OCTOBER 27, 2023
mississippicatholic.com
As synod winds down, members urged to sow patience By Cindy Wooden
After a day off to give time to the committee writing the synthesis of VATICAN CITY (CNS) – As the assembly's discussions, particmembers of the assembly of the ipants were to meet again Oct. 25 Synod of Bishops return home, to examine, discuss and amend the share the results of their work synthesis and to propose "methods and prepare for the final synod and steps" for continuing the synassembly in 2024, they must be odal process in preparation for its on guard against people who will next assembly in October 2024. want to make them take sides as if "We have listened to hundreds the synod were a political debate, of thousands of words during the said Dominican Father Timothy last three weeks," Father Radcliffe Radcliffe. said. "Most of these have been pos"The global culture of our itive words, words of hope and astime is often polarized, aggressive piration. These are the seeds that and dismissive of other people's are sown in the soil of the church. views," Father Radcliffe, spiritual They will be at work in our lives, adviser to the synod, told memin our imagination and our subbers Oct. 23. "When we go home, conscious, during these months. people will ask, 'Did you fight for When the moment is right, they our side? Did you oppose those unwill bear fruit." enlightened other people?'" Father Rush told participants "We shall need to be profoundly that as he listened to discussions prayerful to resist the temptation over the previous three weeks, "I to succumb to this party-political have had the impression that some way of thinking," he said. "That of you are struggling with the nowould be to fall back into the stertion of tradition, in the light of ile, barren language of much of your love of truth." our society. It is not the synodal During the Second Vatican way," which is "organic and eco- Pope Francis greets U.S. synod members Father Ivan Montelongo from the Diocese of El logical rather than competitive." Paso, Texas, Wyatt Olivas, a student at the University of Wyoming, and Julia Oseka, a Council, when different approachHaving discussed synodality, student at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, before the assembly's working session es to the question of tradition were hotly debated, then-Father Joseph communion, mission and partic- Oct. 10, 2023, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Ratzinger – later Pope Benedict ipation over the previous three XVI – explained the two approachweeks, members of the synodal assembly began the final segment of their work with talks from Father Radcliffe, es as being "a 'static' understanding of tradition and a 'dynamic' understanding," Benedictine Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini, the other spiritual guide for the synod, Father Rush said. The static version is "is legalistic, propositional and ahistorical – relevant for all and by Father Ormond Rush, a theologian from Australia. They were to work on a "Letter to the People of God" at the synod's morning – Continued on page 6 – session Oct. 23.
Catholic Charities aims to combat drug addition in Leflore County By Joanna Puddister King
GREENWOOD – On Friday, Sept. 22, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone for Healing Hearts Family Counseling, a drug prevention program aimed at adolescents in Leflore County. The event was celebrated with enthusiasm as the program opened its doors in the former St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. When Wanda Thomas arrived as executive director of Catholic Charities of Jackson in 2019, she recalled receiving numerous calls from communities across the state, seeking assistance in filing gaps in services. To address those short-falls, Catholic Charities conducted a comprehensive assessment, looking at areas that needed support, while considering available resources, said Thomas. The Delta region emerged as an area in critical need of assistance, backed by years of data and statistics. In 2022, an opportunity presented itself to Catholic Charities in the form of a grant designed to prevent substance abuse within the adolescent population. Recognizing the connection between substance abuse drug addiction, mental illness and an elevated risk of suicide, Catholic Charities seized the opportunity to provide these essential services. The establishment of Healing Hearts Family Coun-
seling and the unwavering support for Catholic Charities of Jackson highlight the community’s collective efforts to combat substance abuse and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of adolescents and their families in Leflore County. Jackie Lewis, program director of Healing Hearts shared a unique feature of the program with The Greenwood Commonwealth, stating that interactions through the program can occur at the program’s office,
the family’s home, or in any other suitable location. The program is also actively reaching out to adolescents and their families to provide crucial support and education on the dangers of drug abuse through engagement with local schools. The Greenwood Commonwealth reported that Healing Hearts completed a 12-week program at Delta Streets Academy and has
– Continued on page 6 –
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Israel-Hamas war 7 Attack on Christian hospital in Gaza
Archive photos 8 Woodward shares photos from diocese archives
Movie Reviews 10 Catholic reviews of Taylor Swift and the new Exorcist
OCTOBER 27, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
CHATAWA – Our Lady of Hope and Camp Chatawa, Christmas in Chatawa, Saturday, Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy a live Nativity, pancake breakfast, train rides, caroling hay ride, Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer games, crafts and hot chocolate bar. Cost: $20 per person. Details: RSVP at ourladyofhopems.com. FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Women’s Ministry Bingo Night, Saturday Nov. 11 after 4:30 p.m. Mass. All veterans will receive a free card to play. All adults 18 and up are welcome to play. Details: church office (601) 9929547. St. Anthony School, Starry Night Gala, Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Flowood. VIP preview party from 6-7 p.m. with general admission opening at 7 p.m. Cost: Event tickets $150 per couple. You do not need to be present to win the $5,000 raffle and tickets are only $10 per chance. Details: purchase tickets at https://bit. ly/StarryNight2023. GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Bingo night, Monday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. Refreshments available for purchase. Prizes include home items, gift cards and more. Details: church office (662) 453-0623. JACKSON – Christ the King, Mass and Feast of Christ the King potluck, Sunday, Nov. 26. Join Bishop Kopacz for the celebration and meal. Details: church office (601) 948-8867. St. Richard School, Krewe de Cardinal, Save the date: Friday, Feb. 2 from 7-11 p.m. at The South Warehouse. Details: school office (601) 366-1157. MADISON – St. Joseph School, Jeans, Jazz and Bruin Blues $10,000 Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at the Reunion Country Club. Sponsorships available. Details: www.stjoedrawdown.com. St. Joseph School, Christmas Art Camp, Saturday Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Joe Fine Arts Building. Grades K thorugh sixth welcome. Cost: $75 includes art supplies and snacks. Limited to 22 artists. Details: contact Vicki at vrunnels@stjoebruins.com St. Joseph School, Thursday in Tuscany, Nov. 16 in the St. Joe Cafeteria. Cost is $10 per plate and includes spaghetti, salad, bread, cookie and water. Proceeds support the cheer program. Details: contact sjcheer@ stjoebruins.com. MAGNOLIA – St. James, Garage Sale, Saturday Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (125 E Bay Street) Details: call (985) 665-0868.
