Por Catholic News Service JERUSALÉN (CNS) – Los líderes cristianos en Tierra Santa expresaron su profunda preocupación por la creciente violencia israelí-palestina, ya que las dos partes se enfrentaron en Jerusalén e Israel lanzó ataques aéreos en Gaza, en respuesta a los ataques con cohetes. “Los violentos acontecimientos que asolan la Palestina ocupada, no son más que el resultado inevitable de la presión y la opresión practicadas por las potencias ocupantes de la tierra de Palestina durante más de siete décadas,” dijo un comunicado del 11 de mayo. del Consejo de Iglesias de Oriente Medio. Estos acontecimientos relacionados, ya sea en la mezquita de Al-Aqsa o en Sheikh Jarrah, violan la santidad del pueblo de Jerusalén y de Jerusalén como la Ciudad de la Paz”. Sheikh Jarrah es un barrio de Jerusalén donde decenas de palestinos están bajo amenaza de desalojo de los colonos judíos. La última ronda de confrontación comenzó a principios del 10 de mayo, cuando los israelíes se preparaban para celebrar el Día de Jerusalén, conmemorando lo que Israel ve como la reunificación de Jerusalén de 1967 y los palestinos ven como el comienzo de la ocupación israelí. La policía dice que se vieron obligados a responder cuando los palestinos atacaron un puesto policial, arrojando piedras, fuegos artificiales y otros objetos a la policía desde el complejo de la Mezquita Al-Aqsa, un lugar sagrado musulmán. El sitio también es considerado sagrado por los judíos, quienes lo llaman el Monte del Templo en honor a los dos templos bíblicos judíos que se encontraban allí. Más tarde ese mismo día, militantes palestinos en Gaza lanzaron cientos de cohetes contra Israel, matando a dos personas e hiriendo al menos a 10. En respuesta, Israel lanzó ataques aéreos contra Gaza, envió tropas a la frontera y convocó a reservistas militares. El Ministerio de Salud de Gaza dijo el 11 de mayo que al menos 26 palestinos, entre ellos una mujer y nueve niños, habían muerto en los ataques. El Consejo de Iglesias de Oriente Medio al instar a los líderes internacionales a hacer cumplir los derechos de las personas, el consejo dijo: “La violencia solo genera violencia y el odio solo conduce a más odio, la discriminación racial solo hace la revolución, y el extremismo solo genera extremismo, y la privación solo engendra levantamiento, y la única manera de salir de esto.”
An Israeli medic treats a man who was wounded after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed near homes in Moshav Zohar, Israel, May 13, 2021. (CNS photo/Amir Cohen, Reuters)
El Status Quo es un acuerdo del siglo XIX que regula la jurisdicción y el acceso a sitios cristianos clave en Jerusalén para las comunidades católica, ortodoxa y otras comunidades cristianas. La declaración del Patriarcado Latino, que es similar a una arquidiócesis, dijo: “Esta es una ciudad sagrada para las tres religiones monoteístas ytambién una ciudad donde el pueblo palestino, cristianos y musulmanes tienen el mismo derecho a construir un futuro basado en la libertad, la igualdad y la paz,” decía.
Por Joe Lee JACKSON – Monseñor Michael Flannery ya es autor de cuatro libros más, donde se incluye La Misión de Saltillo (Saltillo Mission), su tributo a los esfuerzos humanitarios de su amigo y mentor, el difunto Padre Patrick Quinn.
Monseñor Flannery, Padre Miguelito, como es conocido por algunos en la comunidad Hispana Flannery, prometió hacer algo productivo mientras estaba en cuarentena durante la pandemia de coronavirus de 2020.
En lugar de simplemente trabajar en su próximo manuscrito, completó y publicó la friolera de cuatro nuevos títulos a través de Covenant Books, una editorial cristiana con sede en Carolina del Sur. Los cuatro libros tejen ficción con historia y asuntos de fe y espiritualidad, un enfoque con el que juega Mons. Flannery y una de sus fortalezas como narrador.
“Cuando enseñé religión a los niños”, dijo Mons. Flannery, “sentí que la mejor manera de hacerlo era darles vida contándolas como historias. Pero estos libros no son solo para niños; también son para padres y abuelos”.
