Mississippi Catholic 1 14 2022

JANUARY 14, 2022

mississippicatholic.com

Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center offers peace, tranquility

BY RICHARD MEEK THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR

I think my first words were, ‘Mike I don’t think we can afford to go down one more rabbit hole,’” Father Beard CHATAWA – Nestled in a stunrecalled with a chuckle. ningly beautiful corner of southwest But he relented and during his Mississippi, Our Lady of Hope Reinitial tour Father Beard knew God treat Center features 400 acres of was revealing his dream before his Mother Nature’s finest work. eyes with each passing step. But he Far removed from a main highhad one more surprise coming when way, or even a small town, the rolling earlier this year the property was property offers a welcome tranquilisold to an individual who then doty, a place where deer roam freely, nated the property to Chatawa Rewhere native woods house species of treat Center, a non-profit business every sort, where a picturesque lake which manages the facility. featuring a gazebo and a canoe are “That was manna from heaven,” the center’s welcome mat.

Father Beard said.

For Father Mark Beard it is a The School Sisters of Notre Dame 400-acre answer to a prayer. A had had the property listed for close Catholic retreat center serving the to three years and fielded offers but Diocese of Baton Rouge has been it remained unsold.

Fortunately, the a dream of his for several years but buildings needed little work, a tribas he said “didn’t think it would ever ute to the sisters who Father Beard come to fruition.”

CHATAWA – A picturesque lake sits as a welcome mat to Our Lady of Hope Retreat said “operated on a shoestring.”

He and Ponchatoula businessCenter, nestled on 400 acres of rolling hills in Chatawa. (Photo by Richard Meek/The The sprawling property features man Mike Fulmer had been seeking Catholic Commentator) a combined 100,000 square feet of to purchase property suitable for a living areas, while Rosaryville had wa, Mississippi was on the market. Originally opened by retreat center and believed they had 10,000 square feet.

Additionally, Our Lady of Hope found the ideal setting when the former Rosaryville Cen- the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1874 as an all-girls has two dorms that can accommodate more than a comter went up for sale. Ultimately, the Dominican Sisters of boarding school, the facility, which was used as a retreat bined 100 retreatants, a main dining room along with Peace sold the retreat center to a businessman and it has center in later years, had become too burdensome for the sisters to continue to manage. since been turned into a non-demonitional center.

– Continued on page 12 – “When (Fulmer) called (regarding a visit to Chatawa) Fulmer later learned St. Mary of the Pines in Chata-

'Hope Rising' – heart of 2022 Catholic Service Appeal

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson kicks off the 2022 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), Rebecca Harris paused to remember all that has changed in our world and our lives over the past 24 months.

"We remember that our Catholic faith has been there in these trying times. Let us find comfort in the Eucharist knowing that Jesus is guiding each of us. He has been our 'Hope Rising,'" said Harris.

Each year in January Bishop Joseph Kopacz sends letters to all parishioners in the diocese asking for support of 11 ministries that are vital to the Catholic faith.

"When you make a gift you become the 'Hope Rising' to those served by the appeal," Harris says.

The Catholic community can become the hope to those served by these ministries: Seminarian Education, Catholic Schools, Retired Priests, Catholic Charities, Campus Ministry, ForINSIDE THIS WEEK mation Ministry and Religious Education, Intercultural Ministry, Evangelization and Communication, Family Ministry, Youth Ministry and Parishes.

For detailed information on each of these ministries supporters can visit website csa.jacksondiocese.org.

Harris says that supporters will also find stories from people who have been supported by the Catholic Service Appeal.

"This year, we are featuring stories that show a small piece of how donations to the CSA make huge impacts."

In Memoriam Supporters can click on the "Voices" page to see how Former principals: Sr. Aldonations supported Izzy from the Catholic Charities Unspaugh and Paul Artman accompanied Refugee Minor program; or learn how the

Pastoral Ministry Retreat supports Letty Ruiz as a catechist at her parish.

Site visitors can also hear how the vocations ministry supported Kathleen McMullan as she answered the call of God; and discover how Father P.J. Curley is supported through donations to retired priests.

And lastly, read how youth ministry supports Carrie Lambert and the youth of her parish at St. Mary Basilica in Natchez.

"Let us reflect, remember and renew all those who are served by the ministries supported by the Catholic Service Appeal. With your gift you are our 'Hope Rising,'" says Bishop Joseph Kopacz.

There are several ways to give to the 2022 Catholic Service Appeal. Pledge cards can be mailed to PO Box 22723; Jackson, MS 39225; supporters can visit csa.jacksondiocese.org to donate online; or text to give at 601-706-5858.

Gifts of stocks can also be made to support the CSA. For more information on the CSA, contact Rebecca Harris at (601) 960-8477.

4

Annual Report insert Review the Diocese of Jackson Annual Report

Youth 15 Christmas activities around the diocese

JANUARY 14, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

FEATURED PHOTO

... Final engraving finished on gravestone...

JACKSON – Mark Terry prepares the template on Bishop Joseph N. Latino’s gravestone, on Dec. 13. Terry and his father, James, are from Columbia, Miss., and are one of the few monument companies that still do on site engraving on large granite stones. (Photo

by Mary Woodward) Bishop Latino passed on May 28, 2021. He was born Oct. 21, 1937 in New Orleans.

He was ordained on May 25, 1963 and was appointed the 10th Bishop of Jackson on Jan. 3, 2003, with his installation on Mar. 7, 2003 in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, the site of his final resting place.

APPLIANCE AUDIO VIDEO BEDDING FURNITURE SUPERSTORE

Jackson Flowood R dgeland Pearl Cl nton V cksburg Tupelo Columbus Laurel Oxford Hatt esburg

let there be light

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JANUARY 14, 2022

Holy Trinity at work in diocese

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

This past weekend we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord, the culmination of the Christmas season when the voice of our loving God resounded over the Jordan River after the baptism of his beloved Son who stood as one with his Father in heaven, bathed in the light of the hovering Holy Spirit. In that moment at the outset of Jesus’ public ministry, the loving unity of the Holy Trinity was proclaimed for all to hear.

Indeed, “God is love.” God the Father’s voice was the reassurance for all of the voices of the patriarchs and prophets, kings and suffering servants yearning for the Messiah over centuries.

When the fullness of time unfolded, we heard the voices of the angels, shepherds and magi, the testimony of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John our beloved evangelists, and finally the testimony of John the Baptist, “behold the Lamb of God.” Through faith and baptism, we are center stage in this divine drama. On the one hand this is largely evident when we raise up our voices in prayer, especially at Mass. When we choose to keep holy the “Lord’s Day” and gather in our churches as the Body of Christ, by God’s grace; we can recognize that we too are God’s beloved children, sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ, and temples

of the Holy Spirit.

Remember the Lord’s assurance, that “the least born into the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John the Baptist” and all who preceded him. The heavens were opened at the moment of Jesus’ baptism and remain permanently so in his death and resurrection so that the glory of God will shine forever on the face of Jesus Christ.

The star of faith enlightens our minds and hearts to know that love is our origin, love is our constant calling, and love is our fulfillment in heaven. The church by its very nature is the sacrament of salvation pointing the way to the heavens for all the world to see.

On the other hand, standing upon the cornerstone of faith in the divine drama, all the baptized, grafted onto to the vine are intended, by God’s design and grace, to live as God’s beloved in the world. The church throughout the world and on the local level is a living body where the least, as St. Paul eloquently wrote, are given special attention. Our faith in Jesus Christ is deeply personal and at the same time, never individualistic. Grafted on the vine of Jesus Christ, we are members of his body with different gifts, ministries and works for the common good beginning at home, in the church and in the world.

As you turn the pages of this edition of the Mississippi Catholic, I invite you to do so through the lens of our unity with the Holy Trinity and the bond that is established with one another through faith and baptism. For example, the Catholic Service Appeal is very balanced in its structure and purpose. Each year your generosity

strengthens the Body of Christ throughout the Diocese of Jackson through many ministries, while also serving many on the margins of our communities through Catholic Charities who may never be able reciprocate in turn.

Thus, our Service Appeal is genuinely Catholic.