FEATURED PHOTO
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Candy Cane 5k Dash and Fun Run, Saturday, Dec. 2. Details: register at https://bit.ly/CandyCane2023. St. Patrick, Fall Musical Variety, Dinner and Fashion Show, Saturday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Proceeds for church repairs. Seats are limited. Details: Reserve your tickets by contacting Rory at (601) 917-7343 or purchase at the parish office. NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Thanksgiving Parish Potluck Dinner, Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. No charge. The church will provide turkey and dressing and you are invited to bring your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Details: church office (601) 445-5616. PEARL – St. Jude, Smokin’ fundraiser for Young Apostles group, holiday meat sale after each Mass through Nov. 5. Details: Lauren at roberts0677@bellsouth.net. TUPELO – St. James, Rummage Sale, Saturday, Nov. 4 from 7:30-11 a.m. in Shelton hall. Details: Bobbie at (662) 372-1087. VICKSBURG – Knights of Columbus 898, Holiday smoked meat sale. Butts, turkey and loins $50; Half Chicken 2 for $8; Turkey breast $35; and Half ham $40. Order by Nov. 15 at https://kc898.square. site. Pick up Sunday, Nov. 19 from 12-4 p.m. at KC Hall, 310 Fisher Ferry Road. Details: Paul at (601) 529-1710. WINONA – Sacred Heart, Communi-tea Festivi-tea event, Saturday, Nov. 11 from 12-3 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Cost: adults $15 and children (under 12) $12. Tickets available at Crossroads Jewelers or call Marlene at (662) 307-0831. Details: Barbara at (256) 506-5007.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
NATCHEZ – 2nd annual Believe Conference, April 19-21, 2024. Featured speakers are Anne Trufant, Catholic speaker and founder of The Mission on the Mountain; Barbara Heil, Catholic speaker and founder of From His Heart Ministries; and Joanne Moody, minister author, and founder of Agape Freedom Fighters. Cost: $100 for the weekend; $50 for students. Lunch included on Saturday. Details: visit https://www.themissiononthemountain.com.
... On the move ...
APPLIANCE AUDIO VIDEO BEDDING FURNITURE SUPERSTORE
JACKSON – Participants in the annual Purple Dress Run get moving in support of Catholic Charities of Jackson’s domestic violence program on Thursday, Oct. 19. (Photo courtesy of Marsha Burton)
Jackson Flowood R dgeland Pearl Cl nton V cksburg Tupelo Columbus Laurel Oxford Hatt esburg
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC OCTOBER 27, 2023
let there be light
Undertaking the Lord’s Great Commission By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
darkness of this world, but God’s grace prevails and cis memorable pilgrimages in recent years. many women and men, at home and abroad, embrace During an ecumenical trip to South Sudan and the the Cross in order to be the Lord’s faithful witnesses. Republic of the Congo he prayed for reconciliation and The sacrifice is often heroic in countries where reli- a new day of hope for these war-torn nations. During gious persecution is virulent. The yearly review of dis- the pandemic he brought the light of Gospel hope crimination and oppression where the church has been decthat at times ends in marimated by war and internecine tyrdom, exposes an appallstrive. In Canada he asked for“Whether it is in our own families, ing reality for those under giveness for the abuse inflicted in our diocesan parishes exploring the daily duress. Yet, the voice upon the indigenous peoples by of the Gospel cannot be sithe church and the Canadian deeper meaning of One, Holy, Catholic lenced. government. In Mongolia, he and Apostolic, or the world-wide Most of the time those celebrated Mass with the enSynod on Synodality, the beginning who labor in the Lord’s tire Catholic population which vineyard where lack of is less than the number of perand the end of our efforts is the work is never an issue, do so sons in our larger parishes. faithful undertaking of the Lord’s below the radar. All of the At this time of terror, tragGreat Commission.” church’s corporal and spiredy and war in the Holy Lands, itual works of mercy, her Pope Francis has pleaded that commitment to justice and “the only side we should be peace, to education, and to health care are all linked taking is the side of peace.” Whether it is in our own to the core work of evangelization. We are who we are families, in our diocesan parishes exploring the deeper and do what we do because we belong to Jesus Christ. meaning of One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic, or the “The gift we have received, give as a gift.” (Matthew world-wide Synod on Synodality, the beginning and 10:8) the end of our efforts is the faithful undertaking of the The Gospel calls forth the best in others and culti- Lord’s Great Commission. vates the grace of a generous soul. “And whoever gives The church of nearly 2,000 years has raised up only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to two incredible saints who are the co-patrons of the drink because he is a disciple – amen, I say to you, he Missions. St. Francis Xavier, S.J. whose heart burned or she will surely not lose their reward.” and whose feet took him as far as India and Japan. St. Pope Francis, like Pope Benedict and Pope St. John Therese of Lisieux, who although her feet did not carPaul II in our post-modern world, have been joyful ry her too far beyond her convent had a heart that God missionary disciples, embodying the Gospel from the enflamed, transporting her to the ends of the earth by center of the church and going to the margins of our means of prayer and love. world to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ with St. Francis Xavier, pray for us! St. Therese, pray for words of hope, justice and peace. Consider Pope Fran- us!
How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth! (Psalm 8:2) During the third weekend of October, the Propagation of the Faith, the world-wide mission arm of the Catholic Church, is at the forefront of World Mission Sunday. This year’s theme chosen by Pope Francis was “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move.” The Holy Father again shed light on the Emmaus story when the risen Lord walked alongside two forlorn disciples, crushed by the crucifixion. In that encounter their hearts began to burn while walking, they recognized the stranger at table in the breaking of the bread and hurried on eagle’s wings to the other disciples to announce the Good News of the risen Lord’s appearance. World Mission Sunday magnifies the Great Commission of the Lord, the work of the church every day and in each generation to proclaim the Gospel to all the nations with hearts inflamed at the Eucharistic table, and a joyful sense of going in peace to love and serve the Lord. There is not a nation on the planet that is beyond the reach of the proclamation of the Good News and the gradual inculturation of the Gospel. Although the channels of modern communication are used widely and can traverse the most remote areas, the church is most faithful to the Lord’s mandate where she has boots on the ground. The light of the Gospel is often repulsed by the
Happy Ordination Anniversary
BISHOP’S SCHEDULE
November 10
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8:15 a.m. – School Mass for Feast of All Saints, St. Richard Catholic School, Jackson
Deacon Emeritus, Queen of Peace Olive Branch
Friday, Nov. 3, 6 p.m. – Talk at Cocktails & Catholicism, Holy Spirit, Hernando
Deacon Mark White
November 19
Father Jack Kurps, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest Mississippi & Sacred Heart Southern Missions
November 27
Father Tim Murphy
St. James Tupelo & St. Christopher Pontotoc
Thank you for answering the call!
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. – Holy Hour, Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland Thursday, Nov. 9, 8:15 a.m. – School Mass, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Clarksdale Monday, Nov. 13-17 – USCCB General Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland
Volume 69 Number 19 (ISSN 1529-1693)
P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ....................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager....................................................................................................Tereza Ma Contributors ......................................................................................................... Berta Mexidor MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published digitally twice per month January – April and September – December; once per month June, July and August. Mississippi Catholic mails 14 editions per year – twice per month in December and January; and once per month February – November. For address changes, corrections or to join the email list for the digital edition, email: editor@jacksondiocese.org. 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. Website: www.mississippicatholic.com w www.jacksondiocese.org
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson Friday, Nov. 24, 6 p.m. – Thanksgiving Visit, St. Joseph, Starkville Sunday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m. – Mass for Feast of Christ the King, Christ the King parish, Jackson Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. – Mass and 180th Celebration, St. Michael, Paulding Saturday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. – Starry Night Gala for St. Anthony School, The Sheraton Refuge, Flowood Sunday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. – Mass of Blessing Renovation, St. Joseph, Greenville Sunday, Dec. 17, 8:30 a.m. – Mass, St. Joseph, Meridian Sunday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. – Mass, St. Patrick, Meridian All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.
