By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – After listening to indigenous people and church leaders at the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon, the Catholic Church cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of the region’s people, Pope Francis said.
“The cry of the poor, together with that of the earth, came to us from the Amazon,” the pope said during his Sunday Angelus address. “After these three weeks, we cannot pretend that we have not heard it.”
The pope shared his thoughts about the synod Oct. 27 as he greeted pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square; he had just finished celebrating the synod’s final Mass.
The synod, he said, was a time of “a walking together,” engaging in sincere dialogue “without hiding difficulties and “experiencing the beauty of going forward united.”
Pope Francis told the crowd that in the second reading at the day’s Mass, St. Paul, aware of his imminent death, expressed hope that “through me the proclamation might be completed.”
St. Paul’s last wish, the pope said, was not for himself but that the Gospel “be proclaimed to all nations.”
During the synod, he continued, participants reflected on how to open new paths of evangelization.
“We felt spurred on to go out to sea, to leave the comfortable shores of our safe harbors to enter deep waters,” the pope said. “Not into the marshy waters of ideologies, but into the open sea in which the Spirit invites us to throw our nets.”
Before leading pilgrims in reciting the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis prayed for the intercession of Mary, “Queen of the Amazon,” who “became that not by conquering, but by inculturating herself.”
“With the humble courage of a mother, she became the protector of her children, the defense of the oppressed; always going to the culture of the people,” the pope said.
Pope Francis did not specifically mention the statues of the naked pregnant woman that some people referred to as Our Lady of the Amazon, but which Vatican officials repeatedly described as an image signifying life. Others described it as “Pachamama” and condemned it as an idol. Some copies of the statue were thrown in the Tiber River, but recovered by police.
“There is not a standard culture, there is not a pure culture, which purifies the others,” Pope Francis said. “There is the pure Gospel, which is inculturated. To her, who in the poor house of Nazareth took care of Jesus, we entrust the poorest children and our common home.”
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Advent Hermitage Overnight, Dec. 13-14 begins with 5:30 p.m. dinner. In the prayerful space of a hermitage, come away, block out our society’s noisy Christmas preparation and focus on the real meaning of Christ/Emmanuel coming among us. Director: Clare Van Lent, MA CSp., founder and director of the Dwelling Place. Cost: $90 per day. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, An Advent Day of Reflection “What am I Waiting for?” on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advent is always seen as a time of waiting and anticipation. Sister Pat Thomas, O.P., a member of the founding staff of the Peace Center in New Orleans, is currently a leader in pastoral and educational roles around the country. Suggested donation: $40, includes lunch. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
GREENWOOD The Sacred Nexus-Psychological Links to the Image of God is the latest book written by Michael Whelan, Ph.D., a psychologist and resident of Greenwood, MS. Dr. Whelan uses Holy Scripture, an array of ideas and perspectives by some of the great spiritual writers and psychologists as well as his vast experience from his private practice and first-hand assessment of convicted criminals at the MS State Penitentiary at Parchman. Proceeds from the purchase of the book benefit Locus Benedictus whose ministry is Inner Healing.
JACKSON 39th Annual Squat & Gobble, Thursday, Nov. 21 6-10 p.m. at the Railroad District, 824 S. State St., Jackson. Great food and beverages, door prizes, silent auction and entertainment by Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster. Cost: $45 if purchased before Nov. 12 and $55 if purchased after Nov. 12. Proceeds to benefit the victims of human trafficking and domestic violence in the Metro area. Details: www.friendsforacause.com or (601) 955-1677.
METAIRIE La. Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO), Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat, “2020: Without a Vision the People Perish,” Jan. 24-26, 2020 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lafayette. Johnnette Benkovic Williams, Fr. Mark Goring, Deacon Larry and Andi Oney and Patti Mansfield will be featured. Details: www.ccrno.org; info@ccrno.org or (504) 828-1368.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
ABERDEEN St. Francis of Assisi, Adult Bible Study studying the Gospel of John, Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Details: church office (662) 813-2295.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Thursday, Nov. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: $9 per plate, eat in or take out. Details: church office (601) 833-1799.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Taste of Italy” Lasagna Dinner and bake sale, Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4:30-7 p.m.
