MS Catholic February 10, 2023

Northwest parishes thirst for ‘Cocktails and Catholicism’

BY LAURA GRISHAM

SOUTHAVEN – Leadership at the Catholic parishes of Northwest Mississippi were in for a surprise when they held their first evening of “Cocktails and Catholicism” at Sacred Heart School in Southaven in January. What was thought that would be a group of maybe 20 to 30 people intimately gathered in the school library, exploded into nearly 250 in attendance gathered in the school gym.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, sta , alumni, as well as parishioners from each of the six Northwest parishes that include Christ the King, Southaven; Good Shepherd, Robinsonville; Holy Spirit, Hernando; Queen of Peace, Olive Branch; St. Gregory, Senatobia; and St. Joseph, Holly Springs, were there.

“We have been blown away by the number of people who have been interested and participated,” said David Delgado, parishioner and Sacred Heart School parent and alumnus.

Delgado and Father David

Catholic Service Appeal kicks-o

BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson kicks o the 2023 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), director of Stewardship and Development, Rebecca Harris shared her thanks for the Synod process over the last year.

“As a diocese, we listened and heard the voices of the people calling for more programs for youth and young adults, more faith formation for adults and opportunities for healing,” said Harris.

“I’m pleased that the CSA can be a part of aiding ministries grow and flourish in our church in these ways.”

In the fall of 2022, the diocese began an o ce for young adult and campus ministry as a response to the call for more opportunities for young adults. This year, the CSA is able to assist this o ce with funds raised through the appeal to help young adults continue to grow in their faith beyond college.

Each year in January Bishop Joseph Kopacz sends letters to all parishioners in the diocese asking for support ofministries 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, Clergy Assistance, Permanent Diaconate Ministry, Catholic Charities, Campus Ministry, Formation Ministry and Religious Education, Intercultural Ministry, Evangelization and Communication, Family Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry and grants for Parishes and Schools.

For detailed information on each of these minis-

tries 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.”

Supporters can click on the “Voices” page to see how donations supported Izzy from the Catholic Charities Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program; or learn how Catholic Charities Born Free program supported Jada to deliver a healthy baby boy free of drugs. Site visitors can also read how the vocations ministry supported Deacon Carlisle Beggerly as he answered the call of God; and discover how Eduardo Padilla reached

Szatkowski, SCJ, moderator of the six Northwest parishes, were the brains behind the event. Others joined them in helping to make it a success, including fellow parishioner and Sacred Heart School parent, Brad Palmertree and Deacon Ted Schreck.

The idea for the sessions began in the summer of 2021. The vision was for a small group of adult Catholics to come together and be drawn back into church life through a series of topics. But the pandemic still had tight reigns on large gatherings, so the idea was tabled for a bit. It was reintroduced as school began in fall of 2022.

Taking cues from input gathered in the synod process, adding more adult faith formation opportunities was a key component. “But we also heard a large number of people talk about their desire to know others better,” said Father David. From there, the plan came together, creating a casual, fun environment for people

– Continued on page 8 –

deep into his faith and became a leader at his parish. And lastly, read how youth ministry supports youth like Emerson Erwin of St. Joseph Gluckstadt to attend retreats like SEARCH.

“Your prayers and generosity always make a di erence,” says Bishop Joseph Kopacz.

There are several ways to give to the 2023 Catholic Service Appeal. Pledge cards can be mailed to PO Box 22723; Jackson, MS 39225; and supporters can visit csa. jacksondiocese.org to donate online.

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

(Editor's note: See the special Catholic Service Appeal insert in this edition of Mississippi Catholic to learn more about all the ministries supported by this

Angels and Demons" at Sacred Heart School. The new initiative is called "Cocktails and Catholicism." The first event brought out almost 250 individuals to participate. The events will take place the second Friday every month. (Photo by Laura Grisham)

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, School of the Holy Spirit, Feb. 16-19. Cost $100 per person, no charge for age 18 and under. Featured speakers: Father Tom Dilorenzo, Maria Vadia and Pastor Myles Milham, with worship team of Mike McDuffee and Arianna Alberti. To register or more details visit: https://tinyurl.com/ SHS-2023-locus-benedictus. Details: Magdalene (662) 299-1232 or locus-benedictus@gmail.com.

JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Men’s Retreat led by Father Anthony Quyet, Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Theme is “Bloom where You are Planted.” All men (Catholics and non-Catholics) are welcome. Details: Richard Martin (601) 540-0419.

ONLINE “Holy is His Name” Bible study with Dr. Scott Hahn and the St. Paul Center, Streaming for free during Lent. This 12-part study traces the meaning of holiness from its origins in Scripture to its appearance in our lives today. Explore Scriptural encounters with the Divine – the burning bush, ark of the covenant, burning coal and more. Details: Register for free at stpaulcenter.com/holystudy

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS

BATESVILLE St. Mary/St. John, Ladies Altar Society Chili Cook-Off, Feb. 19. Details: call church office to register (662) 563-2273.

CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth School, 23rd Draw Down Mardi Gras party, Saturday, Feb. 17 from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Bank Building. Silent auction and entertainment by Groove Factor. Tickets $100/admits two. Must be 21 to attend. Details: call (662) 624-4239.

FLOWOOD St. Paul, 20th Annual $10,000 Draw Down Mardi Gras party, Saturday, Feb. 18 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets $125/admits two. You do not have to be present to win. Details: call Pat at (601) 953-6370.

GREENWOOD Immaculate Heart of Mary, Annual Fat Tuesday Chili Fest, Feb. 21. Details: church office (662) 453-3980.

HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Widowed and Divorced Gathering, Sunday, Feb. 19 from 1-3 p.m. Join us for a Mardi Gras theme event with Bingo and fellowship. Bring an appetizer. Details: sign up in Narthex or contact church office at (662) 429-7581.

MERIDIAN Catholic Community Mardi Gras Party, Saturday, Feb. 18 from 6-10 p.m. at St. Joseph (Kehrer Hall). The “Adult” Catholic Community is invited to come celebrate, fellowship and just have a good time. There is no admission charge; however all are invited to support the “goody basket” raffles at $1 each. Details: David at (601) 938-5757.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Kids Mardi Gras event, Wednesday, Feb. 15 after the Parish Dinner in the Family Life Center. For grades PreK-3 through second. There will be crafts, stories and treats explaining Mardi Gras and its Cathoic history. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.

St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, every Friday of Lent, beginning Feb. 24 from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Cost: Catfish $12; Shrimp $12; Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled fish, call 30 minutes ahead. Details: Darren (601) 597-2890.

PHILADELPHIA Holy Rosary, Lenten Mission (for Holy Rosary, St. Therese and St. Catherine) with Father Dennis Berry, S.T., March 9-11. Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. with Mass and Saturday at 5 p.m. followed by potluck supper in the parish hall. Details: church office (601) 656-2880.

PEARL St. Jude, “Lent: A Season of Preparation and Renewal” – Mission and Mass with Father Joseph Krafft, professor of pastoral theology at Notre Dame Seminary. He will preach at all Masses the weekend of Feb. 18 and 19. Mission on Feb. 19, 20 and 21 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

VICKSBURG 40th Annual Vicksburg Catholic School Drawdown on the River, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Levee Street Warehouse. Join us for a chance to win $20,000 and enjoy a silent auction and food by Gary Thomas. Get your tickets before they sell out. You do not have to be present to win. Details: purchase tickets online at https://one.bidpal. net/2023vcsdrawdown.

SAVE THE DATE

JACKSON 17th Annual Sister Thea Bowman School Draw Down, Saturday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose building. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.

DIOCESE Join us in honoring 2023 Bishop Chanche service award winners. Adult awards presentation and Mass, Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. Youth award presentation will be during the closing Mass at DCYC in Vicksburg on Sunday, March 5.

SPECIAL LENTEN NOTICE

Abstinence: Catholics abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22, 2023) and Good Friday; and also on Fridays during Lent; however, Bishop Joseph Kopacz has granted a dispensation from the requirement of abstaining from meat on Friday, March 17, 2023 in honor of the Feast of St. Patrick, as on this feast day various cultural dishes with meat are traditionally served. The dispensation is granted with the condition that those who take advantage of the dispensation will substitute another profound act of penance, such as prayer and alms giving to mark this day. Norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding on Catholics from age 14 onwards.

Fasting: Catholics fast (eating one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal) on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) and Good Friday (April 7). Catholics 18-59 years old are bound by this obligation.

AUDIO VIDEO BEDDING FURNITURE SUPERSTORE

JACKSON – Millsaps College students met at the Student Center for Sunday Mass with Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Jan. 29. (Photo by Amelia Rizor).

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 10, 2023

Sermon on the Mount, words anything but ordinary

BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.

In the face of unrelenting violence in our world, in our nation and in our communities, our faith in the crucified and risen Lord o ers another vision for living. During this stretch of time that we call Ordinary between the Christmas season and Ash Wednesday, we are blessed this year to hear the teachings of the Lord Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), words that are anything but ordinary.

Rather, they provide a clear but demanding road to travel to embrace our identities as Christians, a way of life rooted in God storing up treasures in heaven. The following excerpts from the Sermon are a counterweight to the scourge of violence throughout our world with no one appearing to have a corner on the market with inhumanity.

“Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

“Blessed are the merciful, for mercy will be theirs.”

“Blessed are they who mourn, they will be comforted.”

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

“You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world … and your light must shine before all so that they may see your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven.”

“You have in your Law that you shall not kill, and anyone who kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you that anyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. Therefore, when o ering your gift at the altar, if you should remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and first go to be reconciled with your brother. Then return and o er your gift.”

“Love your enemies. You have heard that it was said: ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This will make you children of your Heavenly Father. For he causes his sun to rise on the just and the unjust, and his rain falls on both the righteous and the wicked. If you love only those who love you, what reward will you receive? And if you greet only your brethren, what about that is so extraordinary? Therefore, strive to be perfect, even as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”

The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-party reporting system that will enable all diocesan employees, volunteers and parishioners to anonymously (or named if preferred) make reports. Examples of this activity include fraud, misconduct, safety violations, harassment or substance abuse occurring at a Catholic parish, Catholic school or at the diocesan level. The system is operated by Lighthouse Services. Based in Deerfield, Illinois, Lighthouse Services maintains ethics, safety and fraud hotlines for over 4,100 organizations between the U.S. and abroad.

To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/ jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-2161288 (Spanish).

The Association of Priests of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi provide a small pension to our retired priests. As you consider your estate plans, please remember these faithful servants by making a donation or leaving a bequest to the Association of Priests. Our parish priests dedicate their lives to caring for us, their flocks. Let us now care for them in their retirement. Donations can be made payable to the Association of Priests and can be mailed to:

Diocese of Jackson, P.O. Box 22723, Jackson, MS 39225-2723

Volume 69 Number 5 (ISSN 1529-1693)

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

Publisher

Communications Director

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

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  www.jacksondiocese.org

Some might respond to these Gospel imperatives, get real; this is not the way the world works. God might respond in turn; get real, my world is broken, and your way doesn’t appear to be working.

