SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
mississippicatholic.com
Parishes postpone and cancel events due to COVID-19 BY JOE LEE
tions ‘Parish Fair.’” A tiny Mississippi Delta town with a population of less than 4,000, Leland is in an economically-depressed area to begin with, and this month’s cancellation of St. James’ biggest annual fundraiser — which debuted in 1933 — was not an easy decision to make. While health and safety concerns came first, the loss of the event puts the parish in a significant financial hole. “We (usually) serve about 800 spaghetti plates with meatballs, all homemade by the ladies of the church from a very old recipe,” said Debbie Ruggeri, St. James Parish secretary. “They’re served in the parish hall, where we also have a silent auction. The outside booths — a ribeye booth, a ham booth, a bingo booth, and teddy bear and fishing booths for children — usually handle about 1,000 people. Everything is donated.” Raffle tickets are also sold, and those who purchase the highest-priced $100 tickets are competing for a $10,000 grand prize. Not only are the loyal parishioners of St. James missing the badly-needed fellowship opportunities amid the pandemic, the gaps in the MADISON – Children line up to play games at Cajun fest in 2018 at St Fran- parish budget will be felt for cis of Assisi Parish. This year, the event was cancelled for 2020, leaving a some time. St. James is not alone. At shortfall in parish fundraising. (Photo by Tereza Ma) MADISON – Parishioners at St. James Parish of Leland were greeted in a recent church bulletin with this sobering news regarding their annual parish fair: “The council felt that it was in the best interest of the community to postpone the upcoming fair. Without it, we will have substantial loss of income. Discussion was held regarding ways to offset this loss. Any contributions will be greatly appreciated. Please mark your contribu-
St. Joseph of Gluckstadt, Germanfest has been a September staple since the 1980s and draws crowds of 10,000. Attendees drive in from neighboring states as well as all corners of Mississippi. “The family-oriented festival is best known for its delicious German food, including bratwurst, shish kabobs, and homemade sauerkraut,” said Pam Minninger, St. Joseph lay ecclesial minister. “Visitors also look forward to participating in the beer stein-holding contest and authentic German Folk music and dancing. “A significant amount of the proceeds is donated to local charities. Hopefully we will be able to absorb the shortfall and still be able to support some of these charities this year.” With no way of knowing what the pandemic restrictions on large groups will be from month to month, St. James has postponed their parish fair until early 2021 and are having initial discussions about possibly having a modified event. Likewise, talks are underway at St. Joseph about cooking up a small-scale Germanfest. “We are anticipating, at some point after the first of the year, possibly having some type of take-out bratwurst meal that folks can come by and pick up,” Minninger said. “That way they can get their ‘German food fix.’” Cajun Fest at nearby St. Francis of Assisi in Madison is that parish’s largest fundraiser and features mouthwatering Cajun delicacies and lots of family-friendly fun. With an extensive facilities overhaul and building campaign underway, the cancellation of this year’s event (already delayed from May until October) will leave a deep shortfall in parish fundraising. St. Francis will go virtual, however, in an effort to make back at least some of the losses. “We will host live the drawing of our annual raffle – Continued on page 6 –
Hurricane destroys Louisiana churches, closes schools, displaces priests BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
LAKE CHARLES, La (CNS) – Hurricane Laura destroyed six churches in the Diocese of Lake Charles, left a dozen others "highly compromised" and did heavy damage to chancery offices. The diocese, in a report posted on its website, said that only one of six Catholic schools reopened Aug. 31, while the others needed at least some repairs before classes could resume. The storm, which slammed southern Louisiana with winds of up to 150 mph in the early hours of Aug. 27, also left a diocesan rectory housing 20 priests, a third of them in active ministry, uninhabitable. Some of the priests were able to relocate to rectories that sustained little or no damage, while others moved into Vianney House, a diocesan residence for people discerning a vocation, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in central Lake Charles and private homes. Utilities, including power and water, in much of the region remained out Aug. 31. The devastation was widespread, according to Bishop Glen J. Provost, bishop of the Lake Charles Diocese. The roof of the chancery collapsed during the storm, leaving the building unusable, and a diocesan building across the street from the chancery sustained minor damage with broken windows from the fierce winds.
"The city is a disaster. No houses, no business is left untouched. The chancery will be unusable in the foreseeable future. We have 39 parishes and seven missions. All suffered some damage," Bishop Provost said. Hurricane Laura was the most powerful hurricane to strike southwest Louisiana, surpassing the devastation of Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Audrey in 1957, the diocese said. Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana began providing emergency relief within hours after the storm passed.
"We are here, we are open and we trying to meet the needs of the community," the diocesan report quoted Mercy Sister Miriam MacLean, the agency's director, saying. "The Lord preserved Catholic Charities from any major damage for sure so that we can be up and operational," she said. "We have a little bit of leakage in the roof and a couple of roll-up doors got a little damage, but we are blessed. We have a generator and the Religious Sisters of Mercy are running the office." The diocese reported that one of its newly ordained – Continued on page 6 –
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Sacrament photos 8 Celebrating our youth during their faith journey
Early Learning Center 11 Vicksburg names new center for Sisters of Mercy
Movie Reviews 14 "Fatima" hits theatres and streaming services
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Calendar of events SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT VIRTUAL Dominican Sisters of Peace presents “Listening to God’s Call with Open Hearts,” a virtual discernment retreat for single women ages 18-45, Sept. 11-13. This retreat will give single Catholic women an opportunity to meet and talk with Sisters and women in formation, as well as other women who are discerning their own call to religious life. Details: Sister Bea Tiboldi, OP, (614) 400-1255 or BTiboldi@oppeace.org. GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, “Why am I Afraid to Change?” Friday, Sept. 25 to Saturday, Sept. 26. Presenters: Father Bill Henry and Janet Constantine, LMHC. The Retreat is on Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admittance is by love offering; however, participants must register, since seating will be limited due to social distancing. Masks must be worn by all participants. Details: You may register online at www.locusbenedictus.org or call (662) 2991232. HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Healing Shrine in the Daily Mass Chapel. A healing shrine has been erected along the back wall of one side of the daily Mass chapel at Holy Spirit, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints. A petition book is available for you to write your petitions for healing of any illness of body, mind or spirit, for you, your relatives and/or friends. These petitions will be remembered and prayed for by our parishioners. You may light a small 5-hour candle (tea light) for $2 or a 7-day candle for $10. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Parish Fair, Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 5-7 p.m. This year the fair will be drive through food items only with some surprise booths. The sweet shoppe and frozen casseroles will only be offering their top five items to be purchased. Details: (662) 8466273. GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Germanfest 2020 cancelled. After consultation with the diocese, conversations with Father Kevin and our Germanfest Chairperson Eric Price, and much prayer, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel Germanfest this year. Due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID pandemic, the escalating numbers of illness, and the necessity of close and sustained contact during preparations, as well as the need to protect our parishioners and our visitors, we feel it is the best decision we can make at this time. HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Adult Religious Education on Thursday mornings after daily Mass at 9 a.m. which will focus on scripture study. Grow in your spirituality and knowledge of our Catholic faith. Details: church office (662) 429-7851. Holy Spirit, along with the other SCJ parishes, Grandparents Day will be celebrated the weekend of Sept. 1213. They will be honored with a special blessing at the Masses that weekend. Details: church office (662) 4297851. JACKSON St. Richard, Save the Date, Special Kids Golf Tournament, Thursday, Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Deerfield Golf Club, Canton. Almost 40 years ago, Father Patrick Farrell saw the need to provide a program designed to address the challenges of children with special needs. Every year, the funding raised by our golf tournament makes so many things possible for our students. Raffle tickets for a Mother’s Day Weekend in Florida are available at St. Richard Church and school offices for $5 or five tickets for $20. Details: Shannon
Garner at the church office (601) 366-2335, garner@ saintrichard.com or www.saintrichard.com. St. Richard, Confirmation for 10th and 11th grades begins Sunday, Sept. 20 and meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the youth center. Pizza will be served from 6-6:30 p.m. Details: church office (601) 366-2335. JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, Adult Faith Formation, Sundays, during 9:15–10 a.m. between Masses starting Sept. 13 in the Cathedral. Discussion will be on the book The Gospel of Mark by Mary Healy. It is part of a series entitled the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. The author teaches at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. The book is available at www.amazon.com and in the kindle format. Details: fathermatthewpricesimmons@gmail.com. JACKSON Catholic Charities’ Journey of Hope has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 at 12 p.m. There will be a meet and greet the night before, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. The luncheon speaker will be Elizabeth Smart. Details: Catholic Charities (601) 355-8634. JACKSON 40 Days for Life kickoff rally, 2903 North State Street, Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 12 p.m. Join in prayer and fasting as they go to the abortion facility to be a public witness for God. There will be no speaker this year, but they are asking that you pray and sing. Details: plm@prolifemississippi.org. MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, join in for the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. and Vespers/Rosary at 4:45 p.m. (Monday-Friday). Details: Dial in by phone (769) 206-1927 to join in. Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Father Augustine leads a novena to the Lady of Our Perpetual Help on the parish’s Facebook page Saturdays at 11 a.m. Details: church office (601) 693-1321. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by Knights of Columbus, Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the O’Connor Family Life Center. Due to COVID-19, all dinners will be to go and no broughtin containers will be allowed. Cost: Donation per ticket is $9. Details: Joe Garrity or Steve Nielsen at the church office (601) 445-5616. SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, National Prayer Event, “Let’s Life Chain America,” Sunday, Oct. 4 from 2-3 p.m. Life Chain is a silent prayer vigil to communicate opposition to abortion. It is not political or confrontational. Details: Barbara Dean at (901) 486-6470; MaryAnn (662) 420-7851 or (662) 429-0501. VICKSBURG St. Mary, Knights of Columbus Drawdown, Sunday, Oct. 11. This event will be a “virtual” drawdown with takeout food. Cost: tickets are $75 each. Details: church office (601) 636-0115. VIRTUAL First Homegrown Harvest Gala and Fundraiser, Friday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. to raise awareness and funds for the Seminarian Trust. This will be a live online event. You can go to https://one.bidpal.net/homegrownharvest2020 to be a part. You will hear from the six men who are studying for the priesthood, as well as hear a talk from Father Jim Wehner, the President/Rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and throughout the evening you will hear from Father Nick Adam, our seminarians and more. Details: Father Nick Adam, vocation director (601) 969-4020 or nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.
