FEBRUARY 25, 2022
mississippicatholic.com
Continuing education workshop addresses 'ecclesial communion in polarized church' BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Even coming from the far corners of the diocese, priests, deacons and ecclesial ministers (and lay), gathered for a continuing formation workshop entitled "The Eucharist: Building Ecclesial Communion in a Polarized Church and Society" at St. Richard parish in Jackson on Feb. 15-16. The convocation. led by Father Jim Wehner, rector/president of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, reflected on the need to create and sustain ecclesial communion with the Diocese of Jackson, recognizing the challenges to communion seen in the universal church, as well as in the U.S., the political and civic tensions in society and pastoral challenges in the diocesan church. Using biblical, ecclesial, theological and pastoral insights, Father Wehner led those present (in-person and virtual) to reflect on their common love for the church, as each uniquely lives out their calling to build up
JACKSON – Father Kent Bowlds made the presentation from Father Jim Wehner available via zoom for religious unable to be present. Priests, deacons, ecclesial ministers (and lay), gathered at St. Richard parish for a workshop entitled "The Eucharist: building Ecclesial Communion in a Polarized Church and Society" on Feb. 15-16. (Photo by Tereza Ma)
the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Jackson. "God plays the long game," says Father Wehner. "The question is ... can we be faithful to that long game. Father Wehner also spoke on the three goals of new evangelization – the call to holiness, creating communion and manifesting the kingdom – and how it includes lay people, as it is our mission to act in unity as a church. He says that every person in our community has been called by God. "Every single person is called by name ... has been blessed by God with charisms and gifts," says Wehner. "There is a pastoral calling for all of us." Synodality was also a theme that weaved throught the two-day gathering. Communion, participation and mission were mentioned often amid the synod listening session happening across the diocese, as Pope Francis invites all to dialogue about the future – Continued on page 6 –
Bowden hired as office manager for diocese tribunal office BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Rhonda Bowden is a name that may ring a bell to some around the diocese. In 2008, she began working at St. Jude parish in Pearl as the coordinator for liturgy and pastoral care; and her son Deacon Andrew Bowden is set to be ordained for the priesthood this summer. Bowden says that the 13 years she spent at St. Jude was such a blessing, as she walked with families through the loss of loved ones, assisted couples planning weddings, coordinated weekend and special liturgies, helped parishioners in need and worked with RCIA participants. However, the sudden loss of her dear friend and St. Jude's faith formation director, Stacy Wolf left Bowden grief-stricken and feeling that she had lost her passion Rhonda Bowden for ministry. She felt that a change was needed when God put the position for a tribunal office manager for the Diocese of Jackson in front of her. "Despite the many twists and turns, God has proven again that His plan for me is much better than anything I could possibly dream up," said Bowden.
"The job description was an interesting amalgamation of skills and knowledge that I had gained through my past work and ministry experience – accurate record keeping, confidentiality, good communication and organization," said Bowden. "It tied together my interest in law (cannon versus civil), gave me an opportunity to help others with the healing that often comes with the annulment process and challenged me to learn something new." Bowden takes the place of long-time diocese employee, Fabvienen Taylor, who retired at the end of December 2021. "She has been so helpful in teaching me about the work of the office," said Bowden.
After joining the tribunal office in January, Bowden says that she looks forward to working with judicial vicar, Father Jeffery Waldrep, to streamline procedures to make it easier for those seeking an annulment from the church. "I hope that we can maintain good communication with the priests that act as advocates and offer educational information for the laity for a better understanding of the entire process." Bowden is married to her husband, Mark, who owns Bowden Technical Services and is set to be ordained in July to the permanent diaconate; her son, Andrew is to be ordained to the priesthood in May; and her daughter, Laura, teaches special ed at Pearl High School.
INSIDE THIS WEEK
World Marriage Day 10 Celebrate couples from around the diocese
From the archives 13 Woodward reminisces on 'commanding figure'
Youth 18 Youth images celebrating Catholic Schools Week
FEBRUARY 25, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus, Healing Retreat, Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., presented by Maria Vadia; Mental Well-being and Trust workshop, Sunday, April 10 2-4 p.m., presented by Michael Whelan, Ph.D.; God’s Love Retreat, Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. presented by the Locus Benedictus ministry team. Details: email contactlocusbenedictus@gmail. com or call (662) 299-1232. NATCHEZ You are Enough and Beloved Women’s One Day Retreat, Saturday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mass at the St. Mary Basilica O’Connor Family Life Center. Cost is $10 and includes continental breakfast, snacks and lunch. Retreat will address many of the struggles experience over the past two years. Come for a day to rediscover or discover that you are enough and very beloved. Retreat facilitated by Carrie Lambert and overseen by Ruth Powers. Please RSVP. Details: (601) 455-5616 or youth@stmarybasilica.org.
PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, White Elephant Sale on April 2 by the Knights of Columbus. No clothing. Details: church office (601) 833-1799. CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Lenten Lunch prepared by parish on Wednesday, March 9 at First United Methodist Church. Details: To help, please call Mary Helen Waller, (662) 721-2855. FLOWOOD St. Paul, Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m., followed by a fish dinner prepared by the Knights of Columbus in the Family Life Center. Details: church office (601) 992-9547. JACKSON Cathedral of St. Peter, Mardi Gras Social, Tuesday, March 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the Cathedral Center. Bring a party food to share. The Knights of Columbus will provide Mardi Gras beads. Details: church office (601) 969-3125. JACKSON 40 Days for Life, March 2 – April 10. Gather on the sidewalk outside of Jackson Women’s Health Organization at 2903 N. State Street in Jackson.
FEATURED PHOTO
Vigil held 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Details: office@prolifems.org or call (601) 956-8636, ext. 1. MADISON St. Francis, Fat Tuesday Parish Pancake Supper, March 1 from 5:15-7 p.m. Everyone is invited to feast before the Lenten fast. Pancakes, sausage and drinks will be prepared and served by youth group. Cost $5/person or $15/family is suggested. Details: church office (601) 859-5556. MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Spirit Night at Raising Canes Meridian on Fat Tuesday, March 1 from 4-9 p.m. A percentage of sales will be donated to the school. St. Patrick, Parish Mission, March 7-9. Each evening the mission will begin at 6 p.m. in St. Patrick Church. The featured speaker is Father Clem. Details: church office (601) 693-1321. NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Save the Date: Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 1-5:45 p.m. Blood donors are desperately needed. Online scheduling begins in April. Details: church office (601) 445-5616. St. Mary Basilica, Fish Fry, The Knights of Columbus will hold their annual Lenten Fish Fry each Friday of Lent, beginning March 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Catfish dinners $12; shrimp dinners $12; combo dinners $14. Dinners include fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
SAVE THE DATE
YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST A parish mission on the Eucharist and the Mass is available in the diocese at two locations this Lent. Father Aaron Williams will offer a three day mission at St. Mary’s Basilica Natchez from March 8-10 and at Immaculate Heart of Mary Greenwood from March 27-29. All sessions will begin at 6 p.m.
LENTEN NOTE
Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten Season. Prepare yourself with meditation and reflection. The Lord’s life during this period of His life brings us together for the salvation of humanity. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence. Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. FASTING: The norms of fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking two smaller meals for keeping up strength, but those two meals combined must still be smaller than the full meal. ABSTINENCE: Catholics 14 years of age and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Fridays of Lent and Good Friday; unless health is an issue.
YOUTH BRIEFS
FLOWOOD St. Paul, Big Deal Youth Group will host Meatless Meal after 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday Mass on March 2. Join them for food and fellowship in the Family Life Center. Donations accepted for future youth events. Details: church office (601) 992-9547. SEARCH retreat for juniors and seniors, April 1-3, at Camp Wesley Pines in Gallman. Retreat is “for teens, led by teens” and is an experience like none other; with a strong focus on vocations. SEARCH engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold real, active and healthy way. Cost $125. Details: abbey.schuhmann@ jacksondiocese.org.
... Vicksburg March for Life ...
VICKSBURG – On Saturday, Feb. 12, Vicksburg Council 898 held their 12th annual March for Life. The March began at St. Aloysius High School and ended at the Monument for Life at the Vicksburg City Cemetery. The monument was constructed by the council in the mid 1990’s on a parcel purchased from the city at the corner of Sky Farm and Lover’s Lane. Twenty marchers left St. Aloysius at 11:30 a.m. with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Father Robert Dore joining them. Upon arrival at the monument, the Knights prayed the Rosary with the marchers. (Photo courtesy of Charles Hahn)
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let there be light
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Ash Wednesday takes us to basics of faith By BiShOP JOSEPh R. KOPaCZ, D.D.