Blessed are the peacemakers. Pope Francis’ historic mission of peace last week to the Republic of the Congo, to the South Sudan and to other nations in Africa with the Archbishop of Canter-

bury, Justin Welby and Reverend Iain Greenshields, the moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland is bringing the light of Gospel to these war weary and violence plagued countries. These ambassadors for Christ are pleading for peace, admonishing the political leaders over their failure to stabilize their countries, and in many cases, over their corrupt leadership.

On the other hand, Pope Francis spoke words of encouragement to the youth and young adults to break with the violence and to demand from their civic and religious leaders the paths of peace, stability and development. He also challenged the clergy, Catholic, Presbyterian and Anglican, to have a hunger for justice and peace and to not remain on the sidelines out of fear or hopelessness. It’s the Sermon on the Mount nearly two thousand years later.

We pray that the light of the Gospel of justice and peace can bring hope to the South Sudan, to the streets of America, to the cities of the Ukraine and to all who su er from the oppression of violence in all forms. Like the Pope, the Archbishop and the Moderator, we pray for the desire to hunger and thirst for justice and peace so that our light may reflect the light, mind and heart of Jesus Christ. We are players and not bystanders who need to prevail in this struggle for humanity with far more at stake than who takes home the Super Bowl trophy.

BISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Thursday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m. – Pro-Life Mississippi Spring Fundraiser, Liberty Baptist Church, Flowood

Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – Rite of Election – Northern Area of the Diocese, Christ the King, Southaven

Sunday, Feb. 26, 2:00 p.m. – Rite of Election – Jackson Area of Diocese, St. Francis of Assisi, Madison

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30 a.m. – Mass, Carmelite Monastery, Jackson

Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m. – Bishop Chanche Awards, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Sunday, March 5, 7 p.m. – Mass, Millsaps College Student Center, Jackson

All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.

A stained glass window at St. Gummarus Church in Lier, Belgium depicts the Sermon on the Mount. (Photo courtesy of BigStock)

A priest or a seminarian, can slowly but surely be steered away from his call if he stops pondering the mystery of God’s love for him and starts to become, as one of my professors used to quip in seminary, ‘a sacramental Pez dispenser.’ (If you don’t know what Pez are, they are little sugar tablets that come in decorated dispensers, and you should try them.)

I hope I’m not scandalizing anyone by saying that celebrating Mass can become routine, and dispensing the sacraments can become routine. A priest can start to doubt his call and start to feel like he is a machine who exists to give out the sacraments while living a life that does not honor the reality of his whole person. Profound liturgies can become a dull routine if a priest does not understand, or does not prayerfully enter into the reality that his priesthood is a call to a mysterious and profound relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity.

Priesthood is not a job, but if we are not formed to believe this and more deeply understand this, it can feel like a job. Priesthood is a change in a man’s being, at the level of his soul, and it is an invitation to become a vessel of God’s love for humanity in a specific way. It is also an invitation into a different type of relationship with God himself. The Lord desires His priests to speak God’s wisdom to a world that has forgotten it. He desires his priests to enter so deeply into the mystery of his love for them and for the world that they cannot help but proclaim it at Mass, and they delight in the dispensation of grace that comes from dispensing the sacraments.

The seminaries that are forming our men are seeking to highlight how to be a priest, not just how to act as a priest. One of the fruits of modern priestly formation that I’ve experienced is a dedication to silent prayer. I just returned from a five-day silent retreat. It was the first time I went on retreat since I became a pastor, and I quickly realized how tempted I would be to break silence in order to ‘check on things.’ But because I was taught in the seminary that my priesthood is not about what I do, but rather is about who I am, I knew that I needed all that time in silence so that Jesus and I could talk. We needed to talk about my triumphs and my shortcomings. We needed to talk about my fears and my brokenness. Most of all, I needed time to be reminded of God’s presence in my life and the call that he placed on my heart to be His priest.

In my last article I encouraged you to support and encourage our priests in their call to celibacy. This week, I ask that you encourage your priests to be men of prayer. When you see them in the Church sitting quietly, say a quick prayer that they take their time and reject any lies that they should ‘get to work.’ Encourage them after a moving homily by saying, ‘Father, you must have been praying this week because that was a spirit-filled homily.’ Encourage them to pray because none of us can give what we don’t have. If a priest is not assured of God’s love for him and the call that he has placed on his heart, he won’t be the bold witness that he has been called to be.

– Father Nick Adam

For more info on vocations email: nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.

Father Nick Adam

To fall in love

IN EXILE

By Father ron rolheiser, oMi

To fall in love! We use the expression to cover many things. You can fall in love with a baby, a sports team, a city, a job or another person. However, we reserve the prime analogate for this expression for one thing, emotional infatuation, that intoxicating feeling we first get when we meet someone who we sense as a soulmate.

Iris Murdoch once wrote that the world can change in fifteen seconds because that’s how quickly you can fall in love with someone. She’s right, and falling in love emotionally can literally paralyze us with a grip so strong that even death seems preferable to losing the one with whom we have fallen in love. Countless heartaches, broken hearts, depressions, clinical breakdowns, suicides, murders and murder-suicides testify to this. Emotional infatuation can be a deadly addiction, the most powerful cocaine on the planet. Where does it come from? Heaven or hell? And, what’s its meaning?

Ultimately, God and nature are its author and that tells us that it is a good thing. We are built for this to happen to us. Moreover, it is a healthy thing, if properly understood, both in its intoxicating power and in its innate failure to be a sustaining power in love.

What happens when we fall in love so powerfully with someone? Are we really in love with that person or are we more in love with being in love and the feelings this brings us? As well, are we really in love with that person or are we in love with an image of him or her we have created for ourselves, one that projects a certain godliness on to that other?

Let me risk some answers. Imagine a man falling deeply in love with a woman. Initially, the feelings can be overpowering and literally paralyze him emotionally. However, inside of all this, a certain question begs to be asked: with whom or with what is he really in love? His feelings? The archetype of femininity the woman is carrying? His image of her? She herself?

In reality, he is in love with all of these: his feelings, his image of her, she herself and the divine feminine she is carrying. All of that is of one piece inside of his experience. As well, all of this can be healthy at this stage of love.

God invented emotional infatuation, just as God invented honeymoons. We are not meant to be drawn to each other by cold analytics alone. But, this kind of falling in love is an initiatory stage in love (albeit a delightful one) that needs to be understood exactly for what it is, an initiatory stage, nothing more, one that invites us into something deeper. Emotional infatuation is not yet a mature stage in love. Unless one dies in its grip, as did Romeo and Juliet, it will one day lose its hold on us and leave us disillusioned. When Iris Murdoch said that we can fall in love in fifteen seconds, she might also have added that, sadly, we can also fall out of love in fifteen seconds.

Emotional infatuation can be that ephemeral, both in its birth and in its dying.

So falling in love (in this emotional way) comes fraught with certain dangers. First, there is the adolescent proclivity to identify this with

deep love itself. Consequently, when the powerful emotional and psychosexual feelings let go, the person easily concludes that he or she is no longer in love and moves on. Next, more subtly, there is this danger. When we are in this initial gripping stage of love, our image of the other carries with it a certain godliness. What’s meant by that?

St. Augustine coined this timeless dictum: You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Hence, nothing in life can ever really be enough for us. We are always restless, always yearning for something more. However, in this initial phase of love, when we have fallen into the grip of emotional infatuation, for a time the other is enough for us. That’s why Romeo and Juliet could die happy. At this stage of love, they were enough for each other.

However, the hard truth is that infatuation does

not last. The other person, no matter how wonderful he or she might actually be, is not God and can never be enough (and we are unfair to him or her when we unconsciously expect them to be enough). For a while, they are able to carry that godliness for us, but that illusion of godliness will eventually break and we will realize that this is just a person, one person, wonderful perhaps, but finite, limited and not divine. That realization (which is ultimately meant to be the ground for mature love) can, if not understood, jeopardize or sour a relationship.

God invented falling in love! In it, we get a little foretaste of heaven, though, as experience tells us that is not without its dangers.

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

By Carol Glatz

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Marriage is not a ceremony, a social event, a mere formality or an abstract ideal, Pope Francis said.

Marriage, according to Christian revelation, is a gift from God that joins a man and woman together so that “the two shall become one flesh,” and “what God has joined together, no human being must separate,” the pope said, quoting the Gospel of Matthew.

Marriage is also “an extraordinary good, a good of extraordinary value for everyone: for the spouses themselves, for their children, for all families with whom they form relationships, for the entire church, for all of humanity,” the pope told members of the Roman Rota, a Vatican-based tribunal that deals mainly with marriage cases and requests for marriage annulments.

“Every true marriage, even a non-sacramental one, is a gift of God to the spouses,” the pope told the tribunal members Jan. 27. “Matrimony is always a gift! Conjugal fidelity rests on divine fidelity; conjugal fruitfulness is based on divine fruitfulness. Man and woman are called to accept this gift and freely correspond to it with the reciprocal gift of self.”

As the members inaugurated the tribunal’s judicial year, Pope Francis said he wanted to focus his talk on marriage “because there is a great need in the church and in the world to rediscover the meaning and value of the conjugal union between a man and a woman on which the family is based.”

St. John Paul II described the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony as offering a “new heart” so that “the couples are not only able to overcome ‘hardness of heart,’ but also and above all they are able to share the full and definitive love of Christ, the new and eternal covenant made flesh,” the pope said, quoting from the 1981 document, “Familiaris Consortio.”

“Marriage according to Christian revelation is not

a ceremony or a social event, no,” Pope Francis said. “It is neither a formality nor an abstract ideal: it is a reality with its own precise consistency, not a form of mere emotional satisfaction that can be constructed in any way or modified at will.”

At the same time, the pope said, “marriage should not be idealized, as if it existed only where there are no problems.”

God’s plan “is always fulfilled imperfectly” in human hands, he said, and yet the Lord is present in the family “with all their daily troubles and struggles, joys and hopes.”

Life as a family makes it “difficult to pretend and lie; we cannot hide behind a mask,” he said. “If that authenticity is inspired by love, then the Lord reigns there, with his joy and his peace.”

For married couples in crisis, “the church, both pastors and other faithful, accompanies them with love and hope, seeking to support them,” he said. “A fundamental resource for facing and overcoming crises is to renew awareness of the gift received in the sacrament of marriage, an irrevocable gift, a source of grace on which we can always count.”

Pope Francis said there is a need “to rediscover the permanent reality of marriage as a bond,” especially since the “bond” is often thought of as an “imposition, a burden, a ‘tether’ in opposition to the authenticity and freedom of love.”

