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AUGUST 20, 2021

mississippicatholic.com

Elizabeth Smart to speak at annual Charities Journey of Hope captivity and had no idea if she would ever see her parents, siblings and friends again. Very close to parents who brought her up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Smart leaned hard on her faith during her ordeal. “I was raised believing the family unit was forever,” she said. “Even if I had died while in captivity, there would still be a brother or grandparent – my family would still be a family. Conversely, if I got home and learned one of my parents had died, I knew I would see them again one day, and we would still be a family. That was a very large source of comfort to me.” Now 34 and married with three small children, the nationJACKSON – Elizabeth Smart's abduction and return captured headlines al bestselling author will sign in 2002 and 2003. She is the featured speaker at Catholic Charities Jourcopies of My Story and Where ney of Hope luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at the Jackson Convention There’s Hope at Bravo Restaurant Complex. (Photo courtesy of Premier Speakers Bureau) of Jackson at a meet-and-greet from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. BY JOE LEE 13. She’s the keynote speaker the following day at the JACKSON – Abducted at age 14 from her Utah famannual Journey of Hope luncheon, presented by Catholic ily home in 2002 in a kidnapping that drew national Charities, Inc. at the Jackson Convention Complex. media coverage, Elizabeth Smart spent nine months in

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Smart is president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which focuses on fighting sexual exploitation, advocacy, and prevention education. Not surprisingly, she is quite passionate about using her platform to help young girls and women who may not realize they are at risk. Smart, however, was hardly ready to discuss what had happened to her in the immediate aftermath. And while it took the case against captor Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee, a whopping eight years to go to trial, a silver lining of having to testify in open court about what she endured was Smart deciding she was ready to go public with her story and begin her advocacy. “I initially swore I would never do a book, a movie,” Smart said. “When I first got home (in 2003), I didn’t really understand what therapy was. In the first 48-72 hours I was taken to a children’s advocacy center where I was extensively interviewed by two middle-aged male psychiatrists." “They were very religious and good at their jobs, but I’d been abused – a lot – for nine months in just about every way you can imagine by middle-aged men who used religion to manipulate. Speaking to men so graphically about being raped was horrific, devastating. When I got out of that room, I thought, ‘If this is what therapy is, I don’t ever want to do it again.’ “Looking back, those men were investigators gathering evidence, and they were doing their jobs. They – Continued on page 6 –

CSA second collection set for Aug. 28-29 BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

have already given we greatly appreciJACKSON – There are hungry and homeless in Mississippi. There are college ate your support.” The theme of this year's appeal is students that need to be ministered to. There are seminarians that need our help to become our future priests. And there are retired priests that need our assistance after Embrace – Serve – Inspire, with bea lifetime of service. These are just a few of the ministries that the annual Catholic loved Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman as the inspiration. She once asked Service Appeal (CSA) supports. “Due to COVID protocols, we did not have a second collection in February of of God, "Touch me with your love so 2021 and opted to postpone to a later date. We hoped that we would meet our goal that I can help somebody, so that I can without a second collection for the CSA,” said Rebecca Harris, director of steward- serve somebody, so that I can bless ship and development for the diocese. “Unfortunately, that has not happened. We are somebody." It is not too late to make a differ$344,000 from our goal.” Parishes will have a second collection on Aug. 28-29 and pledge envelopes will be ence – to help, to serve, to bless somebody. For online donations and to learn available to help reach the CSA 2021 goal. The Catholic Service Appeal is important to many vital ministries of the diocese. more about each ministry the Catholic These ministries help carry out the mission of the church and reaching this goal will Service Appeal supports go to csa.jacksondiocese.org. ensure these ministries do not have budget cuts. There are eleven collective ministries that no one parINSIDE THIS WEEK ish could support on its own; however, joined as one, the diocese can make a difference. The appeal supports educating seminarians, Catholic Charities, campus ministry, mission parishes and schools, youth ministry, formational ministries, priest retirement and clergy assistance, evangelizing and communications. More information on each ministry is available on the diocese website. “We understand that many individuals and families have faced challenges during the pandemic and will not be able to support the CSA due to changing circumstancFrom the archives Sister takes vows 8 es. Please know that our prayers continue to be with you Mary Woodward delves Sister Kelly Moline takes and your family, and I ask for your prayers for the mininto the diocese archives vows for Dominican Sisters istries served by our appeal,” said Harris. “For those who