Ash Wednesday awaits us in a few days, beginning the 40-day spiritual journey for our Catholic world. It is a spiritual undertaking, yet there is nothing vague or aimless about the precious time ahead because the Lord provides the framework on Ash Wednesday with the imperatives of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Taken together these three pillars, especially magnified during Lent, allow the Holy Spirit to bring about the inner conversion that is life-long, with its outer manifestation in a faithful, compassionate and generous way of living. Of course, each year the ultimate goal of this venerable 40day undertaking is to grow in the love of Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected Good Shepherd who is the way, the truth and the life. Following a wholehearted Lenten observance, the Easter Sunday renewal of our Baptism vows is the extraordinary way of proclaiming this love in communion and solidarity with believers throughout our Catholic world. Banking on the Lord’s assurance, the 3-ply cord of prayer, fasting and abstinence will foster in us a keener awareness that we are God’s children now, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Ash Wednesday takes us back to the basics of our faith with the admonitions during the distribution of
going in another direction. Dialogue, based in prayer, the Word of God, and God’s Holy Spirit, the framework for our Synodal process, depends upon each one of us putting our sin-stained minds aside, our preconceived notions, our prejudices, ashes to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the our egos, our pride and our sinfulness in order to arGospel,” or “remember, that you are dust and to dust rive at a higher level of commuyou shall return.” Taken togethnion, participation and mission as er they profess the fundamental members of the Catholic Church. A healthy process of reality that sin and death hold It’s true that our broad-based us in their grasp. The way out is participation and communion can diocesan response to the Synod the call to repentance that rests inspire a change of heart, and in on Synodality about to conclude upon the fundamental teaching turn an individual’s conversion can its first phase, will bear much of our faith which we know as be a stream of clean water that fruit in the future. At the deepest the Kerygma. refreshes the body. level, perhaps imperceptibly it is We recall the words of St. Peplanting the seeds of conversion, ter, the inaugural proclamation or metanoia, a change of mind of the Gospel on Pentecost Sunand behavior toward greater openness to one another day because we want to respond to this call as if we were in the Holy Spirit. A healthy process of participation and hearing them for the first time. communion can inspire a change of heart, and in turn an When they heard this, they were cut to the heart individual’s conversion can be a stream of clean water and said to Peter and the other apostles, “what are we to that refreshes the body. This is our prayer. do brethren?’ Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized, Prayer: the turning of our hearts and minds to God; every one of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ so fasting: the letting go of that which is harming us, as well that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the as sacrifi cing simple pleasures for a greater good; and gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise that was made is almsgiving: the sacrificial generosity for the good of othfor you, for your children, and for all those who are far ers, and for our own conversion, are the weapons of the away, for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts spirit, and the medicine for much that ails us. They are 2:37-39) more accessible than over the counter drugs and served A faithful response to the call to conversion impacts up on demand without the need to download an app. who we are and all that we do. For example, how does “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all of this apply to the diocesan wide and worldwide all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” process for the Synod on Synodality? Consider, that (2Thessalonians 3:17) the Lord’s call to repentance is rooted in metanoia, the concept that describes the changing of one’s mind and
El Miércoles de Ceniza nos lleva de regreso a los fundamentos de fe POR OBiSPO JOSEPh R. KOPaCZ, D.D.
El Miércoles de Ceniza nos espera en unos días, dando inicio a la jornada espiritual de 40 días de nuestro mundo católico. Es una empresa espiritual, pero no hay nada vago o sin rumbo en el precioso tiempo que se avecina porque el Señor proporciona el marco del Miércoles de Ceniza con los imperativos de la oración, el ayuno y la limosna. En conjunto, estos tres pilares, especialmente magnificados durante la Cuaresma, permiten que el Espíritu Santo realice la conversión interior que dura toda la vida, con su manifestación exterior en una forma de vida fiel, compasiva y generosa. Por supuesto, cada año el objetivo final de esta venerable empresa de 40 días es crecer en el amor de Jesucristo, el Buen Pastor crucificado y resucitado que es el camino, la verdad y la vida. Después de una observancia de Cuaresma de todo corazón, la renovación de nuestros votos bautismales del Domingo de Pascua es la forma extraordinaria de proclamar este amor en comunión y solidaridad con los creyentes en todo nuestro mundo católico. Confiando en la seguridad del Señor, el cordón de tres capas Volume 68 Number 6 (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 Communications Director ...................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager ...................................................................................................Tereza Ma
de oración, ayuno y abstinencia fomentará en nosotros una conciencia más aguda de que ahora somos hijos de Dios y templos del Espíritu Santo. El Miércoles de Ceniza nos lleva de regreso a los fundamentos de nuestra fe con las advertencias durante la distribución de las cenizas de “apartaos del pecado y sed fieles al Evangelio” o “recordad que polvo sois y al polvo volveréis”. En conjunto, profesan la realidad fundamental de que el pecado y la muerte nos tienen en sus manos. La salida es el llamado al arrepentimiento que descansa sobre la enseñanza fundamental de nuestra fe que conocemos como el Kerygma. Recordamos las palabras de san Pedro, cuando dijo las palabras inaugurales del Evangelio del domingo de Pentecostés, porque queremos responder a esta llamada como si las escucháramos por primera vez. “Cuando los allí reunidos oyeron esto, se afligieron profundamente, y preguntaron a Pedro y a los otros apóstoles: — Hermanos, ¿qué debemos hacer? Pedro les contestó: “Vuélvanse a Dios y bautícese cada uno en el nombre de Jesucristo, para que Dios les perdone sus pecados, y así él les dará el Espíritu Santo. Porque esta promesa es para ustedes y para sus hijos, y también para todos los que están lejos; es decir, para todos aquellos a quienes el Señor nuestro Dios quiera llamar.” (Hechos 2:37-39) – Continúa en la pág. 15 –
BISHOP’S SCHEDULE Friday, March 4, 2 p.m. – Installation Mass of Bishop Elect Jeffrey J. Walsh, St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Gaylord, Michigan
Contributors ......................................................................................................... Berta Mexidor
Sunday, March 6, 2 p.m. – Rite of Election, St. Francis of Assisi, Madison
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published twice per month January - April and September December; one per month June, July and August. Subscription rate: $20 a year in Mississippi, $21 out-of-state. Periodical postage at Jackson, MS 39201 and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Catholic, P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130.
Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m. – Rite of Election, Christ the King, Southaven
Website: www.mississippicatholic.com www.jacksondiocese.org
Saturday, March 24, 8:30 a.m. – School Mass, St. Patrick, Meridian All events are subject to change. Check with parishes and schools for further details.
4 VOCATIONS
FEBRUARY 25, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
CALLED BY NAME This week we continue our dive into the structure of priestly formation. Thus far I have described the human and spiritual dimensions of the training that our seminarians receive prior to ordination, and today we will look at the intellectual dimension. My old rector, Father Jim Wehner, likes to say that being authentically Catholic is not being counter-cultural because our Catholicism should enter into and elevate our secular culture. Our faith should never be in the background, but it should always be a witness to God’s role in creation and authentic beauty. Unfortunately, our society believes that faith should be completely subordinated to the popular culture. Popular culture exists in the public space, and your faith, whatever it may be, will be tolerated only as long as it stays behind closed doors. Our seminarians first receive a challenging formation in the philosophical tradition of the Catholic Church because they must be able to see and understand the roots of our current mindset. So many of the ways our society acts are rooted in philosophical thoughts and theories that have been calcifying for centuries. From Rene Decartes in the 17th century, we hear “I think therefore I am,” and from that point forward a radical individualism has become more and more prevalent in the life of Western Europeans and those countries influenced by the West. Father Nick Adam
But the philosophic tradition of the Catholic Church would argue “God speaks; therefore, we are.” Everything that we have comes from God and can and should lead us back to God. Therefore, seminarians learn the philosophical treaties of saints like Thomas Aquinas, who are certainly not anti-intellectual, but they understand that faith and reason never need to be disconnected. Only after laying that solid groundwork do our seminarians start to dive into theology classes. They learn the intricacies of trinitarian theology and our dogmas that have been solemnly proclaimed by the teaching authority of the church, and because they have a philosophical groundwork, they are able to share these concepts in relationship to our day and time. The intellectual formation our seminarians receive is robust, but it is all for a pastoral purpose. During their 6-8 years of study, the seminarians are encouraged to see their desk and their reading space and the library as places of ministry. They are serving their future parishioners by taking the time to take in the intellectual tradition of the church so they can share it with a society that doesn’t really know why it thinks the way it does, and they are trained to infuse our culture with the fullness of the Gospel message. – Father Nick Adam If you are interested in learning more about religious orders or vocations to the priesthood and religious life, please email nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.