YOUTH BRIEFS CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Faith Formation will resume on Sunday, Sept.
20 from 9:15-10:15 a.m. before Mass for the following grades: 9th-12th grades – meet in the church; 7-8th grades – meet in the school gym; 4th-6th grades – meet in McKenna Hall and 1st-3rd grades – meet in the school classrooms. Social distancing of at least six feet will be required and masks must be worn at all times. A teacher for 4th-6th grades is still needed. Details: call the church office to register your child (662) 624-4301. MERIDIAN, Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, the Youth Group will be meeting every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Youth (6th-12th Grades) are invited. Please contact Angela Dove at 601 693 1321 Ext. 8 or by email angela@ catholicmeridian.org. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, High School Youth Group, Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. at the Family Life Center youth wing. “Be Still …” not a class, not a meeting, but a journey. There will be pizza. Details: (601) 445-5616.
COVID-19 REMINDER In person Masses are now open at many parishes within the Diocese of Jackson. Check with your local parish for details and follow guidelines in place for attendance. All over the age of two are required to wear a mask. The obligation to attend Mass continues to be dispensed by Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, so if you do not feel safe attending, or have an underlying health condition, or feel sick, please stay home. Be safe and stay vigilant!
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Working within God’s providence By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
JACKSON – Over the Labor Day holiday as I enjoyed the blessings of a long weekend, I mulled over the surge that occurred in unemployment due to COVID-19 over the past six months. At its peak, the furloughed were at the astronomical figure of 33%, a level not seen since the great depression in the 1930s. The present hardship and anxiety over the future that afflicts many families are heavy burdens. Fortunately, the unemployment figures have dropped back down below double digits; yet far too many are pushed to the edge or beyond. This free fall in the work force makes it crystal clear how essential work is as a vital component of what it means to be human, more than just a job. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century the Church has taught extensively on the nature, dignity and necessity of work beginning with Leo XIII in Rerum Novarum, on the New Order of Things, right up to the present day with the exhortations of Pope Francis. In doing so, the church always returns to the biblical source in Genesis when God worked for six days on the progression of creation with rest following on the seventh. God then ordained that the crown of his creation, male and female, was to subdue the earth and exercise dominion over this amazing planet. (Genesis 1:28) However, this task is not a license to be high-handed or reckless. On the contrary in it is a matter of cultivating and caring for the magnificent garden that has been entrusted to us. (Genesis 2:15) The material world was not created by humankind but is bestowed upon us as a precious gift that the Creator placed under our responsibility. Therefore, all work can be a participation in and furtherance of the will of God and the gift of creation. Within the perspective of faith, the fruits of our labor are for our own wellbeing, for those who depend on us, especially the family, for the common good, for a just society and for the glory of God. It is not just a job. The family, therefore, must rightfully be an
essential agent of economic life, guided not solely by the market mentality but by the logic of sharing and solidarity among generations. Justice is the virtue that governs the social order, and the market must aim for a standard of living to maintain a family and to allow it to live decently. (Pius XI) The demand for justice precedes concern for profit. “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8) The leisure of Labor Day, an oxymoron of sorts, portrays the intricate web of life that God intends. Jesus a man of work, devoted most of his years on earth to manual labor at the carpenter’s bench. (John Paul II) In his teachings Jesus regularly refers to the reality of work to unfold the mystery of the Kingdom of God. He praises the faithful and prudent servant whom the Master finds hard at work at the duties entrusted to him (Mt 24:46), and condemns the behavior of the useless servant, who hides his talent in the ground. (Mt 25:14ff) He describes his own mission as that of working. “My father is working still, and I am working.” (Jn 5:17) His disciples are workers in the harvest of the Lord (Mt 9:37-38), and the laborer deserves his wage.” (Lk 10:7) Work in the home or in the marketplace is an essential part of being human. The awareness that “the form of the world is passing away” (1Cor 7:31) is not an exoneration from being involved in work. (2Thes 3:7-15) No Christian, believing that he belongs to others and to God, has the right not to work and to live at the expense of others. All are charged by the Apostle Paul to make it a point of honor to work, to be dependent on nobody. (1Thes 4:12), and to practice a solidarity by sharing the fruits of their labors with those in need. (Eph 4:28) St. James defends the trampled rights of workers: “Behold the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the Lord of host.” (Jas 5:4) Yet there needs to be balance. In his preaching, Jesus teaches man and woman not to be enslaved by work. Before all else they must be concerned about their souls. Gaining the whole world is not the purpose of life. (Mk 18:36) The treasures of earth are consumed, while those in heaven are imperishable. It is on these latter treasures that men and women must set their hearts. (Mt 6:19-21) For we look not to what is seen, but to what is unseen. For what is seen is transitory; what is unseen is eternal. (2Cor 4:18) This is the gift of Sabbath rest on – Continued on page 11 – the Lord’s Day, a time for healing, a time sas, hasta el día de hoy con las exhortaciones del Papa Francisco. Al hacerlo, la iglesia siempre regresa a la fuente bíblica, en Génesis, cuando Dios trabajó durante seis días en la progresión de la creación y el descanso que siguió el séptimo día. Entonces Dios ordenó que la corona, masculina y femenina, de su creación debía someter la tierra y ejercer dominio sobre este asombroso planeta. (Génesis 1:28.) Sin embargo, esta tarea no es una licencia para ser prepotente o imprudente. Al contrario, en ella se trata de cultivar y cuidar el magnífico jardín que nos ha sido confiado. (Génesis 2:15) El mundo material no fue creado por la humanidad, sino que nos fue otorgado como un regalo precioso que el Creador puso bajo nuestra responsabilidad. Por lo tanto, todo trabajo puede ser una participación y un avance de la voluntad de Dios y el don de la creación. En la perspectiva de la fe, los frutos de nuestro trabajo son para nuestro propio bienestar, para quienes dependen de nosotros, especialmente nuestra familia, para el bien común, para una sociedad justa y para la gloria de Dios. No es solo un trabajo. La familia, por tanto, debe ser legítimamente un agente esencial de la vida económica, guiada no solo por la mentalidad de mercado sino por la lógica del compartir y la solidaridad entre generaciones. La justicia es la virtud que gobierna el orden social, y el mercado debe aspirar a un nivel de vida para mantener una familia y permitirle vivir decentemente. (Pío XI) La demanda de justicia precede a la preocupación por el lucro. “Vale más lo poco ganado honradamente, que lo mucho ganado en forma injusta.” (Proverbios 16:8) El ocio del Día del Trabajo, una especie de contradicción, retrata la intrincada red de la vida que Dios quiere. Jesús, un hombre de trabajo, dedicó la mayor parte
Trabajando dentro de la providencia de Dios Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
Durante el día feriado del Día del Trabajo (Labor Day, en inglés) y mientras disfrutaba de las bendiciones de un fin de semana largo, reflexioné sobre el aumento del desempleo, que se produjo debido al COVID-19 durante los últimos seis meses. En su apogeo, los cesados estuvieron en la astronómica cifra de un 33%, un nivel no visto desde la gran depresión en la década de 1930. Las dificultades actuales y la ansiedad por el futuro, que afligen a muchas familias, son cargas pesadas. Afortunadamente, las cifras de desempleo han vuelto a caer por debajo de los dos dígitos; sin embargo, demasiados son empujados al límite o más allá. Esta caída libre en la fuerza laboral deja en claro cuán esencial es el trabajo como un componente vital de lo que significa ser humano, es más que un simple trabajo. Desde el advenimiento de la Revolución Industrial en el siglo XIX, la Iglesia ha enseñado extensamente sobre la naturaleza, la dignidad y la necesidad del trabajo comenzando con León X111 en la Rerum Novarum, sobre el Nuevo Orden de las CoVolume 66 Number 19 (ISSN 1529-1693)
P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz
– Continúa en la pág. 11 –
BISHOP KOPACZ’S SCHEDULE
Communications Director ....................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager....................................................................................................Tereza Ma Contributors ......................................................................................................... Berta Mexidor ..................................................................................................... Cindy Wood 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. 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 w www.jacksondiocese.org
