Sacraments 2023

2023 SACRAMENTS S PECIAL EDITION

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Confirmation, Wednesday, April 26. Front row (l-r): Jazmin Rodríguez Ramirez, Vanessa Aguilar, Mia Luciano, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Gracie Bishop, Mary Ella Chicorelli, Ayden Aguzzi and Deacon Dien Hoang. Back row (l-r): Father Raju Macherla, Chase Swartzfager, Jackson Byrd, Martin Moncada, Gregory Fore (St. Joseph Greenville), Bryant Lopez (St. Elizabeth Clarksdale) and Father Kent Bowlds. (Photo courtesy of parish)

CORINTH – St. James the Less, Confirmación, Friday, June 9. Pictured (l-r): Gael Rodriguez, Robert Valdez, Baker Hall, Giovanny Ayala, Brando Loredo, Alexis Solis, Obispo Joseph Kopacz, Amado Robles, Anthony Leon (Booneville), Liliana del Angel, Sandy Rosales, Ingrid Jaime and Faviola Leon (Booneville). (Photo courtesy of parish)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023 McCOMB – St. Alphonsus, Confirmation. Pictured (l-r): Menelik Rozelle, Shelby Fortenberry, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Mary Roberts (youth minister), Landee Lott Jr. and Jennifer Medina. (Photo by Amy Tisdale)

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TUPELO – Lincoln Summers and 35 other students celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, April 22 at St. James parish. (Photo by Michelle Harkins) GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Confirmation, Sunday, April 23. Front row (l-r): Deacon Denzil Lobo, Pate Gibbs, Hanna Steckler, Amanda Hair, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Stella McCarty, Emerson Erwin, Caroline Champagne, Darbie Brewer and Abbi White. Middle row (l-r): Father Joe Tonos, Wade Estess, Cayton Edwards, Neo Valenciano, Amelia Rabalais, Elle Sandifer, Mary Yoste, Gabriella Zevallos, Dalan Fontenot and Chandler See. Back row (l-r): Reese Touchet, J.C. Crowson, Parker Dancer, Mabry Hirn, John Gibson Eatherly, Sarah Gibbs, Ella Duhon, Andrew Didion, Jobe Dearman and Father Matthew Simmons (Photo

by Paula Bennett)

HOUSTON – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Confirmation. Pictured: Guadalupe Arriola, Jennifer Arriola, Ana Diaz, Anahi Gonzalez, Viridiana Gonzalez, Edgar Gutierrez, Mayabelyn Gutierrez, Rayly Gutierrez, Roger Hernandez, Adalberto Murillo, Francisco Murillo, Yoselyn Murillo, Edna Sanchez, Jose Eduardo Varela, Allison Vázquez, Azucena Vázquez, Dianna Vázquez, Jose G. Vázquez, Kaylin Vázquez, Luis Vázquez, Miriam Vázquez, Misael Vázquez, Valeria Vázquez and Vivian Vázquez. Young adults pictured: Alan Bejerano, Victor Bejerano, Michael Cruz, Angel Garcia, Jose Gonzalez, Eduardo Gonzalez, Martin Gonzalez, Andres Guerrero, Jose Francisco Guerrero, Miguel Guerrero, Leslie Hernandez, Leonel Lopez, Luis Angel Loredo, Brenda Medrano, Estrella Pachecano, Jonathan Pachecano and Tommy Lee Pina. (Photo by Jamie K. Morris photography)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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SOUTHAVEN – Youth from Queen of Peace, Olive Branch; Christ the King, Southaven; St. Gregory, Senatobia; Holy Spirit, Hernando; and St. Joseph Holly Springs celebrated their Confirmation in Fall of 2022. (Photo by Laura Grisham)

FOREST – Bishop Joseph Kopacz speaks to youth from Morton and Forest at their Confirmation on May 14. (Photo by Sister Maria Elena)

MERIDIAN – St. Joseph, Confirmation, Wednesday, May 31. Front row (l-r): Iztel Gomez-Moreno, William Dickerson, Ellie Purdy and Marilyn Marin. Back row (l-r): Father Augustine Palimattam, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Deacon Denzil Lobo and Guy Henry Dickerson. (Photo by John Harwell)

NATCHEZ – Basilica of St. Mary, Confirmation, Saturday, May 6. Front row (l-r): Antonio Ortiz, Emanuel Reza, Father Aaron Williams, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Father David O’Conner, Liza Gregg, Jasmin Ortiz and Lauren Lambuth.

