MARCH 11, 2022
mississippicatholic.com
Praying for peace: Church rallies in prayer for Ukraine BY SABRINA SIMMS ROBERTSON THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT
much further,” Father Shoffner said. Ukraine declared itself an independent country from Russia and the Soviet Union in 1991 while its people have the same ancestry as Russia. “When I heard about what was going on I immediately thought of Caine killing Abel in Genesis — ’your brother’s blood is crying out from the land,’” Father Shoffner said, quoting the scripture. “I thought about that and thought about it as another reason for people to look down on Christianity as far as Christians attacking Christians, whether it be in Ukraine or here in Natchez — undermining the faith.” He added, “Fighting someone never accomplishes a good. It’s going to always denigrate the humanity of another person. That greed ... destroys you and ends up making you lash out at others. It’s needless, but it can be useful because it can inspire people to pray, which is the most necessary thing to do.” Father Shoffner said those who wish directly help those in Ukraine may give to one of the following: Caritas Ukraine – caritas.org/where-caritas-work-europe/ ukraine; Catholic Near East Welfare Association – cnewa.org; Catholic Relief Services – crs.org; Aid to the Church in Need – churchinneed.org.
NATCHEZ – Churches in Natchez and across the country are engaging in prayers for peace as more than half a million people flee from Ukraine and others take shelter in basements and subway tunnels. St. Mary Basilica in Natchez shared Pope Francis’s declaration of this on Ash Wednesday being a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Ukraine as Russian forces close in on the capital city Kyiv. In the sanctuary, a vase of sunflowers — the national flower of Ukraine — wrapped in a yellow and blue flag rests next to a picture of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians, with people from a myriad of nationalities sitting under her cloak of protection. Father Mark Shoffner, administrator pro tempore of St. Mary Basilica said he placed the image in the sanctuary so that his flock would have something they can physically look at and be reminded that others are hurting and in need of their prayers. NATCHEZ – At St. Mary Basilica, a vase of Sunflowers — the national flower “I had to do something,” he said. of Ukraine — wrapped in a yellow and blue flag rests next to a picture of Our The last few Mass services have inLady Help of Persecuted Christians, with people from a myriad of nationalcluded collections for Eastern Europe as ities sitting under her cloak of protection. (Sabrina Robertson, The Natchez well as prayers for times of war and civil Democrat) disturbance and for refugees and those in exile, he said. (Reprinted with permission of The Natchez Democrat) Mary Lou McCall, a former news journalist who was on a mission trip in Ukraine in the 80s, would also speak after Tuesday Mass. (Editor's note: On March 4, Bishop Joesph Kopacz asked parishes across the diocese to “It’s not necessary that you go over there and it’s not necessary that you give money, though it is good if you can. Prayer is the best thing that you can do. It is the most- take up a special collection to be sent to the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelsure thing that we have. To pray and to offer prayers for peace and consolation goes so phia, for distribution to relief efforts for Ukraine and its people. Please be generous to this very worthy cause.
Diocesan lay minister, Minninger retires BY JOE LEE
GLUCKSTADT – Pam Minninger, who retired as Lay Ecclesial Minister (LEM) at St. Joseph Church of Gluckstadt at the end of January, has never forgotten the time she spent as a young child with her maternal grandmother at bedtime. “I remember spending summer weeks with her in her small home,” Minninger said. “I would sleep with her, and we would kneel together beside her bed to say our prayers. Then she would tuck me into bed and get back on her knees for more prayer. I would wake up a bit later and she would be sound asleep, still on her knees beside the bed.” Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Minninger moved to Mississippi in 1975 when she married her husband, Kerry. Residents of Gluckstadt, the couple have two kids and a pair of preschool-age grandchildren. A fixture at St. Joseph for well over a decade, Minninger was hired as pastoral associate in February 2005 and appointed as LEM by Bishop Joseph Latino in March 2006. A LEM in lieu of a full-time pastor is not uncommon in a very small parish – which St. Joseph was at the time of Minninger’s appointment – and in that role
she was responsible for the administration, educational, sacramental and charitable activities of the parish. “I worked very closely, first with Father Robert Olivier and then with Father Kevin Slattery, as Sacramental Ministers to make sure the sacraments were available to our parishioners,” she said. “We had approximately 90 families in our parish when I was appointed, but we began growing rapidly. We’re now at 700 families. “In 2009 I appoint-
ed a building committee to work on design, financing and construction of a new church and education building. In September 2011, we moved into that new $3.1 million building. I am very proud of the fact that we paid off the note for our church in just over three years. We have an amazing parish family here at St. Joseph.” Minninger’s presence and leadership have been felt – Continued on page 20 –
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Lenten meals 6 Where to find fish fries, stations and more for Lent
Bishop Chanche 10 Read about recipients of the 2022 Service Award
Youth 18 See activities for Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday
MARCH 11, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. Men’s Morning of Spirituality, Hundreds will gather for prayer, praise and inspiration from Chris Stefanik, an internationally known Catholic speaker on Saturday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation in Collierville. The event is free. Details: https://castyournets.org/mmos GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, Healing Retreat, Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., presented by Maria Vadia; Mental Well-being and Trust workshop, Sunday, April 10 from 2-4 p.m., presented by Michael Whelan, Ph.D.; God’s Love Retreat, Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. presented by the Locus Benedictus ministry team. Details: email contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com or call (662) 299-1232. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, You are Enough and Beloved Women’s One Day Retreat, Saturday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mass. Cost is $10 and includes continental breakfast, snacks and lunch. Retreat will address many of the strugles experienced over the past two years. Come for a day to rediscover or discover that you are enough and very beloved. Retreat facilitated by Carrie Lambert and overseen by Ruth Powers. Please RSVP. Details: (601) 455-5616 or youth@stmarybasilica.org.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, White Elephant Sale on April 2 by the Knights of Columbus. No clothing donations. Details: church office (601) 833-1799. St. Francis, Knights of Columbus Blood Drive, March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Details: Register online at msblood.com or by calling the church office at (601) 833-1799. COLUMBUS Annunciation Catholic School, Draw Down/Art Auction on Friday, April 22 from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center. Adults only with dinner and open bar. Draw down ticket $100. Art auction ticket $35 at the door. Details: school office (662) 328-4479. CLEVELAND Our Lady Of Victories, Egg Hunt for
FEATURED PHOTO
birth to sixth grade, April 3, 10-11 a.m., please bring 12 candy filled eggs. Details: olvcc@att.net. GRENADA St. Peter, Lenten program on the Eucharist on Sunday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Meet for five consecutive Sundays during Lent. Books are $15. Details: There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer of the church or you can contact Annette Tipton (985) 518-5674. JACKSON St. Richard, Blood Drive, Sunday, March 27 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Mississippi Blood Services coach will be in the parking lot. Donors will receive a t-shirt and tumbler. Details: church office (601) 3662335. MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Annual Countdown fundraiser on Friday, April 22. Tickets will go on sale soon and are $100 for a full ticket but partial tickets can be bought for as little as $25. Grand prize is $5,000. Details: school office (601) 482-6044. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Wednesday Night Dinner in honor of St. Patrick at the Family Life Center from 5:30 p.m. unil. Menu is shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, green salad and dessert. Cost: adults $5, seniors $4, students $3, under three free. Family maximum is $20. Details: church office (601) 445-5616. St. Mary Basilica, St. Mary’s Vanguard Young Adult Ministry, Trivia Night at the Family Life Center on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. $5 to play; $1 soft drinks, $5 potato bar. Prizes are awarded. Event is BYOB and masks are encouraged. This month they are doing a drive for The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society. Everyone is aked to bring a monetary donation, dry dog and/or cat food, cleaning supplies, paper towels, etc. Details: church office (601) 445-5616. SOUTHAVEN Sacred Heart School is seeking a PK-3 and first grade teacher; as well as, a social studies teacher for 6-8 grades. Must have basic understanding and acceptance of the Catholic School philosophy, goals and objectives. Details: shsjobs@ shsm.org.
SEARCH retreat for juniors and seniors, April 1-3, at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Retreat is “for teens, led by teens” and is an experience like none other; with a strong focus on vocations. SEARCH engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold real, active and healthy way. Cost $125. Details: abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.
SAVE THE DATE
SPRING FORWARD Daytime savings time begins on March 13 at 2 a.m. Be sure to set your clock one hour AHEAD before you go to bed Saturday night. COLLECTION Rice bowl collection is set for Holy Thursday April 14. Collect your bowl from your parish. REFLECTION Bishop Barron also offers free online reflections: https://dailycatholicgospel.com/lent-reflections-2022. JACKSON St. Richard, VBS 2022, June 6-9. Online registration dates will be announced soon. Details: chruch office (601) 366-2335. MADISON St. Francis, VBS 2022, June 20-24 for all children going into Pre-K4 through 4th grades. Help is needed to plan, teach, assist, decorate, lead music and prepare snacks. Details: Mary Catherine at mc.george@ stfrancismadison.org.
YOUTH BRIEFS
... Special Guest for TND ...
APPLIANCE AUDIO VIDEO BEDDING FURNITURE SUPERSTORE
STARKVILLE – Bishop Joseph Kopacz joined students from St. Joseph parish’s Catholic Campus Ministry program (CCM) for Tuesday Night Dinner (more affectionately known as TND) on February 22. (Photo courtesy of Father Jason Johnston)
Jackson Flowood R dgeland Pearl Cl nton V cksburg Tupelo Columbus Laurel Oxford Hatt esburg
let there be light
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 11, 2022
What do the Scriptures say? BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.
“What do the Scriptures say?” This was the question at the beginning of the passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans last weekend at the outset of Lent. Paul’s response to his own rhetorical introduction is the Kerygma. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart, then you will be saved.” Having been grasped by Christ, St. Paul testifies that “I live no longer I, but Christ who lives in me,” and “the love of Christ compels me,” and “I count all else as rubbish in the knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ.” This is the repentance and conversion that beckons us on Ash Wednesday with the words, “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are an invitation to walk faithfully with the Holy One who loves and saves us. What do the Scriptures say? What a fundamentally important question for our lives of faith with every facet that ultimately matters, in this case, the mystery of evil. On the first Sunday in Lent, we have the definitive struggle between Jesus and the devil, the evil one, the enemy, the malicious spirit of this world and what the Scriptures say carried the day for the Son of God, divine yet wholly human. Stones into bread, the deceiver allured. “One does not live by bread alone, but every word that comes from the mouth of God.” From the mountaintop with the Putinesque vision of reality, the enemy enticed. “This can
Yet, why does evil even exist? (309) St. Augustine says that we cannot find a solution, a way out except through conversion to the living God. (385) We have to fight the movements of concupiscence and the lure of sin that never cease to bring us to the all be yours if you but bow down and worship me.” Ah threshold of evil. We are called to reverse the rebellion no, “You shall adore the Lord your God, him alone shall at the beginning and realize a you serve.” Finally, onto from rupture with sin, a hatred of evil, the parapet of the Temple the a disgust with past sinful action, Jesus wants us to be fully devil led with the seduction of relying on the grace and mercy engaged in this fallen world, religious power through a false of God. (1431) representation of the living God. because in Him we are the light The presence of evil impacts In turn, Jesus countered with the of the world ... all relationships including mardisarming response; “you shall riage, threatening the bond of not put the Lord your God to the unity through discord, domination, infidelity, jealousy test.” and confl icts. (1606) What is necessary is a life of placWhat does the church say in the Sacrament of Baping oneself in the hands of God, a handing of oneself tism about the mystery of evil? “Do you reject Satan and over in adoration and service. (1889) all his works and all his empty promises?” Or, do you These citations up to now are taken from the first reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by three sections of the CCC, the Creed, the Sacraments sin?” and Life in Christ. The fourth and final section of the Obviously, we are not shadow boxing in the renewal CCC is the unfolding of the Lord’s prayer, the mind and of our baptismal promises over these forty days, accomheart of Christ that address temptation and the reality panying the catechumens and candidates with whom we of evil. will proclaim to the world that although evil, sin and By God’s grace and the power of faith we can put death are all too real, yet, they do not have the final aside temptation and walk away from the destructive word, because the crucified one is risen. path and pain of evil. Recall Jesus’ prayer at the Last What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church Supper. “I do not ask that you take them out of the (CCC) say about the mystery of evil that is a compilation world, but that you guard them from the evil one.” (John of nearly 2000 years of the prayerful and lived experi17:15) (CCC 2850) ence of the followers of Christ? Indeed, Jesus wants us to be fully engaged in this fallSoberly, we read that evil, suffering, injustice and en world, because in Him we are the light of the world, death contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ, and witnesses to faith, hope and love, reconciliation, justice shakes the faith of the believers. (164) At times, God and peace, and the promise of eternal life. May we seek seems absent and incapable of stopping evil. Yet, we are the answers to life’s unrelenting questions in the Scripnot powerless, because God’s power is evident in the tures and the living tradition of the church. raising of Jesus Christ from the dead which is the first and final word in life and in death. (272)
¿Qué dicen las Escrituras? POR OBISPO JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D.
