred Triduum immersed in the beauty of Sacred Heart Monastery. Join the monastic community in their silence and in their prayer as they celebrate the special liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday.  Limited Enrollment. Silence.
Cost is $210 for private rooms; and $185/person for shared rooms.
Contact: Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, 916 Convent Road, Cullman, AL 35055, 256-734-8302, retreats@shmon.org.

JESUIT SPIRITUALITY CENTER
Directed Retreats: The Jesuit Spirituality Center specializes in personally directed retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Solitude and silence are important aspects of these retreats. Retreats may range from three days, five days, or eight days, to a full month.
Dates: Feb. 23 or 26, March 9 or 12, March 23 or 26, April 13 or 16. Retreats of eight-days begin on the first date. Retreats of five or three days begin on either date. Costs vary according to the length of the retreat.
“In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy: Yoga and Contemplative Prayer,” Thursday Sunday, March 5-8. Led by Andrea Vidrine. Cost is $240
Come and experience a weekend of prayer, joy, and fellowship. In this retreat participants will practice contemplative awareness through Christian chanting, centering prayer, conscious breathing, lectio divina, body prayer, art as prayer and drumming as prayer.
Included is one full day of silence which may be extended throughout the retreat, according to the desire of the retreatant. No prior experience with yoga is necessary.
Contact: Jesuit Spirituality Center, 313 Martin Luther King Dr., Grand Coteau, La. 70541, 337-662-5251.

St. Joseph abbey – Christian Life center
Married Couples Retreat, “Growing in Faith and Love,” Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22. Begins at 9 a.m. Cost is $275.
Contact: Jason Angelette, 504-830-3716, www.faithandmarriage.org.