Pro-Life case 15 Many back Mississippi in court abortion case

AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

Calendar of events PARISH, FAMILY AND SCHOOL EVENTS ABERDEEN St. Francis of Assisi, Adult Bible Study meets on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. They are presently studying church history. All are welcome. Details: (662) 8132295. CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Father Raju is offering a Healing Mass on the first Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m. If you would like to schedule it for a special intention, call the church office at (662) 624-4301. FLOWOOD St. Paul Early Learning Center 8th annual Golf Tournament, Friday, Sept. 10 at Bay Pointe Golf Club. Individual players $100; four-person teams $400. Shotgun start at 1 p.m with lunch and doorprizes at 11:30 a.m. Dinner and awards at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds will be used to update tables and chairs in classrooms and cafeteria. Details: call 601-992-2876 or email stpaullearningcenter@gmail.com. GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, Save the Date, Germanfest is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-oriented festival is best known for its authentic German food and music. There are a lot of “behind-the-scenes” jobs that happen before the actual festival day. Wednesday, Sept. 8 – Kraut Packing, 4 p.m. until finished. This is the kraut they will use the day of the festival. Lots of help needed! Details: church office (601) 856-2054. GRENADA, RICHLAND & SUMMIT Pro-life Mississippi Walk for Life, Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. It is not just a walk it’s a family fun day! Food, games and more. No registration fee and prizes awarded. Details: https:// bit.ly/walk4life2021 or plm@prolifemississippi.org JACKSON St. Richard, Save the Date, An Evening

with Our Stars, Saturday, Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. This is a fundraiser benefitting the St. Richard Special Kids. Tickets are $60 each. Enjoy dinner, dancing and decadent desserts. Dinner will be provided by the Knights of Columbus. Details: church office (601) 3662335. 40th annual St. Richard Special Kids Day Golf Tournament, Thursday, Oct. 7 at Deerfield Golf Club. The unique gifts of the children are recognized and applauded, and the community participates in a day full of fun, excitement and meaningful fundraising. Details: To learn more, or to find out how to participate in this event, call the church office at (601) 366-2335 or email garner@ saintrichard.com. MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, The M&M Study Group will have sessions on Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 8, from 10-11:30 a.m. All ladies are invited to attend. The first session will be on the book ‘’Learning to Pray” by Father James Martin. Details: call (601) 6131926 or (601) 853-4187. Parish Mission, Wednesday, Sept. 22. Presenter: Deacon John McGregor, D.Min. will speak on “Discipleship and the Authenticity Gap” beginning with food and fellowship at 5 p.m. Deacon John will look at what authentic discipleship means in our everyday lives and why so many people are leaving the church. Details: church office (601) 856-5556. Save the Date, Cajun Fest 2021, Sunday, Oct. 3. Plan to attend for a great afternoon of fun and cajun music. Details: church office (601) 856-5556. MERIDAN Catholic Community of Meridian, Save the Date, Sunday, Sept. 12, we will gather after 11 a.m. Mass for a family luncheon to recognize and officially

welcome the parishioners who have joined our Catholic Community in the recent years. We look forward to everyone getting together once again to share a meal and the fellowship of one another. Details: church ofﬁce (601) 693-1321. NATCHEZ Assumption of BVM, the Grief Share program is held on Thursdays through Sept. 23 from 1-3 p.m. Details: to sign up call the church ofﬁce at (601) 442-7250 or (318)-421-4559 or sign up at www.Griefshare.org. OLIVE BRANCH Queen of Peace, Bible study/ prayer group will meet Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Details: contact Wayne Miller at (901) 679-3400 with any questions.

YOUTH BRIEFS HERNANDO Holy Spirit, “Open Gym” on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for sixth through 12th grades at the Family Life Center. Make plans to come and enjoy the food, fun and games. Details: church office (662) 429-7851. MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Ignite! 2021-22 Life Teen for 7th-12th graders begins with their annual kick-off event on Sunday, Aug. 29 starting with 5 p.m. Mass followed by supper and flaming fun! Details: contact Mary Catherine or Melissa at the church office (601) 856-5556.

FEATURED PHOTO Father McGing’s golden anniversary ...