The Synod on Synodality that is well underway in the Diocese of Jackson and in the church throughout the world is an extraordinary way to raise up our voices in prayer and dialogue. Although gatherings will occur in our parishes and other ministries at different times throughout February, the prayer and scriptures passages that guide these encounters will be the same for everyone, a visible sign of the unity that the Lord intends, and an opportunity to strengthen this bond under the hovering presence of the Holy Spirit and the loving gaze of our God. Lastly, we can understand the annual diocesan report through the lens of this bond of unity. There are many moving parts in a complex organization that must be managed, and the Diocese of Jackson is no different in this respect. Yet, on the deeper level we pray to never forget who we are so that all our daily labor in support of our ministries is not a matter of maintenance, but truly of mission.

We are God’s children now, members of the body of the Beloved Son of God, encouraging one another to be fully alive with the mind and heart of Jesus Christ. May our voices and actions point the way for our struggling and suffering world.

All that we do as the Catholic Diocese of Jackson is the work of our faith and baptism in the power of the Holy Trinity.

Santísima Trinidad trabajando en la Diócesis POR OBISPO JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

Este fin de semana pasado celebramos el Bautismo del Señor, la culminación de la temporada navideña, momento en que resonó la voz de nuestro amoroso Dios sobre el río Jordán; después del bautismo de su amado Hijo, quien se mantuvo como uno con su Padre en el cielo, bañado de la luz del Espíritu Santo que revoloteaba. Al comienzo del ministerio público de Jesús, se proclamó en ese momento para que todos la escucharan la unidad amorosa de la Santísima Trinidad.

De hecho, “Dios es amor” la voz de Dios Padre fue la promesa consoladora de todas las voces de los patriarcas, profetas, reyes y siervos sufrientes que anhelaban al Mesías durante siglos. Cuando la plenitud de los tiempos se desplegó, escuchamos las voces de los ángeles, pastores y Reyes Magos, el testimonio nuestros amados evangelistas: Mateo, Marcos, Lucas y Juan y finalmente el testimonio de Juan el Bautista al proclamar “He aquí el Cordero de Dios.”

A través de la fe y el bautismo, somos el centro del escenario en este drama divino.

Por un lado, evidentemente, cuando elevamos nuestras voces en oración, especialmente en la Misa. Cuando elegimos santificar el “Día del Señor” y reunirnos en nuesVolume 68 Number 3 (ISSN 1529-1693)

tras iglesias como el Cuerpo de Cristo, por la gracia de Dios; podemos reconocer que nosotros también somos hijos amados de Dios, hermanas y hermanos en Jesucristo, y templos del Espíritu Santo.

Recuerde que el Señor asegura que “el pequeño nacido en el Reino de los Cielos es mayor que Juan el Bautista” y todos los que lo precedieron. Los cielos fueron abiertos en el momento del bautismo de Jesús y permanecen permanentemente así, en su muerte y resurrección, para que la gloria de Dios resplandezca para siempre en el rostro de Jesucristo.

La estrella de la fe ilumina nuestras mentes y corazones para saber que el amor es nuestro origen, el amor es nuestro llamado constante y el amor es nuestro cumplimiento en el cielo. La iglesia, por su propia naturaleza, es el sacramento de la salvación que señala el camino a los cielos para que todo el mundo lo vea.

Por otra parte, sobre la piedra angular de la fe en el drama divino, todos los bautizados, injertados en la vid, están destinados, por designio y gracia de Dios, a vivir como amados de Dios en el mundo. La iglesia en todo el mundo y a nivel local, es un cuerpo vivo donde los últimos, como escribió elocuentemente San Pablo, reciben una atención especial. Nuestra fe en Jesucristo es profundamente personal y, al mismo tiempo, nunca es individualista. Injertados en la vid de Jesucristo, somos miembros de su cuerpo con diversos dones, ministerios y obras para el bien común, comenzando en el hogar, en la iglesia y en el mundo.

– Continúa en la pág. 7 –

P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ...................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager ...................................................................................................Tereza Ma

Saturday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m. – Holy Family Celebration with the Christian Family Movement, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Contributors ......................................................................................................... Berta Mexidor

Sunday, Jan. 23 – Confirmation Retreat Mass, Lake Forest Ranch, Macon

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published twice per month January - April and September December; one per month June, July and August. Subscription rate: $20 a year in Mississippi, $21 out-of-state. Periodical postage at Jackson, MS 39201 and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Catholic, P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130.

Sunday, Feb. 13, 3 p.m. – World Marriage Day Mass, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Website: www.mississippicatholic.com  www.jacksondiocese.org

Monday, Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m. – Confirmation Mass, St. John, Oxford All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.

JANUARY 14, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

4 VOCATIONS CALLED BY NAME The road to priesthood is a long-haul.

Once a man is accepted as a seminarian for the diocese, he can spend anywhere from 6-9 years in preparation for ordained ministry. During those years, he must be docile to the Holy Spirit and to the instruction of the church in order to be well-prepared to serve the People of God in his diocese. Priestly formation focuses on four dimensions of development: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.

In the next four issues I will take each of these dimensions and break it down.

Father Nick Adam

The human dimension is the “everyday” dimension of the man. What habits/character traits/virtues of a candidate create a bridge between himself and his flock as he helps to lead them to the Lord? What habits/character traits/vices create a stumbling block? This is the most basic part of priestly formation, and the human dimension is developed with the most basic of requirements in the seminary. Do you wake up on time for prayer? Are you pleasant at the breakfast table? What are your conversation skills? Are you comfortable speaking with someone who is much older/younger than you?

Everyone will be at a different stage of development when they enter the seminary, but we all have traits that we can hone and develop as we seek to better relate to our surroundings. I believe that one of the most important traits that a man seeking priesthood must have is self-awareness. If we are humbly aware of our struggles and imperfections and we are honest about them, then we can move forward in peace and really seek to find the Lord in that struggle for improvement, but if we seek to hide our flaws from others and act like they are not there, then this is a recipe for misery, both for ourselves and those around us.

The seminary is a place where honest and open communication about human formation is encouraged. Seminarians are encouraged to “fraternally correct” their peers if they witness a human formation issue themselves. Candidates regularly meet with a formation adviser who serves as a mirror for the man as he lives in the community, and yearly self-evaluations and faculty evaluations provide updates on progress. Human formation, however, continues for a lifetime. We are all called to be (as Bishop Robert Barron would term it) “greatsouled,” men and women who are open to others and serve as witnesses to Christ’s love in the world. Human formation in the seminary provides many practical tools for men to be good, well-adjusted and helpful priests, but that work must continue beyond ordination.

– Father Nick Adam

In memoriam: Sister Marie Elizabeth Alspaugh, SSJ and Paul Artman FLOURTOWN, Pa. – Sister Marie Elizabeth Alspaugh, SSJ, died on Nov. 23, 2021, at age 86. She was a dedicated servant in Catholic education for 33 years. From 19902008, she served as principal at Our Lady of Lourdes in Greenville.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Services are private but will be livestreamed from the Saint Joseph Villa website, www. stjosephvilla.org.

Sister Alspaugh is the daughter of the late Howard and Henrietta (nee Klenke) Alsplaugh, sister of Alice Both (David), and her late sisters Mary Bowers, Judith Sullivan (Stewart), and Sister Marie St. Paul Alspaugh, SSJ. She is also predeceased by her brother Richard Alspaugh. She is survived by nieces Susannah Beacom, Karen and Willa Sullivan, Julie George and nephew Grayson George.

She is also survived by members of her congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sister’s name to Saint Joseph Villa, 110 W. Wissahickon Ave., Flourtown, PA 19031.

Paul Artman GREENVILLE – On Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, Paul Artman, devoted family man, dedicated friend, community servant-leader, and faithful child of God died at the age of 70. He was born July 21, 1951, in Greenville, Mississippi, to Carol and Paul Artman, loving parents who would be his model for the extraordinary life he enjoyed. He married the former Barbara Deaton in 1975 and the two had four children.

Paul was a life-long learner; therefore, he revered his studies at the University of Notre Dame and Delta State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in Social Sciences, a Master of Educational Supervision, a Master of Education in History, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.

Paul was a graduate of the Catholic Lay Ministry Program in the Diocese of Jackson and served both St. Rita Catholic Church at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greenville as an Extraordinary Minister and Faith Formation teacher. He served both St. Rita and St. John Catholic Schools on their School Advisory Councils.

Artman served as Greenville mayor from 1996-2004 after serving on city council starting in 1989. He was also the administrator at St. Joseph Catholic School until his retirement four years ago.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the institution he so loved, St. Joseph School Facilities Organization, P. O. Box 1406, Greenville, MS 38702. Go Irish!