Friday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. – St. Paul Early Learning Center Golf Tournament, Bay Pointe Golf and Resort, Brandon Sunday, Oct. 4 – Respect Life Mass and Reception, St. Catherine’s Village, Madison Friday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m. – First annual Homegrown Harvest Gala and Fundraiser for Vocations, Virtual Only public events are listed on this schedule and all events are subject to change. Please check with the local parish for further details.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
4 VOCATIONS CALLED BY NAME
In the past month I have visited several of our diocesan schools and I have had a great time getting to know the principals, staff and students at places like Cathedral School in Natchez, St. Aloysius in Vicksburg, Sr. Thea Bowman in Jackson, and St. Jospeh School in Greenville. I have fond memories of having priests as guests in the classroom when I was a Catholic School student, and I hope that my visits to our schools help give our children a firm grasp of what a call to the priesthood or religious life might “sound” like. I tend to highlight two important facts at any school or parish that I visit. I think these two points are unknown to most, and so if my audience remembers nothing else, I hope they remember Father Nick’s “two points.” Point number one, the desire to get married and have a family does not mean that a young person’s discernment is over. It is a part of our very biology that we desire to love someone else in this world as fully as possible, and the Lord has raised marriage to the level of a sacrament so that a man and a woman can share that love in a fruitful way. However, Jesus reveals in the Gospel that some men and women are called to forgo that natural calling and say yes to a supernatural gift that comes forth in a celibate life. Jesus goes so far to say “…let anyone accept this who can.” (Matthew 19:19) So point number one reminds young people (and older folks as well) that Jesus asks us to give Him the first say, and if you are asked to choose celibacy with generosity, God will bring forth abundant love in your life. Point number two, speaking to a priest like me about a vocation does not mean I am going to sign you up to fill in for me at the parish next week! In fact, even going so far as enrolling in the seminary or a house of formation does not mean that you are locked in for life! The church provides years of formation to men and women so they they can fully discern whether they are being called or not. I will never push someone into a choice they have not come to freely, but I do hope that more and more young people will take advantage of the church’s resources that allow them to pray, study, and have the support of a community conducive to good discernment. A person who feels they may be called to priesthood or religious life and is considering entering formation should be prepared to offer the Lord two years. If you can commit to two years of joyful discernment, then you can rest assured that the Lord will use that time well, and again, you can always leave if you discern marriage is the call for you! As I say often, I am so zealous about spreading the word regarding priestly formation because after my first two years in the seminary, I didn’t want to leave! Being supported by so many wonderful faculty members and leaders of the church, and being in a community of like minded individuals all striving for holiness and pushing one another in a healthy way was an amazing experience. Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our six seminarians, all of whom are doing well. Please pray for many young men and women throughout the diocese who are pondering the Lord’s call. – Father Nick Adam
Vocations Events Friday, October 9, 2020 – First annual Homegrown Harvest Gala and Fundraiser (virtual) Visit https://one.bidpal.net/homegrownharvest2020 to support this event.
Putting for a cause
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 will be 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).
MADISON – Father Aaron Williams and Dr. Andrew Abide wait to see if Phil Mansour sinks his put at the Lake Caroline golf course for the 2020 Bishop’s Cup Golf Scramble. Funds raised from the tournament and silent auction went to support the Catholic Foundation Grant Trust. Congratulations to the tournament winners. The BankFirst team of Marcus Mallory, Chase Frazure, Walker Brown and John Oller for came in first place. Second place (tied) was the Tico’s Steakhouse team of Tico Hoffman, Jack Hoffman, Father Gerry Hurley and Joe Beall. Also in second was the Campus Dining team of Michael Prince, Barry Planch, Steve Shirley and Jimmy Bailey. (Photo by Julia Williams)
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.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
Spirituality 5
Invitation to courage IN EXILE By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
Courage isn’t one of my strong points, at least not one particular kind of courage. Scripture tells us that as John the Baptist grew up he became strong in spirit. My growing up was somewhat different. Unlike John the Baptist, as I grew up I became accommodating in spirit. This had its reasons. I was born with what Ruth Burrows would describe as a “tortured sensitivity,” an over-sensitive personality, and have never been able to develop a tough skin. That’s not the stuff of which prophets are made. When you’re a child on the playground you better have the raw physical strength to challenge a situation that’s unfair or you better let things alone so as not to get hurt. You also better develop razor-sharp skills at avoiding confrontation and in the art of peacemaking. As well, when you aren’t gifted with superior physical strength and challenging situations arise on the playground, you quickly learn to walk away from confrontation. On the playground the lamb knows better than to lie down with the lion or to confront the lion, irrespective of the prophet Isaiah’s eschatological visions. And that’s not all bad. Growing up as I did didn’t make for the tough skin and raw courage it takes to be a prophet, but it did give me an acute radar screen, namely, a sensitivity which at its best is a genuine empathy (though at its worst has me avoiding situations of conflict). Either way, it’s hasn’t particularly gifted me with the qualities that make for prophetic courage. I want, habitually, not to upset people. I dislike confrontation and want peacefulness at almost any cost, though I do draw some lines in the sand. But I’m no John the Baptist and it’s taken me many years to learn that, admit it, and understand why – and also to understand that my temperament and history are only an explanation and not an excuse for my cowardice at times. In the end, the virtue of courage is not contingent upon birth, temperament, or mental toughness, though these can be helpful. Courage is a gift from the Holy Spirit and that’s why one’s temperament and background may only serve as an explanation and not as an excuse for a lack of courage. I highlight this because our situation today demands courage from us, the courage for prophecy. We desperately need prophets today, but they are in short supply and too many of us are not particularly eager to volunteer for the task. Why not? A recent issue of Commonweal magazine featured an article by Bryan Massingale, a strong prophetic voice on the issue of racism. Massingale submits that the reason we see so little real progress in dealing with racial
injustice is the absence of prophetic voices where they are most needed, in this case, among the many good white people who see racial injustice, sympathize with those suffering from it, but don’t do anything about it. Massingale, who lectures widely across the country, shares how again and again in his lectures and in his classes people ask him: But how do I address this without upsetting people? This question aptly expresses our reticence and, I believe, names both the issue and the challenge. As Shakespeare would say, “Ah, there’s the rub!” For me, this question touches a sensitive moral nerve. Had I been in one of his classes I would no doubt have been one of those to ask that question: but how do I challenge racism without upsetting people? Here’s my problem: I want to speak out prophetically, but I don’t want to upset others; I want to challenge the white privilege which we’re so congenitally blind to, but I don’t want to alienate the generous, good-hearted people who support our school; I want to speak out more strongly against injustice in my writing, but I don’t want multiple newspapers drop my column as a result; I want to
be courageous and confront others, but don’t want to live with the hatred that ensues; and I want to publicly name injustices and name names, but don’t want to alienate myself from those very people. So this leaves me still praying for the courage needed for prophecy. Several years ago, a visiting professor at our school, an Afro-American man, was sharing with our faculty some of the near daily injustices he experiences simply because of the color of his skin. At one point I asked him: “If I, as a white man, came to you like Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and asked you what I should do, what would you tell me?” His answer: Jesus didn’t let Nicodemus off easily just because he confessed his fears. Nicodemus had to do a public act to bring his faith into the light, he had to claim Jesus’ dead body. Hence, his challenge to me: you need to do a public act. He’s right; but I’m still praying for the prophetic courage to do that. And aren’t we all? (Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher and award-winning author, is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com.)