CLINTON – Father Thomas McGing celebrated his golden jubilee with cake and fellowship at Holy Savior Catholic Church on June 14, 2021. He was ordained on June 14, 1971 at Killawalla Parish Church in County Mayo, Ireland and arrived in the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson on Aug. 25, 1971. He first served as assistant pastor at St. Richard Jackson and has served in many parishes and roles across the diocese, as well as in the chancery office. (Photo by Trish Ballard)

APPLIANCE AUDIO VIDEO BEDDING FURNITURE SUPERSTORE

Jackson Flowood R dgeland Pearl Cl nton V cksburg Tupelo Columbus Laurel Oxford Hatt esburg

let there be light

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

Diocesan ministries depend on generosity through service appeal BY BISHOP JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D. Dear friends in Christ, due to the pandemic many diocesan, parish and school events and programing were derailed, postponed or curtailed. One of the casualties earlier this year was the parish in-pew process for the 2021 Catholic Service Appeal. Consequently, our goal of $1,153,654 is down approximately $344,000. All things considered; this shortfall is directly related to the cancellation of the in-pew process over health concerns surrounding the spread of the COVID-19. But as the contributions to the appeal slowed to a trickle by early summer, I and other diocesan officials realized that we had to arrange for one final push to overcome the deficit that will surely have a negative impact on our ministries. The best approach would be to conduct the in-pew process as the cornerstone for this 11th hour drive, which is now scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29. A seven-month delay is unprecedented with this critical step for the success of the service appeal, but then again, we are navigating through

unprecedented times. The service appeal is an essential component of our annual diocesan budget, funding approximately 20% for our ministries and programs. To put a human face on this deficit, a 25% shortfall of $344,000 is most of what it costs to educate our six seminarians for the academic year ahead. Or this is most of the annual contribution to our Catholic Charities that each year is an unrestricted flow of income that can be used for shortfalls in programing. So much of the work of Catholic Charities is accomplished off the radar, but we are serving vulnerable populations throughout Mississippi, and the vast majority of our sisters and brothers whom we empower are not Catholic. We do the work because we are Catholic, and so we lift up the victims of domestic violence, those weighed down under the yoke of drugs and alcohol, homeless veterans who put their lives on the line, children and young people in foster care and adoption services, young people afflicted by mental health issues and family turmoil, disaster relief, counseling and immigration services, academic enrichment for underserved children and much more. Through all of these programs we fulfill our mission to be a visible sign of Christ’s love. Fittingly, we are concerned about the gaping deficit in this year’s goal, because all of our diocesan ministries that serve the Lord depend upon your generosity

through the service appeal. The ofﬁce of communication, including our Mississippi Catholic publication, Faith Formation and Evangelization, Youth ministry and Campus ministry, and more, will be adversely affected unless we can substantially or totally erase the deﬁcit. We are grateful to all who have contributed to this year’s appeal so far. Some even went the extra mile and made a second contribution, realizing that regular donors might not be able to give due to the setbacks of the pandemic. Currently, we are down 1,470 donors for this year’s appeal. Clearly, the postponement of the in-pew process is the major culprit. If you are able to contribute at the 11th hour of the 2021 appeal, please know that each and every gift will be a blessing. Whether you can take the opportunity through the in-pew-process on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29, through the mail or online giving, be assured that you will be supporting the mission of the Diocese of Jackson to serve others, to inspire disciples and to embrace diversity. Sister Thea Bowman would be so proud to behold each little light glowing together to become a beacon of hope for all in need, and for the glory of God.

flujo de ingresos sin restricciones que se puede utilizar para las suplir las deficiencias en la programación. Gran parte del trabajo de Caridades Católicas se realiza fuera del radar, muchas veces sin hacerse notar, pero estamos sirviendo a poblaciones vulnerables en todo el estado de Mississippi, y la gran mayoría de nuestras hermanas y hermanos a quienes empoderamos no son católicos. Hacemos el trabajo porque somos católicos, porque levantamos a las víctimas de la violencia doméstica, a los que sufren el yugo de las drogas y el alcohol, a los veteranos sin hogar que arriesgaron sus vidas, a los niños y jóvenes en hogares de acogida y adopción, en servicios a jóvenes afectados por problemas de salud mental y/o disfusión familiar, ayuda en caso de desastre, servicios de asesoramiento e inmigración, enriquecimiento académico para niños desatendidos y mucho más. A través de todos estos programas cumplimos con nuestra misión de ser un signo visible del amor de Cristo. Oportunamente, estamos preocupados por el enorme déficit en la meta de este año, porque todos nuestros ministerios diocesanos que sirven al Señor dependen de su generosidad a través del llamamiento de servicio. La oficina de comunicación, incluida nuestra publicación católica de Mississippi, Formación de fe y evangelización, ministerio de jóvenes