If you are interested in learning more about religious orders or vocations to the priesthood and religious life, visit www.jacksonpriests. com or email nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.

POSITION AVAILABLE St. Anthony Catholic School has an immediate opening for the position of Office Manager/Bookkeeper. Qualified applicants should be proficient in Excel and Quickbooks and adept at learning new software programs.

Qualified candidates may submit a resume to Anne Cowger, St. Anthony Principal, at acowger@stanthonyeagles.org.

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz celebrated the Mass of Installation for Father Nick Hien Nguyen, SVD. on Sunday, Nov. 28 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jackson. The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary along with other parishioners blessed him with prayers, a warm welcome and reception afterwards. (Photo by Gladys Stewart)

Spirituality 5

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JANUARY 14, 2022

At the origins of our universe – Jesus and the Big Bang IN EXILE

By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI

Recently NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope into space, the biggest and most expensive telescope ever built. It will take six months for it to travel a million miles from the earth, find its permanent place in space, and then start transmitting pictures back to earth. Those pictures will be such as have never seen before. The hope is that it will enable us to see much further into space than we’ve ever seen before, ideally to the very ends of our still expanding universe, right to the first particles that issued forth from the original explosion, the Big Bang, that began time and our universe.

Scientists estimate that our universe began 13.7 billion years ago. As far as we know, prior to that there was nothing in existence, as we understand that today (except for God). Then, out of this seeming nothingness, there was an explosion (the Big Bang) out of which everything in the universe including our planet earth formed. As with any explosion, the parts that were the most intimately intertwined with the expelling force are those driven furthest away. Thus, when investigators try to determine the cause of an explosion they are particularly interested in finding and examining those pieces that were most closely tied to the original force of the explosion, and generally those pieces have been blown furthest away.

The force of the Big Bang is still going on and those parts of our universe that were most intimately intertwined with its beginnings are still being driven further and further into space. Scientists are investigators, probing that original explosion. What the James Webb Space Telescope hopes to see is some of the original parts from that unimaginable explosion that gave birth to our universe because these parts were there at the very beginning, at the origins of everything that exists. By seeing and examining them, science hopes to better understand the origins of our universe.

Looking at the excitement scientists feel around this new telescope and their hopes that it will show us pictures of particles from the beginning of time, can help us understand why the Evangelist, John, has trouble restraining his enthusiasm when he talks about Jesus in his first Epistle. He is excited about Jesus because, among other things, Jesus was there at the beginnings of the universe and indeed at the beginnings of everything. For John, Jesus is a mystical telescope through which we might view that primordial explosion that created the universe, since he was there when it happened.

Let me risk paraphrasing the beginning of the First Epistle of John (1:1-4) as he might have written it for our generation vis-a-vis our curiosity about the origins of our universe: You need to understand of whom and what I am speaking: Jesus wasn’t just some extraordinary person who performed a few miracles or even who rose from the dead.

We are speaking of someone who was there at the very origins of creation, who himself is the foundation for that creation, who was with God when “the Big Bang” occurred, and even before that.

Incredibly, we actually got to see him in the flesh, with human eyes, the God who created “the Big Bang,” walking among us!

We actually touched him bodily.

We actually spoke with him and listened to him speak, he who was there at the origins of our universe, there when “the Big Bang” took place!

Indeed, he is the One who pulled the switch to set it off, with a plan in mind as to where it should go, a plan that includes us.

Do you want to probe more deeply into what happened at our origins?

Well, Jesus is a mystical telescope to look through.

After all, he was there at the beginning and unbelievably we got to see, hear, and touch him bodily!

Excuse my exuberance, but we got to walk and talk with someone who was there at the beginning of time.

There are different kinds of knowledge and different kinds of wisdom, along with different avenues for accessing each of them. Science is one of those avenues, an important one. For far too long theology and religion did

not consider it a friend. That was (and remains) a tragic mistake since science has the same founder and same intent as theology and religion. Theology and religion have been wrong whenever they have sought to undercut science’s importance or its claims to truth. Sadly, science has often returned the favor and viewed theology and religion as a foe rather than as a colleague. The two need each other, not least in understanding the origins and intent of our universe.

How do we understand the origins and intent of our universe? Science and Jesus. Science is probing those origins in the interest of telling us how it happened and how it is unfolding, while Jesus (who was there when it happened) is more interested in telling us why it happened and what it means.

(Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com.)

The Pope’s Corner

Preserve Christian identity received at baptism, pope says

By Junno Arocho

frescoed chapel, the pope repeated his usual advice to mothers of infants, encouraging them to make their children comfortable, and to not worry if they start to cry in the chapel.

“This ceremony is a bit long, the children then feel uncomfortable here in an environment they do not know. Please, they are the protagonists: make sure that they are not too hot, that they feel comfortable,” Pope Francis said.

“If they are hungry, breast feed them here, in front of the Lord, no problem,” he added. “And if they cry out, let them cry out, because they have a community spirit, let’s say a ‘band spirit,’ a spirit of ensemble, and all it takes is for one to start – because everyone is musical – and immediately the orchestra comes! Let them cry, let them feel free.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Before baptizing 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis reminded parents and godparents of their responsibility to care for and preserve the Christian identity the infants were about to receive.

“This is your task throughout your lives: to guard the Christian identity of your children,” the pope said. “It is a daily commitment: help them grow with the light they receive today.”

The pope baptized the seven boys and nine girls – the children of Vatican employees – in the Sistine Chapel during the celebration of Mass Jan. 9, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The annual tradition of baptizing infants on the feast day, which began in 1981 by St. John Paul II, was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju Although the baptisms resumed this year, the number of infants was significantly reduced. In January 2020, the pope had baptized 32 infants in the Sistine Chapel.

Delivering a brief, off-the-cuff homily, Pope Francis recalled a hymn for the feast day that said the people of Israel went to the Jordan River to be baptized “with bare feet and bare souls.”

“These children today also come here with ‘bare souls’ to receive God’s justification, Jesus’ strength, the strength to move forward in life,” he said. “Your children will receive their Christian identity today. And you, parents and godparents, must guard this identi- Pope Francis greets family members of a newly baptized baby after celebrating Mass marking the feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the Sistine Chapel at ty.”

With the sounds of the Vatican Jan. 9, 2022. The pope baptized 16 infants. (CNS photo/Vatican fussy children filling the Media)

JANUARY 14, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

6 BRIEFS is also requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination following the city’s regulations.

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – At his celebration of Mass for the Sunday of the Word of God Jan. 23, Pope Francis will formally install new catechists and lectors. The Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, which coordinates the annual celebration, said the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica will include “the conferral of the ministries of lector and catechist.” Pope Francis’ formally instituted the ministry of catechist in May 2021. He often has spoken of the importance of selecting, training and supporting catechists, who are called Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro, Ky., celebrates Christmas to lead people to a deeper relationship Eve Mass in a 20-by-25-foot metal outbuilding Dec. 24, 2021, for with Jesus, prepare them to receive the the displaced community of Resurrection Parish in Dawson Springs, sacraments and educate them in the Ky. (CNS photo/James Kenney, courtesy The Western Kentucky teachings of the church. The Sunday Catholic) of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis in 2019, is meant to encourage among all Catholics interest in knowing the sacred ScripOWENSBORO, Ky. (CNS) – Celebrating Mass in a tures and their central role in the life of the church and 20-by-25-foot metal outbuilding on Dec. 24, 2021, for the Christian faith. The theme for the 2022 celebration the displaced community of Resurrection Parish in Daw- is “Blessed are those who hear the word of God,” a verse son Springs, the image that came to mind for Owensboro which comes from the Gospel of St. Luke.