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Comedy Dinner Theatre, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Fundraiser for Women’s Guild. Entertainment by The Detectives Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Cost: $35 per person. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Christmas Program/Pageant, Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Details: (662) 429-7851 or e-mail holyspiritchurch@shsm.org to volunteer.
JACKSON St. Richard, Companions in Christ, meets every Sunday from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Mary Room. It is a small faith community for adults in their 30s who want to grow in their faith and spirituality. We offer rest, encouragement, and accountability on our journey. Get added to the weekly email list to receive reflections and discussion questions for upcoming meetings. Details: email Kathleen Carter at strcompanionsinchrist@gmail.com or Facebook at “Companions in Christ at St. Richard’s.”
PEARL St. Jude, Adult Faith Formation meets Sunday morning during the school year in the classroom across the hall from the church office from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Bishop Barron’s series “Pivotal Players.” Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary, Bake Sale, Lunch & Bingo fundraiser, Tuesday, Nov. 26 in the Parish Hall/Cafeteria. 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Bake Sale begins 12 p.m.; $5 lunch and also Bingo. The public is invited to participate. The funds raised will be used to benefit the Religious Education Program. Details: Diane Melton at the church office (662) 746-1680.
YOUTH BRIEFS
COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Thursday, Nov. 21, 8:30 a.m. Mass in the gym followed with 9:15 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and reception for new building expansion.
Grand Opening Celebration at 5 p.m., which will include a BBQ dinner, light music and guided tours of the new building expansion. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Open House, Sunday, Nov. 17 at 11:30 a.m. Details: school office (601) 366-1157 or www.strichardschool.org.
The Special Kids Art Show, Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. in Foley Hall. Icons, crosses, photographs and other artwork by the Special Kids will be on display and available to purchase. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
Sr. Thea Bowman School, Open House, Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Details: school office (601) 352-5441 or www.theabowmanschool.com.
JACKSON – About 200 runners and walkers grabbed their running shoes and purple dresses for Catholic Charities 8th annual Purple Dress Run at the District at Eastover in Northeast Jackson on Thursday, Oct. 17 in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness month. Racers ran and walked through the Eastover neighborhood to raise awarness about domestic violence and to raise money for Catholic Charities newly opened domestic violence shelter.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick School recently held its annual Pinwheels for Peace program in celebration of International Day of Peace. Students were chosen to write essays on what peace meant to them and pinwheels were placed in front of the school with messages of hope and peace. Shown placing their pinwheels are Mrs. Palmer’s third grade students Helena Rutledge, Miles Whitman, Reese Ann Gressett and Victoria Ramirez. (Photo by Helen Reynolds)
Fighting Irish football
GREENVILLE – Bishop Kopacz enjoyed a night of Fighting Irish football at St. Joseph school. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
Math gets technical
JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman school students Khamari, Harry and J’Zarrio are concentrating hard to solve math problems using their tech tablets. (Photo courtsey of school)
Firefighters visit promotes fire safety first
COLUMBUS – First grade students at Annunciation school enjoyed a visit from local fire fighters who discussed fire safety and the importance of an evacuation plan in an emergency situation. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher)
Field trip fun
GREENVILLE – Greenville’s St. Joseph fourth through sixth graders got to attend Native American Day at Winterville Mounds on Oct. 10. They learned a lot about the Native American culture and also got to make a few crafts. Fun was had by all! (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
Grandparents breakfast at St. Thea Bowman
JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman school grandparents Cathy Pendleton and Shirley and Phil Thiac enjoyed a nice breakfast with their grandchildren at the annual “We Love Our Grandparents Breakfast.” (Photo courtesy of school)
By Terry Dickson JACKSON – A champion on the football field and a hero on the battlefield, former Pittsburgh Steelers star and decorated Vietnam War veteran Rocky Bleier imparted valuable life lessons during a recent visit to Jackson.