¿Qué dicen las Escrituras?, fue la pregunta, al comienzo del pasaje de la carta de San Pablo a los Romanos, el pasado fin de semana al comienzo de la Cuaresma. La respuesta de Pablo a su propia introducción retórica es el Kerygma. “Si con tu boca reconoces a Jesús como Señor, y con tu corazón crees que Dios lo resucitó, alcanzarás la salvación.” (Rom 10:9) Habiendo sido atado por Cristo, San Pablo testifica que “... y ya no soy yo quien vive, sino que es Cristo quien vive en mí,” (Ga 2:20); “... el amor de Cristo se ha apoderado de nosotros,” (2Cor 5:14) y “... a nada le concedo valor si lo comparo con el bien supremo de conocer a Cristo Jesús.” (Fil 3:8) Este es el arrepentimiento y la conversión que nos llama el Miércoles de Ceniza con las palabras, “apártense del pecado y sean fieles al Evangelio.” La oración, el ayuno y Volume 68 Number 7 (ISSN 1529-1693)
la limosna son una invitación a caminar fielmente con el Santo que nos ama y nos salva. ¿Qué dicen las Escrituras? Qué pregunta tan fundamentalmente importante para nuestras vidas de fe, con todas las facetas que en última instancia importan, como es en este caso, el misterio del mal. El primer domingo de Cuaresma tenemos la lucha definitiva entre Jesús y el diablo, el enemigo, el espíritu maligno de este mundo y lo que las Escrituras dicen que triunfó para el Hijo de Dios, totalmente divino, pero humano. Piedras en pan, el engañador sedujo. “No sólo de pan vivirá el hombre, sino también de toda palabra que salga de los labios de Dios.” (Mt 4:4) Desde la cima de la montaña con la visión Putinesca de la realidad, seduce el enemigo. “Yo te daré todo esto, si te arrodillas y me adoras.” (Mt 4:9) ¡Ah no!, “Adora al Señor tu Dios, y sírvele sólo a él.” (Mt 4:10) Finalmente, desde el parapeto del Templo, el diablo condujo la seducción al poder religioso a través de una falsa representación del Dios vivo. A su vez, Jesús respondió con una respuesta terminante; “No pongas a prueba al Señor tu Dios.” (Mt 4:7) ¿Qué dice la iglesia en el Sacramento del Bautismo sobre el misterio del mal? “¿Rechazas a Satanás y todas sus obras y todas sus promesas vacías?” ¿O rechazas el espejismo del mal y te niegas a ser dominado por el pecado? – Continúa en la pág. 15 –
P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ...................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager ...................................................................................................Tereza Ma Contributors ......................................................................................................... Berta Mexidor
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published twice per month January - April and September December; one per month June, July and August. 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
BISHOP’S SCHEDULE Thursday, March 24, 8:30 a.m. – School Mass, St. Patrick, Meridian Thursday, April 7, 6 p.m. – Pro-Life Mississippi Spring Banquet, Mississippi Tradmart, Jackson Monday, April 11, 6 p.m. – Penance Service, St. Paul, Flowood Friday, April 22-23 – 118th Knights of Columbus State Convention, Robinsonville All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.
MARCH 11, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
4 VOCATIONS CALLED BY NAME
In my past three entries I have discussed three of the four dimensions of priestly formation for our seminarians. The human, spiritual and intellectual pillars all serve the greater purpose of forming pastors. Therefore, the fourth and final dimension we will examine is the pastoral dimension. This dimension of priestly formation can be seen as a stand-alone pillar with different tasks highlighted and required during seminary training, but it can also be seen as the synthesis of everything that a man learns and becomes during his time in the seminary. If a seminarian is attentive to his human formation, then he becomes both more approachable and more effective at inviting others into a more robust faith. If a seminarian is diligently praying and growing in relationship with Jesus Christ, then he’ll be a more inspiring spiritual father to his parishioners. If a seminarian has taken the time and the effort to really apply what he has learned in the classroom, he is better able to share the truths in the faith with his people in a way that is helpful rather than weaponizing the truth and steering people away from his counsel. Concretely, the seminarians are given opportunities for pastoral formation both inside the seminary and outside its confines. I remember with great clarity working in the student government at Notre Dame Seminary (NDS). There are plenty of big opinions and competing agendas when you live in a building with 130 other men, and so my year as the president of the student body at NDS was very formative. I was able to gain practice in collaborating effectively and Father Nick Adam empowering others with different skill sets than mine. I also was able to make mistakes in a controlled environment with the safety net of the seminary administration and faculty there to back me up. Our seminarian, Carlisle Beggerly is currently serving as NDS student body president, please keep him in your prayers! Outside the seminary there are many different pastoral outreach opportunities. The seminary will typically either assign or allow a seminarian to pick a ministry that they’d like to be involved with during an academic year. This could include prison ministry, homeless outreach, or working in Catholic Schools or parish religious education. All of these opportunities allow the seminarian not only to reflect on their own pastoral skills and development, but they also allow the members of the church to give feedback on his development both to the individual seminarian and those entrusted with his formation. The four dimensions of priestly formation, human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral, work together. They are helpful categories for the seminarians and their supervisors to gauge their aptitude for diocesan priesthood. Every man who is ordained a priest should be able to diligently and effectively lead the people of a parish, even if he will not immediately be named a pastor. These dimensions help us create goals and gauge progress so that the people of God can be served by the pastors they need. – Father Nick Adam If you are interested in learning more about religious orders or vocations to the priesthood and religious life, please email nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.
Sister Kay Burton gives thanks for her years in Jonestown By Jennifer Brandlon
MARYLHURST, Ore. – During recent months, Holy Names Sister Kay Burton realized she’d have to leave Jonestown, Mississippi to return to Washington state. But Jonestown could never stop being home to her. It’s the place where she has lived, loved, taught and built for more than three decades. Before her departure due to declining health, Sister Kay had a festive drive-by so residents of Jonestown could say goodbye and thank her for her transformative work with children, teens, families and the town itself. She is just as grateful to them for the love and support she has received in return. “Sister Kay loved being in Jonestown with the local people,” said Sister Maureen Delaney, leader of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary U.S.-Ontario Province. “She loved developing enriching programs with and for the children, teens and families, and they in turn enriched her life with their love and friendship.” Sister Kay first came to the Mississippi Delta in 1979 to teach summer school at Immaculate Conception in Clarksdale. She, along with several other Sisters of the Holy Names from the West Coast, came to love the warmth and dedication to community among the people they met. During the couple of years that Sister Kay stayed in Clarksdale, she got to know the family of a student from Jonestown. The child’s family urged her to come to Jonestown to help students there who were struggling with their lessons. It was a perfect match for Sister Kay’s energetic and visionary talents. She had already spent years developing peace education and anti-racism programs as an inner-city teacher and administrator in Seattle, Washington. However, her Holy Names community called her to a leadership role in 1983, and that five-year commitment had to come first. But she purchased a house in Jonestown and continued to support the ministries of the other Sisters who went to Mississippi to teach – including Sisters Rose Monica Rabdau, Mildred Hein, Anne Skok and Teresa Shields. “I will be forever grateful that Sister Kay chose me to live and minister in Jonestown for 32 years,” said Sister Teresa. “My life has been changed for the better.” As soon as her term in leadership ended, Sister Kay drove to Mississippi in a van named “Old Yeller,” bought a second house and immediately started remodeling it to make appropriate space for tutoring. She reached out to the community to find out what people wanted, which led her to organize garden projects, softball teams, life
skills classes and GED programs. A major emphasis for her was music – despite not being a musician herself, she recruited others to come to Jonestown to teach music, including Dolores Fields Mason, who passed away earlier this month. The result was joyful singing at annual Christmas celebrations and Black history presentations, as well as piano recitals and other wonderful gatherings. Her successful volunteer recruitment campaigns led to innumerable home repair and Habitat for Humanity projects to benefit Jonestown residents. Volunteers also helped upgrade facilities for basketball, baseball and track, as well as creating a playground for younger children. Sister Kay also took young people from Jonestown on trips to meet Sisters and other people involved in service work in places ranging from the Native American community in Wapato, Washington to the Holy Names convents in Lesotho, Africa. As difficult as it is for Sister Kay to say goodbye to a place she loves so dearly, she knows that God’s faithful presence in the Mississippi Delta will continue through the many ministries she and the other Sisters have brought to reality. About the Sisters of the Holy Names: Founded in 1843 by Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary community is dedicated to the full development of the human person through education, social justice, contemplation and the arts. Among SNJM’s chief commitments are advocating for the right to clean water for all, freedom from every form of human trafficking and the welfare of immigrants and refugees. The SNJM U.S.-Ontario Province engages in ministry throughout the United States and the Canadian province of Ontario. More information is available at www. snjmusontario.org.