Cathedral parish prays for consecrated communities

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022015concecratedlifeJACKSON – The Mary and Martha Circle of St. Peter Cathedral parish has developed a prayer book for parishioners to share in celebrating the Year for Consecrated Life. Individuals or families have signed up at each of the cathedral parish’s Masses to take home a copy of the book and pray for religious communities serving in the diocese.
The book contains an intention for each day of the week followed by an interesting fact about the consecrated life and prayers. Each section concludes with the Our Father, three Hail Marys and the Glory Be.
At the end of each Mass the book is passed from the current holder to the next person or family who has taken on the responsibility of praying that week. A prayer of blessing is prayed over them before the final blessing of the Mass.
Mississippi Catholic would like to hear about what different parishes are doing to celebrate the year so we may share those ideas with others and lift up all those who have been called to serve the church in the consecrated life. Email editor@mississippicatholic.com or call 601-969-3581.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, mission, “The Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist as they relate to Pope Francis’ book, Joy of the Gospel,” March 2-4, at 6 p.m. Led by the Redemptorist priests serving in Greenwood.
  • BOONEVILLE St. Francis Parish, mission “How Accessible am I to God?” Sunday, March 8, beginning with lunch after the 11 a.m. Mass, and ending at 3:30 p.m. Led by Father Henry Shelton.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, mission March 16-18. More details to come.
  • COLLIERVILLE, Tenn, Women’s Morning of Spirituality, Saturday, Feb. 28, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Catholic Church of the Incarnation. To register: www.womensmorning.com or Mary Beth Trouy, 901-853-1819.
  • CORINTH St. James Parish, Father Robert Barron’s “Catholicism” video series, Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
    – Study of the Book of Revelation, Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. – noon in room #1 downstairs, and on Sundays at 10:45 a.m.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish mission Sunday-Tuesday, Feb. 22-24. Led by Michael Cumbie. Reconciliation service on Tuesday after the mission.
  • GREENWOOD Retreat, “Mary in the Mystery of Christ and the Church,” Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Locus Benedictus Retreat Center. Led by Brother Daniel Korn, C.Ss.R. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Details: Magdalene Abraham, 662-299-1232.
  • HOLLY SPRINGS Immersion Experience with Sisters of the Living Word, March 15-19. Open to single women age 18-40. Details: Sister Collette Fahrner, 847-636-9822 or cfahrner@slw.com.
  • IUKA St. Mary Parish, retreat, “How Accessible am I to God?” Wednesday, March 11, begins with Mass at 10 a.m. Led by Father Henry Shelton.
  • JACKSON Christ the King Parish, Lenten mission, March 22-24. Led by Brother A. Gerard Jordan, O. Praem.
  • JACKSON Holy Family Parish, mission Saturday, Tuesday, March 14-17. Led by Father Henry Shelton on the theme, “How Accessible Am I to God,” an opportunity to examine ourselves during this Lenten season. Reconciliation will be available on Monday night, March 16. Details: Church office, 601-362-1888, or Joyce Adams, 601-214-6123.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Parish, Lenten retreat, “How to Make Lent the Springtime of the Soul,” Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 a.m. – noon, followed by a Mass of anointing. Lunch will be served.
    – Mary & Martha Circle retreat, “The Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Lively Virtues of Our Blessed Mother,” Saturday, May 21, at the Norbertine Priory, from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, Lectio Divina on the Lenten Sunday Scriptures, Mondays at 10 a.m. in the Mercy Room. There will be a retreat day on Monday, March 16, from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Details: Sister Therese Jacobs, 601-366-2335.
  • JACKSON St. Therese Parish, annual women’s retreat, March 6-8 at St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa. “Finding Joy in Everything,” led by Karla Luke. Registration deadline is Feb. 25. Details: stheresecc@yahoo.com, 601-372-4481.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, downtown Lenten service, Thursday, March 5, at noon, followed by lunch.
    – Six-week series on “Living the Eucharist,” Wednesdays from 6 – 7 p.m. in Kehrer Hall. Details: Ida Bea Tomlin, idatomlin@gmail.com, 601-880-9542.
    – Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. in the parish center. Led by Christy Price. Details: Mary Billups, marybillups@bellsouth.net, 601-693-1321.
  • – Thursdays at 2 p.m. Led by Jo Anne Zettler. Details: Mary Billups.
    SHAW St. Francis of Assisi Parish, one-hour Lenten reflection based on the teachings of Pope Francis, Tuesdays of Lent from 10 – 11 a.m. at the home of Grace Venuti, beginning Feb. 24.
  • YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish, penance mission, Sunday-Wednesday, March 1-4. Led by Father Henry Shelton. Volunteers are needed to help with preparations for lunches and suppers. Details: Diane Melton 662-571-3136.

PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • CLEVELAND The annual Lent lunches begin on Wednesday, Feb. 25, every week at First United Methodist Church. Our Lady of Victories Parish will prepare lunch on March 11. Details: Frances Janoush, 662-347-0499.
    – The Solomon Counseling Center offers counseling services for Catholic adults, children/adolescents, couples and families in the Delta area. Hours are flexible. Fee scale is from $5 to $35 per hour. The center is connected with Catholic Charities in Jackson. Details: Jennifer Medders, 662-832-5519.
  • GREENVILLE Sacred Heart confirmation class clothing and food drive for St Vincent de Paul from now until the end of this month. Leave donations in the back of the church.
    – Black History Program will be held Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph parishioners invited to Our Lady of the Lake Altar Society’s 105th spaghetti dinner at St. Mary Parish in Arkansas, Sunday, March 1, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Plates are $12 for adults and $6 for children.
    – Healing Mass, Thursday, Feb. 26. Prelude music begins at 11:15 a.m. Lunch will be served and afterwards there will be five games of dime bingo.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, blood drive, Monday, March 9, from 2 – 7 p.m. in Liguori Hall.
  • OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace Parish, blood drive, Sunday, March 1, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish, garage sale, Saturday, March 7. The Young Apostles are collecting items for the sale. Items can be dropped off at the parish office during office hours, before/after Sunday Masses. Details: Rhonda or Stacy, 601-939-3181.
  • SHAW St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lenten luncheons begins on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at noon.
  • YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish, service at Manna House Feb. 23-27. Call the office to volunteer.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

