Category Archives: Youth

YOUTH BRIEFS

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GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, high school prayer group resumes Wednesday, March 16, at 5 p.m. in the Youth Center, followed by movie night.
GREENWOOD – Delta Catholic youth retreat, Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Locus Benedictus Retreat Center. Cost is $20 includes meals and a T-shirt.
MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi Parish sixth-graders are invited to participate in this year’s Cajun Fest poster contest. Artwork is due Sunday, March 20. The winner will receive a T-shirt designed by Harold Adcock and $25 worth of Cajun Fest tickets. The event is set for Sunday, May 15, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica junior and senior CYOs are invited to the Seder supper practice on Wednesday, March 16, at 4:30 p.m. and to the fitting for the living Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m.
Living Stations of the Cross, Sunday, March 20. Seder supper drama, Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m.
– Easter egg hunt, Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m.

St. Patrick School announces expansion
MERIDIAN – Enough families committed to St. Patrick School to allow for the addition of an eighth grade for the 2016-17 school year. Enrollment for the new grade is open now and spots are still available.
“By adding 8th grade next year, our students will be able to finish their middle school years here at St Patrick,” explained principal Jennifer David. “At such a vital time in their lives, it is important they have a safe and nurturing environment where they can continue to thrive and grow,” she added
Parents are also thrilled about the announcement. “I am so excited for the future of St Patrick School. I feel blessed that my boys will get to continue their Catholic education through eighth grade at such a wonderful place. Every time I walk through the doors at St Patrick School, it feels like home,” said parent Angela Wassell.
St. Patrick has a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade program and opened an expansion to the school last year, allowing for an expanded library and new classroom space.
Registration and school information is available on their website, www.stpatrickcatholicschool.org or by calling. 601-482-6044.

St. Anthony art teacher recognized by state organization

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By Maureen Smith
MADISON – Amanda Cashman, the art teacher at St. Anthony School, was recognized this fall with the 2015 Bill Poirier Mississippi Outstanding Art Educator of the Year given by the Mississippi Art Education Association (MAEA). The Vicksburg native and fifth-generation graduate of St. Aloysius, was named the art teacher when St. Anthony opened its doors in 2009, but her path to the position took a few turns along the way.
“I didn’t do any education as an undergraduate. I figured I would probably work in a museum or a boutique or gallery,” she said. She decided to investigate teaching after she graduated. That’s when things started falling into place. “When I moved back to Vicksburg my own art teachers from St. Aloysius, Lisa Grant, called me at Christmastime,” said Cashman. Grant was going to take a leave of absence and invited Cashman to fill in for a semester. “Two weeks into it, I said, ‘alright, message received God, this is where I am supposed to be,’” explained Cashman.
In addition to her time at Vicksburg Catholic, she spent time as an art educator at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
St. Anthony is a WHOLE School, which uses a program offered by the Mississippi Arts Commission to integrate arts throughout a school’s entire curriculum. Cashman said this allows her to work collaboratively with the teachers in all the grades. “The third grade is learning about Civil Rights and the unit starts with the Civil War and Underground Railroad. I said, ‘A-ha, I can do quilt blocks and quilt patterns with them.’ The patterns and things we learned about in art were the ones they used as codes on the railroad,” explained Cashman.
The day a visitor was in the classroom, the second grade was doing a unit on ocean environments. Cashman gave them a lesson on using basic shapes such as ovals and rectangles to create more complicated pictures as a way to help them illustrate the creatures in the ocean. Each student has a creature he or she is researching so they had to apply the art lesson to what they knew about their fish, shark or deep-sea dweller.
The teachers and administrators appreciate her contributions “Amanda Cashman is an invaluable resource for me as a classroom teacher. Her knowledge of art history and art styles greatly helps me to tie my curriculum to art objectives,” said Megan Leake, sixth grade Language Arts teacher.
“Art is not just visual art – that’s my chunk of it, but here (as a WHOLE school) we teach through movement and dance. We teach through music and song and there are all different art forms that can really come together to strengthen the learning,” said Cashman. Her goal is to expose the students to as many forms of art as she can.
“I think in exposing them to as many different types of art and artists and art materials that everybody can find something they like or that inspires them.  I realize that every thing is not for everybody but I think if you have so much choice to look at you can find something that speaks to you,” she said.
“I have only known Amanda for a short time, but it was clear to me when I first met her that she is an excellent educator, and a very loving and caring teacher and faculty member. She is connected to everything about our school and is a wonderful role model for our students and our teachers. She is a very valued member of our school family,” said St. Anthony principal James Bell.
The Poirier award is the highest given by MAEA. Cashman said she was honored to receive it, but added that she gets much more out of the organization. She calls the members her ‘tribe,’ saying that they support one another with ideas and resources. She credits the organization with helping her become a better teacher every year.