“If, on the other hand, the bond is understood precisely as a bond of love, then it reveals itself as the core of marriage, as a divine gift that is the source of true freedom and that safeguards married life,” he said.

The church can assist engaged and married couples to deepen their love and overcome difficulties not just by helping them accept its doctrinal teachings and its valuable spiritual resources, he said. The church can also help by offering “practical programs, sound advice, strategies based on experience and psychological guidance.”

The

Pope’s Corner

Marriage is a gift from God that benefits everyone, pope says

Pope Francis talks to a group of sisters attending an audience with members of the Roman Rota, a Vatican tribunal, at the end of an audience at the Vatican Jan. 27, 2023.

The Vatican court deals mainly with appeals in marriage annulment cases. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

'... Cocktails and Catholicism held monthly ...'

– Continued from page 1 –

to gather in fellowship, in conjunction with a 30-minute-long presentation on a theological topic. The hospitality aspect was added to make people feel at home once they arrived at the sessions. Snacks and faith-related discussion would be provided; the cocktails (and colas) would be BYOB.

So far, nearly 200 have already signed up for the next session, with more and more responding every day. In order to handle the volume of attendees without the event conflicting with school activities or creating parking issues, it was decided to move gatherings to the family life center at Holy Spirit Church in Hernando.

“We hope to establish a stronger Catholic community in our area,” says Delgado. “And provide a spiritual ‘ramp’ for those who might need it. Sharing topics of faith in a unique, less intimidating setting seems to attract a really good crowd.”

The topic for the first gathering was “The Real Story of Angels and Demons” presented by Father David on – most appropriately – Friday the 13th. (One can find Father David’s full presentation on the Catholic Parishes of Northwest Mississippi’s YouTube channel @NWMSCatholic.)

“Cocktails and Catholicism” sessions will be held monthly on the second Friday of each month, with doors opening at 6 p.m. for socializing and presentations beginning at 7:15 p.m., followed by a short question and answer session.

Organizers have scheduled speakers from across northwest Mississippi and greater Mid-South through mid-year. Future topics include the following:

• “Can We Eat Alligator on Friday and Other Important Things to Know as You Prepare for Lent” on Feb. 10 with Father Ben Bradshaw of St. Michael’s parish in Memphis and creator of “Soul Food Priest.”

• March 10: “What gives you Hope? Jean Valjean’s Life Changed in a Moment” with Deacon Ted Schreck.

• April 14: “The Resurrection: Fulfillment of God’s Promises – If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain” with Sister Mary Lawrence, OP.

• May 12:“Sister Says…” with Sister Margaret Sue Broker, OSF.

• June 9: “Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk: Evangelizing as a Catholic” with Father Dennis Schenkel.

• July 14: “Confession” with Father Gabe Bouck.

SOUTHAVEN – Father David Szatkowski, SCJ is part of the brains behind the "Cocktails and Catholicism" event in the northwest region of the state. He is pictured at the first event on Friday, Jan. 13 at Sacred Heart School giving a talk entitled "The Real Story of Angels and Demons." A copy of the presentation can be found on YouTube at @NWMSCatholic. (Photo by Laura Grisham)

(All events are adults only and arecurrently held at Holy Spirit parish in Hernando at 545 East Commerce Street. More information contact Deacon Ted Schreck at Christ the King parish at (662) 342-1073.)

ST. LOUIS – Sister Marie Elizabeth “Sister Liz” Koehler, RSM, age 73, of St. Louis, Misourri, died Jan. 18, 2023, in hospice care at Catherine’s Residence, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Born the eldest of seven children, Sister Liz dedicated her life to serving others.

Born Jan. 25, 1949, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Sister Liz graduated from St. Edward Elementary School in 1963 and Mt. St. Mary’s in 1967, both in Little Rock. After graduating from “the Mount,” she entered the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate in St. Louis. Continuing her education, Sister Liz received her Bachelors of Arts in social studies from Maryville College, St. Louis, in 1973 with an elementary education certificate. While continuing in her ministry, she received her Masters of Science in counseling at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, in 1986, and a certificate in spiritual direction from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, in 1997.

Sister Liz’s call to self-sacrifice and service sustained her through teaching at Christ the King School, Fort Smith, Arkansas; St. Patrick School, Meridian, Mississippi; St. Joan of Arc School, St. Louis; serving as a child care worker at Mercita Hall, St. Louis; parish ministry at St. Richard Church, Jackson, Mississippi; as spiritual director in Little Rock; and bereavement coordinator at Mercy Medical facilities in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Springfield, Missouri.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Koehler, Sr., and Mary Ellen (Penny) Koehler and brother Dennis Koehler.

In addition to her love of her family, Sister Liz enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing, cake decorating, photography, reading and traveling.

In memoriam: Sister Marie Elizabeth “Sister Liz” Koehler, RSM

ANNUAL REPORT 2022 CATHOLIC SERVICE APPEAL ackson

Catholic Diocese of Jackson

SEMINARIAN EDUCATION

Dear Friends in Christ,

Your generous support of the 2022 Catholic Service Appeal was very encouraging to me, as well as to all who serve in our ministries supported by the annual appeal. It brings me great joy that the 2,615 families who contributed to the Catholic Service Appeal raised $1,078,245. Thank you for sharing the blessings that God has provided to you in order to fully fund the 14 ministries supported by the annual appeal.

Please know that each gift has made a difference. In turn, know that we have been good stewards with the money that you have entrusted to us. The accompanying breakdown of our annual report provides an overview of all of the ministries where every gift was directed and every dollar accounted for.

Your prayers and generosity always make a difference, and you have made an impact in the lives of those supported by these ministries. Let us faithfully remember one another in prayer and all whom we serve through the annual Catholic Service Appeal.

Most Sincerely Yours in Christ,

$ 175,000

As each of our nine seminarians move closer to ordination. Your gift to the appeal helps with the cost of tuition, books and health insurance as these men prepare to become a priest in our diocese. The Office of Vocations helps to guide those who are discerning a call to a life of serving the church. It is through prayer and your support that people are responding to God’s call.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

$ 325,000

As the minors from worn torn countries and victims of human trafficking seek shelter and safety. Catholic Charities provides foster care giving them a place to call home through the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program. Since 1963 Catholic Charities has been a visible sign of Christ’s love to those who are unable to help themselves.

RETIRED PRIESTS

$ 125,000

We have the honor of supporting our 23 retired priests by providing assistance through supplemental health insurance, long term care needs and other important services required. As they continue to serve our diocese.

YOUTH MINISTRY $ 40,000

Our youth live in a diocese that is only 3% Catholic. Youth Ministry allows our Catholic youth to gather at retreats and conferences, so they interact with other Catholic youth, engage in their faith and learn the importance of developing a relationship with God. The Youth Office assists youth ministers around the diocese so that our Catholic youth are engaged in their faith.

Most Reverend Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

“Sirviendo a los Católicos Hispanos de la Diócesis de Jackson desde 1997”

'El corazón nos ardía en el pecho'

JACKSON – Los participantes del Ministerio Emaús de la diócesis de Jackson tuvieron un activo y alegre programa de tres días, en los que alabaron y reflexionaron sobre la Palabra de Dios en sus vidas. Los retiros de Emaús fueron interrumpidos por la pandemia y ahora, sus organizadores tratan de reanimar uno de los ministerios, que por más de 45 años ha ayudado a cambiar la vida de muchas personas, al unir sus almas a las del Cristo resucitado. En la foto, varios miembros se ponen en movimiento, para su caminar hacia Emaús, animados por los misioneros Maggie y Juan Carlos López, directores de la Escuela de Evangelización San Francisco de Asís (EDESFA) de Houston, Texas, durante el fin de semana del 27 al 29 de enero. (Fotos cortesía de Lorena Urizar)

Por BerTa MeXiDor

“¿No es verdad que el corazón nos ardía en el pecho cuando nos venía hablando por el camino y nos explicaba las Escrituras?” Lucas 24:32

El Ministerio de Emaús de la diócesis de Jackson, retomó su camino, después de dos años de receso forzoso, los días 27, 28 y 29 de febrero con reunión en la Catedral de San Pedro, Retiro para Servidores en Santa Teresa y clausura en Canton, respectivamente.

En la noche del viernes 27, más de 70 miembros del ministerio Camino a Emaús, hombres y mujeres, se reunieron en a la Catedral de San Pedro. Allí recibieron la primera charla de los misioneros Maggie y Juan Carlos López y tuvieron la compañía del párroco de la catedral y director de Vocaciones de la diócesis, Padre Nick Adam.

El matrimonio López, colombianos, residentes en Houston, con más de veinte años de ser misioneros y encargados de EDESFA, Escuela de Evangelización San Francisco de Asís, en Houston, se dedica a educar a través de todo el país no solo a los servidores de Emaús sino a comunidades que requieren de sesiones de evangelización.

En el centro comunitario de St. Therese tuvieron un retiro, de ocho de la mañana a cinco de la tarde, con cuarenta personas, servidores y aspirantes a servidores de Emaús el sábado 28. El proceso de llegar a ser servidor es muy selectivo, requiere mucho tiempo de preparación y es considerado para muchos un honor. En la tarde terminaron con la compañía del Padre Kevin Slattery para una hora de adoración al Santísimo.

El domingo 29, en Canton, concluyó la asamblea. En cada sesión la pareja López mantuvo activos a los participantes, con cantos, oraciones y alabanzas. Lorena Urizar, de la Catedral de San Pedro y coordinadora del ministerio Emaús de mujeres en Mississippi dice que el grupo se dedicó este fin de semana a reencaminar el ministerio de Emaús, después de dos años de inactividad por causa de la pandemia.

Durante los tres días, el espíritu común de todos fue de alegría por la reapertura de los retiros de Emaús con la preparación de los servidores y el reto de incrementar el número de participantes.

El ministerio del Camino a Emaús, basado en el pasaje de Lucas 24, 13-35 y muy

conocido por sus retiros, comenzó en 1978 en Miami, impulsado por el Padre David G. Russell, la señora Mirna Gallagher y varias laicas educadoras religiosas. Por más de 45 años Emaús se ha multiplicado desde entonces y ya tiene base en

– Continúa en la pág. 4–

JACKSON – Durante el fin de semana del 27 al 29 de enero, al menos 80 personas participaron entre una y otra de las actividades del grupo de Emaús de la Diócesis de Jackson. En la foto se ve reflejada la alegría de espíritu en las caras de (i-d) Lorena Urizar, coordinadora de Emaús – Mujeres y Maggie López, misionera de evangelización, que llegó desde Houston a animar a los participantes.

Mañana y mañana

EN EXILIO Por ron rolheiser

En sus Confesiones, San Agustín describe cómo su conversión al cristianismo involucró dos momentos separados de gracia, el primero que lo convenció intelectualmente de que el cristianismo era correcto y el segundo que lo capacitó para vivir lo que creía. Pasaron casi nueve años entre estas dos conversiones y fue durante esos nueve años que dijo su famosa oración: Señor, hazme un cristiano bueno y casto, pero todavía no.

