Annual Report 2023

Annual report

2 0 2 3 Chancery Office of the Diocese of Jackson Dear Friends in Christ, As I mark the 10th anniversary of being installed as the 11th Bishop of Jackson on Feb. 6, 2014, I am continually amazed over the manifold array of ministries of which our beloved diocese is comprised. The annual report is a unique opportunity to present an overview through manageable detail of the day-to-day commitment of our diocesan staff to faithfully serve the Lord Jesus and the people of God entrusted to us.

These efforts support our diocesan mission to proclaim our Lord, crucified and risen, by word and deed, and to foster the work of the Gospel in our parishes, schools and ministries throughout our expansive diocese. A lot of work goes on each day to get the job done well.

It may appear to some that the business of the chancery is an insulated world, and that a parish three hours distant is an independent body like so many congregations in Mississippi. This perception would be flawed because our diocese is a living, dynamic body, the Lord’s own for sure, that is inextricably linked in all its parts. This is the nature of the Catholic Church and most recently this unity is being fostered by the world-wide synod process through the theme of Communion, Participation and Mission. During this season of Eucharistic renewal, we recall that the Mass, our sublime and most important act of worship, is the extraordinary and ordinary daily prayer by which we proclaim and strengthen our unity with the Lord and with one

another, as well as the ultimate good of eternal life with God. With so much at stake, ever before us at the chancery is the commitment to be good stewards of the generosity of the people of God from every corner of our diocese. A careful reading of this report will portray the complexity of our diocesan network, as well as the careful stewardship that is applied each day. This inspires confidence throughout our diocesan network. As I have stated in previous reports, I am grateful for the commitment to collaboration among our diocesan leadership and personnel that meaningfully engages leadership throughout the diocese.

In conclusion, this year in the grassroots throughout our diocese, we are engaged in a process of pas-

toral reimagining that is rooted in the marks of our faith and church as One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.

It is an endeavor that has the potential to bear much fruit, the kind that lasts. (John 15:16) The challenge for all of us, whether in our families or in our diocesan ministries, is to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord as we go about our daily responsibilities and toils. Ever mindful of the power of prayer, may the Lord who has begun this good work in us enlighten our minds and hearts to value the things that ultimately matter.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Joseph R. Kopacz Bishop of Jackson

Financial Report

Carolyn Callahan – Director, Department of Temporal Affairs The full audit report for the Chancery office finances of the Diocese of Jackson is available online at https://jacksondiocese.org/temporal-affairs. Included in the audited financial statements are the Current Fund and Deposit and Loan Fund. The Current Fund represents the services provided to the parishes, schools and missions by the diocesan bishop and his representatives including the offices of the Bishop, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archives, Communications, Education, Faith Formation, Liturgy, Seminarian Education and Vocations, Stewardship and Development, and Temporal Affairs. The Deposit and Loan fund represents the savings of all parish and school locations and the related investment portfolio. Separate from this report are the income and expenses of Catholic Charities and the Catholic Foundation.

Two main sources of income for the Chancery office are the annual Cathedraticum Assessment and the Catholic Service Appeal. The Cathedraticum Assessment is currently 10.5% of the annual parish income less certain exemptions for approved capital campaigns and subsidies paid to schools. Income from this annual assessment funds the expenses of the Office of the Bishop and his extended administration, all priest retirement and health insurance costs, and seminarian education, stipends, and benefits costs.

Personnel salary and benefits, clergy benefits and assistance, and seminarian education represent the major expenses of the administration of the Bishop. Other routine expenses include workshops and conferences held and attended, travel, newspaper printing and distribution costs, and grants awarded to parishes and schools.

Significant areas to note for the finances of the diocese and the Department of Temporal Affairs since the last annual report filed in January 2023 are: • The investment portfolio of the Deposit and Loan Fund exceeds the balance of savings less loans. The return on investment continues to increase the cost basis of the account balances and is not withdrawn for operations.

• Other cash invested is slightly greater than the balance of restricted net assets remaining from past donations. See note five of the audit report for the details of restricted net assets.

• Temporal Affairs works with an investment consultant who manages the D & L portfolio and restricted reserves of the Chancery regularly. The Diocese Investment Committee meets quarterly to review the progress of the portfolio and offer expert oversight.

• The diocesan property and liability insurance plan experienced an overall increase of 29% and the employee and priests’ medical insurance plan experienced an increase of 6.5%. Both increases were at the lower end of the average range for other dioceses across the United States, but created a challenge nonetheless for the Chancery, parishes, and schools. Temporal Affairs works regularly to minimize increases and reviews other plans to ensure we have the best coverage possible.