  • Batesville St. Mary, Fridays at noon followed by Mass.
  • Clarksdale St. Elizabeth, Fridays at 5:30 p.m.
  • Columbus Annunciation, Fridays at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel followed by a fish fry in the Activities Center.
  • Greenville Sacred Heart Parish, Fridays, Feb. 20, March 3 and 20 at 6 p.m.
  • Greenville St. Joseph Parish, Fridays, Feb. 27, March 13 and 27 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Grenada St. Peter, Fridays at 6:15 p.m. Holy Communion and a short meditation followed by a light supper.
  • Hernando Holy Spirit Parish, Fridays at 6:30 p.m. followed by a soup supper.
  • Iuka St. Mary Parish, Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Jackson St. Mary Parish, Fridays at noon.
  • Jackson St. Richard, Fridays at 2:15
  • Jackson St. Therese, Fridays at 5:30 p.m.
  • Jackson Christ the King Parish, Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
  • Pearl St. Jude, Fridays at 6 p.m. followed by a catfish dinner cooked by the Knights of Columbus.
  • Sardis St. John, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
  • Shaw St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m.

LENTEN DAILY MASS

  • Hernando Holy Spirit, Monday-Friday at 8 a.m.
  • Southaven Christ the King, Monday-Friday at 9 a.m.
  • Olive Branch Queen of Peace, Monday-Friday at 9 a.m.

Clarksdale Sisters celebrate jubilee

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Sisters Theresa Shields and Maureen Delaney bring up the gifts during a Mass to celebrate their golden jubilees at Immaculate Conception Parish Sunday, Feb. 8. (Photos and story submitted by Sister Shields)

Sisters Theresa Shields and Maureen Delaney bring up the gifts during a Mass to celebrate their golden jubilees at Immaculate Conception Parish Sunday, Feb. 8. (Photos and story submitted by Sister Shields)

CLARKSDALE – Sisters Teresa Shields and Maureen Delaney, both SNJM, celebrated their Golden Jubilees on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Immaculate Conception Parish with the Eucharistic Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz. The Immaculate Conception Gospel choir led the congregation in spirited gospel songs.
The meditation after Communion, a well-known gospel standard, “I made a Vow,” touched the whole congregation when Teresa’s and Maureen’s names were sung in one of the verses. Parishioners, friends and sisters from neighboring towns then joined for a reception prepared by the women of the parish.
Both the parish and a representative from the City of Clarksdale presented the women with plaques commending them on their “…50 years of dedicated service  to the church and to the children and families of the Mississippi Delta.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • AMORY St. Helen women parishioners are invited to participate in the Women’s Retreat at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Ala., Feb. 20-22. Details: Carlos Ann Sanders, 662-315-4022.
    – The Scripture class on Parables continues on Wednesdays, from 6 – 7 p.m.
  • BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, Lenten mission,   March 2-4. Led by the Redemptorist priests serving in  Greenwood.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, ladies’ Bible study group, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. at the parish center. Discussion of the book, “Longing for the Holy.” Details: Jamey Gainspoletti, 662-719-6802, or Cathy Shivers, 588-0216.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, adult education class, eight-week study of “Oremus” on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in room 106. The program teaches the essentials of an effective and fruitful prayer life.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish mission on Feb. 22-24. Led by Michael Cumbie. Reconciliation service on Tuesday after the mission.
  • GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, retreat, “Mary in the Mystery of Christ and the Church,” Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Led by Brother Daniel Korn, C.Ss.R.  Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Send payment to: Locus Benedictus, P. O. Box 9791, Greenwood, MS  38930. Details: Magdalene Abraham, 662-299-1232.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, “Coffee and Creed,” Sundays from 9:15-10:15 a.m. DVD presentation and discussion of a directed study from the Augustine Institute in Colorado.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, six-week program on  the exhortation of the call to holiness, Mondays from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Led by Mary Billups. Cost for materials is $10. Details: 601-693-1321, marybillups@bellsouth.net.
  • MOBILE, Ala., Liturgy and luncheon for single women 17-35 who are considering a religious vocation or who want to learn more about the consecrated religious life, Saturday Feb. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with option for full weekend stay. There is no charge for the program. Details: RSVP by Feb. 18 to Sister Carolyn at vocmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org or call 251-591-3700. Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Ave., Mobile AL 36604.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, celebration of the “World Day of the Sick” Wednesday, Feb. 11, with an anointing Mass, at 11 a.m. followed by lunch in St. Therese Hall.
    – There will be no anointing Mass at Assumption Church in February.

PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • CAMDEN Sacred Heart Parish, celebration of Black History Month, Sundays in February at the 9 a.m. Mass.
  • CLARKSDALE Immaculate Conception Parish, celebration of the golden jubilees of Sisters Maureen  Delaney, SNJM, and Teresa Shields, SNJM, Sunday, Feb. 8, at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Bishops Joseph Kopacz and  William Houck will participate in the celebration. A reception will follow.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, bingo night, Friday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. sponsored by the youth group.
  • GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish annual Black History Program, Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. Details: Stephanie Brooks.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, Spring Fling, “Denim and Diamonds,” Saturday, Feb. 14, from 6 p.m. – midnight at the Washington County Convention Center. Tickets are $100 and admit two people. Volunteers are needed.
  • GREENWOOD St. Francis Parish, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Leflore County Civic Center. Featuring “The Sensations Dance Band” from Memphis. Tickets are $30, which includes a Taste of New Orleans buffet.
  • JACKSON St. Mary Parish, CWA “Sweetheart Sale,” Sunday, Feb. 7, after the 11 a.m. Mass.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, bereavement support group presentation, “A Therapeutic Heart,” Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Led by Pam Wirtz, St. Richard parishioner and professional counselor. Details: Nancy McGhee, 601-942-2078, ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
    – Watercolor workshop, Feb. 9-11, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Glynn Hall. Cost is $200. Details: Addie Louis, 601-940-0572.
    – Supper & Sustance, Saturday, Feb. 14, beginninga at 6 p.m. in Foley Hall. Cost is $65 per couple. Reservations are required. Details: Debbie Tubertini, 601- -366-2335, ext. 107, tubertini@saintrichard.com.
  • JACKSON Christ the King Parish needs photos for the 70th anniversary display.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, training for present and future lectors and commentator, Saturday, Feb. 7,  at 10 a.m.
    – To lead a small group or participate in the Lenten program “Living the Eucharist” contact Mary Billups.
  • NATCHEZ Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8, blessing of throats at the end of each Mass at St. Mary and Assumption parishes in observance of St. Blaise feast.
    – St. Mary Basilica, party honoring parishioners 65+ years of age, Saturday, Feb. 14, from 1 – 3:30 p.m. in St. Therese Hall. Entertainment, lunch, bingo, and prizes. Details: Charlene Rushing, 601-431-9127, or the church office, 601-445-5616.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish, kick-off of the Lenten program “Living the Eucharist” Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5:45 p.m. at the Rosary Garden. Refreshments will be served afterward in the parish hall. Parishioners of all ages are invited to attend. Small groups will begin meeting the week of Feb. 16-22.
  • SHAW St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Mardi Gras party, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6:30 p.m. for parishioners and in thanksgiving for those who helped with the spaghetti dinner.