Curiosamente, un contemporáneo suyo, también un santo, Efraín el sirio (306373 d. C.) escribió una oración similar: ¡Oh, amado mío, cómo me arrepiento y me despido a diario! Construyo durante una hora y una hora derriba lo que he construido. A la tarde digo, mañana me arrepentiré, pero cuando llega la mañana, gozoso pierdo el día. Nuevamente, en la tarde digo, velaré toda la noche y rogaré al Señor que tenga misericordia de mis pecados. Pero cuando llega la noche, estoy lleno de sueño.

Lo que Agustín y Efraín describen con tanta claridad (y no sin un toque de humor) es una de las verdaderas dificultades que enfrentamos en nuestra lucha por crecer en la fe y en la madurez humana, a saber, la tendencia a ir por la vida diciendo: “Sí, yo necesito hacerlo mejor. Necesito esforzarme y trabajar para superar mis malos hábitos, ¡pero ahora no es el momento!”

Es consolador saber que varios santos lucharon durante años con la mediocridad, la pereza y los malos hábitos y que ellos, como nosotros, pudieron ceder durante años a esas cosas con el encogimiento de hombros: “¡Mañana comenzaré de nuevo!”. Durante unos años, una de las expresiones de Agustín fue “¡Mañana y mañana!”

“¡Sí, pero todavía no!” ¿Con qué frecuencia nos describe esto? Quiero ser un buen cristiano y una buena persona. Quiero vivir más por la fe, ser menos perezoso, menos egoísta, más misericordioso con los demás, más contemplativo, menos entregado a la ira, la amargura, la paranoia y el juicio de los demás. Quiero dejar de ceder a los chismes y las calumnias. Quiero involucrarme de manera más realista en la justicia. Quiero una mejor vida de oración. Quiero tomarme tiempo para las cosas, pasar más tiempo con mi familia, oler las flores, conducir más despacio, ser más paciente y tener menos prisa. Tengo una serie de malos hábitos que necesito cambiar, todavía hay áreas de amargura en mí, estoy fallando en muchas cosas, realmente necesito cambiar, pero ahora no es el momento.

FE EN CASA

Primero, necesito trabajar en una relación en particular, envejecer, cambiar de trabajo, casarme, descansar, estar saludable, terminar la escuela, tener unas vacaciones necesarias, dejar que algunas heridas cicatricen, sacar a los niños de la casa, jubilarme, mudarme a una nueva parroquia y alejarme de esta situación; entonces me tomaré en serio cambiar todo esto. ¡Señor, hazme una persona más madura y cristiana, pero aún no!

Al final, esa no es una buena oración. Agustín nos dice que, durante años, al decir esta oración pudo racionalizar su propia mediocridad. Sin embargo, un cataclismo comenzó a construirse dentro de él. Dios es infinitamente paciente con nosotros, pero nuestra propia paciencia con nosotros mismos eventualmente se agota y, en un punto, ya no podemos continuar como antes.

En el Libro 8 de las Confesiones, Agustín cuenta cómo un día, sentado en un jardín, se sintió abrumado por su propia inmadurez y mediocridad y “una gran tormenta se desató dentro de mí, trayendo consigo un gran diluvio de lágrimas. … Me arrojé debajo de una higuera y cedí a las lágrimas que ahora brotaban de mis ojos … en mi miseria seguí llorando: '¿Hasta cuándo seguiré diciendo, mañana, mañana? ¿Por qué no ahora?'” Cuando se levantó del suelo, su vida había cambiado; nunca más terminó una oración con ese pequeño matiz, “pero todavía no”.

Todos tenemos ciertos hábitos en nuestra vida que sabemos que son malos, pero que por diversas razones (pereza, adicción, falta de fuerza moral, fatiga, ira, paranoia, celos o la presión de familiares o amigos) nos resistimos. romper. Sentimos nuestra mediocridad, pero nos consuela nuestra humanidad, sabiendo que todos (excepto los santos en toda regla) a menudo tienen esta advertencia, hablada o no, en sus oraciones: "¡Sí, Señor, ¡pero todavía no!"

De hecho, hay de hecho un consuelo válido en esta oración en el sentido de que reconoce algo importante dentro de la infinita comprensión y misericordia de Dios. Dios, sospecho, lidia mejor con nuestras faltas que nosotros las lidiamos y otros nos lidiamos a nosotros. Sin embargo, como Agustín, incluso cuando decimos, “mañana y mañana”, una tormenta continúa formándose dentro de nosotros y, tarde o temprano, nuestra propia mediocridad nos enfermará lo suficiente como para hacernos decir: “¿Por qué no ahora?”

Cuando el salmista dice: “Cantad al Señor un cántico nuevo”, podríamos preguntarnos, ¿cuál es el cántico antiguo? Es el que termina con nosotros orando, ¡Sí, Señor, ¡pero todavía no!

(El padre oblato Ron Rolheiser es teólogo, maestro y autor galardonado. Se le puede contactar en su sitio web www.ronrolheiser.com. Facebook @ronrolheiser)

Manera más sencilla de compartir fe con nuestros hijos

Por laura Kelly Fanucci

¿Cuál es la influencia más importante en la fe de un niño, según numerosos estudios?

No es el asistir a Misa con la familia; no es observar los hábitos de oración de los padres. No son los párrocos, los líderes de grupos juveniles, las escuelas católicas, las clases de formación en la fe, los campamentos de verano, o los viajes misioneros.

Más bien, es el simple acto de los padres hablando con los niños.

En su libro más reciente, "Transmitiendo la fe: Cómo los padres pasan la fe a la próxima generación", los sociólogos Christian Smith y Amy Adamczyk señalan que los padres no solo tienen la mayor influencia en la futura vida de fe de sus hijos, sino que el factor más poderoso para hacerlo es cómo los padres hablan con sus hijos sobre la religión y Dios en la vida cotidiana.

Resulta que las conversaciones ordinarias importan más que cualquier otra cosa. Estos hallazgos sorprendentes no tienen por qué socavar lo que creemos como católicos. Sabemos que nuestra celebración de los sacramentos (especialmente la Eucaristía) es esencial; la oración diaria es un deber y la formación en la fe de las nuevas generaciones es una gran prioridad.

Pero estos estudios sobre las familias en Estados Unidos subrayan la verdad de que los padres son los principales catequistas de sus hijos. Resulta que formar hijos en la fe no proviene ni siquiera de la mejor programación parroquial, sino de conversaciones regulares en el hogar. Puede ser abrumador soportar el peso de esta responsabilidad, pero hay que considerar las posibilidades: no son los profesionales religiosos en la iglesia o la escuela los que tienen el mayor impacto en los niños, sino los adultos con los que interactúan durante toda la semana.

Esta realidad encierra un enorme potencial sobre lo que los padres y los abuelos pueden hacer para pasar la fe a sus hijos. A través de las conversaciones cotidi-

anas, normalizamos la fe como parte de la vida diaria. Los padres no tienen que predicar o enseñar en sentido estricto. Lo mejor que podemos hacer es tener conversaciones sobre la fe en la mesa, durante el camino a la escuela, en las gradas o en el patio trasero, donde sea que estemos interactuando con nuestros hijos.

Mostrar a los jóvenes que la fe es una parte normal y natural de la vida dice mucho. Piensa en las dificultades escolares, las temporadas deportivas, los dramas de amistad, los debates políticos, los problemas de salud, los titulares de las noticias, o los hitos familiares. Cualquier conversación que comencemos a través del lente de la fe puede mostrar cómo la luz de Dios brilla en cada parte de la vida.

Ser un auténtico testigo de tu fe no requiere apren-

der un nuevo idioma. Simplemente necesitas compartir lo que es importante para ti. Como sabemos por las prácticas y ensayos de nuestros hijos, la repetición constante es lo que nos ayuda a desarrollar nuevas habilidades.

Los padres aparecen en una foto de archivo leyendo a su hija. Antes de Google y especialmente antes de AI( Inteligencia Artificial por su nombre en inglés), existían estas cosas llamadas Padres y los niños acudían a ellos con preguntas e inquietudes para conversaciones, aprendizaje y las familias se construían sobre ellos. (Foto OSV News/archivo CNS, Debbie Hill)

Pruébalo con tus hijos esta semana. Inicia una pequeña conversación y observa a dónde conduce. Habla sobre un tema político en las noticias, una injusticia que tú percibes en el mundo, una pregunta sobre la homilía del domingo pasado o sobre la manera en que estás ayudando a un amigo en un momento difícil. Comparte con tus hijos sobre alguna situación que te recordó a Dios hoy: una puesta de sol vibrante, la sonrisa de un extraño, una canción en la radio, o una palabra amable cuando más la necesitabas. Pregúntales a tus hijos qué creen que Dios podría decir acerca de una determinada situación. Escucha sus respuestas. Interróguense juntos y busquen las respuestas. Los Evangelios demuestran el poder de las interacciones cotidianas. Jesús caminó y habló con amigos y extraños todos los días. Muchos de estos breves encuentros se convirtieron en eventos que cambiaron vidas. Así también, el mayor regalo que podemos ofrecer a nuestros hijos es mantener la fe en el centro de la vida familiar. En el coche. Después del partido. Antes de ir a la cama. Durante la cena. No podemos sencillamente dejar a nuestros hijos en una escuela católica o en clases de educación religiosa y dar por terminado nuestro trabajo. No podemos esperar que la Misa dominical enseñe a nuestros hijos todo lo que necesitan saber. La formación en la fe es lo que sucede en el hogar. Como padres, no podemos controlar cómo serán nuestros hijos en el futuro, pero tenemos un papel importante que desempeñar, y podemos compartir la fe más conscientemente en nuestras conversaciones a partir de hoy.

(Laura Kelly Fanucci es autora, oradora, y fundadora de Mothering Spirit, un lugar de reunión en línea sobre crianza y espiritualidad.)

Sermón del Monte, en el día de hoy

Por oBisPo JosePh r. KoPacZ, D.D. Frente a la violencia implacable en nuestro mundo, en nuestra nación y en nuestras comunidades, nuestra fe en el Señor crucificado y resucitado ofrece otra visión para vivir. Durante este período de tiempo que llamamos Ordinario entre la temporada de Navidad y el Miércoles de Ceniza, este año tenemos la bendición de escuchar las enseñanzas del Señor Jesús del Sermón de la Montaña (Mateo, capítulos 5-7), palabras que son todo menos ordinarias.

Más bien, brindan un camino claro pero exigente a recorrer para abrazar nuestras identidades como cristianos, una forma de vida arraigada en Dios acumulando tesoros en el cielo. Los siguientes extractos del Sermón son un contrapeso al flagelo de la violencia en todo nuestro mundo sin que nadie parezca tener un rincón en el mercado con la inhumanidad.

