El jueves 24 de marzo, en la parroquia de St. Michael, Forest, el obispo Joseph Kopacz asistió a una audiencia pública con parroquianos de la región. La audiencia pública fue conducida por le diacono Carlos Sola, de St James Tupelo. Junto a los presentes, en el salón de la iglesia, estuvieron presentes conocidos líderes de toda la comunidad católica como Blanca Peralta de Sacred Heart, Cantón; Fredy Orozco líder en la comunidad de Forest, Padre Marco Antonio Sanchez, ST, quien es el párroco de St Anne Carthage. Varios de los presentes compartieron humildemente con el Obispo sus opiniones y esperanzas en el cambio para bien de toda la comunidad y la Iglesia.La Federación de Jackson del movimiento Familiar Católico Cristiano celebró su conferencia regional el sábado 26 de marzo. La reunión contó con la presencia de al menos 40 matrimonios. El Padre Rafael fue el invitado por el Padre Marco Antonio Sanchez, ST, quien es el párroco de St Anne Carthage y asesor espiritual del MFCC, para dar a las parejas una charla sobre el matrimonio y el compromiso con Dios. “Lo que ustedes viven, no es suyo, … es de Dios,” les dijo el Padre Rafael,” después de un ejercicio en el que insto a las parejas a darse un abrazo en el que sintieran de nuevo los latidos del corazón de cada uno.
Estaciones de la Cruz al anochecer El viernes 18 de marzo, parroquianos rezan durante las Estaciones de la Cruz en San Judas en Pearl. Desde que comenzó la cuaresma se han estado rezando las estaciones de la cruz a las afueras de la iglesia a las 6 p.m. (Foto de Elsa Baughman)
JACKSON – Considering the volatile situation, the world is facing, I thought I would share some more somber notes from Bishop John E. Gunn’s diary about World War I and a reflective paragraph from Bishop Richard Gerow’s diary on the beginning of World War II.
WWI was the war to end all wars, but obviously that was not the case. My paternal grandfather served as a mule-trainer in WWI as part of the 39th Infantry 140th Field Artillery Regimen in France during the last stages of that war. He never spoke of it.
Volumes of Bishop Gerow’s diary sit on the desk of Mary Woodward.
Bishop Gunn writes in his diary at Christmas 1915: “It seemed hard to preach on peace on earth and good will to men at Christmas when everyone was talking of the big war. I made no allusion to it in my notes of 1915 because our President told us to be neutral in thought and word.
“However, now everybody is talking of it – in fact, the world is talking of nothing else, it may be no harm to note some dates and facts that will live in history.” “In the summer of 1914, an Austrian Archduke was assassinated in Servia. The crime was an atrocious one and was turned over to the world politicians for adjustment. The politicians fumbled and turned the crime over to the war lords of Europe, with this result: 1914 – July 28th Austria declares war on Servia August 1st Germany invades France August 4th England declares war on Germany August 6th The Germans take two Belgian forts August 10th France breaks with Austria August 13th England declares war on Austria August 18th English soldiers land in France August 23rd The Allies take offensive against the Germans along 150 miles from Mons to Luxembourg but on the 24th the Allies were forced to fall back. The Germans had all the initial advantages and on August 30th the French left wing had to fall back, thus exposing on August 31st even the capture of Paris; the French government voted to move the capital temporarily to Bourdeaux.”
Shelby Woodward, sitting, is the paternal grandfather of diocesan chancellor and archivist, Mary Woodward. He is pictured here with others at Camp Shelby for training before deployment in World War I. (Photos courtesy of Mary Woodward)
“Apart from the Battle of Marne the first few months of the war was entirely favorable to Germany. Americans read and listened and the biggest propaganda that was ever known in the history of the world was started in 1914 and continued all through 1915 to get the Americans actively interested on the side of the Allies. In this diary I shall say little about the war, except where the Diocese took some part in it.”
On April 2, 1917, the United States entered the war on the side of the allies. It was the beginning of Holy Week in the Catholic Church and Bishop Gunn writes the following in his diary from April 1917: “The usual routine of Holy Week at Natchez – the blessing of the oils, the washing of the feet, the big ceremonies of Good Friday and Holy Saturday and Easter were all thrown in the shade by the declaration of war against Germany.
“This declaration upset everyone and everything and its influence was felt in every circle. I made up my mind before Easter Sunday the role that I would play as Bishop of Natchez during the war.”
