Category Archives: Youth

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MERIDIAN – St. Patrick kindergarten students have been learning about the sacrament of baptism. Pictured: Father Augustine Palimattam, center, explains baptism to St. Patrick School kindergarten students on Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
CLARKSDALE – (Right) Bishop Kopacz asked each deanery to designate at least one church to serve as a dedicated pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year of Hope. On his word, deanery four selected St. Elizabeth Church and St. Joseph in Holly Springs. On Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, the parishioners of St. Elizabeth braved the cold weather for a beautiful liturgy outside the church doors, dedicating St. Elizabeth for this purpose. Pilgrims will be eligible to receive a holy year plenary indulgence by visiting, participating in Mass or adoration, praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation within eight days of visiting the pilgrimage site church. St. Elizabeth is honored and blessed to serve in this way and welcomes all pilgrims to visit and participate in Mass and/or adoration. Weekend Mass times are Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Daily Mass is offered Tuesday-Friday and adoration on Wednesdays. Please visit stelizabethclarksdale.org for details and times. (Photo by Catelin Britt)
HOLLY SPRINGS – Holy Family Students listened intently as Sacred Heart Southern Missions’ Food Coordinator Ralph Howard and Director of Administration Carla Crockett answered questions about their work in the community. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
SOUTHAVEN – During Sacred Heart School’s grandparents program, first grader Riley Burks gets a hug from her grandmother after lighting a candle together as a reminder of the light that our grandparents bring to our lives. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
JACKSON – St. Richard School sixth graders – Holt Wright, Anthony Ramsey, Eli Williams and Judah Hill – visited the St. Richard ELC for story time during Catholic Schools Week. This was in celebration and thanks to our Community. St. Richard School values every piece of our “community.” The toddlers at the ELC and St. Richard students were able to really interact with one another and had a wonderful time together. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
MACON – Youth from around the diocese gathered at Lake Forest Ranch in Macon on Jan. 25-26 for the annual High School Confirmation Retreat coordinated by the Department of Faith Formation. Pictured are youth from Crystal Springs roasting s’mores over a bonfire. (Photo by Yvette Howard)
STARKVILLE – College students from across the diocese gathered for a day of fellowship, prayer and more at the “Embracing Joy” winter retreat held at St. Joseph Church in Starkville on Saturday, Feb. 1. (Photo by Amelia Rizor)
MACON – Youth engaged in various activities to strengthen their faith throughout the Confirmation Retreat weekend Jan. 25-26 at Lake Forest Ranch. Pictured are youth from St. James Tupelo, among others fully engaged in their faith. (Photo by Michelle Harkins)

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GREENVILLE – Van Hunt, Henry Wong, Evie Dick and Sebastian Varela along with the entire Our Lady of Lourdes/St. Joseph elementary school created pinwheels for peace. This is a moment for students to reflect on what it means to live in peace, to promote kindness and to spread love wherever they go. Each pinwheel is a symbol of hope for a more peaceful world. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
JACKSON – St. Richard Kindergarteners walked the halls to celebrate the 100th day of school dressed like they were 100 years old. Pictured (l-r): Olivia Mokry and Eliza Weisenberger. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation third grader, Levi Struber plants a pinwheel during the school’s “Pinwheels for Peace” ceremony. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
MADISON – Msgr. Michael Flannery lifts his hands in prayer during weekly Mass at St. Joseph School in Madison. Riley Ward, left, an eighth-grader assists as an altar server. St. Joe students attend a school-wide Mass every Thursday morning. (Photo by Terry R. Cassreino)
YAZOO CITY – Kiley Dew reads at the St. Mary Youth Mass on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo by Babs McMaster)

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Youth Photos from Around the Diocese

JACKSON – St. Richard students, Thomas Ueltschey and Andrew Compretta, enjoyed popsicles and an outdoor bubble party that they earned for reaching their fundraising goal during #iGiveCatholic. (Photo by Caitlin Burkes)
PEARL – St. Jude parish celebrated Las Posadas on Dec. 18, 2024. Posada is the Spanish word for lodging, it is religious celebration in Latin America that commemorates Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. (Photo by Jessica Sullivan)

TUPELO – Elementary faith formation students at St. James parish dressed up as the Three Kings who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. Pictured above are Patton Weatherford in red, Christian Orostico in purple and Thomas Weatherford in blue, with Father Octavio Escobar on Jan. 4. Pictured below are Jones Bridges, Peter Morton and Reagan Burnley on Jan. 5. (Photo by Rhonda R. Swita)