OCTOBER 27, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
4 VOCATIONS CALLED BY NAME Our 4th Annual Homegrown Harvest Festival is in the books, but the work of calling forth men to the priesthood from our parishes continues. One of the most encouraging parts of the evening for me at St. Paul Flowood was the mixture of longtime vocation supporters and new faces that were there. The vision that we had for this event starting in 2020 was to bring together vocation supporters to encourage one another. It is difficult to consistently ask young men to consider the priesthood. It is difficult to look toward the future when Father Nick Adam the present has so many needs of its own. But the Lord tells us to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest, and so we must keep encouraging one another and trusting that the Lord will bring forth good men to serve us in our parishes and schools. The most encouraging part of this event has become the presentation by our seminarians. This year I asked Deacon Tristan to share a little bit about his experience in over six years of seminary formation. I gave him little to no warning that he would be speaking in front of the whole crowd, but he did a wonderful job! He even asked Grayson Foley to add his own experience as a younger seminarian and both of them
were so filled with enthusiasm that it was infectious. This is the whole point of the Homegrown Harvest event. Yes, we need the money in order to send these guys to school, but we also need to encourage one another and see that formation works. Grayson and Deacon Tristan will both be wonderful leaders in our church for years to come, and that is what all the money and the planning and the prayers are for. Grayson and Deacon Tristan are also inspiring other young people to consider their own calls from the Lord. There were a few discerners in the crowd at the Mass and the event, and I was so happy to see our seminarians interacting with them and encouraging them. I also enjoyed a late-night Waffle House visit with the seminarians and a few young adults who have continued to be in friendship with our seminarians and young priests. This is the type of culture that brings forth men and women to consider giving their lives to the Lord. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success and thank you for your support of the Department of Vocations as we ask the Lord for strength and endurance to continue our work. – Father Nick Adam, vocation director Read about our current seminarians and their inspirational vocation stories at https://jacksondiocese.org/seminarians.
FLOWOOD – Pictures from the Jackson Seminarian Homegrown Harvest on Saturday, Oct. 21 in the Family Life Center at St. Paul parish in Flowood. Below, Deacon Tristan Stovall speaks to those in attendance on his experience as as seminarian. (Photos by Joanna Puddister KIng)
Spirituality 5
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC OCTOBER 27, 2023
Our lifestyle and our over-strained planet IN EXILE By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
In a book, The Book of Hope, which he co-authored with Jane Goodall, Douglas Abrams makes this statement: Creating the human race may be the single biggest mistake evolution ever made. He says this tongue-in-cheek since he recognizes that the emergence of the human race was clearly intended by the evolutionary process and that rather than being a colossal mistake it is the apex of the process. Nonetheless, today, the human race is a huge threat to planet earth. Simply put, there are now over seven billion people on the planet and already in many places we have used up nature’s limited resources faster than nature can replace them. By the year 2050 there will probably be 10 billion of us. If we carry on with business as usual, the planet simply cannot sustain us, at least if we continue in our present lifestyle. And the lifestyle referred to here is not, first of all, the lavish lifestyle of the rich who can be reckless and consume more than their share of resources. They, of course, contribute to the problem and unduly influence the rest us in our own habits of consumption; but the lifestyle referred to here is what you and I, conscientious consumers, are living, even as we conserve, recycle, compost, drive electric cars and try to live simply. I can take myself as an example. I’m trying to be sensitive to what my own consumption is doing to mother earth. By comparison to those who have a luxurious lifestyle, I can claim to live pretty simply. I don’t buy what I don’t need, have a very small wardrobe, and am cautious about the amount of electricity and water I use. I drive a second-hand compact car and try to drive it only when necessary. I help assure that the thermostat in our house is set so as to ensure the minimal use of electrical energy, and I live in a relatively small house, recycle and try to use as little plastic as possible. But, on the other hand, I have two computers, a desktop in my office and a laptop at home. I have a cellphone which, through the years, has had to be updated four different times in terms of buying a new model and junking the old one. I shower daily and, depending upon physical work and exercise, sometimes take a second shower. I drive a car. I get on an airplane at least once a month for conferences and meetings and I fly internationally several times a year to visit family. I don’t have a lot of clothes, but my ministry and work require a certain standard of dress (which I meet minimally). I think I can claim a simple lifestyle, given where I live and the work I do. However, realistically, if all seven (plus) billion people in the world lived as I do, there wouldn’t be enough resources to sustain us. Bottomline, the world cannot support eight billion people if everyone lives as I do, and as most of us do in the more affluent parts of our world. What’s the answer? We can lay a guilt trip on ourselves and on others, though this isn’t necessarily Wholesale and home helpful. What can freezer service be helpful? There’s no easy answer. Beef – Pork – Sausage Those of us living 109 - A Camellia Dr. in the more affluent parts of our world can make changes, but can we sim-
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ply stop using computers and mobile phones? We can conserve water, but can we abandon our present standards of hygiene? We can conserve electricity, but can we simply stop driving our cars and darken all our city buildings at night? We can be more scrupulous on how much we travel on airplanes, but can we live without airplane travel? We can cut back on what we buy in terms of excess food, excess clothing, and excess luxuries and entertainment. We can recycle, compost and not use plastic bags – and all of this, cumulatively, will make a difference. Indeed, all of this needs to be done. However, helpful though this is, it alone will not solve the problem. For Jane Goodall, beyond these individual things, we need to do some collective things to solve the existential threat to this planet. Goodall names three:
First, we must alleviate poverty. If there are people living in crippling poverty, it is understandable that they will cut down the last tree to grow food or catch the last fish because they are desperate to feed their families. Second, we must eliminate government corruption and corporate greed. Without good government and concern for the common good in business, it is impossible to solve our enormous social and environmental problems. Moreover, those who for their own benefit refuse to face the problem will go on unchallenged. Finally, collectively too, we must realistically face up to the tension between our lifestyle and the ever-growing population on this planet. Thoughtless consumers are part of the problem – but so are the rest of us, me included, who fancy ourselves as living simply. (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
The Eucharist has the power to draw hearts to Jesus, pope says By Carol Glatz
close to priests, to see what the priest does not see, VATICAN CITY (CNS) – St. Charles de Foucauld, who evangelize with a proximity of charity, with a turn-of-the-19th-century hermit, demonstrates how goodness for everyone, with affection always ready to a life of meekness, tenderness and eucharistic adora- be given,’” he said, citing the saint’s writings. However, the pope said, they need to be “holy lay tion evangelizes, Pope Francis said. The saint was known to remain in prayer “at Je- people” in love with Jesus, not “climbers” in search sus’ feet, before the Tabernacle,” for hours a day, of something else. “We priests need so much to have next to us lay “sure that the evangelizing force resides there and feeling that it is Jesus who will bring him close to people who seriously believe” in Jesus, he said, and so many distant brothers and sisters,” the pope said who, with their witness, “teach us the way” and help Oct. 18 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s the priest understand he is not an “official” or administrator, but is “a mediator, he is a priest.” Square. St. Charles is “a prophetic figure for our time,” “And do we, I ask myself, believe in the power of the Eucharist? Does our going out to others, our ser- Pope Francis said. He demonstrated “the beauty of communicating vice, find its beginning and its fulfillment there, in adoration?” the pope asked, encouraging everyone to re- the Gospel through the apostolate of meekness,” welcomed everyone as a brother or sister and showed discover the sense of adoration before the Eucharist. Continuing a series of audience talks highlighting “the evangelizing force of tenderness,” Pope Francis saints who demonstrate zeal or passion for evangeli- said. “Goodness is simple and asks us to be simple peozation, Pope Francis said St. Charles made Jesus and the poor “the passion of his life” after living his youth ple, who are not afraid to offer a smile,” he said, en“far from God, without believing in anything other couraging Catholics to imitate “God’s style” of being close, compassionate and tender with others. than the disordered pursuit of pleasure.” “The first step in evangelizing,” the pope said, is to “fall head over heels” for Jesus so that love will show in one’s life. If this does not happen, “we risk talking about ourselves, our group, a morality or, even worse, a set of rules, but not about Jesus, his love, his mercy.” The pope said he sees this tendency in some new movements that spend a lot of time talking about their organization, their new spiritual path or “vision of humanity,” and “do not know how to talk about Jesus.” St. Charles understood the importance of the laity in the life of the church and “he reminds us that ‘there Pope Francis greets visitors at the end of his weekly general audience in St. need to be lay people Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 18, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