The Pope’s Corner
Lack of respect for life, for nature have same root By Cindy Wooden
– and always will call it – into existence out of love,” VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A lack of respect for the pope said. “The universe is beautiful and good, human life from conception to natural death and a and contemplating it allows us to glimpse the infinite lack of respect for the environment are both signs of beauty and goodness of its author.” Christians have a moral obligation to respect the a person claiming power over something that is not creation God has entrusted to them “as a garden to theirs to control, Pope Francis said. “They are the same indifference, the same self- cultivate, protect, make grow according to its potenishness, the same greed, the same pride, the same tial,” he said. “And if human beings have the right to claim to be the master and despot of the world that make use of nature for their own needs, they cannot lead human beings on the one hand to destroy spe- in anyway claim to be its owners or despots, but cies and plunder natural resources and, on the other, only administrators who must give an account of to exploit poverty, to abuse the work of women and their use.” Jesus taught his followers to live in harmony, with children, to overturn the laws of the nuclear family (and) to no longer respect the right to human life justice, in peace and recognizing others as brothers from conception to its natural end,” the pope said and sisters, the pope said. But “when one considers nature only as an object of profit and self-interest – Sept. 3. Pope Francis made his remarks in a speech writ- a vision that consolidates the whim of the strongest ten for a group of laypeople advising the French – then harmony is shattered and serious inequality, bishops’ conference on ways to promote and imple- injustice and suffering result.” ment the teaching of “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.” The group, which included the actress Juliette Binoche, traveled to Rome by train as a carbon-saving alternative to traveling by plane. The Vatican press office said the pope handed his prepared text to members of the group and then had an unscripted conversation with them, telling them that his own “ecological conversion” began in 2007 by listening to Brazilian bishops at the Latin American bishops’ meeting in Aparecida, Brazil. At the time, “I understood nothing,” he said. But he began listening and studying and dialoguing with scientists and theologians. The result was “Laudato Si’,” the encyclical published in Pope Francis meets with a group of clergy and laypeople 2015. Ecological concern is a Christian advising the French bishops’ conference on ecological policies and on promoting the teaching in his encyclical, “Lauconcern, he said. “The Bible teaches us that the world dato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home” Sept. 3, 2020. was not born in of chaos or by accident The actress Juliette Binoche was part of the meeting in the but by a decision of God who called it library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. (CNS photo/ Vatican Media)
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
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' ... We can gather and celebrate ...' associated with Cajun Fest at 2 p.m. on October 4,” said Father Albeenreddy Vatti, St. Francis of Assisi pastor. “We chose this date because it is Feast Day for St. Francis, our patron saint. Annually, we celebrate this day with an event, A Taste of St. Francis. It is a time we can gather and celebrate the many cultures that make up our parish with great food and music.” One of the more disheartening cancellations is the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration at Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksdale. Because of pandemic concerns, the small parish hasn’t yet reopened for services and, without the anniversary event, must find other ways to raise money to fund facility upgrades and insurance payments on the church building. “It has been customary that a fun gathering with a cookout or soul food dinner is planned during the week of the anniversary,” said Father Raju Macharla, Immaculate Conception pastor. “In January the members met to plan a jubilant celebration, and plans were made for a Mass with a reception planned for Sept. 5 to coincide with Bishop Joseph Kopacz’s trip to Mound Bayou that evening. “One of the highlights would have been to visit with former teachers, students, sisters, priests, and parishioners. We had already started reminding them to save the date and have received regrets and disappointments since the pandemic has occurred.” Catholic Charities also lost their annual Journey of Hope fundraising luncheon to COVID-19, but the organization — thanks in part to the flexibility of keynote speaker Elizabeth Smart — is back on the calendar for early 2021. “We’re still at the Jackson Convention Complex and set for February 25,” said Michael Thomas, Catholic Charities development director. “We would have seated ten to a table and will now seat six, but we will have more available tables. Everyone will wear masks to enter and exit unless the mask order has been lifted by then. – Continued from page 1 –
“At the meet-and-greet the evening before, we’ll have a book signing with Elizabeth, a paid event at 6 p.m. at a location that has yet to be determined. Her story covers so much of what we do at Catholic Charities in our counseling: kidnapping, rape, domestic violence, and abuse. She is wonderful to work with and has such a strong faith in God.” Thomas said that a Peer to Peer social media campaign will launch Sept. 15 to begin recouping the loss of funding from this month’s Journey of Hope cancellation. Football coach Lou Holtz drew nearly 1,000 attendees in 2016, and hopes are high that Smart, who was abducted from her Utah family home in 2002 at the age of fourteen before being rescued nine months later, will pack the convention complex in February. Ultimately, while some events can’t be recreated — Immaculate Conception will never have another seventy-fifth anniversary — many parishes and organizations are thinking creatively and trying to find silver linings in preparing for the future. “We normally have our Bishop’s Ball each year, and this year we had a virtual event,” Thomas said. “It was a great success and touched more people than the usual ones. We had the live auction online a week before, and everything sold — we were shocked. Wanda Thomas is our new executive director and hosted the hour-long event on Facebook. We were faced with either no Bishop’s Ball or thinking of another way.”
' ... We appreciate everyone's prayers ...' – Continued from page 1 – priests, Father Joseph Caraway, parochial vicar at St. Henry Church in St. Charles, used a chainsaw to clear a path so the Mercy sisters could return to their convent. The priest then delivered food to homebound residents in the city, the diocese said. The Knights of Columbus donated $150,000 to the Diocese of Lake Charles to assist with recovery efforts. Bishop Provost rode out the storm at a parish in the northern part of the diocese. "It is extremely important for me to live in my house in the diocese so I can be available to the priests and to the faithful," said Bishop Provost, who has headed the diocese since 2007. "Some gentlemen from the cathedral parish bulldozed my driveway so that I could get to my house. Every tree in my yard, except maybe three or four, were downed. You can barely see my house from Lake Street because of all the downed trees." He reached out and offered prayers to all diocesan churches hours after the storm swept through the area. The six destroyed churches are Our Lady of the Assumption in Johnson Bayou; Our Lady of the Lake in Lake Charles; Our Lady of the Sea in Cameron; Sacred Heart of Jesus in Creole; St. Eugene in Grand Chenier; and St. Peter the Apostle in Hackberry. "Most of what I have witnessed so far has been wind damage," Bishop Provost said. He said Mass will continue to be celebrated when possible throughout the diocese. "We appreciate everyone's prayers. Bishops in other dioceses have sent word of assistance to us, so we appreciate the fellowship of the other Catholic dioceses throughout the nation. I have heard from bishops on the East and West coasts and especially in Texas and Loui-
siana," he said. As for the schools, only Our Lady Immaculate in Jennings was prepared to reopen Aug. 31. The diocese reported that Father Keith Pellerin, pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Jennings, said that classes would resume at the school. St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles sustained severe damage during the storm's onslaught. "Father (Nathan) Long, rector of the school, reported that the roof of the administration building is, for the most part, blown off. Windows in various classrooms are blown in and there is roof damage at the gym," Father Pellerin said. Bishop Provost spoke with Principal Trevor Donnelly of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School in Lake Charles, who reported minor damage to the building. However, the adjacent parish church sustained "substantial" damage. The parish rectory's roof was significantly damaged, making it uninhabitable. Volunteers were on hand Aug. 30 to clear trees and debris from the parish property. Bishop Provost plans to visit as many parishes as possible to survey the storm's impact firsthand. Catholic Charities planned to distribute food, water and tarps to families in need. Sister MacLean said the dioceses of Beaumont, Texas, and Lafayette, Louisiana, will store donated supplies because her agency's facility does not have enough storage space. Bishop David L. Toups of Beaumont, Texas, helped deliver bottled water and also prepared meals to Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana despite having to assess storm damage in his diocese to the west. He said the damage in Beaumont was much less severe than in
GLUCKSTADT – Pictured is the first annual ladies beer stein holding contest at Germanfest in 2019. This year the popular festival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus (Photo by Tereza Ma)
Lake Charles. Sister MacLean also said people who were evacuated to hotels will need vouchers to remain there until other housing arrangements can be made. Long-term shelter will become a major need for people left homeless by Hurricane Laura, she said. (Donations for relief effort are being accepted online at www.catholiccharitiesswla.com and www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.)