Spirituality 5
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25, 2022
When our world is falling apart IN EXILE By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
The early years of my adulthood and priesthood were spent teaching theology at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Canada. I was young, full of energy, loved teaching, and was discovering the joys of ministry. For the most part, these were good years. However, they weren’t always easy. Restlessness and inner chaos find us all. The demands of ministry, the tensions inside community, the obsessions I’m forever prone to, the not-infrequent departure of cherished friends from the community, and the constant movement of people through my life, occasionally left me in emotional chaos, gasping for oxygen, struggling to sleep, wondering how I was going to still my soul again. But, I had a little formula to help handle this. Whenever the chaos got bad, I would get into my car and drive four hours to our family farm just across the border in Saskatchewan. My family still lived in the house I’d grown up in and I was able to eat at the same table I’d eaten at as a child, sleep in the same bed I’d slept in as a boy and walk the same ground I’d walked while growing up. Usually, it didn’t take long for home to do its work. I’d only need a meal, or an overnight stay and the chaos and heartache would subside; I’d begin to feel steady again. Coming home didn’t cure the heartache but it gave the heart the care it needed. Somehow home always worked. Today, the same kind of emotional chaos and heartache can still unsettle me on occasion and leave me unsure of who I am, of the choices I’ve made in life, and of who and what to trust. However, I cannot drive to my childhood home anymore and need to find the steadying that going home once gave me in new ways. It isn’t always apparent where to find this, even amidst a good community, a still supportive family, loving friends and a wonderful job. Home can be elusive on a restless night. What one needs to steady the heart isn’t always easy to access. Once you’ve left home, sometimes it’s hard to find your way back there again. So, what do I do now when I need to go home and retouch my roots to steady myself? Sometimes a trusted friend is the answer; sometimes it’s a call to a family member; sometimes it’s a family that has become family to me, sometimes it’s a place in prayer or in nature, sometimes it’s immersing myself in work, and sometimes I can’t find it at all and have to live with the chaos until, like a bad storm, it blows over. Through the years, I’ve discovered that a special book can take me home in the same way as driving there once did. Different people find home in different places. One of the books that does this for me, almost without fail, is The Story of a Soul by Therese of Lisieux. Not surprising, it’s the story of a recessive journey, the story of Therese’s own efWholesale and home fort at recapturing freezer service what her house, Beef – Pork – Sausage home, and fam109 - A Camellia Dr. ily once gave her. Natchez But the recessive journey in itself is 601-445-8743 not what gives
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this book (which I highly recommend for anyone whose heart is aching in way that unsettles the soul) such a special power. Many autobiographies unsettle more than they settle. This one soothes your soul. However, remembering alone doesn’t necessarily care for the heart and sometimes our memories of home and childhood carry more pathology and pain than steadying and healing. Not everyone’s home was safe and nurturing. Tragically, one’s initial home can also be the place where our trust and steadiness are irrevocably broken, as is the case often in sexual and other forms of abuse. I was fortunate. My first home gave me trust and faith. For those who were not as lucky, the task is to find a home, a place or a person, that caresses a wounded soul. What makes for a home that caresses the soul? Home is where you are safe. It’s also the place where you experience security and trust and where that steadiness enables you to believe in the things of faith. I used to
drive four hours for a meal or a night’s sleep in order to find that. Today, I need to make that recessive journey in other ways. It’s a journey we all need to make in times of chaos and deep restlessness in our lives, namely, to find a place, a space, a friend, a family, a house, a table, a bed, a book, or something that grounds us again in security, trust, stability and faith. Of course, there are headaches and heartaches for which there is no cure; but the soul doesn’t need to be cured, only properly cared for. Our task is to go home, to find those people, places, prayers and books that caress our souls at those times when our world is falling apart. (Partial rewrite of a column from 2006) (Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com.)
The Pope’s Corner
Leave behind personal securities to follow God more closely, pope says By Junno Arocho
God who must enter into our logic, but we into his,” the VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A disciple of Jesus leaves pope said. “This requires a journey, sometimes wearisome, but behind worldly attachments and prejudices to follow always accompanied by joy. Because the disciple of Jesus God completely, Pope Francis said. Disciples “know how to question themselves, how is joyful, with the joy that comes from Jesus,” from the to humbly seek God every day,” the pope said Feb. 13 Lord who frees “us from the slavery of self-centeredness, breaks our locks, dissolves our hardness.” during his Sunday Angelus address. Disciples, he said, “are those who let themselves be With a crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the midday Angelus prayer, the pope reflected on the Sun- led by Jesus, who open their heart to Jesus, who listen to day Gospel reading from St. Luke in which Jesus deliv- him and follow his path.” ers the sermon on the plain, which, like St. Matthew’s sermon on the mount, begins with the beatitudes. “Indeed, the beatitudes define the identity of the disciple of Jesus,” Pope Francis said. The beatitudes may sound strange, “almost incomprehensible to those who are not disciples,” he said. According to the logic of the world, “happy are those who are rich,” who receive praise, are envied and feel secure, he said; but the beatitudes say that those who are poor and lack material possessions are blessed and happy. Jesus “declares worldly success to be a failure, since it is based on a selfishness that inflates and then leaves the heart empty,” he said. “Faced with the paradox of the beatitudes, disciples Pope Francis greets the crowd as he leads the Angelus from the window allow themselves to be chal- of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Feb. 13, 2022. lenged, aware that it is not (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
FEBRUARY 25, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
6 DIOCESE
'... We need to light up the darkness ...' – Continued from page 1 –
of the church. Father Wehner asked participants "how do we create a space for dialogue," especially for those who are disaffiliated with the church. He believes that as Christians, we need to light up the darkness. "You can't light up the darkness, if you are not in the dark," says Wehner. He pointed out that Pope Francis' first encyclical, Lumen fidei explores the light and said that as Christians "we need to know how to find the darkness in other people because in that darkness, we can light things up." As for some of the 'darkness' or polorization in society, some of the answers from the crowd gathered were: politics, economics, immigration, the politicization of truth and science and the 're-writing' of history from varying viewpoints, among others. Most felt that these topics have crept into the church. Father Wehner asked how to 'we' respond as a church and not be political – the answer lies in the Mass and the Eucharist. "If there is going to be any pastoral renewal of the church – its got to begin with the Eucharist," said Father Wehner. Jim Tomek, lay ecclesial minister for Sacred Heart Rosedale, who was present via zoom agreed. In his summary of events, he wrote that "The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity where we can partake in the discussion. We take the bread – taking Jesus as our friend and model." Father Wehner's passion for ministry through the event was evident. "That's what gets me up in the morning. The love of Christ urges me on. Why? It is no longer I who live. It is Christ who lives in me."
JACKSON – Above, Father Mark Shoffner of St. Mary Basilica Natchez shares a laugh with Father Frank Cosgrove, who kept throwing "bunny ears" up on other priests in pictures. Priests were able to enjoy fellowship between sessions at their continuing formation workshop at St. Richard parish. On left, Bishop Kopacz visits with several priests from around the diocese after gathering for morning prayer and exposition of the blessed sacrament on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at St. Richard parish. (Photos by Tereza Ma)
(Editor's note: Columnist and lay ecclesial minister of Sacred Heart Rosedale, Jim Tomek explores each section of Father Wehner's workshop in depth on page 17 of this edition.)
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25, 2022
NATION 7
Louisville, Ky., archbishop retires; pope names Bishop Fabre as successor By Catholic News Service
the pandemic, he centered his talk on “witnessing to the dignity of the human person as an antidote WASHINGTON (CNS) – Pope Francis has to the grave sin of racism.” accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph The following month, he and Archbishop Paul E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, and appointed S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the as his successor Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of HouU.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee ma-Thibodaux in southeastern Louisiana. on Domestic Justice and Human Development in Archbishop Fabre, 58, is one of 12 of the U.S. a joint statement urging Catholics to “join in the Catholic Church’s African American prelates and hard work of peacefully rebuilding what hatred he will be the first Black archbishop of Louisand frustration has torn down.” ville. The newly named archbishop has headed “This is the true call of a disciple and the real the Louisiana diocese since 2013. He previouswork of restorative justice,” Bishop Fabre and ly served as an auxiliary bishop of the ArchdioArchbishop Coakley said. “Let us not lose the opcese of New Orleans from 2006 to 2013. He is portunity to pray that the Holy Spirit falls like a chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee flood on our land again, as at Pentecost, providing Against Racism. us with spiritual, emotional and physical healing, Archbishop Kurtz turned 75 Aug. 18, 2021, as well as new ways to teach, preach, and model and as required by canon law, he turned in his the Gospel message in how we treat each other.” resignation to the pope when he reached 75. He The two chairmen’s statement followed the has headed the Louisville Archdiocese since AuArchbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., left, and Bishop jury’s April 20, 2021, verdict finding former Mingust 2007. The changes were announced Feb. 8 in Wash- Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, La., are seen in this com- neapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty in the ington by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic posite photo. