NOVEMBER 7, 2025
mississippicatholic.com
Journey of Hope inspires faithful to “live God’s dream” through service and discipleship BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Catholic Charities’ annual Journey of Hope took on a new format this year, reaching across the diocese with two gatherings that drew nearly 800 people to celebrate faith, service and hope. More than 550 guests attended the Oct. 22 luncheon at the Country Club of Jackson, while another 250 gathered the following day at St. James Parish in Tupelo, where the focus centered on the outreach of Catholic Charities’ Vardaman office in Northeast Mississippi. “Each event reflected how Catholic Charities and our programs are guided by our faith,” said Michael Thomas, development director for Catholic Charities of Jackson. “The goal is always that everyone leaves with a positive sense of what Catholic Charities is doing throughout our state to better the lives of so many.” Featured speaker Father Burke Masters, a former Mississippi State University baseball standout, Chicago Cubs chaplain and priest of the Diocese of Joliet, told guests that discipleship requires the same commitment and discipline once demanded of him on the field. Scouts, he said, used to rate ballplayers on six “tools”: hitting, power, running, fielding, throwing and baseball IQ. “I was good at everything but great at nothing,” he recalled with a smile. “Not all of us can become Major League ballplayers, but all of us can become better disciples of Jesus Christ.” He offered a spiritual parallel – the six tools of a disciple: grow, give, serve, worship, imitate Jesus, and build community. “Everybody looks for meaning and purpose,” he said. “And I can’t imagine anyJACKSON – Father Burke Masters speaks to a crowd of over 550 gathered at the thing more meaningful or purposeful than eternal life.”
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Country Club of Jackson for Catholic Charities annual Journey of Hope event on Wednesday, Oct. 22. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
St. James Magnolia marks over 150 years of faith BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
MAGNOLIA – The small but spirited Catholic community of St. James the Greater Parish in Magnolia gathered Saturday, Oct. 5 to celebrate 153 years of faith, friendship and perseverance – a legacy that began as a rural mission and continues today as a thriving parish in southern Pike County. Though billed as the parish’s 150th anniversary celebration, the event had been
postponed several years due to the pandemic. When parishioners finally gathered, the joy and gratitude were unmistakable. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz presided at an outdoor Mass beneath white tents set up beside the historic wooden church, which could not accommodate the large crowd that came to celebrate. Concelebrating with Bishop Kopacz were Father Suresh Thirumalareddy, pastor; Father Bill Henry, a former pastor; and Father P.J. Curley, who once served in the region. The Mayor of Magnolia, Marvin Brumfield, joined the celebration and presented a proclamation recognizing St. James for its historic presence and contributions to the community. Parishioners and guests from across Pike County gathered for music, fellowship and a hearty Southern meal follow-
ing Mass. The afternoon included a silent auction, children’s face-painting, and food prepared by parishioners and friends from nearby parishes. “It’s small, but powerful,” said parishioner Vicki Todd, who moved to Magnolia permanently nine years ago partly because of the charm of St. James. “We’ve spent months preparing for this day. People believe in St. James Parish – our little bitty church is just as beautiful as can be.” Music minister Celena Johnson, who has led music since 2019, coordinated a combined choir of parishioners and musicians from St. James and St. Alphonsus Parish in McComb, reflecting the deep ties between the two faith communities. “I’m so blessed
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Saltillo Mission 7 Bishop’s trip to Saltillo brings joyous adventures
Cognia recognition 14 Diocese named School System of Distinction
Youth 18 Photos of youth activities from around the diocese