OCTOBER 27, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
6 DIOCESE
' ... keep our minds and hearts open to the people ...' ever attentive to the movements of the revealing and saving God present and active in the flow of history, by attending to 'the signs of the times' in the light of the living Gospel," he said. As synod members continue their discernment, he said, they are urged "to determine what God is urging us to see – with the eyes of Jesus – in new times," while also being "attentive to the traps – where we could be being drawn into ways of thinking that are not 'of God.'" "These traps," Father Rush said, "could lie in being anchored exclusively in the past, or exclusively in the present, or not being open to the future fullness of divine truth to which the Spirit of Truth is leading the church." To open the assembly's final section of work, Father Radcliffe and Mother Angelini chose the parable of the sower and the parable of the mustard seed from the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Mark. And Mother Angelini encouraged synod members to "narrate the parable" rather than "issue proclamations" as they continue working over the next year. "Today – in a culture of striving for supremacy, profit and followers, or evasion – the patient sowing of this synod is, in itself, like a profoundly subversive and revolutionary act. In the logic of the smallest of seeds sinking into the ground," she said. "Thus, the synod seems Benedictine Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini, spiritual to me to find itself called to dare a synthesis-as-sowing, adviser to the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, ad- to open up a path toward reform – new form – which life dresses the gathering in the Vatican's Paul VI Audi- requires." ence Hall Oct. 23, 2023. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) The synodal process, Father Radcliffe told members, "is more like planting a tree than winning a battle." – Continued from page 1 – And the only way to ensure they continue the sowing rather than join the fighting is to "keep our minds and times and places," he said, while "the latter is personalist, hearts open to the people whom we have met here" and sacramental and rooted in history, and therefore to be in- treasure the hopes and fears they shared. terpreted with an historical consciousness." "Humanity's first vocation in paradise was to be garFather Ratzinger wrote that "not everything that ex- deners," he said. "Adam tended creation, sharing in speakists in the church must for that reason be also a legitimate ing God's creative words, naming the animals. In these 11 tradition," but that a practice must be judged by whether months, will we speak fertile, hope-filled words, or words it is "a true celebration and keeping present of the mys- that are destructive and cynical? Will our words nurture tery of Christ," Father Rush said. the crop or be poisonous? Shall we be gardeners of the The Second Vatican Council "urged the church to be future or trapped in old sterile conflicts? We each choose."
Adsumus, Sancte Spiritus Prayer of Invocation to the Holy Spirit We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.
' ... It's about whose life you have made better ...' – Continued from page 1 – plans to initiate similar programs at other schools within the Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District. Expressing gratitude for the support they receive, Thomas praised Catholic Charities supporters and volunteers. She remarked, “We are thankful for our supporters and volunteers who do not hesitate to reach out and roll up their sleeves to walk this journey alongside us and serve God’s people.” Lewis says of the program, “at the end of the day, it’s not about what you have accomplished personally.” “It’s about whose life you have made better.” For those interested in reaching out to Healing Hearts Family Counseling, the program is located at 2615 US 82 East in Greenwood and can be reached at (601) 355-8634 for more information. With its commitment to the well-being of adolescents and families in Leflore County, Healing Hearts represents a vital addition to the region’s efforts to combat drug abuse and promote healthier communities.
GREENWOOD – Participants get ready for the official ribbon-cutting for Catholic Charities of Jackson's Healing Hearts Family Counseling on Friday, Sept. 22. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities of Jackson)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC OCTOBER 27, 2023
Hospital attack evokes ‘disbelief, horror,’ says Catholic aid organization spokesman By Gina Christian
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – An attack on a Christian hospital in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war has left staff at the U.S. offices of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association reeling. “Disbelief and horror,” Michael La Civita, director of communications for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, told OSV News, describing his reaction just hours after an Oct. 17 strike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. The facility, a humanitarian outreach of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, is Gaza’s oldest hospital, and the only Christian one in the enclave. Opened in 1882, al-Ahli Arab – which was a Baptist Medical Mission from 1954 to 1982 – has been “one of the most important institutions in our network of partners for decades,” said La Civita. “It’s a significant player in the region.” CNEWA, founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926, supports the hospital as part of its overall mission to support the Catholic Church in the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe. Joseph Hazboun, regional director for CNEWA’s Jerusalem office, said the hospital was sheltering more than 5,000 people at the time of the strike. Causes and casualties have been contested by both sides. Palestinian officials claimed the al-Ahli Arab Hospital had been struck by Israel, killing some 500, while the Israel Defense Forces countered that intelligence showed the blast was due to a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. The war itself was sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7 ambush – coinciding with a Sabbath and Jewish holiday – on some 22 locations in Israel. Hamas members gunned down civilians and took at least 199 hostages, according to Israel, including infants, the elderly and people with disabilities. Israel declared war on Hamas Oct. 8, placing Gaza under siege and pounding the region with airstrikes as Hamas has returned fire. To date, some 1,400 in Israel, including at least 30 U.S. citizens, and at least 3,500 in Gaza have been killed, according to Palestinian officials. The ensuing humanitarian crisis has left the Middle East “on the verge of the abyss,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. CNEWA, which has had a presence in Gaza since at least 1949, has “a long record of support … with (the) hospital, particularly with programs that provide assistance to children and families suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders,” La Civita told OSV News. The part of the hospital that was hit “is where most of our psychosocial programs over the last few years were organized,” said La Civita. At an Oct. 18 press conference by the Jerusalem patriarchs and heads of churches, Jerusalem Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum told media that a few hours before the attack, civilians who had gathered in the courtyard (of the hospital) were “singing for peace, and the children were playing,” but “two hours later they were all struck by … the power of death.” On Oct. 14, al-Ahli Arab Hospital’s diagnostic cancer treatment center in Gaza City was struck by Israeli rocket fire, significantly damaging the ultrasound and mammography wards and injuring four staff, according to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Archbishop Naoum said al-Ahli Arab would “continue to be open” as he and fellow church leaders “are determined to keep our institutions open, to keep our places of worship, our churches, open … as places of sanctuary.” La Civita told OSV News he is “very concerned about the future (and) the present” of two maternity clinics subsidized by CNEWA and operated by the Near East Council of Churches in Gaza. He urged the faithful to pray and to “stay informed,” particularly by consulting Catholic media Children sit in the back of an ambulance at Shifa coverage of the situation. Hospital following an airstrike on the CNEWA-sup“We want Catholics in ported al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City Oct. 17, particular to be paying at2023. (OSV News photo/Mohammed Al-Masri, Re- tention to Catholic news about this, because … it’s uters) about as close to the truth as we can possibly get,” he said. “It’s reliable and objective.” In addition, “consider providing support to those who can handle aid responsibly and get it to the hands of those who need it most,” said La Civita. (Gina Christian is a national reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X, formerly Twit-
WORLD 7
OCTOBER 27, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
8 ARCHIVEs
Digital Library houses historic photos from diocesan archive
(Above) Bishop Gerow prays on roof of diocese chancery building in Jackson on Dec. 12, 1948. (Below) Bishop Gerow reviews materials in the original archive vault in Natchez with Msgr. Daniel O’Beirne circa 1940. Msgr. O’Beirne was diocesan chancellor from 1927-41. (Photos courtesy of archives)
JACKSON – Workers pour concrete for the base of the chancery building at 237 East Amite Street in January 1947. A collection of photos and papers from Bishop R.O. Gerow and Bishop William Henry Elder and others can be found in the Mississippi Digital Library at https://msdiglib.org/cdj.