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Arch- death of George Floyd. bishop Kurtz Feb. 8, 2022, who is 75, the age at which canon Archbishop Fabre is a former chairman of the nuncio. Archbishop Fabre’s episcopal motto is “Com- law requires bishops to turn in their resignation to the pope, and USCCB’s Subcommittee on African-American Affort My People,” which he chose when he was or- named Bishop Fabre to succeed him. (CNS composite; photos fairs and currently serves on the board of Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief dained a bishop in 2007 as an auxiliary of New by Tyler Orsburn and Bob Roller) and development agency. Orleans. He helped with rebuilding efforts that As the archbishop of Louisville, he will shepherd about 156,000 Catholics in 24 followed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Eight years later, he was appointed the bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. In August counties of central Kentucky, from the Ohio River to the Tennessee border. The arch2021, his diocese and other parts of southern Louisiana suffered devastation wrought diocese, which dates to 1808, has 110 parishes that cover 8,124 miles. About 20,000 students are served by 48 schools from kindergarten to high school. by Hurricane Ida. Regarding his motto, he said in a Feb. 8 statement that the words “are dear to my (Contributing to this story was Marnie McAllister, editor of The Record, newspaper of heart because they capture what I have always desired to do as a bishop, as a pastor of souls. I sincerely believe our Lord is communicating these words to his people right the Archdiocese of Louisville.) now.” Shelton Joseph Fabre was born Oct. 25, 1963, in New Roads, Louisiana, the fifth of six children. He graduated in 1981 as valedictorian of Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée, Louisiana. He entered St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1985. He continued his studies in Belgium at the leaving his Louisiana home and comBy Catholic News Service American College in Louvain, a seminary that ing to Louisville, his heart is divided. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (CNS) – was affiliated with the Catholic University of “It delights me to be here today to Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, the Leuven, Belgium. He earned a bachelor of regreet this new home that is mine. It’s newly appointed archbishop of ligious studies degree in 1987 and a master my honor and privilege to serve you, the Archdiocese of Louisville, of religious studies degree in 1989 from the the good people of the Archdiocese celebrated a Mass at Holy FamCatholic university. of Louisville,” he said. ily Church Feb. 8, saying to the He was ordained a priest for the Diocese “I welcome this opportunity to congregation that his prayer for of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Aug. 5, 1989, and meet you and yet my heart is divided the archdiocese – his new home went on to serve as a pastor and associate pasfor my family in Thibodaux who is – is that “we will grow in our love tor. He also served as a chaplain at Louisiana learning today of the news that I am for God and grow in our love for State Penitentiary at Angola, defender of the not with them. So my heart is divided each other. To do so is a response bond for the diocese’s marriage tribunal and today and I acknowledge that.” to God who is laboring in every dean of the diocese’s Northwest Deanery. Archbishop Fabre is not only moment to love us first,” said He also served on the diocesan priests’ leaving the members of the clergy, reArchbishop Fabre. council, college of consultors, school board and ligious and faithful in the Diocese of During the liturgy, Archbishclergy personnel board. He was chairman of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, which op Joseph E. Kurtz – who has pastoral planning and director of the Office of he has led since 2013, he’s also leavled the archdiocese since 2007 Black Catholics. ing his siblings, he said. – welcomed Archbishop Fabre, As chairman of the bishops’ Ad Hoc ComFollowing the Mass, Archbishop calling the news of his appointmittee Against Racism, Archbishop Fabre led Fabre held a news conference at the ment “joyous.” the writing of “Open Wide Our Hearts – The Archdiocese of Louisville Pastoral Archbishop Kurtz said he Enduring Call to Love,” approved by the body Center, where he spoke to members has known Archbishop Fabre for of bishops in 2018. many years. “He’s a good friend Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre speaks to of the media and answered questions. In March 2021, Archbishop Fabre disHe will be installed as the fifth of mine and he will be a good members of the media Feb. 8, 2022, at cussed the pastoral with about 150 people in friend of yours,” said Archbishop the Archdiocese of Louisville Pastoral archbishop of Louisville March 30 at the Archdiocese of Louisville when he led an Center about his appointment as the fifth the Kentucky International ConvenKurtz. Archdiocesan Leadership Institute on the subDuring the homily, Archbish- archbishop of Louisville. (CNS photo/Ruby tion Center in downtown Louisville. ject. op Fabre shared that between Thomas, The Record) During the event, conducted online due to
Archbishop Fabre prays at Mass we’ll ‘grow in our love’ for God, each other
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25, 2022
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10 DIOCESE
Celebrating World Marriage Day By Charlene Bearden
and
Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson celebrated the anniversaries of married couples from around the diocese with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz on Sunday, Feb. 13 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. According to World Marriage Day history, the idea of celebrating marriage began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1981, when couples encouraged the Mayor, the Governor and the Bishop to proclaim St. Valentine’s Day as "We Believe in Marriage Day." The event was so successful, the idea was presented to and was adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter's National Leadership. By 1982, 43 Governors officially proclaimed the day, and celebrations spread to U.S. military bases in several foreign countries. In 1983, the name was changed to "World Marriage Day," designated to be celebrated each year in February. In 1993, St. Pope John Paul II imparted his Apostolic blessings on World Marriage Day. World Marriage Day celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions every year. To honor couples in 2022, the Diocese of Jackson on behalf of the Office of Family Ministry asked parishes to submit the names of couples celebrating their 60th, 50th, 25th or any significant anniversary. This year, 60 couples from throughout the diocese submitted their names in celebration of their anniversaries. At the World Marriage Day celebration at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, couples received an anniversary certificate blessed and signed by Bishop Kopacz. Please join us in celebrating the anniversaries of the following couples: – Continued on page 11 –
Faye and Allen Lea are pictured right after their wedding ceremony on Dec. 22, 1972. The couple are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2022 and are parishioners of St. Jude Pearl.
(Above) Allen and Melinda Laird were married the evening of Nov. 29, 1997, at St. Mary Basilica in Natchez with Father Al Camp officiating. The couple is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2022. (Left) Carol and Robert Walker were married at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson on Jan. 18, 1997. The couple now attend St. Francis Madison and are celebrating 25 years. (Photo by Barrett Photography)
Gwen and Lloyd Everhardt were married on June 3, 1972 in their home parish of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette, Louisiana. The couple is pictured in 1997 in their home prior to a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Christmas party. They are currently members of St. Paul Flowood.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25, 2025
DIOCESE 11 Peter and Marie Morris were married on May 13, 1967 and were childhood sweethearts, both attending St. James Catholic School in Haverhill, Massachusetts. A job offer in 1973 took the couple to Jackson with their three daughters. They are members of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and are celebrating 55 years of marriage in 2022.
Happy Anniversary 60 Years Johnnie and Ed Bartsek, St. Paul, Flowood Jean and Virgil Campbell, St. John, Crystal Springs Dale and James Cannon, Holy Savior, Clinton Judy and Ron Despeaux, St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Caroline and George Hoff, Holy Savior, Clinton Glenda and Victor LaGarde, St. Paul, Vicksburg Mary and William Marking, Holy Spirit, Hernando Tammy and Gene McKinney, St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Norma and Clinton Mixon, St. Joseph, Greenville Joan and Neil Rhodes, St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Linda and Stephen Smith, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez Maureen and Clyde Staley, St. Paul, Flowood
50 Years
(Above) Launo and John Moore were all smiles in 2021 at the Vicksburg Ritz on the River. The couple was married on June 16, 1972 at the St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by Bishop Stanley Ott. They are members of St. Michael parish in Vicksburg and believe God brought them together and that it takes three to make a marriage; the wife, the husband and God!
(Right) Betsy and Benu Vargheese were married in Mar Elijah Orthodox Church in Kerala, India on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002. They are pictured in front of their parish, Holy Savior Clinton on one of their wedding anniversaries. In 2022, the couple are celebrating 20 years of marriage.
Gale and George Baroni, St. Joseph, Greenville Linda and Tommy Biglane, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez Cathy and Gene Bishop, Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland JoAnn and Bob Burke, St. Paul, Flowood Gwen and Lloyd Everhardt, St. Paul, Flowood Betsy and Bobby Folsom, St. Michael, Vicksburg Christine and Don Greer, Holy Spirit, Hernando Valerie and James E. Hall, St. Richard, Jackson Carolyn and Bill Johnson, Holy Savior, Clinton Maureen and Gary Kippe, St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Faye and Allen Lea, St. Jude, Pearl Melissa and Sherwood Lyons, St. Paul, Vicksburg Carol and Michael Maranto, St. Joseph, Greenville Launo and John Moore, St. Michael, Vicksburg Verginia and Michael Morlino, St. Joseph, Greenville Connie and Jack Parker, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez Carole and Arthur Ring, St. Francis of Assisi, Madison Barbara and Joe Simmons, St. Joseph, Greenville Ruth and John Thompson, St. Jude, Pearl
Janice and Dan Waring, St. Paul, Vicksburg Janet and Ricky Warren, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez
25 Years Marisa and Mark D. Briscoe, St. Joseph, Greenville Judy and Stan Burkley, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez Melanie and Scott DeJong, St. Joseph, Gluckstadt Regina and Finley Hootsell, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez Melinda and Allen Laird, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez Ruth Ann and Paul Love, St. Joseph , Greenville Jean and Ronald Smith, St. Basilica, Natchez Stacy and Lee Vanlandingham, St. Jude, Pearl Carol and Robert Walker, St. Francis of Assisi, Madison Juliet and Jasin Wesberry, St. Mary Basilica, Natchez
Special Anniversaries Sharon and John Aguzzi, Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland, 51 years Corinne and Henry Anderson, Holy Family, Jackson, 61 years Maria and Maxwell Beluso, Holy Savior, Clinton, 30 years Madeleine and Jason Brown, St. Richard, Jackson, 10 years Maureen and Nicholas Calico, St. Jude, Pearl, 51 years Margaret and Mike Columbus, St. James, Leland, 61 years Trudy and Dwight Fletcher, St. Jude, Pearl, 51 years Judith and Ignacio Carillo, St. Peter, Jackson, 40 years Maria Villa and Ljdefonso Ibale, Holy Savior, Clinton, 30 years Judy and Jim Isonhood, St. Paul, Flowood, 51 years Kelly and John McGregor, St. Jude, Pearl, 45 years Marie and Peter Morris, Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle, Jackson, 55 years Christina and David Overton, St. Jude, Pearl, 26 years Anna and Jerry Roan, St. Jude, Pearl, 61 years Emma and Dennis Santos, Holy Savior, Clinton, 35 years Betsy and Benu Vargheese, Holy Savior, Clinton, 20 years Tammy and Scott Waller, St. John, Crystal Springs, 42 years
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25, 2022
Commanding figure, Bishop Chanche rests in Natchez
FROM THE ARCHIVES By Mary Woodward
