Category Archives: Parish News

Community invited to parish fair

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A blues musician entertained the crowd.

JACKSON – St. Mary Parish hosted its Fall Carnival Saturday, Oct. 18. This year’s emphasis was placed on increasing participation from the surrounding community. Local residents joined parishioners for activities including a performance by the “Blues Man,” a mini petting zoo, and  a magical clown. The local fire department brought a truck for the young people to explore. In addition, representatives from local religious orders were available to share information about their faith, and a representative from the American Cancer Society had an exhibit about breast health.
Food was prepared by Daniel Dillon and was free so everyone would feel welcome to attend regardless of their ability to pay.

Volunteers make plates for people attending the St. Mary Parish Fair Saturday, Oct. 18. (Photos courtesy of Monique Davis)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, book discussion group   Monday, Nov. 17, at noon to discuss Stephen King’s :The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.”
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, Bible study on Jewish King David, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Led by Edgar Meyer.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, “The Bible Timeline,” an in-depth follow-up to the Quick Journey Through the Bible, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and on Thursdays at 10 a.m. (excluding Nov. 13) in Heritage Hall.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, rosary on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Father Tom Lalor Chapel.
  • GREENWOOD St. Francis Parish revival, Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 17-18, at 6:30 p.m. led by Father Anthony Bozeman, SSJ, from New Orleans.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, Advent retreat, “Incarnation: The Marvelous Way God Found Us,” Saturday, Dec. 6, begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration and ends with Mass. Presented by Father Anthony Quyet, rector. Lunch will be served.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, “Preserving Your Memories,” an art therapy project, Monday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Open to all who are grieving. Details: Jan Mills, 210-737-4759.

    PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, Bishop Joseph Kopacz will celebrate the 11 a.m. Mass Sunday, Nov. 23. Lunch will be served afterwards.
    –Adult Christmas dinner party on Saturday, Dec. 13, and celebration of Grandparents’ Day on Sunday, Dec. 14.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite Mass in Latin, Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. This Mass is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month.
  • CLEVELAND ecumenical Thanksgiving service, Sunday, Nov. 23, 6 p.m. at the First Assembly of God on Yale St. Area ministers, including Father Kent Bowlds, pastor of Our Lady of Victories Parish, will lead  the prayers and area choirs will lead the music. People are invited to bring non-perishable groceries and an offering will be taken up for Helping Hands, the local Christian assistance agency.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, annual Advent choir concert, Sunday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. Mass, followed by a reception in the library.
    – Children’s Christmas pageant, “Following the Star,” Saturday, Dec. 6. All children are invited to participate. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church. This program is held in conjunction with the chili supper.
  • GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish, full health screenings on Sunday, Nov. 23, after the 9 a.m. Mass.
  • GREENVILLE Our Lady of Lourdes School, Soup-R Fall fund-raiser, Thursday, Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m. The events will include children’s artwork display, bingo games and a silent auction of class artwork.
  • GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary, daily Mass is being celebrated at 7 a.m. in the main church (instead of the chapel) followed by Eucharistic adoration from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., and ending with Benediction.
  • GRENADA St. Peter Parish hosting Paul George, renowned speaker, on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, Ministry appreciation supper, Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: 662-429-7851.
    – Frozen casserole sale, Saturday, Nov. 22, beginning at 9 a.m. Parishioners are encouraged to donate at least one casserole for the sale. Details: LaRae Walgenbach, 901-486-0225.
    – Performers for the Christmas program “Our Way to Bethlehem” are needed. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 6 – 7 p.m. The program is set for Sunday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. Details: Lisa Ward, 901-268-8648.
  • JACKSON Christ the King Parish, Knight of Peter Claver Junior Daughters’ spaghetti dinner, Sunday, Nov. 16. Plates are $5.
  • JACKSON St. Therese Parish Knights of Columbus will cook meats for Thanksgiving (smoked or fried turkey, and smoked ham). Cost is $50 each. Details: Julian Valencia, 601-906-1967.
  • LEXINGTON St. Thomas will celebrate Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays beginning the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30 in place of the Saturday vigil Mass.
  • MADISON St. Anthony Catholic School Starry Night Gala, Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $150 and admit two. Details: Jennifer Kelemen at (601) 607-7054.
  • MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish, needs participants for the “Christ in Christmas” program. Sign up on Nov. 15-16 after all Masses.
    – Advent Fair, “The King is Coming,” Sunday, Nov. 23, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. All are invited for lunch, kid’s Advent crafts and games. To assist contact Mary Catherine George, mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
  • NATCHEZ “Souvenirs of Travel: Natchezians and the Grand Tour,” a program/presentation by Jefferson Mansell, Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 106 S. Commerce Street.  Mansell will present his research on the art work of Clifton House, Natchez – destroyed during the Civil War, which includes the “Cathedral Paintings,” now in the St. Mary rectory.
    – Blood drive, Monday, Nov. 17, from noon – 6 p.m in the Family Life Center. Visit www.bloodhero.com to make an appointment.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish, illuminated Advent rosary, Sunday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. in the Rosary Garden. Cookies and cocoa will be served following the rosary.
    – All children ages 3 years – sixth grade are invited to sing in the choir for the 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. Practices will be held on Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21, at 3 p.m.
  • SOUTHAVEN Christ the King Parish, Advent/Christmas concert, Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. followed by a dinner.
  • YAZOO CITY Parishioners are invited to join the Sunday school teachers to make casseroles in the cafeteria kitchen after Mass on Sunday, Nov. 16, for the bake sale.
    – St. Mary Parish bake sale, Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Casseroles, dressing, breads, desserts, misc. food items and a variety of Christmas items will be sold. A grilled chicken plate lunch will be available for take out.