FROM THE ARCHIVES By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – Since this edition of Mississippi Catholic is digital, I decided to include a mosaic of photos from our archive’s. In 2016, our diocesan archive was awarded the Cultural Heritage Digitization Grant from the Mississippi Digital Library. The grant gave us a week of training in digitization and preservation of archives by experts from around Mississippi. Staff from the University of Southern Mississippi’s MLIS and Archives program came on site and digitized almost 600 images from our diocesan collection. I am sharing a few of those images this week and hope to share more as these digital only papers move foward. If you are interested in seeing all the images online, go to https://msdiglib.org/cdj or look for us under the partners section at Roman Catholic Diocese of Jackson. Enjoy the offerings and see you next time in print. (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
Gerow
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC OCTOBER 27, 2023
BRIEFS 9 VATICAN
WORLD
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope NAIROBI, Kenya (OSV News) – On the day the Francis will celebrate a memorial world celebrates efforts to combat hunger and food Mass Nov. 3 for Pope Benedict XVI insecurity, a bishop in Ethiopia was warning that his and cardinals and bishops who have people were still dying of hunger, a year after a ceasedied in the past year. The Mass will fire ended a deadly conflict in the northern region of take place at the main altar in St. Tigray. Bishop Tesfasellassie Medhin of Adigrat said Peter’s Basilica at 11 a.m., the Vati- he wanted the world to know the situation in the recan announced. Pope Benedict died gion was still critical, and deaths were occurring due Dec. 31 at the age of 95. The previous to serious food shortages and malnutrition. “The situday, the Nov. 2 feast of All Souls, the ation is very bad. Many parts of the region experienced pope will celebrate Mass at the Rome failed harvests due to drought, and food aid distribuWar Cemetery, the burial place of tion had also stopped,” Bishop Medhin told OSV News members of the military forces of in an interview ahead of the World Food Day. “People the Commonwealth who died during are dying of hunger. The hospitals are also reporting and immediately after World War increased cases of malnutrition. It is very frustrating.” II. The 426 men buried there died More than 20 million people need food assistance in Afbetween November 1942 and Febru- rica’s second most populous nation after the Horn of ary 1947. They came from the United Africa’s worst drought in decades and a two-year conKingdom, Australia, Canada, India, flict in the Tigray region on top of it. On Oct. 16, the New Zealand and South Africa. Also globe rallied to mark the World Food Day, an annual on the pope’s liturgical calendar for awareness and action day against hunger and malnuNovember is his celebration of Mass trition, reminding of the importance of food security for the World Day of the Poor. He and access to nutritious food for all. It also addresses will preside over the liturgy Nov. 19 the importance of sustainable agriculture and food Members of a tour group explore the catacombs of the Basilica of in St. Peter’s Basilica. production. St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City Oct. 15, 2023. Tours of VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope OSLO, Norway (OSV News) – Church leaders in the historic basilica, its catacombs and cemetery have proven to be Francis said a trip to his native Ar- Norway have welcomed the award of the Nobel Prize popular with New Yorkers and out-of-towners. (OSV News photo/ gentina remains on his schedule and for Literature to Jon Fosse, a Catholic convert, predictGregory A. Shemitz) that he has been encouraged to trav- ing the honor could raise Catholicism’s profile in the el through Oceania. Asked by an Ar- traditionally Protestant country. “Fosse gives voice, gentine reporter what important trips remain pending with elegance and beauty, to the mystery of faith. … LAS VEGAS (OSV News) – In a sign of the growing in his pontificate, the pope said “I would like to go” to I think our country is blessed to have a poet of his Catholic community of southern Nevada and the West- Argentina in an interview released Oct. 16. “Talking stature,” said Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim. “A ern United States, the Archdiocese of Las Vegas has a bit farther away, Papua New Guinea is still left.” He Catholic writer is someone who assimilated the grace become the newest archdiocese in America. A solemn added that someone had told him, “Since I’m going to of belonging to the church in such a way that it’s perMass Oct. 16 at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeem- Argentina, to have a layover in Río Gallegos (Argenti- fectly innate and natural to their self-expression. In er in Las Vegas formally celebrated the designation of na), then the South Pole, land in Melbourne and visit that sense, Fosse is very much a Catholic writer.” The the archdiocese and the appointment of Archbishop New Zealand and Australia.” Though the 86-year-old novelist and playwright will receive the 2023 prize in George Leo Thomas by Pope Francis May 30. The new pope said, “It would be a bit long.” In the wide-span- Stockholm Dec. 10. Born in 1959 at Haugesund on Normetropolitan archdiocese and province of Las Vegas ning interview recorded in September with the Argen- way’s west coast, Fosse has published over 30 novels, as includes Reno, Nevada, and Salt Lake City as suffragan tine state news agency Télam, Pope Francis said that well as poetry collections, essays, children’s books and dioceses of the province. During the Mass, Cardinal while he receives many invitations to visit countries translations. His theater works, performed worldwide, Christophe Pierre, the pope’s representative as apos- and there is a list of possible papal trips, ideas for trips have made him Norway’s most performed playwright tolic nuncio to the United States, placed the pallium also originate from the Vatican, such as his Aug. 31- since Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906). Fosse was received into – a woolen liturgical garment worn by a metropolitan Sept. 4 trip to Mongolia. Pope Francis also spoke about the Catholic Church at St. Dominic’s Monastery, Oslo, archbishop – upon Archbishop Thomas’ shoulders. the synod on synodality, relating it to the vision of St. in 2012. His multivolume work, “Septology,” centering The pallium represents a pastor’s care of his flock and John XXIII at the start of the Second Vatican Council. on a Catholic convert-painter, was shortlisted for the his unity with the pope. Pope Francis gave the arch- “It is not only about changing style, it is about a change 2022 International Booker Prize and National Books Critics Award. In a November 2022 interview with The bishop the pallium in June at the Vatican. The growth of growth in favor of people’s dignity,” he said. VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Huddled