Buildings damaged by Hurricane Laura are seen in an Aug. 30, 2020, aerial photograph in Lake Charles, La. (CNS photo/Drone Base, Reuters)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
YOUTH 7 COLUMBUS – On Aug. 27, kindergarten students practiced their parachuting skills in P.E. class with Father Jeffrey Waldrep. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher)
NATCHEZ – (Below) Teens, parents and Knights of Columbus joined together to work on yards on Sunday, Aug. 30. Every six weeks youth from St. Mary Basilica get together with the Knights of Columbus to work on the yard of an older person who needs help. (Photo by Carrie Lambert)
JACKSON – (Left) Father Nick Adam recently spoke to the sixth grade classes at Saint Richard School about vocations. The children had the opportunity to ask questions and visit with Father Nick about his new role as director of vocations for the Diocese of Jackson. (Photo by Emily Myers Garner)
8 SACRAMENTS
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
JACKSON – Gemma Metzger celebrated her First Communion at St.Richard Parish on June 21. (Photo by Gina Metzger) MERIDIAN – (Above) St. Patrick Parish Confirmation, Aug. 22, First Row (l-r): Father Andrew Nguyen, Hannah Grace Hannington, Kirstie Graves, Maci Manning, Dennilyn Hoang, Callie Matthews and Marisol Garcia. Second Row: Miller Hodge, Zane Pritchard, Toan (Tom Tom) Nguyen, Seth Auzennne, Father Augustine Palimattam, Zachary Purdy, Rebecca Lee and Maria Mayo-Ramos. Pictured Below: Hayden Dickerson receives the sacrament of Confirmation from Father Augustine Palimattam. (Photos by John Harwell)
VICKSBURG – (Above) St. Michael Parish, Confirmation, Front Row: Faith Beamish, Samantha Graves, Alana Latorre, Anna Lamanilao, Christina Waisner and Keely Ramshur. Middle Row: Victoria Morehead, Katlyn Donovan, Julia Liggett, Mary Reilly Powell, Grace Gannon, Leah Larson and Maggie Roberson. Back Row: Father P.J. Curley, Dillon Chambers, Andy Bufkin, Father Robert Dore, Jack Gannon and Carter Magee. (Photo by Helene Benson)
CLEVELAND – Father Kent Bowlds confirmed Clark Swartzfager and John Fulcher on Sunday Aug. 16 at Our Lady of Victories. (Photo by Keith Fulcher)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
SACRAMENTS 9 OXFORD – (Left) St. John the Evangelist, First Communion, July 17, Pictured (l-r): Garrett Klawitter, Daniel Peters, Jack Whelan, John Whelan, Emily Guerrero, Alyssa Schamell, Hailey Thompson, Ashley Neal, Father Joe Tonos, Celestina-Ly Rodrigues, Lila Merkel, Madeline Thornton, Mary Elizabeth Brents, Collins Helveston, Jacob Albright and Grayson Knapp. (Photo by Gene Buglewicz)
AMORY – (Right) Georgie Hesse and Loretta Seifert received their First Holy Communion on Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. Helen Church in Amory in a special Mass with their families. (Photo by Jean Pinkley)
PEARL – (Above) Patience Beatrice-Celeste Brown received the sacrament of Confirmation on July 26 at St. Jude Parish. She is pictured with her proud parents Allison and Kimberley Naylor. (Photo by Kimberley Brown)
VICKSBURG – (Above) St. Michael Parish, First Communion, Front Row (l-r): Ashlyn Naya, Blakely Farrell, Andrew Blake and Sophia Purdy. Back Row (l-r): Lanie Weeks, Mary Helen Bradley, Father Robert Dore, Noah Ponder and Jackson Ratliff. (Photo by Helene Benson)
FOREST – St. Michael Parish, First Communion class. (Photo courtesy of Father Roberto Mena, ST)
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
10 SACRAMENTS
GREENWOOD – Father Joachim Studwell, OFM celebrated the sacrament of First Communion on Saturday, Aug. 1 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. (Photo courtesy of Father Joachim Studwell)
SOUTHAVEN – Henry Bowling of Holy Spirit Hernando celebrated his First Communion at Christ the King Parish on Aug. 1. (Photo by Terra Bowling) CARTHAGE – (Left) St. Anne Parish, Confirmation, Front row: Father Gustavo Amell, ST, Tracy Lopez, Daysy Modesto, Yazmin Gonzalez, Yocelyn Gonzalez, Evelio Ramirez and Nicodemo Lopez (catequista). Back row: Edgar Modesto, Anthony Garcia, Sandra Perez, Father Odel Medina, ST, Efrain Lopez, Giovany Garcia and Karol Lopez. (Photo courtesy of Oscar Aguilon) (Below) St. Anne Parish, Confirmation, Front row: Hugo Agustin, Marco Vasquez, Mirna Miranda, Yesica Lopez, Cheryl Salvador, Suleima Anahi and Nicodemo Lopez (catequista). Second row: Anderson Morales, Father Odel Medina, ST and Hector Raul. (Photo by Gionavy Garcia)
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FLOWOOD – Alexander Jose Quintero celebrated his First Communion at St. Paul Parish on Aug. 9. He is pictured here with his family after the service. (Photo by Carolina Quintero)
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DIOCESE 11
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
New early learning center named in honor of Sisters of Mercy By Staff Reports The Vicksburg Post
VICKSBURG – Nearly 160 years ago, six ordained Sisters of Mercy arrived in Vicksburg with a singular goal in mind — to educate the children of the town and open the area’s very first school. Now, that legacy is being continued, and those women are being honored through the naming of the Vicksburg Catholic School Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center. The new facility, which is under construction at the corner of Clay and Howard streets, will serve as a childcare center for infants through three-year-olds. The building itself will be named the Sherry J. Scott Building, honoring a graduate of St. Francis Xavier and a generous donor to the school, who learned the importance of giving back at a young age from the Sisters of Mercy. “Without the support from Sherry and her husband, Sam Scott, fundraising for this project would have been daunting, especially in our current environment,” said Kristi Smith, development director at VCS. “Their generosity and commitment to the school is just another great testament to the incredible impression the Sisters of Mercy left on their students.” But education wasn’t the only call the Sisters of Mercy answered during their time in Vicksburg. In addition to being remembered as great teachers in the area, the Sisters also became nurses when they encountered nu-
merous sick and injured soldiers during the Civil War. That work led them to take over City Hospital in 1878 and the Vicksburg Street Hospital in 1943, which later became known as Mercy Hospital until it was bought by a corporation in 1991. “When you talk about the history of Vicksburg, you have to talk about the Sisters of Mercy,” said Mary Margaret Edney, a member of the VCS advisory council. “I can’t think of a more appropriate way for us to honor their legacy and to remember the many sacrifices they made to better our community all those years ago. There are a lot of people who will tell you that they wouldn’t be where they are today if it weren’t for those women.” Since the news of Scott’s donation, VCS has moved into Phase 2 of its capital campaign to raise $2.2 million for the center. This phase will fund construction completion and
furnishings, a total of about $400,000. The Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center is scheduled to open in 2021. For more information about enrollment, please contact the school at 601-636-4824. (Editor’s note: Article re-printed with permission of The Vicksburg Post.)
‘... Dentro de la providencia creativa de Dios ...’ sus años en la tierra al trabajo manual en un banco de carpintero. (Juan Pablo II). En sus enseñanzas, Jesús se refiere regularmente a la realidad del trabajo para desvelar el misterio del Reino de Dios. Alaba al siervo fiel y prudente a quien el Maestro encuentra esforzándose en los deberes que se le encomiendan (Mt 24:46), y condena la conducta del siervo inútil, que esconde su talento en la tierra. (Mt 25:14ss) Describe su propia misión como la de trabajar. “Mi Padre siempre ha trabajado, y yo también trabajo.” (Jn 5:17) Sus discípulos son obreros en la mies del Señor (Mt 9: 37-38), y “pues el trabajador tiene derecho a su paga.” (Lc 10:7) Trabajar en el hogar o en el mercado es una parte esencial del ser humano. La conciencia de que “este mundo que vemos ha de terminar.” (1Cor 7:31) no es una exoneración de estar involucrado en el trabajo. (2Tes 3:7-15) Ningún cristiano, creyendo que pertenece a otros y a Dios, tiene derecho a no trabajar y vivir a expensas de los demás. El apóstol Pablo les encarga a todos que sean un punto de honor trabajar, no depender de nadie. (1Ts 4:12), y practicar la solidaridad compartiendo los frutos de su trabajo con los necesitados. (Efesios 4:28) Santiago defiende los derechos pisoteados de los trabajadores: “El pago que no les dieron a los hombres que trabajaron en su cosecha, está clamando contra ustedes; y el Señor todopoderoso ha oído la reclamación de esos trabajadores.” (Santiago 5:4) Sin embargo, debe haber un equilibrio. En su predicación, Jesús enseña al hombre y a la mujer a no ser esclavizados por el trabajo. Antes que nada, deben preocuparse por sus almas. Ganar el mundo entero no es el propósito de la vida. (Mc 18:36) Los tesoros de la tierra se consumen, mientras que los del cielo son imperecederos. Es en estos últimos tesoros que los hombres y mujeres deben poner su corazón. (Mt 6:19-21) Porque no miramos a lo que se ve, sino a lo que no se ve. Porque lo que se ve es transitorio; lo que no se ve es eterno. (2Cor 4:18) Este es el don del reposo sabático en el día del Señor, un tiempo de curación, un tiempo dedicado a Dios y a los demás, cultivando relaciones que permitan a la humanidad emprender el camino hacia el sábado eterno. Para muchos, la pandemia ha provocado una crisis y esperamos que puedan mantenerse estables durante la tormenta. Para muchos más que están bien materialmente, pero restringidos socialmente, esperamos que no se pierda la oportunidad de restaurar el equilibrio duradero en sus vidas dentro de la providencia creativa de Dios. – Viene de la pag. 3 –
‘... within God’s creative providence ...’ – Continued from 3 –
dedicated to God and others, cultivating relationships that allow humanity to set out
on the path to the eternal Sabbath. For many, the pandemic has incited a crisis and we hope that they can remain steady through the storm. For many more who are fine materially, yet restricted socially, we hope that the opportunity will not be lost to restore lasting balance in their lives within God’s creative providence.