Ministerios diocesanos dependen de su generosidad con Campaña de Servicio Católico POR OBISPO JOSEPH R. KOPACZ, D.D. Queridos amigos en Cristo, debido a la pandemia, muchos eventos y programas diocesanos, parroquiales y escolares fueron cancelados, pospuestos o restringidos. Una de las víctimas a principios de este año fue la colecta parroquial en persona para la Apelación del Servicio Católico 2021. En consecuencia, nuestra meta de $ 1,153,654 solo llega aproximadamente a $ 344,000. Con esto en consideración; este déﬁcit está directamente relacionado con la cancelación de la recogida de donaciones personales en las bancas de la iglesia, debido a problemas de salud relacionados con la propagación del virus. A medida que las contribuciones a la Campaña se redujeron a un goteo a principios del verano, yo y otros funcionarios diocesanos nos dimos cuenta que teníamos

P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org

que hacer arreglos para, en un último empujón, superar el déficit, que seguramente tendrá un impacto negativo en nuestros ministerios. El mejor enfoque sería realizar el proceso en las bancas parroquiales, como piedra angular de esta unidad de 11 horas, que ahora está programada para sábado y domingo, próximos 28 y 29 de agosto. Un retraso de siete meses no tiene precedentes en este paso crítico para el éxito de la colecta para el Servicio Católico, pero, de nuevo, estamos atravesando tiempos sin precedentes. El llamamiento de ayuda para el Servicio Católico es un componente esencial de nuestro presupuesto diocesano anual, que financia aproximadamente el 20% de nuestros ministerios y programas. Para poner un rostro humano a esta diferencia, es bueno explicar que un déficit del 25% de $ 344,000 es la mayor parte de lo que cuesta educar a nuestros seis seminaristas para Volume 67 el próximo año académico. Number 15 (ISSN 1529-1693) O puede ser ésta la mayor parte de la contribución anual a nuestras organizaciones benéficas católicas, y que cada año es un

Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ...................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager ...................................................................................................Tereza Ma Contributors ......................................................................................................... Berta Mexidor

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BISHOP’S SCHEDULE Tuesday, Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m. – Mass of the Holy Spirit, St. Joseph, Greenville

............................................................................................................ Cindy Wood MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC LV DQ Rႈ FLDO SXEOLFDWLRQ RI WKH 'LRFHVH RI -DFNVRQ ( $PLWH 6W -DFNVRQ 06 3XEOLVKHG WZLFH SHU PRQWK -DQXDU\ $SULO DQG 6HSWHPEHU 'HFHPEHU RQH SHU PRQWK -XQH -XO\ DQG $XJXVW 6XEVFULSWLRQ UDWH D \HDU LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL RXW RI VWDWH 3HULRGLFDO SRVWDJH DW -DFNVRQ 06 DQG DGGLWLRQDO HQWU\ Rႈ FHV POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Catholic, P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130. Website: www.mississippicatholic.com www.jacksondiocese.org

Thursday, Sept. 2, 9:10 a.m. – Opening School Mass, Vicksburg Catholic Schools Saturday, Sept. 4, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. – Mass, St. Paul, Flowood All events are subject to change. Check with local parishes for further details.

AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

4 VOCATIONS CALLED BY NAME

Thanks to all the pastors and parish staffs who hosted seminarians this summer. It is vital that our future priests have positive experiences working with the People of God in our diocese, so thanks to St. Joseph Starkville, St. Paul Vicksburg, St. Peter Jackson, St. Joseph Greenville and Our Lady of Victories Cleveland for hosting our men. Also thanks to Father Scott Thomas, Father Mark Shoffner and the staff at St. Mary Basilica in Natchez as they continue to work with Deacon Andrew Bowden during his internship, which will last until mid-October. SAVE THE DATE(s) Our 2nd Annual Homegrown Harvest Festival is set for Oct. 2 at St. Paul in Flowood. This celebration of vocations and seminarians in our diocese will be a great opportunity for the people of the Father Nick Adam diocese get to know our current seminarians and also learn how they can support vocations in the coming year. Our fundraising goal is $100,000 to go toward our operating budget for the year. I will be sending out a Flocknote with much more information very soon, but if you want to buy tickets or sponsor the event you can go to one.bidpal.net/homegrownharvest2021 – right now! Deacon Andrew Bowden is scheduled to be ordained to the presbyterate at 10:30 a.m. on May 14, 2022 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle; Carlisle Beggerly will be ordained to the diaconate in preparation for priesthood at 10:30 a.m. on June 4, 2022 at his home parish – Immaculate Conception in West Point. Please mark these dates on your calendar! Our Quo Vadis discernment days were such a hit this summer that we are going to be offering another young men’s discernment retreat Friday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 21. The Diocese of Baton Rouge will also be taking part. I will be extending invitations to young men that I know may be interested, but if there are young men that you want to invite, please let me know and I will get them all the information! – Father Nick Adam If you want to know more about becoming a priest or religious brother or sister, please contact Father Nick at 601-969-4020 or nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org. You can also learn more about vocations by visiting to www.jacksonpriests.com. Follow vocations on Facebook and Instagram: @jacksonpriests