Bleier, a Pennsylvania native who was the keynote speaker during the Catholic Charities “Journey of Hope” luncheon Oct. 8 at the Jackson Convention Complex, told his audience that they possess “the power to make a difference, the power to change, the power to have an impact.”
“There are three things we can never get back,” Bleier told the audience. “One is time, one are words and the other are opportunities. What a wonderful time it is for all of us to be here and share in what Catholic Charities is all about, to be a part of this community and being able to change people’s lives.
Opportunities are very important, but we have to take advantage of those opportunities as they come around. The one thing I’ve learned in all the time that I’ve been on this earth is that the one business we’re all in is truly the hope business.”
JACKSON – NFL Great, Rocky Bleier, greets Bishop Joseph Latino at Catholic Charities “Journey of Hope” event on Thursday, Oct. 8. (Photos by Terry Dickson)
“If you truly think about it, no man is an island,” he said. “We didn’t get to where we are today by ourselves. We got here because of someone, something, an opportunity. We got here because of a coach, a teacher or a mentor. We got here because of a parent. We got here because of a drill sergeant. We got here because somebody took an interest, gave us a push, a nudge, gave us a job, opened a door, kicked us in the rear end. We got here because somebody cared.”
Bleier regaled listeners with stories about his own journey and the people who helped him along the way. A product of Catholic schools, Bleier was a gridiron standout at the University of Notre Dame who was later drafted by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968. However, his football career was almost immediately put on hold that same year when he was drafted into the United States Army.
Bleier earned a Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart during his tour of duty in Vietnam, the latter award a result of an injury he suffered when a grenade exploded near him, taking part of his foot.
Despite the severity of his injury, Bleier persevered and defied the odds, returned to the Steelers in 1970, winning four Super Bowl rings as part of a dynasty led by NFL Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll and Hall of Fame players Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris and Lynn Swann. In Super Bowl 13, Bleier, who played at halfback and on special teams, caught the go ahead fumble and recovered a late onside kick to seal the win against the Cowboys. He retired after the 1980 season. His blocking ability was a valuable contribution to the success of the vaunted Steelers running game.
Bleier’s life story is the focus of his best-selling book, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. Today, Bleier is in high demand as a motivational speaker.
“No matter how hard we work, how talented we may be, how passionate we are about what we do in our community, there are times in our lives when we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders,” Bleier said. “There are times in our lives when we beat our head against the wall. There are times in our lives when we question our own ability and the choices that we make. There are times in our lives when the grass looks greener on the other side. You want to quit, move on and can’t carry the load.”
“I suppose the whole moral of this story is that, if I would quit all those many years ago, I’d never have the opportunity to play those 12 years, play in those Super Bowls or have all those memories. The reason I got a chance to play wasn’t because of my size and speed, but ultimately because of one talent (blocking). We have to understand that each and every one of us possess a singular talent that is our own, different than anybody else’s. It’s really our responsibility to be able to find out what that talent is, and what we bring to our communities and our families and our cities and to be able to use it.”
Approximately 750 people attended this year’s luncheon, which was preceded the previous night by a meet-and-greet with Bleier at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Journey of Hope is one of Catholic Charities’ signature events and a major source of revenue.
“As our state’s population continues to increase, so does the need. Because of the dedication, passion and commitment of the team, we continue to seek out ways daily to be innovative and creative, insuring that we provide effective and quality services to the individuals and families that we serve. This allows us to be better poised to continue with the mission that began so many years ago,” said Wanda Thomas, executive director of Catholic Charities.
“Thanks to the supporters of Catholic Charities, those without housing have been housed, those in domestic violence situations have been kept safe, children have been placed in homes and able to find their forever families. It is the promise of bringing hope to many lives that drives us to keep pressing forward, and to say we can, and we will, give focus to the specific needs of our neighbors, we can and we will be advocates for those who suffer, we can and we will be the vessel to change lives.