• Temporal Affairs contracted with Catholic Charities of Jackson to provide accounting services to the agency beginning Jan. 1, 2023. The agency’s accounting system was converted to that of the Chancery office and the agency continues to directly manage grant accounting for all of its funding sources with Temporal Affairs providing

all other accounting services. This collaboration between Catholic Charities and the diocese has strengthened both organizations while all sources of income remain properly separated.

• As detailed in note six of the audit report, the full unfunded liability of the Lay Employee Frozen 403b plan was added to the balance sheet of the chancery, retroactively to June 30, 2022. As a multiple-employer plan for the employees of the chancery and Catholic Charities which was frozen as the diocese moved to a fully funded 401k plan as of July 1, 2014, our audit firm required the full liability to be reported. Previously the unfunded liability of the plan related to the employees of the chancery was the only portion recognized. Temporal Affairs continues to work with retirement plan attorneys and investment account managers to improve the status of this plan.

• Technology upgrades were made throughout the chancery office during the year.

• The Diocesan Finance Council and its separate committees meet throughout the year and include members who are experts in various areas to provide oversight of Temporal Affairs and financial advice to Bishop Kopacz. Committees of the Council include the Budget Committee, Audit Committee, Investment Committee, Revenue Committee, and the Deposit and Loan Rates Committee. Other committees of the diocese providing financial oversight include the Cathedraticum Committee and the Compliance Committee.

• Temporal Affairs continues to have a strong working relationship with its external audit firm and the audit report was received without exceptions again in 2023.

Catholic Diocese of Jackson Stewardship and Development Director Rebecca Harris

Catholic Education Executive Director of School Operations Karla Luke

• In summer of 2023, the Office of Catholic Education (OCE), and all schools and Early Learning Centers began collaboration on a diocesan wide strategic plan set for implementation during the 2024-2025 school year.

• The OCE and Diocesan Catholic Schools embarked on a year long of service to schools and communities adopting the annual theme of “Serve the Lord with Gladness,” echoing Psalm 100:2.

• The OCE in collaboration with the Office of the Chancellor welcomed fifth graders from across the diocese to the Mass of Holy Chrism during Holy Week. This was such a success with our seminarians in attendance, the event will continue annually.

• In response to calls for increased security in all schools, the OCE partnered with the Department of Homeland Security and MEMA to have comprehensive physical inspections of all schools and Early Learning Centers. All staff at each school received Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training.

• The Office of Catholic Education welcomed Virginia Hollingsworth to our staff as the Coordinator of Curriculum, Professional Development and Assessments.

Class of 2022 • 161 graduates • Scholarship Recipients: 140 • Scholarships Offered: $8,729,700 • Scholarships Accepted: $4,470,674

• Scholarship Average: $31,933 per graduate • Service Hours over 4 years: 15,942 • Average Service Hours: 100 per graduate

Stats for Catholic Schools High Schools ..............................................................4 Elementary Schools .................................................12 Early Learning Centers .............................................3 Full-time teachers ..................................................386 Number of students ............................................3,331

Chancellor

Mary Woodward • The Chancellor is charged with managing diocesan archives and records for the bishop.

• The Chancellor is the official ecclesiastical notary for the diocese; and coordinates diocesan liturgies celebrated by the bishop.

• The intricate process for the cause of canonization of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, is the responsibility of the Chancellor’s office as well.

• Over the past year, the following activities have been a part of the workings of the Chancellor’s office: • Assisted in the process of separately incorporating parishes in order to better link canon and civil law.

• Coordinated the annual Diocesan Chrism Mass and two ordination Masses.

• Facilitated several canonical processes for the diocese.

• Collaborated in further developing an enterprise content management system to build a more compliant records management platform for the diocese.

• Authored a bi-weekly column for the Mississippi Catholic – From the Archives.

Quick Stats Catholic Population .......................................45,051 Number of Parishes ...............................................72 Number of Missions ..............................................17 Diocesan Priests ....................................................49 Diocesan Priest Outside Diocese ...........................1 Retired Priests .......................................................21 Religious Order .....................................................19 Priests Resident Abroad ..........................................0

Stewardship Office • The Stewardship Paths monthly e-newsletter provides parishes/parishioners with stewardship materials. It includes weekly readings, reflections and more on time, talent and generosity.

• Collaborated with the Office of Vocations on the 4th annual Homegrown Harvest which raised approximately $121,000.

• Worked with parishes to write Catholic Extension grants and initiative projects which funded over $121,000.

