OCTOBER 10, 2025
mississippicatholic.com
VCS breaks ground on multimillion-dollar performing arts and athletic complex BY MARY MARGARET EDNEY
VICKSBURG – In 1860, a small group of Sisters of Mercy opened the doors of a modest school in Vicksburg with a simple but powerful mission to educate the whole child – mind, body and spirit. Today, 165 years later, that same mission is propelling Vicksburg Catholic School (VCS) into a new era as it breaks ground on a transformative multi-purpose performing arts and athletic complex. At a groundbreaking ceremony held Sept. 26, students, faculty, alumni, parents and community leaders gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the new building. “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction. It’s the next chapter in a 165-year legacy of preparing students to make a difference in the world,” said Kristi Smith, VCS development director. “This new facility will ensure that future generations have a place to discover their talents, push their limits and reach their full potential.” Designed for use by students in pre-K through twelfth grade, the 20,000-square-foot facility will feature a performance stage for fine arts, dedicated athletic space and an area for schoolwide Masses. The addition will also allow the school to repurpose existing classrooms, creating a dedicated middle school. “By creating a modern space where creativity, teamwork and scholarship intersect, we’re equipping our students with the skills and confidence to thrive long after graduation,” Smith said.
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VICKSBURG – Students, community leaders, and school staff gathered for the Vicksburg Catholic School’s groundbreaking ceremony for its Multi-purpose Performing Arts and Athletic Complex on Friday, Sept. 26. (Photo by Anna Griffing)
Catholic Charities prepares for Journey of Hope with return of Father Burke Masters BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Catholic Charities of Jackson is preparing to welcome the community to its largest annual fundraiser, the Journey of Hope luncheon, with events scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Country Club of Jackson and Oct. 23 at St. James Parish in Tupelo. The event is free to attend and brings together supporters from across the diocese to
celebrate the work of Catholic Charities, which provides vital services for families, children and individuals throughout Mississippi. “Journey of Hope is our largest fundraiser each year,” said Michael Thomas, development director for Catholic Charities of Jackson. “It brings awareness to the community on all the programs that we have. Since it is a free event, we have the opportunity to reach more members of the community.” Thomas noted that the funds raised provide a cushion for programs that grants and other restricted funding sources do not fully cover. Catholic Charities’ ministries range from adoption ser-
vices, domestic violence shelters and counseling, to emergency assistance and family support. The reach extends across the diocese, including the Vardaman office in North Mississippi, which operates a family center offering after-school programs and summer camps. This year, Catholic Charities added the Tupelo luncheon to expand awareness in North Mississippi and highlight the Vardaman office’s work. “We wanted to increase awareness for our programs in North Mississippi,” Thomas said. “The Tupelo
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INSIDE THIS WEEK FOLLOW US
@jacksondiocese DIGITAL EDITION Text MSCATHOLIC to 84576
Hispanic Heritage 11 Learn about Hispanic saints during their heritage month
Catholic Education 13 Leadership transition for diocesan education office
Youth 14 Photos of youth activities from around the diocese