Back row (l-r): Braden Starr, Jack Whittington, Logan Little, Logan Foster, John Clayton Atkins, Maria Piazza, Anna Grace Britt, Marissa Starr, Sally Linton, Itzel Ortiz and Jasmine Perez. (Photo courtesy of parish)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023 FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Confirmation, Wednesday, May 3. Front row (l-r): Deacon Tony Schmidt, Harmony Tran, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Jolie Hays, Isabella Quintero and Deacon John McGregor. Middle row (l-r): Charlie Gordon, Ian Willoughby, Vince Immanuel, Jonathan Heintzelman, Patrick Torres and Father Gerry Hurley. Back row (l-r): Jacob LaFontaine, Jennings Kimbrell, Will Slay, Eli Ladner, Seth Sweeney and Nathan Nguyen.

(Photo by Matt Torres Photography)

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CAMDEN – (Below) Sacred Heart, Confirmation, Sunday, May 21. Pictured: Christina Robinson, Jarmarquez Davis, Kathy Wright, Marvin Moore, Bradford Evans, Zyia Eldridge, Michael Sherrill III and Brian McMurtry. (Photo

by Martina B. Griffin)

TUPELO – St. James (with St. Helen Amory), Confirmation, Saturday, April 22. Front row (l-r): Teresita Amador, Lauren Lewis, Mary Grace Toole, Biridian Gonzalez-Mendez, Krystal Morales and Daniella Vazquez. Middle row (l-r): Alexandra Villanueva, Joanne Flores, Jennifer Mejia, Marcela Tiscareno, Fatima Lira and Mayte Lira. Back row (l-r): Lincoln Summers, David Perez, Nathan Eschete, Mitchel Davis, Anthony Mayfield, Brian Triano, Eric Garcia, Henry Loaeza, Dorian Snow, Juan Gonzalez, Sutton Scruggs, Steven Quiroz, Carlos Medina, Bryan Palafix, Jesus Avina, Emmanuel Villanuera, Jorge Avina, Arturo Acosta and Angel Hernandez. (Photo by Rhonda R. Swita)

JACKSON – St. Richard, Confirmation, Sunday, Feb. 5. Pictured: Fritz Barbour, Katie Grace Barbour, Becca Barbour, Susanna Blaylock, Lillian Boggan, Claudette Bronzi, Chris Brown, Turner Brown, Catherine Bryson, Lizzie Bryson, Brandon Burkes, Noah Chaplain, Anna Holladay Craft, Austin Craft, Parker Davis, George Decker, Leta Decker, Andrew Doherty, Grayson Engels, Sophie Engels, Caroline Flechas, Riley Flechas, Gray Holloway, Hayden Holloway, John Walt Holloway, Anna Impastato, Jack Impastato, Miller Jordan, Joe Koury, Sofia Liberto, Anna Kate Lucas, Cray Luckett, Levi Luckett, Lilly Luckett, Daniel Maloney, Will Manhein, Mary Margaret Martin, Charlee Mathews, Duncan Mathews, Livi Matthews, Connor Odom, Charlotte Park, Elizabeth Park, Aedan Ramos, James Rooks, Phoebe Rooks, Mamie Sandel, Ava Schuetzle, Lindsey Smith, Olivia Smith, Aden Spratlin, Liam Spratlin, Nick Spratlin, Annie Mac Steckler, David Steckler, Peggy Steckler, Susie Steckler, Cy Stephen, Henry Turner and Mary Pender Ward. (Photo by Chris Burkes)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, Confirmation, Sunday, April 30. First row (l-r): Loria Williams, Victoria Coursey, Anna Veston Deer, Angelina Istiphan, Paige Loyacono, JJ Tice, Benjamin Watson, Ethan Young, Adam Williams, Spencer Pittman, Mia Penner, William Fugate and Christian Diaz. Second Row (lr): Katherine Farthing, Maddie-Claire Spence, Adriana Terrazas, Anna Williams, Deacon Denzil Lobo, Grace Crosby, Malick Yedjou and Gabriel Cardona. Back row (l-r): Father Lenny Carlino, Msgr. Elvin Sunds, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Father Albeen Vatti, Father Craig Spence, Lockard Williams and Vincent Glorioso. (Photo

by Melissa Smalley) GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Confirmation. Front row (l-r): Father Jose Sanchez, Daniel Signa, Madolyn McGaugh, Abigail Duthu, Elese Serio, Kent Tonos and Melanie Julianne Camarena. Back row (l-r): Jacob Venuti, Harris Garcia, Cameron Wise, Mauricio Gonzalez, Leo Williams, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and catechist Clara Mandolini.