“I had no time for consultation with anybody but at the Pontifical High Mass on Easter Sunday, April 8, I declared my policy very clearly and very plainly. While preaching on the subject ‘Christianity is not a Failure’ (because it never got a chance) as we were living in an age when there was knowledge without faith, manners without morality; plenty of work but ill-directed, I took up the President’s proclamation and told the Catholics of the Diocese that during the war they had to follow one leader; they had to form their conscience to one direction and to do everything as men, as Christians and as Catholics to win the war.”
Shelby Woodward’s ring commemorating WWI. He was a part of the 39th Infantry 140th Field Artillery Regimen in France.
Twenty-two years later, on Sept. 3, 1939, Bishop Gerow writes this bleak entry in his diary: “Today, England and France officially declared a state of war exists with Germany. Though we in this country are three thousand miles from Europe, we feel that the inauguration of another great war in Europe cannot but have a vital influence upon us and upon the other nations of the world, no matter how far away they may be.”
“We cannot but hope and pray that the other nations of the world will not be involved in this conflict and that another world war may not ensue which might wreck our modern civilization.”
Only two years later, he writes on Dec. 8, 1941: “Today, President Roosevelt addressed Congress telling them of the attack of the Japanese upon the Hawaiian Islands and our naval and air forces there, asking them to declare war.”
Bishops’ diaries provide a unique lens on history often including facts that do not make it into the history books. We are fortunate to have these diaries to be able to look back on the development of the church in Mississippi, the region, the country and the world.
I share these sobering passages from the two diaries to put into perspective what is going on in Ukraine as this is written. Who knows what will be by the day this is published and where we may be in two weeks or even two years? We can only pray and hope for peace.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
LENTEN MEALS AND STATIONS BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent. A light meal will be served in Serio Hall following Stations.
CANTON Sacred Heart, Stations on Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. followed by a soup supper (no charge).
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Fish Fry in the Activity Center, after Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the main church.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Fish dinner every Friday after Stations at 6 p.m. Donations accepted. All are welcome.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Lenten dinner on March 25.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Knights of Columbus Fish fry on March 25 in the parish hall.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Fish Fry after Stations on Friday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
MADISON St. Francis, Rosary 6 p.m., Stations 6:30 p.m. and Lenten meal 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Lenten meal offering changes each week.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Fish Fry after Stations each Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry each Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. Drive through only at the Family Life Center parking lot side door. Cost: Catfish $12, Shrimp $12, Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish please call 30 minutes ahead – Darren (601) 597-2890. No children’s plate offered.
OXFORD St. John, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus Fish Fry from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the parish center. Takeouts are available. Plates cost $9.
PEARL St. Jude, Station every Friday during Lent following 10 a.m. Mass and at 6 p.m. Fish Fry after 6 p.m. Stations. Reservations required. Details: church office (601) 939-3181
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry every Friday during Lent from 5-6:30 p.m. All orders are to-go and cost $12/plate to benefit charity.
PENANCE/RECONCILIATION SERVICES BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish-wide Reconciliation, Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m.
COLUMBUS Annunciation, Penance service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. in the main church. Penance also offerd on Saturdays before Mass at 4:45 p.m.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Reconciliation service, Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Reconciliation, Wednesday, April 6 from 4-6 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Reconciliation every Wednesday during Lent at 12:15 p.m.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Reconciliation service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6:15 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
STATIONS ONLY ABERDEEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m. followed by Mass.
CLINTON Holy Savior, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
GRENADA St. Peter, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6:15 p.m.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Stations at 6:30 p.m. on March 11, 18, 25 and April 1. Stations and fish fry on April 8. Stations at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 15.
JACKSON Christ the King, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 12:05 p.m.
LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Stations every Friday during Lent at 3 p.m.
MAGNOLIA St. James, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.
MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Stations every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 3 p.m.
PONTOTOC St. Christopher, Spiritual reflection followed by Stations at 11 a.m. each Friday during Lent. Details: email st.christopher.ms@gmail.com
STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
TUPELO St. James, Stations on Fridays following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and 6 p.m. (Bilingual).
VICKSBURG St. Mary, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
VICKSBURG St. Michael, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
Students at Sacred Heart School celebrated Ash Wednesday, March 2, with Mass.