JACKSON – In his person, Bishop Chanche was of rather a tall and commanding figure, and prepossessing in his appearance. The grace and dignity with which he conducted the ceremonials of the church, on marked occasions, will long be remembered. By his courteous bearing and suavity of manner, as well as by sacerdotal virtues that graced his life, he won the esteem and respect of all who knew him. The above is taken from a funeral story published July 24, 1852, in The Catholic Mirror, newspaper for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, upon the July 22 death of Bishop John Joseph Chanche, SS, first bishop of our diocese. On Feb. 19, Bishop Joseph Kopacz presented the Bishop John Joseph Chanche Medal to 17 individuals from parishes around our expansive diocese. This diocesan award, established in 2012 in honor of our diocese’s 175th anniversary, is given for outstanding service to parish, diocese and community. Bishop Chanche was a Sulpician. Since 1641, Sulpicians have dedicated themselves to assisting bishops by providing seminary education and ongoing formation to priests. Arriving in Natchez from Baltimore St. Mary College and Seminary where he was president and rector in May 1841, Bishop Chanche found a couple of missionary priests and no real church building. By his death in July 1852, the diocese had grown to William Cardinal Keeler, then Archbish11 parishes throughout the state and op of Baltimore, receiving the remains 13 priests. of Bishop John Joseph Chanche, SS on After serving as Chief Promoter of Jan. 19, 2008 at St. Mary Basilica. To the First Plenary council of Baltimore the right is Mary Woodward and Father in May 1852, Bishop Chanche went to Matthew Simmons. visit family in nearby Frederick, Maryland. It is believed that he contracted cholera which led to a slow, painful death two months later. He was buried in the Baltimore Cathedral Cemetery. The following was written in The Catholic Mirror after his Requiem Mass: Bishop Chanche was greatly beloved in our community – his native city and the field of many years’ zeal and labor – the tears which moistened the eyes of those who surrounded his grave evidence that his absence from among us had not caused him to be forgotten. In 1878, he was moved with the remains of his sister, Mary Marcilly Edwards, to the new Cathedral Cemetery. There he remained until the fall of 2007, when after many years of research and preparations, the St. Mary Basilica Archives Committee in Natchez in conjunction with then Bishop Joseph Latino asked the Archdiocese of Baltimore to have his remains sent back to his diocesan home to be buried. His Eminence, William Cardinal Keeler, then Archbishop of Baltimore, agreed to the exhumation and to come celebrate the re-interment Mass on Jan. 19, 2008. The morning of Jan. 19, we awakened to three inches of snow on the ground. It had not snowed in Natchez in 15 years. I wondered if it was a message from Bishop Chanche to please not dig him up again and let him rest in peace, since this was the third time he would be buried. Unbeknownst to most, we had requested a small box of soil from St. Mary Seminary on Paca Street in Baltimore to put in the grave so that Bishop Chanche would have some native soil beneath him. As an aside, St. Mary Seminary gave us Bishop Chanche in 1841 and Bishop William Houck in 1979. When the snow stopped, I emptied the soil into the grave which is located on the grounds of St. Mary Basilica behind the rectory. Fortunately, the grave had been covered for several days. The Mass was concelebrated by archbishops, bishops, and clergy from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Music incorporated into the liturgy was indicative of pieces from the times of Bishop Chanche.
NATCHEZ – Above, Mary Woodward and Jimmy Guercio, who was chair of the St. Mary Basilica archives committee, are pictured at the resting place of Bishop John Joseph Chanche on July 28, 2012 for the 175th anniversary of the diocese. (Photos courtesy of archives)
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In spite of the weather, a large congregation gathered to pay their respects to the well-travelled bishop, who left the comforts of his life at the seminary in Baltimore and journeyed to what must have seemed like the edge of the universe to serve God’s people in Mississippi. He served fervently and faithfully until the end. Father Jean Jacques Olier, founder of the Sulpicians, penned a beautiful prayer for his confreres, which was placed in the worship book for the Mass in 2008. It is indicative of Bishop Chanche’s ministry and zeal and embodied in our Chanche Medal recipients: O Jesus living in Mary, Come and live in your servants, In the spirit of your holiness, In the fullness of your power, In the perfection of your ways, In the truth of your virtues, In the communion of your mysteries, Have dominion over every adverse power, In your Spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen. As Bishop Kopacz presented the medals to this year’s awardees, memories of that Mass in 2008 filled my mind – the snow, the dirt, the Spirit – all reflective of honoring our first bishop – John Joseph Marie Benedict Chanche, a tall, commanding figure; prepos-
sessing in appearance. (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
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the prelate who organized and oversaw the first six international celebrations of World Youth Day. The pope also approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Capuchin Poor Clare Sister Maria Costanza Panas of the Italian monastery of Fabriano. She was born Jan. 5, 1896, and died May 28, 1963. In addition to recognizing the miracle that clears the way for her beatification, the pope approved decrees recognizing that four candidates for sainthood heroically lived the Christian virtues; the decrees were signed during an audience Feb. 18 with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. The four candidates, The Los Angeles Rams celebrate their Feb. 13, 2022, win over the Cincin- who are now “venerable,” innati Bengals at the Super Bowl parade at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles cluded Cardinal Pironio, who had served in numerous officFeb. 16. (CNS photo/David Swanson, Reuters) es in the Roman Curia from 1975 until his retirement in 1996. St. Paul VI called him to Rome as pro-prefect of CINCINNATI (CNS) – The Los Angeles Rams may the Vatican congregation for religious. When St. John have won Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals, Paul II named him to head the Pontifical Council for the but students in Catholic schools in both archdioces- Laity in 1984, the late pope instituted the annual celees are winners as well. Donors contributed more than bration of World Youth Day, including huge internation$22,000 – and counting as of Feb. 17 – for tuition as- al gatherings presided over by the pope every two years sistance scholarships as part of a friendly wager between and organized by the laity council. Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and ArchVATICAN CITY (CNS) – As part of ongoing meabishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati over the game’s sures to reform the Roman Curia, Pope Francis has apoutcome. The donations to each archdiocese’s Catholic proved restructuring the Congregation for the Doctrine Education Foundation came as the archbishops invited of the Faith, the oldest of the congregations. Once comsupporters to become involved in their good-gesture wa- prised of a doctrinal office, a discipline office and a marger through the Bishops Big Game challenge. In the Feb. riage office, the new structure will see 13 game, the Rams were behind in the third quarter and the doctrinal and discipline offices bemost of the fourth quarter, before scoring the winning come their own special sections led by touchdown with 1:25 left, beating the Bengals 23-20. their own secretaries; the marriage ofWith the Rams’ victory, the Los Angeles foundation will fice will become part of the doctrinal receive 60% of the funds raised, while the Cincinnati office. The two secretaries will serve foundation will received 40% of the money donated. under the congregation’s prefect. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) – From partaking in Spanish Cardinal Luis Ladaria, who the sacrament of reconciliation to fasting to choosing has been prefect of the congregation what to give up, Lent is full of traditions that Catholics since 2017, will celebrate his 78th around the world take part in as they prepare to cele- birthday April 19. The heads of Vatbrate Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. But there’s ican offices are required to offer their another sacred tradition that dates back to the early days resignations to the pope when they of the Crusades; one that allows them to “walk” the Via turn 75. In “Fidem servare” (PreservDolorosa with Christ: the Stations of the Cross. The Sta- ing the Faith), published “motu protions of the Cross are a mini-pilgrimage, taking believers prio,” (on his own initiative) Feb. 14, through the steps taken by Jesus on Good Friday, from Pope Francis said the main task of the his condemnation to his burial. The stations are a “way congregation has been to safeguard of prayerfully uniting oneself to the sacrifice of the Lord or “keep the faith.” The changes went and his love for us,” said Father Eric Fowlkes, pastor of into effect the same day. Over time, the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville. “It’s also an the congregation has seen modificainvitation for us to place ourselves within that journey.” tions to its areas of responsibilities and The Stations of the Cross date back to the Middle Ages how it is configured, and now, Pope during the religious wars between Christians and Mus- Francis said, further change is needed lims, known as the Crusades. “The Crusades awakened “to give it an approach more suited to an interest in Europe in the places associated with Christ the fulfillment of its functions.” in the Holy Land. For the first time, Europeans were traveling there regularly and wanted to see the holy places where the biblical events took place,” said Father Bede Price, pastor of Church of the Assumption in Nashville. SÃO PAULO (CNS) – The Dio-
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis advanced the sainthood cause of Argentine Cardinal Eduardo Pironio,
cese of Petrópolis and the city’s parishes have opened their doors to assist victims of the torrential rainstorm that flooded the historic city of Petrópolis. Bishop Gregório Paixão Neto asked
that priests and parishioners take in people whose houses were affected by the Feb. 15 mudslides and needed shelter. “This moment is one of solidarity, and we of the Catholic Church are deeply united and in solidarity with all families,” Bishop Paixão said in a video message released on social media. “I ask you to welcome your relatives, your friends and those who are in despair, looking for a place to stay. I, myself, already have a family staying in my house,” he added. The mid-February storm is considered one of the worst in city in the past 70 years, with rainfall surpassing 10 inches in six hours, a volume greater than expected for the entire month of February. As of early Feb. 17, 104 deaths had been recorded, and dozens were still missing under the mud and rubble. The Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, through Caritas, launched the SOS Petrópolis campaign, asking for donations for families affected by the rains. IQUITOS, Peru (CNS) – Oil spills on opposite sides of Peru – one near Lima, the coastal capital, and the other in a remote Indigenous village in the Amazon – brought together Catholics in the two regions for simultaneous Masses Feb. 13. They prayed for those suffering from the pollution caused by both spills as they marked the second anniversary of “Querida Amazonia,” (Beloved Amazonia), the papal exhortation issued by Pope Francis after the 2019 Synod of Bishops for the Amazon. The liturgies, accompanied by video messages exchanged by Bishop Miguel Angel Cadenas of Iquitos and Archbishop Carlos Castillo Mattasoglio of Lima and played at each of the Masses, formed the first such joint initiative between bishops in Lima and the Amazon. In January, similar disasters struck the two regions. A ship offloading oil Jan. 15 at a coastal refinery spilled about 6,000 barrels of oil into the Pacific Ocean, fouling at least 30 miles of shoreline. On Jan. 20, vandals cut an oil pipeline in a small Amazonian village, contaminating the river that people depend on for water for drinking, cooking and bathing. In his homily, Archbishop Castillo said, “We have a commitment – our city of Lima and our entire coast – to our Amazon region.”