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY – Saints are people who recognized their need for God’s help, who took risks to discover God’s will and to help others and who nurtured a habit of thanksgiving, Pope Francis said. “The culmination of the journey of faith is to live a life of continual thanksgiving. Let us ask ourselves: Do we, as people of faith, live each day as a burden, or as an act of praise?” the pope said in his homily Oct. 13 after formally declaring five new saints for the Catholic Church. Those canonized at the Mass were: St. John Henry Newman, the British theologian, poet and cardinal who died in 1890; Brazilian St. Maria Rita Lopes Pontes, popularly known as Sister Dulce, who died in 1992; Indian St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan, founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family, who died in 1926; St. Marguerite Bays, a Swiss laywoman and mystic, who died in 1879; and St. Josephine Vannini, the Italian co-founder of the Daughters of St. Camillus, who died in 1911. “Three of them were religious women,” the pope noted in his homily. “They show us that the consecrated life is a journey of love at the existential peripheries of the world.”
Pope Francis celebrates the canonization Mass for five new saints in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 13, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
“St. Marguerite Bays, on the other hand, was a seamstress; she speaks to us of the power of simple prayer, enduring patience and silent self-giving,” he said. Rather than describing St. Newman, Pope Francis quoted from him to illustrate the meaning of “the holiness of daily life:” “The Christian has a deep, silent, hidden peace, which the world sees not …. The Christian is cheerful, easy, kind, gentle, courteous, candid, unassuming; has no pretense … with so little that is unusual or striking in his bearing that he may easily be taken at first sight for an ordinary man.” And, referencing St. Newman’s famous hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light,” the pope prayed that all Christians would be “‘kindly lights’ amid the encircling gloom.” Tens of thousands of people filled a sunny St. Peter’s Square for the canonization ceremony and Mass. Among them were Britain’s Prince Charles, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Martins Mourao, a member of Switzerland’s federal council and the deputy foreign minister of India. Melissa Villalobos from Chicago also was there with her husband and children, and they brought up the offertory gifts at the Mass. Villalobos’ healing, which saved her life and the life of her unborn child, was accepted as the miracle needed for St. Newman’s canonization. Hours before the Mass began, Holy Family Sisters Manjula and Aruna stood just outside the security checkpoint, handing out Indian flags, rosaries and prayer cards, caps and scarves with the image of their order’s founder, St. Thresia. The new saint’s focus, and that of her order today, is assisting families, said Sister Manjula, whose ministry is “counseling and visiting houses and helping solve problems. We help all families – non-Christian, non-Catholic, anyone.” Gregory K. Hillis, a professor of theology at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, was representing his university at the Mass, but his presence was very personal, too. “Newman is important to me theologically and for my spirituality,” he said. “And I like his conversion story” of how, as an Anglican priest, he became a Catholic at the age of 44. “I became a Catholic 13 years ago, and Newman was an important guide. He converted, but maintained his friendships, his respect and love for the tradition that he left.” “I’m an ecumenical convert as well,” Hillis said. “I’m tired of converts who hate the tradition they left.” An official delegation of Anglican bishops and priests also attended the Mass, and Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England, recorded a message for the occasion. “His legacy is far broader than one church or two churches,” the archbishop said. “It is a global legacy, a legacy of hope and truth, of the search for God, of devotion to being part of the people of God.” St. Newman’s role in founding the Oxford Movement in the Church of England, a push to rediscover the early Christian writers and to recover the Catholic roots of Anglicanism, “had a fundamental, lasting, beneficial and important influence on Anglicanism,” Archbishop Welby said. As is his custom at Mass, including at canonizations, Pope Francis used his homily to reflect on the day’s Scripture readings and only made passing reference to the people being declared saints. The day’s short Gospel reading from Luke recounted the story of 10 lepers who, seeing Jesus approach, cry out to him for healing. He tells them to go show themselves to the priests and, as they go, they are healed. But only one returns to thank Jesus. “Like those lepers,” Pope Francis said, “we, too, need healing, each one of us. We need to be healed of our lack of confidence in ourselves, in life, in the future; we need to be healed of our fears and the vices that enslave us, of our introversion, our addictions and our attachment to games, money, television, mobile phones, to what other people think.” The story also illustrates how, “on the journey of life, purification takes place along the way, a way that is often uphill since it leads to the heights,” he said. “Faith calls for a journey, a ‘going out’ from ourselves, and it can work wonders if we abandon our comforting certainties, if we leave our safe harbors and our cozy nests.” And, finally, he said, the story teaches that returning to Jesus with a heart full of gratitude is the culmination of the journey of faith. “To give thanks is not a question of good manners or etiquette; it is a question of faith,” the pope said. “To say ‘Thank you, Lord’ when we wake up, throughout the day and before going to bed, that is the best way to keep our hearts young. “This also holds true for families, and between spouses,” he added. “Remember to say thank you. Those words are the simplest and most effective of all.”