Students and staff collected old palms from last Palm Sunday and burned them for use on Ash Wednesday. Sister Margaret Sue Broker, OSF, explained that in biblical times, the wearing of sack cloth and ashes were a sign of sorrow for ones sins. (Photos by Laura Grisham)
Holy Springs
HOLLY SPRINGS – Father Hendrick Adrianto, SCJ led Mass, which included the distribution of ashes for Holy Family students. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
Made with love
Leland
LELAND – The children of St. James parish made valentine cards for the 11 a.m. Mass attendees on Sunday, Feb. 13. (Photo by Deborah Ruggeri)
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Jackson
JACKSON – St. Richard School celebrated its annual Mardi Gras parade on March 1. Students in K3, K4 and K5 made “floats” and marched the route along with the St. Joe Madison Band and Spirit Steppers. Pictured are K5 students (front to back) Makayla Carlson, Reagan Nelson, John Ellis Ehrgott, Anna Pham, MJ Walker and Ja’Cory Butler. (Photo by Tammy Conrad)
Madison
MADISON – St. Anthony students Reed Brown, Brynn Evans and Harper Measells enjoyed driving in their mardi gras parade. (Photo by Katie Signa)
Vicksburg
VICKSBURG – Montessori kindergarten students, Jack Dornbusch and Dylan Rader had so much fun in their Mardi Gras parade throwing beads to other Vicksburg Catholic School students. (Photo by Lindsey Bradley)
Clarksdale
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth students rolled on March 1 for the school’s annual Mardi Gras parade with everything fancy and fun! They had their very own king and queen, music, king cakes, convertible, horses, policemen, deputies and firemen, and, of course, tons of beads! (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
Flowood
FLOWOOD – St. Paul Early Learning Center student, Hannah Hall dances her way through the parade of students held on Fat Tuesday. (Photo by Susan R. Irby)
JACKSON – This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the Office of Youth Ministry awarded seven young people the Bishop Chanche youth service award. Six were presented their award at DCYC at the Vicksburg Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 20. Award recipient, Owen Wolf was a part of the Bishop Chanche award presentation with adult recipients, as his parents Michael and Stacy Wolf were also awarded for their service to the church.
The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the young men and women who serve the church today.
When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.
Owen Wolf received a Bishop Chanche youth service award on Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle from Bishop Joseph Kopacz. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
OWEN Wolf – St. Jude, Pearl Owen is dedicated and faithful to the parish and to his convictions. During the pandemic Owen showed great leadership and dedication of service to the parish by helping to transition a trailer into an altar so we could have drive in Mass. He served as usher and traffic director at every Saturday evening drive in service from May thru November of 2020 and still serves today whenever he is needed. The qualities that best describe Owen are humble, trustworthy, honest, a gentle leader and steadfast in his faith. – Father Lincoln Dall
Anna Harvey – St. Alphonsus, McComb Anna is a great witness at our youth Mass, always willing to lector. She uses her gifts to glorify God and never to glorify herself. She often wins games and displays great humility. She has discussions with at least one non-Catholic friend about the Catholic faith and desires to share the best she can. Anna has been incredibly generous with her time in serving our parish. She has participated in service days, managed games for Easter and Halloween, led music for VBS, played piano for two Masses each month, and lectored often. She has modeled great kindness toward the youth at our parish events, helping the little ones to feel comfortable through her activities. Anna is patient, she listens attentively and strives for excellence in all that she undertakes. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy
Claire Plaisance – St. James, Magnolia Claire is consistent, dedicated and charitable. These virtues are demonstrated by her in a unique way, and I think her family has instilled these in her very well. Claire works very hard, not only for her family, but for the parish. She arrived to a service day and was the only teen with a few chaperones who worked to clean an elderly parishioner’s yard. She is generous with her time, and I know would be willing to serve if called upon. Claire has a spirit of courage; I feel she would be willing to stand up for what’s right in the face of adversity. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy
Avery Greyson Calvert – St. Joseph , Gluckstadt Avery moved to Mississippi the summer before his junior year during the pandemic. He joined our very tiny virtual youth group at the time and quickly grew into the role of a youth leader. He is committed, outgoing, and shares his faith and talents readily with not only our parish, but his school and his community. Avery volunteered to be a cantor as soon as Masses began again at our parish in 2020. He is a talented vocalist and we had very few cantors at that time. He is among the favorites these days. He cantors for his school Masses at St. Joseph in Madison as well. He joined our youth leadership team at the parish, which meets every Wednesday for training and Sundays for Youth Ministry. Avery has given talks to our Confirmation classes, helped lead retreats and is a member of the Jr. Core Team for LifeTeen. – Pam Minninger, LEM
Austin Dungan – St. Patrick, Meridian Austin has such a peaceful demeanor. His kindness is genuine and earnest. He has a heart for the faith. His love for his parish family is evident in his very presence and he is such a delight to see on Sunday mornings when he is ushering – no words needed because he greets with a smile every time. It is evident that Austin does not do what he does for praise or recognition. Everything he does, he does it quietly and almost as if in prayer. He is respectful with a confident “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” and a pleasant “Good Morning” when answering or speaking to any parishioner. He is mindful to not overlook anyone that walks into the church, he is so gracious with a smile. Austin is a natural leader, and his calm and gentle demeanor is infectious. His respect for the Blessed Sacrament and when he approaches the altar does not go unnoticed either. – Father Augustine Palimattam