“Bienaventurados los que procuran la paz, pues ellos serán llamados hijos de Dios.”.

“Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, pues ellos recibirán misericordia”.

“Bienaventurados los que lloran, ellos serán consolados”.

“Bienaventurados los que tienen hambre y sed de justicia, pues ellos serán saciados.”

"Vosotros sois la sal de la tierra; sois la luz del mundo … Así brille vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas acciones y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos”.

“Habéis oído que se dijo a los antepasados: «No Mataras» y: «Cualquiera que cometa homicidio será culpable ante la corte». Pero yo os digo que todo aquel que esté enojado con su hermano será culpable ante la corte … Por tanto, si estás presentando tu ofrenda en el altar, y allí te acuerdas que tu hermano tiene algo contra ti, deja tu ofrenda allí delante del altar, y ve, reconcíliate primero con tu hermano, y entonces ven y presenta tu ofrenda.”

“Habéis oído que se dijo: «Amaras a tu prójimo y odiarás a tu enemigo». Pero yo os digo: amad a vuestros

enemigos y orad por los que os persiguen, para que seáis hijos de vuestro Padre que está en los cielos. porque Él hace salir su sol sobre malos y buenos y llover sobre justos e injustos. Porque si amáis a los que os aman, ¿qué recompensa tenéis? ¿No hacen también lo mismo los recaudadores de impuestos? Y si saludáis solamente a vuestros hermanos, ¿qué hacéis más que otros? ¿No hacen también lo mismo los gentiles? Por tanto, sed vosotros perfectos como vuestro Padre celestial es perfecto.”

Algunos pueden responder a estos imperativos del Evangelio, pero sean realistas; esta no es la forma en que funciona el mundo. Dios podría responder a su vez; sé realista, mi mundo está roto y tu camino no parece estar funcionando.

“Bienaventurados los pacificadores.” La histórica misión de paz del Papa Francisco la semana pasada a la República del Congo, a Sudán del Sur y a otras naciones de África con el arzobispo de Canterbury, Justin Welby y el Reverendo Iain Greenshields, el moderador de la Iglesia Presbiteriana en Escocia está trayendo la luz del Evangelio a estos países cansados de la guerra y plagados de violencia. Estos embajadores de Cristo están suplicando por la paz, amonestando a los líderes políticos por su fracaso en estabilizar sus países y, en muchos casos, por su liderazgo corrupto.

Por otra parte, el Papa Francisco pronunció palabras de aliento a los jóvenes para que rompan con la violencia y exijan a sus líderes cívicos y religiosos caminos de paz, estabilidad y desarrollo. También desafió al clero, católico, presbiteriano y anglicano, a tener hambre de justicia y paz y a no quedarse al margen por miedo o desesperanza. Es el Sermón del Monte casi dos mil años después.

Oramos para que la luz del Evangelio de justicia y paz pueda traer esperanza a Sudán del Sur, a las calles de Estados Unidos, a las ciudades de Ucrania y a todos los que sufren la opresión de la violencia en todas sus formas. Como el Papa, el arzobispo y el Moderador, oramos por el deseo de tener hambre y sed de justicia y paz para que nuestra luz refleje la luz, la mente y el corazón de Jesucristo. Somos jugadores y no espectadores que debemos prevalecer en esta lucha por la humanidad, que tiene mucho más en juego que quién se lleva a casa el trofeo del Super Bowl.

Bienaventurados los pobres en espíritu, pues de ellos es el reino de los cielos.

Bienaventurados los que lloran, pues ellos serán consolados.

Bienaventurados los humildes, pues ellos heredarán la tierra.

Bienaventurados los que tienen hambre y sed de justicia, pues ellos serán saciados.

Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, pues ellos recibirán misericordia.

Bienaventurados los de limpio corazón, pues ellos verán a Dios.

Bienaventurados los que procuran la paz, pues ellos serán llamados hijos de Dios.

Bienaventurados aquellos que han sido perseguidos por causa de la justicia, pues de ellos es el reino de los cielos. Bienaventurados seréis cuando os insulten y persigan, ... por causa de mí. Regocijaos y alegraos, porque vuestra recompensa en los cielos es grande...

Vosotros sois la sal de la tierra; pero si la sal se ha vuelto insípida, ¿con qué se hará salada otra vez?

Vosotros sois la luz del mundo. Así brille vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas acciones y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.

Reconciliación para un futuro radiante de paz y prosperidad

Por cinDy WooDen

KINSHASA, Congo (CNS) – La gente del Congo es más preciosa que cualquiera de las gemas o minerales que se encuentran en la tierra bajo sus pies, sin embargo, han sido masacrados por belicistas y explotados por buscadores, dijo el Papa Francisco.

“Este país, tan inmenso y lleno de vida, este diafragma de África, golpeado por la violencia como un golpe en el estómago, parece desde hace tiempo estar sin aliento”, dijo el Papa el 31 de enero en una reunión con el presidente del Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, otros líderes gubernamentales y políticos, diplomáticos y representantes de la sociedad civil.

La pobreza, el desplazamiento interno, el crimen y la violencia azotan al pueblo congoleño. Las Naciones Unidas y las organizaciones de derechos humanos dicen que más de 100 grupos armados están operando en el país, sembrando el terror particularmente en el este.

Decenas de miles de personas se alinearon en las calles desde el aeropuerto hasta el centro de la ciudad, vitoreando mientras el Papa pasaba en el papamóvil.

Muchos niños y adolescentes vestían sus uniformes escolares, los feligreses portaban con

CONGO – El Papa Francisco saluda a niños cuando llega al aeropuerto internacional de Kinshasa, Congo, el 31 de enero de 2023. (Foto OSV News/Vatican Media vis Reuters)

orgullo pancartas dando la bienvenida al Papa en nombre de sus comunidades y muchas de las mujeres vestían vestidos de algodón de colores brillantes con imágenes del Papa.

Hablando a varios cientos de líderes en el jardín del Palais de la Nation, su residencia oficial, el presidente Tshisekedi le dijo al Papa que la acogida y la armonía que habían caracterizado al Congo durante siglos, en los últimos 30 años, "se han visto socavadas por los enemigos de paz así como grupos terroristas, principalmente de países vecinos".

Al mismo tiempo, el Papa no dejó escapar a los congoleños, especialmente a aquellos que promueven a miembros de su propia etnia o partido político en detrimento de sus vecinos, "alimentando así espirales de odio y violencia".

"Desde un punto de vista químico, es interesante que los diamantes estén formados por átomos simples de carbono que, si se unen de manera diferente, forman grafito: en efecto, la diferencia entre el brillo del diamante y la oscuridad del grafito proviene de la forma en que el individuo y los átomos están ordenados," dijo el Papa.

"Su voluntad o no de encontrarse, reconciliarse y comenzar de nuevo marca la diferencia entre la severidad del conflicto y un futuro radiante de paz y prosperidad".

... Siguen Camino a Emaus ...

varios países de América Latina y Europa, principalmente España. Su modelo de retiros es su marca. Muchos de los miles de cientos, que ha acudido a ellos, en testimonios lo califican, como” único”, “excepcional” y “místico”, entre otros adjetivos.

De ahí se deriva el éxito de esta experiencia personal que ha ayudado a cambiar, para bien, a muchas vidas y familias. Lorena explica que un grupo de coordinadores de Houston junto al equipo local, determinaron hacer retiros en Mississippi. El ministerio de Emaús comenzó en la Diócesis de Jackson en 2017 y luego en 2019 hubo un retiro de mujeres en abril y de hombres en mayo, bajo la coordinación de Lorena Urizar e Hirvin López respectivamente. Para ambos retiros se contó con la presencia de un grupo de servidores mayormente de Houston Texas.

El retiro es inclusivo, para laicos y religiosos, incluidos sacerdotes, para ateos y creyentes, todos son recibidos. Por todos estos años muchos sacerdotes, religiosos y religiosas han apoyado esta iniciativa en la diócesis de Jackson. Algunos de ellos han sido los asesores espirituales de los retiros.

Al final de cada retiro, los familiares de los participantes los reciben, después de tres días de ausencia en el hogar mientras los apoyan con sus oraciones y mensajes de ánimo. Al final las familias tienen una Misa especial que se celebra para culminar en comunión una experiencia que les marca las vidas por su cercanía con Cristo.

Lorena invita a todos los Católicos Hispanos de la diócesis a tener la experiencia de los retiros de Emaús, que se realizan por separado para mujeres y hombres. Para participar, puede comunicarse con los coordinadores al (601) 667-9779.

Obituario: Rogelio Zelada

JACKSON – Miembros de Emaús compartieron alabanzas, trabajos en grupo, retiro espiritual y Hora Santa de Adoración. Al fondo, el matrimonio López, de misioneros evangelizadores, conversa con uno de los participantes. (Fotos cortesía de Lorena Urizar)

TOME NOTA

Retiro de Cuaresma en Camden con el Padre Alexis Zuñiga

Sabado 18 de febrero de 9 a.m. a 3 p.m.

Para inscribirse, llame al 601-278-0678

Vírgenes y Santos

San Valentín. Patrono de los Enamorados. Feb. 14

Dia de los Presidentes. Feb. 20

Martes de Carnaval. Feb. 21

Miércoles de Ceniza. Feb. 22

San Juan de Dios. Marzo 8

San Patricio. Marzo 17

San José. Marzo 19

Solemnidad de la Anunciación del Señor. Marzo 25

Envíenos sus fotos a editor@jacksondiocese.org

Síganos en Facebook

@ Diócesis Católica de Jackson

Para boletín. Mande un texto MSCATHOLIC a 84576

MIAMI (OSV News) – Rogelio Zelada, quien dedicó casi toda su vida a la formación de un laicado comprometido, falleció el 21 de enero de 2023 en su casa de Miami, a consecuencia de un cáncer que se le había diagnosticado hace varios años. Acababa de cumplir 78 años, casi todos dedicados a la Iglesia de Cuba, Puerto Rico y Miami. Su velorio y Misa fúnebre tendrán lugar el 28 de enero en el Santuario Nacional de la Virgen de la Caridad – conocida como la Ermita de la Caridad. Zelada cuidó de la imagen de la Virgen de la Caridad fielmente por décadas y le escribió una de las más conocidas composiciones de la Iglesia cubana: "Virgen Mambisa". Zelada fue maestro de cientos de ministros laicos y ministros extraordinarios de la Eucaristía en el Sur de la Florida y otras regiones de EE.UU., a quienes enseñó durante más de tres décadas como profesor de la oficina de Culto y Vida Espiritual, del SEPI (Instituto Pastoral del Sureste), y del programa de Ministerios Laicos. A la par con su trabajo diario, Zelada daba clases los fines de semana en parroquias, incluso después de retirarse en 2020, cuando ya luchaba contra el cáncer. Los que lo escuchaban se quedaban fascinados, renuentes a que se acabara la clase. Zelada fue miembro de la Comisión de Liturgia de la Conferencia de Obispos de Estados Unidos y profesor de la Universidad Católica de Washington, D.C., y del Seminario St. John Vianney en Miami. Impartió talleres de liturgia en varios países de Latinoamérica y en casi todos los estados de este país. En 2008, el Papa Benedicto XVI le concedió la medalla Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice por su largo y excepcional servicio a la Iglesia católica.

