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Coping with school shootings: surreal part of U.S. students’ routine

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By Carol Zimmermann
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Students in schools across the country have to navigate their way around classes, exams, relationships, cliques, cafeteria food and crowded hallways.
They also have to think about what they would do if someone with a gun came into their school, which seems all the more possible after the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
The students there now enter brand-new terrain that only students from schools where mass shootings have taken place have any idea about. When classes resumed at Stoneman Douglas on a modified schedule Feb. 28, they faced all their usual routines and challenges right up against the horrific memories of the fear and loss of just two weeks before.
At first, many of these students channeled their raw grief into gun control activism. They gave speeches at vigils and numerous television interviews; they marched and planned bigger marches. They challenged political leaders and businesses associated with the National Rifle Association to do more to stop the carnage they had witnessed. They coined a movement name – #NeverAgain – and spread its message on social media.
But these students – for all their passion and eloquence on camera – also have admitted to reporters that they have a hard time sleeping, or don’t want to be alone or are afraid of sudden noises.
And all of that and more is straight out of books and studies on post-traumatic stress symptoms after what they just experienced.
“What these students have gone through is unfathomable. I think it will be incredibly difficult to cope and move on,” said Rachel Annunziato, an associate professor of psychology at Jesuit-run Fordham University in New York. She said each student will have to find the support they need and to try different coping strategies. For now, she said: “the activism they are showing is heroic and may well help with coping as it could decrease a sense of helplessness and it also strengthens their support network. ‘
The high school has provided grief counselors to students and families since the shooting took place and Annunziato said that will need to continue.
“Some people, miraculously, are very resilient,” she said, but others can have a harder time and need help to connect with others to find healing.
She also told Catholic News Service that the impact of this shooting extends far beyond Parkland, as also was proven by research after the 9/11 terrorist attacks when those impacted by the events were not just the people who directly experienced it. For example, her own 7-year-old sons in New York have talked about the school shooting in Florida and said the students are scared.
In the Diocese of Jackson, School Superintendent Catherine Cook sent a letter to all schools to send to parents. “Please know that the safety of your children, faculty, staff and visitors to our schools is of the utmost importance and steps have been taken to keep them free from harm. Be assured that any and all threats of violence against an individual and/or the school community are taken seriously and will be investigated. School administration consults law enforcement and legal counsel, as needed, to apply appropriate measures for the safety of all,” it reads. The letter urges parents not to believe rumors and assures them they will receive communication from the schools if a threat should arise.
The day after the shooting, the National Catholic Educational Association issued a statement with a link to a prayer service in response to a school shooting and articles about how to talk to kids about these events and turning to God in times of tragedy.
As students nationwide – and particularly in Parkland – consider moving forward, there is one person with particular insight into this situation.
Frank DeAngelis, principal at Columbine High School from 1996 to 2014, was principal at the Littleton, Colorado, school during the 1999 school shooting that killed 12 students and one teacher. Recently retired, he is now an international speaker about school violence and its impact on communities.
USA Today reported that he already has given some advice to Ty Thompson, the Stoneman Douglas principal, telling him: “It’s the things you don’t even think about, things that will trigger the emotions. Teachers won’t know what to expect. It’s a day-by-day experience.”
And the day before the Florida shooting, DeAngelis, who is Catholic, gave a talk at Gregorian Court University, a school founded by the Mercy sisters in Lakeland, New Jersey.
He told students and faculty not only about the horror of the 1999 school shooting but also of the long and difficult road to recovery afterward, even for him.
He said he struggled with survivor guilt – and still does. He wasn’t even sure he would make it after the shooting but was urged on by his pastor, Msgr. Kenneth Leone of St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Littleton.
The priest, who is now retired, told Angelis he had a “spiritual imperative” to rebuild the community. That inspired him at first to stay at the job until 2002, when all the students in the freshman class of 1999 graduated, but he ended up continuing as principal until 2014, when the children who were in their earliest school year in 1999, graduated.
At the New Jersey college, the retired principal said a key aspect to finding healing at the high school so marred by tragedy was reaching out to those who felt marginalized.
To illustrate that each student was “loved and included and that they were an indispensable link,” he gave each one a link in a chain that they forged together.
Today, he said, the chain remains for all to see in a prominent place in the school.

(Contributing to this report was Lois Rogers, who writes for The Monitor, newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton.)