Frank Joseph Serio – St. Joseph, Greenville Frank is witty and kindhearted. His dynamic ability to be available for the school and parish, always, whether serving in the Mass, volunteering to help an elderly person or encouraging one of his peers, he is open to the needs of others and available to serve how the Holy Spirit leads. He is altar server every week, Eucharistic minister, leads Middle School small group, encourages his younger peers, friend to the elderly – he even led a service project for his senior class to decorate a widowed parishioner’s home for Christmas. He serves at St. Vincent de Paul whether it be helping on a Saturday with maintenance or over the summer/spring/holiday breaks to carry items to the vehicle for clients. He also organized the can food drive at his high school that collected and delivered over 3,000 cans for St. Vincent. And what’s so special is that this kid doesn’t realize all that he is: charismatic, thoughtful, faithful, honorable, compassionate for others, spirit filled and joyful. – Monsignor Elvin Sunds
Olivia Ann Hanby – St. James, Tupelo Olivia’s heart to serve, is never ending. No matter, what she just did, she is going to be there again, for the next thing. This is not just at church; it applies to all areas of her life. Olivia currently serves as a faith formation teacher on Sunday mornings, as a member of the youth choir and often as a lector at Mass. Recently, she served others through working Habitat for Humanity and she has served with Catholic Heart Work Camp for three years. She has served at school for Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years. Additionally, Olivia has served as a leader for Vacation Bible School for all of her high school career. Currently, she serves as a Math tutor and as a LifeTeen Leader as a Senior. – Father Tim Murphy
JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service.
This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz gave 18 adults (one posthumously) and one young person their awards on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche Award nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the men and women who serve the church today.
Lillie Arrexi – st. Helen, amory Lillie Arrexi embodies a true disciple of Christ. She has given witness to her faith by her simple yet profound prayer life and by putting her faith into action. Recently widowed, she was a devoted wife and is a loving mother and grandmother. In the parish she ministered as First Communion catechist for over 30 years as well as ministering in the school as an ESL teacher. She has been in constant contact with many of the Hispanic members of our parish supporting them, as well as all the children of the parish. Miss Lillie as she is fondly called, continues to serve in various ministries and truly embodies Christ in her life. Lillie was also among those members who raised monies to build the present church and center. – Sister Lael Niblick
Carla Lott – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Carla has been the parish secretary since January of 2008. When Carla is asked to do something, you never have to worry that it won’t get done. She is committed and dedicated to our parish and is always smiling, welcoming, kind and helpful! She is truly our “Minister of First Impressions” and “Minister of Welcome.” She is patient, kind, and helpful to everyone she encounters. As a religious education teacher, she spent her “free” time planning and gathering materials for her class. As a Germanfest booth chair and worker, she spends a lot of time at planning meetings and working during her “non-working hours” to contribute to the success of the fest. As a member of the KC Auxiliary, she attends meetings and contributes to the projects the organization sponsors. During COVID, when we had strict health and safety protocols in place, she attended every Mass to make sure everyone was safe. – Pam Minninger, LEM
STARKVILLE – Bishop Jospeh Kopacz traveled to present Dr. Robert Wolverton with a Bishop Chanche Medal for Service on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Father Jason Johnston described the award as a “lifetime achievement award” for his service to St. Joseph parish. (Photo Father Jason Johnston)
Dr. Robert E. Wolverton, Sr. – St. Joseph, Starkville This is a lifetime achievement award. Dr. Wolverton is 96 years old. He has spent many years in service to the church in many ways. He loves his faith, his family, his church and has served in many different capacities through the years to follow his Savior.
Dr. Wolverton was heavily involved in the begining days of RCIA at St. Joseph and led and taught the catechetical instructions for many years. He was on the first parish council at St. Joseph and also served on the diocesan pastoral council, serving twice as president under Bishops Brunini and Houck. Additionally, he led Word and Communion Services on the campus of Mississippi State University at the Chapel of Memories touching the lives of both students and faculty, bringing them the Lord Jesus, quite literally – in Word and Sacrament for many years.
Dr. Wolverton continues to serve as a great lay witness. People in the parish have a great amount of respect and admiration for Dr. Wolverton and see him as a leader and a good and faithful Catholic Christian. There have been times when a priest could not be in Starkville for Sunday Mass for one reason or another. Dr. Wolverton was always happy to lead a Word and Communion Service and offer a great reflection on the Scriptures. – Father Jason Johnston
Herman Cooper – Holy Savior, Clinton Herman is a ‘household name’ in the parish. Herman has been active in parish ministry for more than 30 years. All recent pastors have sought his help and counsel in administration. His fingerprints are on every big project in the parish – new church building, the new parish hall. A steady hand with parish finances, and the gift of his time to meetings and reports. He is a good listener to people and their complaints – always ready to help and serve. He has served as a lector and an usher.; and as a member of Knights of Columbus parish council.