Bishop William F. Medley was “there was no room at VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Living out and proclaimthe inn.” But parishioners did find room in a structure ing the Gospel are inseparable aspects at the heart of an shared by a couple in the parish for Christmas Eve and authentically Christian life and witness, Pope Francis said Masses in the new year as well. “I felt the gratitude that in his message for World Mission Sunday. “Every Christhe congregation could be together again – but that they tian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ. were still stunned,” Bishop Medley told The Western Ken- And the church, the community of Christ’s disciples, tucky Catholic, diocesan newspaper of Owensboro, of has no other mission than that of bringing the Gospel to the Christmas Eve Mass. The bishop had driven the 90 the entire world by bearing witness to Christ,” the pope minutes to Dawson Springs from Owensboro that day, wrote in his message for the celebration, which will be wanting to open the Christmas season with the Resur- held Oct. 23. The theme chosen for the 2022 celebrarection community. Resurrection Church was among the tion is taken from the Acts of the Apostles: “You will be buildings lost to the historic tornadoes that hit western my witnesses.” The Vatican released the pope’s message Kentucky during the night of Dec. 10, 2021. The strong Jan. 6. In his message, the pope reflected on three key winds had torn out windows and ripped off parts of the “foundations of the life and mission of every disciple,” roof, exposing the interior of the little church to the el- beginning with the call to bear witness to Christ. While ements. In the following days, parishioners Donnie and all who are baptized are called to evangelize, the pope Rhonda Mills offered the use of their outbuilding, which said the mission is carried out in communion with the is used primarily as an exercise room, as a substitute church and not on “one’s own initiative.” church for the time being. The parish gathered for Mass for the first time since the tornadoes on Sunday, Dec. 19.

Their second gathering was that Christmas Eve. “Their doors have always been open to everybody,” said DeaYANGON, Myanmar (CNS) – For Christians in Chin con Mike Marsili. and Kayah states, there were no Christmas and New Year WASHINGTON (CNS) – The 49th annual national celebrations due to fighting. They have borne the brunt March for Life – with a rally on the National Mall and of a decades-old civil war and faced oppression and permarch to the Supreme Court Jan. 21 – will go on as secution at the hands of the military, reported ucanews. scheduled this year amid a surge in the omicron variant com. On Dec. 29, Catholics in Kayah’s Hpruso Township in the nation’s capital. Outdoor events are not affected held a funeral for 35 civilians – all Catholic – killed by by the District of Columbia’s vaccine mandate for indoor troops and their bodies set on fire Christmas Eve in Mo gatherings, but participants should expect to wear face So village. Ucanews.com reported local sources said the masks. Indoor events associated with the annual march funeral was led by catechists, because the military would will have to comply with city COVID-19 restrictions. not allow a local priest to officiate. The killings shocked The national Pro-Life Summit, sponsored by Students for the world and drew swift condemnation from Cardinal Life, is also scheduled to take place Jan. 22 at WashCharles Bo, who called it a “heartbreaking and horrific ington’s Omni Shoreham Hotel. The March for Life has atrocity. The fact that the bodies of those killed, burned canceled its three-day Pro-Life Expo and is combining and mutilated were found on Christmas Day makes this two planned Capitol Hill 101 panel discussions Jan. 20 appalling tragedy even more poignant and sickening. As into a single event. The organization is still holding its anmuch of the world celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus nual Rose Dinner Gala. Participants who are 12 and oldChrist, the people of Mo So village suffered the terrible er attending the panel discussion or dinner will have to shock and grief of an outrageous act of inhumanity,” he provide proof of receiving one COVID-19 vaccination by said. Cardinal Bo, president of the Catholic Bishops’ ConJan. 15, or, if they are seeking a medical or religious exference of Myanmar, urged the military “to stop bombing emption, they must have proof of a negative COVID-19 and shelling innocent people, to stop destroying homes test within 24 hours of the event. The Pro-Life summit

NATION

WORLD

and churches, schools and clinics” and to begin “a dialogue.”

DUBLIN (CNS) – After a year at the head of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Archbishop Dermot Farrell said, “Radical change is coming in the church,” which will see a renewal of energy and new forms of ministry. “With a powerful commitment from clergy and lay faithful, across the full range of the life and ministry of parish communities, we are going to experience a renewal of energy and the adoption of new forms of outreach and ministry,” the 67-year-old archbishop told Catholic News Service.

He also said he believes change is already happening in the church’s structures all over the Western world. “Pope Francis is offering us a way of being church, the synodal pathway, of walking together more closely and being a church that is hope-filled, despite many challenges.” The leader of the largest Irish diocese, with more than 1 million Catholics and 207 parishes, invited the faithful to “walk this journey together with me – and walk it with hope: a hope that frees us to undertake radical change, a hope that inspires us to be ambitious and a hope encourages us to be brave.” In November, the archdiocese published its “Building Hope Task Force Report,” a strategic plan for pastoral renewal amid major challenges such as a collapse in revenue and priest numbers.

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) – As Ethiopia celebrated Christmas Jan. 7, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel of Addis Ababa called for humility, patience and gentleness, while urging the people to remember those suffering from war. Ethiopia is celebrating the birth of Christ under the shadow of a deadly war in the northern state of Tigray. In less than 14 months, the conflict has killed thousands, displaced millions and ignited an international outcry over human rights abuses. Agencies say a huge humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the region, as food, medicine and basic needs fail to reach the people. “As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, let us remember those who are suffering in war, those who have suffered a moral breakdown, those who have been displaced from their homes and injured, those who have lost their parents and families, by sharing in their pain and grief,” Cardinal Souraphiel said in a message. The cardinal said people needed to get away from pride, hatred and anger for the sake of peace.

Annual report Chancery Office of the Diocese of Jackson Dear Friends in Christ, I am grateful to the leadership in the Chancery, who have crafted this thorough and readable report that provides an overview of the faithful stewardship of all who labor at the center of our diocese. I can assure you that the head of each department is committed to the ideals of collaboration, cooperation and communication that create a culture of transparency and accountability. Working together as a team they are much more capable of fulfilling their mission to serve diocesan ministries in collaboration with our dedicated ordained, religious and lay staff and volunteers over 65 counties. All together we strive to build up the Body of Christ, to go and make disciples, and to build up the Kingdom of God, one of justice and peace.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that the timeframe covered by this annual report occurred throughout the pandemic which had curtailed normal travel and interactions. However, it did not dampen the zeal to create new avenues for engagement and encouragement on the part of diocesan leadership. I am so grateful that they are right at home going the extra mile even when they cannot leave the office.

May the God of perseverance and encouragement bless our children and youth, our parents and educators, and our health care workers who continue to face daunting challenges as the pandemic ebbs and flows.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Quick Stats

Catholic Population .........42,746 Number of Parishes .................72 Number of Missions ................19

Personnel Active Diocesan Priests ...........29 Diocesan Priest Outside Diocese .......................................................2 Retired Priests ..........................20 Religious Order ........................20 Extern Priests in Diocese ........12 Total Priests ..............................83 Permanent Deacons ...................7 Brothers .......................................4 Sisters .........................................40 Seminarians ................................6 Lay Ecclesial Ministers ..............9 Sacraments Baptisms ..................................576

+Joseph R. Kopacz Bishop of Jackson

Adult Baptisms .........................54 Received into Full Communion .................................................. 101 First Eucharist ........................415 Confirmations ........................236 Marriages ................................183 Deaths .....................................379 Catholic Education High Schools ..............................4 Elementary Schools .................12 Early Learning Centers .............3 Full-time teachers ..................360 Number of students ............3,411 Child Protection Background checks for Child Protection Program ............1,532 Total Number of Background Checks .............................17,000+

Financial Report

Carolyn Callahan – Director, Department of Temporal Affairs The full audit report for the Chancery office finances of the Diocese of Jackson are available online at https://jacksondiocese.org/offices/administration-finance/. The pie charts included in this report exclude the restricted net asset and related transactions of the proceeds from the Sarullo Estate bequeathed to the diocese, for the sole use and benefit of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Parish, Greenville, that are a required part of the audited financial statements.

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.

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, retirement and health insurance costs for all

priests, 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 functions and improvements within the Temporal Affairs (finance) office for the last three years include but are not limited to: • Filing 79 Paycheck Protection Plan applications for all parishes and schools within the diocese for a total of $5,422,000. These funds were distributed to each specific location to offset their individual payroll costs. PPP loans were fully forgiven except for three locations having a combined PPP total of just under $6,000. Second round PPP applications were filed for five schools and three parishes.

• Consolidation of the Deposit and Loan investment portfolio to minimize risk, contracting with an experienced investment consultant who provides regular and transparent statements, and quarterly review of the portfolio by a separate investment committee.

• Actively involved Finance Council led by a lay expert Chair, advisory to the bishop, including various active committees such as the budget committee, audit committee, and investment committee.

• Collaboration with the federal government

to improve overall best practices regarding ethics, communication, and finances of parishes and the chancery office.

• Strong working relationship with independent audit firm and compliance with GAAP. • Improved internal financial reporting processes and budget planning.