Spirituality 5
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 11, 2022
The perfect ritual IN EXILE By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
Sometimes it takes an outsider to help you to see the beauty and depth of something you have never fully appreciated. I suspect this true for many of us, myself no exception, regarding the celebration of the Eucharist in our churches. David P. Gushee, an Evangelical, recently published a book entitled After Evangelicalism, within which he describes his decades-long struggle to make peace with some issues inside his own church. He has remained in his church, though now on Sundays he also goes (with his wife who is a Roman Catholic) to a Catholic Mass. Here’s his description of what he sees there. “I view design of the Catholic Mass as something like a polished gem, refined over time to a state of great beauty – if you know what you are looking at. ... The movement of the Mass manages to accomplish so much in something like an hour – a processional, with the cross held high; greetings in the name of the triune God; early confession of sin, brief but compelling; an Old Testament reading read by a lay person; a sung psalm; an Epistle reading by a layperson; the Gospel reading by the priest, and the ceremony around it; a brief homily; the centering movement provided by the creed and the prayers of the people. An offertory and music. Then right to the Table – the people offer gifts that are then offered to God and come back to the people as Christ’s body and blood; the kneeling in humility; the Lord’s Prayer as an important part of the Eucharistic rite; the precious chance to pass the peace with neighbors just before the supper; more kneeling; the chance to watch the people come up for Communion and pray for them, or instead be quiet with God; the final Trinitarian blessing and recessional.” What an insightful description of the ritual by which we celebrate the Eucharist! Sometimes when we’re inside something, we don’t see it as clearly as does someone from the outside. Let me add two other descriptions that highlight the Eucharistic ritual in a way that we often don’t think about or meet in our usual theology and catechesis on this. The first, like Gushee’s, also comes from a non-Catholic. A Methodist layman shares this: “I’m not a Roman Catholic, but sometimes I go to a Roman Catholic Mass just to take in the ritual. I’m not sure if they know exactly what they’re doing, but they’re doing something very powerful. Take their daily Mass, for example. Unlike their Sunday Mass, they do daily Mass more simply, with the ritual stripped down to its skeleton. What you see then, in essence, is something akin to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.” Why does he make that connection? Here are his words. “People who go to daily Mass don’t go there to experience anything novel or exciting. It’s always the same, and that’s the point. Like people going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, they’re going there to receive the support they need to stay steady in their lives, and the steadiness comes through the ritual. Underneath the surface, each person is saying, “My name is ___ and my life is fragile. I know that if I don’t come to this ritual regularly my life will begin to unravel. I need this ritual to stay alive.” The ritual of the Eucharist functions too as a “12-Step” meeting.
Another perspective comes from Ronald Knox, a British theologian. He submits that we have never truly been faithful to Jesus. When we’re honest, we have to admit that we don’t love our enemies, don’t turn the other cheek, don’t bless those who curse us, don’t forgive those who kill our loved ones, don’t reach out enough to the poor, and don’t extend our compassion out equally to the bad as well as to the good. Rather, we cherry-pick the teachings of Jesus. But, says Knox, we have been faithful in one great way, through the ritual of the Eucharist. Jesus asked us to keep celebrating that ritual until he returns and, 2000 years later, we are still celebrating it. The ritual of the Eucharist is our one great act of fidelity, and the good news is that this ritual will ultimately be enough. Jesus left us two things: his Word and the Eucharist.
Various churches have taken different approaches as to which of these to give priory. Some churches, like Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Anglicans have prioritized the Eucharist as the foundation on which they build and maintain community. Other churches, most Protestant and Evangelical communities, have reversed this and prioritized the Word as the foundation on which they build and maintain community. How do the Word and the Eucharist play out together? On the Road to Emmaus when the disciples of Jesus fail to recognize him even as they are walking with him, Jesus stirs their hearts with the Word, enough so that they beg him to stay with them. Then he sits down with them for Eucharist, and the ritual does the rest. (Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com and now on Facebook www. facebook.com/ronrolheiser)
The Pope’s Corner
Positive change comes from fixing one’s own failings first, pope says By Carol Glatz
“We know that God always forgives. And he invites VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Positive change must begin us to do likewise: not to look for evil in others, but with oneself and with acknowledging one’s own mis- good,” he said. It is important people be attentive to the way they takes, Pope Francis said. Such change also includes being attentive to how speak because “you can tell straightaway what is in their one communicates, because words carry weight and heart” by the words they choose, he said. Pope Francis asked people to reflect on whether they they can be used to “feed prejudices, raise barriers, harm and even destroy,” the pope told people gathered in St. choose words that “express care, respect, understanding, Peter’s Square Feb. 27 for his Sunday Angelus address. closeness, compassion or words that aim mainly to make “Especially in the digital world, words travel fast; but us look good in front of others? And then, do we speak too many of them convey anger and aggression, feed mildly, or do we pollute the world by spreading venfalse news and take advantage of collective fears to om: criticizing, complaining, feeding widespread aggression?” propagate distorted ideas,” he said. “Jesus invites us to reflect on the way we look (at “Every fruitful, positive change must begin from ourothers) and the way we speak” and to purify “our gaze selves. Otherwise, there will be no change,” he said. The pope reflected on the Sunday Gospel reading and our speech,” he said. from St. Luke, in which Christ asks his disciples, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” “What Jesus says is true: we always find reasons for blaming others and justifying ourselves,” Pope Francis said. “And very often we complain about things that are wrong in society, in the church, in the world, without first questioning ourselves and without making an effort to change ourselves first.” Jesus asks people “to look within ourselves to recognize our failings. Because if we are not capable of seeing our own defects, we will always be inclined to magnify those of others,” he said. When individuals acknowledge their own mistakes and flaws first, he said, “the door of mercy opens up to us,” providing a chance to experience God’s love and forgiveness. Then, he said, “Jesus invites us to look at others as he does,” which is to Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio over“not see irredeemable errors in us, but looking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Feb. 27, 2022. (CNS children who make mistakes.” photo/Vatican Media)
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Lenten meals, Stations and Penance services across the diocese LENTEN MEALS AND STATIONS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent. A light meal will be served in Serio Hall following Stations. CANTON Sacred Heart, Stations on Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. followed by a soup supper (no charge). COLUMBUS Annunciation, Fish Fry in the Activity Center, after Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the main church. FLOWOOD St. Paul, Fish dinner every Friday after Stations at 6 p.m. Donations accepted. All are welcome. GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Lenten dinner on March 25. GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Knights of Columbus Fish fry on March 25 in the parish hall. HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Fish Fry after Stations on Friday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. MADISON St. Francis, Rosary 6 p.m., Stations 6:30 p.m. and Lenten meal 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Lenten meal offering changes each week. MERIDIAN St. Patrick, Fish Fry after Stations each Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. All are welcome. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry each Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. Drive through only at the Family Life Center parking lot side door. Cost: Catfish $12, Shrimp $12, Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish please call 30 minutes ahead – Darren (601) 597-2890. No children's plate offered. OXFORD St. John, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus Fish Fry from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the parish center. Takeouts are available. Plates cost $9. PEARL St. Jude, Station every Friday during Lent
following 10 a.m. Mass and at 6 p.m. Fish Fry after 6 p.m. Stations. Reservations required. Details: church office (601) 939-3181 OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry every Friday during Lent from 5-6:30 p.m. All orders are to-go and cost $12/plate to benefit charity.
PENANCE/RECONCILIATION SERVICES
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, Parish-wide Reconciliation, Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. COLUMBUS Annunciation, Penance service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6 p.m. in the main church. Penance also offerd on Saturdays before Mass at 4:45 p.m. FLOWOOD St. Paul, Reconciliation service, Monday, April 11 at 6 p.m. GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Reconciliation, Wednesday, April 6 from 4-6 p.m. HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Reconciliation every Wednesday during Lent at 12:15 p.m. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Reconciliation service, Wednesday, March 16 at 6:15 p.m. OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
STATIONS ONLY
ABERDEEN St. Francis, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m. followed by Mass. CLINTON Holy Savior, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
GRENADA St. Peter, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6:15 p.m. HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Stations at 6:30 p.m. on March 11, 18, 25 and April 1. Stations and fish fry on April 8. Stations at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 15. JACKSON Christ the King, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 12:05 p.m. LOUISVILLE Sacred Heart, Stations every Friday during Lent at 3 p.m. MAGNOLIA St. James, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m. MCCOMB St. Alphonsus, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:15 p.m. OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Stations every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. Good Friday Stations at 3 p.m. PONTOTOC St. Christopher, Spiritual reflection followed by Stations at 11 a.m. each Friday during Lent. Details: email st.christopher.ms@gmail.com STARKVILLE St. Joseph, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. TUPELO St. James, Stations on Fridays following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and 6 p.m. (Bilingual). VICKSBURG St. Mary, Stations every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. VICKSBURG St. Michael, Stations every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
Fasting and stewardship • Keep a prayer journal. Reflect on a passage from scripture, then write down your thoughts and feelings. • Prepare your home with Lenten reminders. If you have no crucifix in your living areas, place one there. • Take your family to the Stations of the Cross at least once. • Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and encourage your family to do so. • Make it a point to participate in the beautiful Triduum liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and even the Easter Vigil. • Keep your eyes on Jesus. Coming closer to him through his passion and resurrection is our goal. Excerpts: International Catholic Stewardship Council, Catholic Stewardship, February 2021, e-Bulletin.
STEWARDSHIP PATHS By Julia Williams
JACKSON – Can you imagine fasting for 40 days and 40 nights? For many of us, fasting on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent is already a stretch. Fasting is an act of love – sacrificial love given freely to Our Father. Through sacrifice, we grow closer in our relationship to God, who is the real source of life and nourishment. In Sacred Scripture, the number “40” signifies new life, new growth, a transformation or a Julia Williams change from one great task to another great task. Lent bears a particular relationship to the 40 days Christ spent fasting in the desert before entering his public ministry. Fasting and Stewardship Consider leveraging the season of Lent to reform your heart as faithful Stewards of God. What ritual, habit, or practice (tied to fasting) might help you be a better steward of your time and talents while also pointing your heart towards Christ in worship? Be a Good Steward this Lenten Season As Christian stewards, we will greet Lent with the best of intentions, but sometimes, we reach Easter disap-
pointed in our own efforts. Jesus reminds us "not to be anxious" with our lives ... "each day has enough trouble of its own.” This Lent, simply give thought and prayer to what will most help you draw closer to Jesus. Write your intentions down and review them often. Below are some thoughtful ideas. • Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the pillars of Lent. Try to do one thing in each of these categories.
The Office of Stewardship and Development offers a monthly digital newsletter called Stewardship PATHS. This newsletter includes short seasonal articles, prayers and reflections on the weekly Sunday readings each month. Beautiful thought provoking historic artwork is published in each issue to coincides with the monthly themes. To subscribe to this eNewsletter, scan the QR code below or email stewardship@jacksondiocese.org.
