On Dec. 24, 2024, Pope Francis launched the Ordinary Jubilee for the Year 2025, naming it the Jubilee of Hope with the Latin title Spes Non Confundit or Hope Does Not Disappoint. As the spiritual Father of the Catholic Church throughout the world the Pope is calling all of God’s people in the church to be Pilgrims of Hope because the Holy Spirit of God has been poured into our hearts through faith.
Please read and examine this annual report for 2024 for the Diocese of Jackson through the Jubilee lens of hope.
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Annual report
Chancery Office of the Diocese of Jackson
All that we do is rooted in all who we are as members of the Body of Christ, and the reason for our hope is the light of the Gospel shining upon all of our ministries.
St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians delineates the essential ministries that build up the body of the Lord to be faithful to his mission on earth. “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated the church to be, first apostles, second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds, then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.” (12:27-28)
The annual report displays the manner in which the faithful of our diocese support the ministries that have their roots in the scriptures and are alive and well in the Diocese of Jackson today. Administration is one of the essen-
Carolyn
Callahan
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, Communication, 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.
The 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.
tial gifts of the Holy Spirit that empowers the church to serve in stable and creative ways. Literally the word means to minister to, and with so much at stake, our chancery staff is committed 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.
Our Pastoral Reimagining process over the past few years has been closely linked with the Synod on Synodality
that concluded in October 2024 after a three-year endeavor. We have seen the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in creative and surprising ways throughout the diocese, strengthening our mission and ministries.
Faithful administration is the gift that applies transparency and accountability in order to build trust, serve the Lord, and give glory to God. This firm foundation evident in this report frees us to be pilgrims of hope this year and always.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Financial Report
– Director, Department of Temporal Affairs
Significant areas to note for the finances of the Diocese and the Department of Temporal Affairs since the last annual report filed in January 2024 are:
• Multiple schools and parishes are undergoing major construction and renovation projects with assistance from the Deposit and Loan Fund. All loan transactions equal to or greater than $250,000 are approved by the Diocese Finance Council prior to Bishop’s approval.
• The investment portfolio of the Deposit and Loan Fund remains in a strong position with an allocation and calendar year return of 77% / 3.5% Fixed Income, 18% / 24.6% Equities, and 5% / 5.7% Cash as of Dec. 31, 2024. The weight of the portfolio in highly rated Fixed Income securities is due to the source of the funds that represent the Savings of the parishes and schools less loans to parishes and schools. The return on investment continues to increase the cost basis of the account balances and has not been withdrawn for operations.
• As it is recommended that property appraisals are updated every ten to twelve years, Temporal Affairs contracted with Mike Domain of Insurance Valuation Group (IVG) in December 2024 to begin appraising all Diocesan properties during the spring of 2025. IVG is working closely with the Chancery team and Catholic Mutual in updating property appraised values for the next insurance year that begins July 1, 2025.
• After discussion with our external actuary, audit partner, Diocesan Finance Council and with Bishop’s approval, the Lay Frozen Retirement Plan (For Chancery and Catholic Charities Employees only – Frozen July 14, 2014) was revalued using a
higher investment return rate which lowered the plan’s overall value and unfunded liability. (See note #6 of the audited financial statements)
• Temporal Affairs contracted with a new payroll provider, Checkwriters Inc., in 2024 to provide payroll, distribution, and ACA services to all parishes, schools, the Chancery, Catholic Charities, and the Association of Priests Retirement Fund. While payroll provider software programs are very similar in their functionality, we were not receiving the client support needed to ensure accurate and timely payroll distribution from the prior provider.
• 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, and the Cathedraticum 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 2024.
Questions regarding Diocesan finances may be sent to Carolyn Callahan, Director, Department of Temporal Affairs via email at carolyn.callahan@ jacksondiocese.org.
+Joseph R. Kopacz Bishop of Jackson
Catholic Diocese of Jackson
Catholic Education Executive Director of School Operations
Karla Luke
• In summer of 2024, the Office of Catholic Education (OCE), and all schools and Early Learning Centers began district reaccreditation for all schools and early learning centers for 2025-2030 school years.
• The OCE and Diocesan Catholic Schools embarked on a yearlong of service to schools and communities adopting the annual theme of “Faith, Hope and Love,” based on 1 Corinthians 13:13.
• 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.
Chancellor Mary Woodward
• The Chancellor is charged with managing diocesan archives and records for the bishop; acts as official notary; and coordinates diocesan liturgies celebrated by the bishop. Also, the intricate process for the cause of canonization of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, is a responsibility of the Chancellor.
• Liaison to Diocesan Review Board, which evaluates Protection of Children/Safe Environment protocols.
• In 2024, assisted in the creation and installation of a bronze statue of Sister Thea Bowman on the Cathedral of St. Peter grounds.
• Coordinated the annual Diocesan Chrism Mass and an ordination Mass.
• Completed several national and international statistical reports for the church.
• Facilitated several canonical processes.
• Collaborated in developing a records management platform for the diocese.
