MARCH 8, 2024
mississippicatholic.com
Diocese enters third phase of pastoral reimagining process BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
san demographics by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate JACKSON – The Diocese of (CARA) of Georgetown University. Jackson began a year-long pastoral The report summarizes the overall reimagining process at Pentecost demography of the diocese, as well 2023 and looks to conclude by Penas a profile of the Catholic poputecost this year. This process was lation living in the confines of the initiated as a result of the diocesan diocese. Synod on Synodality in 2021. “After analyzing the demoDuring the Synod process three graphic data, parishes were given priorities were articulated across opportunities to look to the report the diocese which included all defor areas of growth; to evaluate mographics (age, gender, race, ministries and evaluate challenges etc.). They were a call for healing that could be addressed,” said Fran and unity; greater catechesis at all Lavelle, director of faith formation levels; and a deeper understanding for the diocese and member of the of scripture. core team working on the reimaginThe reimagining process ing process. spreads across five major phases. At a convocation for priests, The first phase ran from Pentecost deacons and LEMs held in Natchez through early September of 2023, during February, Bishop Kopacz with each pastor or lay ecclesial and Lavelle covered findings from minister (LEM) establishing a pasphase two from the CARA report toral reimagining committee and and gave an overview to those gathhaving the committee view four ered on phase three of the reimagecclesiology video sessions and answer a series of questions designed NATCHEZ – Bishop Joseph Kopacz speaks on the pastoral reimagining process to ining process. The report indicated that during to guide conversation on who we priests, deacons and LEMs from across the diocese on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at a convocaCOVID, as expected, there was a tion event at the Family Life Center of St. Mary Basilica. (Photo by Joanna King) are as a church. 50% decline in all Sacraments withBishop Kopacz said that phase in the diocese, with the exception one, “set the table in reminding situation at the local parish – the growing edges; the ourselves what it means to be a church and what our areas that are diminishing; and the opportunities for of infant Baptisms and Confirmations, which each saw identity as Catholics requires of us in the world. Our collaboration with other parishes in the area and other 39% declines. Bishop Kopacz reported at the convocation that the desire was to create a common understanding from local realities. which to grow a vision for the Diocese of Jackson.” Bishop Kopacz previously stated that in phase two, CARA research indicates that nationally Mass atten“In other words, to foster a sense of unity under- “we will reimagine the responsibilities of each parish dance is now only 2% below pre-COVID levels. Part of the CARA report highlighted the Pew Reliscored by the four marks of the church.” and mission to foster a sense of unity, underscored by Parishes were given until the end of January this the four marks of the church and grounded in data,” gious Landscape Study from 2014, in which 4% of adult year to complete phase two, with each parish under- said Bishop Kopacz. – Continued on page 6 – taking a parish assessment which included the current This phase also included a detailed report on dioce-
St. Francis New Albany celebrates 75 years BY GALEN HOLLEY
ing the rounds and celebrating Mass in people’s homes. Under Father Manon’s leadership, the New Albany Catholics (consisting of less NEW ALBANY – The theological term “domestic church” expresses well the genesis of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, which began as a modest gathering of Cath- than 20 adults) built their first, physical church on Cleveland Street. Bishop Richard Gerow bought the land in 1948, and the construction was made possible by aid from olics who met in their homes and were ministered to by missionary circuit priests. In 1922, E.W. Viola, and Dorothy Kelso moved from Jackson, Tennessee, to New the Extension Society, along with private donations, including those from Mr. and Albany, in order to open a bakery. That’s when the first Catholic community began Mrs. Frank Lewis, as well as Dr. Palmer Patterson, and volunteer labor, as from the to take shape. Because there was no church in New Albany, the Kelsos had to drive Milton DeNault family. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church was dedicated on June to Oxford or Tupelo for Mass. That changed when an Irish priest, Father Patrick 19, 1949, by Archbishop William O’Brien of the Extension Society. The first child Moran, became pastor of the already established St. Patrick Parish in Water Valley. – Continued on page 6 – He also assumed responsibility for St. Patrick’s missionary district, which, among 11 counties, included New INSIDE THIS WEEK Albany. The fledgling Catholic community celebrated the first Mass in Union County in the fall of 1938. It was in the Kelsos’ home, at 357 Garfield Street, with Father Moran as celebrant. The faithful used a portable altar, about the size of a card table. Dorothy Kelso joked that the table and furnishings were so modest, that, as she put it, “We often thought that only a prayer held it up.” Those present at the first Mass included Viola and Dorothy Kelso, Tom Bonner, a Mr. Flanagan, Mrs. John Tilly and her daughter, Margaret Ellen, and Mrs. Edith Around the diocese 7 Youth 14 Stone. From the archives 10 The following year the center of the missionary cirLenten meals, stations and Youth photos from around Bishop Elder's diary to cuit shifted from Water Valley to St. John’s in Oxford, reconciliation opportunities the diocese Bishop Brunini's yearbook and Father Cletus Manon became responsible for mak-