(Photo courtesy of Lynn Powers)

JACKSON – (Right) Landyn Je’Relle Taylor was baptized by Father Nick Nguyen at Holy Ghost parish this Spring.

(Photo by Dorothy Ashley)

JACKSON – (Left) Christ the King, Confirmation, Sunday, May 7. Pictured (l-r): Deacon Denzil Lobo, Derek Singleton, Darious Anderson, Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Braylon Poindexter, Bryson Poindexter, Charity Cannon, Dana Barnes and Father Joe Dyer. (Photo by Gina Lobo)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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GLUCKSTADT – Youth at St. Joseph parish received First Holy Communion.

(Photo by Paula Bennett)

MAGEE – St. Stephen, First Communion, Sunday, May 14. Pictured (lr): Dane Breaux, Dylan Gonzales, Father Kevin Slattery and Josemith Carballo Salas. (Photo courtesy Janie Wallace)

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, First Communion. Front row (l-r): Brantley Weeks and Michael Hunter. Second row (l-r): Baylor Barham, Jenna Kay Swafford, Scarlett Ruth, George Brown, Campbell New. Not pictured: Julia Hooker. (Photo by Mary Lynn Powers) VICKSBURG – Six children join the catholic faith during the Easter Vigil by receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion. First row (l-r): Madison Barnette, Daphne Narvaiz, Amelia Guider. Back row (l-r): Yashira Narvaiz, Syal Gonzalez and Laura Narvaiz. (Photo by Amy Chaney-Wood)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, First Communion. First row (l-r): Emma Kassinger, Olivia Howell, Seth D’Mello, Alison Cardona, Connor Evans, Ellie Burns, Camden Killingsworth, Kennedy Colbert, Leo Kosek, Kaitlyn Rottman, Maddox Kivlan, Livi Jones and Josephine Klar. Second row (l-r): Landon Schulte, Luca Vaughan, J. Mac Carter, John Thomas Artman, Mae McDaniel, Alex Mielniczek, Ryann Wieland, Alden Ward, Charlie Reed, Lucy Sanders, Rob Stephens, James Wright and Patrick Harris. Third row (l-r): Alex Vanderloo, Roman Wilson, Grayson Therrell, Austin Conerly, Murphy Klein, Eli Tucker, Caroline Hammett, Liam Smith, William Vanderloo and Ross Coffelt. Fourth row (l-r): Kimberly Vega, Giselle Vargas, Yanela Yedjou, Carlos Vargas, Thanh Le and Emmy Purifoy. Back row (l-r): Deacon Denzil Lobo, Father Albeenreddy Vatti and Msgr. Michael Flannery. (Photo courtesy of Mary Catherine George)

McCOMB – (Right) St. Alphonsus, First Communion. Front row (l-r): Reina Bustillo, Marie Rozelle and Maggie Davis. Second row (l-r): Hadley Plaisance, Cyleigh Rubio, Alexza Medina and Henry McNeil. Third row (l-r): Jose David Garcia, Mateo Macias, Abby Hebert and Gunner Jace Howell. Back row (l-r): Father Bill Henry, JT Marino and Leonardo Angel. (Photo by Amy Tisdale)

FLOWOOD – (Left) St. Paul, First Communion, Sunday, April 30. Front row (l-r): Colton Nichols, Sebastian Patterson, Billie Duffy, Caroline Iles, Will Frier, Wilson Malone, Sawyer Gaspard, Gianluca Rodriguez and Colton Woodfield. Back row (l-r): Deacon Tony Schmidt, Aubrey White, Ashlynn Frier, Cassidy Herring, Jacob Nguyen, Lawrence Johnson, Tyler Wolfe, Parker Bierdeman, Dominic Giordano and Father Gerry Hurley. (Photo by Hugo Cordova)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

9 BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis of Assisi, First Communion, Sunday, May 7. Pictured with Father Manohar Thanugundla. (l-r): Bentley Britt, Madeline Postma, Ellie Brooke Ybarra, Preslee Womack, Rosaleigh Pigott, Maci Ferguson and Sawyer Bartholomew. (Photo courtesy of parish)

MERIDIAN – (Right) St. Patrick, First Communion. Pictured (l-r): Luke Bailey, Mia Gabrelcik, Jaylene Mendez, Willow Franklin, Fernanda Garcia, Liliana Rangel, Julianna Espino, Christopher Caballero-Scott and William Lindholm, with Father Augustine Palimattam and Father Justin Joseph standing behind. (Photo by John Harwell)