Raised in a small catholic community in Anguilla, Mississippi he is proud of his catholic roots and the family he came from. He and his wife, Carol, have passed on this faith and love of church to their children and grandchildren. – Father Tom McGing
Carrie Meyer – St. Michael, Vicksburg Carrie coordinates one of the most visible outreach programs of our parish – Meals on Wheels. One Friday a month, St. Michael Parish provides a hot meal for approximately 100 individuals in Vicksburg and Warren County. Carrie plans the menu and completes the grocery shopping. She then coordinates various groups of parishioners to cook, package and deliver the meals to those individuals on our designated Friday. She also coordinates with local businesses and restaurants who volunteer to provide all or part of a meal.
Today, in any given community there are many who struggle to have enough to eat or a hot meal on a regular basis and Vicksburg is no different. Being able to help a small portion of our city is a blessing. We have received phone calls and notes from the recipients of these meals thanking us for what we do and thanking us for the interaction between themselves and ourparishioners. Thanks to Carrie and this ministry, Vicksburg is able see the Gospel being lived through the actions of our parishioners. – Father Robert Dore
Stephenie Morrisey – St. Richard, Jackson Stephenie has volunteered diligently for many years with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd religious formation program for children in our parish. She was one of the first to volunteer for training and helped establish the program in the parish. She has continued to serve as catechist throughout the years and remains an integral part of the program long after her own children have graduated from the religious education programs. Stephanie’s love for this program, in spite of the large commitment of time and energy throughout the years, keeps her returning to share the beauty and great mysteries of her faith to the children of the parish. She continues to inspire others to serve through her service. – Susan O’Connor, Director of Religious Education
Jimmy Pappa receives an assist from Pam Minninger to pin his Bishop Chanche medal on his lapel. He is a dedicated and faithful LEM at St. Joseph Woodville.
Jimmie Pappa – St. Joseph, Woodville Jimmie is a dedicated and faithful/Lay Ecclesial Minister for liturgy at St. Joseph, as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, in addition to assisting his lay Franciscan Community in Baton Rouge. He has also coordinated the RCIA program for both St. Joseph and Holy Family Churches for the past five years. Jimmie fulfills all his ministries with a patient, Christ-like love and devotion while displaying the essence of a true steward – disciple. – Father Scott Dugas
David and Michelle Chabreck – Holy Family, Gloster David and Michelle are both foundational parishioners of Holy Family church, going back to its beginning in 1983. They are both lectors and ushers for Holy Family. Additionally, Michelle is also serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Both maintain the parish’s memorial garden and assist in the maintenance of the church’s interior and exterior needs. They both faithfully maintain the outdoor flag and pole stand dedicated to the deceased veterans-parishioners. They have provided valuable labors for parish socials, especially vital cleanups. Their dedicated, faithful witness of genuine stewardship of time, talent and treasure has truly been a witness to their fellow parishioners. – Father Scott Dugas
Michael and Stacy Wolf – St. Jude, Pearl “Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
Stacy and Michael Wolf are the personification of this scripture passage. Their sense of collaboration and partnership has had such an impact on the parish in so many ways as their personal devotion to Christ has been magnified. Together they have unselfishly and joyfully given of themselves to share the Good News of Christ, especially to the children and youth of St. Jude. By supporting each other and working together to evangelize and teach, lives have been changed. The parish has been changed.
Sadly, this partnership has also changed. Stacy died July 7, 2021 from an accident. Without his partner by his side, Michael is persevering in his efforts to share understanding of God’s love with our youth.
Stacy served as St. Jude’s director of faith formation and was especially devoted to our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, working at St. Jude for approximately 11 years.