Youth Briefs & Gallery

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CAMDEN Sacred Heart Parish, after school program, Spanish classes for children six-12- years-old on Mondays until May 16, 2018, from 4:20 – 5:10 p.m. Cost is $10.
– Music classes on Tuesdays until May 17 from – 4:20 – 5:10 p.m. Led by Ed Hightower, music minister. Details: 662-468-2354.
– Basketball youth program for boys and girls ages 6-14 on Saturdays from Feb-20-April 16. Cost is $25.
GRENADA St. Peter Parish, LifeNight, Sundays, beginning with a meal at 5:30 p.m.  Discussion of the theme “dignity” during the next five weeks. Bring a baby picture of yourself to the meeting.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, four-day summer youth trip to Ocoee in July for all participating high school teens (current ninth-12th grades). Registration and details coming soon.
JACKSON St. Richard Parish, Knights of Columbus youth free throw championship Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. – noon in the gym for boys and girls ages nine-14. Details: Rusty Haydel, 601-953-9711.
NATCHEZ Multi-parish fun day at St. Mary Basilica, for ages six-eight (JCYO) and ninth-12th grades (CYO), Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The guest speaker is Nicole Marquez. There will be games, college mentors, banner making, adoration/prayer time, snacks, lunch, praise and worship music. Vigil Mass and a pizza party clost the day. Cost is $10 per person. Details: 601-445-5616, stmaryyouth@cableone.net.

TUPELO St. James Parish youth in eighth grade and above are invited to help make and/or serve soup and desserts during the Lenten soup supper on Friday, Feb. 26, from 5 – 8 p.m in Shelton Hall. Parents are asked to call Jessica at the office to confirm participation.
– Hispanic young adult retreat, Feb. 26-28.

CATHOLIC HEART
WORK SUMMER CAMP
Catholic Heart Work Camp summer mission trip in Nashville, June 19-24, for those currently in eighth grade and older (including college) Cost is $345.

Diocese offers transportation for Abbey Youth Fest

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The Diocese of Jackson plans to provide complimentary round-trip transportation from Jackson for any youth or youth group who wish to attend Abbey Youth Fest (AYF) on the grounds of St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, La. The regional youth celebration is set for Saturday, March 12 and registration is already open.
Those who wish to ride the diocesan bus should register with AYF and then also submit all required forms to the Office of Faith Formation by Thursday, February 25th. Send copies of the forms to annette.stevenson@jacksondiocese.org,
AYF is a day for Catholic youth full of music, prayer, liturgy, opportunities to explore different vocations and fellowship. Seminarians from the Diocese of Jackson will be on hand for the festivities. The theme this year is Opening the doors of Mercy.
The youth group at Natchez St. Mary Basilica is also organizing transtportation leaving early on Saturday, March 12, and returning that evening. The cost to attend AYF is $42 and includes meals, and a T-shirt. ContactCarrie Lambert for the Natchez trip only at stmaryyouth@cableone.net.
More information regarding Abbey Youth Fest can be found at abbeyyouthfest.com.

YOUTH BRIEFS

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CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish College students who would like information or to be notified by text about our the parish’s Bible groups and other activities, call or text your name and number to Natalie Hardesty, 228-861-7253.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish Theatre Company meeting, Sunday, Jan. 25, after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The group is planning a new production for May 7. The cast will include nine women and seven men, ranging in ages from teens to senior citizens. Details: Ken Hoover, 662-420-0110.

GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, bingo fund-raiser, Friday, Jan. 29, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the parish hall. All youth who plan to attend the summer trip need to participate. Start collecting and turning in prizes – gift cards are a big hit.

GRENADA St. Peter Parish, Abbey Youth Fest parent/youth informational meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 27, after CCD in the Family Life Center. Youth who attended last year will share their experience.
– Youth LifeNights new time for meetings, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Rosary will be at prayed at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the meeting.

MERIDIAN St. Patrick Parish, fun day for youth in sixth-12th grades, Friday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come to play soccer and dodgeball with youth from Philadelphia, Forest, Kosciusko and Louisville. Trophies will be awarded. Lunch will be provided.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, spiritual renewal activities for children in PreK3- through fifth grades, Jan. 25-28 from 6:15 -7:15 p.m. Free babysitting each night for younger children.
– Multi-parish youth day for students in grades sixth-12th, Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. A day of games, praise and worship, music by Drew David and Will Carter, and a motivational speaker.