(Editor’s note: Bishop Joseph Kopacz is traveling at press time. He asked that we run this story in place of his regular column that includes his support for the Southern Baptist Conference as they begin to address the sex-abuse crisis within their denomination.)
By Joanna Puddister King and Vickie Carollo DALLAS – In early October, eyes were on the Southern Baptist Conference (SBC) as they hosted their Caring Well Conference from Oct. 3-5 to address the sex-abuse crisis occurring within the church after public awareness peaked after the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News released an investigative series in February of this year identifying at least 700 victims over a 20-year span. The first day of the Caring Well Conference, organized by the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, focused on hearing from abuse survivors. The overall sentiment from abuse survivors speaking was a sense of gratefulness that church leaders now seem to be taking sex-abuse seriously and not a “problem to be silenced.” On the second and third days of the conference attendees heard from speakers on “Caring Well” for those who have experienced abuse and how Christ can restore abuse victims, as well as choosing to attend various breakout sessions that offered subjects including understanding the grooming process, what church programs can do to screen for child sex abusers and what pastors and church leaders can do to address abuse, topics that the Catholic Diocese of Jackson has been addressing since 1987, long before the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2002. “I wholeheartedly affirm the commitment of the Southern Baptist Conference, stated at their recent Caring Well Conference to surface and address the crime and tragedy of child sexual abuse in the structures of their denomination. First and foremost, it is undeniably true as was stated at their conference, “that Jesus Christ can restore abuse victims,” said Bishop Joseph Kopacz.
“It becomes evident that the Lord works best through a culture of commitment and compliance to foster safe environments and to promote healing and justice for victims and their families. As the Conference progressed it was clear that the Southern Baptists are on the front end of addressing this crisis in a systematic way. It takes time and The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and its accompanying Norms, promulgated in 2002, nearly two decades ago, is living proof of what is required to get it right. The Charter with periodic revisions has transformed the landscape within the Catholic Church in the United States with the pledge to protect and promise to heal.” Bishop Kopacz describes the approach of the Catholic Church’s charter as having four aspects: the safe environment program, victims’ assistance, cooperation with law enforcement and transparency. Within the Catholic church, contributing to a safe environment involves the policy of conducting criminal background screenings on any diocesan employee and anyone who offers to volunteer at any parish, school or institution. More than 16,000 employees and volunteers have been vetted in this way since the Diocese of Jackson instituted background screenings in 2004. Provided the screening is clear, the volunteer or employee participates in an initial training through VIRTUS, Protecting God’s Children program. Through the live training session with a VIRTUS facilitator participants become aware of the issues surrounding child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders offend and the ways in which abuse affects victims. Participants are empowered with steps to prevent and how to best respond to child sexual abuse. Ongoing training happens monthly in the form of an email bulletin with an article about the latest research or information on fostering safe environments in the church, the home and in society. Not only do adults receive training, but also children and young people in parish religious education programs, as well as, those in Catholic schools. In these lessons, children learn about safety and healthy boundaries and what they can do if someone tries to violate them. All lessons are organized so that each child experiences a completely different lesson plan each time the materials are presented. As a child advances to the next age group, there is a whole new set of age-appropriate lessons that explore the safety topics in greater detail. In the Catholic church victim assistance is essential to care for those abused by clergy or church leaders. In the church once an allegation is made, a series of responses are triggered. First, if the victim is a child – even if the abuse is just a suspicion – the case is turned over to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and then to either Vickie Carollo, Safe Environment Coordinator or to Valerie McClellan, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator. In the case of an adult who comes forward years later after abuse, he or she is offered professional counseling at no cost. McClellan offers counseling based out of Jackson, but if the victim is living out of state, she arranges for a counselor in the victim’s community. The goal for the Catholic church is to offer healing to the victim and his or her family. Additionally, McClellan gathers as much information as possible about the abuse, and with the victim’s consent, turns it over to the diocese. The