Michael and Stacy’s dedication to their faith has made them good examples for all of our parishioners. The effect of their love of God and of others was evident by the response of members of the parish and the community at large when Stacy died. – Father Lincoln Dall
Kerri Patrice McKnatt – St. Mary, Batesville Kerri is the faith leader of her family and a true and major faith leader in her parish. Her gift of being a servant leader overflows from her family to her parish and within her job. When the church began to open up after shutdowns, Kerri stepped up to the plate and became the song leader/cantor for the main Mass. She has also been teaching religious ed classes and has been a leader of youth activities for at least 12 years – if not more! She is a marvelous cook and will gladly provide food and meals for the sick of the parish or for parish activities. Plays, picnics, Vacation Bible Schools, and other activities would never happen if not for Kerri’s leadership, creativity, energy and her family. – Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy
James AND Mary Sue Shipp – St. Mary, Yazoo City James and Mary Sue are good catholic role models for the younger generation. Many parishioners openly appreciate their involvement in the parish activities. They regular to Sunday Mass and other sacraments, and faithful in growing their children and their grandchildren in the Catholic life. They are very helpful to the church with their time, skills and stewardship. Both served in the parish council in different times, as lectors and Sunday School teachers for many years. Additionally, Mary Sue served as a choir leader and as an Altar Society member for many years; while Jimmy served in the parish finance council. This year they are celebrating their Diamond Jubilee of their marriage. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam
Linda Ferretti Sandifer – All Saints, Belzoni Linda lives a life of love, faith, and service. She has been a member of All Saints for close to 45 years and an educator in the church and community for as long. Linda has served as Religious Coordinator for many years and religious education teacher every year. She is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. She is always organizing projects to help families in need in the community and is not shy about sharing her faith.
Linda sacrifices her time above and beyond. She donates food and materials to help those in need. Linda has been an educatorfor many years and could surely justify retiring, but she has a genuine need in her heart to serve, to educate, to live her life asJesus would. She has a heart pf pure gold. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam
Mary and Mike Robinson – St. Francis of Assisi Madison Mike and Mary have served in so many ministries, that it is difficult to name them all. They are often the first ones there to set up and work and last ones to leave. Mary and Mike will drop everything to assist their parish – they are true stewards. They are always ready to volunteer to help at the church and in the community. This was visually witnessed daily and especially during the Covid Pandemic. One of the most important roles that Mike has taken, with Mary’s assistance as well, is that of Social Concerns Coordinator for the parish. Mike and Mary are committed to providing for the poor, needy, and the homebound, and to our sister parish, St. Anne’s in Carthage. Mike continued service to the community during the pandemic shut down, when many people were desperate for assistance. They have both coordinated the MadCAAP Christ in Christmas family adoption program in their parish, monthly food pantry donations, and have provided gentle direction to many individuals seeking assistance. – Father Albeen Vatti
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the crowd applaude the recipients of the Bishop Chanche Medal for service to the diocese on Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)
Jesus wants us to be fully engaged in this fallen world, because in Him we are the light of the world …
By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D. “What do the Scriptures say?” This was the question at the beginning of the passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans last weekend at the outset of Lent. Paul’s response to his own rhetorical introduction is the Kerygma. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart, then you will be saved.” Having been grasped by Christ, St. Paul testifies that “I live no longer I, but Christ who lives in me,” and “the love of Christ compels me,” and “I count all else as rubbish in the knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is the repentance and conversion that beckons us on Ash Wednesday with the words, “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are an invitation to walk faithfully with the Holy One who loves and saves us.
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz
What do the Scriptures say? What a fundamentally important question for our lives of faith with every facet that ultimately matters, in this case, the mystery of evil. On the first Sunday in Lent, we have the definitive struggle between Jesus and the devil, the evil one, the enemy, the malicious spirit of this world and what the Scriptures say carried the day for the Son of God, divine yet wholly human.
Stones into bread, the deceiver allured. “One does not live by bread alone, but every word that comes from the mouth of God.” From the mountaintop with the Putinesque vision of reality, the enemy enticed. “This can all be yours if you but bow down and worship me.” Ah no, “You shall adore the Lord your God, him alone shall you serve.” Finally, onto from the parapet of the Temple the devil led with the seduction of religious power through a false representation of the living God. In turn, Jesus countered with the disarming response; “you shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
What does the church say in the Sacrament of Baptism about the mystery of evil? “Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises?” Or, do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?”
Obviously, we are not shadow boxing in the renewal of our baptismal promises over these forty days, accompanying the catechumens and candidates with whom we will proclaim to the world that although evil, sin and death are all too real, yet, they do not have the final word, because the crucified one is risen.
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) say about the mystery of evil that is a compilation of nearly 2000 years of the prayerful and lived experience of the followers of Christ?
