FEBRUARY 25, 2022
mississippicatholic.com
Continuing education workshop addresses 'ecclesial communion in polarized church' BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Even coming from the far corners of the diocese, priests, deacons and ecclesial ministers (and lay), gathered for a continuing formation workshop entitled "The Eucharist: Building Ecclesial Communion in a Polarized Church and Society" at St. Richard parish in Jackson on Feb. 15-16. The convocation. led by Father Jim Wehner, rector/president of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, reflected on the need to create and sustain ecclesial communion with the Diocese of Jackson, recognizing the challenges to communion seen in the universal church, as well as in the U.S., the political and civic tensions in society and pastoral challenges in the diocesan church. Using biblical, ecclesial, theological and pastoral insights, Father Wehner led those present (in-person and virtual) to reflect on their common love for the church, as each uniquely lives out their calling to build up
JACKSON – Father Kent Bowlds made the presentation from Father Jim Wehner available via zoom for religious unable to be present. Priests, deacons, ecclesial ministers (and lay), gathered at St. Richard parish for a workshop entitled "The Eucharist: building Ecclesial Communion in a Polarized Church and Society" on Feb. 15-16. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Jackson. "God plays the long game," says Father Wehner. "The question is ... can we be faithful to that long game. Father Wehner also spoke on the three goals of new evangelization – the call to holiness, creating communion and manifesting the kingdom – and how it includes lay people, as it is our mission to act in unity as a church. He says that every person in our community has been called by God. "Every single person is called by name ... has been blessed by God with charisms and gifts," says Wehner. "There is a pastoral calling for all of us." Synodality was also a theme that weaved throught the two-day gathering. Communion, participation and mission were mentioned often amid the synod listening session happening across the diocese, as Pope Francis invites all to dialogue about the future – Continued on page 6 –
Bowden hired as office manager for diocese tribunal office BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Rhonda Bowden is a name that may ring a bell to some around the diocese. In 2008, she began working at St. Jude parish in Pearl as the coordinator for liturgy and pastoral care; and her son Deacon Andrew Bowden is set to be ordained for the priesthood this summer. Bowden says that the 13 years she spent at St. Jude was such a blessing, as she walked with families through the loss of loved ones, assisted couples planning weddings, coordinated weekend and special liturgies, helped parishioners in need and worked with RCIA participants. However, the sudden loss of her dear friend and St. Jude's faith formation director, Stacy Wolf left Bowden grief-stricken and feeling that she had lost her passion Rhonda Bowden for ministry. She felt that a change was needed when God put the position for a tribunal office manager for the Diocese of Jackson in front of her. "Despite the many twists and turns, God has proven again that His plan for me is much better than anything I could possibly dream up," said Bowden.
"The job description was an interesting amalgamation of skills and knowledge that I had gained through my past work and ministry experience – accurate record keeping, confidentiality, good communication and organization," said Bowden. "It tied together my interest in law (cannon versus civil), gave me an opportunity to help others with the healing that often comes with the annulment process and challenged me to learn something new." Bowden takes the place of long-time diocese employee, Fabvienen Taylor, who retired at the end of December 2021. "She has been so helpful in teaching me about the work of the office," said Bowden.
After joining the tribunal office in January, Bowden says that she looks forward to working with judicial vicar, Father Jeffery Waldrep, to streamline procedures to make it easier for those seeking an annulment from the church. "I hope that we can maintain good communication with the priests that act as advocates and offer educational information for the laity for a better understanding of the entire process." Bowden is married to her husband, Mark, who owns Bowden Technical Services and is set to be ordained in July to the permanent diaconate; her son, Andrew is to be ordained to the priesthood in May; and her daughter, Laura, teaches special ed at Pearl High School.
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