Aquí hay un vistazo a cada uno de estos libros: El Cáliz de Limerick Este libro explora un período oscuro y peligroso en la historia del pueblo irlandés y utiliza un cáliz perteneciente al obispo Turlough O’Brien y cuidado por el padre James Kelly, después que el obispo O’Brien fuera ahorcado, para representar cuan largo los irlandeses iban a defender su fe católica de la persecución, así como la resistencia que demostraron al sobrevivir lo que se conoce como La Gran Hambruna Irlandesa de la Patata (papa). Este es una historia de esperanza, valentía y lealtad; el mensaje del libro subraya el verdadero valor de nuestros amados símbolos católicos, como es el cáliz.
Una vista del Santo Grial El Santo Grial es supuestamente la copa que Jesús usó la noche de la Última Cena. Se han escrito muchos libros sobre dónde podría estar el Santo Grial, y una gran película de Hollywood de hace una generación, Indiana Jones y la última cruzada, incluyó la búsqueda de la copa como una parte importante de la trama. En un libro anterior, Historias de un Padre Cristiano (Padre’s Christian Stories), Mons. Flannery escribió una historia inspiradora sobre el Santo Grial, y en éste Una Vista al Santo Grial (One View of the Holy Grail), adopta un enfoque nuevo y creativo de lo que podría haberle sucedido a la mítica copa.
La Esmeralda En el libro La Esmeralda, el joven Adolfo Rodríguez encuentra una piedra rara y valiosa en su natal San Pedro, Coahuila, México. Como aprende Adolfo, la esmeralda es rara y valiosa debido a los poderes y oportunidades que le brinda, como ser el primero de la aldea de San Pedro en asistir a la universidad, donde obtiene una maestría en ingeniería. Adolfo continúa haciendo grandes cosas, incluido el traer una turbina eólica de regreso al pueblo, lo que mejora enormemente la vida de las personas allí.
En busca de mi Gemelo Una obra de ficción en primera persona, En busca de mi Gemelo (In Search of my Twin) se ve a través de los ojos de William Musgrove. Después de que él y su hermano gemelo, Joseph, sobreviven a un accidente automovilístico mortal que cobra la vida de sus padres cuando los niños tienen solo dos días de edad, se convierten en pupilos del estado y son separados. William está especialmente intrigado al saber, a medida que crece, que en realidad tiene un hermano gemelo, y su larga búsqueda, de una generación, para encontrar a José lo lleva por un camino que refleja la estrecha relación entre el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo.
(Los cuatro nuevos lanzamientos de Mons. Flannery están disponibles en formato de bolsillo y digital, sólo en Inglés, a través de Amazon, Barnes and Noble y www.covenantbooks.com. Las copias firmadas también están disponibles para su compra en St. Francis of Assisi en Madison, llame al (601) 856-5556.)
Por Joanna Puddister King JACKSON – Cuando el obispo John Joseph Chanche llegó a la recién formada Diócesis de Natchez en mayo de 1841, no había iglesias católicas, solo un par de sacerdotes misioneros, y su rebaño estaba muy lejos. Aceptó el desafío y sentó las bases de la Diócesis de Jackson. La diócesis honra su legado y agradece a quienes continúan construyendo sobre su base con el premio Obispo Chanche por su servicio. Este año, el obispo Joseph Kopacz y la Oficina del Ministerio de la Juventud otorgaron el premio Obispo Chanche a 11 jóvenes: Carolina Acosta – St. James, Tupelo; Anna Elise Crout – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt; Emma Rose Dickerson – St. Alphonsus, McComb; Maria Garcia – St. Therese, Kosciusko; Kirstie Graves – St. Joseph, Meridian; Anna Marie Lamanilao – St. Michael, Vicksburg; Nate Leary – St. John the Evangelist, Oxford; Alida Pérez – St. Joseph, Starkville; Katheryn Prater – St. Francis, Madison; Christopher Tonos – St. Joseph, Greenville y Chase Walter – St. Jude, Pearl Debido a COVID, los premios se entregaron individualmente en las parroquias. Tres de los receptores son jóvenes Hispanos. A continuación está una breve descripcion de ellos, provenientes de los formularios de nominación del Premio Obispo Chanche, ofrececiendo un vistazo de los jóvenes que sirven a la iglesia en la actualidad.