• Streamlining of procedures using external resources to improve internal controls and processes with fewer department employees.

• Strengthened collaboration with Catholic Charities regarding finances.

• Stabilizing of medical premiums and overall health plan costs by working with newly formed Department of Human Resources to change providers.

Plans for the future include but are not limited to: • Separately incorporating the Deposit and Loan fund to be administered by a board consisting of the bishop and a selection of priests, lay ecclesial ministers, school principals, and lay parishioner experts.

• Review of the current diocesan lay retirement plan.

• Implementation of Internal Audit program for parishes.

• Creation of School Finances Guide to Best Practices.

Questions regarding diocesan finances may be sent to Carolyn Callahan, Director, Department of Temporal Affairs via email to Cathy Pendleton at cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org.

Catholic Diocese of Jackson Stewardship and Development Director Rebecca Harris

Chancellor

Mary Woodward • The Chancellor coordinates archives and records for the Bishop of the Diocese.

• The Chancellor is the official ecclesiastical notary for the bishop; coordinates episcopal diocesan liturgies; and oversees the bishop emeritus’ office and household.

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

• Developed and implemented response protocols for all Lighthouse reports • Assisted in fulfilling compliance requirements for the Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office • Facilitated several canonical processes • Began a digitization project for older annual parish and diocesan reports • Enrolled in a certificate for records management graduate program to help better organize diocesan data and information • Mapped out the confirmation schedule in accord with COVID protocols • Coordinated funeral rites for Bishop Emeritus Joseph N. Latino and Father Brian Kaskie • Aided with live streaming special events, funerals and Masses with Bishop Kopacz

Catholic Education Executive Director of School Operations Karla Luke

• Catherine Cook retired after almost three decades of outstanding service to the Office of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Jackson • Bishop Kopacz approved the restructuring of the Office of Catholic Education encompassing the positions of Executive Director of School Operations and Director of Curriculum and Development.

• Closing of Holy Family Early Learning Center in Natchez • Opened the Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center in Vicksburg welcoming Katie Emfinger as the center director • Welcomed two new administrators to the Office of Catholic Education: Jessica Carter, Principal and Lead Administrator at Cathedral Catholic School in Natchez and Will Vollor, Principal of St. Patrick School in Meridian.

Class of 2021 • 172 graduates • Completed 34,668 service hours or an average of 201 per graduate • Accepted $5,207,937 in scholarships or an average of $30,279 per graduate

Stewardship Office • Launched the Stewardship Paths monthly newsletter through Flocknote to provide parishes with stewardship materials that can be shared with parishioners. It includes weekly readings, reflections and other materials on time, talent and generosity.

• Aided the vocations office on the 2nd annual Homegrown Harvest which raised $84,500.

• Worked with parishes to write Catholic Extension grants which funded over $221,000.

Catholic Service Appeal • Catholic Service Appeal raised $1,066,000 with 2,295 donors. The average gift was $464.53. The goal for the 2022 Catholic Service Appeal was $1,153,654. Due to the pandemic the goal was not reached but the generosity of those who could give helped fund the 11 ministries served by the appeal.

• Catholic Charities provides social services around the state with offices in Jackson, Natchez and Vardaman. They offer adoption, mental health services, migrant services, domestic violence services and much more. Catholic Charities received $300,329 which is 31.57%.

• Formational Ministry offices work to bring people into a closer relationship with God through religious education, family ministry, intercultural ministry and youth ministry which received a total of $150,500 which is 15%.

• Religious Education and Faith Formational Office received $40,000 • Family Ministry received $35,500 • Intercultural Ministries received $40,000 • Youth Ministry received $35,500 • Campus Ministry provides young adults in college a way to connect and grow their faith, which received $50,000 which is 5%.

• Parishes and Schools receive support through a grant process to help with projects and outreach and received $75,000 which is 8%.

• Retired Priests and Clergy Assistance continue to serve our diocese. Currently, we have 21 retired priests in our diocese and received $175,000 which is 18%.

• The CSA provides our six seminarians in formation to the priesthood, which received $150,000 which is 16%.

Catholic Foundation • There were 13 new trusts established with the Catholic Foundation. The Foundation celebrated 48 years and the investments reached $58M. • The Foundation distributed 7.5% to trust beneficiaries and distributed $98,000 to 22 grant projects.

• The Foundation had 811 members and raised over $99,000 for membership. This helps the operations of the Foundation office so that management fees are not charged to each trust.

Directors’ Summaries Faith Formation

Permanent Diaconate and Human Resources

Director Fran Lavelle

Office of Family Ministry • The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative remains a vital ministry. The Tupelo Knights of Columbus Council were given approval by the Fraternal Mission to move forward to the next step of the Initiative.

• The Office is partnering with “Her PLAN (Her Pregnancy and Life Assistance Network)” to create a website that is a comprehensive directory of services supporting pregnant and parenting women throughout the diocese.

• Engaged Encounter weekends were resumed in October 2021 after being suspended due to the pandemic.

Office of Intercultural Ministry • Led workshops on the pastoral letter on racism “Open Wide Our Hearts” to groups that ranged in age and backgrounds in Tupelo, Yazoo City, and Greenwood • Led bilingual presentations: on Evangelization and Confirmation • Spoke at several parishes including Camden, Canton, Yazoo City, Booneville, Ripley, Pearl, among others, which included celebrating the Mass and introducing the mission and vision of the OIM to get to know the parishes in the diocese • Celebrated diversity and encouraged people by promoting their cultural heritage and celebrated Ripley’s bilingual feast of their patron saint and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pontotoc and Jackson • Led the Spanish LIMEX Retreat at Tupelo Office of Religious Education & Faith Formation • In person ministry resumed with the return of the Pastoral Ministry Workshop, a formation program for lay leaders • Increased number of Catechists certification in both Level I and Level II • Resumed presenting in-person retreats Office of Youth Ministry • Accommodated and safely sponsored two annual youth events – the July Search Retreat for juniors and seniors and a Middle School Fall Retreat for seventh and eighth graders.

• Introduced a new training program for youth ministers called “First Things in Youth Ministry.”

The program is sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

• Launched a new digital permission form platform, PermissionClick, for any parish in the diocese. The platform allows parishes to send and receive digital permission forms and collect electronic signatures from parents for youth events, trips and service projects.

• Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for the OYM was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry in the U.S.

Director Deacon John McGregor

Vocations

Director Father Nick Adam • The Department of Vocations hosted two major discernment retreats for young men who are open to the possibility of a call to priesthood. These two Quo Vadis? retreats were modeled on events held in other dioceses but were the first to be offered in the Diocese of Jackson. Approximately 25 young men attended these retreats free of charge.

• Hosted three discerners at Notre Dame Seminary and St. Joseph Seminary College for a more focused visit to see what seminary life is like.

One young woman visited a religious community during this calendar year.

• Father Nick visited approximately 25 parish communities and missions, with visits consisting of weekend masses, youth group talks, and other activities. He also visited several diocesan schools throughout the year, celebrating school Mass or hosting other activities to promote vocations. All of his travel was supported through the vocations budget.

• We have six seminarians studying for the diocese with no new seminarians beginning formation this calendar year. Deacon Andrew Bowden was ordained a transitional deacon at St. Jude in Pearl in May 2021. He will be ordained a priest May 14, 2022.

• One woman from our diocese entered religious life, as Kathleen McMullin is now in Postulancy with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George in Alton, Illinois. While our annual budget along with Catholic Service Appeal allotment pays for all tuition, books and fees for our seminarians as well as our promotional efforts for diocesan priesthood, we also seek to support candidates for religious life as they continue to discern their vocation, but their chosen order pays their tuition/room/board/etc. once they enter into postulancy or the novitiate.

• Held the 2nd Annual Homegrown Harvest Festival at St. Paul Flowood. Proceeds went to support promotional programs, trips, retreats, support services for discerners, as well as seminarian education.

• Six men have begun their final year of formation for the Permanent Diaconate. They are scheduled to be ordained on July 16, 2022.

• Eight men have been accepted into Aspirancy for the Permanent Diaconate. Aspirancy is the year of prayer and discernment before they begin the four-year formation program.

• Developed a new section of the Chancery Personnel Handbook, which eliminated previous ambiguities and abandoned practices.