• Authored a bi-weekly column for the Mississippi Catholic – From the Archives.
Diocese of Jackson Stats
Stewardship and Development Director
Rebecca Harris
Stewardship Office
• Produces the Stewardship Paths monthly e-newsletter provides parishes/parishioners with stewardship materials.
• Assisted with the 5th annual Homegrown Harvest for seminarians, which raised $141,000.
• Wrote Catholic Extension grants and initiative projects which funded over $80,000.
Catholic Service Appeal
• The Catholic Service Appeal raises money for 14 ministries in our diocese. The goal was $1,275,000. Raised $1,384,715 from 2,683 donors and an average gift of $516.11. The following ministries received funds through the 2024 CSA:
• Seminarian Education $175,000 (14%)
• Retired Priests $200,000 (16%)
• Clergy Healthcare & Assistance $200,000 (16%)
• Permanent Diaconate Program $10,000 (1%)
• Evangelization/Communications $54,170 (4%)
• Religious Ed. & Faith Formation $40,000 (3%)
• Youth Ministry $40,000 (3%)
• Intercultural Ministry $40,000 (3%)
• Campus Ministry $60,000 (5%)
• Family Ministry $30,000 (2%)
• Young Adult Ministry $20,000 (1%)
• Catholic Charities $350,000 (27%)
• Parishes & Schools Grant Assistance $50,000 (4%)
• Prison Ministry $10,000 (1%)
The Catholic Foundation
• The Foundation manages 400 trusts with investments reaching $60M.
• Distributed 5% to trust beneficiaries totaling $2.4M.
• Funded 25 grant projects totaling $84,000.
• The Foundation raised over $86,000 for membership.
• Sponsored the 42nd annual Bishop Cup Golf Tournament, raising over $44,000.
Directors’ Summaries
Faith Formation Director
Fran Lavelle
Office of Family Ministry
• Served over 40 engaged couples through Catholic Engaged Encounter weekends on four weekends throughout the year.
• World Marriage Day was hosted in Jackson at St. Peter Cathedral and in Tupelo at St. James. We honored over 70 couples who were celebrating their 25th, 50th and 60 plus anniversaries in 2024.
• Supported ProLife Mississippi by sponsoring their spring event.
Office of Intercultural Ministry
• Sister Amelia Breton brought a diocesan presence at events of various ethnic and cultural groups, including presentations on intercultural communications for ministry leaders.
• Intercultural Competence Workshops were held in English and Spanish for 150 participants.
• Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Day was celebrated with a Mass with over 200 in attendance.
• Sister Amelia created and distributed the Living our Faith booklet to parishes for small group conversations on culture.
Office of Religious Education & Faith Formation
• After a review of lay ministry formation we established the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation. All areas of faith formation are being evaluated.
• The annual Fall Faith Formation Day was held in August. Over 100 people attended.
• The High School Confirmation Retreat was held in January with 106 in attendance.
• Presented at various retreats and days of reflection to enrich faith formation in the diocese.
Office of Youth Ministry
• The OYM sponsored events for youth; including the diocesan youth conference, DCYC; Search Retreat; and the Middle School Fall Retreat.
• Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator, sponsored and coached the First Things in Youth Ministry Training Program. The OYM also sponsored a Day of Reflection for youth ministry leaders.
• Continues to be active in regional and national youth ministry organizations connecting the diocese to the larger church.
Office of Young Adults and Campus Ministry
• A winter campus ministry retreat for all college students was held at St. John in Oxford in 2024.
• An Advent Day of Reflection for young adults was held at Camp Bratton Green.
• Young adult sporting activities such as basketball, co-ed softball and kickball are offered throughout the year.
• Jackson area monthly Theology on Tap gatherings were held featuring speakers on a variety of topics.
Communications Director Joanna Puddister King
• Assists 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.
• 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.
• 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 holy days and Catholic social teaching topics.
• We have six seminarians, and two men applying for seminary for the fall. Will Foggo will be ordained a Transitional Deacon in December 2025.
• We have three participants in the Avila Institute’s online pre-seminary program.
• Father Tristan Stovall was named Assistant Vocation Director after his May 2024 ordination.
• We launched a two-year partnership with Vianney Vocations to help bolster our promotion efforts. The cost is $65,000 this year and $60,000 next year.
• At our Homegrown Harvest Festival, we raised a record amount just under $143,000. With other fundraising efforts and gifts we expect to have a balanced budget this fiscal year.
• The Women’s Burse Club was merged to better engage all vocation supporters in the diocese.
• There are currently 13 active Permanent Deacons in the Diocese of Jackson and one retired. There are seven men in their third year of formation and have been admitted to Candidacy, instituted as Readers and as Acolytes on Feb. 7, 2025. Tentatively, these men would be ordained in 2026.
2024 Statements of Income and Expenses
The Diocese of Jackson has 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.
Scan the QR code to view the full audit report. Questions regarding diocesan nances may be sent to Carolyn Callahan, Director of Temporal A airs via email at carolyn.callahan@jacksondiocese.org.
To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (Spanish).