CAROLINA ACOSTA – ST. JAMES, TUPELO Carácter: Humilde, comprometido y trabajador Actividades: monaguillo, lector, líder de la confraternidad cristiana en la escuela Escuela: Tupelo High School, senior Acosta fue nominada por Mary Frances Strange, directora de pastoral juvenil, quien dijo que Acosta vive su fe católica siendo valiente. “Es una de esas personas difíciles de describir, porque hay pocas como ella. El año pasado ofrecí la oportunidad a los Juniors recién confirmados de ayudar como líderes en su último año. Tenía ocho que estaban interesados. Ella era una de ellas,” dijo Strange. Acosta ayuda a dirigir un grupo pequeño en la parroquia y asiste a todos los proyectos de servicio. Este año, incluso ayudó a Strange con el retiro de Confirmación. “Me quedé tan impresionado con ella, fue la ayuda más eficiente y productiva que he tenido como ministro de jóvenes”.
KOSCIUSKO – El obispo Kopacz entrega el premio “Obispo Chanche” a María Guadalupe García, en mayo 8. (foto cortesía de Yolanda Vásquez)
MARIA GUADALUPE GARCIA – ST THERESE, KOSCIUSKO Carácter: Dedicado, leal, confiable Actividades: monaguillo, lector bilingüe, líder del rosario, presidente de CYO, club Beta, club de español, club de lectura, miembro de Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) y voluntario en Shepard’s Touch Clinic Escuela: Middle School Kosciusko, último año García fue nominado por el Padre Odel Medina, ST, párroco de Santa Teresa Kosciusko. “María se merece el premio Bishop Chanche para jóvenes porque está dedicada a ayudar a cerrar la brecha lingüística entre nuestros miembros de la congregación que hablan español e inglés. Es leal a sus deberes y confiable en todo lo que se le pide. Ella es un modelo para su familia, iglesia y comunidad,” dijo el Padre Medina. García está disponible para traducir verbalmente o por escrito del inglés al español o viceversa. Tiene un corazón de siervo. El Padre Medina también dijo que García ha animado y enseñado a los niños más pequeños de la parroquia cómo servir y participar en la Misa. “Ella ha enseñado a varios otros niños de la iglesia cómo servir como monaguillo, rezar el Rosario y participar en las Estaciones de la Cruz. Su perspectiva positiva de la vida es contagiosa y los demás quieren estar cerca de ella y agradarla,” dijo Medina.
ALIDA PEREZ – ST. JOSEPH, STARKVILLE Carácter: Fiel, líder y piadosa Actividades: grupo de jóvenes, monaguillo, coro de la iglesia, coro de la escuela, voluntario de la despensa de alimentos Escuela: Starkville High School, senior Pérez fue nominada por el diácono Jeff Artigues en St. Joseph Starkville, quien dice que vive su fe católica a través de su participación activa en el grupo de jóvenes de la parroquia. “Ella está involucrada … porque quiere fortalecer su vínculo con Dios y sus compañeros católicos,” dijo el diácono Artigues.
Dia del Corpus Christi. Jueves, jun. 3 Fiesta del Inmaculado Corazón de María. Sábado, jun. 12 Festividad del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Lunes, jun. 14 Dia de los Padres. Domingo, jun. 20 Natividad de San Juan Bautista. Miércoles, jun. 24 Señora del Perpetuo Socorro. Domingo, jun. 27 Solemnidad de San Pedro y San Pablo. Martes, jun. 29
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By Father Clement “Clem” Olukunle Oyafemi JACKSON – On Pentecost we celebrate the birthday of the Catholic Church. In other words, we celebrate the inauguration of the Universal Church. When Jesus rose from the dead, the first gift he gave to the church was the Holy Spirit. He says to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (Jn 20:22-23). Before his ascension, Jesus makes a promise to his disciples. He says to them, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Padre Clement Olukunle Oyafemi
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and as the Bible attests, “They were devout men (and women) even in Jerusalem from every nation on the earth … and each one was bewildered to hear these men (the apostles) speaking his own language.” (Acts 2:6) They questioned: How does it happen that each of us hears them (the apostles) in his own native language? (Acts.2:8) What is the implication of this message? How does it affect us today? What happened on Pentecost was a miracle. The miracle was that God spoke to people of different nationalities in their own native tongues through the Apostles who were uneducated men. It was a reverse of the division that was experienced at the Tower of Babel (cf Gn 11:1-9). Praise God!. The human race is once again united after many centuries of division and confusion. Through the Holy Spirit the divided world, marked by misunderstanding, conflicts and confusion, is now united. Today there is a serious attempt by some