JACKSON – Sixth graders at St. Richard School offer several gift options to the residents at the Manhattan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for Christmas. All items are donated, and the residents “pay” with pretend money. The Manhattan Mall is one of the biggest service projects that the St. Richard sixth grade class participates in throughout the year. Everything is decorated, set up and organized by the students. Pictured is Michael Turner assisting a resident shop for Christmas gifts, as Nicholas Morisani looks on. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
TUPELO – St. James parish held a Christmas VBS program on Dec. 15, 2024, in conjunction with their monthly family faith formation program. It was the first time all parents attended a VBS event! The theme for the program was: “The Wonder and Awe of Our Lord.” Parents worked together coming up with “I Wonder” statements, and created a family heart to place in their home manager scene, or a star to place on their Christmas tree. For games, families played a “memory” card game matching up the mysteries of the rosary. It was a special time for family and faith interaction. The Bible adventure also included three students dancing to the song “Mary Did You Know.” Pictured are Carolyn Gan Lim (in back), Emma Thompson (in front) and Elizabeth Sheffield (on right with doll). (Photo by Rhonda R. Swita)
MAGEE – Children at St. James parish enjoyed a visit from Santa. (Photo by Kirby J. Rivere)

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Around the diocese

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School hosted “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, Dec. 7. (Above) Pearl and Theodora Hussein enjoy breakfast with their grandmother. (Right) The Dominguez family enjoys breakfast together. (Photos by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
JACKSON – St. Richard first graders came together after reading about the gingerbread man and decided to make one of their own. Only when they went to pull him out of the oven, he was missing! Students would love to receive postcards from around the world letting them know where you see him! You can mail your postcards to 100 Holly Drive, Jackson, MS 39206. Pictured beginning with Ms. Ashley Sheppard are Malia Owens, Ryan Barlow, Tesni Jackson, Marilee Nelson, Lazarus Dillon, Raelynn Whitty, Federico Diaz, Thomas Morisani, Cecilia Brown, Maddie Vandiver, Corinne Thomas, Marleigh Walker and Raegan White. (Photo by Kathleen Hand)
MADISON – St. Anthony sixth grader, Emerson Schuhmann assists second grader Lawson Griffin in learning the Act of Contrition prayer while preparing for the Sacrament of Penance at St. Francis parish. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)
PEARL – Youth at St. Jude parish welcome the new liturgical year with a fire on Wednesday, Nov. 27. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation third graders, Austin Vidrine, Garrison Westby and Sam Sherrill learn about Reed Sancho’s science fair project. (Photo by Jacque Hince)

GREENVILLE – (Above) St. Joseph students, Cadence McDonald, Malorie Lockett and Kimberly Holland help organize canned goods donated for Thanksgiving. (Left) CJ Martinek and Jay Chow help unload a truck full of canned goods for the St. Vincent de Paul food drive. (Photos by Nikki Thompson)

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick fifth graders, Valentina Espino and Italy Oregon, look at the gifts left in their shoes by St. Nicholas on Dec. 6. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
NATCHEZ – Cathedral School student Presley Smith loves what St. Nicholas left in her shoe. (Photo by Brandi Boles)

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Around the diocese … and beyond

MERIDIAN – Melanie Pressly, first grade teacher at St. Patrick School, checks William McNair’s “voter ID card.” The candidates were Duck, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Arthur. It was a close race, but Clifford won the election! (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
MADISON – The St. Joseph School Bruin News Now crew film the Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, edition of the award-winning, student-produced newscast on location at Independence Square in Philadelphia. Students were in Philadelphia to attend the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association fall high school journalism convention. Pictured here are news anchor Thierry Freeman, a junior; camera operator Davis Hammond, a sophomore; and Jason Buckley, a sophomore. (Photo by Terry Cassreino)
JACKSON – George Rutherford, Max Jones, Stella McArthur and Anna Kate Yentzen work with sculptor, Roz Roy, making clay cardinals. Fourth grade students recently enjoyed a field trip to the Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild where they worked with artisans specializing in woodworking, pottery and weaving. (Photo by Tori Liberto)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation School celebrated All Saint’s Day Mass on Friday, Nov. 1 with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Jeffrey Waldrep. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick School first grade teacher Melanie Pressly and assistant Cassy Klutz, watch as Father Augustine Palimattam blesses bottles of holy water on Friday, Nov. 23. Pressly’s class dressed up as saints and held a “Saintsgiving” celebration. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
MCCOMB – Parishioners and youth at St. Alphonsus enjoyed games and fellowship for Halloween. (Photo by Kristen L. Jones)
SOUTHAVEN – PreK-4 students at Sacred Heart School practice silent prayer time at the end of chapel. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
CLARKSDALE – Fifth and sixth grade students made games for “Math and Science Night” that enhanced learning and fun for all ages. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)