Easter schedule for St. Peter the Apostle

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Tuesday, March 27, 5:45 p.m. – Chrism Mass
Wednesday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. – Tenebrae
Thursday, March 29, 5:30 p.m. – Holy Thursday
Friday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. – Good Friday
Saturday, March 31, 8:00 p.m. – Holy Saturday
Sunday, April 1, 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. – Easter Sundayl
Sunday, April 1, 1:00 p.m. – Easter Sunday in Spanish

Chancery staff take a day for prayer, reflection

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MADISON – Chancery staff, including Maureen Smith, director of communications and Father Maurice Nutt, CSsR, pray as Karla Luke, assistant superintendent of schools, at right, reads one of the Stations of the Cross at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. The staff gathered Friday, March 2, for a day of prayer and reflection. Father Maurice led a reflection about Sister Thea Bowman after the staff enjoyed a presenation of the play, “Tolton, from slave to priest.” The day of reflection is an annual tradition for the chancery staff. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Bishop Kopacz schedule

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Tuesday, March 20, 6:00 p.m. – Reconciliation Service, Jackson, St. Richard Parish.
Wednesday, March 21, 7:30 a.m. – Ecumenical Bishops’ Breakfast with Methodist and Episcopal Bishops of Mississippi.
Thursday, March 22, 9:00 a.m. – Parchman Prison Mass and visit
Monday, March 26, 6:55 a.m. – Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Jackson, St. Richard Parish, Foley Hall

Only public events are listed on this schedule and all events are subject to change.
Please check with the local parish for further details

Iglesia, mundo necesita reconciliación

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Obispo Joseph Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph Kopacz
Como parte de nuestro camino cuaresmal, dimos la bienvenida a la Diócesis de Jackson las reliquias de San Padre Pío, ya que viajan en su peregrinación inaugural a través de los Estados Unidos gracias a la Fundación para el Santo Padre Pio. Yo estaba inseguro acerca de su posición en la Comunión de los Santos en el estado de Mississippi y en todo el sur del país, pero la respuesta fue inspiradora en el número de personas que acudieron a la Catedral para las dos misas que se celebraron el 1 de marzo y durante todo el día.
En el noreste de los Estados Unidos son muchos los que tienen devoción por él, pidiendo su intercesión ante el sufrimiento y las luchas de la vida. Él ha llevado a muchos a Jesucristo, especialmente desde su canonización por el Papa Juan Pablo II el 2 de mayo de 1999 al inicio del tercer milenio. Hablando a los peregrinos en la Plaza de San Pedro en el día después de su canonización, San Juan Pablo II elogió la santidad del San Padre Pio. “Queridos hermanos y hermanas, el testimonio del Padre Pío es una fuerte llamada a la dimensión sobrenatural, que no debe confundirse con una exagerada preocupación por los milagros, una desviación que él siempre y decididamente rechazó. Los sacerdotes y las personas consagradas, en particular, deberían mirar hacia él.
Les enseña a los sacerdotes a convertirse en instrumentos dóciles y generosos de la gracia divina, la cual les cura a las personas la raíz de sus males, restaurando la paz del corazón. El altar y el confesonario fueron los dos puntos de enfoque de su vida. La carismática intensidad con que celebraba los misterios divinos es un testimonio muy saludable para alejar a los presbíteros de la tentación de la rutina y ayudarlos a redescubrir día a día el tesoro inagotable de la renovación espiritual, moral y social que ha sido puesta en sus manos.” Durante muchos años, el Padre Pío pasaba más de la mitad del día en el confesionario, un enorme testimonio de la misericordia de Dios, que es puro don. Incluso los sacerdotes más fervorosos estarían abrumados por este compromiso incesante. El siguió los pasos de San Juan María Vianney, que también fue un instrumento estelar del perdón de Dios y la reconciliación, y era contemporáneo de Santa Faustina, un instrumento de la Divina Misericordia.
La Eucaristía, la mesa de la Palabra y del Sacramento, y el sacramento de la reconciliación siguen siendo los caminos reales para el arrepentimiento y la reconciliación en la Iglesia en el mundo moderno.
Recuerden que una de nuestras prioridades pastorales es que seamos “comunidades acogedoras y reconciliadoras,” con el arrepentimiento como una apremiante demanda del Señor para cumplir su voluntad en nuestras vidas y en nuestro mundo. Si somos sinceros, a veces la iglesia resulta deficiente y el grito de arrepentimiento y reconciliación debe ser proclamado y escuchado en el mundo. Un ejemplo impactante está retumbando alrededor de nuestro país en este momento.
Después del reciente tiroteo y matanza en el Colegio Marjory Stoneman Douglas en Parkland, Florida, los estudiantes lanzaron una nueva campaña para darle a conocer a la población acerca de los horrores de la violencia con armas de fuego. Los estudiantes están aprovechando y centrando su profundo dolor y rabia contra la indiferencia y la intransigencia que impregna la sociedad americana sobre una revisión sincera de la Segunda Enmienda de la Constitución.
Reflexionando sobre la lectura del evangelio de San Juan el pasado domingo, en la que Jesús reveló la justa ira de Dios sobre la escandalosa actividad en el Templo en Jerusalén, nos podría llevar a escuchar el grito de la justa indignación de nuestros jóvenes y sus partidarios por la indignación de sus abatidos amigos y seres queridos en su comunidad escolar.
La casa de oración de Dios, el punto de unión entre el cielo y la tierra, se había convertido en un mercado, y los negocios como de costumbre prevalecían. Así también, nuestros jóvenes están volteando la enlatada retórica de nuestros políticos y cabilderos de las armas con la esperanza de lograr un diálogo genuino que puede conducir a la nación a la cordura y mayor seguridad.
Por otra parte, aquí está un ejemplo donde la Iglesia está fallando miserablemente. La Iglesia Santuario en Newfoundland, PA, invitó a sus feligreses a traer sus fusiles AR-15 para un servicio en la iglesia para la celebración de la “vara de hierro”. Aquí está la información. Iglesia Santuario en Newfoundland, NEWFOUNDLAND, Pennsylvania – Un distrito escolar de Pennsylvania cancelará las clases en una escuela elemental el miércoles debido a que una iglesia en la calle del colegio está organizando una ceremonia con fusiles AR-15. La organización Paz Mundial y Unificación Santuario en Newfoundland cree que las AR-15 simbolizan la “vara de hierro” en el libro bíblico del Apocalipsis, y están animando a las parejas a llevar las armas a una ceremonia de compromiso.” Usted puede buscar esta información en el internet para ver la magnitud de esta locura. En esta instancia, el Espíritu de Dios es evidente en todo el mundo, y no en la Iglesia.
Nuestra nación necesita un mayor compromiso por el bien común, una actitud racional en lo referente a los derechos, responsabilidades y limitaciones.
En la esecuela de Parkland, Florida, quizás nuestros jóvenes sean los que nos guíen a nuestros sentidos. Al nivel más profundo, esto es sobre el arrepentimiento, la reconciliación y la construcción de puentes entre facciones opuestas en nuestra nación. Esta es la locura de la Cruz, la sabiduría de Dios, que tiene el potencial de florecer en nuestra nación ante la trágica pérdida.
El mandato del Señor en el miércoles de ceniza es nuestra brújula durante estos 40 días de la cuaresma, y los animo a que reciban el sacramento de reconciliación durante el tiempo previo a la Semana Santa. Exhorto especialmente a nuestras comunidades parroquiales y a las escuelas a que se vean a sí mismos como embajadores de Cristo y ministros de la reconciliación, para la renovación de nuestra diócesis, y como levadura para nuestras comunidades, estado y nación.
Como el ritual del bautismo proclama, “Esta es nuestra fe, ésta es la fe de la Iglesia y nosotros nos gloriamos de profesarla en Cristo Jesús, Señor nuestro.” San Padre Pio gritaría su aprobación desde su lugar en el cielo.