CRYSTAL SPRINGS – St. John, First Communion, Sunday, May 21. Pictured (l-r): Ian Whitwell, Dani Vargas, JACKSON – Catelyn Hope Jones was bapPiper Whitwell, Maddie Benton, Eli Franklin, Mia Joseph and Daina Joseph, with Father Mano Thanugundla. tized at Holy Ghost parish this Spring. (Photo (Photo by Yvette Howard)

by Dorothy Ashley)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023 HOLLY SPRINGS – (Left) Rebekka Renee Ruiz Curtis received her First Communion at St. Joseph Church. (Photo by Sister Julene Stromberg, SSSF)

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JACKSON – (Right) Earnestine Powell received the Sacrament of Baptism at Holy Ghost parish.

She is pictured with Fater Nick Nguyen, SVD and godparent, Sondra Powell. (Photo by Dorothy Ashley)

HOUSTON – (Right) Youth gathered for a photo with Father Tim Murphy at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish after celebrating their First Communion. Pictured: Juan Azua, Gregory Cornwell, Alex Garcia, Alexa Garcia, Anabel Gutierrez, April Gonzalez, Gael Gonzalez, Iker Gonzalez, Alan Gutierrez, Melany Juarez, Daleyza Hernandez, Emma Martinez, Aleyda Murillo, Jarely Rodriguez, Yaretzy Rodriguez, Omar Rojas, Allison Servin, Jose Servin, Perla Vazquez, Reyna Vazquez and Valeria Zarate.

HOUSTON – Youth from Vardaman gathered for a photo with Father Cesar Sanchez at Immaculate Heart of Mary after celebrating their First Communion. Pictured: Milagros Rodriguez, Estevan Sanchez, Ivan Duran, Jorge Duran, Jan Misael Mendoza, Manuel Guerrero, Jonathan Ponce, Brianna Espiricueta, Cesar Pachecano, Jose Isael Pachecano, Adelin Pachecano, Arlette Pachecano, Brandon Hernandez, Yoselin Ramirez, Jose Ramirez, Tiffany Ramos, Patrick Gonzalez, Joe Villanueva and Jose Villanueva. (Photos courtesy of parish)

NATCHEZ – Basilica of St. Mary, First Communion, Sunday, May 7. Front row (l-r): Rosalie Tate Tosspon, Ella Freeman, Suzannah Branton, Mary-Thomas Edwards, Harper Johnson. Brylee Cromie, Elizabeth O’Brien, Piper Britt, Della Book and Olivia Guida. Back row (l-r): Ben Krueger, Lucas Wingfield, Gabriel Heinzen, Benton Ater, Tucker Blaney, Brighton Cromie, Jackson Doré, William Killen, Miller Burkley, Robert Martin and Father Aaron Williams. Not pictured: John Ruffin Daniel and Aaron Hunter. (Photo courtesy of parish)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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BELZONI – Sarah Morgan Sandifer celebrated her First Communion with Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam at All Saints parish on Saturday, May 6. (Photo by Jessica Sandifer)

MERIDIAN – Dominic Meachum and Aubre Laws celebrated their First Communion with Father Augustine Palimattam and Father Justin Joseph at St. Joseph parish. (Photo by by John Harwell )

HAZLEHURST – St. Martin, First Communion, June 4. Pictured (l-r): Maritza Francisco, Anahi Marroquin, Rocio Agustin, Father Mano Thanugundla, Gustavo Zarate and Allison I. Sales. (Photo by Yvette Howard)

CLINTON – Holy Savior, First Communion, Sunday, May 7. First row (l-r): Juliette Boyt, Uriah Alford and Alex Mazy. Second row (l-r): Alex Presley, Natalee Carrubba, Leah Threadgill, Cain Mazy, Joseph Kieffer and Jaden Oudu. Third row (l-r): Luna Mazy, Chikosibia Agbahiwe, Father Lincoln Dall, Nichole Carrena and Matilde Magaña. (Photo by Trish Ballard)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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KOSCIUSKO – (Right) Young people get ready to celebrate their First Communion at St. Therese parish on Sunday, May 7. (Photo courtesy of parish)

TUPELO – Youth at St. James celebrated First Communion this spring. (Photos courtesy of parish)

CLARKSDALE – Liza Stonestreet and Bianca Martinez received their First Holy Communion at St. Elizabeth parish on Sunday, April 2. Also pictured are Catelin Britt and Father Raju Macherla. (Photo by Austin Britt Photography)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

13 PEARL – St. Jude, First Communion. Pictured (l-r): Ruben Castillo, Jr., Luis Angel Lopez-Castro, Andres Espino, Lucy America Torres, Leonardo Gaspar-Mateo, Juan Carlos Lopez-Castro and Adelaide Rodriguez, with Father Jofin George.