schools of thought to teach the whole world the same verbal language to unite them. That, however, seems to be an expensive joke. What we need today is “inculturation.” That is to allow the gospel message to be born in every culture. Today we are challenged to break down the barriers of division and sectarianism. We are challenged to bring the Gospel to every race and culture and help them understand the marvels of God in their own native languages. We are challenged to help people connect with God in their own concrete historical conditions. We do not need to learn any foreign language to communicate with God, our loving Father. If the church is defined as “the people of God,” then, the language of the church must be the language of God’s people in every part of the world. What we really need in today’s church is the language of love. It is non-verbal and does not require an interpreter. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will be able to speak the nonverbal language of love, which cannot be taught by any human technique. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will be able to understand each other in family, in the church, and in society. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the church will have the courage to carry out the universal Mission entrusted to her by Jesus. She will be comforted, directed, and strengthened especially at difficult times. At confirmation, each one of us received the gift of the Holy Spirit. That is meant give us the courage to always witness the Faith, even in the face of death. May the Holy Spirit, which came on Pentecost day, come upon each, and every one of us and renew the face of the entire earth.
(Excerpt from the book Theological Reflections for Sundays and Solemnities of Liturgical Year B, 2011 by Father Clem-alias Clemente de Dios, Coordinator of the Intercultural Ministry of the Diocese since 2020. Father Clem has two master’s degrees, one in theology and the other in religious education, and a BA in Philosophy. Sharing with Sister Thea Bowman a passion for the Lord and music, Father Clem founded the Rejoice Ministry of African Worship Songs –AFRAWOS– in 2002.)
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph senior, Madison Cain crowns Mary with the help of Simar Thomas. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick Catholic School first grade students Kayleigh Johnson and Kyler Hill place roses in front of Mary during the May Crowning Children’s Mass on Thursday, May 5, 2021. (Photo by Emily Thompson)
Abby Grace Roach and Camilla Jeffers crown Mary during VCS’s May Crowning. (Photo by Lindsey Bradley)
COLUMBUS – May Crowning was held on Monday, May 3 at Annunciation School. Eighth graders and prekindergartners brought flowers to adorn Mary. Pictured is eighth grader, Armando Leyva placing Mary’s crown. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher)
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick School first grader Valentina Espino places a crown of flowers on Mary during the May Crowning Children’s Mass Thursday, May 5, 2021.(Photo by Emily Thompson)
NATCHEZ – Cathedral School second graders Skylar Huff, Alexa Hardy, Kate Carlton and Clifford Tillman place flowers in front of Mary during the traditional May Crowning. (Photo by Amy Gamberi)
Survival in the Arctic
JACKSON – St. Richard students learn about how animals can survive in the Arctic region. Pictured is first grade teacher Rachel Caver with Garrett Fridge, Asher Smith and Mia Nasif. (Photo by Chelsea Hamilton)
By Joanna Puddister King 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 award for service. This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the Office of Youth Ministry awarded 11 young people the Bishop Chanche award. Due to COVID, awards were given at individual parishes. 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.
Carolina Acosta – St. James, Tupelo Character: Humble, committed and hardworking Activities: Altar server, lector, Christian fellowship leader at school School: Tupelo High School, senior Acosta was nominated by Mary Frances Strange, director of youth ministry, who said that Acosta lives out her Catholic faith by being brave. “She is one of those people that is hard to describe, because there are few like her. This past year I offered the opportunity for the newly confirmed juniors to help as leaders their senior year. I had eight that were interested. She was one of these,” said Strange. Acosta helps lead a small group at the parish and comes to all service projects. This year, she even assisted Strange with the Confirmation retreat. “I was so blown away by her, she was the most efficient and productive help I have ever had as a youth minister.”