Church, world in need of reconciliation

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Bishop Joseph Kopacz

By Bishop Joseph Kopacz
As part of our Lenten journey, we welcomed to the Diocese of Jackson the relics of Saint Padre Pio as they travel on their inaugural pilgrimage through the United States thanks to the Foundation for Saint Padre Pio. I was uncertain about his standing among the Communion of Saints here in Mississippi and throughout the South, but the response was inspiring in the number of people who came to the Cathedral for the two Masses on Thursday, March 1, and throughout the day.
In the Northeast of the United States there are many who have a devotion to him, asking his intercession to face the suffering and struggles of life. He has led many to Jesus Christ, especially since his canonization by Pope Saint John Paul II on May 2, 1999, as the third millennium dawned.
Speaking to the pilgrims in Saint Peter’s Square on the day after his canonization, Saint John Paul II extolled the signature holiness of Saint Padre Pio. “Dear brothers and sisters, Padre Pio’s witness is a powerful call to the supernatural dimension, not to be confused with exaggerated concern for miracles, a deviation which he always and resolutely shunned. Priests and consecrated persons in particular should look to him. He teaches priests to become the docile and generous instruments of Divine grace, which heals people at the root of their ills, restoring peace of heart to them. The altar and the confessional were the two focal points of his life. The charismatic intensity with which he celebrated the divine mysteries is a very salutary witness, to shake priests from the temptation of habit and help them rediscover, day by day, the inexhaustible treasure of spiritual, moral and social renewal which is placed in their hands.”
For many years Padre Pio spent more than half of his day in the confessional, a herculean witness to the mercy of God that was pure gift. Even the most zealous of priests would be overwhelmed by this relentless commitment. He followed in the footsteps of Saint John Vianney who was also a stellar instrument of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation, and was a contemporary of Saint Sister Faustina, an instrument of Divine Mercy.
The Eucharist, the table of Word and Sacrament, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation remain the royal roads for repentance and reconciliation in the Church in the modern world. Recall, that one of our pastoral priorities is to be “welcoming and reconciling communities,” with repentance as an ever pressing demand of the Lord in order to accomplish his will in our lives and in our world. If we are honest, sometimes the Churches falls short and the cry for repentance and reconciliation must be proclaimed and heard in the world. One striking example is rumbling around our country at this time.
After the most recent mass shooting and carnage in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students launched a new campaign to raise awareness about the horrors of gun violence. Students are harnessing and focusing their deeply felt grief and anger against the indifference and intransigence that pervades American society regarding an honest reappraisal of the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Reflecting back on last Sunday’s scripture from the Gospel of John, in which Jesus revealed God’s righteous anger over the the scandalous activity in the Temple in Jerusalem, might prompt us to hear the cry of the righteous anger of our young people and their supporters over the outrage of mowed down friends and students in their school.
God’s house of prayer, the point of union between heaven and earth, had become a market place, and business as usual prevailed. So too our young people are overturning the canned rhetoric of our politicians and the gun lobby with the hope of bringing about genuine dialogue that can lead the nation to sanity and greater security.
On the other hand, here is an example where the Church is failing miserably. The “Sanctuary Church” in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania, invited their members to bring their AR-15 rifles to a church service for a celebration of the “rod of iron.” Here is the news clip. Sanctuary Church in Newfoundland, NEWFOUNDLAND, Pa. — A Pennsylvania school district will cancel classes at an elementary school on Wednesday because a church down the street is hosting a ceremony featuring AR-15 rifles. World Peace and Unification Sanctuary in Newfoundland believes the AR-15 symbolizes the “rod of iron” in the biblical book of Revelation, and it is encouraging couples to bring the weapons to a commitment ceremony.”
You can search the story online to see the extent of this lunacy. In this instance the Spirit of God is evident in the world and not in the Church. Our nation needs a greater commitment to the common good, a rational stance regarding rights, responsibilities and limitations. In the aftermath of Parkland, Florida perhaps it may be our young people who guide us to our senses. At the deepest level this is all about repentance, reconciliation and bridge-building among opposing factions in our nation. This is the foolishness of the Cross, the wisdom of God, that has the potential to flower in our nation in the face of tragic loss.
The Ash Wednesday mandate of the Lord is our compass during these forty days of Lent, and I encourage the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the time leading to Holy Week. I exhort especially our parish communities and schools to see themselves as ambassadors for Christ and ministers of reconciliation for the renewal of our diocese and as a leaven for our communities, state and nation. As the Baptism Ritual proclaims. “This is our faith, this is the faith of the Church; we are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Saint Padre Pio would shout out his approval from his place in heaven.