• Hired Jenifer Jenkins to replace Vickie Carollo after her retirement. Jenifer is making great progress with getting people “back on track” with Virtus and Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults training, following the COVID shutdowns.

Communications

Director Joanna Puddister King • Assisted in implementing new parish and diocese email and text communication tool – Flocknote.

• Aided with live streaming special events, funerals and Masses with Bishop Kopacz.

• Increased online presence with increased postings on Facebook and Twitter. Also, the creation of an Instagram account. All may be followed with the tag @jacksondiocese.

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

• Mississippi Catholic continued publishing throughout the pandemic and added an online “flip” edition through Issuu. Additionally, staff began an email version of the paper and with the aid of the Flocknote system, is made available for parishes to send to their flocks. To join the email list, text MSCATHOLIC to 84576. An English and Spanish version are available.

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

Statements of Income and Expenses INCOME (EXCLUDING SARULLO ESTATE)

Cathedraticum Assessment $ 2,866,313 Management fees 88,600 Workshop and convention fees 17,266 Registration fees and tuition 67,941 Total Assessments and Fees $ 3,040,120

Total income (not including Sarullo estate) Donations, Bequests, and Grants 20%

Assessments and Fees 40%

Donations $ 149,992 Catholic Foundation Trust Income 229,943 Grants 216,239 Catholic Service Appeal 944,506 Total Donations, Bequests, and Grants $ 1,540,680 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 Assessments and Fees Other Operating Income Investment Income (including unrealized gains) Donations, Bequests, and Grants

Total

$

37,808 272,464 16,762 38,214 365,248

758,928 1,243,752 97,585 501,539 $ 2,601,804

$ 7,547,852 40% 5% 35% 20% 100%

$ 3,040,120 365,248 2,601,804 1,540,680 $ 7,547,852

Investment Income (including unrealized gains) 34%

Other Operating Income 5%

Total expenses (not including Sarullo estate) General Expenses 26%

Salaries and Benefits 54%

EXPENSES

Salaries and Wages $ 1,586,791 Employee and Priest Benefits 1,250,924 Total Salaries and Benefits $ 2,837,715 CSA Allocated to Catholic Charities Grants, Contributions, and Assistance Total Assistance Given

$

255,302 355,721 $ 591,023

Advertising $ 21,461 Assistance Given 11% Dues, Subscriptions and Periodicals 9,146 Interest expense DL Fund 188,189 Mississippi Catholic newspaper, printing and distribution 191,452 Office supplies, Postage, and Printing 25,532 Pastoral 80,640 Professional services 242,328 ParishSoft Software 104,335 Facilities Expenses 9% Public relations 9,687 Registration fees and tuition 268,476 Computers and Software 91,332 The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-parTravel 15,544 ty reporting system that will enable all diocesan emWorkshops and conventions held and attended 33,969 ployees, volunteers and parishioners to anonymously Other Expenses 121,654 (or named if preferred) make reports. Examples of this Total General Expenses $ 1,403,745 activity include fraud, misconduct, safety violations, harassment or substance abuse occurring at a Catholic Maintenance, Building, Grounds, Equipment $ 74,899 parish, Catholic school or at the diocesan level.

Depreciation 288,177 Telephone and Utilities 87,256 Other 5,302 To make a report visit Total Facilities Expenses $ 455,634 www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese or

TOTAL EXPENSE

$ 5,288,117

Salaries and Benefits 54% $ 2,837,715 Facilities Expenses 9% 455,634 Assistance Given 11% 591,023 General Expenses 26% 1,403,745 Total 100% $ 5,288,117

call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (Spanish).

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JANUARY 14, 2022

dIOCESE 7

Colorado family finds hope in Mary statue largely untouched by wildfire

BY DENNIS SADOWSKI

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (CNS) – Amid the smoldering ashes of his family’s recently remodeled Louisville, Colorado, home that was destroyed by a Dec. 30 wildfire, Tom Greany found hope in a symbol of his deep Catholic faith.

A statue of Mary that he and his wife Kat had placed outside their home was left unscathed except for the soot that covered its right side.

“Bricks appeared to have fallen all around her – some probably even hit her. But she didn’t even fall over,” Greany wrote in a reflection shared with Catholic News Service by a friend, who asked to remain unidentified.

He wrote about what happened just hours after the blaze raced through the suburban communities of Louisville and Superior, about 20 miles northwest of Denver.

Greany wrote that the discovery of the statue is a reminder of how their faith provides protection and can “sustain us through everything.”

The Greanys were among hundreds of families who lost their homes in the wildfire driven by winds estimated to top 100 mph. In the Greanys’ Louisville neighborhood, 50 of 55 homes were destroyed. The other five were untouched.

Authorities said 991 structures, including businesses, were destroyed and another 127 damaged. Flames from what is called the Marshall Fire swept through more than 6,000 acres, devastating entire neighborhoods before snow helped extinguish the blazes. Residents said they fled with few possessions through dense smoke that turned the sky orange.

The Archdiocese of Denver reported on its website that two parishes – St. Louis in Louisville and Sacred Heart of Mary outside Boulder – were evacuated as flames advanced, but were undamaged. The fire nearly

reached Sacred Heart, seemingof the holiday season remained ly blocked by a roadway. under investigation. AuthoriBoth parishes as well as St. ties have focused on a properThomas Aquinas University ty south of Boulder where the Parish in Boulder and Immacfire is believed to have started, ulate Conception Parish in LaBoulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle fayette, northeast of Louisville, told reporters Jan. 2. were helping affected families.

In the aftermath, the Greany Saying the ferociousness of family is counting on Mary to the flames “shocked everyone,” intercede for them as they seek Denver Archbishop Samuel J. to rebuild their lives.

Aquila quickly established an “It stings to look at this – emergency fund Dec. 31, seedour home and all of its contents ing it with $250,000. He asked were lost,” Greany said in his rethat parishes throughout the flection. “The Christmas giving archdiocese take a special colwe had celebrated with our sons lection at Masses the weekend up in smoke along with everyof Jan. 8-9. thing else they and we owned.

“To those affected by these A statue of Mary is seen standing amid the The entire neighborhood gone fires, know that Joseph and rubble of a Louisville, Colo., home Dec. 31, in less than a day.”

Mary had to flee with Jesus 2021. (CNS photo/courtesy Tom Greany) “Awareness of the loss stings shortly after he was born. The mightily,” he continued. “But we Holy Family is close to you and knows the anguish and can only feel the loss as pain because of the extraordiloss you are feeling,” the archbishop said in a statement nary magnitude of the gifts we have been given in our posted on the archdiocesan website. lives. How richly blessed we are!

Archbishop Aquila also encouraged parishes and He said his family’s home was not burned to teach other agencies to help those who fled -- with little more them a lesson, but it did give them the chance to experithan the clothes they were wearing, computers and im- ence God’s comfort through Mary’s intercession. portant documents -- by hosting families, opening food Greany is also convinced no one can take away his pantries and offering other services. family’s faith and their trust that the Holy Family is Recovery was complicated by cold weather and the “looking out for us.” onset of snow following an unusually warm and dry “They pray for us. And they pray for the world in fall and early winter in the area located near the Rocky these dark times we live in.”

Mountains.

The fire in the middle

‘... Ahora, somos hijos de Dios ...’

Al pasar las páginas de esta edición del Mississippi Catholic, los invito a hacerlo a través del lente de nuestra unidad con la Santísima Trinidad y el vínculo que se establece entre nosotros a través de la fe y el bautismo. Por ejemplo, la Campaña de Servicio Católico es muy equilibrada en su estructura y propósito. Cada año, su generosidad fortalece el Cuerpo de Cristo en toda la Diócesis de Jackson a través de muchos ministerios, al tiempo que sirve a muchos en los márgenes de nuestras comunidades, a través de Caridades Católicas, los cuales tal vez nunca puedan corresponder a su vez. Por lo tanto, nuestro llamado de servicio es genuinamente Católico.

El Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad que está en marcha en la Diócesis de Jackson y en la iglesia de todo el mundo es una forma extraordinaria de elevar nuestras voces en oración y diálogo. Aunque habrá reuniones en nuestras parroquias y otros ministerios, en diferentes momentos a lo largo de febrero, la oración y los pasajes de las Escrituras que guían estos encuentros serán los mismos para todos, una señal visible de la unidad que el Señor desea y una oportunidad para fortalecer este vínculo bajo la presencia arrebatadora del Espíritu Santo y la mirada amorosa de nuestro Dios.