World Marriage Day 2015

  • JACKSON – World Marriage Day 2015 will be held Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. There will be Mass with a reception immediately following. The Mass honors all married couples, but invites those celebrating their 25th, 50th, 60th or any significant anniversary. Those interested in attending are asked submit their name, address and wedding date to their parish secretary by Dec. 27,  2014. Invitations will be mailed in late January. Details: Jennifer Eidt at the Office of Family Ministry at 601-960-8487, Jennifer.eidt@jacksondiocese.org.

Special Kids, Scouts start fund-raising for new facilities

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Joshua R. helps prepare a meal as part of life skills training in the Special Kids Program.

Joshua R. helps prepare a meal as part of life skills training in the Special Kids Program.

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – St. Richard Parish has officially kicked off an effort to build a new facility for the Special Kids Program as well as a Boy Scout building and parking lot. The building will be located on property already owned by the parish, across from the main church building.
The Special Kids Program serves young men and women with intellectual and emotional disabilities. Younger students take classes in St. Richard School while the older kids, age 13-21, go to a parish-based program currently located in a house owned by the parish. There, teachers Kim Turner, Lindsay Blaylock and Agnes Morgan build individualized education plans for each student based on their strengths and needs. “It is the best place to be,” said Turner. “These kids are happy. The program offers a calm, stable, happy place and they are learning over here,” she added.
Because each student’s needs and goals are different, they all get very personal attention to learn life skills such as cooking, shopping, cleaning and how to navigate social situations. The students visit the public library, plan menus, shop for, cook and serve meals to special guests and run a small gift booth in the parish office. During the academic portion of the day they will all focus on one theme, but each will get a personalized lesson. “Let’s say we’re talking about money. Some kids will be counting money from the gift booth and talking about how to use it while others will just be recognizing forms of money,” Turner explained. When the students go shopping each one has a specific job. One may push the cart while another uses a written shopping list. Still another may use pictures to find needed items.

Before Special Kids Golf Tournament last year, Mary F. practiced putting.

Before Special Kids Golf Tournament last year, Mary F. practiced putting.