Soberly, we read that evil, suffering, injustice and death contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ, and shakes the faith of the believers. (164) At times, God seems absent and incapable of stopping evil. Yet, we are not powerless, because God’s power is evident in the raising of Jesus Christ from the dead which is the first and final word in life and in death. (272)
Yet, why does evil even exist? (309) St. Augustine says that we cannot find a solution, a way out except through conversion to the living God. (385)
We have to fight the movements of concupiscence and the lure of sin that never cease to bring us to the threshold of evil. We are called to reverse the rebellion at the beginning and realize a rupture with sin, a hatred of evil, a disgust with past sinful action, relying on the grace and mercy of God. (1431)
The presence of evil impacts all relationships including marriage, threatening the bond of unity through discord, domination, infidelity, jealousy and conflicts. (1606) What is necessary is a life of placing oneself in the hands of God, a handing of oneself over in adoration and service. (1889)
These citations up to now are taken from the first three sections of the CCC, the Creed, the Sacraments and Life in Christ. The fourth and final section of the CCC is the unfolding of the Lord’s prayer, the mind and heart of Christ that address temptation and the reality of evil.
By God’s grace and the power of faith we can put aside temptation and walk away from the destructive path and pain of evil. Recall Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper. “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you guard them from the evil one.” (John 17:15) (CCC 2850)
Indeed, Jesus wants us to be fully engaged in this fallen world, because in Him we are the light of the world, witnesses to faith, hope and love, reconciliation, justice and peace, and the promise of eternal life. May we seek the answers to life’s unrelenting questions in the Scriptures and the living tradition of the church.
By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Positive change must begin with oneself and with acknowledging one’s own mistakes, Pope Francis said.
Such change also includes being attentive to how one communicates, because words carry weight and they can be used to “feed prejudices, raise barriers, harm and even destroy,” the pope told people gathered in St. Peter’s Square Feb. 27 for his Sunday Angelus address.
“Especially in the digital world, words travel fast; but too many of them convey anger and aggression, feed false news and take advantage of collective fears to propagate distorted ideas,” he said.
“Every fruitful, positive change must begin from ourselves. Otherwise, there will be no change,” he said.
The pope reflected on the Sunday Gospel reading from St. Luke, in which Christ asks his disciples, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?”
Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Feb. 27, 2022. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
“What Jesus says is true: we always find reasons for blaming others and justifying ourselves,” Pope Francis said. “And very often we complain about things that are wrong in society, in the church, in the world, without first questioning ourselves and without making an effort to change ourselves first.”
Jesus asks people “to look within ourselves to recognize our failings. Because if we are not capable of seeing our own defects, we will always be inclined to magnify those of others,” he said.
When individuals acknowledge their own mistakes and flaws first, he said, “the door of mercy opens up to us,” providing a chance to experience God’s love and forgiveness.
Then, he said, “Jesus invites us to look at others as he does,” which is to “not see irredeemable errors in us, but children who make mistakes.”
“We know that God always forgives. And he invites us to do likewise: not to look for evil in others, but good,” he said. It is important people be attentive to the way they speak because “you can tell straightaway what is in their heart” by the words they choose, he said.
Pope Francis asked people to reflect on whether they choose words that “express care, respect, understanding, closeness, compassion or words that aim mainly to make us look good in front of others? And then, do we speak mildly, or do we pollute the world by spreading venom: criticizing, complaining, feeding widespread aggression?” “Jesus invites us to reflect on the way we look (at others) and the way we speak” and to purify “our gaze and our speech,” he said.
Sometimes it takes an outsider to help you to see the beauty and depth of something you have never fully appreciated. I suspect this true for many of us, myself no exception, regarding the celebration of the Eucharist in our churches.
David P. Gushee, an Evangelical, recently published a book entitled After Evangelicalism, within which he describes his decades-long struggle to make peace with some issues inside his own church. He has remained in his church, though now on Sundays he also goes (with his wife who is a Roman Catholic) to a Catholic Mass. Here’s his description of what he sees there.
Padre Ron Rolheiser, OMI
“I view design of the Catholic Mass as something like a polished gem, refined over time to a state of great beauty – if you know what you are looking at. … The movement of the Mass manages to accomplish so much in something like an hour – a processional, with the cross held high; greetings in the name of the triune God; early confession of sin, brief but compelling; an Old Testament reading read by a lay person; a sung psalm; an Epistle reading by a layperson; the Gospel reading by the priest, and the ceremony around it; a brief homily; the centering movement provided by the creed and the prayers of the people. An offertory and music. Then right to the Table – the people offer gifts that are then offered to God and come back to the people as Christ’s body and blood; the kneeling in humility; the Lord’s Prayer as an important part of the Eucharistic rite; the precious chance to pass the peace with neighbors just before the supper; more kneeling; the chance to watch the people come up for Communion and pray for them, or instead be quiet with God; the final Trinitarian blessing and recessional.”
What an insightful description of the ritual by which we celebrate the Eucharist! Sometimes when we’re inside something, we don’t see it as clearly as does someone from the outside. Let me add two other descriptions that highlight the Eucharistic ritual in a way that we often don’t think about or meet in our usual theology and catechesis on this.
