Category Archives: Youth

Diocesan Youth gather for retreat

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By Abbey Schuhmann
Teens from all across the diocese gathered at Lake Forest Ranch in Macon, Miss., on October 15-16 for the 2016 diocesan high school fall retreat. The retreat was led by a team from National Evangelization Ministries (NET), a Catholic ministry program out of St. Paul, Minnesota. NET Ministries was established 35 years ago and has grown over the years. NET was very popular in our diocese in the 1980s and we are excited to have them serving here once again.
The mission of NET is to spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ through prayer, sacraments, fellowship and service. NET Team #2 led the retreat along with a middle school retreat at Southaven Sacred Heart School. Each NET Team is made of eight-12 young adults usually ages 18-24 years old. The leaders commit to a year of missionary retreat ministry by traveling around the country hosting retreats for parishes and schools.
The theme of our retreat was “Fully Alive” and teens had the chance to reflect on what really brings about true happiness. Ultimately, only Christ will fill our deepest desires of happiness. Our happiness motivates every decision that we make and our youth had the chance to discuss this important concept.
The overnight retreat provided the youth with a high-energy, faith-filled program throughout the weekend. The youth were able to hear powerful witness talks from members of the NET Team, engaged in several small group discussions, experienced a powerful prayer ministry Saturday evening that included the opportunity to go to Reconciliation and participate in praise and worship.
The NET Team also performed funny skits throughout the weekend that the teens and adult leaders alike enjoyed; along with two very touching dramas as well. Our teens also had the chance for some fun and fellowship on Saturday afternoon by participating in some friendly competition including games of ping-pong, dodgeball, sand volleyball and basketball.
On Sunday we celebrated Mass outdoors at the amphitheater with the beautiful lake as our backdrop, Father Jose de’ Jesus Sanchez, director recruitment for the Office of Vocations, served as our principal celebrant. Three seminarians from our diocese were also present throughout the weekend; Aaron Williams, Hayden Schmitt, and Cesar Sanchez participated in the small group sessions and shared their own personal vocation stories with our youth and assisted with the liturgy.
The adult youth leaders had the opportunity to meet one another and discuss the youth ministry programs at their respective parishes.
The Office of Youth Ministry looks forward to offering valued, faith-filled, meaningful experiences for the youth of our diocese moving forward through retreats, rallies, and other related activities.
If you’d like more information regarding diocesan youth events, contact Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for the office of youth ministry for the Diocese of Jackson at abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org or 601-949-6934.

Seminarian Aaron Williams, center, shared some of his vocation story in small group settings.

Seminarian Aaron Williams, center, shared some of his vocation story in small group settings.

Young people broke into small groups for reflection activities. At left, a group of boys has a discussion about faith. The team also led an icebreaker with (l-r) Austin Cabral, NET member from Hilmar, Calif.; Cori Matsumiya, NET member from Orange, Calif.; Aaron Williams, seminarian from Jackson and John Baladi, from Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish. (Photos courtesy of Abbey Schuhmann)

Young people broke into small groups for reflection activities. At left, a group of boys has a discussion about faith. The team also led an icebreaker with (l-r) Austin Cabral, NET member from Hilmar, Calif.; Cori Matsumiya, NET member from Orange, Calif.; Aaron Williams, seminarian from Jackson and John Baladi, from Gluckstadt St. Joseph Parish. (Photos courtesy of Abbey Schuhmann)

Lake Forest Ranch in Macon provided a beautiful backdrop for presentations and reflections.

Lake Forest Ranch in Macon provided a beautiful backdrop for presentations and reflections.

Members of NET's team organized sporting activities such as basketball.

Members of NET’s team organized sporting activities such as basketball.

The young people divided into small groups for discussions and sharing.

The young people divided into small groups for discussions and sharing.

YOUTH BRIEFS

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CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth Parish youth will trick or treat for canned goods for the Care Station Sunday, Oct. 30. Call Sarah Cauthen, 662-645-6260, if the youth can stop at your house to pick up canned goods.