Every year the students host a golf tournament to raise money to support the program. This year the tournament was Thursday, Oct. 17. Turner said they prepared for weeks so the students would know what was expected of them. They have also planted a garden from which they can harvest their own food.
This is the only program in the diocese for children and young adults with these types of disabilities and Turner said the fact that it has a Catholic base is one of the aspects she loves best about it. Pastor Father Michael O’Brien agrees. He said the program is good for the whole St. Richard community, including the typical kids who take classes with the special kids in the separate elementary school program. “It is so good for them to go to school in that atmosphere,” he said. “It’s pro-life all across the board,” he went on to say.
The new development would also include a place for the Boy Scout troops to meet. That program was meeting in another house owned by the parish, but the structure is in need of repair. The special kids building, already named Farrell Hall in honor of Msgr. Patrick Farrell, who founded the Special Kids Program more than 30 years ago, would be connected by a porch to the Boy Scout building. An architect will design each to fit the needs of each program. Turner said updating the design would allow the program, which currently serves seven students, to expand.
A third goal of the project is to add off-street parking for events. Father O’Brien explained that the parish already owns some empty lots across the street. Currently people coming to events in Foley and Glynn Halls have limited parking along the street. Parish leaders decided to join the three efforts into one so the whole development could be cohesive. It will include landscaping and fit into the neighborhood.
Those who wish to donate can contact the parish. Donations can be earmarked specifically to each of the three projects. For more information, call the parish office at 601-366-2335.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • AMORY St. Helen Parish, Scripture study delving into the parables, on Wednesdays from 7 – 8 p.m.
  • BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, study on the history and theology of the Mass on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Nov. 6. Led by Brother Senan Gallagher, ST.
  • CORINTH St. James Parish, Mass of Anointing, Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. with Father Henry Shelton.
  • GREENWOOD St. Francis Parish revival, Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 17-18, led by Father Anthony Bozeman, SSJ, from New Orleans.
  • MAGNOLIA St. James, study and sharing of the book “33 Days to Morning Glory,” starting Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. in St. James Hall. Led by Father Thirumalareddy Suresh Reddy.
    – Book Club: “Becoming the Sign” by S. Kathleen  Hughes. Led by Sister Dana Huffner.
  • MERIDIAN annual St. Patrick Cemetery Mass, Monday, Nov. 3, at 12:05 p.m., corner of 10th Street and 39th Avenue. In case of inclement weather, the Mass will be moved to St. Aloysius Chapel in St. Patrick Church.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish adult education class, Father Robert Barren’s series, “Priest, Prophet and King,” Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Group discussion follows the video presentation.

PARISH & FAMILY EVENTS

  • BOONEVILLE St. Francis parishioners are asked to write on the Memory Cloth the names of loved ones who would like to be remembered during November, the month of All Saints and All Souls. This cloth will be hung on the altar and at the end of the month, it will be used in a prayer ceremony with the Sunday school students. All are invited to attend.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, All Souls Day cemetery blessings, Sunday, Nov. 2. Oakridge at 1 p.m.; Memorial Gardens at 1:30 p.m.; Friars Point at 2 p.m.
  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish fall’s annual fund-raiser, “Taste of Italy,” lasagna dinner, Tuesday, Nov. 18. Proceeds will go toward the church renovation project. Details: Church office, 662-846-6273.
    COLUMBUS Annunciation School art auction, “Mississippi Blues Trail,” Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in the school gym. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Details: Suzy Huckaby, 662-251-3549, or Kay Regimbal, 662-816-0094.
  • GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish Harvest Feast dinner, Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dinners are $10, eat in or take out.
  • GREENWOOD St. Francis School, spaghetti dinner fund-raiser on Thursday, Nov. 6. Adults tickets are $8, and kids 12 and under are $5. There is also a chance to win a new Windows Surface Pro 3.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, Veterans Day special blessing at all Masses Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9. Veterans are encouraged to attend and wear something to indicate their branch of military service.
    – Appreciation supper for all adults who participate in any ministry at the parish, Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Details: 662-429-7851.
  • JACKSON St. Richard School open house, Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m.
    – Bereavement support group meeting, Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. Gerry Gray-Lewis and other leaders will facilitate “Getting Through the Holidays When You have Lost a Loved One.” Details: Gray-Lewis, 601-988-2639, or Nancy McGhee, 601-942-2078.
    – Hunger Banquet, Saturday, Nov. 15, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Volunteers are needed. Details: Raymond Barry, 601-366-2335, barry@saintrichard.com.
  • JACKSON St. Therese Parish, garage sale, Saturday, Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. – noon. Soccer and volleyball tournament from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Costumes’ dance, from 7 – 11 p.m. in the gym. Cost is $10 for adults and  $5 for children ages 8-12.
    – Fall Festival, Sunday, Nov. 9. Bilingual Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by the festival and silent auction. Dinner tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. Details: Mary Parker, mary515@hotmail.com, or the parish office, 601-372-4481.
  • JACKSON Christ the King and St. Mary parishes, football game day trip to Lorman, JSU vs ASU, Saturday, Nov. 22, leaving at 10 a.m. from Christ the King Church. Cost is $35 per person (does not include ticket to the game) Seating is limited. Details: Jane Annette, 601-573-0798, jannette312@aol.com.
  • McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, St. Hubert’s Mass and supper, Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. Bring your favorite wild game dish, a side dish or dessert.
    – Fall Fashion and Faith Rocks Fashion Show, Sunday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, training for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Sunday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m.
    – Fall musical and variety fashion show and Hawaiian luau, Saturday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Reserved tickets are $20, adults, $10, and children through high school, $5. Details: Dan Santiago, 601-917-7364. Proceeds benefit St. Patrick School.
  • MOUND BAYOU St. Gabriel Mercy Center, annual Harvest Festival and opening of the Christmas store, Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, annual cemetery procession, Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. beginning with the  rosary at the Old Catholic Plot 1.
    – Parish retreat, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 7-9, in the O’Connor Family Life Center. There will be time for individual discernment and reconciliation. Cost is $75 per person and includes a dinner and two lunches. Details: Hedy Boelte, hedyboelte@gmail.com.
    – Ballet Magnificat presentation of “Most Incredible Christmas,” a Broadway-style contemporary ballet, Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Natchez City auditorium. Proceeds will benefit The Guardian Shelter, a project of Catholic Charities, Natchez. Tickets are $15. Details: Donna Miller, 601-442-0142.
  • PEARL St. Jude Parish choir, invites anyone interested in singing in the Christmas program before midnight Mass to attend practices on Sundays from 3 – 5 p.m.
  • SHAW St. Francis Parish, blessing of the graves, Sunday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m.