IN MEMORIAM

  • MILWAUKEE, Wis. – School Sister of St. Francis Helen Pisors (de Porres), 88, who lived her religious vocation in education, died Dec. 30, 2014, at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee. Beginning in 1947, Sister Pisors ministered in Mississippi, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colombia for nearly seven decades. In the Diocese of Jackson, she taught at CADET School in Holly Springs (1969-1980 and 1990-1995), and at Holy Family School in Holly Springs (1995-1998).
    She also served in the ministry of prayer and presence (1998-2003) and as a volunteer (2003-2006) at a local convent in Walls. A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Pisors was celebrated Jan. 7, at St. Joseph Convent, Milwaukee. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Sorority kicks off Alzheimer’s training workshop

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MERIDIAN – St. Patrick Parish hosted a brunch and Alzheimers education workshop on Saturday, Jan. 17.
Sara Murphy, director of the Mississippi Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, presented the training to 50 leaders from Meridian and the surrounding area representing 17 churches of different denominations during the Meridian Martin Luther King, Jr. observance weekend.
The workshop covered how to develop a brain healthy lifestyle, healthy aging, recognizing signs of Alzheimers and resources for caregivers.
The healthy brunch program held at St. Patrick Parish Center was also the first church interdenominational outreach training workshop in Mississippi.
Dr. Rosalyn White Gambrell, DDS, organized the church training workshop by partnering the Catholic Community of Meridian (St. Joseph and St. Patrick) and with her chapter of the national sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Alzheimer’s disease and caregivers support programs are the health targets of community service projects of Meridian Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Stacy Winstead from Footprints Daycare shared information about the Alzheimer’s facility in Newton and about providing resources and support for participants and caregivers.
(Story and photo submitted by Martha Ross)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • BATESVILLE/SARDIS St. Mary and St. John parishes, Bishop Joseph Kopacz will celebrate the 9, 10:30 a.m. and the 5 p.m. Masses on Sunday, Feb. 1.
  • BOONEVILLE St. Francis of Asissi Parish, Holy Hour, Wednesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, “An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the Master Plan for Your Life,” Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. in McKenna Hall preceded by a light dinner. Replay on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 12:10 p.m. in the rectory.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, parish mission, “The Beauty of Catholicism,” Sunday-Tuesday, Feb. 8-10, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Led by Michael Cumbie. A nursery will be provided.  Details: 662-846-6273.
  • CORINTH St. James Parish, novena/prayer service for an end to abortion during Holy Hour/adoration time, Sunday, Jan. 25, at 4 p.m.
  • GLUKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, Bible Timeline Series, Tuesdays  at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays  at 10 a.m. in Heritage Hall.  Details: parish office, 601-856-2054.
  • HATTIESBURG “Fire From Heaven,” Charismatic Catholic retreat sponsored by the University of Southern Mississippi Catholic Student Association, Feb. 6-8 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 3117 West 4th Street. Led by Father Mark Goring, Pauline Brazil and Jay Flunker. Details: Jonna van Thiel, 601-450-2520.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, Lenten retreat and anointing service, Saturday, March 14.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, “Old Testament: God’s Revelation,” class sponsored by the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, twice a month on Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Next class is on Jan. 29. Cost is $20. Details: annette.stevenson@jacksondiocese.org.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, Pro-Life day of reflection and prayer, Saturday, Jan. 24, from 8:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Led by Catholic apologist Jim Seghers. Babysitting available.
  • NATCHEZ Assumption Parish, Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew on Fridays in Tuite Hall after the 8 a.m. Mass. Led by Roseminette Gaude.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, a half-day Model for Healthy Living retreat, Saturday, Feb. 28, in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Starts with breakfast at 8 a.m. and ends at 12:15 p.m. Details: Ann Elizabeth Kaiser,  601-213-6378, annelizabeth.kaiser@ccjackson.org.

PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, spaghetti lunch sponsored by the junior and senior high youth, Sunday, Feb. 1, at the parish hall after Mass. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with a maximum of $25 per family.
    Discussion of the book, “Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands,” by Chris Bohjalian, Monday, Feb. 16, at noon.
  • CHATAWA St. Teresa Parish, decorated Christmas tree and two wreaths for sale, on display in the front entrance of the sisters residence building. Details: Sister Helene Robin, 601-730-5458.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth School drawdown,  Friday, Feb. 13, from 7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. at The Bank! Tickets are $100, admitting two people for food, music, and access to the silent auction.
    – School open house, Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, weekly Sunday Mass in Spanish is moving from St. Mary, Shelby, beginning on Feb. 22, at 11: 30 a.m. Bishop Joseph Kopacz will join this Mass on March 1.
  • COLUMBUS Annunciation School, open house for prospective families, Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. – noon.
    – Pancake breakfast, Sunday, Jan. 25, at 8:45 a.m. at Annunciation Parish.
    – Mardi Gras party and $10,000 drawdown, Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at Trotter Convention Center. Tickets are $100 and admits two adults. Details: Parish office, 662-328-2927.
  • GRENADA St. Peter Parish, blood drive, Sunday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, celebration of the feast of the Presentation/Candlemas Day, Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Candles will be blessed at all the Masses. The celebration will begin in a gathering space followed by a candlelight entrance procession into the church proper.
    – The youth will collect monetary donations for the city food pantry after all Masses Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Checks can be made out to Interfaith.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, presentation of Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m. Honorees will be announced soon.
  • JACKSON St. Therese Parish, spaghetti dinner and movie fund-raiser, Saturday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. “Heaven is for Real” will be shown.
  • JACKSON Sister Thea Bowman School students will lead music at Christ the King Parish 9 a.m. Mass Sunday, Jan. 25, as part of Catholic School Week.
  • JACKSON Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Court #199, annual Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Regency Hotel.
  • MADISON St. Joseph School, drawdown, “Jeans, Jazz & Bruin Blues” Saturday, Feb. 7. Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Tickets are $125 and admits two. Details: Office of Advancement, 601-898-4803.
    – Save the date for “Thea’s Turn,” Friday-Saturday, April 10-11, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. A drama based on the life of Sister Thea Bowman.
  • MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish, “Celebration of Light” event, Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Admission is $10. Benefits Mississippi Children’s Home Services.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, Knights of Columbus soup cook-off and bingo, Saturday,  Jan. 24, from 5 – 7 p.m. in Liguori Hall. Fun for all ages. Cost is $5 per person.
    MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Our Lady of Fatima Sodality meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. Theme, “Women in the Acts of the Apostles,” led by Sister Marilyn.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, World Marriage Day celebration, Wednesday, Feb. 11, during dinner in the O’Connor Family Life Center.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish, Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 7, from 7 – 11 p.m.  Ticket are $10 singles, $15 couples, and $25 families. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Young Apostles.
    – Chicken plates on sale for the Super Bowl for $12 per plate after all Masses Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25. Sponsored by Council 8038 of the Knights of Columbus. Proceeds to benefit Coats for Kids and seminarian education
  • SOUTHAVEN Area parishes will celebrate Scouting Sunday on Feb. 8. At the 8 a.m. Mass at Good Shepherd, the 10 a.m. Mass at Christ the King, the 10:30 a.m. Masses at Holy Spirit and Queen of Peace. All Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are invited to come in uniform.

SPECIAL EVENT

  • JACKSON Fifth Annual Catholic Day at the Capitol, Wednesday, Feb. 4. Begins with Mass at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle with lunch immediately following in the parish hall. Both Bishop Kopacz and Bishop Roger Morin will speak. Catholic legislators will be honored. Details: to register, visit www.mscatholicday.com or call Michael Thomas, 601-331-1152, at Catholic Charities.
  • JACKSON Catholic Charities “Savor the Flavor” Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6 – 10 p.m. at Hal&Mal’s. Admission is $25. Benefits the Migrant Support Center of Catholic Charities Jackson. Taste food from several restaurants, enjoy live music. Cash bar. Details: www.catholicharitiesjackson.