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Bishop in Ukraine fears Russia could brand priests, nuns as spies By Catholic News Service
one priest to quit his parish, unwillingly, fearing harm from Russian troops. WARSAW, Poland – Church leaders However, he added that the “decisive in embattled Ukraine have warned that majority” had remained in place, helping foreign missionaries could be targeted people who had fled other cities. by attacking forces, while many could be “In Russia itself, the Catholic Church branded “NATO spies” if Russia occupies isn’t well regarded and has continual probthe country. lems,” he told CNS. “So we can be sure “Clergy from Western countries will we’ll find ourselves in a very difficult, bad certainly be at risk – the Soviet rulers situation if we’re occupied.” viewed priests and nuns as Vatican spies, Russia’s forces, amassed in border reand now they’ll be spies of NATO and the gions since last fall, invaded Ukraine Feb. European Union,” Auxiliary Bishop Jan 24, triggering harsh resistance from the Sobilo of Kharkiv-Zaporizhia told Catholic country’s 200,000-strong armed forces, News Service March 3. as well as a sharp fall in Russia’s ruble cur“Judging by what’s happened in other rency amid Western economic sanctions occupied areas, we can also expect restricand pledges of military assistance. tions on Masses and other activities. By Russian troops continued to close on defending Ukraine, we are also defending Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, the Catholic Church,” he said. March 3 as tens of thousands fled the A Polish priest in Kharkiv said he also fighting and Western governments backed feared repression against foreign clergy, an investigation by the International Crimespecially those from Poland and other inal Court into alleged war crimes by inNATO countries. “We were all given a free choice to Ukrainians gather for prayer in a Kyiv church basement Feb. 26, 2022, as vading forces. Shelling damaged the Assumption Orleave or stay by our bishops – and while a the Russian invasion of their country endures. (CNS photo/courtesy Polish thodox Cathedral in Kharkiv, reportedly few have had to go, almost everyone else Bishops’ Conference) with windows and other decorations brohas remained,” Father Wojciech Pasiewicz, Catholic parishes and charity projects since Ukraine’s ken, The Associated Press reported March 3. director of the church’s Caritas Spes charity in the partly 1991 independence and are currently stranded in its In his national address that day, Ukrainian President destroyed eastern city, told CNS March 3. eastern and southern war zones. Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged to restore Kharkiv’s ca“Given the restrictions and controls placed on freePolish Father Piotr Rosochacki, who heads Cari- thedral. dom and democracy in Crimea and other regions, we tas-Spes on the Black Sea, told the Polish Catholic news “Even if you destroy all our Ukrainian cathedrals can clearly expect the same here and anticipate real danagency KAI the situation was growing “increasingly des- and churches, you will not destroy our sincere faith in gers from the Russians,” he said. “But what matters now perate,” adding that “all principles for waging war” had Ukraine and in God,” the president told Russians. is that this war ends, and people are allowed to return to been violated in the bitter fighting. their homes and churches.” Meanwhile, the Caritas director in Mariupol, Father “We are simply praying and doing all we can to stay Roscislav Spryniuk, told in touch with our faithful, while many hide out in parish KAI attacking Russian basements,” Father Pasiewicz told CNS. “The children troops had fired on resiare terrified, and there’s fear and panic everywhere, with dential areas, adding that some still hoping to be evacuated. We should all be prayshops and cashpoints were ing for peace and mourning the dead, uniting in hope God of infinite mercy and goodness, with grateful hearts we now empty. that this will all end today or tomorrow.” Bishop Sobilo told CNS pray to you today for peace. You offer us your peace continuBishop Sobilo told CNS the civilian population had some Polish clergy had ally (Jn 14:27) and constantly remind us that peacemakers are now mobilized to defend the country. He said many Rusbeen forced to leave for blessed, “for they shall be called children of God.” (Mt 5:9) May sian soldiers appeared “disorientated and demoralized” health reasons or a lack of by the fierce Ukrainian reaction, but feared being shot if your voice resound in the hearts of all, as you call us to follow relevant documents, addthey attempted to surrender and withdraw. the path of reconciliation and peace, and to be merciful as you ing that he had ordered Hundreds of Polish priests and nuns have helped run are merciful.
Prayer for Ukraine
We pray to you for the people of the Ukraine who are experiencing conflicts and deaths. Bless the leaders with wisdom, vision and perseverance needed to build together a world of justice and solidarity, and to break down walls of hostility and division. To you we entrust all families and pray that they may never yield to discouragement and despair, but become heralds of new hope to one another in this challenging time. May you continue to inspire all of us to oneness of heart and mind, to work generously for the common good, to respect the dignity of every person and the fundamental rights which have their origin in the image and likeness of God impressed upon every human being. Grant eternal rest to the dead and quick recovery to the wounded, we pray through Christ our Lord, Amen! Assumption Orthodox Cathedral is pictured in Kharkiv, Ukraine, March 3, 2022, in the aftermath of Russian rocket attacks that hit three churches. (CNS photo/courtesy risu.ua)
(Prayer adapted from: Pope JPII’s Prayer for Peace, shared by St. Stephen Pro-tomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church, Calgary)
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Russian Catholics grieving, angered after Ukraine invasion a common history, but also by a great common suffering that befell us in the past because of the madness of war. ... Let our contemporaries know they will have to give a strict account for the military actions they have taken. The course of coming centuries largely depends on their current decisions.” As the war progressed, Russian Catholic churches held peace prayer vigils. The Saratov-based St. Clement Diocese began a nine-day adoration of the Blessed Sacrament March 1. Moscow Archbishop Paolo Pezzi, president of the bishops’ conference, circulated a “prayer for peace and fatherland,” to be read at Masses. It calls for Catholics to “be able to see a common future,” while also shunning “lies that destroy the world.” Father Gorbunov told CNS Russia’s bishops had A woman holds a peace sign during a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Moscow Feb. 27, 2022. (CNS photo/Evgenia Novozhenina, Reuters)
By Jonathan Luxmoore
WARSAW, Poland (CNS) – Catholics in Russia have been left “grieving, angered and bewildered” by their country’s invasion of Ukraine, according to the church’s spokesman, who also warned that citizens would face harsh economic consequences from the conflict. Father Kirill Gorbunov, spokesman for the Russian bishops’ conference, said many Catholics are angry “and don’t know where to direct this anger – some are turning it on God, on the church, on the Russian government and on the world.” “While some Catholics are reacting as if none of this affects them, some discussion groups formed as part of the church’s synodal process have now come together for mutual support in the current state of grief, anger and bewilderment,” said Father Gorbunov, who is also vicar general of the Moscow-based Mother of God Archdiocese. “It’s obvious this situation will have very, very severe consequences for the well-being of citizens here. Our most important task as priests is to remind people of the church’s teaching on war and peace. But we must also be very attentive to the most vulnerable – the elderly, sick and poor – and act as counselors, helping people react in a meaningful, prayerful way which leads to integrity rather than madness.” Detachments from Russia’s invasion force, amassed in border regions since last fall, attacked Ukraine in the early hours of Feb. 24, triggering harsh resistance from Ukraine’s 200,000-strong armed forces and a huge refugee exodus, as well as sharp fall in Russian currency, the ruble. On March 1, Russian troops continued to pound Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and a 40-mile column of Russian tanks and vehicles was reported to be within 20 miles of Kyiv. In a Feb. 24 pastoral message, Russia’s five-member bishops’ conference said it was “deeply shocked” that war had erupted “despite huge efforts at reconciliation,” and the bishops backed the pope’s appeal for March 2, Ash Wednesday, to be marked by “intense prayer and fasting for the sake of saving human lives.” They also asked priests to celebrate Masses “for the preservation of peace and justice” and called on fellow Christians “to resist lies and hatred, and be a source of reconciliation.” “This confrontation brings death and destruction and threatens the security of the entire world,” the bishops said. “The peoples of our countries are united not only by
based their message on the church’s dogmatic constitution, “Lumen Gentium,” and were “expressing church teaching, not just their own opinion.” “We’ll see if they wish to expand on this in coming days, but I personally think things are changed not by statements, but by the change of heart people experience during prayer, thinking and talking,” he said. “In normal everyday life, people don’t always understand what’s going on. But when they start to pray, they understand the terror, find compassion and see the necessity of doing something.” “Like many ordinary people, I’m no expert in predictions – the decision-makers will get what they deserve, and I hope it won’t be the worst-case scenario for either Ukraine or our country,” he said.
Ukrainian archbishop calls on Russia not to bomb historic cathedral ROME (CNS) – The Ukrainian Catholic Archdiin all caps, “We appeal to the Russians – do not comocese of Kyiv-Halych and the Ukrainian Embassy to mit the crime.” the Holy See said they had received information that The March 1 warning came as Russia began Russia planned airstrikes on the Cathedral of St. Soairstrikes against Kyiv and warned residents near phia in Kyiv. Ukrainian security services to evacuate their homes. Not only is the Nicholas Rudcathedral holy to all nytzky, professor of Slavic peoples, but it history and dean of is a UNESCO World academic services Heritage Site. The caat Manor College in thedral has religious Jenkintown, Pennsignificance for the Orsylvania, spoke to thodox and Ukrainian c a t h o l i c p h i l l y. c o m Catholics. Its construcabout the importance tion was begun in the of the cathedral. 11th century, several “St. Sophia is a teshundred years before tament to Ukrainian Ukrainian Catholics national consciousdeclared their union ness and spirit,” he with Rome and broke said. union with the OrthoHe noted that givdox. en its prominence in A Rome spokesthe history of Orthoman for Archbishop dox Christianity as Sviatoslav Shevchuk well, “it is the symbol of Kyiv-Halych, maof all Christianity. No jor archbishop of the Orthodox faithful of Byzantine Catholic any kind would ever church, said church contemplate such an officials had received act, which is unthinkintelligence about the able.” airstrikes. He said Rudnytzky said Archbishop Shevchuk if this intelligence is called on all Christians true, “Putin is betrayto pray for the site and ing his hand here and “calls upon the aggrestrying to do what the sor to refrain from this Soviets couldn’t. This most horrific act of (would not just be) vandalism.” an attack on WestAn aerial view shows an illuminated Christmas tree in “May St. Sophia ern civilization, but front of the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Kyiv, Ukraine, – the wisdom of God a specified attack on Dec. 22, 2021. (CNS photo/Valentyn Ogirenko, Reu– illumine those who Christianity.” ters) have considered committing this crime,” Archbishop Shevchuk said. (Contributing to this story was Gina Christian in The Ukrainian Embassy to the Holy See tweeted Philadelphia.) out the information from “intelligence data” and said
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Please, give generously March 26 and 27, 2022
10 DIOCESE JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service. This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz gave 18 adults (one posthumously) and one young person their awards on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche Award nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the men and women who serve the church today.