Anna Elise Crout – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Character: Dedicated, enthusiastic about her faith and desire for growth Activities: Youth Lead Team, parish and school cantor and pianist, school band, volunteer at Hope Hollow Ministires and MadCAAP
School: St. Joseph Catholic School, junior Crout was nominated by Pam Minninger, the LEM for St. Joseph Gluckstadt, who said that she reliably serves her parish and Catholic school not only by being a dedicated and enthusiastic participant, but also serves in music ministry as a talented piano player and cantor. She promotes involvement in youth events such as DCYC to her peers and serves as a youth leader on the Youth Ministry Leadership team, which involves being an example of leadership as well as conducting (adult supervised) activities for younger teens and children in St. Joseph’s parish ministries. “We can always count on Anna to not only participate and share her talents, but to also take a lead in her role as a Youth Lead Team member and also with a genuine enthusiasm for her faith and a desire to share her love of faith with peers,” said Minninger.
Emma Rose Dickerson – St. Alphonsus, McComb Character: Responsible, honest and compassionate Activities: Vacation bible school volunteer, gift bearer, Jag2jag mentoring program, Life Teen, St. Alphonsus social committee, Volunteer at many school events and at WINGS and St. Andrew’s mission School: North Pike High School, senior Dickerson was nominated by William Jarvis, youth minister at St. Alphonsus McComb, who described her as having a sensitive heart to those who suffer. “Emma’s level of commitment is something that we can rely on. We know that if we need someone trustworthy and reliable, that Emma can be called upon,” said Jarvis.
Maria Garcia – St. Therese, Kosciusko Character: Dedicated, loyal, dependable Activities: Altar server, bilingual lector, Rosary leader, CYO president, Beta club, Spanish club, book club, member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and volunteer at Shepard’s Touch Clinic School: Kosciusko High School, senior Garcia was nominated by Father Odel Medina, ST, pastor of St. Therese Kosciusko. “Maria deserves the Bishop Chanche award for youth because she is dedicated to help bridge the language gap between our Spanish and English-speaking congregational members. She is loyal to her duties and is dependable in all that is asked of her. She is a roll model for her family, church and community,” said Father Medina. Garcia makes herself available to translate either verbally or written from English to Spanish or vice versa. She has a servants heart. Father Medina also said that Garcia has encouraged and taught the younger children of the parish how to serve and participate in Mass. “She has taught several other children of the church how to serve as an altar server, say the rosary and participate in Stations of the Cross. Her positive outlook on life is infectious and others want to be around her and like her,” said Father Medina.
Kirstie Graves – St. Joseph, Meridian Character: Integrity, honesty and selfless Activities: Lector, choir, Panther Reads, Beta club, member of HOSA, soccer team, softball team, volunteer at Love’s Kitchen School: Quitman High School, senior
Graves was nominated by John Harwell, office manager of St. Joseph Meridian. Harwell describes Graves as one of the most active youth at the parish and said that she helped rebuild the youth program at the parish. “She made is a priority in her life and she would always be here for the youth Mass and as many activities, programs that she was able to make. … When she starts a task, she does not stop until it is finished.” “Kirstie is going to go on to do outstanding things as an adult but more importantly she will do her life’s work as a backdrop to her Catholic faith. I am proud to nominate her for the Bishop Chanche Youth Award,” said Harwell.
Anna Marie Lamanilao – St. Michael, Vicksburg Character: Kind, generous, and faith-filled Activities: Violinist in choir, altar server, band, retreat team, key club, Mu Alpha Theta, mentoring team, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, camp counselor at Camp Silver Cloud School: St. Aloysius Catholic School, senior Lamanilao was nominated by Father Robert Dore of St. Michael Vicksburg, who describes her as a wonderful example of how today’s Catholic teenager should live her life. “She is proud to say she has faith in God and is aware of His infinite love and mercy and the blessings he has bestowed upon her,” said Father Dore. A member of St. Michael parish since birth, she has been involved in the parish in many ways, including Bible school, youth volunteer, CYO, choir, altar server and more.
Nate Leary – St. John the Evangelist, Oxford Character: Compassion, enthusiasm and self-discipline Activities: Eagle scout, tennis, altar server, volunteer at Lovepacks and veterans home School: Lafayette High School, senior Leary was nominated by Camille Bianco of St. John Oxford and she describes him as a natural leader. “He is always willing to volunteer to help others, willing to be a ‘speaker’ for the prayer service, and willing to ask and answer questions at youth group. His enthusiasm for all he does, especially his faith, is easy to denote. The years it took him to obtain his Eagle Scout award shows that he is persistent and has self-discipline. He is fun-loving, yet serious about his faith. This combination makes him unique and he will be much-missed next year at youth group,” said Bianco.
