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Statewide college retreat challenges students to advocate, act, pray
By Fran Lavelle
CANTON – Tall and impressive among cabins, a dining hall, a chapel and the rec room stands a bell tower at Camp Bratton Green at the Grey Center in Canton. The large cast iron bell has undoubtedly summoned hundreds if not thousands of young people over the years to come in for meals, prayer and rest. The bell tolled in a similar way for the students from colleges and universities around the State who gathered the first weekend of Lent for a retreat at the Camp.
Like the ringing of the bell, Lent calls us to stop what we are doing and redirect our activity. Like the ringing of the bell, Lent also calls us to invite others to come join us. This year’s theme of the retreat was Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium,” the Joy of the Gospel.
At first glance, it might seem contradictory to talk about the joy of Gospel during Lent, after all Lent is a season of almsgiving, fasting and prayer. However, during the first session the students contemplated the following quote from Pope Francis, “There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter. I realize of course that joy is not expressed the same way at all times in life, especially at moments of great difficulty. Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved.” That’s it, friends, joy adapts and changes, but it always endures. This definition of joy gave us the foundation to feel and understand joy even in the most arid days of our own spiritual journey, the most difficult of personal times and the most austere of liturgical seasons.
Mary Louise Jones, a member of our diocesan faith formation faculty, talked to us about the common good and peace in society. She focused on reconciliation and self-emptying as the means to achieve peace. She invited the students to enter into dialogue with one another about how they can, as St. Francis would say, be made a channel of God’s peace. In our small groups students talked about what it means to let go of our need to be right. They were challenged to think about the inherent dignity of the “other” regardless of who the “other” is.
This discussion prepared us beautifully for our next talk on the inclusion of the poor in society, presented by Father Gregory Plata, OFM. As a Franciscan it is part of Father Plata’s charism to be an advocate for the poor. His passion for the poor among us and outside of our geo-political borders inspired the students to be more thoughtful about their choices and how those choices become their voice.
He touched on topics that affect the poor through the inequitable distribution of wealth and resources. There was a discussion after Father’s talk on what they can to do to help create a more just world. They came up with things they can do in their own community to challenge the status quo. Advocacy, as we discovered, comes in many forms. Some ideas included helping out at soup kitchens and food pantries, joining efforts like Habitat for Humanity, and things as simple as knowing where consumer items are being made and if a just wage is being paid to those workers.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz gave the third presentation on social dialogue as it contributes to peace. What are conversations in the public arena that open dialogue towards peace? The pope in his apostolic exhortation lists a few: faith and reason v. science, ecumenical discussions with other Christians, as well as dialogue with other non-Christian faith traditions. We looked at how we can use these opportunities to promote peace. The Bishop also asked the students if they saw social media as a tool to contribute to peace. This perhaps was one of the most engaging discussions because they have grown up with social media. They see the benefits of social media in terms of creating a positive conversation, but they also are well aware of the pitfalls. Awareness is the first step to change. Maybe by being more aware of bullying and other negative aspects of social media we can begin to use it to create a more just and peaceful society.
After everyone had left on Sunday morning to return to their schools and homes, I walked around the camp. I took in the sounds of nature and felt the slight drizzle of rain and the chilly breeze on my face. I had a moment to reflect with gratitude on the young people who came to the retreat. Looking about before I got in the car to leave, I looked at the impressive bell tower. Metaphorically, we rang a bell loud and clear and young people came together to mark the beginning of Lent.
They shared faith, had an authentic experience with Jesus, met new and lasting friends, and were challenged to claim the joy of the gospel in all seasons of life. I am left in anticipation of the next time we ring the bell and gather.
(Fran Lavelle is co-director of the Department of Evangelization and Faith Formation)
Bruins bring home state soccer championship
By Mary Woodward
CLINTON – Another diocesan Catholic school has brought home state championship hardware. The Madison St. Joseph Lady Bruins soccer team captured the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Division 3A/2A/1A championship with a three nil victory over South Pontotoc.
The match, played Feb. 7, at Clinton High School’s Arrow Field on a mild, sunny day, is the Lady Bruins second state title. The first title was in 2006.
Not surrendering a single goal in post season the team relied on solid defense and quickness throughout the playoffs. During the semifinal keeper Bridget Abadie blocked three penalty kicks in an overtime shootout against defending state champion Our Lady Academy (OLA) to propel the Lady Bruins to the championship match.