LILLIE ARREXI – St. Helen, Amory Lillie Arrexi embodies a true disciple of Christ. She has given witness to her faith by her simple yet profound prayer life and by putting her faith into action. Recently widowed, she was a devoted wife and is a loving mother and grandmother. In the parish she ministered as First Communion catechist for over 30 years as well as ministering in the school as an ESL teacher. She has been in constant contact with many of the Hispanic members of our parish supporting them, as well as all the children of the parish. Miss Lillie as she is fondly called, continues to serve in various ministries and truly embodies Christ in her life. Lillie was also among those members who raised monies to build the present church and center. – Sister Lael Niblick CARLA LOTT – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Carla has been the parish secretary since January of 2008. When Carla is asked to do something, you never have to worry that it won’t get done. She is committed and dedicated to our parish and is always smiling, welcoming, kind and helpful! She is truly our “Minister of First Impressions” and “Minister of Welcome.” She is patient, kind, and helpful to everyone she encounters. As a religious education teacher, she spent her “free” time planning and gathering materials for her class. As a Germanfest booth chair and worker, she spends a lot of time at planning meetings and working during her “non-working hours” to contribute to the success of the fest. As a member of the KC Auxiliary, she attends meetings and contributes to the projects the organization sponsors. During COVID, when we had strict health and safety protocols in place, she attended every Mass to make sure everyone was safe. – Pam Minninger, LEM DR. ROBERT E. WOLVERTON, SR. – St. Joseph, Starkville This is a lifetime achievement award. Dr. Wolverton is 96 years old. He has spent many years in service to the church in many ways. He loves his faith, his family, his church and has served in many different capacities through the years to follow his Savior. Dr. Wolverton was heavily involved in the begining days of RCIA at St. Joseph and led and taught the catechetical instructions for many years. He was on the first parish council at St. Joseph and also served on the diocesan pastoral council, serving twice as president under Bishops Brunini and Houck. Additionally, he led Word and Communion Services on the campus of Mississippi State University at the Chapel of Memories touching the lives of both students and faculty, bringing them the Lord Jesus, quite literally – in Word and Sacrament for
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Chanche Medal honorees: serve, embrace, inspire many years. Dr. Wolverton continues to serve as a great lay witness. People in the parish have a great amount of respect and admiration for Dr. Wolverton and see him as a leader and a good and faithful Catholic Christian. There have been times when a priest could not be in Starkville for Sunday Mass for one reason or another. Dr. Wolverton was always happy to lead a Word and Communion Service and offer a great reflection on the Scriptures. – Father Jason Johnston HERMAN COOPER – Holy Savior, Clinton Herman is a ‘household name’ in the parish. Herman has been active in parish ministry for more than 30 years. All recent pastors have sought his help and counsel in administration. His fingerprints are on every big project in the parish – new church building, the new parish hall. A steady hand with parish finances, and the gift of his time to meetings and reports. He is a good listener to people and their complaints – always ready to help and serve. He has served as a lector and an usher.; and as a member of Knights of Columbus parish council. Raised in a small catholic community in Anguilla, Mississippi he is proud of his catholic roots and the family he came from. He and his wife, Carol, have passed on this faith and love of church to their children and grandchildren. – Father Tom McGing
gently for many years with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd religious formation program for children in our parish. She was one of the first to volunteer for training and helped establish the program in the parish. She has continued to serve as catechist throughout the years and remains an integral part of the program long after her own children have graduated from the religious education programs. Stephanie’s love for this program, in spite of the large commitment of time and energy throughout the years, keeps her returning to share the beauty and great mysteries of her faith to the children of the parish. She continues to inspire others to serve through her service. – Susan O’Connor, Director of Religious Education JIMMIE PAPPA – St. Joseph, Woodville Jimmie is a dedicated and faithful/Lay Ecclesial Minister for liturgy at St. Joseph, as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, in addition to assisting his lay Franciscan Community in Baton Rouge. He has also coordinated the RCIA program for both St. Joseph and Holy Family Churches for the past five years. Jimmie fulfills all his ministries with a patient, Christ-like love and devotion while displaying the essence of a true steward – disciple. – Father Scott Dugas DAVID AND MICHELLE CHABRECK – Holy Family, Gloster David and Michelle are both foundational parishioners of Holy Family church, going back to its beginning in 1983. They are both lectors and ushers for Holy Family. Additionally, Michelle is also serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Both maintain the parish’s memorial garden and assist in the maintenance of the church’s interior and exterior needs. They both faithfully maintain the out-
CARRIE MEYER – St. Michael, Vicksburg Carrie coordinates one of the most visible outreach programs of our parish – Meals on Wheels. One Friday a month, St. Michael Parish provides a hot meal for approximately 100 individuals in Vicksburg and Warren County. Carrie plans the menu and completes the grocery shopping. She then coordinates various groups of parishioners to cook, package and deliver the meals to those individuals on our designated Friday. She also coordinates with local businesses and restaurants who volunteer to provide all or part of a meal. Today, in any given community there are many who struggle to have enough to eat or a hot meal on a regular basis and Vicksburg is no different. Being able to help a small portion of our city is a blessing. We have received phone calls and notes from the recipients of these meals thanking us for what we do and thanking us for the interaction between themselves and ourparishioners. Thanks to Carrie and this ministry, Vicksburg is able see the Gospel being lived through the actions of our parishioners. – Father Robert Dore STARKVILLE – Bishop Jospeh Kopacz traveled to present Dr. Robert Wolverton with a Bishop Chanche Medal for Service on Tuesday, STEPHENIE MORRISEY – St. Rich- Feb. 22. Father Jason Johnston described the award as a “lifetime ard, Jackson achievement award” for his service to St. Joseph parish. (Photo FaStephenie has volunteered dili- ther Jason Johnston)
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door flag and pole stand dedicated to the deceased veterans-parishioners. They have provided valuable labors for parish socials, especially vital cleanups. Their dedicated, faithful witness of genuine stewardship of time, talent and treasure has truly been a witness to their fellow parishioners. – Father Scott Dugas
is a marvelous cook and will gladly provide food and meals for the sick of the parish or for parish activities. Plays, picnics, Vacation Bible Schools, and other activities would never happen if not for Kerri’s leadership, creativity, energy and her family. – Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy
MICHAEL AND STACY WOLF – St. Jude, Pearl “Two are better than one: They get a good wage for their toil. If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a Stacy and Michael Wolf are the personification of this scripture passage. Their sense of collaboration and partnership has had such an impact on the parish in so many ways as their personal devotion to Christ has been magnified. Together they have unselfishly and joyfully given of themselves to share the Good News of Christ, especially to the children and youth of St. Jude. By supporting each other and working together to evangelize and teach, lives have been changed. The parish has been changed. Sadly, this partnership has also changed. Stacy died July 7, 2021 from an accident. Without his partner by his side, Michael is persevering in his efforts to share understanding of God’s love with our youth. Stacy served as St. Jude’s director of faith formation and was especially devoted to our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, working at St. Jude for approximately 11 years. Michael and Stacy’s dedication to their faith has made them good examples for all of our parishioners. The effect of their love of God and of others was evident by the response of members of the parish and the community at large when Stacy died. – Father Lincoln Dall
JAMES AND MARY SUE SHIPP – St. Mary, Yazoo City James and Mary Sue are good catholic role models for the younger generation. Many parishioners openly appreciate their involvement in the parish activities. They regular to Sunday Mass and other sacraments, and faithful in growing their children and their grandchildren in the Catholic life. They are very helpful to the church with their time, skills and stewardship. Both served in the parish council in different times, as lectors and Sunday School teachers for many years. Additionally, Mary Sue served as a choir leader and as an Altar Society member for many Jimmy Pappa receives an assist from Pam Minninger to pin years; while Jimmy served in the parish finance his Bishop Chanche medal on his lapel. He is a dedicated council. This year they are celebrating their Diaand faithful LEM at St. Joseph Woodville. mond Jubilee of their marriage. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam Mike and Mary have served in so many ministries, that it is difficult to name them all. They are often the LINDA FERRETTI SANDIFER – All Saints, Belzoni first ones there to set up and work and last ones to leave. Linda lives a life of love, faith, and service. She has Mary and Mike will drop everything to assist their parish been a member of All Saints for close to 45 years and an – they are true stewards. They are always ready to voleducator in the church and community for as long. Linda unteer to help at the church and in the community. This has served as Religious Coordinator for many years and was visually witnessed daily and especially during the religious education teacher every year. She is a Lector Covid Pandemic. One of the most important roles that and Eucharistic Minister. She is always organizing projMike has taken, with Mary’s assistance as well, is that ects to help families in need in the community and is not of Social Concerns Coordinator for the parish. Mike and shy about sharing her faith. Mary are committed to providing for the poor, needy, Linda sacrifices her time above and beyond. She doand the homebound, and to our sister parish, St. Anne’s nates food and materials to help those in need. Linda has in Carthage. Mike continued service to the community been an educatorfor many years and could surely justify during the pandemic shut down, when many people retiring, but she has a genuine need in her heart to serve, were desperate for assistance. They have both coordito educate, to live her life asJesus would. She has a heart nated the MadCAAP Christ in Christmas family adoption pf pure gold. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam program in their parish, monthly food pantry donations, MARY AND MIKE ROBINSON – St. Francis of Assisi and have provided gentle direction to many individuals seeking assistance. – Father Albeen Vatti Madison
KERRI PATRICE MCKNATT – St. Mary, Batesville Kerri is the faith leader of her family and a true and major faith leader in her parish. Her gift of being a servant leader overflows from her family to her parish and within her job. When the church began to open up after shutdowns, Kerri stepped up to the plate and became the song leader/cantor for the main Mass. She has also been teaching religious ed classes and has been a leader of youth activities for at least 12 years – if not more! She
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the crowd applaude the recipients of the Bishop Chanche Medal for service to the diocese on Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)
12 DIOCESE
MARCH 11, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Glimpse of WWI and WWII through lens of Bishops Gunn and Gerow
FROM THE ARCHIVES By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – Considering the volatile situation, the world is facing, I thought I would share some more somber notes from Bishop John E. Gunn’s diary about World War I and a reflective paragraph from Bishop Richard Gerow’s diary on the beginning of World War II. WWI was the war to end all wars, but obviously that was not the case. My paternal grandfather served as a mule-trainer in WWI as part of the 39th Infantry 140th Field Artillery Regimen in France during the last stages of that war. He never spoke of it. Bishop Gunn writes in his diary at Christmas 1915: “It seemed hard to preach on peace on earth and good will to men at Christmas when everyone was talking of the big war. I made no allusion to it in my notes of 1915 because our President told us to be neutral in thought and word. “However, now everybody is talking of it – in fact, the world is talking of nothing else, it may be no harm to note some dates and facts that will live in history.” “In the summer of 1914, an Austrian Archduke was assassinated in Servia. The crime was an atrocious one and was turned over to the world politicians for adjustment. The politicians fumbled and turned the crime over to the war lords of Europe, with this result: 1914 – July 28th Austria declares war on Servia August 1st Germany invades France August 4th England declares war on Germany August 6th The Germans take two Belgian forts August 10th France breaks with Austria August 13th England declares war on Austria August 18th English soldiers land in France August 23rd The Allies take offensive against the Germans along 150 miles from Mons to Luxembourg but on the 24th the Allies were forced to fall back. The Germans had all the initial advantages and on August 30th the French left wing had to fall back, thus exposing on August 31st even the capture of Paris; the French government voted to move the capital temporarily to Bourdeaux.” “Apart from the Battle of Marne the first few months of the war was entirely favorable to Germany. Americans read and listened and the biggest propaganda that was ever known in the history of the world was started in 1914 and continued all through 1915 to get the Americans actively interested on the side of the Allies. In