VICKSBURG – Vicksburg Catholic Schools new early learning center, which is scheduled to open in 2021, will be named the Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center. (Photo by Tim Reeves/The Vicksburg Post)
Walk for Life October 19th Sign In: 8:00 AM Location: St. Richard Catholic Church, 1242 Lynwood Dr., Jackson, MS
There will be three categories of winners: • Team (2 or more) - $400 gift card from Revell Ace Hardware • Adult Individual not on a team (19 & up) - $300 Visa gift card • Youth Individual not on a team (18 & under) - $200 Visa gift card To be eligible for the prizes listed above you must raise a minimum of $500.
Everyone who raises $25 will recieve a t-shirt. This is a family-friendly event. Brunch will be provided by the St. Richard Knights of Columbus at the end of the walk. Prizes will be awarded after the brunch. All students who walk will get one service hour for every $100 they raise and the amount of time it takes to complete the walk. Register online at prolifemississippi.org (upcoming Events link) Call our office for more info. 601-956-8636 Sponsors:
SEPTEMBER 11 , 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
12 Columns
Culture of kindness REFLECTIONS ON LIFE By Melvin Arrington
Have you noticed that kindness seems to be absent from our world today? It hasn’t always been like this. When I was growing up the world moved at a slower pace. We didn’t have computers or smartphones but we knew all the neighbors on our street. TVs were small, black and white models with no remote control, no cable, no dish. We wrote letters instead of texts. Most outof-town trips were made by car. But in our modern, fast-paced society speed is considered essential in practically every aspect of life. We demand instant communication, whether it’s with someone across town or on the other side of the world. And if you’re going somewhere, chances are you’re looking to get there in a hurry. All these technological advancements that we take for granted have made our lives easier. But in privileging speed and comfort we have sacrificed some of the basic elements of human interaction, one of which is kindness (goodness, in some translations of Scripture), the fifth Fruit of the Spirit. When I think of this virtue, I’m reminded of one of my cousins, a multi-talented artist who passed away a couple of months ago after struggling for many years with a debilitating disease. He was a wise and compassionate soul who inspired family and friends with his art and the way he lived his life. The phrase “be kind” was sort of a motto of his. We ought to be kind to everyone, including those unable to do anything for us and especially to those we view as unworthy of our benevolence. Why? Because that’s the way God treats us. He looks on us and sees our unworthiness and showers us with all sorts of blessings and favors anyway. That’s the pattern we’re supposed to
Sacred time THINGS OLD AND NEW By Ruth Powers
Christ yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega, All time belongs to him and all the ages. To him be glory and power through every age and forever. Amen. This beautiful prayer is said each year on the Easter Vigil as the Easter candle is inscribed with the cross and the numerals of the current year. It reminds us of something very important: time itself is part of God’s creation and, as such, is sacred. Modern people tend to view time as an arrow, always moving into the future. Pre-Industrial cultures, however, often viewed time as an ever-repeating cycle of seasons tied to the natural world. The church combines these two ideas. The great wheel of our liturgical calendar retells the story of our salvation each year, while at the same time moving us forward towards the promised fulfillment of time that will happen when Christ returns. If we want to become more conscious in our own lives of the holiness of time, what better way to do it than through the church’s yearly cycle of feasts and fasts? You are probably familiar with major seasons and feasts of the liturgical year — Advent, Lent, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc., but there are other less well known feasts and fasts that are part of the traditions of the church. One such set of observances are the Ember Days. Four times a year, near each solar season, the
follow. It’s easy to say, “Yes, that’s right. I believe that.” The difficulty comes in putting it into practice. Harold S. Kushner, best known for his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People, speaks succinctly to this point: “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” This means I should treat others with kindness for the sake of kindness, not in order to call attention to my good deed. We’ve all been beneficiaries of someone’s charity, and even if we’re unable to pay it back we can always pay it forward. If those we help pass it on, then goodness will never go away. As Sirach 40:17 tells us, “Kindness is like a garden of blessings and charity endures forever.” The word “kindness” comes from a Middle English word meaning “noble deeds” or “courtesy.” My wife once told me one reason she married me was because she thought I was courteous and a gentleman. If I am those things, it’s because of my mother, who taught me good manners when I was young. One particular lesson stands out in my mind. I was about five. I was playing outside with one of the neighborhood kids, a little girl. When we got thirsty, she and I dashed up the steps to my house to get some water. I remember forging ahead, but when I got to the door my mother blocked the entrance, telling me I should let the girl go first. That made no sense to me because I got there first. So, I plowed ahead, but my mother pushed back, and when she did, my friend slipped inside ahead of me. That little incident may have been my initial exposure to the commandment “love thy neighbor as thyself.” As a side note, I think I actually crossed the threshold first by “breaking the plane” of the doorway, to use the football term, but what I learned that day was much more important than football. In our culture of expediency, fueled by self-interest, love of neighbor often gets shoved out of the way, like when I tried to push past my friend to get inside the
house. According to the prevailing philosophy of our time, we should simply “let everyone fend for himself.” But what we need instead is a culture in which we prioritize the needs of others rather than just taking care of ourselves. In that ideal society everybody looks out for his neighbor, especially the poor, the sick, and the lonely. That’s what good neighbors do. That’s what Christians do. Do I exhibit kindness in the way I conduct my life? I hope so. I hope goodness and common courtesy have been instilled in me to the extent that they’ve become second nature, like saying “hello” or some other simple greeting in passing another person on the street. Several years ago, I was in the Newark, New Jersey airport waiting to catch another flight. As I was walking along the sidewalk headed toward the next terminal, I passed a police officer and, without thinking, nodded my head and said “Hello.” I’ll never forget his reaction. His facial expression darkened, and he gave me a look that said, “What do you want?” He obviously was not used to having kind words spoken to him. In Learning the Virtues that Lead You to God Romano Guardini wrote that kindness requires patience and a sense of humor. That’s something I discovered on my own that day in Newark. Do we really want to recapture the mutual understanding, cooperation, love, and goodwill that have all but disappeared from modern society? If so, we’re going to have to slow down, be considerate and attend to the needs of the other person, and perform “noble deeds,” all in a spirit of self-sacrifice. We’ve all got a role to play in building the Kingdom of Heaven, and it really doesn’t matter who goes first.
church sets aside three days to ask for the blessings of nature, to thank God for the sacraments and to pray for priests. These days are times marked with prayer, fasting, and abstinence and are meant to serve as a kind of quarterly “spiritual check-up.” These days have been observed since the very early centuries of the church and remain part of her traditions, even though they were removed from the official liturgical calendar in the 1960s. The words “Ember Days” have nothing to do with embers or ashes but are thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon word ymbren, meaning circle or revolution, a reference to their ties to the cycle of the seasons. Ember Days are observed on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday following certain liturgical celebrations that are near the change of seasons. The choice of these days of the week is meant to remind us of events leading to Christ’s death and resurrection: Wednesday for the day of his betrayal, Friday for his death and Saturday for his time in the tomb. Thursday is skipped because it should be a day of celebration for the gifts of the Eucharist and the priesthood. In fact, at one time the Ember Days were the favored days for celebrating ordinations of priests. These days also have a specific tie to our liturgy, as they also correspond to the times of certain agricultural harvests in the Mediterranean world that are of importance to our liturgical celebrations. The Winter Ember days take place in December after the Feast of St. Lucy on Dec. 13. This is the time of the olive harvest and pressing, and reminds us of the holy oils used in the sacraments. The Spring Ember Days are observed the week after the First Sunday of Lent at the time that bees again become active and beeswax is harvested to make the candles used for the Mass and for the Easter Candle used at the Vigil. Summer Ember Days are the week
following Pentecost, and they mark the beginning of the grain harvest, yielding the flour for the Eucharistic bread. Finally, the Autumn Ember Days are observed following the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sept. 14, marking the grape harvest which yields the wine for Precious Blood. So, the question arises, why revive the observance of these days? These days may seem to some to be a quaint relic of the “old” church, but I believe there are a number of reasons why the time may be right and beneficial to our spiritual growth. First, many live lives that are disconnected from God’s creation in the natural world. We live in urban areas, tethered to technology almost 24/7. Most of our food arrives packaged in plastic, and we have no real idea of its origins. Our relationship to the weather revolves around how it affects our personal plans, not how it affects the farmers who provide our food. By pausing for a little while and acknowledging the change of seasons and the various harvests, we can refocus our thoughts on God and his Creation and our need to care for it. In addition, the penitential focus of the 3-day observance can also serve as a mini-Lent: a time to step back from the concerns of our daily lives and turn our attention to our relationship with God. Finally, our priests and religious need prayers to support them in their service of God and the church. We can use the Ember Days as special times to thank God for their devotion, pray for their continued strength, and pray for vocations. (Ruth is the Program Coordinator for St. Mary Basilica Parish in Natchez. She has over 35 years experience as a catechist and theology teacher at all levels from preschool to graduate school.)