MIAMI – (Izq.) Esta estatuilla de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad, patrona de Cuba, se exhibe en Coral Gables, Florida, el 8 de septiembre de 2018, para la celebración anual de su fiesta. (Der) Rogelio Zelada, director asociado de la Oficina Arquidiocesana de Ministerios Laicos, pronunció el discurso principal en español en la Conferencia Catequética de la arquidiócesis en 2016. Zelada falleció el 21 de enero del 2023, a los 78 años. (CNS/OSV News photo/Ana Rodriguez Soto, Florida Catholic)

– Viene de la pág. 1 –

You Made a Difference! Through the annual Catholic Service Appeal, you become the ‘Hope Rising’ by providing support to those in need. You impact their lives through your giving and your prayers.

The Clergy Assistance Program provides care to our priests above and beyond what medical care and salaries may cover. You support those who continue to serve our church.

Operating Grants are made possible by your donations to the CSA. These grants give support to our smaller parishes and financially struggling parishes by providing priest and staff salaries, operating expenses and faith formation programs. These grants also provide support to our Catholic Schools to help with tuition assistance, teacher salaries and curriculum needs.

Through your gifts the Office of Intercultural Ministry works with Black, Hispanic, Vietnamese and Native American Catholics in our diocese to develop leadership, celebrate diverse cultures and strengthen parish engagement.

The Office of Communications, through Mississippi Catholic, provides both print and digital Catholic news to all parishioners in our diocese. It is a way for Bishop Kopacz to evangelize throughout the diocese and to deliver local, national and worldwide Catholic news to all parishioners in particular those who are home bound. It is a way to help them to continue to be connected to their faith.

The Permanent Diaconate program supports men who are currently in spiritual enrichment and formation preparing to be ordained as a deacon to serve our church. Currently, our diocese has seven men in formation who will be ordained in 2026. At this time, we have 13 active deacons and one retired deacon.

Your support of Campus Ministry reaches out to our young adults at college. They were able to continue to practice their faith with believers who also have a desire to live out a Catholic Christian lifestyle through Bible studies, spiritual growth opportunities, Mass and social events.

You help to bring people into a closer relationship with God through educational and experiential opportunities for encounter. Parish volunteers become certified catechists so they can work with adults and youth. Our parish lay ministers and Catholic School teachers who are involved in catechesis, RCIA, liturgy, lay ecclesial ministry, pastoral ministry receive training, certification and retreats to help them better serve our parishes and schools.

The Family Ministry Office works with couples preparing for the sacrament of matrimony by offering programs that support couples, families and individuals by way of marriage preparation, remarriage preparation enrichment, divorce support and Natural Family Planning. Their goal is to strengthen the vocation of marriage for those entering a lifelong commitment.

You spoke and we listened. During the synod process the need for a young adult ministry was mentioned often. This newly established ministry will give our young adults a place in our parishes to continue to grow in their faith beyond college.

Message from the Stewardship and Development Director

As we begin the 2023 Catholic Service Appeal, let us prayerfully remember the 14 ministries that are supported by the annual Appeal and the people that are served by these ministries. I ask you to remember all of those throughout the diocese who work in each of these ministries. May God continue to give them wisdom in their service to others.

As your review the annual report I hope you find inspiration in the work that is being done. These are the central ministries of our diocese and each is important to our Catholic faith. Throughout the Synod process parishioners throughout the diocese voiced their opinions of how these ministries need to grow and flourish in our church.

Our theme for this year is ‘Hope Rising.’ With your gift to the CSA, you become the Hope Rising to those served by the Appeal.

Bishop Kopacz mailed letters to all parishioners in the diocese asking you to support the Catholic Service Appeal. If you did not receive your letter, please do not hesitate to contact the Catholic Service Appeal Office. You can also make your gift online by scanning the QR code below with your mobile phone or you can go to csa.jacksondiocese.org. You may also give your gift during the second collection that will take place the weekend of February 11-12.

If you have any questions please call Rebecca Harris (601) 9608477.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Harris

Ways to Give:

The Communion of Saints Leadership Gift Societies

The Bishop’s Circle is a community of benefactors who take a leadership role in the work of the church through the Catholic Service Appeal. As a member, you pledge to become partners in a shared vision for the future of the Diocese of Jackson as you set an example of good stewardship and reach out with love to people and ministries in need of your assistance.

ST. JOSEPH CIRCLE OF FAITH....................$10,000 OR MORE

Faith requires a strong, unshakeable and sincere belief in something meaningful.

ST. PETER CLAVER CIRCLE OF HOPE.........$7,500 TO $9,999

Hope is a gift from God and your actions of giving reach out to people and ministries in need of your assistance.

ST. TERESA OF AVILA CIRCLE OF CHARITY..........$5,000 TO $7,499

An act of charity is a true expression of benevolence and is at the heart of humanity.

ST. FAUSTINA CIRCLE OF MERCY...............$3,500 TO $4,999

To be merciful is to show compassion for others, especially the least, the last and the lost in our society.

ST. THOMAS OF AQUINAS CIRCLE OF WISDOM.........$2,500 TO $3,499

Wisdom is a true understanding of our whole life and all our actions are for God’s honor and glory.

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CIRCLE OF FORTITUDE........$1,500 TO $2,499

To have fortitude shows an understanding that action must be taken to be good stewards with the gifts that God has so graciously shared with us.

ST. NICHOLAS CIRCLE OF GENEROSITY.................$1,000 TO $1,499

Generosity requires an unselfish spirit and reflects a warm sympathetic nature.

ST. BERNADETTE CIRCLE OF GRATITUDE......$500 TO $999

Gratitude is a way of expressing one’s appreciation for all God has given.

ST. JUAN DIEGO CIRCLE OF FRIENDS..............$250 TO $499

Friends support and share the Bishop’s vision for the services and ministries of our diocese.

Catholic Service Appeal distributed $ 1,078,245 to parishes, schools, and ministries throughout the Diocese of Jackson

Canons, policies guide archives research

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Mary WoodWard

JACKSON

– Over the past several years programs such as Finding Your Roots have increased an awareness of the existence of records in Catholic archives that could help further family tree research by genealogists and others interested in discovering ancestors.

Ancestry.com DNA tests can reveal ethnic origins and miniscule percentages of faraway lands where one’s 15th great-grandfather would have roamed in the 1500s. I have two friends who did a 23andMe test and found out they were Neanderthals.

Our diocesan archives exist to maintain official diocesan records and documentation of official acts of the bishop. The Code of Canon Law states:

Can. 486 §1. All documents which regard the diocese or parishes must be protected with the greatest care.

§2. In every curia there is to be erected in a safe place a diocesan archive, or record storage area, in which instruments and written documents which pertain to the spiritual and temporal affairs of the diocese are to be safeguarded after being properly filed and diligently secured.

§3. An inventory, or catalog, of the documents which are contained in the archive is to be kept with a brief synopsis of each written document.

In our archives’ office we often get genealogy requests for baptismal records of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Our archive collections contain microfilmed and digitized copies of parish sacramental registers. These copies exist to safeguard the official book registers kept in parishes.

In the past, hurricanes, fires and theft have damaged parish registers. Our copies are available when needed for those particular parishes that have lost registers. Every 10 years we make copies of all parish sacramental registers. The next scheduled round of copying is set for 2026.

Our diocesan policy is these baptismal records are accessible to our approved researcher only. Individuals must submit in writing the records they seek. The archive vault is not open for individuals to come in and look around.

Records must be 100 years or older to be released. Therefore, the only records we can allow to be searched for genealogical purposes as of today are those from 1923 and back.

What I have to explain to inquirers is that the diocesan archives do not exist to fulfill genealogy searches. We will try our best to help but it may take a few months and there is a fee to open the vault for these types of requests.

The latest craze in genealogical research is individuals seeking to establish Dual Italian Citizenship. Apparently, if you meet several criteria you can obtain an Italian passport. According to the Italian Dual Citizenship website Italian/American dual citizenship requirements include five basic guidelines:

1. You are descended from someone who was alive in Italy after March 17, 1861.

2. The ancestor did not naturalize in another country before June 14, 1912.

3. The ancestor did not naturalize before the birth of descendants interested in getting Italian citizenship.

4. If the direct-line Italian ancestor is a woman born before January 1, 1948, citizenship can only be claimed from her father’s line.

5. No one in the family renounced their Italian citizenship.

You may also qualify if you are a non-Italian who

married an Italian citizen.

Because of the large Italian immigrant population along the river in our diocese, we have gotten several requests for sacramental records to help individuals qualify for this genealogical oddity. These requests require more paperwork than other requests. The local parish has to provide a baptismal or marriage record signed and sealed by the current pastor and witnessed by a public notary. It is then sent to the chancery for the diocesan seal to be attached.

Once again, these records must be older than 100 years for us to process them. Parishes are bound by the same policy of 100 years or older.

For more recent records as in the case of someone needing a baptismal certificate for marriage preparation files, the individual of record must request the certificate and present proof of identification if he or she is not known in the parish with the register.

Many times we have received a call from someone’s mother requesting the record so her child can get married and we have to tell the well-intentioned mom that her son or daughter will have to contact us di-

rectly. That does not go over too well sometimes, but in this day of identity theft, we cannot release private information to anyone other than the named person or his or her legal guardian in the case of a minor.

Therefore, if you are thinking about researching your family tree and want to use sacramental records, please note the policies above and be patient with us. We are a very small staff and although we enjoy talking with you, our main responsibilities do not include genealogy.

(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Diocesan Chancellor and archivist, Mary Woodward searches for a parish sacramental record on microfilm in one of several archive storage rooms at the diocese chancery office in Jackson. (Photos courtesy of archives)

NATION

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – “Wonder,” a five-part documentary series from Word on Fire set for release Feb.13-17, shows that “the war between faith and science is untrue,” said Word on Fire founder Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. Narrated by actor Jonathan Roumie, the episodes explore the nature of light, Trinitarian traces in the cosmos, human and animal language, St. Augustine and evolution, and even theology of salvation suggested by the geometry of Chartres Cathedral’s North Rose Window in Chartres, France. Director Manny Marquez, who said his own faith was deepened by the project, told OSV News the films are “an opportunity to make a difference in the conversation” between faith and science.