this diary I shall say little about the war, except where the Diocese took some part in it.” On April 2, 1917, the United States entered the war on the side of the allies. It was the beginning of Holy Week in the Catholic Church and Bishop Gunn writes the following in his diary from April 1917: “The usual routine of Holy Week at Natchez – the blessing of the oils, the washing of the feet, the big ceremonies of Good Friday and Holy Saturday and Easter were all thrown in the shade by the declaration Shelby Woodward, sitting, is the paternal grandfather of diocesan chancellor and arof war against Ger- chivist, Mary Woodward. He is pictured here with others at Camp Shelby for training many. before deployment in World War I. (Photos courtesy of Mary Woodward) “This declaration upset everyone to do everything as men, as Christians and as Catholics and everything and its influence was felt in every circle. to win the war.” I made up my mind before Easter Sunday the role that I Twenty-two years later, on Sept. 3, 1939, Bishop would play as Bishop of Natchez during the war.” Gerow writes this bleak entry in his diary: “Today, En“I had no time for consultation with anybody but at gland and France officially declared a state of war exthe Pontifical High Mass on Easter Sunday, April 8, I ists with Germany. Though we in this declared my policy very country are three thousand miles from clearly and very plainly. Europe, we feel that the inauguration While preaching on the of another great war in Europe cannot subject ‘Christianity is but have a vital influence upon us and not a Failure’ (because upon the other nations of the world, it never got a chance) as no matter how far away they may be.” we were living in an age “We cannot but hope and pray that when there was knowlthe other nations of the world will not edge without faith, manbe involved in this conflict and that anners without morality; other world war may not ensue which plenty of work but ill-dimight wreck our modern civilization.” rected, I took up the Only two years later, he writes on Dec. 8, 1941: “Today, President Roosevelt addressed Congress telling them (Above) Shelby Woodward’s ring of the attack of the Japanese upon the commemorating WWI. He was a Hawaiian Islands and our naval and part of the 39th Infantry 140th air forces there, asking them to declare war.” Field Artillery Regimen in France. Bishops’ diaries provide a unique (Left) Volumes of Bishop Gerow’s lens on history often including facts diary sit on the desk of Mary that do not make it into the history books. We are fortunate to have these Woodward. diaries to be able to look back on the development of the church in MissisPresident’s procsippi, the region, the country and the world. lamation and told I share these sobering passages from the two diaries the Catholics of the to put into perspective what is going on in Ukraine as Diocese that during this is written. Who knows what will be by the day this the war they had to is published and where we may be in two weeks or even follow one leader; two years? We can only pray and hope for peace. they had to form their conscience to (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the one direction and Diocese of Jackson.)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 11, 2022
NATION
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CNS) – The Catholic bishops of Florida praised the state Legislature for passing a measure to prohibit most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. H.B. 5 also includes provisions to improve infant health and analyze and reduce fetal and infant mortality. “While we continue to look forward to the day when the full protection of unborn life is recognized in law, we are encouraged that H.B. 5 further limits the grave harm that abortion inflicts upon women and children,” said Christie Arnold, associate for social concerns and respect life at the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. The conference said in a March 3 news release that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has expressed support for this legislation and is expected to sign it into law. “In an incremental, yet important, step, the bill provides at least eight additional weeks of protection for children in the womb. Current Florida law prohibits abortion when a child is viable, or able to survive outside the womb – currently closer to 24 weeks,” the release said. H.B. 5 “closely tracks” the Mississippi law at issue in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case pending at the U.S. Supreme Court, which could reverse “the unjust ruling” in Roe v. Wade, the conference noted. “If the Supreme Court upholds Mississippi’s law, Florida’s legislation will likely be upheld.” WASHINGTON (CNS) – In the fall of 1979, Manuel Williams drove to a neighboring Alabama parish to hear a talk by Sister Thea Bowman, a dynamic Catholic speaker and evangelist known for her joyful singing and storytelling. She also challenged the church to welcome the gifts of Black Catholics and celebrate their African heritage that had shaped their culture and faith. Remembering the first time he saw the tall Black woman religious wearing an African dress, he said, “She strode on the stage as well as any Broadway actress or denizen of the performing arts would do. On top of her head she had these meticulous braids you could almost describe as a crown. She was captivating.” Sister Thea, he remembered, had a style all her own. “She smiled. She taught. She told stories. She chastised. She affirmed. She cajoled, and she punctuated it all with a searing and a soaring (singing) voice.” Afterward, Sister Thea met him
BRIEFS 13 and encouraged him to become a priest. Father Williams, a priest of the Congregation of the Resurrection, Williams reflected on her life and legacy and her message for today in a Feb. 15 talk at The Catholic University of America titled, “The Wisdom of Sister Thea Bowman for a Church in Crisis.” Sister Thea, who died in 1990, was a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and is a candidate for sainthood. WASHINGTON (CNS) – Although next year’s world Synod of Bishops on synodality may seem like it would be something far removed from U.S. Catholic college students, many are hoping that’s not the case. “Synodality is the chance to be creative in imagining the future of the church. Use this chance. ... Catholic colleges and universities can make a contribution,” a theologian told a group of Catholic college leaders in February. Massimo Faggioli, professor of historical theology at Villanova University, outside of Philadelphia, urged Catholic leaders during the annual gathering of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Washington, to be invested in the synod not only because Catholic colleges are a big part of the church but also because there is currently a “crisis of trust in institutions” and Catholic colleges are not immune to it. Vincentian Father Guillermo Campuzano, vice president for mission and ministry at DePaul University in Chicago, agreed, saying the challenge in this whole process will be to “capture the singular voice of the church,” which will need significant input in order to be an accurate portrayal. He emphasized that above all, the synod should “fully embrace the meaning of diversity in the Catholic Church.”
VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Coexistence between older and younger generations can bring about a better appreciation for life that is often lost in today’s fast-paced society, Pope Francis said. A pervasive “spirit of rejection” exists in the modern world that “tends to be hostile to the elderly and, not by chance, also to children” and “casts them aside,” the pope said March 2 during his weekly general audience. “The excess of speed puts us in a centrifuge that sweeps us away like confetti,” he said. “One completely loses sight of the bigger picture,” and instead is tossed about by an attitude dictated by market forces “for which slower pace means losses and speed is money.” The pope continued his new series of talks dedicated to the meaning and value of old age and reflected on the theme, “Longevity: symbol and opportunity.” The long life of the patriarchs recorded in the Bible, he said, “confers a strong, a very strong symbolic meaning to the relationship between longevity and genealogy.” VATICAN CITY (CNS) – As the Russian military continues to bombard Ukraine, the Vatican is mobilizing efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those suffering. After Pope Francis’ announcement that he was sending two cardinals to Ukraine, the Vatican said March 7 that Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, papal almoner, and Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, interim president of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, intend to reach Ukraine “in the coming days,” depending on the situation. “Cardinal Krajewski is on his way now, March 7, toward the Polish-Ukraine border where he will visit refugees and volunteers in shelters and homes,” the Vatican said. Cardinal Czerny was to arrive in Hungary March 8 “to visit some reception centers for the migrants coming from Ukraine,” the Vatican said. “The cardinals will bring aid to the needy and serve as the presence not only of the pope, but of all the Christian people who express solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” the statement said. According to the Vatican, Cardinal Czerny also intends to raise concerns regarding the treatment of African and Asian residents in Ukraine. Many have reported acts of discrimination against them as they attempt to flee the country. “There
are also worrisome reports of increasing activities of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants at the borders and in the neighboring countries,” the statement said.
WORLD
ROME (CNS) – The attack on and seizure of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant by Russian forces could lead to an ecological disaster 10 times worse than the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, said the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. In a video message released March 4, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych said the attack should be a cause of concern for the world, especially for those “who care for the environment, those who care for the ecological awareness of humanity. This is not only becoming a humanitarian catastrophe before our very eyes. It is an irreversible attack on God’s creation that for decades, for centuries, will be impossible to correct,” he said. “Ukraine already experienced Chernobyl. Now it stands on the threshold of a new atomic threat that can be 10 times worse.” According to the Reuters news agency, a fire that broke out at a training center in the facility, which is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, was extinguished after Russian troops captured the site. Although the fire took place in an area outside the main plant and there were no signs of elevated radiation levels, the attack prompted a response from the International Atomic Energy Agency. “I’m extremely concerned about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and what happened there during the night,” said Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, in a March 4 statement. MEXICO CITY (CNS) – Mexican church leaders condemned a horrific brawl between fans at a professional soccer match, images of which horrified the country and raised uncomfortable questions about rising violence further permeating Mexican life. The brawl erupted at a match March 5 in the central city of Querétaro between supporters from home squad Querétaro and fans from rival team Atlas. Querétaro Gov. Mauricio Kuri said the melee left 26 fans injured – with no deaths, contrary to early media reports – though supporters of Guadalajara-based Atlas flooded social media with pleas for help finding missing fans. The Mexican bishops conference said in a statement immediately after the incident that it “categorically reproaches any episode of violence, however minimal. We exhort sporting clubs, the authorities and civil society to make football and any sport an opportunity to create spaces of integration and not of confrontation (for) reconstructing the social fabric, so damaged and in need of dialogue, respect, comprehension and tolerance,” the bishops said. Gruesome images streamed from Corregidora Stadium showed fans being kicked unconscious, battered bodies strewn naked on the stadium concourses and frightened families rushing the field for safety. The fighting spilled onto the field and some combatants could be seen with weapons. YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon (CNS) – A bishop in Cameroon’s troubled South West region said he is saddened by the rising number of kidnappings in the country’s two violence-ravaged English-speaking areas. Bishop Michael Bibi of Buéa expressed shock over the Feb. 24 kidnapping of 11 teachers of a government-run school for blind and deaf students in the country’s North West region. “It is sad, very sad that teachers should be kidnapped simply because they are teaching,” Bishop Bibi told Catholic News Service. “The question I am asking myself is why do you kidnap and torture and even kill the very people you say you are fighting to free?” Cameroon’s English-speaking North West and South West regions have been embroiled in war for the past five years, with separatists fighting to create a new nation to be called Ambazonia. Since the conflict began, at least 4,000 people have been killed and more than 1 million forced to flee from their homes.
MARCH 11, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
14 DIOCESE
Cookbook for Lent offers much more than just delicious recipes BY NANCY L. ROBERTS (CNS)
tions for those who wish. For instance, buttermilk can be replaced by adding 1 The Lenten Cookbook" by David Geisser and Scott Hahn. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, New Hampshire, teaspoon of vinegar to any of the milk substitutes (such as plain soy, almond, rice or oat 2022). 224 pp., $29.95. milks). For eggs, several substitutes Just in time for the penitential include hydrated flax meal or chia season of Lent, this beautifully seeds, 1/4 cup of applesauce and written and illustrated guide fea1/4 cup of pureed silken tofu. tures 75 delectable international But this is much more than a recipes. Ranging from breakfast cookbook. dishes, soups and salads, to main Along with five variations for dishes, breads and desserts, they the Lenten hot cross bun recipe, honor distinctive Catholic Lenten we learn that they are traditiontraditions. ally eaten on Good Friday: "The Eggplant salad, snow pea curcross etched on the top of the buns ry with prawns, spelt-nut bread symbolically ties it to Christ's cruciand ginger broth with noodles are fixion, while the raisins often used among many recipes that don't in the recipe symbolize the spices contain meat, eggs, milk products used in the embalming of Christ's or alcohol. The many full-color body for burial." photos of various dishes are tanThis is but a small sample of talizing. the engaging essays contributed by All of the book's recipes are Scott Hahn, a well-known biblical newly developed by David Geissscholar who has written or editer, an award-winning chef and ed more than 40 books. Here he former Pontifical Swiss Guard who covers the history of fasting and its has written several cookbooks inplace in modern practice. cluding "The Vatican Cookbook." You may be surprised to learn Here he includes many meatless This is the book cover of "The Lentdishes, such as cottage cheese frit- en Cookbook" by David Geisser and that "fasting wasn't invented by tata with cucumber and radish dip Scott Hahn. The book is reviewed by Christians (or Jews, for that matter) and lentil and eggplant moussaka. Nancy L. Roberts. (CNS photo/cour- but is a universal human practice that the Lord and his church have There is even a list of substitu- tesy Sophia Institute Press) sanctified."
