DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST,
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. –Romans 8:28
I give thanks to the Lord for our ministry leaders serving our brothers and sisters throughout the diocese. Their commitment to the Lord’s work, coupled with your generosity, has allowed us to wholeheartedly support the 14 ministries funded by the Catholic Service Appeal (CSA). Last year, I asked for your support for the CSA and over 2,600 of you responded with unprecedented generosity. Your faith in our mission through Hope Rising has made this impact possible.
I encourage you to take a moment to review this report which illustrates the profound difference your gifts have made. This statement highlights how your financial contributions have been carefully managed, ensuring that every dollar entrusted to the CSA directly supports our Catholic faith in action. The accompanying graphics provide a transparent overview of how your donations have been allocated, underscoring our dedication to being faithful stewards of your trust.
As we look ahead, your ongoing partnership will be crucial. Our first 2025 CSA mailing will go out in January, and your continued support will be essential in sustaining these transformative ministries. Please keep those who serve and those who are served in your prayers. Together, as co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard, let us faithfully lift one another up in prayer.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz
CATHOLIC CHARITIES:
$350,000
For over 60 years Catholic Charities has been a visible sign of Christ’s love to those who are unable to help themselves. With over 15 programs in Jackson, Gulfport, Greenwood and Vardaman. 85% of families served live below the federal poverty level and struggle to meet their basic needs. Your support helps bring hope to their lives.
“When we entered the doors of Catholic Charities Adoption Services we immediately felt at peace about our adoption journey and knew Catholic Charities Adoption Services would become a special part of our life.”
— Lisa, Bryson, and their baby boy
FAMILY MINISTRY:
$30,000
The Office of Family Ministry collaborates with the parishes of the diocese and provides programs and resources that prepare and enrich engaged and married couples; educate, support and strengthen families; build and promote a culture of life. Other activities include prolife, marriage enrichment, Natural Family Planning (NFP), and family support. The mission is to promote marriage, family, and the culture of life in accord with Catholic teaching.
“Catholic Engaged Encounter was a deeply impactful and emotional experience for my fiancée and me. We grew together in our mutual relationship with the Lord and got to know each other a little better in the process.”
— Andrew and Katelyn Martin, Annunciation, Columbus
RETIRED PRIESTS:
$200,000
Our retired priests have served our parishes for many years, and they continue to serve our Diocese even in retirement. Currently there are 20 retired priests in our diocese. We continue to care for them by providing retirement benefits. We are thankful for these priests who continue to serve our diocese.
“Thanks to the support from the Catholic Service Appeal for priest retirement, I’m able to live a life that is both professionally and spiritually fulfilling. I’m deeply grateful for the stability it provides, allowing me to enjoy a happy healthy life. Staying active in parish life and teaching religion at Sr. Thea Bowman School brings me great joy and purpose.”
— Fr. Joe Dyer, Retired Priest
CLERGY HEALTHCARE:
$200,000
We honor our active and retired priests along with our seminarians by ensuring they get the best medical care by providing health insurance, long term care needs, and out of pocket medical expenses. This safeguards the health of our faithful pastors.
“I sincerely thank you for your generous donations to the Catholic Service Appeal which provides essential support for my health care insurance and longterm care. Your kindness ensures I can meet my retirement needs with peace of mind.”
— Fr. Bill Henry, Retired Priest
SEMINARIAN EDUCATION:
$175,000
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. Currently we have six seminarians in formation to become priests for our diocese. In May of 2024, Tristan Stovall was ordained a priest. 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.
“I am enormously grateful for the generous support I received through the Catholic Service Appeal. Now that I am ordained I am excited to be able to help with priestly formation ministries, which is so important and necessary in the life of the church.”
— Fr. Tristan Stovall, St. Joseph, Starkville
INTERCULTURAL MINISTRY:
$40,000
The Intercultural Ministry office works with Black, Hispanic, Vietnamese and Native American Catholics in our diocese to develop leadership, celebrate diverse cultures, and strengthen parish engagement. The staff offers leadership training, intercultural competence workshops and retreats.
“As Catholics we are a rainbow of colors and God has given each of us many gifts to share with the world. Not just Catholics, but the World. Everyone has a seat at the table.”
— Maxine Ford, St. Francis, Greenwood
WAYS TO GIVE IN 2025
Mail:
YOUTH MINISTRY:
$40,000
Our youth live in a diocese that is only 3% Catholic, the Office of Youth Ministry allows our Catholic youth to gather at retreats and conferences. They have opportunities to interact with other Catholic youth, engage in their faith, and learn the importance of developing a relationship with God. The Office of Youth Ministry also assists youth ministers around the diocese so that our Catholic youth are engaged in their faith.