CORRECTION

  • In the Oct. 17 edition of Mississippi Catholic a story about the 130th anniversary of Philadelphia Holy Rosary Mission contained an error. Father Bob Goodyear, ST, has served at the mission for 24 years. We regret the error.

Se reúnen en Corinth para rezar 46 rosarios

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Igual que en Corinth, en otras parroquias de la diócesis se reunieron el año pasado para rezar el rosario en honor a la Virgen de Guadalupe. Esta foto archivo de Sheila Przesmicki del año pasado muestra a miembros de la Parroquia San Francisco de Asís en Booneville reunidos en una casa de familia rezando el rosario.

Igual que en Corinth, en otras parroquias de la diócesis se reunieron el año pasado para rezar el rosario en honor a la Virgen de Guadalupe. Esta foto archivo de Sheila Przesmicki del año pasado muestra a miembros de la Parroquia San Francisco de Asís en Booneville reunidos en una casa de familia rezando el rosario.

CORINTH – Los miembros de la Parroquia St. James comenzaron a rezar el Santo Rosario el 27 de octubre y continuarán diariamente por 46 días en honor a la Virgen de Guadalupe. El último se rezará el 11 de diciembre.
La comunidad se está reuniendo en los hogares para rezar el rosario a las 7 p.m., unidos como una sola comunidad de fe, dijo Mariano Hernández, … ,
Hernández dice que a pesar del frío, en años anteriores se reunieron unas 80 personas diariamente a rezar el rosario. “A veces asisten más y a veces menos” dijo. Esta devoción, añadió, la comenzó el Padre Richard Smith en el 2009. “Empezamos rezando 15, luego 27 y en el 2011 empezamos a rezar los 46 rosarios, los cuales han dado grandes resultados gracias a Dios ya que algunas familias que no asistían a misa después de asistir a los rosarios volvieron a asistir a la iglesia”.
“Los 46 rosarios son un homenaje de nuestra comunidad a Santa María de Guadalupe, inspirados en las 46 estrellas que adornan su manto”, explicó Hernández, añadiendo que el rezo del rosario los ayuda a contemplar los principales hechos de la vida de Jesús acompañado de María. “Tratamos en este tiempo de profundizar, y de alguna manera revivir estos acontecimientos por los que Dios se ha manifestado a nosotros para que vivamos como pueblo suyo”, dijo.
Hernández agregó que durante todo el año cada semana una familia se lleva a su casa a la virgen peregrina pero la devoción de rezar los 46 rosarios es un tiempo en el cual toda la comunidad se une para rezarlos diariamente. A los miembros de la comunidad de San James les envia este mensaje, “Este año te invitamos para que recemos en comunidad el rosario y así con la intercesión de nuestra madre Santísima oremos juntos por las necesidades de nuestra nación y las naciones del mundo para poder ver como realidad la paz.
“También rezaremos específicamente por los sacerdotes, por la santidad de sus vidas, por las vocaciones, y también para que Dios reavive en nosotros los compromisos adquiridos por nuestro sacerdocio bautismal.
“Qué Santa María de Guadalupe, Reina de México y soberana de América, nos ayude a llevar a  todos los hogares y vecindarios de nuestra comunidad de San James  su mensaje de amor, de paz y de esperanza, a través de los 46 rosarios.
Al igual que el año pasado, queremos que este año los rosarios se recen en sus casas y así poder llevar a nuestra virgencita a la mayoría de los hogares y vecindarios de nuestra comunidad, porque, eso es lo que simboliza sus manos juntas, está pidiendo un hogar para que ella habite y en donde se le rece. ¿Este hogar será el tuyo?”
Hernández dijo que los sábados la comunidad se reunirá después de la misa para rezar el rosario.