Alida Perez – St. Joseph, Starkville Character: Faithful, leadership and pious Activities: Youth group, altar server, church choir, school choir, food pantry volunteer School: Starkville High School, senior Perez was nominated by Deacon Jeff Artigues at St. Joseph Starkville, who says that she lives her Catholic faith through her active participation in the parish’s youth group. “She’s involved … because she wants to strengthen her bond with God and her Catholic peers,” said Deacon Artigues.
Katheryn Prater – St. Francis, Madison Character: Genuine, generous, leader Activities: Vacation bible school team member, hospitality minister, Life Teen, cantor, music team member, Beta club, National Honor Society, volunteer at Our Daily Bread and Why Not Now School: Madison Central High School, senior
Prater was nominated by Mary Catherine George, director of religious education at St. Francis Madison, who says it has been a privilege to work with Prater at the parish and witness her growth as a strong Christian. “She is a dependable, generous and service-oriented young lady. From my perception of her, she has shown leadership and moral character in all areas of her life,” said George. In 2020, Prater spent countless hours preparing supplies and take-home kits for the parish’s Vacation Bible School “At-Home” program and even worked on a craft demonstration video with the program. “Her assistance in our children’s events and youth program has been beyond helpful to me, to our staff, and to the volunteer ministers she has worked with. She makes time to serve in various ways and expects nothing in return,” said George.
Christopher Tonos – St. Joseph, Greenville Character: Honest, dependable and committed to his call to serve as a disciple Activities: MC at Mass, Youth group, St. Vincent de Paul volunteer, tennis School: St. Joseph Catholic School, senior Tonos was nominated by Father Aaron Williams and Alyssa Ingram, director of youth ministry. Ingram explained that the parish has a Confirmation class outside of the youth program, so those candidates do not generally return to the program after Confirmation but Tonos did. “He comes back every week and meetings between regular scheduled events as well, [He] does more than ‘show up,’ he steps up. The example and honest heart that he has poured out and into the youth this year has been better than I deserve,” said Ingram. “His authentic heart for Jesus pours out of him and into whatever he is doing.”
Chase Walter – St. Jude, Pearl Character: Steadfast in faith, humble and leader Activities: Altar server, usher, Vacation Bible School volunteer, Youth Alpha, Richland Mayor’s Youth Council, Mu Alpha Theta, baseball School: Richland High School, senior
Walter was nominated by Stacy Wolf, DRE for St. Jude Pearl. Wolf describes Walter as a young man with the heart of St. Joseph. “Chase stands out not because he draws attention to himself, but because of his quiet, steady faith and dependability. He sets an example for his peers and our younger children, not by his words, but by his deeds and actions. He leads by example with strength and courage,” says Wolf. Even during the pandemic, Walter has continued to serve the parish with grace. In addition to serving as an usher and alter server on Sundays, Wolf said that he has also continued to take part in Zoom Sunday School and youth activities, despite having a very busy senior year.
Updated COVID-19 protocols for the Diocese of Jackson
Editor’s note: The following is an abbreviated list of updated COVID-19 protocols from the diocese, as of April 30, 2021. JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson acknowledges that the size and demographics of each parish community, as well as the size and layout of church buildings and parish facilities, will shape the way their repective priests and parish leaders decide with prudence and care the way to implement these policies and norms. For Masses: • Social distancing will be at 3 feet rather than 6 feet. • Masks are still required. • Communion will be received in the hand, not directly in the mouth. • Hymnals and missalettes may be used in pews. • Hand sanitizer should still be used by parishioners upon entrance to the church. • Offertory should be collected using a basket placed in an accessible place, such as a table near the entrance to the church. • Bulletins can be handed out to parishioners at Mass, but we also encourage our parishes to email bulletins to parishioners using Flocknote. For meetings, gatherings, parish groups and outside groups, the local community will make the decision as to what it can accommodate in its facilities. • Awareness of safety protocols needs to be followed when serving meals. Meals should still not be buffet style or self-serve. • Social distancing should be observed in meetings, a minimum of 3 feet. • The local community can decide if it is safe and prudent to allow non-parish outside groups to meet in the facilities at this time. • The local community will decide the sanitizing and cleaning procedures needed at parish facilities. • At these gatherings, masks should be worn as the norm but the particular situation can be evaluated. Many parishes will be holding events for youth during the summer, including Vacation Bible School. These things should be kepts in mind: • Outdoor activities for children and youth will minimize the risk of exposure. • For trips, a preference should be made for local trips and trips of three hours or less, rather than long-distance trips. • Service projects are feasible, as long as safety procedures and protocols are kept in mind. • Meals and snacks should not be self-serve or buffet style. Individually wrapped snacks and food items minimize the safety risk. We want to thank all of you for your efforts in keeping our parishioners safe during the pandemic. We can modify our protocols and procedures as described above to allow more flexibility, but this is not the time to let our guard down completely. We will get through the summer months with the hope that things will continue to improve. These modified procedures will allow us more flexibility. We will be constatntly monitoring the situation as reality changes.