CATHOLIC HEART WORK
SUMMER CAMP
Catholic Heart Work Camp summer mission trip in Nashville, June 19-24, for those currently in eighth grade and older (including college) Cost is $345.

Youth Briefs & Gallery

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BROOKHAVEN St. Francis of Assisi Parish, youth Mass followed by Advent party, Sunday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 p.m. Details: Ange’le Bartholomew, 601-757-3084.
– Children’s Mass, Thursday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m.

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, CYO grades seventh-12th will take donated can goods to Helping Hands on Monday, Dec. 21, beginning at 4 p.m. Activities will continue with a bowling Christmas party.

GRENADA St. Peter Parish youth are invited to go Christmas caroling Monday, Dec. 21. Meet at the Family Life Center at 5 p.m.
– Seventh-12th graders are invited to attend DNow: “Meant to live for more” with Paul J. Kim Jan. 15-17 at Tupelo St. James Parish. Cost is $50 per student and includes all meals Bring air mattress. Registration forms are in the vestibule and also on the parish’s Facebook group. Details: Tara Trost, 662.515.9126.

JACKSON Group registrations for the diocesan High School Confirmation retreat are due by Friday, Jan. 8. The retreat is set for Jan. 16-17, 2016 at Camp Bratton Green at the Duncan Gray Center in Canton.  The cost is $40/person.
Registration includes meals, housing and a T-shirt. The theme, “Proclaiming His Marvelous Deeds” will help retreatants look at their lives as disciples of Jesus. Father Rusty Vincent, associate pastor of Greenville St. Joseph Parish,  is the spiritual director for the weekend and will be presenting the talks to the youth.
For additional details contact Fran Lavelle, Director of Faith Formation, 601-960-8473 or fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.

YOUTH SPORTS

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GREENVILLE – St. Joseph School student Virginia French Virden participates in soccer, tennis and cheer at SJCS. She is the 2015 MHSAA 1A Girls Single Tennis State Champion and was recently chosen for the MAIS All-Star Soccer Team.
A member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, Virden was selected to the 2015 Homecoming Court.  She volunteers her time and talent with The Delta Soul Celebrity Golf and Charity event, The Special Olympics, The Delta Cotton Belles Tennis Tournament, St. Vincent de Paul’s Society and many others.
Adrian Thomas Azar has been a member of the SJCS basketball team since eigth grade and the SJCS golf team since ninth.  A high scoring guard, Azar has been named to the 2015 MHSAA All-Region 3-1A Basketball Team and the 2015 All-County Basketball Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.  He is a Carrie Stern Reading Buddy, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church Life Teen, and a volunteer with many organizations such as The Mighty MS Music Festival, The Delta Soul Celebrity Golf and Charity Event, and St. Vincent de Paul’s Society.
Chambers Edward Mansour is a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society.  He has been an active volunteer in St. Joseph Catholic Church as a n altar server and lector. He has volunteered with the Special Olympics, Delta Center Stage, and St. Vincent de Paul Society as well as the Delta Soul Celbrity Golf Tournament.  He also serves as a Reading Buddy at Carrie Stern. He plays football, basketball, soccer, and tennis. Chambers is a member of the 2015 MHSAA State Tennis Team.
He was selected a school team member for the University of Mississippi Brain Brawl competition and the MDCC Scholar Bowl. He was a participant in the HOBY leadership conference and a delegate to Boys State. Chambers was selected as a Duke Tip Scholar and maintains a 4.28 GPA.
Nia Nichole Parker is a cheerleader at St. Joseph.  She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mayor’s Youth Council, and the Environmental Science club. Nia volunteers with St. Vincent de Paul as well as New Jerusalem MB Church.  She maintains a 3.7 GPA while enrolled in college prep and dual enrollment classes.

YOUTH NEWS

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BATESVILLE St. Mary Parish, altar server class, Sunday, Dec. 6, at  at 9:45 a.m. (during Sunday School time) for new altar servers and current acolytes and those who would like to serve.

BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, pajama Christmas party, Sunday, Dec. 6, at the home of Patrick and Kellie Barrett beginning at 6:30. Bring an appetizer and wear your favorite pajamas. Prizes will be awarded to the best pajamas.

COLUMBUS Annunciation School Christimas performance, Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Rent Auditorim.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick Parish, basketball and dodgeball competition, Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. All youth in fifth-12th graders are invited to participate. Youth from Philadelphia Holy Cross Parish will join. Details: Father José de Jesús Sánchez, 601-693-1321.
– Council 802 of the Knights of Columbus is inviting all Catholic students in eighth-12th grades to participate in the Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest. Students are to write a 500 – 700 words essay on the theme “President Kennedy’s words are still important today.” Deadline is Dec. 11. Details: Dave Klutz, 601-479-8703.