Retreat opportunities abound for new year

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St. Mary of the Pines
Eight-day retreats –  $640
Five-day retreats –  $400
Weekend directed retreats – $160
Directed Retreats: The resident retreat director is Sister Dorez Mehrtens, SSND. To schedule a retreat contact Sister Dorez, 601-783-0411 or 601-810-7758 (cell).
“Married as a Path to Holiness,” married couples retreat, Feb. 13-15, 2015. Cost is $340 per couple.
“A Lenten Day of Reflection,” Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost is $30, lunch is included.
Private Retreats: A private retreat is a retreat without a director and may be scheduled any time space is available. The individual chooses his/her own resources and rhythm of prayer and reflection throughout the day. Suggested donation: $65 per night. Financial assistance for any retreat is available upon request.
Contact: St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, 3167 Old Highway 51 South, Osyka, MS, 39657, 601-783-3494, retreatcenter@ssnddallas.org.

The Dwelling Place
“As I Begin the New Year,” Jan 2-4, 2015. On this feast of the Three Kings, prayerfully using the Scriptures of Epiphany, participants will look at the stars in their lives (the people, events and places that have pointed them to the Christ Child) and will focus on what we seek that is new and good in the new year. Led by Clare Van Lent. Cost is $160.
“Love and Respect: A Couple’s Marriage Enrichment Retreat,” Feb 13-15. Presented by Dr. Steve Street, pastor of Trace Ridge Baptist Church, Ridgeland, Miss. Cost is $275 per couple.
Contact: The Dwelling Place, 2824 Dwelling Place Road, Brooksville, MS, 39739, 662-738-5348, www.dwellingplace.com.

Benedictine Center
“A Reflection Day with the Prayer and Music of Taizé,” Jan. 3, 2015, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Included will be brief presentations on the history and spirituality of Taizé, an ecumenical monastic community in France whose music has touched the hearts of millions around the world. The day will be led by Sisters and musicians of Sacred Heart Monastery. Cost is $9 for lunch; donations accepted.
Contact: Benedictine Sisters, 916 Convent Road, Cullman, AL 35055, 256-734-4622, shmon@shmon.org.

JESUIT SPIRITUALITY CENTER
Directed Retreats: The Jesuit Spirituality Center specializes in personally directed retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Solitude and silence are important aspects of these retreats. Retreats may range from three days, five days, or eight days, to a full month.
Jan 15 or Jan. 18, Feb. 2 or Feb. 5, Feb. 23 or Feb.26. Retreats of eight-days begin on the first date. Retreats of five or three days begin on either date. Costs vary according to the length of the retreat.
“Dream Work: Conversations with the Soul,”  Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Led by Deedy Young, Jungian analyst. In this introductory workshop, participants will consider the attitude with which to approach dreams and will explore key elements in the process of unlocking the dream’s meaning. Cost is $50 and includes lunch.
Contact: Jesuit Spirituality Center,  313 Martin Luther King Dr., Grand Coteau, La 70541, 337-662-5251.

Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO)
“Holy Spirit Teen and Young Adult Retreat: Go Forward,” Jan. 2-4, 2015, at the Landmark Hotel, 2601 Severn Avenue, Metairie, La.
Contact: info@ccrno.org, www.ccrno.org, 504-828-1368.

“Retrouvaille,” an international Catholic peer-to-peer ministry which offers a lifeline to troubled marriages, Jan. 23-25, 2015, at Maryhill in Pineville, La. All inquiries and registrations are held in the strictest confidence. Requested donation is $80 per day. Contact: visit www.retrouvaille.org.