(For a complete list of updated protocols, visit https://jacksondiocese.org/public-health-concerns/. Bishop Joseph Kopacz continues to dispense the faithful from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell or do not feel safe attending Mass. At this time, many parishes are still offering live streaming services.)
By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) – When the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said April 27 that fully vaccinated people who wear masks can safely attend many indoor events such as worship services, the announcement likely did not catch many Catholics by surprise. That’s because most Catholic parishes nationwide have been having in-person indoor Masses since last summer, although often with limited congregation sizes requiring parishioners to sign up in advance. The setup of these Masses varies in each diocese and even at different parishes within a diocese. Some parishes are still following strict protocols; others are not requiring masks indoors, and some are offering indoor and outdoor Masses. Parishes are also following state and county health guidelines that determine how many people may attend indoor services.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington March 18, 2021. (CNS photo/Susan Walsh, Pool via Reuters)
At the beginning of the pandemic, most bishops issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, but in recent months a growing number of bishops have lifted that dispensation. Last fall, Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, lifted the dispensation, then reinstated it two weeks later because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the region. Also, across the country, many parishes that quickly figured out how to livestream their Masses last spring are now continuing to provide this service, even as their congregations are starting to return. A Catholic News Service reporter’s unofficial Twitter poll April 28 showed a mixed response about what Catholics planned to do for Sunday Mass the weekend after the green light for indoor worship was given – for those who are masked and vaccinated – by Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC director. Most said they would attend Mass in person, and the next largest number of respondents said they had barely stopped going to Sunday Masses in person this past year. Those who gave specific responses offered a variety of reactions, from saying their parish does a good job with safety protocols to not feeling comfortable going to Mass at their parish, since face masks are not required. One woman said her parish offers indoor, outdoor and livestream Masses and, for now, she would continue attending the outdoor services. John Kraemer, who attends Christ the Good Shepherd Parish in Saginaw, Michigan, said that as soon as churches reopened, he was “one of the first ones in the door.” “For someone who has a disability, it was important for me to attend no matter what. So, in that respect, other than when the parishes were closed, I never stopped going. Masked or otherwise,” he said in an email. A Twitter response from the Hawaii Catholic Herald, archdiocesan newspaper of Honolulu, said: “We’ve been back to in-person attendance for a while now here in Hawaii. Bishop Silva actually lifted the dispensation on attending Mass as of Easter Sunday, so you have to attend unless you have just cause, like a health complication.” Bishop Larry R. Silva wasn’t the only bishop to lift the Mass dispensation originally made at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dioceses in Texas, South Dakota and Wisconsin began telling Catholics this past fall that they were once again obligated to attend Sunday Mass unless they felt they could not attend because of health reasons or concerns. The trend continued in February when Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron announced he was lifting the dispensation for Mass on Sundays and holy days effective March 13. He said he would grant “particular dispensations” to those in need, including those at high risk of COVID-19. Churches in several states this past year defended their right to worship indoors or with fewer restrictions in court battles that ultimately were resolved by the Supreme Court. Most recently, a Supreme Court decision in late February allowed indoor worship services in Santa Clara County, California. Earlier that month, the nation’s high court had given California churches the go-ahead to resume indoor worship services with a ban on singing and chanting and a limit of 25% capacity. “Banning indoor worship and yet allowing people to gather at airports, personal services establishments and retail shopping is unconstitutional – and the Supreme Court has said so several times,” said Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, the diocese in the county where the ban had been in effect. He said in a statement that he was grateful for the work of these churches in the county and their “efforts to uphold our right to worship” as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. “As we continue to protect the most vulnerable among us, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is still in effect. Parishes will continue to offer outdoor and livestream Masses wherever possible for parishioners who are vulnerable to COVID-19 or hesitant about indoor worship,” he added. He also urged the Catholic community to “move forward in hope, continuing all necessary safety precautions” and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when they could.