Spirituality 5

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

Why stay in the church? IN EXILE BY FATHER RON ROLHEISER, OMI Several weeks ago after giving a lecture at a religious conference, the ﬁrst question from the audience was this one: How can you continue to stay in a church that played such a pivotal part in setting up and maintaining residential schools for the indigenous people of Canada? How can you stay in a church that did that? The question is legitimate and important. Both in its history and in its present, the church has enough sin to legitimize the question. The list of sins done in the name of the church is long: the Inquisition, its support for slavery, its role in colonialism, its link to racism, its role in thwarting women’s rights, and its endless historical and present compromises with white supremacy, big money and political power. Its critics are sometimes excessive and unbalanced, but, for the most part, the church is guilty as charged. However, this guilt isn’t unique to the church. The same charges might be leveled against any of the countries in which we live. How can we stay in a country that has a history of racism, slavery, colonialism, genocide of some of its indigenous peoples, radical inequality between its rich and its poor, one that is callous to desperate refugees on its borders, and one within which millions of people hate each other? Isn’t it being rather selective morally to say that I am ashamed to be a Catholic (or a Christian) when the nations we live in share the same history and the same sins? Still, since the church is supposed to be leaven for a society and not just a mirror of it, the question is valid. Why stay in the church? There are good apologetic answers on this, but, at the end of the day, for each of us, the answer has to be a personal one. Why do I stay in the church? First, because the church is my mother tongue. It gave me the faith, taught me about God, gave me God’s word, taught me to pray, gave me the sacraments, showed me what virtue looks like, and put me in contact with some living saints. Moreover, despite all its shortcomings, it was for me authentic enough, altruistic enough, and pure enough to have the moral authority to ask me to entrust my soul to it, a trust I’ve not given any other communal entity. I’m very comfortable worshipping with other religions and sharing soul with non-believers, but in the church in which I was raised, I recognize home, my mother tongue. Second, the church’s history is not univocal. I recognize its sins and openly acknowledge them, but that’s far from its full reality. The church is also the church of martyrs, of saints, of inﬁnite generosity, and of millions of women and men with big, noble hearts who are my moral exemplars. I stand in the darkness of its sins; but I also stand in the light of its grace, of all the good things it has done in history. Wholesale and home Finally, and freezer service most importBeef – Pork – Sausage ant, I stay in the 109 - A Camellia Dr. church because the Natchez church is all we’ve got! There’s no 601-445-8743 other place to go. I

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identify with the ambivalent feeling that rushed through Peter when, just after hearing Jesus say something which had everyone else walk away from him, Peter was asked, “do you want to walk away too?” and he (speaking for all the disciples) replied: “We’d like to, but we have no place else to go. Besides we recognize that, despite everything, you still have the words of everlasting life.” In essence, Peter is saying, “Jesus, we don’t get you, and what we get we often don’t like. But we know we’re better off not getting it with you than going any place else. Dark moments notwithstanding, you’re all we’ve got!” The church is all we’ve got! Where else can we go? Behind the expression, ‘I am spiritual, but not religious’ (however sincerely uttered) lies either an invincible failure or a culpable reluctance to deal with the necessity of religious community, to deal with what Dorothy Day

called “the asceticism of church life.” To say, I cannot or will not deal with an impure religious community is an escape, a self-serving exit, which at the end of the day is not very helpful, not least for the person saying it. Why? Because for compassion to be effective it needs to be collective, given the truth that what we dream alone remains a dream but what we dream with others can become a reality. I cannot see anything outside the church that can save this world. There is no pure church anywhere for us to join, just as there is no pure country anywhere for us in which to live. This church, for all its checkered history and compromised present, is all we have. We need to own its faults since they are our faults. Its history is our history; its sin, our sin; and its family, our family – the only lasting family we’ve got. (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