And, Hahn writes, "Fasting does improve our relationship with the divine, but it's the loving, triune God of the Bible, not the cranky, man-made gods of ancient times, or even the gods of fitness, to whom we must dedicate our sacrifices." Historically, Christian fasting has been tied to particular days or seasons of the year and is "meant to be shared by entire Christian communities rather than invented by individuals to meet their own needs." Today while the tradition of liturgical fasting has faded in many regions, in some locales it still has a powerful cultural impact. Indeed, "in parts of the country with significant Catholic heritage, major fast-food chains promote fish sandwiches during Lent," Hahn observes. "This is a vestige of a real, living Catholic culture, one that transforms spiritual truths into embodied realities." Both a cookbook and a guide to Lenten history and practices, this well-designed and edited book encourages personal spiritual growth through the rediscovery of Lent. Occasional Scripture verses and quotes from the saints enrich it, along with inspiring reproductions of classic paintings such as Millet's "The Angelus" and Raphael's "Disputation of the Sacrament." Any Catholic will find much of interest here. (Roberts is a journalism professor at the State University of New York at Albany who has written/co-edited two books about Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker.)
CATHOLIC SERVICE APPEAL 2022 Mission Parishes – The Catholic Service Appeal helps to provide grant opportunities for parishes to help with projects in their parish. Our mission parishes are filled with parishioners who are dedicated to their Catholic faith. These parishes are small but determined to build a strong Catholic community. Because they are small, they need the support of larger churches to help them accomplish the mission of our Catholic faith. Mission Schools – Catholic Schools have provided education in our diocese since 1847, offering a Catholic education in a Christ-centered environment. Your gift to the Catholic Service Appeal contributes to grant opportunities for our schools to help them provide a quality education to these children.
csa.jacksondiocese.org
Just scan to Give or mail in: PO Box 2248, Jackson, MS, 39225
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 11, 2022
dIOCESE 15
Mississippi bishops issue joint statement on bill no. 2643 JACKSON – On Feb. 28, Bishops Joseph R. Kopacz and Louis F. Kihneman, III of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi wrote a letter to Speaker of the House, Phillip Gunn, expressing their concern over Senate Bill 2643, specifically its proposal for a 13th cause that in effect would open the door to a process of unilateral divorce. The Bishops wrote that “For the past 50 years the State of Mississippi rightly has codified the compelling grounds that protect the rights of the injured party in a marriage to petition for divorce. Desertion, chronic drug and/or alcohol abuse, spousal domestic abuse, intellectual disability and mental illness do erode and can devastate the bond of marriage. The rights and wellbeing of the injured spouse and family members must be upheld in such cases.” With regard to mental illness the Bishops expressed this 12th cause for divorce thoroughly addresses the safeguards that must be in place in order to determine beyond a reasonable doubt that the mental illness undermines one’s capacity for marriage. These precautions are prudent and just and well-grounded in jurisprudence that surrounds marriage with the presumption of permanence. “As written, [the 13th cause] is lacking in any of the intrinsic safeguards that are so evident in the 12th cause on mental illness,” wrote the Bishops. “... the 13th cause appears to be going down a slippery slope that could erode the institution of marriage and thus undermine the common good of society.” On March 1, SB2643 died in committee in the House after passing through the Senate. However, the proposed amendment adding the thirteenth cause for divorce, was added to House Bill 770, an act to create the Mississippi Equal Pay Act, by the Senate on March 1, keeping the amendment alive.
‘... Jesús quiere que nos comprometamos plenamente ...’ Obviamente, durante estos cuarenta días, no estamos haciendo sombra en la renovación de nuestras promesas bautismales, acompañando a los catecúmenos y candidatos con quienes proclamaremos al mundo que, aunque el mal, el pecado y la muerte son demasiado reales, estos no lo son y no tienen la última palabra porque el crucificado ha resucitado. ¿Qué dice el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica (CIC) sobre el misterio del mal? El CIC es una compilación de casi 2000 años de experiencia orante y vivida de los seguidores de Cristo. Sobriamente, leemos que el mal, el sufrimiento, la injusticia y la muerte contradicen la Buena Noticia de Jesucristo y sacuden la fe de los creyentes.” (CIC 164) A veces, Dios parece ausente e incapaz de detener el mal. Sin embargo, no somos impotentes, porque el poder de Dios se manifiesta en la resurrección de Jesucristo de entre los muertos, que es la primera y última palabra en la vida y en la muerte. (CIC 272) Sin embargo, ¿por qué existe el mal? (CIC 309) San Agustín dice que no podemos encontrar una solución, una salida, sino a través de la conversión al Dios vivo. (CIC 385) Tenemos que combatir los movimientos de la concupiscencia y la tentación del pecado que no cesan de llevarnos al umbral del mal. Estamos llamados a revertir la rebelión del principio y realizar una ruptura con el pecado, un odio al mal, un disgusto con la acción pecaminosa del pasado, confiando en la gracia y la misericordia de Dios. (CIC 1431) La presencia del mal afecta todas las relaciones, incluido el matrimonio, amenazando el vínculo de unidad a través de la discordia, la dominación, la infidelidad, los celos y los conflictos. (CIC 1606) Lo que se necesita es una vida de ponerse en las manos de Dios, entregarse en adoración y servicio. (CIC 1889) Estas citas hasta ahora están tomadas de las tres primeras secciones del CIC, el Credo, los Sacramentos y la Vida en Cristo. La cuarta y última sección del CIC es el desarrollo de la oración del Señor, la mente y el corazón de Cristo que aborda la tentación y la realidad del mal. Por la gracia de Dios y el poder de la fe, podemos dejar de lado la tentación y alejarnos del camino destructivo y el dolor del mal. Recordemos la oración de Jesús en la Última Cena. “No te pido que los retires del mundo, sino que los guardes del Maligno.” (Jn 17:15) (CIC 2850) De hecho, Jesús quiere que nos comprometamos plenamente con este mundo caído porque en Él somos la luz del mundo, testigos de la fe, la esperanza y el amor, la reconciliación, la justicia, la paz y la promesa de la vida eterna y que busquemos las respuestas a las preguntas implacables de la vida en las Escrituras y en la tradición viva de la iglesia. – Viene de la pág. 3 –
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 800-216-1288 (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, Attn: Cathy Pendleton, P.O. Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225-2248
MARCH 11, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
16 Columns
Wisdom for Lent FROM THE HERMITAGE By
sister alies therese
Lent can be a curious time, full of darkness or foreboding, scary or convicting. Other times we experience the coming of spring, the hopefulness of a world reborn, and of our own selves drawn out and creating anew. I love the wisdom literature our canon has retained. The Book of Wisdom is clocked back to 100 BCE and though the actual author is unknown, he was likely a member of the Jewish community at Alexandria in Egypt. It is said that he “places his teachings on the lips of the wise king [Solomon] of Hebrew tradition in order to emphasize their value.” (Intro, page 729, Book of Wisdom, NAB, 1970) The author would be considered learned among the sages of post-exilic Judaism. At the end of the Book of Sirach (132 BCE) we find the call to discover wisdom by prayer, persistent study, instruction, purification from sin, enlightenment and ardent desire. In 51:23-26 the author notes that “wisdom gives herself to those who seek her and for their labor God will reward them at the end.” We also discover this: “How long will you be deprived of wisdom’s food; how long will you endure such bitter thirst? For she is close to those who seek her, and the one in earnest finds her ... let your spirits rejoice in the mercy of God and not be ashamed to give God praise.” (Sirach 51:24, 26, 29) The author of this book is likely who he says he is, Yeshua ben Eleazar ben Sira. This is one of the longest books in the Bible and ‘contains the most extensive portion of Israelite wisdom literature.’ (NJBC, page 496)
Further back in 300 BCE the Book of Ecclesiastes introduces the notion of the vanity of all things and asks questions about the purpose of life ... has it any value? “Merit does not yield happiness, for it is often tried by suffering. Riches and pleasures do not avail. Existence is monotonous, enjoyment fleeting and vain; darkness quickly follows. Life, then is an enigma beyond human ability to solve.” (Intro, page 711, the Book of Eccl, NAB). Qoheleth (Greek for the Hebrew Ecclesiastes) was a pen name for the author some thought might be Solomon. Again, to give great dignity and authority to the text. Thought to be a native of Jerusalem he studied the law, prophets and writings and became a teacher. His text is a series of questions and not mandates, for he had studied and also experienced life and found they do not always jive. For example, he notices that the same things seem to happen to the wise and to the foolish, the faithful and the deceived. So, what’s the profit? They both die. Yet he sees something of the timelessness of all things and his poem with which you might be familiar ... in chapter 3:1-8 “for everything thing there is a season ...” is beautiful. Later in his text he poses this: “no one knows the future ... who can tell what will come after?” (9:1-11:6) I love studying these three books. They address basic human questions about life, death, knowledge, love and wisdom. Other challenges about life … am I just a waste of space? Can I do anything I want? Where do I learn (and how) to live and how to love? How am I deceived? Lent is a perfect time to explore something new, to enhance our relationship with our Creator, and to offer to others our treasure so they might grow as well. Wisdom literature reads beautifully in so many plac-
The world’s brokenness FOR THE JOURNEY
By Effie Caldarola CNS
The season of Lent begins just as we have watched in horror the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As the world watches evil unleashed upon the forces of democracy in a European country, it seems somehow fitting that Christians move into a penitential season. Unlikely heroes are emerging. News reports show a white-haired woman in her 60s, nails well-manicured and lacquered, practicing firing a large rifle to help defend her country. The president of Ukraine, a former comedian, told the U.S. when they offered to evacuate him, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” As I write this, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is still alive and fighting. Pray to God, when you read this, he will still be the president. But we know the Russians have him and his democratic government in their sites. How does this affect our Lenten journey, and how, perhaps, can our Lenten journey affect the world’s brokenness? To a Christian, these questions can never be separated. We’ve been called to bring the kingdom of God, never to hide away solely in our own world of religiosity and private devotion. In the February days leading up to Lent, many of the daily readings were from the Letter of James. Many of the readings struck me as important and bold, and I decided to read more of James. The letter, only five chapters, is full of practical advice: We should be quick to listen and slow to
es, poetic, flowing and drawing one into the graciousness of God’s heart. What does God want for us? I suspect some of Jesus’ formation as a boy and youth came from these invitations in Wisdom. You will be familiar with the little chapter on suffering in Wisdom 3:1-12 as central to our funeral celebration. In the New Jerome Biblical Commentary, I found this: “The first half of the book is divided ... the Book of Eschatology, dealing with the problems of retribution for good and evil and the immortality Wisdom offers. The second describes Wisdom and her operations in the world and explains how she is to be found ... the exhortation to justice, which the rest of the book will reinforce: live a virtuous life, and trust in God because these qualities make possible union with God and with Wisdom.” (page 513, Commentary NJBC) As Lent progresses discover whether and how you apply the practical deeds of wisdom in your life: “Her I loved and sought from my youth; she adds to nobility the splendor of companionship with God; even the Lord loved her ... if one loves justice the fruits of her works are virtues; for she teaches moderation and prudence, justice and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful for us than these. So I determined to take her to live with me, knowing she would be my counselor while all was well, and my comfort in care and grief.” (Wisdom 8:2-3, 7, 9) Easter Blessings. (Sister alies therese is a canonically vowed hermit with days formed around prayer and writing.)