“I went into the SEARCH retreat already searching because I was going through Confirmation at the time and SEARCH gave me the space to listen to God and let Him and the SEARCH staff poor their love into me. SEARCH was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested!”
— Maddie-Claire Spence, St. Francis, Madison
CAMPUS MINISTRY:
$60,000
Your support of Campus Ministry reaches out to our young adults in college. They are 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.
“I love that CCM is student-led because it represents a realistic perspective to other students on campus. In college, I have truly fallen in love with Jesus and the Catholic faith, and CCM and its young adults who love Jesus have greatly influenced this. CCM has allowed Christ to work through me to reach others on campus and has changed my heart and eyes to mirror the Lord’s more every day.”
DIACONATE MINISTRY:
$10,000
The Diaconate Ministry prepares men to become deacons in our diocese. It is a fiveyear process with extensive theological, spiritual, and pastoral formation. At the end of their studies, they are ordained as a Permanent Deacon. Our Deacons have stepped up to fulfill the growing needs of our parishes. They bring us their services in countless ways and continue to bring us closer to our faith.
“I thank my God for this precious opportunity to be in this program. In these three years that I have been in study, I’ve learned a lot from God. I thank the Diocese of Jackson, for letting me be in the Diaconate Program.“
— Pablo Garcia, St. Francis, New Albany
PRISON MINISTRY: $10,000
Catholic prison ministry provides Mass, the sacraments, and devotions. We provide Bible study and a religious education program for men who want to enter the church or who want to learn more about the faith.
“Thank you so much for supporting our work in changing hearts through our prison ministry. (James 2:18 – I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.)”
— Michael Shaw, Eucharistic minister, Catholic prison ministry
PARISH & SCHOOL MISSION
ASSISTANCE: $50,000
These grants give support to our smaller parishes and financially struggling parishes by providing priest and staff salaries, operating expenses, and faith formation programs. The grants also provide support to our Catholic Schools to help with curriculum needs and special projects.
“Our lovely 93-year-old building began looking its age. The grant has allowed us to pressure wash, paint the windows, doors, columns, and handrails and install a working hanging pendant light. We are now rightfully proud of how great we look on Main Street! Without this grant, none of this work could have been completed this year. We are most grateful for your gift to the CSA!”
— Joan Shell, Christ the King, Fulton
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: $20,000
The Young Adult Ministry provides our 18-35 year-old parishioners a place to form joyful missionary disciples who continue to develop an authentic relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture and the Sacraments.
“Young Adult Ministry has allowed us to make new friendships and to be more involved in our Catholic Faith.”
— Eric and Scarlett Santana, St. Francis, Madison
— Elizabeth Basha, St. John, Oxford, Campus Ministry
SIGN
UP FOR THE ST. FRANCIS SOCIETY
Sign up for St. Francis Society and become an ongoing monthly donor to reduce paper costs incurrred with monthly pledges and become like the Patron of the Environment – St. Francis.
jacksondiocese.org/online-giving or Contact us: (601) 960-8479
EVANGELIZATION & COMMUNICATION: $54,170
The Office of Communications provides the Mississippi Catholic in both print and digital Catholic news to all parishioners in our diocese. Bishop Kopacz uses this media to evangelize throughout the diocese and to deliver local, national and worldwide Catholic news to all parishioners, in particular those who are homebound helping them stay connected to their faith.
“To share the Gospel with our community, we must first communicate the heart of who we are as Catholics, celebrate the impactful work happening in our parishes, and extend an open invitation for others to grow in their faith. Together, we can evangelize by sharing the Gospel and continue the good works that strengthen our community.”
— Joanna Puddister King, Director of Communications
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & FAITH
FORMATION: $40,000
This ministry helps 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 ministries 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 Diocesan confirmation retreat was a great way to strengthen my faith and connect with others. I had time to pray, reflect, and bond with other confirmation participants. It seemed to be much easier to make new friends as we all share similar values. I left feeling more prepared and excited about my journey of faith.”
—
Joey Azar, St. Mary, Batesville
“Your support of the Catholic Service Appeal makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our priests. From caring for our retired priests to providing essential healthcare supporting the well-being of those actively serving in our parishes as well as our retired priests. Please consider making a gift in honor of their faithful service essential healthcare.”
— Rebecca Harris, Director of Stewardship and Development