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Around the diocese

COLUMBUS – Annunciation sixth graders celebrated All Saint’s Day Mass on Friday, Nov. 1 with Bishop Joseph Kopacz by dressing up as their chosen saint. After Mass, students from other grades met the “Saints” and learned about their extraordinary lives. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick School’s kindergarten class took part in their All Saints Day Mass by dressing up and singing the Litany of the Saints. Pictured with the class are from left, Elizabeth McLaren, kindergarten assistant, Rob Calcote, principal, Father Augustine Palimattam and kindergarten teacher, Stacye Stevens. Not shown is Cassy Klutz, kindergarten religion teacher. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
MADISON – St. Joseph performed “Antigone,” inspired by a play written by Sophocles and directed by Leslie Ann Harkins on Nov. 9. Pictured: Valeria Valdez, Emma Williams, Talia Ramos, Turner Brown, Zaniah Purvis (Antigone), Atticus Gomez, Molly Moody, and others. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
MADISON – The St. Joseph Catholic School Bruin News Now crew film the Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, edition of the award-winning, student-produced newscast on location at Independence Square in Philadelphia. St. Joe students were in Philadelphia to attend the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association fall high school journalism convention. The convention took place Thursday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 10. Pictured here are news anchor Thierry Freeman, left, a junior; camera operator Davis Hammond, a sophomore; and Jason Buckley, left, a sophomore. (Photo by Terry Cassreino)
CLARKSDALE – Fifth and sixth grade students made games for “Math and Science Night” that enhanced learning and fun for all ages. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
JACKSON – St. Richard first graders dressed up as a saint of their choice for All Saints Day on Friday, Nov. 1. At school Mass, the students led the procession dressed as their chosen saint. After Mass, the students were introduced as their saint, and families were then welcomed over to school, where the students were able to share a few facts about their saint. Pictured (l-r) front to back: Federico Diaz, Jonah Grant, Laz Dillon, Tesni Jackson, Eva Ehrgott, Marilee Nelson, Thomas Morisani, Winn Nicholas, Malia Owens and Thea Saucier. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
VICKSBURG – Election Day was a success at St. Francis Xavier/Vicksburg Catholic School. Pictured: Poll workers – Oliver Hesselberg and John Matthews, with voter – Michaela Sanchez. (Photo courtesy of school)

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Around the diocese

COLUMBUS – Fifth grade students walk through a line during Mass to receive “puff ball blessings” – an example of how God blesses us even if we have a cross to bear. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
NATCHEZ – Grafton Dollar, Ella Blase Gaude and Phillip Hammond work on a fun project at Cathedral School. (Photo by Brandi Boles)
FLOWOOD – St. Paul Early Learning Center PreK-4 and 5 students work on pumpkin carving. Pictured: Ellie Peters, Jonathan Speights, Nora Wallace, Litton Pambianchi and Cooper Smith. (Photo by Susan Irby)
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart eighth graders volunteer at Sacred Heart Southern Missions preparing Angel Tree gifts. (Photo by Bridget Martin)
MADISON – St. Anthony first grade students welcome Fathers Joseph Ashok Thumma and Joseph Reddy Golamari to school and ask about their upcoming All Saints Day Mass. (Photo by Bridget Moorhead)
VICKSBURG – St. Francis Xavier third and fourth graders sing “Hey Jack,” featuring Jack Dornbush as Jack. (Photo by Mary Arledge)
JACKSON – St. Richard Early Learning Center students Charlotte Loper, Elle Breite, Casey Creel, Jack Bingham, Miles Harrison and Margot VanDenLangenberg enjoy play time. (Photo by Janiyah Thomas)
JACKSON – St. Richard fifth graders perform “13 Colonies,” for fellow students and families. The skit is an exploration of the original colonies in America. Pictured (l-r): Thomas Ueltschey, Elliott Montagnet and Andrew Compretta. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
GREENVILLE – Lena and Evie Reed pick out a book with their mom, Angel, at the St. Joseph School Book Fair. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
MERIDIAN – A firefighter gives high fives to St. Patrick School’s PK-3, PK-4 and Kindergarten classes as part of a visit during Fire Prevention Week. (Photos by Helen Reynolds)
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth School had a blast with their Halloween Movie Night FUNdrasier. (Photos by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)