Catholic Service Appeal • The CSA raises money for 14 ministries in our diocese. The 2023 Catholic Service Appeal goals was $1,200,000. The CSA raised $1,362,036.05 with 2,700 donors with an average gift of $516.26. There was an increase in dollars raised, donors and average gift. The following ministries received funds through the 2023 CSA: • Seminarian Education $175,000 (15%) • Retired Priests $150,000 (13%) • Clergy Healthcare & Assistance $150,000 (13%) • Permanent Diaconate Program $10,000 (.5%) • Evangelization/Communications $50,000 (4%) • Religious Ed. & Faith Formation $40,000 (4%) • Youth Ministry $40,000 (4%) • Intercultural Ministry $30,803 (3%) • Campus Ministry $50,000 (4%) • Family Ministry $30,000 (3%) • Young Adult Ministry $20,000 (2%) • Catholic Charities $350,000 (30%) • Parishes & Schools Grant Assistance $50,000 (4%) • Prison Ministry $10,000 (.5%) Catholic Foundation • Celebrating 50 years in 2023, the Foundation manages 400 trusts with investments reaching $58M. • Distributed 5% to trust beneficiaries totaling $2,333,791.58.

• Funded 25 grant projects totaling $82,428.

• The Foundation had 480 members and raised over $80,000 for membership. The annual membership funds the operations of the Foundation office so that management fees are not charged to each trust.

• Sponsored the 41th annual Bishop Cup Golf Tournament and raised over $40,000.

Confirmations ......................................................367 Marriages ..............................................................141 Permanent Deacons ..............................................13 Deaths ...................................................................381 Brothers ....................................................................4 Child Protection Sisters ......................................................................38 Seminarians ..............................................................7 Background checks for Child Protection Program ..

Lay Ecclesial Ministers ............................................7 ...........................................................................1,917 Baptisms ...............................................................679 Number of children trained .............................4,880 Adult Baptisms ......................................................66 Number of adults trained ...................................850 First Eucharist .....................................................588 Total Number of Background Checks ........ 23,000+

Directors’ Summaries Faith Formation Director Fran Lavelle

Office of Family Ministry • The Office served over 50 engaged couples in 2023 through Engaged Encounter weekends.

• Hosted World Marriage Day at the Cathedral of St. Peter honoring 60 couples celebrating their 25th, 50th or 60th wedding anniversary.

• Partnered with “Her PLAN (Her Pregnancy and Life Assistance Network)” to assist with creating a web-based comprehensive directory of services supporting pregnant and parenting women.

• After the overturning of Roe v. Wade we continue to promote and provide resources for those dealing with unexpected pregnancies.

Office of Intercultural Ministry • Sister Amelia Breton came to the diocese in January as the Coordinator for the Office of Intercultural Ministry, bringing a diocesan presence at events of various ethnic and cultural groups.

• Participated in the National Black Catholic Congress, with a group of 14 participants from around the diocese.

• Offered presentations on intercultural communications for ministry leaders.

Office of Religious Education & Faith Formation • The Pastoral Ministry Workshop, a formation program for lay leaders, continues to be a great success and fills an important need for formation of many lay ministry disciplines.

• The annual Fall Faith Formation Day featured Dr. Tim Hogan who spoke on Renewing the Church with Families of Faith, with over 100 people in attendance.

• The High School Confirmation Retreat was held in January 2023 with 123 youth and chaperones in attendance.

• Presented RCIA retreats, days of reflection for women’s groups, religious education parent sessions and other opportunities to present formation materials.

Office of Youth Ministry • The OYM sponsored multiple events for youth in grades 7-12 in 2023; including the diocesan youth conference, DCYC in March 2023; Search in January 2023; and the Middle School Fall Retreat in October 2023.

• Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for the OYM, is a member of the faculty for the Pastoral Ministries Workshop presenting a programming workshop on “Developing, Maintaining and Balancing Programs.”

• She also sponsors and coaches the First Things in Youth Ministry Training Program, with seven parish youth ministers in progress with the training.

Office of Young Adults and Campus Ministry • The Office of YACM held a fall campus ministry retreat for all college students at Locus Benedictus Retreat Center.

• Coordinator, Amelia Rizor visited Campus Ministry teams at all colleges and universities in the diocese.

• Held a retreat for young adults ages 21-35 at Camp Bratton Green; and looks to add more retreats and events in 2024.

• Coordinated sporting activities such as basketball, co-ed softball and kickball throughout the year.

• Theology on Tap began in the Jackson area in October, featuring speakers on a variety of topics, and currently has a schedule through monthly through April 2024.

Communications

Director Joanna Puddister King • Continues to assist in implementing parish and diocese email and text communication tool – Flocknote.

• Communications staff attended the Catholic Media Conference, connecting with other diocesan communications staff around the country and learning about the latest in Catholic media; as well as, attending various workshops enhancing video and other communications skills throughout the year.

• Provides communications support to all departments for various projects and events; in addition to requests from parishes for assistance.

• Maintains presence with postings on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. All may be followed with the tag @jacksondiocese.