vicar general, through the diocesan attorney, hires a private investigator to begin to look into the case and the accused is removed from active ministry or suspended while the investigator prepares a report for the Independent Review Board, the consultative body that assesses the credibility of all allegations of sexual abuse against minors. The review board then meets and votes on what actions to recommend to the bishop. When the allegation is judged to be credible, the abuser is removed from ministry as soon as possible. In the Catholic church, if a case is deemed credible, the diocesan attorney’s office will inform the district attorney in the county where the abuse happened and the bishop withdraws faculties from an ordained accused abuser at this time. At this point, the Chancellor’s office prepares a statement to be read at Masses or other parish gatherings in the communities where the alleged abuser has served and encourage other victims to come forward. This statement is also posted on the diocesan website. Per the Catholic church’s policy, even if there are no active cases of abuse being investigated, each parish must regularly publish a statement encouraging victims to report abuse. On March 19 of this year, the diocese released a list of credibly accused clergy dating back to 1924. The ministers reported were either deceased or already removed from ministry. Most importantly, the Catholic church’s commitment to transparency is paramount moving forward. After a group of journalists uncovered and exposed a pattern of abuse and cover-ups within the Archdiocese of Boston, the church has undergone a culture shift. “Each Catholic Diocese anywhere in the world, and especially in the United States, has a clearly defined governance structure with the Bishop at the center surrounded by his Chancery Staff. Throughout the diocese all pastors and pastoral ministers are ultimately accountable to the Bishop. Therefore, the implementation of programs, policies and procedures can be achieved on a faster track than what is possible for other denominations, including the Southern Baptist Conference, whose congregations are far more autonomous with respect to governance,” said Bishop Kopacz. “For us in the Catholic church the commitment to protect and to heal continues to grow because the will to do so exists at the center of governance, as well as at the grassroots in every parish and ministry. Vigilance can never weaken or grow slack with respect to the threat of the sexual abuse of children and young people because “sin is always lurking at the door, but we can overcome it.” (Genesis 4:7) Right now, the SBC is focusing on beginning education of church leaders and pastors with the book Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused by Brad Hambrick. Released in June 2019, the book brings together trauma counselors, victim advocates, social workers, attorneys and survivors to equip church leadership for the appropriate initial responses to a variety of abuse scenarios in churches, schools or ministries. The book also pairs with a series of 12 videos to help in the understanding and implementation of best practices. The SBC was part four of the “Caring Well Challenge,” an eight-step process of addressing the abuse crisis and learning practical ways to prevent abuse through caringwell.com. The steps include committing to the challenge; building a “Caring Well” team; launching the challenge; training at the national conference; equipping leaders through reading Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused; preparing policies, procedures and practices related to abuse; dedicating Sunday services on May 3, 2020 to address abuse; and finally, reflecting on the Caring Well Challenge at the 2020 SBC annual meeting. Phillip Bethancourt, executive vice president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the SBC, is “praying that the Caring Well Conference will not be seen as a solution to the abuse crisis, but rather a starting point for a movement of change that will continue long into the future.” Bethancourt recognized that “there is still much work to be done,” within the Southern Baptist Church and hoped that those who attended the conference go forward “with a greater dedication and resolve to take the steps that are needed to make our churches safe for survivors and safe from abuse.” On an annual basis all Catholic dioceses in the United States are audited by an independent firm to assure accountability and to shed light on all areas in the diocesan network that need improvement. The Diocese of Jackson will undergo an on-site audit of compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People as instructed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Monday, Oct. 28 through Wednesday, Oct. 30. “In the commitment to transparency, we will communicate the findings of the audit for all to examine. I am so grateful to all staff and volunteers who are vigilant with putting into practice all of our protocols and procedures that foster safe environments and accompany victims on their path to healing and wholeness,” stated Bishop Kopacz. Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay church personnel and has not yet reported it is encouraged to do so. Victim assistance coordinator, Valerie McClellan (601-326-3728) and Safe Environment coordinator Vickie Carollo (601-960-8471) are available to assist in making a report.