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Around the diocese

MACON – St. Jude youth leaders Lauren and Jojo Roberts with youth participants in Midle School Retreat on Oct. 5/6. (Photo by Lauren Roberts)
FOREST– St. Michael celebration in Gattis park on Oct. 6. Jeunn Guroin and Jerry Tambriz preparing piñata for youngsters. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
MADISON – St. Joseph Catholic School students Keden Murry, left, Riley Bianchini and Pierce Johnston pack donated items in a box for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Jackson. St. Joe students, faculty, staff and families have spent the past few weeks collecting non-perishable food items, paper towels and other items for the Hope Lodge where cancer patients stay free of charge when receiving necessary medical treatment. St. Joseph and St. Richard Schools in Jackson combined this year to collect more than 3,000 items and more than $3,500 in cash to help Hope Lodge. (Photo by Terry Cassreino)
JACKSON – Students line up at this year’s St. Richard School Cardinal Fest Dunking Booth for a chance to dunk their teachers! This is a favorite for all students! (Photos by Celeste Saucier)
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph school celebrated a special Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Wednesday, Oct. 16 before a blessing of the new athletic facility made possible by a generous bequest from alumni, Salvador Sarullo. Pictured: Father Gabriel Savarimuthu, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Father Sleeva Reddy, Fletcher McGaugh, Tayshun Bonney and Victor Baker as altar servers. (Photos by Tereza Ma)
GREENVILLE – Several young ladies in the St. Joseph choir got in some extra practice with Laura Jackson before a Mass with Bishop Kopacz on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
PEARL – St. Jude youth celebrated Hispanic Heritage month on Sept. 18 with an afternoon full of creative activities and delicious food. Pictured: David Hall, Kathleen Edwards and Lauren Roberts help children choose items for their chosen project. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi Early Learning Center recently received a visit from the local Fire Department for a presentation on fire prevention. (Photo by Chelsea Scarbrough)

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SOUTHAVEN – As part of a fundraising campaign Sacred Heart students could build a bear on Thursday, Sept. 19. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)

CLARKSDALE – Laken Smith and Graves Walker play games at the annual St. Elizabeth fair. (Photos by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph sixth graders, Javeon Easley and Adalyn Thompson, meet their K-5 buddy, Madolyn Clanton and build crazy animals in the library. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
JACKSON – Ms. Morris’ Kindergarten class watched their butterflies grow from hungry caterpillars to dull chrysalis to colorful butterflies. Her class cheered and watched as their butterflies were released. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
MERIDIAN – Third graders, Hunter Gillespie and Caroline Augustine help lead Friday Rosary at St. Patrick School. (Photo by Owen Kasey)
FLOWOOD – Teddy Walker works on his activity from the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. (Photo by Susan Irby)
MADISON – Paige Loyacono, St. Joseph Catholic School’s 2023 Homecoming Queen, crowns senior Jennifer Crotty Homecoming Queen for 2024 during halftime of the Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Homecoming football game. Dr. Dena Kinsey, St. Joe principal, watches in front. (Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School)
PEARL – St. Joe Madison, Jr. High Bruin, Riley Bianchini out runs Park Place Academy for a touchdown on Thursday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
JACKSON – Clovis and Silas Berlin of St. Anthony School set up a lemonade stand one weekend to raise funds for the Hurricane Helene victims. (Photo by Victor Gray-Lewis)

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COLUMBUS – (Above) Second grader, Henry Hince receives a blessing from Father Jeffrey Waldrep at Annunciation School. (Photo by Jacque Hince)
HOLLY SPRINGS – Holy Family School student Sophia hands first responders her “thank you” card for Patriots Day on Sept. 11. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
JACKSON – St. Richard students George Rutherford, Gabriel Sullivan and Joseph (Reeves) Buckley that are part of Cub Scout Pack 30 led the procession for Patriots Day Mass on Sept. 11. During this Mass students, families and supporters sang “God Bless America,” said the Pledge of Allegiance and spoke about the significance of our country’s flag and its symbolism. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
GREENVILLE – First Communion, St. Joseph, May 5, 2024. Pictured: Ryker Ruggeri of St. James, Leland; Father Jose Sanchez; Luke Jones of Our Lady of the Lake, Lake Village, Arkansas; Matthew Cannatella of Our Lady of the Lake, Lake Village; Cesare Wilson and Owen Swafford of St. Joseph Church. (Photo courtesy of Mary Lynn Powers)
NATCHEZ – Dual enrollment students in Anatomy and Physiology dissected rats in class. Pictured: Brittany Smith, Ella Skates, Ally Blanton and Molly Shirley. (Photo by Sarah Welch)

CLARKSDALE – Students at St. Elizabeth School joined around the American flag for a Patriots Day prayer service on Sept. 11. (Photos by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)

(Below) FLOWOOD – Ms. Betty Taylor reads to nursery babies at St. Paul Early Learning Center. (Photo by Susan Irby)

MADISON – St. Anthony second grader, Lawson Griffin reads with his sixth grade reading buddies Liza McCarthy and Channing Smith. (Photo by Celeste Tassin)

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman students, JaKauzi Brown, Joelle Carpenter and Amirah Wilson play the game “Monkeys in a Barrel” to see how many “monkeys” they can get, then worked on creating a bar graph for a graphing lesson. (Photo by Christopher Payne)
MERIDIAN – (Above) Fifth graders at St. Patrick School try out their balloon rocket in science class. Pictured (l-r): Patrick Pittman, Kayleigh Johnson and Nolan Alexander. (Photo by Kasey Owen)