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, training for new altar servers, children in fourth-grade and up, Monday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m. One parent must attend the service. Details: Jenifer Jenkins, 662-846-6273, ext. 18.
– Halloween party, Sunday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. in the parish center.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, Theology of the Body, for ninth-12th graders, Wednesdays from 5:30  – 7 p.m.
– Youth Ctr for seventh and eighth graders on Wednesdays from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall.
–  The CYO will host a children’s Halloween party for Canton Sacred Heart Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the parish center.

JACSKON Elmore Peterson Law Firm invites youth from first to 12th grade to celebrate diversity with an art and essay competition. Prizes include a new laptop computer and $250 worth of classroom supplies for the teacher of the student’s choosing. Entries should answer the question: Wouldn’t life be boring if we were all the same?
Students may submit a drawing, an essay, a children’s story or a letter to the president in response to the question. All entries are due Dec. 1 to Elmore Peterson Law Firm, 1867 Crane Ridge Dr., Ste. 150-A, Jackson, MS 39216 or by email to mail@elmorepeterson.com. Winners will be announced January 2017.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, youth groups bake sale – cakes, cookies, homemade candy, soups and casseroles – Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22-23, after all Masses. .
– Halloween Haunted House, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 25-26, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for ninth-12th graders.
– Wednesday, Oct. 26, Halloween carnival from 6 – 8 p.m. for preK 3 through eighth graders.

Explore the Call

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JACKSON – SEARCH Retreat is a unique retreat experience designed for youth who have a strong desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ. It’s a retreat “for teens, led by teens” with a strong focus on vocations. Youth in 11th and 12th grades are encouraged to register for this event set for Nov. 11-13 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Spaces are limited. SEARCH engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold, real, active and healthy way. This retreat is intended for youth who are looking to “go deeper” in their faith. Register at www.jacksonsearch.com.

YOUTH BRIEFS

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BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, monthly youth dinners on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. beginning Oct. 19.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, Theology of the Body for Teens in ninth-12th grades, Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the Youth Center and for seventh and eighth graders from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Heritage Hall classroom.

GREENWOOD St. Francis Parish, Deanery III youth Mass, Sunday, Oct. 9, at 4 p.m. Youth Fellowship follows.

MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish children in grades first through fifth grades are invited to join Cub Scouts Pack 716. Details: parish office, 601-856-5556.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick School PSA, “Spirit Night” at Mugshots, Monday, Sept. 25, from 5 – 9 p.m. Ten percent of sales will be donated to the school.
– The Monday game night between The Saints and The Falcons will be shown at the restaurant.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica CYO celebration for students in sixth-12th grades, Sunday, Sept. 25, beginning with Mass at 10 a.m. followed by a pizza party, games and witness testimony,  praise and worship music by Q, a music minister from New Jersey.

TUPELO St. James Parish, youth fellowship/parish fair Go Fishin’ booth preparation, Sunday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m.

Student essay earns trip

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Jackson St. Richard School sixth-grader Edderek Cole was one of 10 youngsters chosen from a pool of more than 2,800 entrants to attend the U.S. Open Tennis tournament thanks to an essay about how lessons learned on the tennis court can help development and character off it.
The Arthur Ashe Essay Contest was open to students 18 and younger who participate in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) programs across the country.
This year’s essay contest focused on tennis legend and pioneer Althea Gibson and her ability to show unwavering strength and courage in the face of adversity. That enabled her to become a trailblazer in the tennis world as the first African-American Grand Slam and U.S. Championships winner. This year’s question asked: “How have your skills in tennis impacted the development of your character and how you address your personal challenges on and off the court?”
The winners were honored at the Yale Club in New York City and invited to Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, where they’ll received VIP status in the President’s Box.
The weekend wrapped up with an awards luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 28, hosted by USTA Foundation chairman and former world No. 4 James Blake and former New York City mayor and USTA board member David Dinkins. This marks the 18th annual contest hosted by the USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the United States Tennis Association.
“This year’s Arthur Ashe Essay contest winners consist of a talented group of students from some of our most outstanding NJTL programs,” said Dan Faber, USTA Foundation executive director. “This year’s responses were some of the most phenomenal ones we’ve read as they truly highlighted their individual experiences and personal strengths as a result of the positive impact tennis has had on their lives. We are proud of their hard work.”