• Boosts chancery department and Catholic Charities events with online advertising.

• Mississippi Catholic continues publish 14 printed editions and 21 digital editions through Flocknote per year. The digital edition is made available to all parishes under the diocese Flocknote system to send to their parishioners. To join the email list, text MSCATHOLIC to 84576. An English and Spanish version are available.

• Works with Bishop Kopacz on videos touching on various Catholic events, holy days and Catholic social teaching topics.

• Completed a new website for the Diocese of Jackson. Visit jacksondiocese.org for information and events around the diocese.

Vocations

Director Father Nick Adam • We have seven seminarians studying for the diocese. The cost of tuition/books/fees for all is about $300,000. Father Carlisle Beggerly was ordained a priest on May 27, 2023, and Deacon Tristan Stovall was ordained a transitional deacon on May 20, 2023. He will be ordained a priest on May 14, 2024.

• Four seminarians exited the program; and three new seminarians entered the program.

Our processes of entry and shared discernment with the seminarian continue to be bolstered by robust requirements like psychological evaluations both during the application process and midway through the formation process. One prospective seminarian is participating in the High Calling pre-seminary online discernment program.

• Launched our first summer language immersion to Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. Three seminarians took part along with Father Nick Adam.

• Held the 4th Annual Homegrown Harvest Festival to support seminarian education.

• Launched the Catholic Women’s Burse Club, which engages the women of our diocese directly in support of our mission. Membership in the Burse Club requires a minimal donation and/or a dedication to pray for our seminarians and for more men to consider the priesthood. A quarterly newsletter is sent out by the Vocation Director to engage the members and more events will be considered in the future to build on this engagement.

Permanent Diaconate Director Deacon John McGregor

• There are currently 13 active Permanent Deacons in the Diocese of Jackson and two who are retired. There are seven men in their second year of formation and have been admitted to Candidacy and instituted as Readers. Tentatively, these men would be ordained in 2026.

2023 Statements of Income and Expenses

INCOME

Cathedraticum Assessment Management fees Workshop and convention fees Registration fees and tuition Total Assessments and Fees

$ 2,715,364 139,500 92,660 83,810 $ 3,031,334

Donations Catholic Foundation Trust Income Beqiests Grants Catholic Service Appeal Total Donations, Bequests, and Grants

$

519,949 255,866 40,000 265,432 1,337,478 $ 2,418,725

Newspaper advertising income SMP Insurance program net Rental income Other Income Total Other Operating Income

$

Investment and loan interest & dividends Unrealized and realized gain on investments Gain on disposal of property Reversal of loan lossess Total Investment Income

TOTAL INCOME

Total income – FYE 06/30/2023 Donations, Bequests, and Grants 30%

Assessments and Fees 38%

55,634 1,400 116,349 $ 173,383 $

1,235,523 959,621 149,468 $ 2,344,612

$ 7,968,054

Investment Income (including unrealized gains) 30%

Other Operating Income 2%

Total expenses – FYE 06/30/2023 EXPENSES

Salaries and Wages Employee Benefits Priests Benefits 403b Frozen Plan, Charities and Chancery Total Salaries and Benefits

$ 1,610,881 340,419 637,965 407,548 $ 2,996,813

CSA Allocated to Catholic Charities Grants, Contributions, and Assistance Total Assistance Given

$

358,275 300,689 $ 658,964

Advertising Dues, Subscriptions and Periodicals Ecclesiastical Affairs Insurance Expense Chancery Insurance Program Diocese Net Interest expense DL Funds MS catholic newspaper, printing and distribution Office supplies, and Printing Pastoral Profesional services Public relations Registration fees abd tuition Computers and Software Travel Workshops and conventions held and attended Other Expenses Total General Expenses

$

Maintenance, Building, Grounds, Equipment Depreciation Telephone and Utilities Other Total Facilities Expenses

TOTAL EXPENSE

14,034 18,293 48,156 112,806 41,891 601,731 176,467 41,377 140,770 408,941 6,062 448,788 54,986 16,739 172,078 262,796 $ 2,565,915

$

103,671 280,239 78,694 1,651 $ 464,255

$ 6,685,947

Questions regarding diocesan finances may be sent to Carolyn Callahan, Director, Department of Temporal Affairs via email at carolyn.callahan@jacksondiocese.org.

General Expenses 38%

Salaries and Benefits 45%

Assistance Given 10% Facilities Expenses 7%

The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-party reporting system that will enable all diocesan employees, volunteers and parishioners to anonymously (or named if preferred) make reports. Examples of this activity include fraud, misconduct, safety violations, harassment or substance abuse occurring at a Catholic parish, Catholic school or at the diocesan level.

To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (Spanish).