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dIOCESE 15
Youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl is alum of Atlanta Catholic school By Samantha Smith
ATLANTA (CNS) – Under the bright lights and falling confetti, surrounded by his team, their families and thousands of fans in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Sean McVay raised high the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl championship trophy Feb. 13. To win the game feels outstanding, said McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams were behind in the third quarter and most of the fourth quarter, before scoring the winning touchdown with 1:25 left in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Rams won 23-20. McVay called it “poetic.” “You talk about a resilient team, coaches, players; I’m so proud of this group,” said McVay in postgame comments. “We talk about competitive greatness all the time, being your best when your best is required.” McVay, 36, the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl championship in NFL history, is a graduate of Marist School in Atlanta. He gives the Catholic school a lot of credit for instilling in him many “foundational principles” he said have been instrumental in his achievements. Marist is an independent Catholic college preparatory school owned and operated by the Society of Mary. It is the oldest Catholic secondary school in the Atlanta area. During his five seasons with the Rams, McVay has led the team to five consecutive winning seasons, two Super Bowl appearances and now a Super Bowl championship. As his coaching career continues to soar, he continues to hold fond memories of his time at Marist School. “Marist is a special place because of all the unique people,” McVay said to the 2021 Marist graduating class at their guest speaker. “I’ve been so fortunate and blessed because there’s so many of the foundational principles that were instilled in me from the time I got here, from seventh grade to 12th grade, that have been instrumental in a lot of the things that have been good in my life.” The school honored McVay with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020. McVay gravitated to football from soccer in eighth grade at Marist, following the footsteps of three McVay generations. His father, Tim, played football at Indiana University in Bloomington. His grandfather, John, was vice president and director of football operations for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1995 and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2013. Alan Chadwick, head football coach at Marist for more than 40 years, described McVay as explosive, agile and competitive as a Marist player. “He brought great intensity to his preparation, workouts and had tremendous understanding of the game,” said Chadwick. McVay was a four-year starter and quarterback his junior and senior year while
‘... esta es nuestra oración ...’ Una respuesta fiel al llamado a la conversión impacta quiénes somos y todo lo que hacemos. Por ejemplo, ¿cómo se aplica todo esto al proceso diocesano y mundial para el Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad? Considere que el llamado del Señor al arrepentimiento tiene sus raíces en la metanoia, el concepto que describe el cambio de mentalidad y el ir en otra dirección. El diálogo, basado en la oración, la Palabra de Dios y el Espíritu Santo de Dios, marco de nuestro proceso sinodal, depende de que cada uno de nosotros dejemos de lado nuestras mentes manchadas por el pecado, nuestras ideas preconcebidas, nuestros prejuicios, nuestros egos, nuestro orgullo y nuestra pecaminosidad para llegar a un nivel superior de comunión, participación y misión como miembros de la Iglesia Católica. Es cierto que nuestra amplia respuesta diocesana al Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad, que está a punto de concluir su primera fase, dará muchos frutos en el futuro. En el nivel más profundo, tal vez imperceptiblemente, está plantando las semillas de la conversión, o metanoia, un cambio de mentalidad y comportamiento hacia una mayor apertura mutua en el Espíritu Santo. Un proceso sano de participación y comunión puede inspirar un cambio de corazón y, a su vez, la conversión de una persona puede ser un chorro de agua limpia que refresca el cuerpo. Esta es nuestra oración. Oración: la vuelta de nuestros corazones y mentes a Dios; el Ayuno: dejar ir lo que nos está dañando, así como sacrificar los placeres simples por un bien mayor; y la Caridad: la generosidad sacrificial por el bien de los demás, y por nuestra propia conversión, son las armas del espíritu, y la medicina para mucho de lo que nos aflige. Son más accesibles que los medicamentos de venta libre y se sirven a pedido sin necesidad de descargar una aplicación. “Y que el mismo Señor de la paz les dé la paz a ustedes en todo tiempo y en todas formas. Que el Señor esté con todos ustedes.” (2 Tesalonicenses 3:16) – Viene de la pág. 3 –
playing for the Marist War Eagles. In 2003, he led the football team to a state championship and was named the Georgia AAAA Offensive Player of the Year. McVay was the first player in the school’s history to rush and throw for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. Atlanta Auxiliary Bishop Joel M. Konzen, who was principal of Marist School while McVay attended, remembers him as an easygoing and friendly student. In 2003, when Marist won the state championship, Bishop Konzen recalls McVay’s leadership. “The team acknowledged that he was their leader,” the bishop told The Georgia Bulletin, newspaper of the Atlanta Archdiocese. “Sean gave most of the Los Angeles Rams head credit to his teammates for a win, making light of his coach Sean McVay is seen own contribution. That kind of modesty was how at Marist School in AtlanSean demonstrated his commitment to the Marist ta, his alma mater, May 22, 2021. He was the comWay.” After graduating from Marist in 2004, McVay mencement speaker that day attended Miami University where he played wide and received the school’s receiver. In 2007, he received Miami’s Scholar Ath- Distinguished Alumni Award lete Award and graduated with a bachelor of science in 2020. (CNS photo/Marist School, courtesy The Geordegree in health and sports studies in 2008. His NFL career began as assistant wide receivers gia Bulletin) coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After working for one year as the quality control and wide receivers coach for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League, McVay returned to the NFL as assistant tight end coach for the Washington Redskins in 2010. While coaching for Washington, it was apparent that McVay was going to be a good coach, said Chadwick. McVay was promoted twice, eventually becoming Washington’s offensive coordinator. In 2016, he coached the offensive unit to record breaking statistics for the franchise. McVay was named head coach for the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. At 30, he was the youngest NFL head coach in history. The Associated Press named McVay the Coach of the Year in 2018 – the youngest head coach to ever receive the award. Three years ago, McVay made his first Super Bowl appearance as head coach for the Rams against the New England Patriots when the game was hosted in Atlanta. Chadwick and McVay have kept in touch over the years. After the Rams won the NFC championship game against the 49ers Jan. 30, Chadwick reached out to his former player to wish him luck in the Super Bowl. “He’s done extremely well for himself and should continue to do that for many years to come,” said Chadwick. (Smith is a staff writer at The Georgia Bulletin, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.) The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-party reporting system that will enable all diocesan employees, volunteers and parishioners to anonymously (or named if preferred) make reports. Examples of this activity include fraud, misconduct, safety violations, harassment or substance abuse occurring at a Catholic parish, Catholic school or at the diocesan level. The system is operated by Lighthouse Services. Based in Deerfield, Illinois, Lighthouse Services maintains ethics, safety and fraud hotlines for over 4,100 organizations between the U.S. and abroad.