Allie Milner, Katelyn Hanneke, and Joanna Bellan accounted for the three goals as the stingy Bruin defense held South Pontotoc scoreless.
St. Joseph defeated three other Catholic school teams including OLA from Bay St. Louis to make it to the final match. They topped Pascagoula’s Resurrection High School 4-0; Hattiesburg’s Sacred Heart 3-0; and finally OLA 1-0. Either Sacred Heart or OLA has won the last five state titles.
For Head Coach Dwayne Demmin the title gives him eight state championships with St. Joseph. He has seven with the boys team to add to this his first with the girls team.
The Lady Bruins finished the season 17-6-1.
Youth briefs & Gallery
COLUMBUS – Annunciation Parish children’s church will begin Sunday, Feb. 22, during the 10:30 a.m. Mass for children five and younger. Details: Lisa Kerby, 662-386-6343, a_kerby@bellsouth.net.
– Friday, Feb. 27, CYO service hours available from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Activities Center. Bring a dessert and serve at the fish fry. Details: Maria Dunser, 662-328-2927.
CULLMAN, Ala. – St. Bernand Preparatory School open house, Sunday, March 8, from 2 – 4 p.m. St. Bernand is a co-ed boarding-and-day school for grades seventh-12th. Details: admissions@stbernardprep.com, 256-255-5890, www.stbernardprep.com.
JACKSON St. Therese Parish Knights of Columbus Council 8285 basketball free throw championship for boys and girls ages nine – 14, Saturday, Feb. 28. from 10 a.m. – noon in the gym. Details: Julian Valencia, 601-906-1967.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish annual winter retreat, “Anchored in Hope,” Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28. All seventh-12th graders are invited. Led by the National Evangelization Team.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick Parish, Junior CYM will go skating at Skate Odyseey, Sunday, Feb. 22, from 1 – 4 p.m. in North Hill. Bring $9 for admission, skates and snacks. Details: Carlissa, 601-880-1817.
CSA appeal plants seeds in young Catholics by funding faith formation
By Fran Lavelle
Every once in a while we are reminded of the importance of looking back to see where God has been present in our daily lives. In ministry it is not only a good thing to look back but a necessary one. Responding to the bishop’s Catholic Service Appeal gave me such an opportunity to look back. In my years in parish ministry I was blessed to serve the young people of this diocese through youth and campus ministry.
Mary Kate Domino, left, a student at the University of Mississippi speaks at the 2014 College campus ministry retreat. (Mississippi Catholic file photo)
We are able to provide campus ministry programs in our diocese because of the support of the Catholic Service Appeal (CSA). Be assured the contributions you make, make a difference today as well as pay dividends well into the future. I am blessed to know former students who are serving the Church as priests, sisters, music ministers, youth ministers, catechists, and other parish leaders.
In campus ministry our ability to be present to students during their college years helps underscore the importance of their Catholic faith. Undoubtedly we would not be able to provide that kind of formation if not for the grants campus ministry programs around the diocese receive from the Catholic Service Appeal.
The Catholic Service Appeal is like a bed of fertile soil without which we would not be able to grow the faith in communities both large and small throughout the diocese. We often don’t think about the soil our food comes from but we readily enjoy its fruits and vegetables. So too the contributions to the Catholic Service Appeal are like that fertile soil, we see the benefits but may not make the connection between money given and the people served by the funding.
As I reflected further on the benefits to our parishes from the CSA it occurred to me that at every intersection of our faith formation we have access to programs funded by this appeal. Every aspect of our lives as Catholics in some way has benefited from the bishop’s appeal.
When we give to the Catholic Service Appeal we are ensuring that those who are called can be formed and educated to serve in their role be it as a priest or a lay person like catechetical leaders, RCIA directors, marriage preparation leaders and other lay pastoral ministers who serve our diocese.
We often see the challenges of being a mission diocese and the large geographic area we cover as too much to overcome. But we are blessed in abundance with generous folks who give of their time, talent and treasure. Mississippi is ranked second in the nation for charitable givers by philanthrophy.com.
This comes as no surprise to me as I have witnessed time and again the generosity of the people in this diocese. I encourage you to pray about how you can best express our legacy of generosity. I have seen the good fruit your generosity bears in the lives of many former college students. What a gift it is to see it come full circle and witness their generosity as they give back.