(Melvin Arrington is a Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages for the University of Mississippi and a member of Oxford St. John Parish.)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
NATION
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, will partner with the nonprofit Leadership Roundtable to train Latino leaders to serve the church in the United States through its new Latino Pastoral Leaders Initiative. The nonprofit announced Aug. 31 it had chosen the Diocese of Joliet to begin working with a group of Latino Catholic leaders in January 2021 to offer leadership training, pastoral management training, coaching, peer support and pastoral mentors. Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, an auxiliary bishop of Chicago who has been appointed to the Joliet Diocese and will be installed as its leader Sept. 29, said the training provided by the group is critical to Catholic parishes and dioceses. He said it will help them support Latino pastoral leaders "to thrive in their vocations and, thus, support the well-being of the parishioners they serve. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Leadership Roundtable to provide this important formation," he added. Leadership Roundtable describes itself as an organization that "promotes best practices and accountability in the management, finances, communications and human resources development of the Catholic Church in the U.S., including greater incorporation of the expertise of the laity. WASHINGTON (CNS) – On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, college student Aalayah Eastmond, of Trinity Washington University, spoke of her dream Aug. 28, at the place where iconic civil rights leader, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech 57 years before. She echoed many of the same issues Rev. King raised, particularly lack of equality for the country's Black citizens and an end to violence against them. "We demand to live in peace," said Eastmond, addressing the thousands gathered around the monument. "We demand to live in spaces where the best of Black culture can thrive, where Black men are more likely to have a mortgage and a picket fence than a record; where Black women are business executives and vice presidents." Catholic organizations and parishioners were represented in the crowd that afternoon. Margie Legowski, a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, said despite the heat and humidity, and even the pandemic, it was important to show up "in solidarity and support for my brothers and sisters and because I'm Catholic. That means we're family. We are all brothers and sisters," she said. WASHINGTON (CNS) – For John Davisson, the past few months of the pandemic in Washington gave
BRIEFS 13 him more time to return to a hobby that began during his childhood: making Lego designs. He started with a few pre-made kits but decided to dip into his own creations – first a replication of his home and then a model of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Davisson and his wife, Amanda Erickson, live near the basilica, so the building has a special place in Davisson's life. "I've always thought it was a really remarkable building," he said. "When you come over the horizon of a hill in D.C., you see the basilica. Especially at night, it's a really cool sight." Fascinated with the building, Davisson said the idea to replicate the Basilica with Legos quickly came to fruition when he realized what an interesting project it would be. "There's so much detail in the building; it's such a remarkable structure," he told the Catholic Standard, archdiocesan newspaper of Washington.
VATICAN
Catholic participants at the Aug. 28, 2020, March on Washington hold signs quoting Pope Francis on inequality and saying that Black Lives Matter. Other signs had messages that said opposing police brutality are pro-life issues. (Catholic Standard photo by Mihoko Owada)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The pleasure of seeing other people face to face and not "screen to screen" as COVID-19 restrictions ease clearly demonstrates that people are social beings and need one another, Pope Francis said. After six months of livestreamed general audiences, more than 600 people gathered in the San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace to see Pope Francis in person and listen to his audience talk about the virtue of solidarity. "The current pandemic has highlighted our interdependence: we are all linked to each other for better or for worse," he said. "Therefore, to come out of this crisis better than before, we must do so together, all of us, in solidarity. Together, not alone. As a human family, we have our common origin in God; we dwell in a common home, the garden-planet where God placed us; and we have a common destination in Christ," the pope said. But when people forget that, he said, interdependence is ignored and inequality and marginalization increase, the social fabric weakens, and the environment deteriorates. VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The coronavirus pandemic not only has added to the many sufferings of the people of Puerto Rico but also has exposed decades of inequality that is deeply embedded in the island territory's political machine, said Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves of San Juan. "There is another form of death that has caused as much or more destruction than the coronavirus and has installed itself in our Puerto Rican society for decades, at times in a stealthy manner and, at other times, shamelessly scandalously. It is the virus of corruption and social injustice," Archbishop Gonzalez said in a pastoral letter published Aug. 28. The COVID-19 pandemic is the latest in a series of woes that have battered the U.S. Commonwealth's residents since Hurricane Maria, a deadly Category 5 hurricane, devastated Puerto Rico in 2017 and caused the deaths of 2,975 people. In August 2019, Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rossello resigned after massive protests erupted in response to scandals involving corruption and offensive private messages.
WORLD John Davisson poses for a photo with a Lego replica of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (CNS photo/courtesy Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception via Catholic Standard)
HONG KONG, China (CNS) – Cardinal John Tong Hon of Hong Kong asked priests not to resort to using "slanderous and offensive statements" in their sermons. Ucanews. com reported the letter, written in the form of instructions to priests on homilies, said the purpose of a sermon is not to convey person-
al or opinion on social or political issues "but rather to convey God's message and to help the faithful gain a deeper understanding of the Christian life." The letter was issued Aug. 28, barely two months after Beijing implemented a new national security law in Hong Kong outlawing public demonstrations and slogans demanding democratic freedom in the city. Cardinal Tong said priests and deacons in the diocese should not resort to "slanderous and offensive statements which insinuate or incite hatred, cause social unrest, are contrary to the Christian spirit and are never appropriate in the liturgy," ucanews.com reported. "At this critical time, our faithful would like to hear some comforting, constructive and encouraging words from the priest in the liturgy," he said. BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) – Deacon Mauricio Castiblanco used to spend most of his day traveling to funeral homes around the city, where he blessed families who recently lost a loved one. But over the past two months, he has been spending much more time outside cemeteries, dressed in a face mask, disposable white overalls and a purple sash decorated with a cross. His mission is to conduct roadside funeral services for victims of COVID-19. "This is a traumatic way to say goodbye to a loved one," the deacon said recently as he prepared for a service outside Apogee Cemetery, in Bogota's working-class district of Bosa. Trucks and buses roared by the cemetery's entrance, next to a major highway. "It's difficult," the deacon said. "But as the church we have to be here to help people and accompany them in their grief." The pandemic has changed how burials work in Colombia, especially for people who die from COVID-19. According to government regulations, coronavirus victims must be taken straight from the hospital to the cemetery in a closed casket, without their families allowed to see the body.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
14 MOVIE REVIEws
Lucia Moniz, Marco D’Almeida and Stephanie Gil star in a scene from the movie “Fatima.” The Catholic News Service classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (CNS photo/Claudio Iannone, courtesy PICTUREHOUSE)
Fatima By John Mulderig
NEW YORK (CNS) – “Fatima” (Picturehouse), a factbased drama from director and co-writer Marco Pontecorvo, recounts what may rank as the most remarkable series of religious events of modern times. Namely, the 1917 apparitions of the Virgin Mary (Joana Ribeiro) to three shepherd children near the Portuguese city of the title. Despite a few flaws, believers will find Pontecorvo’s chronicle congenial fare that’s suitable for all but the youngest viewers. The narrative is told in flashbacks during a 1980s interview between fictional Professor Nichols (Harvey Keitel), a dyed-in-the-wool skeptic, and the only one of the trio to have survived into adulthood, Carmelite Sister Lucia dos Santos (Sonia Braga). As the two spar over the reality of what Sister Lucia experienced, the scene shifts to the very different times of her childhood. The screenplay, on which Pontecorvo collaborated with Valerio D’Annunzio and Barbara Nicolosi, emphasizes the context of World War I within which Mary’s message of prayer and repentance as the path to peace was delivered. Thus we see the young Lucia (Stephanie Gil) accompany her mother, Maria (Lucia Moniz), to the periodical public announcement by Fatima’s mayor, Arturo (Goran Visnjic), of local casualties in the global struggle. Though devout, Maria is consumed by anxiety over the fate of Lucia’s older brother Manuel (Joao Arrais) who is serving with the Portuguese forces. The other primary focus of the script is on the family and community conflicts that arose when news of Mary’s appearances to Lucia and her two younger cousins, Jacinta (Alejandra Howard) and Francisco (Jorge Lamelas), spread. Initially, both Maria and the local parish priest, Father Ferreira (Joaquim De Almeida), are understandably doubtful and try to convince the kids to recant. So, too, does Arturo. As an official of Portugal’s nascent First Republic, established in 1910, Arturo is charged with carrying out its anti-clerical and more broadly anti-religious policies. So alleged visits from the “Lady of the Rosary,” as Mary identified herself to Lucia and her companions, are the last thing he needs. “Fatima” successfully portrays piety without yielding to sentimentality. But it fails to wrap up the loose ends
of its story. The justly celebrated “Miracle of the Sun” that occurred during Mary’s last appearance on Oct. 13 provides the movie with a spectacular built-in conclusion. Yet the gentle dispute between Sister Lucia and Professor Nichols is left hanging – nor do we get a sense of resolution about the strained relationships that prevailed before the children’s veracity was so strikingly vindicated. This sense of incompleteness notwithstanding, “Fatima” is a welcome affirmation of faith in the midst of worldwide challenges to health and tranquility. If nothing else made it timely, the reflection that Jacinta, aged 9, and Francisco, at a year older, both perished in the influenza pandemic that began in 1918 would serve to do so. Sister Lucia, by contrast, lived a long life, dying in 2005 at 97. Her cousins were canonized on the centennial of the first Fatima apparition, May 13, 2017. The cause to raise her to the same status is currently active. The film contains mature themes and bloodless images of combat violence. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Bill & Ted Face the Music Nearly three decades on from their second teen adventure, the two amiable, time-traveling, now middle-aged knuckleheads of the title (Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves) are frustrated by their ongoing inability to fulfill a prophecy that they would someday write a song that would unite the world. But the stakes involved in their failure to do so are drastically increased when they learn that, unless they complete the ditty before a looming deadline, all time and space will collapse. While they go off to the future in search of a version of themselves who already have the tune in hand, their daughters (Brigette Lundy-Paine and Samara Weaving) go backward in time to provide them with a dream band of famous musicians. Neither excellent nor bogus, director Dean Parisot’s sci-fi comedy will likely draw smiles and chuckles, if not belly laughs, and its promotion of lasting friendship, familial cooperation and global solidarity is obviously in harmony with Biblical values. Probably acceptable for mature adolescents. Brief vaguely irreverent humor, a couple of mild oaths, a few crude terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inapppriate for children under 13.