Look to Christ, not the law, to receive new life BY CAROL GLATZ

of the law that did not yet exist.” “Having said this, one should not think, however, VATICAN CITY (CNS) – What made Christian life radically new was the call for those who have faith in that St. Paul was opposed to the Mosaic law” because he Jesus Christ to live in the Holy Spirit, who liberates from does defend its divine origin and says it has “a well-dethe law God handed down to Moses, Pope Francis said fined role in the history of salvation,” the pope said. “The law, however, does not give life, it does not during his weekly general audience. Mosaic law was necessary and important to follow offer the fulfillment of (God’s) promise, because it is at that time in history, but it served as a path to follow not capable of being able to fulfill it. Those who seek toward an eventual encounter with Christ and his com- life need to look to the promise and to its fulfillment in mandment of love, he said Aug. 11 to those gathered in Christ,” he said. This was the problem – when people put more imthe Paul VI audience hall at the Vatican. The pope continued with his series of talks reflect- portance on observing the law than with encountering ing on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, focusing on the Christ, he said. This passage of St. Paul to the Galatians “presents the apostle answering the question, “Why, then, the law” if, after all, “there is the Holy Spirit and if there is Jesus radical newness of the Christian life: All those who have faith in Jesus Christ are called to who redeems us?” live in the Holy Spirit, who lib“The law is a journey” and it erates from the law and, at the acts like a teacher that takes peosame time, brings it to fulfillment ple by the hand, leading them according to the commandment forward, toward an encounter of love,” he said. with Jesus and having faith in The law is a path and “may Christ, he said. the Lord help people walk along God gave Moses the law to the path of the Ten Commandprepare his people on this jourments, however, by looking at ney during a time of rampant Christ’s love, the encounter with idolatry and to help his people Christ, knowing that the encounguide their behavior in a way ter with Jesus is more important that showed and expressed their than all the commandments,” he faith and covenant with God, he said. said. Addressing people after the However, he said, the law main audience talk, Pope Francis was not the covenant; the covetold French-speaking visitors that nant came first with Abraham, it was “with great sorrow” that he hundreds of years before Moses, Pope Francis smiles as he arrives for his learned of the Aug. 6 murder of the pope said. The covenant was based not on the observance of general audience in the Vatican’s Paul the 60-year-old Montfort Father the law, but on faith in the fulfil- VI hall Aug. 11, 2021. (CNS photo/Vat- Olivier Maire. “I extend my condolences to ment of God’s promises, he said. ican Media) St. Paul needed to clarify the role of the law to the Galatians because there were “fundamentalist missionaries” among them who seemed almost “nostalgic” about observing Mosaic law, believing that adhering to the covenant also included observing the Mosaic law, he said. The apostle explains that, “in reality, the covenant and the law are not linked indissolubly,” the pope said. “The first element he relies on is that the covenant established by God with Abraham was based on faith in the fulfillment of the promise and not on the observance

the religious community of the Monfortians in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre in Vendée, to his family and to all Catholics in France,” he said, assuring everyone of his closeness. At the end of the audience, right before the pope was set to greet visitors, an aide went to the pope, spoke to him for a few minutes and handed him a mobile phone. The pope spoke on the phone for a few minutes, then left the hall brieﬂy before returning to greet visitors as usual.

6 DIOCESE

AUGUST 20 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

'... Distress can be healed ...' – Continued from page 1 –

weren’t therapists, and I believe in therapy 100 percent,” Smart said. “After the trial, I realized my story deserved more than a list of ‘bullet points.’ I knew there was value in it because what I went through could help people understand and change, provide some amount of hope in their lives. That’s what pushed me to tell my story, to become involved in pieces of legislation.” Smart will bring a message of situational awareness to her audiences in Jackson, as well as one of deep, abiding faith for young girls and women who’ve suffered. “My favorite campaign that we do for the Elizabeth Smart Foundation is ‘We Believe You,” which is in support of victims knowing we believe them,” she said. “If you doubt their story, that can set the trajectory for whether they pursue healing in a positive or negative way: ‘If Mom didn’t believe me, no one will.’ It’s a poison that can kill you from the inside out. “I want females to know they’re daughters of God, and that He loves them more than they can ever imagine. I want them to recognize that everything taken away from them and everything that caused them distress can be healed,” said Smart. Journey of Hope luncheon: Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 12-1 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex. Elizabeth will speak for 30 minutes and will be followed by Johanna Beeland of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Ofﬁce, who will speak on human trafﬁcking in our state.