in a stairwell at New Yorker, Fosse described his style as “slow prose” in the presence of Catholics in Las Vegas and southern Nevada was a key factor in its elevation to an archdio- the Catholic parish and school in Gaza, Rosary Sis- and “mystical realism,” adding that he had turned to cese. The 350,000 Catholics among a total regional pop- ter Nabila Saleh, another sister and Father Youssef religious faith while struggling with alcoholism and ulation of more than 1 million in 1995 has ballooned to Asaad filmed themselves speaking to Pope Francis on other problems. an estimated 750,000 Catholics among more than 2 mil- the phone and begging for his continued prayers. Pope lion residents today, according to the archdiocese. This Francis phoned Holy Family parish – the only Cathgrowth was “a result of the dynamism and the vitality olic parish in Gaza – the evening of Oct. 15, Vatiof the church here,” Cardinal Pierre told Massgoers. The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-party reporting NEW YORK (OSV News) – “Catacombs by Candle- can News reported. Sister system that will enable all diocesan employees, volunteers and light” perhaps conjures images of a subterranean tour Saleh said Father Asaad parishioners to anonymously (or named if preferred) make rein Rome led by a guide wearing a headlamp. In New passed her the phone beports. Examples of this activity include fraud, misconduct, safety York, it’s the name of a revenue-generating history cause he doesn’t speak violations, harassment or substance abuse occurring at a Cathlesson told while exploring the cemetery and burial Italian as well as she does. vaults of one of the city’s oldest Catholic churches. At After Hamas launched atolic parish, Catholic school or at the diocesan level. The system the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, the tour’s tacks on Israel Oct. 7 and is operated by Lighthouse Services. Based in Deerfield, Illinois, tone is respectful and the candles are battery-operated Israel responded by bombLighthouse Services maintains ethics, safety and fraud hotlines LED models. Frank Alfieri, the basilica’s director of ing targets in Gaza, “the for over 4,100 organizations between the U.S. and abroad. cemetery and columbaria, said the tours were estab- Holy Father wanted to lished in 2017 to communicate and monetize the his- know how many people we To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/ torical significance of the property, which has been an are hosting in the parish jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216active mainstay of the lower Manhattan area for more facilities,” Sister Saleh told 1288 (Spanish). than 200 years. When it opened in 1815, St. Patrick’s Vatican News. There are served as New York’s first cathedral until the new St. about 500 people, including The Association of Priests of the Dioceses of Jackson and BiPatrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue was dedicated in “the sick, families, chil1879. The Old Cathedral was named a basilica in 2010. dren, the disabled, people loxi provide a small pension to our retired priests. As you conThe catacombs were developed before the church was who have lost their homes sider your estate plans, please remember these faithful servants built above them and consist of 37 hermetically sealed and every belonging.” Sisby making a donation or leaving a bequest to the Association of family and group vaults arrayed along three 120-foot ter Saleh said, it was “a Priests. Our parish priests dedicate their lives to caring for us, corridors. Most of the vaults have marble facades and great blessing” to speak their flocks. Let us now care for them in their retirement. Donabear the now-unfamiliar names of prominent 19th-cen- with the pope. “He gave us tions can be made payable to the Association of Priests and can tury New York Catholics of Irish, German, French and courage and the support of be mailed to: Spanish heritage. Eight 80-minute tours are offered prayer.” Diocese of Jackson, P.O. Box 22723, Jackson, MS 39225-2723 five days a week for groups as large as 40.
NATION
OCTOBER 27, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
10 MOVIE REVIEWs
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour By Kurt Jensen
NEW YORK (OSV News) – “Early on in the history of film, stage actors had to make the transition from the outsized gestures and expressions needed to convey emotion to a crowded theater to the restraint required by the intimacy of the camera. The same contrast is always likely to be highlighted in a movie dedicated to capturing a lavish stadium music concert. Those attending “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” (AMC Theaters) will discover that the titular singer-songwriter – the current doyenne of breakup songs – is aware of this. Just as the smirks and eye rolls of some of her numbers become cloying, the solo balladeer emerges and equilibrium is restored. While Swift can be credited with aesthetic insight, parents of teens clamoring to see her on screen will be concerned with other matters. In a world of ultra-raunchy rap and the obscenity-laden lyrics often found even outside that genre, Swift shows considerable moderation. A smattering of vulgar words aside, her performance is more glitzy than gritty. So, although her preteen fans may have to be kept away from this production, older teens can probably be given the green light. They’ll find “Eras” a lively recap of all 10 of her studio albums across 17 years. Directed by Sam Wrench, the footage was compiled from concerts at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, outside Los Angeles, during Swift’s ongoing tour. This is, then, no valedictory. Rather, it’s a powerful summation of Swift’s life and work so far. The idea is to craft an experience just as communal and immersive as the vocalist’s live events. Audience members, for instance, are encouraged to sing along. Yet in a movie theater the noise is not overwhelming, making it possible to concentrate on Swift in all her sparkly glory throughout. Little exposition is provided. Instead, there’s continuous music, enhanced by CGI special effects and a bit of dancing. By contrast to some of the documentaries in which Swift has featured in the past, no backstage segments are included and no forum is given to her opinions. Her lyrics do, however, address the loneliness of her level of stardom and hint, pretty consistently, at past heartbreak. At their poignant best, her songs somehow manage to combine the varied qualities of honky-tonk blues and the sophisticated work of German-born American composer Kurt Weill. It’ll cost you a lot more than three pennies, though, to have a look. The film contains fleeting rough and crude language. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Taylor Swift attends a premiere for “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” in Los Angeles Oct. 11, 2023. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (OSV News photo/Mario Anzuoni, Reuters)
(Kurt Jensen is a guest reviewer for OSV News.)