Words on Bathroom Walls After a psychotic incident injures a fellow student at his public high school, a teen (Charlie Plummer) suffering from schizophrenia transfers to a Catholic academy where he tries to fit in while coping with the effects of his affliction on his relationships with his loving mother (Molly Parker), her apparently hostile live-in boyfriend (Walton Goggins) and a newfound pal (Taylor Russell) he would like to make his girlfriend. Director Thor Freudenthal’s adaptation of Julia Walton’s 2017 novel poignantly depicts the beleaguered lad’s numerous challenges as he struggles with hallucinations (many involving a trio of imaginary personas played by AnnaSophia Robb, Lobo Sebastian and Devon Bostick), the side effects of an experimental drug and the fundamental fear that he may have no viable future. Viewers of faith will appreciate that, along with mom, a school chaplain (Andy Garcia) provides the film’s moral compass. The subtle and effective way screenwriter Nick Naveda’s script deals with its difficult central topic may prompt some parents of older adolescents to discount the sprinkling of vulgarity in its dialogue and focus instead on its underlying values and humane sensitivity. Mature themes, including mental illness, cohabitation, sexual references, at least one use each of profane and rough language, several crude terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
DIOCESEh 15
Join Us!
PLEASE GIVE TO SUPPORT THE WORKS OF CATHOLIC EXTENSION IN MISSISSIPPI AND BEYOND!
Since 1972, the DIOCESE OF JACKSON has been partnering with Catholic Extension to build the faith in central Mississippi. Join us and together we can build and repair churches, strengthen and grow essential ministries and support our lay and ordained leaders.
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SEPT.
12&13
OR MAIL YOUR DONATION TO: Catholic Extension Collection Diocese of Jackson, 237 East Amite Street, Jackson MS, 39201 PHOTOS Top (L-R): Volunteers at Sacred Heart Canton, collecting goods and donations for affected families, and Kids Rally in front of the Historic Canton Courthouse Square, after ICE raids in Aug. 2019; Guatemalan Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini visited St. Anne Carthage, Dec. 2019. Bottom (L-R) Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini and Father Odel Medina, ST accompanied parishioners of St. Anne Carthage in a "Posada" during Advent season, Dec. 2019; Bishop Joseph Kopacz visited affected families after ICE raids celebrating Mass in Sacred Heart Canton on Sept. 8, 2019; and St. Martin Hazelhurst, Guadalupe celebration and community center dedication.
16 DIOCESE
BY BERTA MEXIDOR
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
On the frontlines, sisters aid families in need
JACKSON – Health and economic hardships brought on by COVID-19 have been felt across the world. To help in the U.S., Catholic Extension launched the Sisters on the Frontlines alliance in late June in response to the pandemic, taking particular care to aid communities disproportionately afflicted by poverty and a lack of resources. The goal of the initiative is to give 1,000 sisters, $1,000 each to provide rapid response to the poor and distressed. So far, five sisters in the Diocese of Jackson have received funds from through this special program – Sister Lael Niblick and Sister Mary Christine Fellerhoff of St. Helen Amory; Sister Nancy Schreck of Excel in Okalona; and Sister Maria Eugenia Moreno, MGSpS and Obdulia Olivar, MGSpS of St. Michael Forest. According to Joe Boland, vice president of mission for Catholic Extension, the funds are unrestricted and the process to request and receive funds is simple. “If they’re engaged in some ministry that is serving the poor — or have access to the poor — they determine how the money will be spent,” Boland said. “They know the ones in their communities, they know the names, the faces, the families. They will be able to deliver it or organize it in such a way that support goes to those who have the greatest need.” Sister Obdulia, working with Hispanic families in Scott County affected by the ICE raids of Aug. 2019 and now impacted by COVID-19, said “Families to help are many, it was not difficult to identify them. We know what famFOREST – The Missionaries Guadalupanas of the Holy ilies were impacted Spirit, MGSpS were always on the top of giving assisby COVID and which tance to families in St. Michael Parish. In this file photo ones were in most Sister Maria Eugenia Moreno, MGSpS, (in front) leads need of [this] help.” Sister Maria Josefa and several women, after a visit Boland said that with vice president of mission for Catholic Extension, the sisters may serve Joe Boland and other staff members in Aug. 15, 2018. anywhere, not just (Photo by Maria Elena Mendez, MGSpS) the 87 U.S. dioceses
in Catholic Extension’s territory. Funding is released as it is raised, and Catholic Extension continues to seek donations to underwrite the program. The Diocese of Jackson has been blessed by the service of many orders of sisters over the years: The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes, – CSA; Missionaries Guadalupanas of the Holy Spirit, MGSpS; School Sisters of Notre Dame, SSND; Sisters of Humility of Mary, CHM; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, RSM; Daughters of Charity, DC; Sisters of Charity of Halifax, SC; Franciscan Sisters, OSF; Sisters of the Living Word, SLW; Order of Discalced Carmelite Nuns, OCD; Dominican Sisters of Springfield, OP; Congregation of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis of PerFOREST – Several parishioners of St. Michael petual Adoration, FSPA; Sisters of Parish have been affected by COVID-19 at Charity of Nazareth, SCN School the same time they struggle with family sepSisters of St. Francis, Milwaukee, aration and legal matters even a year after WI – OSF; Sisters of the Holy the ICE raids that affects many Hispanic Names of Jesus and Mary, SNJM; families. Pictured is a single mother of two, Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary one of the recipients of the donations given Immaculate, S.H.Sp.; Union of the by Sisters on the Frontlines. (Photo courtesy Sisters of the Presentation of the of Father Roberto Mena, ST) BVM, PBVM; and Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province – CSJ. Since the program began in June, 378 sisters have received support from the Sisters on the Frontline grant program and another 622 have requested funds. Sisters who have received funding are asked to report back to Catholic Extension as to how the funds were used. Catholic Extension will be sharing the sisters’ stories as they are received. To learn more or to donate, visit https://www.catholicextension. org/sisters-on-the-frontlines/.
FOREST – Sisters are part of the happy and sad days of the parish's life. On Oct. 7, 2018, Sister Obdulia Olivar, MGSpS is seen participating in a game after instalation of the Parish'sacramental minister, Father Roberto Mena, ST. Sister Obdulia is a recipient of a grant through the Sisters on the Frontlines initiative by Catholic Extension. (Photo by Berta Mexidor)