Holy Rosary marks 70 years of service ; 130 years of mission

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By Maureen Smith
TUCKER – Almost 150 people, many in native Choctaw attire, packed into Holy Rosary Church to celebrate dual anniversaries on Saturday, Oct. 4. The mission is celebrating 130 years of history while also honoring 70 years of service from the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated the Mass while pastor, Father Bob Goodyear, ST, delivered the homily.
The second reading was in Choctaw as were some of the songs used in the liturgy. Chief Phyllis Anderson of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians attended with this year’s Choctaw Princess, Meshay Jimmie.  A Knights of Columbus honor guard from Meridian and Philadelphia was on hand as well.
Most Choctaw Indians were forced out of Mississippi in the 1830s when the federal government forcibly relocated Native Americans to reservations out west in what became known as the Trail of Tears. Holy Rosary Indian Mission started when the few Choctaw who decided to stay in Mississippi had no rights, no identity and very little hope of surviving as a people. A Dutch priest, Father Bartholomew Bekkers, started buying land in Tucker and offering a place for those Choctaw families to live. Father Bekkers offered each family land, a house, seeds and farm tools, a school for their children and a church where they could worship.
“That was the beginning, the foundation of what is now the Choctaw reservation. The seed of self-determination was planted here on this mission land, in this church,” said Father Goodyear in his homily. Even when the federal government tried to cut off education funds to Indian children, the mission stepped in, offering a Catholic education with no government support.
The reservation now boasts a casino and resort, one of the best schools in the county and a thriving community dedicated to continuing to support native Choctaw culture. The mission also thrives, thanks to support from the current generation of Catholics along with the Missionary Servants. The missionary Servants are an order of priests and brothers founded in Alabama. They first came to Holy Rosary in 1944.
Before Mass ended, Chief Anderson presented two tribal resolutions, one honoring the dedication of the diocese, a second honoring the Missionary Servants. Then, Bea Carson and Sherri Ferguson, members of the tribe presented the bishop with a handmade beaded necklace of the symbol of the Choctaw Indians. Tribe member Gloria White made the medallion using a tradition of ornate beadwork.
After Mass the community offered a potluck dinner featuring local favorites including hominy, fry bread and fried apple pies. After dinner the community had religious bingo, in which the prizes were specific to the Catholic faith, such as rosary beads and images of Mary.
Father Goodyear has served a total of 44 years at the mission, first coming as a young priest. He designed the mission logo, a combination of symbols, a thunderbird to represent the Holy Spirit, a triangle for the Trinity and the Missionary Servants and an arrowhead for the Choctaw.
Father Goodyear spoke of the many changes he has seen during his tenure, but he also spoke of a bright future for the community. “And now Holy Rosary is ours – ours to build, ours to share, ours to pass on to the next generation who will find Christ and receive His Body and Blood in this church; who will come here to find strength and forgiveness, love and support, hope and comfort,” said Father Goodyear.
As a follow up to the celebration, Bishop Kopacz will.lead a mission for Holy Rosary in December.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