Youth Briefs

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Search Retreat
JACKSON – Youth in 11th and 12th grades are encouraged to register for the fall SEARCH Retreat to be held Nov. 11-13 at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Spaces are limited.
SEARCH Retreat is a unique retreat experience designed for youth who have a strong desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ. It’s a retreat “for teens, led by teens” with a strong focus on vocations.
SEARCH engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold, real, active and healthy way. This retreat is intended for youth who are looking to “go deeper” in their faith.
Register by visiting www.jacksonsearch.com. The registration deadline is Oct. 11. The cost is $120. In addition to registering online, youth need to present a copy of Diocesan Forms A, B, and E.

BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, LifeTeen gathering, “Prepare”: Unleash: Personal Prayer, Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
– 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Immaculate Mary’s role in salvation history.
– Saturday, Sept. 10, beginning at 8:30 a.m., youth room work day.
– Sunday, Sept. 11, 10:45 a.m. – noon, “Lip Sinc.”
– Wednesday, Sept. 14, 5:45 p.m. personal prayer. 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. “Sin and Salvation.”

JACKSON – The Office of Youth Ministry invites all ninth through 12th graders to the high school fall retreat, “Fully Alive, experiencing true happiness.” The two-day event is set for Oct. 15-16 at Lake Forest Ranch in Macon. The cost is $60 per person.
The weekend starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and ends at 2 p.m. Sunday. It will include games, small group activity, skits, community building, witness talks, music, sacraments and time for reflection.
National Evangelization Team (NET) will lead the retreat. Registration is due by Friday, Sept. 23. Call or email Abbey Schuhmann at 601-949-6934.

MADISON – St. Joseph School will host its annual sixth grade deck party Friday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. Participants will receive a ticket to the St. Joseph vs. St Joe Greenville game. Details: Kristi Garrard, 601-898-4812.

Texas Catholic high school community cheers swimmer to Olympic bronze

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By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen
FORT WORTH, Texas (CNS) – Matthew Coffer, a 2007 Nolan Catholic High School graduate, said it best in a comment posted to the school’s alumni page: “It was a great night to be a Viking!”
He was referring to the pride and excitement when Nolan alumna Katie Meili won the bronze medal in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The Colleyville native, who graduated from Nolan Catholic in 2009, posted a time of 1:05.69. Another American, Lilly King, beat out a Russian competitor to win the gold.
Meili is the first Olympic athlete in the school’s 55-year history.
“I’m just so happy,” a beaming Meili told reporters moments after her race.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but I’ve had so much support along the way,” Meili said. “This medal belongs to so many more people than just me, and I’m really proud of them.”
The 25-year-old’s former swim teammates at Nolan Catholic gathered for a watch party in the school’s auditorium Aug. 8. They were joined by current students, faculty members, and friends of the Meili family, who had watched the athlete’s swimming prowess blossom, first at Columbia University, where she clinched a 2013 Division I NCAA bronze medal in the 100-meter breaststroke, and later at the invitation-only SwimMAC elite team in Charlotte, N.C.
Sports analysts said Meili was a long shot for an Olympic medal, but that’s not how the Nolan community felt. Current and former Nolan students wore blue T-shirts inscribed with the words, “All Viking for Meili” as they watched the 2016 Olympian compete.
“Everybody at the watch party knew it was going to happen,” said Nolan Catholic President Erin Vader. “If there is power in prayer and positive thinking, the people here got her through it.”
During the race, no one sat down.
“The sound was deafening. People were laughing and crying,” Vader said, describing the moment when TV graphics announced Meili’s bronze-medal finish. “It was thrilling.”
Stephen Montes, a Nolan classmate and friend of Meili, remembered her as “super supportive” of teammates when she swam the breaststroke and 200-meter individual medley in high school.
“Her practices were always intense,” he recalled. “She was a great teammate — humble and down to earth. Regardless of how tonight turned out, we would be proud of Katie.”
Nolan teammate Becky Russell has kept up with Meili’s competitive swimming through social media forums.
“She would give regular updates when she was swimming at Columbia and MAC Elite,” Russell said. “I’ve watched her progress to international meets and get faster and faster. It’s wonderful that she captured the swimming world’s attention.”
Russell applauded Meili’s decision to keep swimming after graduating from Columbia.
“She was never an Olympic shoo-in but at the same time, it was a very real dream,” she said.
“Katie winning this medal makes our other athletes feel like the Olympics are possible and that’s amazing,” Vader says. “It gives them a new goal.”
(Kurkowski-Gillen is a reporter for North Texas Catholic, online newsmagazine of the Diocese of Fort Worth.)