PEARL St. Jude Parish, Charlie Brown Youth Christmas Party. Friday, Dec. 18, from 8:30 – 11 p.m. Wear your tackiest sweater or vest. Bring a gift to exchange. It’s potluck. Text us what you’ll bring to share.

Young Catholic Women invited to conference

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Washington D.C. – The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) announced a first-of-its-kind leadership event for young Catholic women, to be held June 7 – 12, 2016, at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Officially named GIVEN: the Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Forum, the event will be a week-long immersion in faith formation, leadership training, and networking. The GIVEN Forum will provide a platform for what St. John Paul II called “the feminine genius,” and a response to Pope Francis’ plea for a deeper understanding and activation of the unique gift of women in the Church and the world.
Throughout the week, young Catholic women will engage three principal themes, which include receiving the gift you are, realizing the gifts you’ve been given, and responding with the gift only you can give.
The event will feature many distinguished women leaders as speakers. The keynote speakers include Dr. Carolyn Woo, the President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, Sister Prudence Allen, R.S.M., and Helen Alavaré. Helen Alvaré is currently a Professor of Law at George Mason University School of Law, a prominent news consultant, and advisor to various Catholic organizations and United Nations conferences concerning women and the family.
Ms. Alvaré looks forward to the event, stating, “The GIVEN Forum is exactly what young women need today in the Francis era – a place to discover that every woman is called by God to contribute, a place to learn to overcome the fear of speaking out, and a place to be inspired to get to work.”
The Forum is open to all young women between the ages of 20 and 30 who are vibrantly living their Catholic faith. Attendees must apply on the GIVEN Forum’s website, www.givenforum.org, by the deadline of February 2, 2016. Women who are accepted to attend GIVEN will receive a scholarship covering the full cost of the Forum, including food, lodging, and travel.
The CMSWR, the host of the GIVEN Forum, is located in Washington, D.C. The CMSWR was founded in 1992 with the canonical approval of St. John Paul II, and the sisters of the CMSWR communities represent more than 120 communities nationwide with approximately 6,000 sisters. For more information, including application links for the GIVEN Forum, visit www.givenforum.org.

30,000 American Catholics expected at World Youth Day

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By Dennis Sadowski
BALTIMORE (CNS) — The American contingent to World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, in July is expected to top 30,000 pilgrims.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, in a Nov. 17 presentation during the U.S. bishops’ fall general assembly in Baltimore, that the U.S. delegation of young people is expected to be the largest outside of North America.
He said that about 13,000 people already were registered for the event.
Pope Francis, in inviting young people and young adults to the celebration, connected World Youth Day with the Year of Mercy, which is set to open Dec. 8. The event in the southern Polish city will become a “youth jubilee,” Bishop Caggiano said.
The bishop, who is working with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, said people of all ages are invited to attend the weeklong World Youth Day, set for July 25-31.
“If everyone can be a pilgrim, where will you celebrate and how will you embark on this pilgrimage?” Bishop Caggiano asked.
He urged his fellow bishops to consider heading their local contingent, saying the deadline for prelates to register was Dec. 4.
While not all young people will be able to travel to Poland, Bishop Caggiano urged the bishops to plan events in their diocese to coincide with World Youth Day.
“World Youth Day is not simply an event that happens every three years. It is not limited to those who have the means to travel. Rather, World Youth Day is an opportunity for encounter, transformation and conversion offered for every youth and young adult in all of our dioceses and eparchies,” he said.
World Youth Day activities, locally or in the host country, provide an opportunity for young people to discern their call to a priestly or religious vocation, the bishop added.
“So many hear God’s word at an event like this to priesthood, religious vocation or consecrated life,” he said. “We’ve found that World Youth Day plays an indispensable role in young priests, sisters and brothers and lay leaders.”
Already the secretariat is preparing catechetical resources and other materials for bishops and diocesan staff preparing for the celebration. He said opportunities for Americans to meet in Poland for prayer, tours and other activities. Two particular events are being planned, including a gathering of pilgrims July 27 and a concelebrated Mass will all U.S. pilgrims July 30. Details will be announced in the future.
Bishop Caggiano also said that precautions are being taken to assure the safety of Americans making the journey. He said the bishops’ World Youth Day staff is working with the U.S. Department of State, the Polish embassy in Washington and the U.S. Consulate in Krakow on security measures.
“We will continue to be diligent and proactive in all of these matters,” he said.
(Editor’s Note: Information about World Youth Day is available at www.wydusa.org and https://worldyouthday.com.)