The Exorcist: Believer By John Mulderig
Although Victor agonizes over Angela’s absence, he gets more than he bargained for when both girls eventually return. As the audience knows, the pals had gone into the woods to practice amateur spiritualism in the hope of communicating with Angela’s late mother. To that extent, the screenplay – penned with Peter Sattler – presents a cautionary tale applicable in real life. As Victor and Katherine’s parents, Miranda (Jennifer Nettles) and Tony (Norbert Leo Butz), try to cope with the duo’s bizarre subsequent behavior – as well as some inexplicable phenomena – they get religious guidance from nun-turned-nurse Ann (Ann Dowd). They also get less specific advice from self-described exorcism expert Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn). Chris is, of course, the mother of Regan, the victim in a similar incident showcased in the 1973 film that inaugurated the franchise. Although the current movie is intended as a direct sequel to the original and, in that respect, a reboot of the series, the approach of this script to its subject matter departs markedly from the earlier tale. As adapted from his own fact-based novel by screenwriter William Peter Blatty, and directed by William Friedkin, the Watergate-era picture may have sensationalized matters but at its center was a fairly Tracey Graves and Leslie Odom Jr. are pictured in a scene straightforward confrontation between Refrom the movie “The Exorcist: Believer.” The OSV News gan’s tormentor and two Catholic priests. The driving away of the devil here, by classification is O – morally offensive. The Motion Picture contrast, takes on the qualities of a circus. Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires acIn part, that’s probably attributable to companying parent or adult guardian. (OSV News photo/Eli the fact that the more-or-less church-friend-
NEW YORK (OSV News) – Although the horror sequel “The Exorcist: Believer” (Universal) gets off to a reasonably promising start, it degenerates quickly. In fact, it ends up being a muddle both dramatically and, more significantly, in its treatment of religion. Director and co-writer David Gordon Green’s take on the demonic possession theme follows the ordeal of widowed father Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom Jr.). Victor’s life is initially disrupted when his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) disappears in the company of her schoolmate and friend, Katherine (Olivia O’Neill).
Joshua Adé, Universal Pictures)
ly attitude of the earlier movie would jar on contemporary Hollywood sensibilities. What’s presented to the audience, as a result, is a spiritual free-for-all. There is a well-meaning cleric, Father Maddox (E.J. Bonilla), hovering around. But his superiors won’t authorize an exorcism. So Ann decides she’ll read from the Roman Ritual herself. Miranda and Tony’s unnamed minister (Raphael Sbarge) also is on hand, loudly reciting verses from the Bible. This interdenominational broadmindedness is further extended by the inclusion of a female shaman, Dr. Beehibe (Okwui Okpokwasili). She’s out to see what her version of African animism can contribute to the overheated shouting match. The good doctor’s practices are shown to be just as effective as the prayers of priest or pastor. But the dialogue in some quieter scenes assures us that it’s really interpersonal solidarity that will ultimately send Satan packing. The production thus promotes a syncretist, humanistic and even vaguely anti-Catholic outlook that could be spiritually dangerous for anyone inclined to take it seriously. On the whole, however, this half-a-century-later follow-up is best dismissed as a bit of chaotic schlock. The film contains misguided spiritual ideas, brief gory images, mature references, including to abortion, a handful of mild oaths, a few rough terms and at least one crass expression. The OSV News classification is O – morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. (John Mulderig is media reviewer for OSV News. Follow him on X ( formerly Twitter) @JohnMulderig1.)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC OCTOBER 27, 2023
Columns 11
What do you worship? FROM THE HERMITAGE By Sister alies therese
In 1986, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the amazing basketball player said, “I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.” That’s what he worships. We just celebrated St. Therese on Oct. 1 (her 150th birthday), the sister of sweet toughness … the manufacturer of ‘little things matter.’ We also celebrated St. Teresa of Avila, who many years earlier, carved out for women a firm line of hope. Whom did they worship? Everyone worships something … someone. What you worship is important, especially today. What comes first in your life? May I ask? Do you worship food, gaming or TV? Or clothes, cars, dogs or cats? Who worships sex? Or only family or friends? Who worships sports? Who worships lies and ‘fake’ news? Do you worship wealth and money? Or maybe you worship God? The synod is a practical and historical forum, a place where representatives of this world, broken and at war as it is, might speak in peace and attend to what might seem to be the little things. It also reveals what we worship. Are we no different from the rest of the world … hungry for power, greedy for wealth, selfish? No doubt all these and many more things will be revealed in the rest of this process. Pope Francis said, in the opening synod Mass, “This is the primary task of
the synod: to refocus our gaze on God, the be a church that looks mercifully at humanity.” If I worship so many other things, how can I worship God? Well, the synod is supposed to investigate that and invite us to ‘refocus our gaze.’ If you return to Kareem, Therese or Teresa you might discover their gaze. In their understanding of ‘little things’ (see also St. David of Wales) they focus on the poorest and littlest, mercifully at humanity. They look away from themselves. Worship and prayer go hand in hand, but worship usually is with others … I may pray alone (and that can be worship too) but usually I worship with others … office, devotions/rosary/chaplet/stations … and certainly Mass. Both prayer and worship take a long gaze and a little practice. Consider Alice and the Queen …” Alice laughed, ‘there’s no use trying, one can’t believe impossible things.’ ‘I daresay you haven’t had much practice … when I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six things before breakfast,’ said the Queen.” (L. Carroll, Through the Looking Glass). How have you worshipped or prayed before breakfast? Sometimes prayers in unison get mixed up. For example, Dr. Clifford at a Methodist church in Texas, “We find our world a clod and cheerless place without Your love.” Or in the church bulletin prayer at the Congregational United in Missouri, “O Loving God, who reach-
Vision in ordinary times ON ORDINARY TIMES By Lucia A. Silecchia
I miss shopping for clothes with my mom. Some of that stems from that too-familiar ache known to all those who have loved and lost. The desire to run an ordinary errand, exchange a quick phone call or share a cup of coffee together just one more time is a deep longing with a permanent home in my heart – and the hearts of so many I know. But there was something unique about shopping for clothes with my mom. She was an accomplished seamstress. When we shopped together, she had an eye for salvaging clothes that I, in my quick judgement, was so often inclined to reject. I could look at a dress and, after a passing glance, reject it because the sleeves were too long, the buttons were the wrong color, the collar was awkward, or an otherwise tailored skirt had an inexplicable, oversized bow at the waist. I could look at a jacket and move along quickly because it had bulky shoulders, an awkward pleat or a flimsy zipper. But, my mom did not see the forlorn inhabitants of the clearance racks the same way I did. In her mind’s eye, she could see what they would look like if she tailored the sleeves, found better new buttons, replaced a collar, turned a bow to a belt, streamlined shoulders, sewed up a pleat and switched a flimsy zipper for a classier closure. More often than I can recall, I would come home with something new to wear – and my mother would come home with a sewing project. I miss that. I miss the example of someone who could, in something as trivial as clothing, see not merely what was, but what could be. Someone who could see not merely what was wrong, but what could be right. Someone who could see that a quick judgement may mean missing out on something very good. I wonder if there is something in those ordinary shopping trips to teach about life and the way in which it can be all too easy to see in others – and in ourselves – only what is and not what could be. Yes, there is a real danger in relationships and friendships when we see others merely as works-in-progress, not accepted
es out to restore our soles, touch us now with Your word of truth…” Or maybe it is actually perfection we worship … that we search for … that we value? I like Marilyn Meberg’s insights, “my intent in life is to remind you that nothing in life is perfect … if we can accept that, we can quit looking for it, blaming ourselves or others, … and even come to a place of peace. That gives me the energy to settle down to a platter of pasta that is a trifle overdone with a touch of too little garlic – and not lose my joy!” (Bolton, Heavenly Humor for the Woman’s Soul, Barbour, 2008) How have you refocused your gaze on God? What things do you worship that you need to let go of in order to put Jesus first? How has your worship of such an awesome God brought you joy? Consider this with Thoms A. Kempis (1380-1471): “O everlasting Light, surpassing all created luminaries, flash forth Thy lightning from above, piercing all the most inward parts of my heart. Make clean, make glad, make bright and make alive my spirit, with all the powers thereof, that I may cleave unto Thee in ecstasies of joy.” Let’s uplift our communal worship and fill our private prayer with joy. BLESSINGS. (Sister alies therese is a canonically vowed hermit with days formed around prayer and writing.)