Por último, podemos entender el informe diocesano anual a través del lente de este vínculo de unicidad. Hay muchas partes móviles que deben administrarse en una organización compleja y la Diócesis de Jackson no es diferente en este respecto. Sin embargo, en un nivel más profundo, oramos para nunca olvidar quiénes somos para que todo nuestro trabajo diario en apoyo de nuestros ministerios no sea una cuestión de mantenimiento, sino verdaderamente de misión.

Ahora, somos hijos de Dios, miembros del cuerpo del Amado Hijo de Dios, animándonos unos a otros a vivir plenamente con la mente y el corazón de Jesucristo. Que nuestras voces y acciones señalen el camino para un mundo que lucha y sufre.

Todo lo que hacemos como Diócesis Católica de Jackson es trabajo de nuestra fe y del bautismo, en el poder de la Santísima Trinidad.

– Viene de la pág. 3 –

JANUARY 14, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

8 Columns

Holy forgetting FROM THE HERMITAGE BY

SISTER ALIES THERESE

In England I was blessed to know an Anglican priest, Robert Llewelyn, who for many years was the chaplain at the Julian Shrine in Norwich. I lived some twenty miles away and went there frequently. Of his several books, a favorite is Prayer and Contemplation (SLG Press, Oxford, 1977). In chapter seven, he considers contemplation and the cloud of forgetting – some help to me.

As we age forgetfulness shows up ... names, things, why I’m doing this, where was I going? etc. These seem quite negative and often cause us to wonder where we are on the dementia continuum.

I heard about a psychiatrist speaking before a group of seniors about dementia. Key to his rather clinical explanations was this delightful indicator. He asked how many had lost their keys. Most raised their hands. Then he asked how many found them? Most raised their hands. That is not dementia he told them. This is: did you know what to do with the keys when you found them? This caused some laughter and he laughed too.

Holy forgetting is not quite the same!

This holy forgetting that Robert writes about is from The Cloud of Unknowing an old 14th century text, written

by the author to a young disciple who wanted training in prayer. These ‘clouds’ help us focus on God in prayer. For example, one of the most important things to put under this cloud of forgetting is past sins, confessed and forgiven. Yes, they come into our minds ... that distracts us. In Chapter 31 of The Cloud: “…sins (new or old) try to cover them with the thick cloud of forgetting as though they had never been committed by you or anyone else ...”

Robert then goes on to remind us that he is not talking about repression (nor was the author of The Cloud) ... that is dangerous. “That,” he says, “is a compulsory and involuntary forgetting or experience of memories which the mind has found too painful to retain in conscious thought.” These are mental health issues to be sorted and healed in other ways.

Robert is concerned rather with trying to heal involuntary distractions (and even voluntary ones), so that we are able to pray, focused on God. “We are,” he says, “poor apart from God’s enabling strength and it may well be that this awareness is our deepest need.” (page 80) Without this strength we can do nothing. Our goal is to ultimately behold God and in our daily life we see the many wonderful, unique, and marvelous works of God ... but not quite God. What we want, Robert reminds us, is to come to the prayer of the Holy Spirit who “gives us

Welcome to 2022!

ON ORDINARY TIMES

BY LUCIA A. SILECCHIA

On New Year’s Eve, I found myself in a favorite small town donut shop in Pennsylvania. While many may crave more lavish year end celebrations, for me it is good company, hot coffee and a fresh donut bursting with coconut custard that make a sweet way to bid farewell to one year and greet the next.

The cashier at the donut shop was handing out calendars that day. The one she gave me will find its way into my office where, for twelve months, it will keep me constantly craving donuts.

In coffee shops, banks, grocery stores, churches, repair shops and stationary stores everywhere, calendars are scattered at the start of a new year. Perhaps, the paper calendar is in decline a bit as many live by online schedules and the ever-present daily data from smart phones. Yet, I hope that the paper calendar endures. It is a tangible sign of the gift of time. The calendars we hold in our hands, tack on our walls, keep on our desks, or toss in piles of papers are simple reminders to entrust the new year to God. The pages of our calendars may already have notes about what is expected to happen in 2022. The pages are preprinted with holidays, observances, and the starts and ends of seasons. Calendars of a religious nature highlight the feast days and liturgical seasons that mark our walk through this life on our way to the eternal.

We also mark on the pages those events that we ourselves plan for 2022. We record routine obligations, vacation plans, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the special events and celebrations that we hope will lie ahead in the months to come.

Yet, most of the days of the calendar hold the unknown because the futures held in those days are still hidden. They are in the hands of God and will stay safely there as they unfold.

Right now, when I look at the donut shop calendar, I do not know which days will bring unexpected joys. I cannot predict what days will record meetings with students who have painful struggles or dinners with friends to share exciting news or newfound fears.

I see blank pages now where new adventures will take place and days that will be spent with those I love. I know that many meetings will be added to the schedule – and with uncertainty I wonder whether I will have the wisdom or insight to make the most of them.

I cannot tell now if there will be medical appointments on any of those days when I or someone I love receives bad news. I cannot tell which days will go well, and which will leave me yearning for the chance to re-do something I did or said.

I do not yet know if I will use the days of this new year wisely and keep enough time for prayer and contemplation. Somehow, for me, that which is most important

the ‘best’ prayer, whether seen as being for God’s glory or as a meeting of our need for deliverance: twin aspects of prayer that must be held together.”

“But once our sights,” he concludes, “have been truly set on God, with the desire and intention that in God’s grace they will remain so, we need not fear these invaders of our imagination. What now becomes necessary is to pay them no attention.” When this is practiced, we find healing. “Try to forget created things, let them go ... sit in the darkness as long as it takes ... go on longing after the God you love, never giving up.”

Mark Lowry, Christian humorist, musician and writer noted this: “I look forward ... but the memories can be greater.” He talks of how his PawPaw couldn’t remember much near his end ... “except the Sunday dinners on the ground and singing in the male quartet. He sat and looked forward to the coming of the Lord ... where memories and plans are the same. And I’m sure,” he quips, “over the door into heaven there is a sign: No Wheelchairs, Hospital Beds, or Bedpans Allowed!” Great things to forget!

(Sister alies therese is a canonically vowed hermit with days formed around prayer and writing.)

never gets scheduled at all.

I cannot tell if there are days ahead when my schedule includes commitments I should have declined – or fails to include commitments I should have made. I do not know which days I will have an opportunity to say or do something that helps another along life’s path, or whether I will take or waste that opportunity.

I do not know which days might hold first meetings with those who may become lifelong friends. I do not know which days I might hold a newborn seeing the world for the first time or clasp the hand of an elder seeing the world for the last time.

Most profoundly, I do not know if, on any of the days on my calendar, I will ever mark a small cross – something my mother always did on her calendar when someone she loved passed from this life. I do not know if there will be a day on which my own entries themselves will stop because I cannot presume that I will have any day beyond today.

Perhaps when you look at your calendar you sense the same “unknown-ness” that I do. It fills me with hope and a deep sense of how much I need to entrust the 365 days on my donut shop calendar to God. For all of us, the dark (but lengthening!) days of January may be the right time to briefly hold our calendars in our hands or look at them hanging on our walls and pray that the days they mark will hold only what is good, holy and healthy for body and spirit. It is a chance to pray, together, that we can be good and faithful stewards of the time we are given, that we will give more than we receive and that even the most ordinary days will be traveled with reverence for how extraordinary the gift of days is.

With these hopes is a prayer that God will strengthen, help, guide and bless all of us embarking on our new days of ordinary time.

Happy New Year! May God bless you and yours.

(Lucia A. Silecchia is a Professor of Law at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. “On Ordinary Times” is a biweekly column reflecting on the ways to find the sacred in the simple. Email her at silecchia@cua.edu.)

THANK YOU!

for your support and generosity to

Mississippi Catholic!

Look for subscription collection announcements in your individual parishes beginning:

January 15 & 16, 2022

DIOCESE 9

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JANUARY 14, 2022

Bless the Kelly’s of Potato Hill FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Mary Woodward

JACKSON – As we begin the new calendar year, let’s visit another interesting stop in Bishop John Gunn’s diary. This time we are on the road in northeast Mississippi in June of 1912.

On this trip, Bishop Gunn visits Tupelo and Plantersville among other places. He conferred the sacrament of confirmation and spoke to large gatherings of Catholics and non-Catholics in each location.