YOUTH BRIEFS

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MADISON  – St. Joseph School journalism students hit the airwaves Friday, Aug. 12, when Jackson’s Catholic radio station began carrying their live, weekly coverage of Bruin football. The award-winning Bruin Sports Radio, staffed and managed by high school journalism students, will broadcast all home-and-away varsity football games live Friday nights on WJXC-LP FM 107.9. Bruin Sports Radio also will be available online through TuneIn Radio.
“Students call every game, offer expert analysis and do an entertaining job in the only program of its kind in the Jackson area,” principal Douglas Jones said. “The live broadcasts are a great way to showcase the talented students in our award-winning journalism program.”
Airtime for all football games on Bruin Sports Radio is 6:45 p.m. every Friday with the coach’s pre-game show; kick off follows 15 minutes later. Each broadcast includes a live halftime show and a post-game analysis show.
Bruin Sports Radio is part of the school’s journalism program. Besides Bruin Sports Radio, high school journalists also publish a newspaper, The Bear Facts; publish a school yearbook, The Shield; and produce a weekly newscast available on YouTube, Bruin News Now.
The Mississippi Scholastic Press Association named Bruin Sports Radio in April 2016 the state’s top student-produced streaming program. The MSPA named the coach’s pre-game show the state’s best student-produced pod cast.
The radio broadcast team includes junior Michael Corkern III, junior Nick Zouboukos, and freshman John Baladi, who will share responsibilities for play-by-play and on-air expert analysis. Others on the broadcast team are senior Matthew Hendley and freshman Will Turner, who will produce and host the coach’s pre-game show and live halftime show.
“Our students do an amazing job every week,” Jones said. “By producing a live, weekly radio show, they gain valuable, real-world experience they could not receive anywhere else and they develop skills and talent that will help them throughout the rest of their lives.”

Christ the King senior wins regional competition

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By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Parris Watts was selected as the first place Region V Winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Essay Competition, sponsored by the National Bar Association and Met Life. On July 21, she competed in the national competition in St. Louis, during the association’s convention. Watts, a senior, is a member of Jackson Christ the King Parish and vice Grand Lady for the Junior Daughters of the Knights of Peter Claver court 199.
The competition is “designed to motivate high school students to excel in education. The competition encourages students to express their views on a preselected topic and focuses on the ability of the students to communicate orally and in writing. The contest is also designed to give young people experience in public speaking and reviewing legal documents,” according to the bar association website.
For the essay, Watts had to address this issue: “The Black Lives Matter movement was created in 2012 after Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watchman. Zimmerman was acquitted. Many have criticized the Black Lives Matter movement for focusing on specific injustices done to African Americans stating there should be an All Lives Matter movement. If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were alive, would he argue that Blacks should focus on the All Lives Matter movement to focus more globally and generally on all lives or would he support the Black Lives Matter movement to focus more on black lives?”
Students were given some basic background materials, but also encouraged to do their own research.
“I argued that he would chose all lives matter because he was fighting for equality for everyone no matter what their race, class, color or situation,” said Watts. Her faith played a role in her arguments. “I was researching how Dr. King based his ideas on the idea of the beloved community. My faith has taught me that Jesus loves everyone equally,” she explained.
While she did not win first at the national level, she was recognized as the top entrant from the region comprised of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Watts hopes to become an attorney herself. She is active in softball, soccer, beta club and student council.
The National Bar Association was founded in 1925 and is the nation’s oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges.

Theology of the Body for Teens

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070816tob

Locus Benedictus
Greenwood, MS
Friday, Aug 5, 6:00pm-
Saturday, Aug 6, 9:00pm

Theology of the Body for Teens is an exciting and dynamic program based on St John Paul II’s revolutionary Theology of the Body being offered to High School teens at Locus Benedictus in Greenwood, MS. This program will give teens the answers and the tools they need to successfully and safely navigate through life..
Contact Tara Trost at 662.515.9126 for more information.
Deadline to register is July 24.