Parish calendar

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CANTON Gray Center, Centering Prayer Spring Retreat, April 13-15. Retreat leader: Father William Meninger, Trappist Monk. This year will explore the Enneagram as a path for increasing one’s self-awareness, compassion and conscious living. Details: register at https://graycenter.wufoo.com/forms/z1ogo6sv0d0yfxw/ or (601) 859-1556.
METAIRIE, La., Annual Southern Regional Conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, March 16-18, Copeland Tower Suites and Conference Center (formerly Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel), “I Am the Lord Your Healer.” Discounts are available for pre-registration. All priests, religious brothers and sisters, deacons and their families are invited to attend the conference at no charge, but pre-registration is requested. Details: (504) 828-1368; info@ccrno.org: or www.ccrno.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen Parish, book discussion on “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan at noon, Monday, March 12, in the parish hall. Everyone is invited. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, pictorial directory is planned for early Summer. Details: Margaret Weathersby at (601) 754-5554.
CORINTH St. James Parish, Mission on Reconciliation, Eucharist, Lent and Holy Week on March 12-14, noon and 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Father P. J. Curley. Details: church office (662) 331-5184.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph Parish teams with First United Methodist Church, 402 Washington Avenue, for Lenten lunches Wednesdays during Lent. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. followed by meditation. Cost: $8.00 per person. Details: St. Joseph church office (662) 335-5251.
GRENADA St. Peter Parish, help needed for a St. Joseph Altar for the feast of St. Joseph, Monday, March 19. Details: Jerome Boudreaux (662) 809-4974.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, The Life of Christ Movie: A Holy Land Pilgrimage, Thursday, March 15, at 8:45 a.m. and Saturday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. Watch the Gospels come alive as we journey through the life of Christ in the cities and towns where he lived, died and rose again. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
HOLLY SPRINGS St. Joseph Parish, The Life of Christ Movie: A Holy Land Pilgrimage, Saturday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. follow by a potluck. Details: church office (662) 252-3138.
MCCOMB St. Alphonsus Parish will host a St. Joseph’s Altar the weekend of March 17-18. Viewing and meal will take place March 18 after the 10:30 a.m, Mass. Details: parish office: (601)684-5648.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Parish, blood drive, Monday, March 26, O’Connor Family Life Center, 12:30 – 6 p.m. Details: www.bloodhero.com, sponsor code: stmarynatchez or call Regina in the church office (601) 445-5616.