The first, like Gushee’s, also comes from a non-Catholic. A Methodist layman shares this: “I’m not a Roman Catholic, but sometimes I go to a Roman Catholic Mass just to take in the ritual. I’m not sure if they know exactly what they’re doing, but they’re doing something very powerful. Take their daily Mass, for example. Unlike their Sunday Mass, they do daily Mass more simply, with the ritual stripped down to its skeleton. What you see then, in essence, is something akin to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.” Why does he make that connection?
Here are his words. “People who go to daily Mass don’t go there to experience anything novel or exciting. It’s always the same, and that’s the point. Like people going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, they’re going there to receive the support they need to stay steady in their lives, and the steadiness comes through the ritual. Underneath the surface, each person is saying, “My name is _ and my life is fragile. I know that if I don’t come to this ritual regularly my life will begin to unravel. I need this ritual to stay alive.” The ritual of the Eucharist functions too as a “12-Step” meeting.
Another perspective comes from Ronald Knox, a British theologian. He submits that we have never truly been faithful to Jesus. When we’re honest, we have to admit that we don’t love our enemies, don’t turn the other cheek, don’t bless those who curse us, don’t forgive those who kill our loved ones, don’t reach out enough to the poor, and don’t extend our compassion out equally to the bad as well as to the good. Rather, we cherry-pick the teachings of Jesus. But, says Knox, we have been faithful in one great way, through the ritual of the Eucharist. Jesus asked us to keep celebrating that ritual until he returns and, 2000 years later, we are still celebrating it. The ritual of the Eucharist is our one great act of fidelity, and the good news is that this ritual will ultimately be enough.
Jesus left us two things: his Word and the Eucharist. Various churches have taken different approaches as to which of these to give priory. Some churches, like Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Anglicans have prioritized the Eucharist as the foundation on which they build and maintain community. Other churches, most Protestant and Evangelical communities, have reversed this and prioritized the Word as the foundation on which they build and maintain community. How do the Word and the Eucharist play out together?
On the Road to Emmaus when the disciples of Jesus fail to recognize him even as they are walking with him, Jesus stirs their hearts with the Word, enough so that they beg him to stay with them. Then he sits down with them for Eucharist, and the ritual does the rest.
(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com and now on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser)
In my past three entries I have discussed three of the four dimensions of priestly formation for our seminarians. The human, spiritual and intellectual pillars all serve the greater purpose of forming pastors. Therefore, the fourth and final dimension we will examine is the pastoral dimension. This dimension of priestly formation can be seen as a stand-alone pillar with different tasks highlighted and required during seminary training, but it can also be seen as the synthesis of everything that a man learns and becomes during his time in the seminary.
Father Nick Adam
If a seminarian is attentive to his human formation, then he becomes both more approachable and more effective at inviting others into a more robust faith. If a seminarian is diligently praying and growing in relationship with Jesus Christ, then he’ll be a more inspiring spiritual father to his parishioners. If a seminarian has taken the time and the effort to really apply what he has learned in the classroom, he is better able to share the truths in the faith with his people in a way that is helpful rather than weaponizing the truth and steering people away from his counsel.
Concretely, the seminarians are given opportunities for pastoral formation both inside the seminary and outside its confines. I remember with great clarity working in the student government at Notre Dame Seminary (NDS). There are plenty of big opinions and competing agendas when you live in a building with 130 other men, and so my year as the president of the student body at NDS was very formative. I was able to gain practice in collaborating effectively and empowering others with different skill sets than mine. I also was able to make mistakes in a controlled environment with the safety net of the seminary administration and faculty there to back me up. Our seminarian, Carlisle Beggerly is currently serving as NDS student body president, please keep him in your prayers!
Outside the seminary there are many different pastoral outreach opportunities. The seminary will typically either assign or allow a seminarian to pick a ministry that they’d like to be involved with during an academic year. This could include prison ministry, homeless outreach, or working in Catholic Schools or parish religious education. All of these opportunities allow the seminarian not only to reflect on their own pastoral skills and development, but they also allow the members of the church to give feedback on his development both to the individual seminarian and those entrusted with his formation.
The four dimensions of priestly formation, human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral, work together. They are helpful categories for the seminarians and their supervisors to gauge their aptitude for diocesan priesthood. Every man who is ordained a priest should be able to diligently and effectively lead the people of a parish, even if he will not immediately be named a pastor. These dimensions help us create goals and gauge progress so that the people of God can be served by the pastors they need. – Father Nick Adam
If you are interested in learning more about religious orders or vocations to the priesthood and religious life, please email nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.