From the Archives By Mary Woodward JACKSON – June 12, 1963, is a date that every Mississippian should remember for it was on this day that Medgar Evers was gunned down outside his home in Jackson upon returning home at night after meetings of the NAACP. It was just before midnight of June 11. Evers was the local Field Secretary and was a target of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Normally, Evers’ routine upon arriving at home was to walk around the front of his car and into his house, thus putting the car between himself and the darkness where someone could be hiding. That fateful night because of items in the back of the car to be unloaded he went the opposite direction and a gunman shot from the bushes and killed him. One of the bullets went through Evers’ body through the window of the house and into the kitchen. He bled to death in his driveway in front of his wife and children. The driveway still holds the stain of his blood. Byron de la Beckwith was convicted of the crime some 30 years later. Evers is buried in Arlington National Cemetery as he was a veteran of WWII. During this same time, the diocesan priests and Bishop Gerow were on retreat in Bay St. Louis. Word of the assassination arrived there later that morning. The following accounts are taken from the diary of Bishop Gerow. It was a very volatile time.
“While everything is going so beautifully here at the retreat, currently, it is not going so well in Jackson in reference to the race question. I got news over the radio that today Medgar Evers, who has been the Field Secretary for the NAACP, and who, according to Father Gasper, was a fine, honest and respectable gentleman, was murdered. This murderer shot him at a distance when he was going from his automobile to his home. So far, the identity of the murderer is not known. I know that this is going to cause much trouble.” As a point of information, the Evers sent their children to Christ the King Catholic School because they felt they would be safer there. Bishop Gerow writes on June 14, 1963: “Naturally, the city is very much upset over the assassination of Medgar Evers. Up to this time, I have refrained from making any public statements in the newspaper. However, now the time has arrived for some sort of statement, so with the help of Father Law and Bill Minor, one of our fine Catholic newspapermen in the city, we drafted a statement and sent it to the local newspapers…and gave it to the national press and radio. Then as an act of charity…we visited the wife of the murdered man.” “The assassination of Medgar Evers is certainly a shocking and saddening occurrence in our community and is more meaningful than the death of one man. I personally extend my heartfelt sympathy to the wife and children of Mr. Evers and convey to them my blessing and assurance of my prayers. “I am saddened when I review the events of recent days and weeks. As a loyal son of Mississippi and a man of God, I feel in conscience compelled to speak out in the face of the grave racial situation in which we now find ourselves. “This problem is unmistakably a moral one. We need frankly to admit that the guilt for the murder of Mr. Evers and the other instances of violence in our community tragically must be shared by all of us. Responsible leadership in some instances has been singularly lacking. “I entreat our leaders and men of good will of both races to find some common ground on which to build a civic order based on human dignity and a concept of justice under God’s law. Rights which have been given to all men by the Creator cannot be the subject of conferral or refusal by men. “The Declaration of Independence of this great nation has given us the proper attitude in this regard, in the words, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ “Our conscience should compel us all to acknowledge the deep moral implications of this problem, and to take some positive steps towards recognizing the legitimate grievances of the Negro population. In the name of our common faith in God the Father let us all join together in prayer that the clouds of hate and fear may be pierced by the light of justice and fraternal love.” Bishop Gerow received hate mail and phone calls from people, including Catholics, around the state and country for his visit to Mrs. Evers and for his statement. To one of these who expressed dismay that Bishop Gerow had visited Mrs. Evers, he replied: “I did it; I wanted the world to know it, and I was proud of the fact that I had done it because the family had suffered a tremendous injustice and it was really a national disgrace.” The words of Bishop Gerow’s statement if put in modern terms would be very fitting to today’s climate. It seems we really are still in a climate where we need the cloud of hate and fear to be pierced by the light of justice and love. Next issue a visit to New Orleans…
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson)