YOUTH BRIEFS
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, save the date, Vacation Bible School, June 4-8. Coordinator is Jessica Stubbs assisted by members of the Children’s Ministry Commission. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
PEARL St Jude, save the date, Vacation Bible School “Around the World in 5 Days!” June 11-15, 9 a.m. – noon, ages three years – rising sixth grade. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
ABERDEEN St. Francis Parish, Wednesdays at 4 p.m. followed by Mass.
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis Parish, Stations and Benediction Fridays at 5:30 p.m., followed by a light Lenten meal in Serio Hall.
CLARKSALE St. Elizabeth Parish, Fridays at 2:15 p.m. (with students) and 5:30 p.m.
COLUMBUS Annunciation Parish, Fridays at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel followed by Fish Fry at 6 p.m. in the Activities Center.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph Parish, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. followed by Mass.
GREENVILLE Sacred Heart Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m. Mass and Stations of the Cross.
St. Joseph Parish, Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus fish fry in the parish hall on March 23 from 5-7 p.m., $10 per person.
GRENADA, St. Peter Parish, Fridays at 6:15 p.m. followed by soup and salad supper, except for March 23rd’s fish fry.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit Parish, Fridays at 6:30 p.m. followed by soup supper. $1.00 donation per person benefits the poor in community. To help, please call Pat Kuehnel at (662) 996-6622.
IUKA St. Mary Parish, Adoration and Stations, Wednesdays at 9:20 a.m. followed by Mass at 10 a.m.
JACKSON Christ the King Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m.
Holy Family Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m.
St. Peter Cathedral, Adoration and Stations, Fridays 4:30 – 6 p.m. followed by a light meal.
St. Richard Parish, Fridays at 2:15 p.m. with the school.
St. Therese Parish, Fridays at 5:30 p.m. (English) followed by meatless soup supper and a message in the parish hall at 6 p.m. Sundays, (Spanish) at 1:30.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m., Rosary and Stations followed by a Lenten meal.
MERIDIAN St. Joseph Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m. followed by fish fry.
NATCHEZ Assumption Parish, Fridays at 5: 30 p.m.
St. Mary Basilica, Fridays at 12:05 & 5:15 p.m. followed by a Fish Fry in the Family Life Center.
PEARL St Jude Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m. followed by a fish fry.
SHAW St. Francis Parish, Fridays at 6 p.m. following Mass.
YAZOO CITY St. Mary Parish, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. followed by Mass.

Regional Encuentro advances process of identifying ministry priorities

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By Tom Tracy
MIAMI (CNS) – The head of Catholic Relief Services told several hundred Hispanic leaders from the U.S. Southeast recently that they are a vital part of the church’s future “global voice” and missionary discipleship.
“The statement you see on signs all the time now is ‘when you see something, say something,’ and to be a missionary disciple it is ‘when you see something, do something,'” said Sean Callahan, president and CEO of CRS, the U.S. Catholic Church’s overseas relief and development agency.
“We need to be seen as the doers, and there is a great opportunity right now for the Catholic Church to come together and be more of a force for right and for justice in a country of people who want justice,” he said.
Callahan, a 28-year veteran of CRS in his second year of leadership at the Baltimore-based agency, spoke Feb. 23 to more than 340 mostly Hispanic leaders gathered from among some 30 dioceses that are part of the Southeastern Regional Encuentro comprising church’s episcopal regions V and XIV.
A delegation from the Diocese of Jackson attended, taking with them the results of parish-level and diocesan gatherings identifying the priorities of the Diocese of Jackson. One of the delegates, Danna Johnson from Pontotoc St. Christopher Parish, said faith formation remains critical.
“In the area of ‘leadership development and pastoral training,’ the strategy that was identified as a region is to increase programs of pastoral formation for Latinos in both languages (English and Spanish) or more, depending on the needs of each parish,” said Johnson. “The online theological education program in Spanish CAMINO and in English STEP from the University of Notre Dame is one of the most successful pastoral programs in the region. Dioceses from South Carolina and Lexington, Kentucky, have implemented these programs and are getting great results. I am excited that this regional strategy is connected with one of the priorities of Pastoral Plan of our Diocese of Jackson, which is ‘the life-long formation of intentional disciples,'” Johnson added.
Groups from all across region five met in Miami February 22-24 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish’s sprawling complex just west of Miami International Airport.
Since 2015, CRS has been one of four major sponsors of the encuentro, which is described as the most important and comprehensive initiative in Hispanic ministry ever undertaken by the Catholic Church in the United States. The initiative involves an estimated 1 million pastoral leaders, 175 dioceses and numerous church organizations, parishes and lay ecclesial movements.
Now that parish- and diocesan-level encuentros have taken place, regional encuentros will be going on around the country through June. What has been an overall four-year process of reflection and action will culminate with the U.S. Catholic Church’s Fifth National Encuentro, or “V Encuentro,” to be held Sept. 20-23 in Grapevine, Texas.
The U.S. church’s First National Encuentro was in 1972. For the upcoming V Encuentro, 163 dioceses and archdioceses and more than 2,500 parishes across the country are involved.
Callahan told the Florida Catholic, Miami’s archdiocesan newspaper, that the gathering in South Florida represented a significant moment of encounter for CRS and U.S. Hispanic Catholic leadership, and that CRS is interested in listening as the encuentro participants discuss and define their future role as Hispanic Catholics in America.
“This is the first encuentro we have been so involved with this intimately,” he said. “As we have seen the U.S. becoming more and more Hispanic, we thought it would be important for us to understand what people feel the direction of the church should be, and then how can we be a part of it,” he said.
“And one of the strengths (of this partnership) is bringing the voice of the American people overseas to people in difficult situations and letting people know that they are not alone and that people here care about them and share that solidity,” he said of the work of CRS. “We want to see where that part of the church comes out in this encuentro process.”
“In many cases, people are being forced out from where they are, and our job is to allow people to stay where they want to stay with safety and security for their family with the right to employment,” he said. “The Northern Triangle is one area that we really want to intervene and reduce violence and give people other opportunities,” Callahan said of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
Venezuela, he added, is a key country where there is a lot of turmoil, the inflation has gone up, the people are in a dire situation, “and so we work with Caritas International and Caritas Venezuela as a lead organization so we can provide greater assistance to the people of Venezuela,” he said.
CRS now works in some 110 countries and assists 137 million people annually, he noted, adding that large scale migration trends from Africa into Europe will continue to be a source of humanitarian challenges in the coming decades.