for who they are but only for who they might be if they could only change to our liking. But I learned on those long-ago shopping trips that it is also dangerous to see only that which is before us without also seeing potential and optimism about all that could lie ahead if we seek out the good that is so often hidden away. Maybe I also learned something about God. I like to think that the God who loves us “as we are” is also a God who sees our best selves – not just the flaws and failures that makes those who love less perfectly turn away. I like to think that the God who made us is also a God who sees not only the way we are today, but all we can be tomorrow. I like to think, too, that with God’s help we might also be able to see ourselves and others with eyes a bit more like His. There are still days when I wear a favorite outfit and see my mother’s small stiches tucked away. When I see these relics of repairs and remodels of yesteryear, I am grateful. Yes, I am grateful that awkward bows and tacky buttons have been replaced with something better. But I am more grateful for that subtle example of one who could say “yes” when a quick “no” may have been the easier, first reaction. This is the blessed, better vision that can brighten our ordinary times. (Lucia A. Silecchia is a Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty Research at the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law. Email her at silecchia@cua.edu.)
Solemnity of All Saints
Holy Day of Obligation Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023
12 YOUTH
OCTOBER 27, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Around our Catholic Schools
VICKSBURG – Recently, Vicksburg Catholic School eighth graders met for a day of reflection, prayer, small group discussion and liturgy with the school retreat team – START. (Photo by Lindsey Bradley) MERIDIAN – (Left) As part of their Catholic identity, St. Patrick School restored their St. Patrick statue and placed him at the front of the school with Holy Water for students to bless themselves each morning and afternoon as they leave. Blessing themselves daily will remind them of their baptism and to imitate Christ in all things. Pictured: First graders practiced the correct way to bless themselves. (Photo by Owen Kasey)
COLUMBUS – Annunciation School second graders, Amelia Alexander, Olivia Dimino, Estes McGee, Mila Hardy and Calli Bradley "escape" a fire simulation during a fire safety course presented by the Lowndes County Fire Department. (Photo by Logan Gentry)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC OCTOBER 27, 2023
YOUTH 13
Around the diocese
COLUMBUS – PreK-3 students, Kane Doty, Asher Wooden and Logan Mitchell use sand to work on their fine motor skills at Annunciation School. (Photo by Logan Gentry)
COLUMBUS – (Above) Annunciation fourth grader, Joel Heard works on his art auction piece on "pink day!" (Photo by Logan Gentry)
PEARL – (Right) St. Jude youth group played the "imposter" game at a recent gathering. Pictured: (l-r) friend of Ashley Lowe (standing), Ximena Villafranca and Anna Lowe. (Photo by Adeline Bokros)
14 Diocese
OCTOBER 27, 2023 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
New diocesan office aims to build relationships and invite young adults to be a part of the Body of Christ By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – In a proactive response to the growing demand for more opportunities for young adults, the Diocese of Jackson inaugurated its Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry in the fall of 2022. With this new office, the diocese is on a mission to build a vibrant and inclusive ministry that not only brings young adults and college students together but also strengthens their relationship with Christ. In his post-synodal apostolic exhortation released in April 2019, Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive!), Pope Francis emphasized the need to make all institutions more welcoming to young people, and his words resonated deeply with the mission of the Diocese of Jackson. “We need to make all our institutions better equipped to be more welcoming to young people,” said Pope Francis from Christus Vivit. (216) Amelia Rizor, coordinator for the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry, echoed the sentiment expressed by Pope Francis, stating, “The community has an important role in the accompaniment of young people; it should feel collectively responsible for accepting, motivating, encouraging and challenging them. All should regard young people with understanding, appreciation and affections; and avoid constantly judging them.” The office’s efforts in the Jackson area have already shown promise. Rizor has organized activities such as basketball, co-ed softball, and co-ed kickball, which have provided opportunities for young adults to come together for fellowship and build relationships. Additionally, the office also reintroduced “Theology on Tap,” a popular event that engages young adults in discussions of faith in a relaxed setting, with a beverage of choice. However, the office’s focus isn’t just limited to social events, said Rizor. She highlights the importance of growing young people’s spiritual lives, mentioning an GREENWOOD – On Saturday, Oct. 14 college students from across the diocese gathered at Locus upcoming “Young Adult Advent Day of Reflection” on Benedictus Retreat Center in Greenwood for a day of fun, fellowship, speakers, prayer and Mass. The Saturday, Dec. 2 at Camp Bratton Green in Canton, with theme for the day was "Living Joyfully." The event was led by the Diocesan Campus Ministry Retreat diocese director of Faith Formation, Fran Lavelle. Team which is made up of students from campuses across the Diocese. (Photos by Amelia Rizor) Rizor also expressed her desire to create more service opportunities that can be conducted diocesan-wide, allowing young adults to put their faith into action. Rizor says the trip is open to all young adults who will be sophomores in college in Future plans for service include a spring break service trip to Southern Ken- fall 2024 through age 35. tucky, with the aim of assisting those affected by the devastating tornadoes in DeRizor emphasized the importance of actively engaging young adults in these inicember 2021. tiatives, saying “Everyone likes to be invited! If you are waiting around for them to The Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry also recently hosted its first just come back, you’re going to be waiting a long time.” She urged the necessity of campus ministry retreat on Oct. 14 at Locus Benedictus in Greenwood. The event going out and building relationships with young adults, inviting them to be a part of brought together students from various colleges and universities across the diocese the Body of Christ, much like the approach taken by Jesus himself. for fellowship, participation in small groups, and the opportunity for the Sacrament In the Diocese of Jackson, the launch of this young adult ministry is not only of Reconciliation and Mass. about building a community but also about revitalizing the faith and involvement of Excitingly, the office is offering a 10-day trip on the Camino de Santiago – an op- the younger generation in the church’s mission, ensuring that they are an integral portunity to travel in the footsteps of St. James, led by Father Lincoln Dall. The St. part of the church’s body. Pope Francis’ vision, as articulated in Christus Vivit, is a James Way is one of the most ancient and popular pilgrimage routes in the world. guiding light for this important mission. The trip can accommodate only 13 pilgrims total and spots are filling up quickly. “We are incredibly blessed to have someone with Amelia’s ministry experience and her love for the young church,” said Fran Lavelle, director of the Department of Faith Formation for the diocese. “Her strength is in building relationships that lead people to a deeper understanding of their faith. She demonstrates what accompaniment looks like in practice.” For more information on upcoming young adult ministry events, visit https://jacksondiocese.org/ young-adult-campus-ministry or contact Amelia at amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.
JACKSON – On Wednesday, Oct. 18, young adults from around the Jackson area gathered at Martin's restaurant in downtown Jackson for Theology on Tap. The guest speaker was Father Nick Adam who shared with them ideas on how they could make time for prayer and faith in their busy lives. The next Theology on Tap will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8th at 7 p.m. at Martin's.