CLARKSDALE – The youth director in Clarksdale is still getting settled in his new parish position but has already launched an exciting new ecumenical program that is bringing youth and adults of various faiths and backgrounds together in unity and in the love of Christ. Meet Derrick Faucheux, youth director of Clarksdale’s St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish and School and Immaculate Conception. “When I was in Greenwood, North Greenwood Baptist Church would put on this event. I was always impressed with it so I had an idea that we could bring it here,” said Faucheux about the new program “5th Quarter,” taking place after local high school football games and receiving a great deal of attention. Faucheux arrived to Clarksdale in July with his wife Mary. He is the former youth director of Greenwood’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and St. Francis of Assisi for the past three years. Shortly after arriving in Clarksdale, he met with Todd Bailey, youth director of Clarksdale Baptist Church and Chandler Nail, youth director of Clarksdale United Methodist Church.
Faucheux said the ministers welcomed him with open arms and took him “under their wings” giving him information about the small community of nearly 16,000 in the northwestern region of the diocese and an insight into the needs and opportunities of the youth there. “I’m so appreciative of these guys and the love they have for the youth of Clarksdale. They just don’t care about their individual youth groups but care for all the youth in town,” said Faucheux. After meetings, discussions and brainstorming sessions, the men came up with the idea to create events throughout the year designed to merge the various youth groups from the different Christian organizations in events and activities. “That is when the idea of the “5th Quarter” came to be,” said Faucheux. The new program takes place after the local private high school’s Colts take the football field. Lee Academy with its Colts is a private high school with an enrollment of more than 400 youngsters and the football games are a highlight for everyone in town. Faucheux and the other two youth ministers team up organizing 5th Quarter nights that include an array of activities including sports, food and games. The events are rotated and held at the different church grounds. The youth event still new has been well attended during football season according to Faucheux with an average of 50 youngsters coming to each event. He hopes that interests will grow as word spreads about the program. “All youth in town are welcome and invited. We have a very diverse group of youth from both the public and private schools.” Bailey, happy with the success of the program, pointed out that 5th Quarter is twofold. First, it brings youngsters of the community together in fellowship and to enjoy activities in a safe Christian environment with adult chaperones. Parents, volunteers from the various churches and people from the community-at-large are also meeting, socializing and uniting as they get involved to help in efforts. “It’s not about us but about churches coming together to help these kids,” he said. Jordan Bryant who is a volunteer worship musician believes that “5th Quarter” is unique, helping establish a greater sense of community in Clarksdale and connecting people of all backgrounds and faiths as brothers and sisters in Christ. “It’s important for the community to come together and put aside the denominational and racial barriers that divide us,” said Bryant. “We must be in one accord in Christ.” Oct. 25 marks the conclusion of 5th Quarter for this year. The ministers are hoping to bring the program back next year but are also continuing to collaborate and work together throughout the year on other projects. Nail is challenging members of his United Methodist Church and other citizens of the community to get involved. “We need to let down our own barriers because in the end we worship the same God,” Nail said.