On June 12 he arrived in Tupelo and here is what he had to say about his visit: “Tupelo is a boom town of new growth with plenty of activity, and a promise that it may become something. The town hall was secured, much free advertisement was given, and I said Mass on the stage, confirmed a few Catholics there and found the big event of the visit was to be a mass meeting in the theatre to hear the Bishop talk of Catholic claims.”

“I spoke about an hour in Tupelo on that night and was congratulated for nearly another hour afterwards with such vigorous handshaking that I was afraid of arm dislocation.”

From Tupelo, Bishop Gunn headed the next day to Plantersville – called Potato Hill by locals. There he encountered an elderly Mrs. Kelly, who was overcome with tears of joy to meet the Bishop. Bishop Gunn’s diary account gives the reason for her outpouring.

“There was one family of the name Kelly – the oldest settler in that section – and after walking, riding and Similar to the Kelly cabin in Plantersville, this house from our diocesan archives photo collection in Hickclimbing for a number of hours we reached the little log ory Flats could have been a visiting place for our early bishops, such as Bishops Elder and Gunn. cabin on a hill where Mrs. Kelly was rocking herself in expectation.”

“She was old and very religious and as soon as she heard that there was actually a Bishop on her porch she make the man’s excuse as well as I could, but she would couldn’t speak but fainted. To send his Bishop, who had come 28 miles on horseback to see him – to welcome commenced to weep and to talk about John. ‘Do you talk of John and finally I let her tell the whole story.”

“John and I came from Ireland to Mobile and we got him in such a way. And Mrs. Kelly’s whole trouble was think, Bishop, he will ever be forgiven, or what part of married there and struck out to find a quiet place to to find out if poor John, who had received the last Bishop hell is he in, or can you get him out?’ Or other questions spend our honeymoon.

We got tired just here and we who had visited them, was still suffering from the recepequally hard to answer.” camped and thought it would be a good place to remain.” tion given.”

“I thought that John probably had misconducted him“The Indians were everywhere but they didn’t bother “The Kelly’s had been visited 28 years before by self in years gone by – he was now eleven years dead us.

John – who was a carpenter – cut down the logs and Bishop Elder and poor Mrs. Kelly was glad to see anoth– and his wife had not completely forgiven him. I tried to I was strong enough to drag the logs up here. John and er Bishop who promised all kinds of excuses for her old I built this log house, and we were the happiest people man, John.” in the world for some thirty or forty years. The Indians “She had a number of grown-up children and their roundabout didn’t bother us, but the Protestants wanted families. They were all at supper in the log cabin at Potame and John to go to their meeting houses, or they want- to Hill. I got the best room and enjoyed it as the trip was ed us to pray with them.” long and tiresome.”

“This made John mad and every time he saw anyThis is a great account of life on the road in our diothing like a preacher he commenced to curse and swear, cese. We take for granted being able to travel most placand I had great trouble in keeping John from attacking es in the diocese in one day. Here we have the accounts the preacher. This kept on for years and finally the great of bishops travelling to some outlying areas to find their trouble came to John one evening when two men came sheep – even sheep who greet them in a not so pleasant up the side of the hill on horseback. John and I were on way. God bless the Kelly’s of Potato Hill – salt of the the porch looking at them coming.” earth.

“John whispered to me ‘here are two more preachers’ (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the and it was not long until one of them came up and said, Diocese of Jackson) ‘Aren’t you John Kelly?’ He said ‘Yes, what do you want?’ “Well, John, I heard you are a The Association of Priests of the Dioceses of Catholic.’”

Jackson and Biloxi provide a small pension to our “Then John got mad, and he asked the retired priests. As you consider your estate plans, preacher what in ---- did it matter to him, please remember these faithful servants by making and the preacher smiled, and that made John a donation or leaving a bequest to the Association madder and madder. He told the preacher to of Priests. Our parish priests dedicate their lives to go to the bad place. This made the man get caring for us, their flocks. Let us now care for them off his horse and John got ready to thrash him Bishop John Edward Gunn, SM was the sixth Bish- when the preacher said to him: ‘Why, John in their retirement. Donations can be made payable op of Natchez, serving from 1911-1924. His diary Kelly, I am Bishop Elder, the Bishop of Natto the Association of Priests and can be mailed to: gives a glimpse of Catholic life during his time as chez, and that is the way you receive me and Bishop. He traveled to Tupelo and Plantersville in treat me.’”

Diocese of Jackson, Attn: Cathy Pendleton, June 1912 and wrote an account of a visit with “Poor John was dumbfounded that he P.O. Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225-2248 the Kelly family. (Photos from archives)

10 DIOCESE

JANUARY 14, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

DIOCESE 11

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JANUARY 14, 2022

Christmas programs COLUMBUS – Annunciation School held a Christmas Extravaganza on Dec. 9. Students in PreK through fifth grade participated in the performance. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher) JACKSON – (Below) St. Richard fifth grade students (l-r) Kate Donaldson, Hills Ezzell, Sade' Ellis, Maya, Levi Luckett, Yahir Paniagua, Redmond Peterson, J'naya Slaughter and Sarah Vanderloo. Playing air guitar on his knees is Estephan Choufani. The school presented an amazing Advent program on Dec. 17, directed by music teacher Andrew Dillon. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

PEARL – St. Jude parish celebrated Epiphany on Jan. 2.

Pictured are Joshua, Ana and Ashley Love. (Photo by Elsa Baughman) AMORY – At Mass on Dec. 12, the children and youth of St. Helen Church presented the Christmas story, as they honored all grandparents of the parish. Before Mass, the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was carried to the front of the church and all the children brought roses to place at her feet. (Photo by Jean Pinkley)

JANUARY 14, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

12 DIOCESE

' ... Our Lady of Hope plans for 13 individual gardens...'

– Continued from page 1 – smaller dining rooms, a chapel that once served as a parish church, an outdoor Stations of the Cross, a firepit, cafeterias and beautiful vistas throughout.

A well-stocked gift shop includes paintings and digital copies of paintings of Drazen Vucina, an artist from Medjugorje, where Father Beard found his calling to be a priest. Our Lady of Hope features more than 50 of Drazen’s original works.

Improvements include turning the property’s oldest building, a storage area built in 1875, into a eucharistic adoration chapel.

Father Beard said all retreat centers offer the same amenities, such as good food and nice beds but what will ultimately separate Our Lady of the Hope are plans for 13 individual gardens that will include a Mary Garden and a garden of the apostles.

Father Beard admitted to some trepidation to opening the center during the COVID-19 pandemic, thinking “Really, Lord?’ Could we have picked a worse time to get started?"

Despite those concerns, success has come early. Already, the center has hosted several retreats, ranging

from one day to a week. Other groups, such as ACTS, a as building facilities maintenance, upkeep and meetings. production company and high schools have utilized the “You are not in the theology world and you can see it facility. on the priests,” he said. “They are exhausted and his will Also under discussion is four Catholic high schools give them a chance to get away and to be alone.” who wish to host a four-team basketball tournament For now, Father Beard roams the grounds frequently, with the emphasis on the retreat component. checking on the status of projects, or more important “It’s kind of hard to sell it until you come and visit it,” checking on his dream.

Father Beard acknowledged.

“I love it,” he said. “I love the quiet. I love only to In the past few months he has visited the chaplains have to talk about our faith. We want to pass Catholicity and youth ministers at the Catholic schools in New Or- through the door to as many people as we can.” leans. He followed with personal invitations and open For information on Our Lady of Hope and how to houses. book a retreat visit www.ourladyofhopems.com.

Father Beard has also made visits to schools in Mississippi and Alabama and a Lake Charles company recently took drone photography for the website.

“A lot of (the marketing) is personal; you need to meet the people and say ‘I need you to come visit,’“ he said.

Exuding an enthusiasm that is contagious, Father Beard discussed his vision for the future, which includes the potential of opening an elementary school that might be more “home schoolish” in the beginning.

Plans also call for building two tiny houses tucked away in the woods away from the center where clergy members can come spend a night or two to enjoy the solitude, to pray, to unwind. Father Beard cited the challenges of being a diocesan priest, saying that 20% percent CHATAWA – A statue of the Sacred Heart sits near the entrance is spent on the theological side of issues to Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa, a preview of the and the remaining 80% on such matters peace and tranquility that awaits. (Photo by Richard Meek/The Catholic Commentator)