Presentation offers update on Tolton cause

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JACKSON  – Brother Gerard Jordan, O.Praem, presented the story of Father Augustus Tolton at Christ the King Parish Saturday, Nov. 8. Brother Jordan is traveling the country on behalf of Bishop Joseph Perry, of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Bishop Perry’s diocese is sponsoring Father Tolton’s sainthood cause.
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry brought the presentation to Jackson. In late September, the archdiocese sealed up all its research about Father Tolton’s life, evidence of two alleged miracles and countless favors into a formal packet to go to the Vatican for the next step, confirmation of the research and verification of the miracles. Part of this step in the journey is for advocates to travel the world, telling the story of Tolton, the first African American diocesan priest in the United States. “Rome has to hear from you,” said Brother Gerard. “You are the church. If you don’t want this to happen, it won’t,” he added.

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JACKSON – Brother Gerard Jordan, O.Praem, brought a presentation about Father Augustus Tolton to Christ the King Parish Saturday. Nov. 8. The priest is a candidate for sainthood. (Photo by Maureen Smith)

Father Tolton’s story has all the drama and intrigue of a classic American adventure tale. Born into slavery at the cusp of the Civil War, Father Tolton’s brave mother ran away from her owners with her three tiny children in tow. When they were stopped at the Mississippi River by a group of Confederate soldiers, it looked like the group was doomed. A troop of Union soldiers stepped in. The two groups agreed they would put mother and children into a boat in the Mississippi River and it would be up to Martha Tolton to try and get to freedom on the other side.
“The boat was old, they only gave her one oar, the Mississippi River is huge and Martha Tolton had never rowed a boat in her life,” explained Brother Jordan. “When she was half way across the soldiers started shooting at them. (Tolton) said she never missed a beat. Can you imagine? Three babies and a mother who had never been in a boat,” Brother Jordan added. The family made it to shore and eventually settled in Quincy, Illinois.
The pastor in Quincy tried to put 14-year-old Tolton in the parish school, but the white families rose up against him. He was educated by nuns who agreed to tutor him separately. He had a similar experience when he tried to enter seminary. He and his pastor wrote letters to every seminary in the country, but none was ready to accept an African American.
In 1872 letters to the Vatican and help from numerous priests and faithful resulted in his admission to the Collegium Urbanum de Propaganda Fide in Rome. He studied in Rome for six years, spending extra time studying African culture and languages since he assumed he would be sent to Africa as a missionary. He was ordained at Easter in 1886. The cardinal in charge of assignments sent Father Tolton back to Quincy, where hundreds came to his first Mass.
Father Tolton was assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Quincy. Although the parish was meant to serve the African American community, crowds of both white and black faithful came to hear Father Tolton. The pastor at the white parish, St. Boniface, complained to the bishop several times. Father Tolton, frustrated and upset, finally asked to be moved. He opened St. Monica Parish in a storefront in Chicago in 1891 and began raising money for a real structure.
Father Tolton would never see the church completed. He died during a heat wave in July 1897 at the age of 43. In his 11 years as a priest he had attended five gatherings of the Black Catholic Caucus. “Thousands lined the streets of Chicago when he died. Thousands more lined the train route when his body was sent back to Quincy,” said Brother Jordan.
How is it that Father Tolton was so famous at the time of his death, but now very few know his story? Brother Jordan said racism and a lack of promotion caused him to fade into the background, but that now is a critical time for Father Tolton.
“The work begins with you. You have got to tell the story,” he urged. Brother Jordan outlined four priorities for the faithful who wish to support Father Tolton’s cause. “The first and foremost is to pray, asking God to prove to the world that heaven and earth made a connection through the intercession of Father Tolton,” said Brother Jordan. “The second thing that needs to happen is catechesis,” he said. Brother Jordan also brought prayer cards and books for everyone, paid for by Father Ricardo Phipps, pastor of Christ the King. The third step is to tell the story, especially to children. Finally, said Brother Jordan, is to pay the cost for all the research and verification, currently at $264,000.
Brother Jordan closed by saying he has written a plan any parish or group can use to establish small groups who will pray together and share Father Tolton’s story. Father Phipps said he would like to establish a group at his parishes and will start spreading the word in the coming weeks.
Those who wish to learn more about Father Tolton can visit the website www.toltoncannonization.org.