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington urged “ordinary people of color” to “vastly improve our world with an understanding of the strength of character that resides within the souls of our people.” In his homily during a Feb. 5 Mass in honor of Black History Month, the cardinal said, “We are chosen by none other than the Lord, the light of the world himself; we have no choice but to be an example to the world.” In the day’s Gospel reading from Matthew (5:13-16), Jesus refers to his disciples as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. “Many have suffered martyrdom as the price of their witness and those who do become salt and light may become the subject of ridicule,” Cardinal Gregory said. “But we need ordinary faith-filled people like yourselves to allow your lights to shine – however small ... to illuminate the darkness of this world.”

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” and “solidarity” with those affected by a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria Feb. 6. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake

as measured by the U.S. Geological Survey hit southern Turkey before dawn Feb. 6 wreaking havoc in large areas of neighboring Syria. It was followed by what the geological survey said was a separate 7.5 magnitude earthquake, less than 12 hours later some 60 miles away. The day after, ABC News was reporting that more than 7,000 people were killed while hundreds remained trapped under the rubble of toppled buildings. The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in need said a Catholic priest was among the dead in Syria. Father Imad Daher died in the collapse of the residence of retired Melkite Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo, who was injured and hospitalized, the charity said. Pope Francis was “deeply saddened” to learn of the “huge loss of life” caused by the disaster and offered his “heartfelt condolences” to those mourning losses, wrote Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, in telegrams to the Vatican’s ambassadors in Turkey and Syria. The pope also prayed that emergency personnel would “be sustained in their care of the injured and in the ongoing relief efforts by the divine gifts of fortitude and perseverance.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The principal task of the continental assemblies and the assemblies of the Synod of Bishops in 2023 and 2024 is to learn and strengthen a process of listening as a church to the Holy Spirit and not to address all the issues being debated in the church, top officers of the synod said. The theme that Pope Francis has chosen for the general assembly “is clear: ‘For a synodal church: communion, participation, mission.’ This is therefore the sole theme that we are called to explore in each of the stages within the process,” their letter to bishops said. “Those who claim to impose any one theme on the synod forget the logic that governs the synod process: we are called to chart a ‘common course’ beginning with the contribution of all,” said the letter, published

Jan. 29, and signed by Cardinals Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, and Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, relator general of the synod. Addressed to the world’s bishops, the letter focused on the current “continental” stage of the synodal process, and the role of the bishop in the synodal process. The bishops, “in your particular churches, are the principle and foundation of unity of the holy people of God,” they said, and “there is no exercise of ecclesial synodality without exercise of episcopal collegiality.”

WORLD

LISBON, Portugal (OSV News) –One issue involving World Youth Day perpetually makes headlines months before the event: that of costs. The event taking place Aug. 1-6, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. As reported by Reuters, Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, was sharply criticized on Portuguese social media after it was revealed his office would spend over over $5.4 million (5 million euros) to build a 54,000-square foot altar for the final Mass of the August event. The expensive altar is not the only aspect that created controversy. In October, the Portuguese government announced that public institutions would spend around $190 million in WYD. On Jan. 31, after the uproar about the altar, the government led by socialist prime minister António Costa announced a reduction of the initial figure. But these costs may not be as astronomical as they seem? WYD is a major international event of the Catholic Church –one that brings together millions of young people from around the world to pray, learn and meet with the current pope for a handful of days every few years – and major events necessarily come with a significant price tag.

Pope, in Congo, calls for an ‘amnesty of the heart’ to build peace

The first step toward healing, he said, must be asking God for forgiveness and for the strength to forgive others. It’s the only way to lighten the burden of pain and tame the desire for revenge.

To every Congolese Christian who has engaged in violence, “the Lord is telling you: ‘Lay down your weapons, embrace mercy,’” the pope said. “And to all the wounded and oppressed of this people, he is saying: ‘Do not be afraid to bury your wounds in mine.’”

Pope Francis asked people at the Mass to take the crucifixes from their necklaces or from their pockets, “take it between your hands and hold it close to your heart, in order to share your wounds with the wounds of Jesus.”

“Then,” he said, “when you return home, take the crucifix from the wall and embrace it. Give Christ the chance to heal your heart, hand your past over to him, along with all your fears and troubles.”

Another thing, he said, “Why not write those words of his on your walls, wear them on your clothing, and put them as a sign on your houses: ‘Peace be with you!’ Displaying these words will be a prophetic statement to your country, and a blessing of the Lord upon all whom you meet.”

Christians are called to be “missionaries of peace,” Pope Francis said. They are called to be witnesses of God’s love for all people, “not concerned with their own rights, but with those of the Gospel, which are fraternity, love and forgiveness.”

BY CINDY WOODEN

KINSHASA, Congo (CNS) – In a country where most people are Christian and all are su ering from decades of violence and atrocities, Pope Francis told the Congolese to lay down their weapons and their rancor.

“That is what Christ wants. He wants to anoint us with his forgiveness, to give us peace and the courage to forgive others in turn – the courage to grant others a great amnesty of the heart,” the pope said in his homily Feb. 1 during a Mass on the vast field of Ndolo airport in Kinshasa.

Congolese authorities said more than 1 million people attended the Mass. They arrived as the sun began to rise, dressed up and carrying baskets of food. They sang and danced and prayed as they waited for the pope.

Many in the crowd, especially the women, wore cotton dresses with fabric printed specifically for the papal visit. One version featured the face of the pope wearing a miter. The other, with a more abstract design, had the logo of the papal trip and the theme – “All reconciled in Jesus Christ” – written in French, Kituba, Lingala and Swahili.

In his homily, Pope Francis spoke to the pain and su ering of the Congolese people, but most of the people in the crowd – like Father Slyvain, who was rushing to take his place among the concelebrants – said the joy of the pope visiting their country was all they cared about that morning.

The liturgy itself lent to the sense of joy. For the most part, it followed what commonly is called the Zairean Rite, using the “Roman Missal for the Dioceses of Zaire,” the former name of Congo.

The missal incorporates Congolese music and rhythmic dance, gives an important space to the litany of saints and of faith-filled ancestors, and the penitential rite and the exchange of peace take place together after the homily and before the o ertory.

The Gospel at the Mass was St. John’s account of Jesus appearing to the disciples after the resurrection and telling them, “Peace be with you.”

Pope Francis pointed out how when the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples, he did not pretend that nothing traumatic had happened. In fact, “Jesus showed them his wounds.”

“Forgiveness is born from wounds,” the pope told them “It is born when our wounds do not leave scars of hatred but become the means by which we make room for others and accept their weaknesses.”

Jesus “knows your wounds; he knows the wounds of your country, your people, your land,” the pope said. “They are wounds that ache, continually infected by hatred and violence, while the medicine of justice and the balm of hope never seem to arrive.”

Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass at Ndolo airport in Kinshasa, Congo, Feb. 1, 2023. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

A season of fasting and prayer

THINGS OLD AND NEW

By Ruth PoweRs

Although the weather may still be damp and chilly, as we move past Candlemas the lengthening of the days reminds us that we are moving ever closer to spring and to the season of Lent. Most Catholics are aware of the familiar progression of “seasons” of the church as the wheel of the liturgical year turns, but the history of this season may provide us with some food for meditation on ways to observe Lent more fruitfully today.

The word Lent in English is a shortened form of the Old English word lencten, meaning “spring season” and may possibly refer to the lengthening of days during this time. In the languages derived from Greek or Latin, however, the name of the season is derived from the word meaning “fortieth” and gives a hint to the ancient nature of the observance.

St. Irenaeus, writing toward the end of the second century, talked about the Lenten fast, saying it originated in the “time of our forefathers”– an expression for the days of the apostles – but varied in length and character from one or two days to a full 40 days before Easter. Often this fast was associated with the catechumens who were preparing for Baptism at Easter. By the time of the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D., Lent had become more regularized to a 40-day period meant to reflect the time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry. In the fourth century, several church fathers such as St. Athanasius and St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote of Lent as a forty-day period dedicated to fasting and prayer. Finally, in 461 A.D. Pope St. Leo preached that the whole church was to observe this “Apostolic institution of the 40 days” with fasting and prayer.

Initially the fasting of Lent lasted for the entire 40day period and included giving up all meat, dairy, eggs

and milk, and also eating only one meal a day in the evening. Over the centuries, this was modified to allow eating fish and dairy products, and an additional small meal was allowed for those who engaged in manual labor.

Further modifications were made as time went on until in 1966 Pope Paul VI reduced the obligatory fast days of Lent to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and days of abstinence to Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent. Bishop’s Conferences were given the ability to replace the fast with other forms of penitence such as charity or piety, with the understanding that this was aimed particularly at parts of the world where poverty is widespread and food scarcity is already a problem. This was made part of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which made fasting obligatory for those aged 18 to 59 and made abstinence obligatory for those over the age of 14. If the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19) or the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) falls on Friday, the rule of abstinence does not apply.

However, fasting is only one of the three traditional “Pillars of Lent.” The other two pillars are focused more on positive acts. The second pillar is prayer, and includes extra acts of prayer, worship or study. Stations of the Cross and the rosary are just a couple of examples of extra acts of prayer. Lent may be an opportunity for someone to begin to pray one of more of the hours from the Liturgy of Hours each day. There are several free smartphone apps which make this very easy to do. Many parishes offer special Lenten study programs as well.

The third pillar is almsgiving, or charity. This does not simply refer to giving money, although donating to charity is certainly a good thing. It also refers to performing other acts of charity, such as volunteering at a local soup kitchen or helping an elderly neighbor. Sharing time and talent with those in need are also acts of charity.

It might be good to look back into our church’s

history to find ways to enrich our Lenten observance, beginning with a period of preparation before Ash Wednesday. Most of us in this area are very familiar with Mardi Gras, a season of merrymaking beginning with the Epiphany and lasting until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. This season is also known as Carnival, which literally translates as “farewell to meat.”

Less well known now is the observance of Shrovetide, which begins 17 days before Ash Wednesday on what the traditional church calendar called Septuagesima Sunday. People used this time to begin preparing themselves for the austerities of Lent and deciding on the penitential practices they would choose. Going to Confession was always a part of this observance and gives the period its name: to be absolved of sin was to be “shriven,” hence Shrovetide.

In many English-speaking countries, such as England and Canada, the day before Ash Wednesday is known as Shrove Tuesday. A traditional meal served on the day is pancakes! These were eaten to use up the butter, eggs and sugar which would not be used during the Lenten season. Those who want to do something more austere in the way of fasting might try a Black Fast, which echoes the early Christian practice of fasting all day until supper is eaten after sunset. They may also be interested in the Daniel fast, based on Daniel 10:3. In this fast one abstains from meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, sweets and wine or any other alcoholic beverages.

Whatever extra penitential practices one chooses, Lent is a time meant to help us grow in self-discipline and spirituality so that we can come to the Easter celebration more closely conformed to Christ.

(Ruth Powers is the program coordinator for St. Mary Basilica Parish in Natchez.)