our riches. Who are we? We ask Jesus to help us answer this question during Lent. Why did we come? I think of President Zelenskyy, a young man in his 40s, a performer in his early life. Now, he has become the focal point of resistance to an evil assault affecting millions of people in his country, and perhaps beyond. This, perhaps, is the moment for which he came. Meanwhile, Jesus invites us to draw nearer. By deepening our prayer, extending our charity, perhaps to Catholic Relief Services’ humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and strengthening ourselves with penance, perhaps we can better answer the question Jesus asks: Why did you come?
speak, James says. That in itself would be a worthwhile Lenten endeavor. He impresses on us that a faith not expressed in good works is no faith at all. And he challenges us to think about class distinctions: James asks us to imagine “if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes comes in.” We might envision our own Sunday Mass congregation. How are the two treated, James asks. Such a simple question, and yet one that we all should ask ourselves. (Effie Caldarola writes for the Catholic News Service.) Who is given the best seat at table, in our society, in our own lives? James’ letter is very hard on the rich. We make plans for our lives, James says, but much like the Ukrainians who went on about their lives calmly in the days before the invasion, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. “You,” James writes, “are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears.” This may be a somber thought, but each of us goes the way of all flesh, and Lent offers us the opportunity to contemplate what we are doing with this brief but precious time we have been given. In his famous poem, “As Kingfishers Catch Fire,” the Jesuit priest Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote, “What I do is me: for that I came.” Our actions prove who we are, more St. Anthony Catholic Church is pictured in Kharkiv, Ukraine, than any fine statements or boasts, more March 3, 2022, in the aftermath of Russian rocket attacks that than our degrees, our accomplishments, hit three churches. (CNS photo/courtesy risu.ua)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 11, 2022
BISHOP CHANCHE YOUTH HONOREES JACKSON – This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the Office of Youth Ministry awarded seven young people the Bishop Chanche youth service award. Six were presented their award at DCYC at the Vicksburg Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 20. Award recipient, Owen Wolf was a part of the Bishop Chanche award presentation with adult recipents, as his parents Michael and Stacy Wolf were also awarded for their service to the church. The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the young men and women who serve the church today. When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service. OWEN WOLF – St. Jude, Pearl Owen is dedicated and faithful to the parish and to his convictions. During the pandemic Owen showed great leadership and dedication of service to the parish by helping to transition a trailer into an altar so we could have drive in Mass. He served as usher and traffic director at every Saturday evening drive in service from May thru November of 2020 and still serves today whenever he is needed. The qualities that best describe Owen are humble, trustworthy, honest, a gentle leader and steadfast in his faith. – Father Lincoln Dall ANNA HARVEY – St. Alphonsus, McComb Anna is a great witness at our youth Mass, always willing to lector. She uses her gifts to glorify God and never to glorify herself. She often wins games and displays great humility. She has discussions with at least one non-Catholic friend about the Catholic faith and desires to share the best she can. Anna has been incredibly generous with her time in serving our parish. She has participated in service days,
DIOCESE 17 managed games for Easter and Halloween, led music for VBS, played piano for two Masses each month, and lectored often. She has modeled great kindness toward the youth at our parish events, helping the little ones to feel comfortable through her activities. Anna is patient, she listens attentively and strives for excellence in all that she undertakes. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy CLAIRE PLAISANCE – St. James, Magnolia Claire is consistent, dedicated and charitable. These virtues are demonstrated by her in a unique way, and I think her family has instilled these in her very well. Claire works very hard, not only for her family, but for the parish. She arrived Owen Wolf received a Bishop Chanche youth service award on to a service day and was the only teen Saturday, Feb. 19 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle from with a few chaperones who worked to Bishop Joseph Kopacz. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King) clean an elderly parishioner’s yard. She is generous with her time, and I know and he is such a delight to see on Sunday mornings when would be willing to serve if called upon. Claire has a spirit of courage; I feel she would be willing he is ushering – no words needed because he greets with to stand up for what’s right in the face of adversity. – Fa- a smile every time. It is evident that Austin does not do what he does ther Suresh Thirumalareddy for praise or recognition. Everything he does, he does it AVERY GREYSON CALVERT – St. Joseph , Gluckstadt quietly and almost as if in prayer. He is respectful with Avery moved to Mississippi the summer before his a confident “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” and a pleasant junior year during the pandemic. He joined our very tiny “Good Morning” when answering or speaking to any virtual youth group at the time and quickly grew into parishioner. He is mindful to not overlook anyone that the role of a youth leader. He is committed, outgoing, walks into the church, he is so gracious with a smile. Ausand shares his faith and talents readily with not only our tin is a natural leader, and his calm and gentle demeanor is infectious. His respect for the Blessed Sacrament and parish, but his school and his community. Avery volunteered to be a cantor as soon as Mass- when he approaches the altar does not go unnoticed eies began again at our parish in 2020. He is a talented ther. – Father Augustine Palimattam vocalist and we had very few cantors at that time. He is among the favorites these days. He cantors for his school Masses at St. Joseph in Madison as well. He joined our youth leadership team at the parish, which meets every Wednesday for training and Sundays for Youth Ministry. Avery has given talks to our Confirmation classes, helped lead retreats and is a member of the Jr. Core Team for LifeTeen. – Pam Minninger, LEM AUSTIN DUNGAN – St. Patrick, Meridian Austin has such a peaceful demeanor. His kindness is genuine and earnest. He has a heart for the faith. His love for his parish family is evident in his very presence
FRANK JOSEPH SERIO – St. Joseph, Greenville Frank is witty and kindhearted. His dynamic ability to be available for the school and parish, always, whether serving in the Mass, volunteering to help an elderly person or encouraging one of his peers, he is open to the needs of others and available to serve how the Holy Spirit leads. He is altar server every week, Eucharistic minister, leads Middle School small group, encourages his younger peers, friend to the elderly – he even led a service project for his senior class to decorate a widowed parishioner’s home for Christmas. He serves at St. Vincent de Paul whether it be helping on a Saturday with maintenance or over the summer/ spring/holiday breaks to carry items to the vehicle for clients. He also organized the can food drive at his high school that collected and delivered over 3,000 cans for St. Vincent. And what’s so special is that this kid doesn’t realize all that he is: charismatic, thoughtful, faithful, honorable, compassionate for others, spirit filled and joyful. – Monsignor Elvin Sunds OLIVIA ANN HANBY – St. James, Tupelo Olivia’s heart to serve, is never ending. No matter, what she just did, she is going to be there again, for the next thing. This is not just at church; it applies to all areas of her life. Olivia currently serves as a faith formation teacher on Sunday mornings, as a member of the youth choir and often as a lector at Mass. Recently, she served others through working Habitat for Humanity and she has served with Catholic Heart Work Camp for three years. She has served at school for Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years. Additionally, Olivia has served as a leader for Vacation Bible School for all of her high school career. Currently, she serves as a Math tutor and as a LifeTeen Leader as a Senior. – Father Tim Murphy
18 YOUTH
MARCH 11, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Laissez les bons temps rouler MADISON – (Right) St. Anthony students Reed Brown, Brynn Evans and Harper Measells enjoyed driving in their mardi gras parade. (Photo by Katie Signa)
JACKSON – St. Richard School celebrated its annual Mardi Gras parade on March 1. Students in K3, K4 and K5 made “floats” and marched the route along with the St. Joe Madison Band and Spirit Steppers. Pictured are K5 students (front to back) Makayla Carlson, Reagan Nelson, John Ellis Ehrgott, Anna Pham, MJ Walker and Ja’Cory Butler. (Photo by Tammy Conrad)
FLOWOOD – St. Paul Early Learning Center student, Hannah Hall dances her way through the parade of students held on Fat Tuesday. (Photo by Susan R. Irby)
VICKSBURG – Montessori kindergarten students, Jack Dornbusch and Dylan Rader had so much fun in their Mardi Gras parade throwing beads to other Vicksburg Catholic School students. (Photo by Lindsey Bradley)
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth students rolled on March 1 for the school’s annual Mardi Gras parade with everything fancy and fun! They had their very own king and queen, music, king cakes, convertible, horses, policemen, deputies and firemen, and, of course, tons of beads! (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC MARCH 11, 2022
Ash Wednesday
YOUTH 19 SOUTHAVEN – (Left) Students at Sacred Heart School celebrated Ash Wednesday, March 2, with Mass. (Below) Students and staff collected old palms from last Palm Sunday and burned them for use on Ash Wednesday. Sister Margaret Sue Broker, OSF, explained that in biblical times, the wearing of sack cloth and ashes were a sign of sorrow for ones sins. (Photos by Laura Grisham)
HOLLY SPRINGS – (Left) Father Hendrick Adrianto, SCJ led Mass, which included the distribution of ashes for Holy Family students. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
Made with love
LELAND – The children of St. James parish made valentine cards for the 11 a.m. Mass attendees on Sunday, Feb. 13. (Photo by Deborah Ruggeri)
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MARCH 11, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
'... I felt God right in the middle of it ...' – Continued from page 1 – on a diocesan level as well. She was the chairman of the continuing formation committee for many years and served more recently on the cathedraticum committee. She has worked with the vocations committee, interviewing candidates for the deacon-formation program. She is also a member of the ethics committee at St. Dominic Hospital. “I worked with Pam fourteen years and have known her probably twenty-five,” said Father Slattery. “Pam, as the LEM, basically was the pastor at St. Joseph, and she’s a wonderful leader and great with people. As an administrator, she’s frugal and very good. She will be missed. But the parish has grown to the point where a full-time pastor is definitely needed.” Though now officially retired, Minninger will continue with the administration and general work of the parish on a part-time basis until the new pastor is appointed and joins St. Joseph this summer. This means a transitional time for the parishioners, but they – like everyone else – are more than used to having to adapt af-
ter the last two years. “When the churches shut down, we had people who were scared to death to be around anyone. We also had people thinking the pandemic was a bunch of baloney,” Minninger said. “It took a little while to get there, but people who needed to be in church in the early part of the pandemic could be there to worship, and those more cautious could be fed with spiritual communion through online services. Hopefully one of the blessings is that on a human level, I think we have re-learned how to take care of each other when we take the politics out of it.” Minninger will also have more time in retirement to play with her granddaughters. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility for her to come full circle and nod off while saying prayers with them. She’ll also have time to reflect on the many meaningful moments she’s had while affiliated with St. Joseph. “One of the most profound moments I ever had, where I felt God right in the middle of it, was when a parishioner called me, not ready and willing to let go of the love of his life. They had been married over fifty years, and she was dying,” Minninger said. “I went to see them, and he and I sat there and talked. I was there when she passed, and I stayed with him until the coroner arrived. “I’ve been in the back of the church during weddings and seen the looks on the faces of family and friends as vows are exchanged. The sacramental moments and special times in the lives of people I’ve been privileged to be part of gives you goose bumps all over. God has been there also. That’s why I did it as long as I have.”
GLUCKSTADT – (Above) Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Pam Minninger walk through St. Joseph parish's signature event – GermanFest – in 2017. Minninger served as LEM for the parish since 2006 and retired at the end of January this year. (Photo from archives)
GLUCKSTADT – Father Kevin Slattery and Pam Minninger open gifts at their going away party on Sunday, January 30 at St. Joseph parish. Minninger retired as Lay Ecclesial Minister for the parish at the end of January and Father Slattery moved as Sacramental Minister of the parish to St. John Crystal Springs and St. Martin Hazlehurst on Feb. 1. (Photo by Alicia Clifton Baladi)