  • CORINTH St. James Parish, rosary for respect life, at 8:15 a.m. during the month of October.
  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish eight-week program, “An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the master plan for your life,” beginning Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. with a light supper and on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the St. Elizabeth rectory at 12:10 p.m.
  • GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, “The Bible Timeline” meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and on Thursdays (excluding Oct. 9, Nov. 6 and Nov. 27) at 10 a.m. in Heritage Hall (old church). Details: 601-856-2054.
  • GREENWOOD St. Francis and Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) parishes, study of the Book of Genesis, Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – noon and from 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. at IHM parish center.
  • JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, study of “The Gospel of Matthew” on Sundays, Oct. 19-Nov. 23, from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in the Cathedral Center.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, “Evening with Mary,” Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. Lindsay Blaylock is the guest speaker. Reservations are required. Details: Suzan Cox, 601-366-2335, cox@saintrichard.com
  • LEXINGTON St. Thomas, meal, fellowship and Scripture study on Thursday at 6 p.m.
    NATCHEZ Assumption Parish, Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew, Fridays at 8:45 a.m. in Tuite Hall. Led by Roseminette Gaude.
  • YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish, Old Testament Class on Mondays from 3 – 5 p.m. in the parish office. Led by Sister Michele Doyle.

SPECIAL MASSES

  • CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite with Father Scott Thomas, Sunday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m.
  • OXFORD St. John Parish, Inaugural Red Mass, Friday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. Bishop Joseph Kopacz will preside. Sponsored by St. Thomas More Catholic Legal Society at the University of Mississippi School of Law. A dinner reception will follow in the parish hall; cost is $10 per person. Details and RSVP: UMStThomasMore@gmail.com by Oct. 20.
    The Red Mass is a Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated annually at the opening of the judicial year. It’s attended by judges, lawyers, public officials, law faculty, students and graduates.

PARISHES AND FAMILY EVENTS

  • CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Halloween Carnival, Sunday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center.
  • COLUMBUS Annunciation Parish annual Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 26, from 4 – 6 p.m. in partnership with First United Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church. The event includes a “Trunk or Treat” and a costume contest at First United Methodist Church.
  • CORINTH St. James parishioners are asked to  bring pictures of their deceased loved ones the weekend of Oct. 26, to be placed on the memorial shrine during the month of November.
  • FLOWOOD St. Paul Parish, arts and crafts fair, Nov. 1-2. On Saturday, noon – 7 p.m. and on Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Arts and crafts donated by local artisans, a visit from Santa for photo packages, raffles, a silent auction and bakery treats.
  • GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish “Trunk or Treat,”   Friday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. in the front parking lot of St. Joseph School. To enter the contest call the parish office, 662-335-5251.
  • GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish Liturgy on All Saints Day, Saturday, Nov. 1, will be at 9 a.m. After Mass, Father Tom Mullally, pastor, will bless the cemeteries: Delta Memorial around 10 a.m. followed by Oaklawn around 10:30 a.m. and Lakewood at 11 a.m.
  • GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary CYO barbecue supper and carnival, Monday, Oct. 27, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the parish center and outside. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
  • HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish annual frozen casserole sale, Saturday, Nov. 22. Each family is asked to donate at least one casserole.
  • JACKSON St. Richard Parish, Msgr. Glynn brunch, Sunday, Nov. 2, after the 10:30 a.m. in Foley Hall. Bishop Joseph Kopacz will celebrate the 10:30 a.m. Mass and diocesan seminarians will serve as acolytes.
  • JACKSON St. Therese Parish garage sale, Saturday, Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. – noon in the gym.
    – To have the grave of a loved one in the Jackson-metro area blessed for All Souls Day call the parish office, 601-372-4481.
  • MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish Knights of Columbus, “Trunk or Treat,” Saturday, Oct. 25, after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. A costume contest for youth 12 and under, teens, adults and pets and a pumpkin carving contest are part of the celebration. Refreshments will be served and prizes will be awarded. Details: Andy Love, 417-597-0220.
  • MERIDIAN St. Patrick School annual spaghetti dinner, Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Fall Festival, from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
  • NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, appreciation dinner honoring all lay ministers and volunteers, Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 5:30 pm in the Family Life Center.
    SHAW St. Francis of Assisi Parish, spaghetti supper,  Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 4:30 – 7 p.m. Plates are $10.
  • SOUTHAVEN Sacred Heart School, “Caribbean Cruise Night,” Saturday, Nov. 8, from 7 – 11 p.m. Dancing, dinner, silent auction, split the pot raffle, cash bar. Cost is $30 for singles and $50 for couples. Deadline for advanced tickets is Oct. 31. Advanced reservations include one free beverage ticket per person.
  • SOUTHAVEN Christ the King Parish, special blessing of veterans at all Masses on the weekend of November 8-9. Veterans are encouraged to attend and wear something to indicate their branch of military service.
  • YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish, flea market and garage sale on Saturday, Nov. 1. Parishioners can reserve spaces to sell items. Cost is a donation. Details: Parish office, 662-746-1680.
    – The Redemptorist missionaries from Greenwood will celebrate Mass on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m. A potluck lunch will follow.