MACON – Middle school youngsters from across the Diocese of Jackson stepped away from phones, computers and the world this month to take part in a spiritual retreat and to spend some quality time with the Lord. “The theme of our retreat was “One Church” focusing on the universality of the Catholic Church,” said Abbey Schuhmann, diocesan coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, who helped organize the annual diocesan Middle School Fall Retreat Oct. 12-13 at Lake Forest Ranch surrounded by 50,000 acres of pine forest in rural Noxubee County. “The overnight retreat provided the youth with a high-energy, faith-filled program throughout the weekend,” Schuhmann explained.
MACON – NET Missionary, Molly Shanahan speaks to middle school youth attending the “One Church” retreat at Lake Forest Ranch on Oct. 12. (Photo by Abbey Schuhmann)
The weekend gathering was led by members of the National Evangelization Team or NET, a Catholic ministry program established 35 years ago out of St. Paul, Minn. Net ministers are typically aged 18-24. They volunteer a year of their time to work as trained missionaries without pay and solely focused on creating relationships with young people through retreats and programs and bringing them closer to Christ. “NET was very popular in our diocese in the 1980’s, and we are excited to have them serving in our diocese once again,” said Schuhmann about the team of young men and women, who visited two schools during their Mississippi mission. At Sacred Heart Southaven and St. Joseph Greenville they staged mini-retreats and shared their own personal encounters with Jesus Christ and their faith transformations, inspiring all in attendance. The fall program in Macon included talks, small group discussions, prayer, adoration before the Lord in the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There were plenty of opportunities for the young people to socialize and have fun. Throughout the weekend there were games of friendly competition including ping-pong, basketball, volleyball and gaga ball, the latest craze. Saturday, there was a bonfire by the lake, and the NET Team performed funny skits throughout the weekend and a drama was also part of the entertainment lineup. “Parishes from five of our six deaneries were represented at this year’s retreat,” said Schuhmann, pleased about the turnout. Adult youth leaders from the various parishes helped out where needed, and during the weekend, they had the opportunity to meet one another and discuss the youth ministry programs at their respected parishes. Bishop Joseph Kopacz visited on Sunday morning and celebrated Mass bringing participants together in praise and worship and inspiring all with his message. In fellowship, he joined the teens and adult leaders after Mass. For information on upcoming diocesan youth events and activities, please contact Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Jackson at abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A hashtag mix-up caused a papal tweet meant to give thanks for the Catholic Church’s newest saints to be read as Pope Francis showing support for the New Orleans Saints’ football team. After the Oct. 13 canonization of five new saints, the pope’s official Twitter account, @Pontifex, tweeted: “Today we give thanks to the Lord for our new #Saints. They walked by faith and now we invoke their intercession.” However, the Twitter hashtag automatically uploaded a fleur-de-lis, the official logo of the National Football League team. Needless to say, the tweet caught the attention of many Saints’ fans, who interpreted the tweet as invoking divine intervention for their team’s game that day against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pope Francis, tweeting about the new saints he recognized Oct. 13, inadvertently used a hashtag connected to the New Orleans Saints football team. But fans appreciated it, as did the team. (CNS photo)
“Big Guy telling you something for this afternoon,” a Twitter user said, sharing the pope’s tweet. “Adjust your bets accordingly, Vegas.” Other fans were elated that Christ’s vicar on earth was in their corner. “Pope Francis told 18 million followers that he was #WhoDatNation. I love it,” another Twitter follower wrote, referring to the New Orleans football team’s “Who Dat” chant. But the reaction of the day came from the New Orleans Saints’ own Twitter account after their 13-6 victory over the Jaguars. “Couldn’t lose after this,” the Saints’ account tweeted after sharing the papal tweet. “#Blessed and highly favored.” A Vatican official confirmed Oct. 14 that use of the hashtag to trigger the “hashflag” – the fleur-de-lis – was a case of “accidental evangelization,” but hoped that “maybe someone who didn’t know will become aware that there are other ‘saints’ to pay attention to.”