To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (Spanish). The Association of Priests of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi provide a small pension to our retired priests. As you consider your estate plans, please remember these faithful servants by making a donation or leaving a bequest to the Association of Priests. Our parish priests dedicate their lives to caring for us, their flocks. Let us now care for them in their retirement. Donations can be made payable to the Association of Priests and can be mailed to:
Diocese of Jackson, Attn: Cathy Pendleton, P.O. Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225-2248
FEBRUARY 25, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
16 Columns
St. Polycarp and the meaning of martyrdom
REFLECTIONS ON LIFE By Melvin Arrington
Of all the saints across the Christian centuries one had a special meaning to my father, who by the way, wasn’t even Catholic. That was Polycarp (d. 155 or 156 A.D.), an early church leader whose feast day is celebrated on Feb. 23. What really made an impression on Daddy was the account of the saint’s death. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (now the city of Izmir, located on the western coast of Turkey), was considered a person of great holiness. In his youth, he had been a disciple of St. John the Evangelist. As a mature adult, he took Irenaeus of Lyon as one of his own disciples, became friends with Ignatius of Antioch, and wrote an epistle to the church at Philippi in Macedonia. Polycarp was an old man when, during the Roman persecutions of Christians, he was arrested and taken to the arena in Smyrna for trial. Three days before the arrest he had a vision in which he saw his pillow engulfed in flames. In this manner it was revealed to him that his fate was to be burned alive. Some friends persuaded him to go into hiding, but a young servant, after being tortured, betrayed his master by revealing the location of the hiding place. When the saintly bishop refused to deny his faith in Jesus Christ, the governor first threatened to throw him to the wild beasts, but Polycarp remained steadfast; he simply would not recant. Next, they tried to tie him to the stake and burn him, but the flames surrounded him forming a protective wall in such as way that the fire did not touch him. Finally, one of the governor’s henchmen came forward and stabbed him to death. The centurion then gave the order for the body to be burned. Afterwards, the bishop’s fellow believers collected his bones, conserving them as relics. Fortunately, the written narrative of Polycarp’s death has survived; it is the earliest
extant document detailing the martyrdom of a Christian. At some point during his studies for the ministry Daddy must have read a description of these events. For almost 15 years, he and my mother served as Baptist missionaries in the Amazon Basin region of Bolivia. They spent most of those years living along the banks of the Chapare River ministering to the Yuracarés (Yuras), the indigenous peoples of that area. Mama was a registered nurse. She set up a clinic and provided much-needed medical care for the Yuras. Daddy, in addition to his duties as pastor, made various survey trips into some of the most remote jungle regions searching for nomadic tribes who lived far from what we know as civilization. This was dangerous work, but he felt God had called him to go there, so he went. I believe Daddy thought he might be killed like the Protestant missionaries who, after venturing into the jungles of eastern Ecuador, suffered violent deaths at the hands of the Auca tribe. This may explain, at least in part, why he was drawn to Polycarp and the details of his martyrdom. Shortly after Daddy returned from the mission field he passed away. He has been gone almost 40 years now, but I can still remember how on several occasions he made references in his sermons to the death of Polycarp. I wish I could have a conversation with Daddy right now about this martyr. In fact, I wish I could talk to him about my conversion to Catholicism and a million other things, including the meaning of martyrdom in the world today. In our time, more so than ever, Christians in far away parts of the globe are being persecuted and killed for their religious beliefs. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen spoke of a distinction between “wet” and “dry” martyrs. The former, like those in the early centuries of Christianity, shed their blood for the faith; the latter, more typical of our era, have suffered brainwashing and other forms of mental torture at the hands of their Communist or
The Prayer of Ordinary Times ON ORDINARY TIMES By Lucia A. Silecchia
Can a lazy lack of creativity ever be good for the soul? Normally, I would answer no – unless you asked me during Lent when I was 19 years old. That was a Lent I intended to take more seriously than I had before. A growing realization that, ready or not, adulthood was dawning led me to reflect more thoughtfully on that sacred season. Even then, I understood that in the wisdom of the church’s ancient calendar, forty days is a perfect length of time for a season of preparation. I know that number has its origins in sacred traditions. But, as is true with so many things, the sacred tradition is beautifully matched with human nature. Forty days devoted to preparation is a season that is short enough that a commitment to something ambitious is less frightening than it might otherwise seem. Yet, it is long enough that a new practice or habit of the heart and soul has a chance of becoming more permanent. In spite of my good intentions, when the Sunday before that long-ago Ash Wednesday rolled around, I had not yet decided what I could do so that my 19th Lent might be the season I hoped it would be. There were
three days left, and nothing of note had crossed my mind. Fortunately for me, that Sunday I was blessed to hear a homily that changed my life. It was filled with practical suggestions about Lenten practices that seemed especially intended for those of us who had not planned ahead. One that caught my ear was the simple, obvious invitation to attend Mass during the week during Lent. I had rarely given that any thought. Unless it was a special occasion, I was on the Sunday plan. However, to my practical mind, this was a do-able Lenten suggestion. Conveniently, I walked past my parish church every morning on the way to my college classes. The three Masses celebrated every day meant no early wake-up was required. It was merely a half-hour time commitment. Most importantly, although I did not know the exact words from the Catechism at the time, I knew in my heart that Mass was “heart and summit of the church’s life.” Thus, for want of another plan, I very casually began a practice that has lasted, with varying degrees of regularity, to this day – decades after that long ago Lent drew to a close. I found that I began to treasure this weekday celebration, secure in the happy knowledge that around the world in tiny remote chapels, grand urban cathedrals, crumbling city churches, secluded mountain monasteries, far-flung military bases, parochial school auditoriums, and quiet convents, countless others were doing the same. A weekday morning Mass is the Eucharist at its simplest. Without distractions, it is a quiet, intimate
terrorist oppressors. Sheen claims that those in the wet category die only once, while the dry ones die a thousand times. Here, in this country the persecution hasn’t reached that degree of intensity, and maybe it never will. But those who live according to the teachings of the Gospel will, in some sense, become martyrs, which means “witnesses” in the original Greek. As we go about our lives, we will all have to carry a cross and endure some form of suffering. By taking up that cross daily and bearing it faithfully, we will surely undergo a martyrdom of sorts. Pain, suffering, and sorrow are inevitable in this life. How we react to these trials, be they large or small, is what makes all the difference. Nobody likes the word “mortification” but that’s what is required. It involves slaying the ego, denying ourselves, giving up something, or perhaps doing something we normally would not be inclined to do, such as taking on an extra burden in order to lighten the load of someone else. Clearly, as St. Josemaría Escrivá says, our attitude should be one of “welcoming generously the opportunities for small, daily sacrifice.” This type of martyrdom confounds the materialists and skeptics of our day because it runs contrary to the spirit of the age, which tells us possessions and prestige are what lead to happiness. Our sacrifices certainly can’t compare with the sufferings of Polycarp. But we can still be “witnesses” by proclaiming Christ to the culture and by living to serve others rather than ourselves. As Lent approaches, now is the time to start thinking and praying about things we can do, such as performing good works and practicing self denial, to help advance the Kingdom of God. (Melvin Arrington is a Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages for the University of Mississippi and a member of St. John Oxford.)
start to the day and a cherished oasis before the hectic pace of life begins anew. I love a grand liturgical celebration. Whether it is celebrated with an enthusiastic student choir, or majestic organ music shrouded with incense, or, yes, even the felt banners and tambourines of my childhood years, such celebrations fill the heart with awe. A large Sunday crowd gathered to praise the same God together is a beautiful reminder that we are all part of the family of God. A stirring Sunday homily, carefully planned, and an altar reverently adorned with flowers all point the way to God in a powerful celebration. The sometimes-too-rare moments of silence in a large Sunday crowd offer a chance to offer praise, petitions, apologies and thanks in the company of an extended parish family. Yet, when I have the wisdom to make time for it, I also treasure those quiet celebrations during the week when two or three or more of us gather in God’s name, bringing Him the hopes, happiness, worries and woes of the day and receiving far more in return. I am grateful for the silence before and after this celebration, the way this time of the day reminds me that the journey through the day is never traveled alone or without sustenance. I am grateful for that chance invitation years ago that introduced me to the sacredness of the simple, daily Mass. Now, I share that invitation with you. Come and share this beautiful prayer of ordinary times. May your journey through Lent be filled with blessings this year. (Lucia A. Silecchia is a Professor of Law at The Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America. Email her at silecchia@cua.edu.)