(Tracy writes for the Florida Catholic, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Miami.)

Eva Gonzalez, Hispanic ministry director from the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky., speaks Feb. 23 with Susana Becerrie of Jackson, Miss., at the Southeast Regional Encuentro. Held for the church's episcopal regions V and XIV, the gathering took place Feb. 22-24 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church's parish complex. On hand were 340 leaders from among some 30 dioceses in the Southeastern U.S. (CNS photo/Tom Tracy) See ENCUENTRO-REGIONALS-SOUTHEASTERN Feb. 26, 2018.

MIAMI – Participants in the regional Encuentro pray the Way of the Cross for Life during the Feb. 22-23 gathering. (Photo courtesy SEPI)

Chanche medals, awards recall founding bishop

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Youth and adults recipients

JACKSON – Nineteen adults and nine young people received the Bishop John Joseph Chanche Award for service on Saturday, Feb. 24, in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Bishop Joseph Kopacz distributed the awards during a special Mass. The Chanche medals, named for the first bishop of the diocese, honor those who give of themselves to their parish or faith community. The awards are presented on the weekend closest to the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the patronal feast for the Diocese of Jackson.

Chanche Medal honorees: serve, embrace, inspire

Adult honorees

Eddie Adkins – Gluckstadt St. Joseph
Finance Council President, RCIA team member, Knights of Columbus, member of envisioning team for Pastoral Priorities.
“Eddie is a talented businessman, but unlike most he looks at business through the eyes of service. In our council deliberations, he speaks of justice and mercy and ‘right’ before even looking at the practical business side of things.” Pam Minninger, Lay Ecclesial Minister

Joyce Brasfield Adams – Jackson Holy Family
Director of faith formation, member of Liturgy committee, liturgical minister, Ladies’ Guild member, member of strategic planning team.
“Mrs. Adams has been influential in reforming and structuring all aspects of faith formation in the parish since 1989. She is as much a leader as she is a follower. She has participated in parish, diocesan and statewide committees and is sought-after to do so.” Father Xavier Amirtham, pastor

Virginia Brown – Pearl St. Jude
Director of Religious Education, retired; founder of Why Catholic small faith group, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd advocate, coordinator of ministry to sick and shut-ins, Cursillista.
“Ginger is very joyful about living her faith. She is definitely seen as a leader in our community, who by word and action gives testimony to our faith. She has touched many lives, especially the adults, youth and children who have known her through the faith formation programs here at the parish, as well as the many families she has touched through her visits to the sick and shut-ins.” Father Lincoln Dall, pastor

Earl Joseph Gooden – Clarksdale Immaculate Conception
Finance Council, former Catholic School teacher and member of Education Board for Catholic Schools, collection counter.
“His service has continually helped to keep Immaculate Conception alive in the community. Whether it was his time as a teacher or now contributing to the life of the parish, Earl is a key reason why African Americans have had access to adequate schooling in Clarksdale, as well as access to Jesus in the Eucharist. … He is a spiritual role model who has dedicated his life to the teachings of the church, the Blessed Mother Mary and praying the Rosary.” Father Scott Thomas, pastor

Mariland and Brian Hendley – Madison St. Francis of Assisi
Catechists, RCIA team members, ChristLife team leaders, parish religious education committee, liturgical ministers, parish sports volunteers.
“Brian and Mariland love their faith, they love their family and they love their parish. They strive to live out the church’s call to a holiness of life and though they do not brag about it, nor do they seek accolades, others can certainly see their willingness to help and their love for their family and their faith.” Father Abbeenreddy Vatti, pastor

Nancy Hoang – Amory St. Helen
Religious education coordinator, ecumenical Vacation Bible school coordinator, CYO volunteer, food pantry volunteer.
“She is deeply committed to her faith and family. She works with all ages, races and religions. I see her as a true example of a Catholic woman in the Church today. Without her giving, our Church and young people would not be the same. She is creative, loving and yet knows how to handle children and youth with a mother’s strength and love.” Sister Lael Niblick, CSA, Lay Ecclesial Minister