IN MEMORIAM

  • CHATAWA – School Sister of Notre Dame, SSND, Sister Pauline Rappold, died Sept. 29 at St. Mary of the Pines. Sister Rappold taught children in the primary grades in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and New Mexico. She also taught music. When the Dallas Province initiated an adult literacy program at Notre Dame Educational Center in Canton, she was called to help train teachers and teach there.
    Sister Rappold remained in Canton until she retired to St. Mary of the Pines in 2007. She was buried at the Chatawa Cemetery.

Bishop installs new Holy Family pastor

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By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON – Norbertine Father Xavier Amirtham radiated happiness and gratitude the day of his installation as new pastor of Holy Family Parish, his first assignment in the Diocese of Jackson since he came to the United States from India last September.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz installed him during the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass Saturday, Sept. 20, saying this was a joyful day in the life of Father Amirtham.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz reads a prayer during the installation of Father Xavier Amirtham as pastor of Holy Family Parish. Members of the Knights of Peter Claver and three Norbertine priests attended the installation Mass Saturday, Sept. 20. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)


Bishop Joseph Kopacz reads a prayer during the installation of Father Xavier Amirtham as pastor of Holy Family Parish. Members of the Knights of Peter Claver and three Norbertine priests attended the installation Mass Saturday, Sept. 20. (Photo by Elsa Baughman)

The prior of his Norbertine Order, Abbott Thomas DeWane, O.Praem., and Fathers Jeremy Tobin and Binu Varghese, also Norbertine priests, attended the celebration. Father Edward Balser, past pastor of Holy Family, also attended as special guest.
Father Amirtham is one of nine priests from India serving in the Diocese of Jackson. He lives at the Priory of St. Moses the Black in Raymond.
Before coming to the U.S. he served as pastor of two parishes, served six years as prior of the Norbertine Fathers in his home country and as manager of the Cardinal Gracias High School in the Archdiocese of Bombay, India.
The Norbertines live in a monastic community under the Rule of St. Augustine. The Priory of St. Moses the Black in Raymond, as all their monasteries, is a place of hospitality to guests and offers venues for holding retreats and meetings.
St. Moses the Black was founded in 1990 in the rectory of St. Mary Parish in Jackson. Members engage in Hispanic ministry and prison ministry at the Yazoo City Federal Corrections Complex and the Adams County Correctional Facility near Natchez.
Father Amirtham said at the end of Mass he was very happy and is looking forward to promoting unity and God’s love in his new parish.
At the end of the Mass, parishioner Charlene Stimley Priester, on behalf of her son, councilman Melvin Priester Jr., presented Father Amirtham a proclamation made by the City Council of Jackson honoring him for his new assignment in Holy Family Parish. After Mass the parish hosted a lavish reception to welcome their new pastor.