Human trafficking prevention and victim services to be featured at Journey of Hope BY JOE LEE JACKSON – Human trafficking, including the kind of torture and suffering Elizabeth Smart went through for almost a year, is real, and happens right here in Mississippi. It takes great courage and trust to speak up after being traumatized, but valuable and completely confidential resources are always available. “In order to prevent human trafficking, communities must rally together and be made aware that it exists,” said Wanda Thomas, executive director of Catholic Charities, Inc. (CCI). “We want to make certain that children, youth, parents and at-risk adults in our cities are educated. It is important to bring awareness through factual details of what trafficking looks like. Furthermore, we want to provide education as it relates to recovery after rescue.” CCI’s victim services program furnishes trafficking victims with shelter, food, medical attention, clothing, counseling, legal information and assistance with crime victim compensation. The Healing Hearts program, also a service of CCI, offers specific trauma counseling for both young girls and adult women. “For our youth, we have Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT),” said Lakeisha Davis, CCI community service program director. “TF-CBT is especially sensitive to the unique problems of youth with post-traumatic stress and mood disorders resulting from sexual abuse, violence or grief. We move at the pace of our client, and no process is rushed or has a time limit. We are here as long as it takes. “Our women also receive intense trauma therapy. Again, we know and understand that trauma is real and healing hurts. Our last phase is reprogramming, where we rewrite the story with our client, teaching our client to reconnect with others, to develop social skills, and we allow her to mourn the losses from those years spent in survival mode. We believe in validation, acceptance and, most of all, healing.” Johanna Beeland, deputy director of engagement and human trafficking manager for the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, will speak at the Journey of Hope luncheon about helping trafficking victims recover with hope and dignity. “We have an interactive services map and potential access to the crime victims’ compensation fund,” Beeland said. “We encourage all victims, or anyone who may know of someone being trafficked, to report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. “Tips can be reported anonymously, 24/7, and are directed to local authorities on the ground, like our office, in real time, to ensure quick and timely responses to possible victims. I’ll also be sharing information on the signs that you or someone you know is being trafficked, and how to report trafficking.” Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text the word INFO to 233733. For more information on victim assistance at the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, visit www.AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com. Visit Catholic Charities Inc. at catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Please send completed guest list by September 7th so we can send formal invitations to your guests. Fax to: 601-960-8493 or mail to: Catholic Charities, Inc., 850 East River Place, Jackson, MS 39202 or email guest list to michael.thomas@ccjackson.org

To be a table captain call: 601-326-3714

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

DIOCESE 7

St. Paul Vicksburg dedicates statue of patron saint BY JOHN SURRATT, THE VICKSBURG POST VICKSBURG – A statue of St. Paul Catholic Church’s patron saint now graces the church’s sanctuary, and the story behind its arrival begins with a new pastor and a donation left to the church’s altar society. Not long after he arrived at St. Paul Catholic Church as pastor, Father Rusty Vincent was approached by Janice Waring with a gift from the church’s altar society. “Some money was donated to the altar society years ago and it had been in a CD for many years,” said Waring, who was altar society treasurer. Interest in the altar society had been waning for several years and two years ago the group disbanded with the money still in the bank. “I went to Father Rusty and said we want to do something with it, but we don’t want to piecemeal it out,” Waring said. “What is something we may need?” Father Vincent noticed the need. The church had statues of Jesus and Mary but there was no statue of the church’s patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle. “Since the church didn’t have a St. Paul statue and we were named St. Paul’s, I thought that was the best thing to do,” Father Vincent said. The decision led to a two-year process to find a statue of St. Paul that ended with the T.H. Stemper Co., which specializes in supplies and reconditioning and making statues for churches, making the statue. When she first saw the statue, Waring said, “It was a white statue, but the manufacturer put us with an artist and when it was finished it looks like wood. We were very pleased.” Parishioner Charles Hahn made the stand for the

statue using the old church organ’s wood pipes. On June 27, St. Paul dedicated the statue of its patron saint during a ceremony at its 10:30 a.m. Mass. “He is the patron saint of the church, it is named after him and the saints in heaven are already with God so they’re interceding on our behalf; they’re praying for us to get to heaven,” Father Vincent said of the statue’s signiﬁcance to the parish. “When you name a church after a saint, you have a special connection with that saint,” he said. “St. Paul’s life as a saint, whether it be his conversion or martyrdom, is all to encourage us to live the life of a saint as he did.” St. Paul initially persecuted Christians. “He was caught up in the zeal for the Jewish faith,” he said. “He was very passionate about it but at the same time too, VICKSBURG – Father Rusty Vincent blesses the statue of St. Paul he was very misguided in the sense of which was added to the sanctuary of St. Paul parish in Vicksburg the fact that he thought he was right, but on June 27. (Photo by Connie Hosemann) he was living it out in a cruel way. (Reprinted with permission of The Vicksburg Post. John “Then he had his conversion; he had that vision of Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Christ that’s seen in the Acts of the Apostles and changed degree in general studies. He has been a member of The him completely; he was devoted to Christ from that day Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city governforward, even to death. It was amazing the change he ment. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church.) went through,” Father Vincent said.