Meeting and praying with Sister Thea Bowman

GUEST COLUMN

By AdRienne CuRRy

Sitting at a kitchen table in Chicago more than three decades ago, I had a chance to get to know a holy woman who might one day be recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Sister Thea Bowman, granddaughter of slaves and the first African American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, was in Chicago for a series of speaking engagements. She stayed that weekend with the lay community where I was living.

Many people in the Black Catholic community and beyond were aware of Sister Thea because of her dynamic presentations around the country – lively gatherings that combined singing, Gospel preaching, prayer and storytelling. She spoke in a direct way to break down racial and cultural barriers. She also encouraged people to communicate with one another so they could understand other cultures and races.

I was relatively new to Catholicism at the time Sister Thea stayed with my lay community, but I had previously heard Sister Thea speak when she visited Chicago for frequent revivals and workshops. One of my housemates attended the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans and had the chance to take classes with Sister Thea.

Like Sister Thea, I was the only Catholic in my family. I remember that we spoke about what that common experience was like. We talked about being Black and Catholic, and the gifts we bring by being our “authentic Black selves to the Church.”

Being Black and Catholic is kind of an enigma: We aren’t accepted by the wider Black church, and, unfortunately, our gifts are still not fully accepted in the wider Catholic Church.

“I bring myself; my Black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to become,” Sister Thea told the U.S. bishops in a famous 1989 address. “I bring my whole history, my traditions, my experience, my culture, my African American song and dance and gesture and movement and teaching and preaching and healing and responsibility – as gifts to the church. I bring a spirituality that our Black American bishops told us (they just told us what everybody who knew, knew), that spirituality is contemplative and Biblical and holistic, bringing to religion a totality of mind and imaginations, of memory, of feeling and passion, and emotion and intensity. A faith that is embodied, incarnate praise – a spirituality that knows how to find joy even in the time of sorrow – that steps out on faith that leans on the Lord.”

Sister Thea lived a full life. She fought evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred and things that drive people apart. She fought for God and God’s people until her death in 1990. Throughout her life, Sister Thea pioneered the rights of African Americans in the Catholic Church and refused to accept the racial injustices she witnessed within her community.

This holy woman is now one of six American Black Catholics who are in the process of canonization. The U.S. bishops endorsed her sainthood cause during their 2018 fall general assembly in Baltimore.

I would like to close with a prayer by Sister Thea. Her words are so needed today.

“O, Lord, help us to be attentive to your commands. Help us to walk in unity. Help us to celebrate who we are and whose we are. Help us to overcome selfishness, anger and violence in our hearts, in our homes, in our church, in our world. Help us to knock down, pull down, shout down the walls of racism, sexism, classism, materialism and militarism that divide and separate us. Help us to live as your united people, proclaiming with one voice our faith, our hope, our love, our joy. Amen.”

Sister Thea Bowman, pray for us!

(Adrienne Curry’s piece first appeared in the Catholic Review. Find them at catholicreview.org.)

Where in the world is Catholic Mass attendance highest?

BY JOHN BURGER

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The nation with the best Catholic Mass attendance in the world could be Nigeria according to a new study published by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).

When asked the question “Apart from weddings, funerals and christenings, about how often do you attend religious services these days?” 94% of self-identified Nigerian Catholics surveyed said they attend weekly or daily Mass.

The poll was conducted by the World Values Survey, which began tracking the data in the 1980s and has statistics for 36 countries with large Catholic populations. CARA, which gathered the results, said it’s not known exactly which country has the highest Mass attendance rate, “because surveys have not been conducted on the topic in every country in the world.”

But among those surveyed by WVS, aside from Nigeria, weekly or more frequent Mass attendance is highest among adult self-identified Catholics in Kenya (73%) and Lebanon (69%).

– Latin America, and Europe –

“The next segment of countries, where half or more Catholics attend every week, includes the Philippines (56%), Colombia (54%), Poland (52%), and Ecuador (50%),” CARA, which is based at Georgetown University, said. “Fewer than half, but a third or more attend every week in Bosnia and Herzegovina (48%), Mexico (47%), Nicaragua (45%), Bolivia (42%), Slovakia (40%), Italy (34%), and Peru (33%).”

It added that between three in 10 and a quarter of Catholics attend Mass every week in Venezuela (30%), Albania (29%), Spain (27%), Croatia (27%), New Zealand (25%), and the United Kingdom (25%).

– Pre-and-post-pandemic –

Catholics in the United States come in next, with about 24% attending Mass every week or more often prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In our most recent poll in late summer 2022, 17% of adult Catholics reported attending Mass this frequently with 5% watching Mass online or television from home instead,” CARA said.

Other countries with similar Catholic Mass attendance to the United States are Hungary (24%), Slovenia (24%), Uruguay (23%), Australia (21%), Argentina (21%), Portugal (20%), the Czech Republic (20%), and Austria (17%), the center said.

The lowest levels of weekly attendance are observed in Lithuania (16%), Germany (14%), Canada (14%), Latvia (11%), Switzerland (11%), Brazil (8%), France (8%)

and the Netherlands (7%).

– Not necessarily “religious” –

In a breakdown of the report for Aleteia.org John Burger notes that, surprisingly, it’s not necessarily the case that Catholics who consider themselves to be very religious are more likely to be frequent Mass attenders.

Lebanon, for example, has high Mass attendance but the share of Catholics there considering themselves to be religious is substantially lower in comparison to other countries. And 97% of Catholics in Uruguay consider themselves to be religious, yet only 23% of Catholics there attend Mass weekly or more often.

Other than Uruguay, the countries where Catholics are most likely to consider themselves to be religious are Nigeria (95%), Albania (94%), Slovakia (93%), the Czech Republic (92%), Italy (92%), Lithuania (92%), Kenya (92%), Colombia (92%), Bolivia (91%) and Poland (90%).

– Correlation with wealth –CARA also noticed some correlation between economic factors and Mass attendance and concluded that Catholicism is strongest in what is often called the developing world, where GDP per capita is lower.

“It appears to be contracting in wealthier ‘developed’ countries,” the center said. “The precise mech-

anisms associated with economic development and wealth that are impacting Catholics’ participation in the faith and identification as religious are unclear. Whatever they are, they matter significantly.”

(John Burger writes at Aleteia.org, where this piece first appeared.)

Protection of CHILDREN

The Diocese of Jackson is committed to ensuring that no one being served by the church be (is) at risk of sexual abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay church personnel. The spiritual well-being of all the victims, their families and others in the community is of particular concern to the church. In accordance with our policy, all victims are o ered counseling and pastoral care.

Anyone who has been a victim of abuse or exploitation by clergy, religious or lay church personnel and has not yet reported it is encouraged to do so. Our victim assistance coordinator, Erika Rojas, a licensed social worker, is available to assist in making a report. Please contact her at (601) 326-3736.

For more information about diocesan policies and procedures and to learn what the diocese is doing to create a safe environment for everyone, please visit the diocesan website at www.jacksondiocese.org and click on “Protection of Children.”

To report an allegation of abuse or mishandling of allegations of sexual abuse by a bishop, please visit https://reportbishopabuse.org.

+Joseph R. Kopacz D.D., Ph.D. Bishop of Jackson

A woman prays during morning Mass at St. Charles Church in Kinshasa, Congo, Jan. 22, 2023. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) gathers results of a poll conducted by the World Values Survey and reports findings on Mass attendance worldwide, noting that pre-and-post-pandemic factors and economic correlations affect those numbers. (OSV News photo/Justin Makangara, Reuters)

Around our Catholic Schools

POSITION AVAILABLE

Campus Minister Position St. Joseph - Starkville

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville, Mississippi, Home of Mississippi State University is seeking applications for a Campus Minister. Candidates should have the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Master’s in Theology, preferred

• Ability to uphold and cultivate Christian values, especially the moral teachings of the Church

• Experience with youth or young adult ministry/outreach

• An understanding of ministry as a calling

• Good leadership skills and excellent communication skills

• Ability to work in a team-oriented and collaborative environment

• Positive attitude

The Campus Minister is a full-time salaried position. Due to the nature of Campus Ministry, evening and weekend hours are necessary. For inquiries about the Campus Ministry position, please contact the parish office at (662) 323-2257.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2023

Please submit cover letter and resume to: frjason@stjosephstarkville.org

COLUMBUS – First grade assistant, Mrs. Leonard works with Annunciation School students (from left to right) Henry Hince, Henry Tharp, Zoe Powers, Mamie Kate Fisackerly, Barrett Baucom and Emily Taboada in their morning center. (Photo by Logan Waggoner)

VICKSBURG – St. Mary parish celebrated Catholic School Week with their Vicksburg Catholic School students; Miracle Flowers (commentator), De’Marques Flowers (altar server), Me’Kayla Flowers (altar server) and Eva Evans (altar server). (Photo by Leonette Thomas)

JACKSON – (Top right) Sister Thea Bowman School sixth grader, Bailey Thiac presents her science fair project to the judges. (On right) Sixth grader, Ashleigh Mason explains her science fair project to the panel of judges. (Photos by Christopher Payne)

Around our schools

GREENVILLE – (Right) St. Joseph fifth graders, Caryn Jackson, Matthew Lipscomb and Elizabeth Baldwin, enjoy a reading break between activities during Catholic Schools Week. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)

MADISON – St. Joseph student, Ted Klopman prepares himself a complementary cup of hot chocolate on Student Appreciation Day during Catholic Schools Week. (Photo by AK Stephen)

CLARKSDALE – Students, Waverly Roach and Ella Bronwyn Graves bring forth the gifts during Mass at St. Elizabeth during Cathoilic School Week. (Photo by Sarah Cauthen)

TUPELO – Santiago Lopez and Nathan Eschete wash vans used daily by the Boys and Girls Club of Tupelo. (Photo by Mary Frances Strange

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

JACKSON – Bishop Kopacz speaks to Sister Thea Bowman School students at a special Catholic Schools Week Mass. (Photo by Christopher Payne)

HOLLY SPRINGS – Father Jack Kurps, SCJ, led Monday’s prayer service at Holy Family. Students and staff members received a special blessing and were presented with a certificate of appreciation. (Photo courtesy of school)

NATCHEZ – (Below) Father Aaron Williams blesses the throat of sixth grader John Zachary Wingfield on St. Blaise's feast day on Friday, Feb. 3.

GREENVILLE – (Left) Greg Fore receives communion from Bishop Kopacz at Mass at St. Joseph School. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)

MADISON – St. Anthony welcomed Bishop Kopacz to Mass during Catholic Schools Week celebration of vocations day. Pictured left to right are James Dukes, Bishop Kopacz and Ben Schenk. (Photo by Kati Loyacono)

VICKSBURG – (Left) Pictured after Mass at Vicksburg Catholic School are Jon Graham, Katie Emfinger, Fathers P.J. Curley, Rusty Vincent, Joseph Nguyen, Robert Dore, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Vicar General Father Lincoln Dall, Karla Luke and Mary Arledge. (Photo by Lindsey Bradley)