Maureen Irby– Natchez Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Administrative assistant at both Assumption and Woodville St. Joseph Parishes, coordinator for parish Stewpot volunteers, coordinator for direct assistance, liturgical minister.
“Approximately four years ago, Maureen Irby agreed to serve in a secretarial role for St. Joseph Parish in Woodville when no suitable person could be found. She is a self-starter and carries out her work without requiring a large amount of my time. The work at St. Joseph in Woodville would not be done without her. She has been most valuable to the pastor there. She has enabled both parishes to function and have meaningful liturgies and weekly bulletins.” Father David O’Connor, pastor

Hilton Kalusche – Vicksburg St. Michael
Parish manager, former RCIA team member, liturgical minister, pastoral council member.
“It is hard to imagine where St. Michael Parish would be without Hilton Kalusche. He could easily be called the backbone of our parish. There is rarely a day that he is not involved in some activity that will benefit our parish community. Not being one to call attention to himself, Hilton works and leads by quiet example.” Helene Benson, director of religious education

Phil Lieb – Jackson St. Richard
Finance council member, parish grounds and maintenance supervisor, parish project manager.
“On a daily basis, Mr. Lieb is a constant presence here at the parish, carefully inspecting our property, documenting issues and arranging to have those issues resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner. There is no telling how much money Mr. Lieb has saved the parish and how many conflicts he has helped us avoid with his careful oversight.” Father John Bohn, pastor

Wesley Lindsay – Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle
Liturgical minister, altar server trainer, volunteers for maintenance work, oversees logistics for events.
“Wesley is a living example of a Christian. He never meets a stranger, he always has a kind greeting for everyone. He is always willing to help on any committee, event or ministry. His life is truly a “standard” for our young adult servers, they learn respect and reverence for the Eucharistic Celebration.” Father Anthony Quyet, pastor

Geraldine Matthews – Greenwood
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Parish council member, RCIA team member, liturgical minister, sacristan, prayer leader.
“Geraldine (Gerry) Matthews is and has been a faithful Catholic laywoman all of her 92 years and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for over eighty years. She has been devoted to the practice of her Catholic faith, demonstrating effective leadership and motivating her fellow parishioners in the practice of their faith through prayer, her own good example of service and through catechesis. She is an excellent role model for women of faith and continues, as an elder of the parish community, to find ways of service by her presence and her good works.” Father Joachim Studwell, OFM, pastor

Mary Jean Pendleton – Shelby St. Mary
Pastoral council member, chair of liturgy committee, hospitality committee member, communication committee member, fundraising chairperson, bereavement committee chairperson.
“Mary Pendleton is the linchpin of St. Mary, Shelby pastoral team. She is the most able, unselfish, joyful, energetic, caring, faith-filled, kind, humble person I have ever met. She is willing to tackle any job, volunteering her time and resources with a smile. With a heart of gold, she cares for family, friends and others with a great sense of generosity, asking nothing in return.” Jane Letchworth, parish volunteer

Wilson Patrick Roy – Batesville St. Mary
Sacristan, liturgical minister, prayer leader, Knights of Columbus member.
“Pat Roy is one of the liturgical backbones of our parish. He is a dedicated and devoted daily Mass attendee – both at St. Mary in Batesville and the mission church St. John in Sardis. His faith runs very deep. His wealth of knowledge of the Catholic Church is immense. He is the true definition of a person who knows and lives the fact that Jesus is the best and most valuable friend a person can visit with. Pat makes daily visits with our Lord in the church outside of Mass time.” Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy, pastor

Allen and Maureen Scott – Clinton Holy Savior
Parish and finance council leadership, liturgical ministers, Habitat for Humanity volunteers.
“Allen has chaired the international Pentecost gathering recognizing the ‘many nations and peoples’ in our parish and Maureen has shared her abilities as a CPA to develop and monitor the parish budget as well as participating in programs for the diocese to plan for a new payroll system.” Father Tom McGing, pastor.

Stephen and Edine Seal – Woodville St. Joseph
Liturgical ministers, ecumenical bereavement support team members, social event coordinators.
“Both Stephen and Edine have inspired fellow parishioners with their personal faith and active presence in parish activities. These have included their sacrificial presence at bereavement ministerial outreaches to the families of deceased families of the Woodville community, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Also, they have been most faithful, despite numerous health appointments, in coordinating parish social functions such as the annual St. Joseph Spiritual Homecoming, both in fellowship and worship, the past ten years.” Father Scott Dugas, pastor
(Editor’s note: Stephen Seal died the weekend prior to the awards ceremony, but was granted the medal posthumously.)