I am grateful for your support of the Catholic Service Appeal and on behalf of the many lives touched by your generosity. Thank you.
(Fran Lavelle is Co-director of the Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation.)
Youth Briefs & Gallery
CAMDEN Sacred Heart Parish boys and girls ages six-14 are invited to participate in the basketball games which will run from Feb. 21-April 18. (No game on April 4). Details: William Banks, 601-826-3616, or Rashad Hughes, 769-232-5161.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, celebration of “Scout Sunday” on Feb. 8. All scouts are invited to wear their uniforms to Mass.
CORINTH St. James Parish, Faith on Fire youth group spaghetti dinner fund-raiser, Friday, Feb. 13, beginning at 6 p.m., eat in or take out. Plates are $6 for 18 and older, $3 for ages 10-18, and free for children younger than 10.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish, cheerleader clinic for middle school, Feb. 16-20 at Our Lady of Lourdes School gym from 3:30 -4:30 p.m. Tryouts will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28.
JACKSON St. Richard Parish senior dinner, Monday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Robert Brown’s grandmother’s home.
MADISON Cross Connections Conference 2015, “Catholic: And I Mean It!” Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. at St. Joseph School. Open to youth currently in eighth – 12th grades. Featuring speakers, musicians, concert, Mass and adoration. Guests include Joe Melendrez and his “Hip Hop Rosary” and Leah Darrow and her “reversion.” Cost is $25; registration is open until Feb. 10. Details: Patti, 601-540-7635.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish annual winter retreat, “Anchored in Hope,” Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28. All seventh-12th graders are invited. Led by the National Evangelization Team.
McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish Lifeteen annual Valentines fund-raiser dinner, “Venice Carnival,” on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 5 – 8 pm. in Liguori Hall.
PEARL St. Jude Parish, “Why Not Now Service Project,” Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m., participants will prepare food to feed 100 people. Sunday, after Sunday school class and lunch youth will depart for Smith Park in downtown Jackson.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish pastor, Father Arokia Savio, will meet with the youth in grades eight through 12 and their parents after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Feb. 15, in the church.
Youth Briefs & Photos
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories Parish, weekly Sunday Mass in Spanish beginning on Feb. 22, at 11: 30 a.m. This Mass is moving from Shelby St. Mary Parish.
JACKSON/MADISON Registration is now open for the diocesan Cross Connections Conference: Catholic and I Mean it, set for Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Madison St. Joseph School Fine Arts complex from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pastors and youth ministers are invited to join in this day of training, faith sharing and worship. Visit the Diocese of Jackson website, www.jacksondiocese.org to see the schedule for the day and download a registration form.
McCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish, Lifeteen annual Valentines fund-raiser dinner, “Venice Carnival,” Saturday, Feb. 14, from 6 – 9 p.m. in Liguori Hall.
– Girls Group retreat at the O’Neil Amedee’s home the weekend of Feb. 27. More info to come.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, JCYC meeting, Sunday, Feb. 1, after the 11 a.m. Mass.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, bake sale on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25, after all Masses.
– JCYO meeting, Sunday, Jan. 25, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Second Catholic Faith Investigators (CFI) induction ceremony.
PEARL St. Jude Parish, meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, after the 6 p.m. Mass to finalize plans for the Mardi Gras Ball and to discuss other plans.
– Sunday, Jan. 25, fun day rollerskating at Funtime Skateland in Pearl from 2 – 5 p.m. Admission is $6 per person, includes skate rental. Bring lunch money.
SOUTHAVEN – Tevin Mathew is the winner of this year’s Knights of Columbus Essay Contest. The theme for the essay was “the Importance of Religious Freedom.
“Religious freedom is important because it not only reinforces religious tolerance in a diverse world, but it also gives people hope and strength in their daily life.
I could not imagine my life without my faith; it has gotten me through the trials and successes in my life. I have overcome my struggles and conquered personal battles because of my religion, and as a result, I believe that religious freedom is extremely important and should be applicable to all people,” wrote Mathew.
– On Super Bowl weekend, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, the youth will be collecting soup, canned goods and money to help the food pantry at Sacred Heart Southern Missions and the Samaritans.