DIOCESE 17
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25, 2022
The Eucharist: a workshop for building ecclesial unity in a polarized world GUEST COLUMN By James Tomek, Ph.D
Synodality in Mississippi? A meeting concept to seek basic truths. In line with the synodality listening sessions designed to give all us Catholics a voice, Father Nick Adam organized a workshop, led by Father Jim Wehner, a seminarian rector in New Orleans, for priests, deacons and lay ministers, to help them/us review ministry tactics in order to become better disciples, helping all parishioners talk about what the church needs to do to become better in the major vocation areas of priest, prophet and king. With the goal of voicing all our concerns to Pope Francis, parishioners in the diocese are meeting to discuss how the church can respond to biblical situations, renewing our Good Samaritan status. Two major questions: what essential action should the church take? What is most important to you about what the church offers? Father Jim presented sessions where he took on subjects: the essence of the church; the New Evangelization of unchurched former Catholics; the meaning of discipleship, with examples from the Bible; and, finally, how the Eucharist is our defining “Sacrament” for exploring and creating missionary and ministry tactics. A good preparation for the Synodality sessions. Father Jim starts, citing Jesus asking “Who do you say that I am?” to Peter. The “I” is really Jesus as the church. Peter says that Jesus and the church have words of everlasting life. The “enemy,” in various forms, causes confusion and separates us from Christ and the church. How do we respond to the enemy’s tough questions? Peter advises us to give answers in reverence and gentleness (1Peter 3:15). Father Wehner takes us to the 17th and 18th centuries, where philosophers Hobbes and Locke promoted individual rights over the common good. While respecting individual rights, our discussion leader insists that the overall concern of the church and Jesus is the common good. We are all friends of Jesus, and no longer servants, in this struggle together. The “enemy” would prefer rugged individualism and no communion. Apathea is a virtue of detachment and a positive impersonal value where we leave our egos to support our neighbor, above any personal concerns. Our ego is the enemy. What specific vocational gift do I have to help and combat the enemy of self interest? In the next session, Father Jim explains the new evangelization movement, where the church tries to get back former Catholics who have left the church, as well as the unchurched in general. The “enemy” here is further defined as “metaphysical disorientation.” We have privatized the important concerns of discernment. Our individual views take precedent over the community’s will. All our sacraments need to be community minded. Our mission is to act in unity as we, all lay people included, are in-
vited to priesthood. By studying our institutions, like marriage, hospitals, education and so on, we need to rearticulate them with our current world. Next session – discipleship. When did I become a disciple? Can we lose discipleship? What grace or gifts do we need to this discipleship? We find the gifts, or offices, of priest, prophet, and king in Luke when Jesus reads from Isaiah (Lk 4: 17-28). Father Jim glosses these offices: the priest offers himself as victim sacrificing for others; the prophet teaches and proclaims truths; while the “king” takes care of others. Some hold these of- JACKSON – Priests, Deacons and LEMs gathered at St. Richard parish for a fices formally, but we all workshop led by Father Jim Wehner on building ecclesial unity in a polarized practice these ministries world on Feb. 15-16. (Photo by Tereza Ma) by our baptism. An example of becomintentions, are beatitudes – those conditions that bring ing a disciple is seen in the Magi when they come to us closer to the Kingdom of God. Us? The Communion witness Jesus’s birth. They became ministers, especially of Saints, including family and friends, living, and gone, when they go back a different way, showing that they whom I pray for often, offering a spot of the eternal. have changed their lives after witnessing Jesus. This ses- Why do I go to church? sion ends with a healing sentiment. Jesus cures Bartimaeus by opening up his ears – and our ears, as we train to (James Tomek is a retired language and literature prolisten better to each other. fessor at Delta State University who is currently a Lay EcIn the final session, Father Jim shows how the Eucha- clesial Minister at Sacred Heart in Rosedale and also active rist/Mass is the ideal place and order for things to hap- in RCIA at Our Lady of Victories in Cleveland.) pen. What is polarization? Two sides of an issue. Right or wrong? Win an argument. The wrong way. This is “Metaphysical disorientation.” Let’s be attentive to the whole story of issues. The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Unity where we can partake in the discussion. We take the bread – taking on Jesus as our friend and model. We bless the bread – saying that it is good and worthy of our community. Then, by breaking the bread, we become wounded healers sharing our penance with the community. The Mass means “sent” – mission – sent to do the work of the intercessions that we prayed earlier. These intercessions, like feeding the poor and being pure in our
FEBRUARY 25, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
18 YOUTH
Catholic Schools week in pictures MADISON – (Right) Grandparents of St. Joseph Catholic School students fill the school gym on Wednesday, Feb. 2, for the annual Grandparents Mass at St. Joseph School gym in Madison. The Mass also honored the founders of St. Joe, the Sisters of Mercy. The Mass was a highlight of Catholic Schools Week 2022. (Photo courtesy of Terry Cassreino)
GREENWOOD – (Above) Student, Ethan Morales, receives the host from Father Andrew Nguyen at Mass on Tuesday while Bishop Joseph Kopacz was visiting St. Joseph and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Schools. (Photo by Nikki Thompson) JACKSON – (Right) Susie Steckler and Maley Thornhill visit with Bishop Joseph Kopacz at St. Richard School during his visit on Wednesday, Feb. 2. (Photo by Jennifer David)
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CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth parents and students gathered to have some BINGO fun and enjoy hamburgers on Friday, Feb. 4 for Catholic Schools Week. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 25 2022
YOUTH 19
Catholic Schools Week in pictures COLUMBUS – (Left) Annunciation PreK students cheered on military members during their "In Our Nation Day" parade on Tuesday, Feb. 1 of Catholic Schools Week. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher)
HOLLY SPRINGS – (Below) Holy Family students recited and learned about the Rosary. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
MERIDIAN – (Above) St. Patrick second graders, Ava Bonner and Reese Washburn, plant flags in the school yard in celebration of active duty and retired military members. (Right) Father Augustine Palimattam blessed the throat of first grade student David Donkor on the feast day of St. Blaise. (Photos by Thompson)
Emily
FEBRUARY 25, 2022 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
20 DIOCESE
Lent 3.0: Third Lent in pandemic offers chance for spiritual reset, healing
BY CAROL ZIMMERMANN
WASHINGTON (CNS) – Lent, the spiritual season of prayer and sacrifice, has an extra pull to it this year because once again – and now for the third time – it will be under the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic. And even though the third Lent in a pandemic can feel like a lot like a Jesus' third fall on the road to Calvary, people who spoke with Catholic News Service focused more on the season's path to Easter and how this year's Lent also coincides with an optimism around COVID-19 cases dropping in the U.S. "It's a perfect storm: lower (coronavirus) numbers just as Lent approaches," said Mary DeTurris Poust, former communications director for the Diocese of Albany, New York. Poust, who teaches yoga, leads retreats and writes a blog called "Not Strictly Spiritual," said that during recent virtual retreats she has led, it's obvious how much people want to reconnect in person. And maybe this Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday, March 2, is the time to do just that, she said about being with the parish community: gathering for Mass, prayer services and also for the returning soup suppers and fish fries. After the tremendous losses of the past two years, she said, this Lent could be a good time for a reset. "Lent is the perfect opportunity to recalculate the internal GPS" of where we're going, Poust said, speaking about individuals but also more broadly about what parishes can do as they look to welcome people back. So many Catholics like the ritual of Lent and all of its "bells and smells," she said, which makes this season a great opportunity "to pull them back in the best way." Jen Sawyer, editor-in-chief of Busted Halo, a Paulist website and satellite radio program, said in times of uncertainty, people "rely on muscle memory" of traditional faith practices they are used to. But this year, she thinks Lent's usual traditions might have a different feel. "It seems like this is the Lent we're most prepared for; we've all sacrificed so much" she said. The desert experience of Lent has already been lived out and with so many people exhausted from the past two years, she said this Lent offers new opportunities to find peace, community and faith. Paulist Father Larry Rice, campus chaplain for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, agreed, saying the church is more than ready for Lent 2022 and he hopes it will help people "respond to all the trauma we have been through." "We are living with long-term, low-grade trauma, " he said, adding that for many, the pain is just under the surface and he sees Lent as the antidote. "As Christian people, we believe our destination is not Good Friday. We go through that to get to Easter," he said. He also said this year has the added hope that "by the time we get to Easter, the pandemic we're experiencing will look different." And with wisdom acquired in the past two years, he also added: "There are no guarantees; there could be new (coronavirus) variants." The past two Lents did not have that same thread of hope. Lent 2020 started off without a hitch with just a small number of COVID-19 cases in the country but by the second week of Lent, in early March, some dioceses urged parishes to curtail handshaking at the sign of peace and Communion from the chalice. By the third week of Lent, many dioceses lifted Sunday Mass obligations and stopped public Masses and Lenten services such as Stations of the Cross, prayer services and fish fries. Last year during Lent, more churches were open – although many were limiting congregation sizes and requiring parishioners to sign up for Masses. Fish fries were back, as carry-out events, and in many dioceses, ashes were sprinkled over heads on Ash Wednesday. This year, parishes are open – with differing mask regulations and social distancing in place – and the beloved fish fries are back with both in-person or carry-out options. "These past two years for all of us have not been easy, but God has been with us," said Mercy Sister Carolyn McWatters, a liturgist and chair of the Prayer and Ritual Committee for the Sisters of Mercy. Sister McWatters, who lives at the Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont, North Carolina, and is involved in ministry there with the order's retired sisters, emphasized the need to reflect on the pan-
demic experience this Lent. She said it's important to recognize how we lived beyond what we could control, the inner resources we relied on and where we saw goodness and grace at work. "The cross is never a dead end. It points to new life. Where are the signs of life for me, my community, the country, the world?" she asked. Spiritual growth is often about relinquishing control, she said, which was certainly an aspect to pandemic life but the coronavirus also involved the hardship of isolation which was especially experienced by the retired sisters. The convent, part of a national center for the Mercy sisters, had been a frequent spot for meetings and gatherings and many came for Sunday Masses and dinners, which was all put on hold for the past two years. "Everybody is looking for the end," she said. The view of these retired Mercy sisters echoes what many are feeling, but Sister McWatters also cautions against people focusing on being victims right now and seeing the pandemic purely as "woe is me." Similarly, she said, Lent is not gloom and doom but should be a "joyful embrace of what will help me to grow more deeply." Sawyer also stressed that faith is meant to be joyful and said that Busted Halo with its "Fast Pray Give Lent Calendar" and InstaLent photo challenge aims to get that across and will continue that this Lent particularly by urging people to try something new – a new book or prayer – and to check in with others after so much pandemic isolation. "We don't often think of Lent as a vibrant time of community connection," she said, adding that Catholics are "used to the desert" experience often associated with the season. But this Lent, that might change.
Pastoral Assignments
Rev. Kevin Slattery, appointed sacramental minister for St. John Parish in Crystal Springs and its mission St. Martin in Hazlehurst, effective Feb. 1, 2022.
Rev. Mark Shoffner, appointed administrator pro tempore of St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Parishes in Natchez, effective Feb. 9, 2022.
Rev. Scott Thomas, granted a leave of absence from ministry, effective Feb. 9, 2022.
Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Diocese of Jackson
(Graphic from Catholic News Service)