Richard Warren – Natchez St. Mary Basilica
Liturgical minister, Boy Scouts of America scout master, pastoral council member, Knights of Columbus member.
“Ricky Warren is a man of vision and action. He energizes and inspires others to serve as the need arises. He is currently bringing our Family Life Commission back to life. He is pleasant to all, making many feel welcome to become a part of the parish or the organization on which he serves. His gentle, kind manner exemplify what our church is.” Father David O’Connor, pastor

Youth honorees

Dayane Arvizu, senior – Kosciusko St. Therese
Bilingual interpreter, liturgical minister, regular volunteer.
“Dayane serves as a role model for the younger children. She lectors at both Spanish and English Masses whenever needed.. She encourages her peers to participate at Mass. Dayane brings a positive attitude to our newly formed youth group.” Father Odel Medina, ST, pastor

Madelyn Olivia Bennett, senior – Gluckstadt St. Joseph
Tutor, retreat leader, confirmation sponsor, service work volunteer, youth group leader.
“In our community, Maddie has worked to keep the excitement in our Youth Ministry program alive. She encourages others who may not yet “feel it” to find joy and fun in being a Catholic teen, as well as inspires them to learn more and dig deeper in their own faith lives.” Patti Greene, youth minister

Connor Clark, senior – Vicksburg St. Michael
Altar server, CYO member, service work volunteer, counselor at special-needs camp, retreat leader.
“Connor truly takes the gospel message to heart and strives to make the world a better place by his actions and his words. We have seen Connor put others before himself many times. In today’s self-centered, me-first world, this is a very special quality for a young man.” Helene Benson, director of religious education

Cristina Marie Craig, freshman – Brookhaven St. Francis of Assisi
Religious education volunteer teacher, service work volunteer, rosary leader, liturgical minister.
“Cristina is a loving, concerned, faithful young lady. She shows concern for her friends, enemies, and strangers alike. She cares about their well-being physically as well as spiritually. She is faithful to her church and its missions and services to others … Without Cristina many of our other youth would have drifted away. She is a rock and Christ-like example to all in our parish and community.” Ange’le Bartholomew, youth minister

Haley Fisackerly, senior – Columbus Annunciation
CYO volunteer, prayer leader, parish volunteer.
“Haley lives a very Catholic life, full of prayer, service, kindness, and humility. Her involvement in the parish has always extended beyond CYO. She leads the other teens by example, I suspect sometimes without realizing she’s leading by example. She encourages her peers, is always positive, and is always outgoing and warm. She’s faithful to Sunday Mass. She’s not shy about saying she’s Catholic at a school that is not friendly to Catholics. Lastly, she is knowledgeable about her faith, and clearly has it in her heart to have a strong relationship with her Creator.” Leslie Jones, youth minister

Trey McMullan, senior – Jackson St. Richard
Tutor, youth group leader, volunteer for religious education, service work volunteer, liturgical minister, usher, retreat leader.
“Trey’s impact on our youth group does not go unnoticed. The younger teens look to him as a role model, someone they aspire to be like. Trey’s willingness to lead small group discussions, crowd breakers, games and to jump in and play with the youth when needed is an invaluable help. Trey senses where he is needed most then quietly goes and leads by example.” Amelia Rizor, youth minister

Matthew Prater, senior – Madison St. Francis of Assisi
Youth group leader, leadership council member, retreat leader, service work volunteer, liturgical minister, Eagle Scout.
“Matt has served in so many ways over the past years, it would be almost impossible to list them all. He has assisted with children’s activities such as VBS and the Advent Fair, service projects such as the adopted family project and nursing home visits. Most importantly, Matt is always aware of those who need assistance and offers to help in many small ways, such as setting up, cleaning up, opening doors, and carrying things for others, and is not afraid of hard work or physical labor. Matt seeks out ways to serve but does not seek attention. He never expects any acknowledgement or reward for his service; and it is very clear he does so because of his love for God, for others, and for the Church.” Father Jason Johnston, associate pastor

Brooke Lee Thompson, sophomore – Jackson Christ the King
Altar server trainer, leader and volunteer, active in youth ministry and religious education.
“Brooke is a person who is strong in her faith. Even though her classmates are not Catholic she is able to be a good witness of her Catholic faith. When faced with questions about her faith, rather than give a false answer, she will take the trouble to go find the correct answer. She does not miss coming to Mass and is an active participant during the Liturgy.” Deacon Denzil Lobo, ecclesial minister

Mary Rose Wolf, junior – Pearl St. Jude
Choir member, parish leadership team member, religious education volunteer, service work volunteer
“Mary Rose serves on our parish leadership team representing the youth (this takes the place of the parish council at St. Jude). She also serves in the choir and is a very loyal member. Mary Rose is in attendance at every youth event and volunteers for all of the service activities … I would say that she stands out because she so willingly serves in a variety of activities here in our parish and does so very joyfully and willingly, drawing others into those activities.” Father Lincoln Dall, pastor

Earl Joseph Gooden

Nancy Hoang

Hilton Kalusche

Wilson Patrick Roy

Dayane Arvizu

Madelyn Olivia Bennett

Trey Thompson McMullan

Matthew Prater

Mary Rose Wolf

Brooke Lee Thompson

Cristina Marie Craig

Haley Fisackerly

(Photos by Maureen Smith and Tereza Ma)