Boy Scout Receives Ad Altare Dei emblem
STARKVILLE- On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, Brett B., a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 45 in Starkville and a member of St. Joseph Parish, received the Ad Altare Dei emblem. Farther Lenin Vargas presented it during Thanksgiving Day Mass
Ad Altatre Dei is one of the highest honors a Boy Scout can receive. It means “to the altar of God.” The purpose of the program is to help Catholic scouts develop a fully Christian way of life in a faith community. The program is organized in chapters based on the seven sacraments.
The presentation of The Ad Altare Dei emblem marked the end of a spiritual journey that took Brett across two dioceses (Jackson and Nashville). It included a service project for wounded warriors, attending a priest ordination and serving at a wedding at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, Tennessee. While visiting, Brett became friends with Bishop David Choby, Bishop of Nashville and also with Andrew Bulso, a seminarian studying in Rome.
“It was an amazing thing that I was able to make the friendships that I did with these men of my faith and have been able to remain in close contact with them. ” says Brett.
Bailey also had to attend a weekend retreat for the program. He attended the Dwelling Place and spent time with founder and director, Clare Van Lent. He attended a Mass at Corpus Christi in Macon where he used a shield and staff that he made, blessed by Father Mario Solórzano, in the procession.
Brett was guided through the program by his counselor, Dr. Randolph Follett, a fellow parishioner at St. Joseph.
After the Thanksgiving Day Mass Brett and his family prepared and served gumbo to fellow parishioners in the fellowship hall before they went off to enjoy Thanksgiving Day with their families.
(Story and photos submitted by Rosalind B..)
(For more information on the Ad Altare Dei Emblem and how a Boy Scout can begin the program, please contact your local Boy Scout Council office or the Diocese office.)
Youth Briefs & Gallery
MADISON St. Joseph School, college funding workshop, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at 6p.m. in the library. Educational Services Foundation (Get2College.org) will be the presenter. Details: Debbie Carrington, 601)898-4817, dcarrington@stjoebruins.com.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King Parish, Knights of Columbus poster contest for children eight-14 years-old. There are two age divisions eight-11 and 12-14, and two themes: alcohol awareness and abuse or drug awareness and abuse. The four winners (one each age group and each theme) will receive $25. Details: Donna Williamson. The rules are on the back of the entry forms. Deadline is Jan. 30, 2015.
RECOGNITIONS
- JACKSON Sister Thea Bowman School was selected as a finalist for the Daniel Rudd Fund Grant administered by the National Black Catholic Congress. The funds awarded will be used for the school’s Scholars Program, a mentoring program for upper elementary students at Sister Thea Bowman School.
- MADISON St. Anthony School’s science teacher, Vicki Moorehead, is a State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is given on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Moorehead is being examined at the national level in the selection process. Lakechia Grant, from the Office of Curriculum and Instruction at the Mississippi Department of Education, presented the award to Moorehead.
Conference set for teens, parish leaders
JACKSON – Registration is open for Cross Connections, a first of its kind gathering for youth and ministers. The event, organized by the Office of Youth Ministry, is set for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, in Jackson from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and attendees should make their own hotel arrangements.
“The theme: Cross Connections: Catholic and I Mean It, is meant to help us understand the idea that youth are members of their parish from the moment they are born, not just when they join a class or youth group,” said Kathie Curtis, coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry.
“We want to work with youth and youth ministers, but we also want to include pastors, DREs, CREs, everyone who works in parish ministry to help integrate the gifts young people bring into the whole life of the parish,” she added. The Catholic population in Mississippi is a minority. Curtis said she wants to help young people embrace their faith and be proud of it, particularly as they reach the age when they are going out on their own and being challenged by other kids their own age.
Speakers will include Brian Topping, with Paradisus Dei, a ministry out of Houston, Texas. Topping has trained staff with Parish Success Group in how to manage, organize and communicate different ministry groups. He will lead a session for young people and a breakout session for adult leaders only.
Joe Melendrez, famous for his Rosary rap, will also bring his high-energy praise and worship to the event. He will be joined by Leah Darrow, a contestant from America’s Top Model, whose conversion led her to become a Catholic speaker.
Reservations will be open until Feb. 10. Contact Kathie Curtis, 601-949-6934, kathie.curtis@jacksondiocese.org.