(Photo by Rhonda Bowden)

RIPLEY – St. Matthew, First Communion, Saturday, June 10. Communicants: Damian Chairez, Valeria Chairez, Angel Chavez, Jose Mendez Cruz, Giovanna Delgado, Yosgart Delgado, Jayden Gonzalez, Luis Santos, Martin Santos, Valeria Santos, Ximena Santos, Aryana Sosa, Jessuri Yanez, Arely Zepeda and Maximiliano Zepeda. Also pictured: Sylvia Santos, Eduardo Padilla, Father Jesuraj Xavier, Sister Rose Mock,SSND, Sister Carol Ann Prenger, SSND and Father Mario Solorzano. (Photo by Madeleine Hale) VICKSBURG – (Left) St. Michael, First Communion, Sunday, April 16. Pictured (l-r): Adeline Waring Stewart, Howard Charles Reeder, Mary Thompson Ratliff, Benjamin Joseph Ponder and Lincoln Michael Streif, with Father Robert Dore. (Photo by Amy Chaney-Wood)

COLUMBUS – Father Jeffrey Waldrep celebrated First Communion with Annunciation School second graders from various parishes. From Annunciation Church: Amelia Alexander, Keelynn Clapper, Miller Graham, Mitchell Lasseigne, Collins Robertson and James Thomas. From St. Joseph Starkville: Cambell Dimino, Olivia Dimino and Sophia Nguyen. From Corpus Christi Macon: Anna Katherine More. (Photo courtesy of Gina Phillips)

VICKSBURG – Joseph Robert and Collins Farmer celebrated their First Communion with Father Rusty Vincent at St. Paul parish. (Photo courtesy of Wilson Locke)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

14 JACKSON - Christ the King, First Communion, Sunday, May 14. Pictured (l-r): Gina Lobo, Deacon Denzil Lobo, Harry Kini, Zachary Gordon, Derion Bronson and Father Joe Dyer. (Photo by Maggie Spence)

TUPELO – (Below) Lincoln Coleman receives his First Holy Communion from Father Tim Murphy at St. James Parish.

(Photo by Michelle Harkins)

HOLLY SPRINGS – Eight children celebrated their First Communion on May 7 at St. Joseph Church. (Photo by Gerry Tomlin) (Right) Mia McKenzie Gonzales and Amy Mariel Sandoval pose for photos after their celebration at St. Joseph Holly Springs. (Photo by Sister Julene Stromberg, SSSF)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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BATESVILLE – St. Mary, First Communion, Sunday, April 30. Front row (l-r): Janey Grace Joiner, Jovanni Tejeda, Rita Bañales, Isabel Pike, Sophia Pike, Rafita Gallegos, Katie Clark and Evie Jones. Back row (lr): Catechist Kerri McKnatt, Brayan Casillas, Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy, Raymond Flores and April Flores. (Photo courtesy of parish)

YAZOO CITY – Annie Crawford and Hayden Odum celebrated their First Communion on Sunday, May 7 with Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam. (Photo by Babs McMaster)

PEARL – RCIA candidates Mary Farra, Johene Smith look on as Ronnie Aguilar is anointed by Father Jofin George on Easter vigil at St. Jude parish. (Photo

by Tereza Ma)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC JULY 21, 2023

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PEARL – At Easter Vigil, St. Jude parish welcomed new member of the parish Mary Farrar, Priscilla Rangel, Nelson Rangel, Omar Gonzales, Santigo Gonzales, Ariana Gonzales, America Leuvano and Eduardo Leuvano. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

JACKSON – Jackson Nikoli James Barney was baptised at Holy Ghost parish by Father Nick Nguyen, SVD, as his godmother Betty Longino, looks on.

(Photo by Dorothy Ashley)

RIPLEY – Easter Vigil Celebration of Leigh Ann Giaroli and Donovan Grant were welcomed in full communion with the church at the Easter Vigil celebration at St. Matthew parish. Also pictured are Skip Betts, Eduardo Padilla, Father Xavier Jesuraj, Sister Carol Ann Prenger, SSND, Sister Rose Mock, SSND and Anne Stroupe. (Photo courtesy of Madeleine Hale)

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth Catholic Church welcomed new members Katherine Willis and Shane Griffin who joined the church and St. Elizabeth parish at the Easter Vigil Saturday, April 8, 2023. (pictured with Father Raju Macherla) (Photo courtesy of parish)