DIOCESE

AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

Sister Kelly Moline professes perpetual vows as Dominican Sister of Springfield BY SISTER BETH MURPHY, OP

and history of the Order of Preachers. A second year was spent with other women SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Early in the discerning Dominican consecrated life in morning on the day after she made her the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate in perpetual profession of vows as a DoSt. Louis. During the third year the focus minican Sister of Springfield, Sister Kelwas ministry, when she experienced the ly Moline was in a car travelling back to pillars of Dominican life — prayer, study, Jackson, Mississippi, where she ministers preaching and common life — alongside as a chaplain in the COVID-strained St. already-professed members of the conDominic’s Hospital. gregation at various mission sites. The day before, Sunday, Aug. 8, During that time, she accompanied 2021, a defining moment of Sister Kelly English language learners at the DominMoline’s life had come and gone. Beyond ican Literacy Center in Aurora, Illinois; that moment, what follows is a lifelong learned the challenges of life on the Pine commitment to her vows of consecration Ridge Indian Reservation while ministerto God as a Dominican Sister of Springing alongside Sister Barbara Ann Bogenfield. That, of course, is not a small or schutz at Our Lady of the Sioux Parish, simple thing. As Dominican Brother TimOglala, South Dakota; was introduced to othy Radcliffe said while he was Master the life and ministry of our sisters in JarGeneral of the Order of Preachers, “What pa and Lima Peru; and spent time with we profess in a moment we live in to for our sisters who carry out a variety of a lifetime.” ministries at St. Dominic Hospital and St. This, Sister Kelly does not do alone. Catherine’s Village in Jackson. It is there In addition to the grace of God which she now ministers, serving as a chaplain’s accompanies every person through life, assistant at St. Dominic’s. she also has the support of her SpringAfter professing her first vows in field Dominican Sisters and a global Do2016, Sister Kelly completed a master’s minican Family that includes thousands degree in pastoral studies at Catholic of others who have been claimed for the Sister Kelly Moline makes a prostration on the altar in preparation for the sung Theological Union while living in comOrder of Preachers as sisters, brothers, orprayer of the litany of saints. She professed her perpetual vows as a Dominican munity with Springfield Dominican Sisdained ministers and laity. Sister of Springfield on Sunday, Aug. 8. (Photo courtesy of Sister Beth Murphy, ters at St. Martin de Porres Convent in Sister Kelly’s parents, Kevin and Cindy OP) Chicago. Moline, of Glendale, Arizona, raised SisDuring Sunday Mass on the feast of ter Kelly and her brother Jay in Minnesothe Dominicans’ desire to be willing to move anywhere the founder of the Order of Preachers, St. Dominic de ta, Florida, Iowa and Missouri. “I was itinerant before I to fulfill the preaching mission of the order. knew what that was,” Sister Kelly quipped, referring to In an interview for the new podcast, F.L.O.W.cast, Sis- Guzman, Sister Kelly knelt in the sanctuary of Sacred ter Kelly said, “There is a certain joy that Heart Convent Chapel, placed her hands in the hands of comes in knowing you are where you are Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, the congregation’s prioress supposed to be.” She likes to quote the fa- general, and proclaimed the vows that Dominicans have mous Dominican mystic St. Catherine of proclaimed for centuries: I, Sister Kelly Moline, make profession, and promise Siena who said “Be who you are meant to be and you will set the world on fire.” Like obedience to God, to Blessed Mary, to Blessed Dominic, and the 14th Century Dominican, Sister Kel- to you, Sister Rebecca Ann Gemma, the Prioress General of ly seems to have found her place. “To be our congregation, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, and with the poor, to be with the sick, to pro- to your successors, according to the Rule of St. Augustine vide them hospitality, that is what brought and the Constitutions of this congregation. I will be obedient to you and your successors until death. me joy,” Sister Kelly said. “With these ancient words, Sister Kelly became the After completing a bachelor’s degree in gerontology from Missouri State Univer- most recent in a long line of women and men who have sity in 2005, Sister Kelly worked in con- been drawn by God toward a life of prayer, study, comtinuing care retirement communities in St. mon life and preaching,” said Sister Elyse Ramirez, who Louis and Southbury, Connecticut, before has accompanied Sister Kelly as director of initial fortaking the position that synced her coordi- mation for the Springfield Dominicans. “Sister Kelly’s nates with several Springfield Dominican yes puts her in good company. Her commitment is a courageous one at this time of such dramatic change in Sisters. “I moved to Springfield for work in the church and the world. We are so happy to have her 2009 and kept bumping into Springfield alongside us and encourage other women to consider Dominicans,” she said in 2019. “I’d been the same rewarding, challenging path.” To learn how you can become a member of the Dothinking about religious life already. The joy I saw in those first three sisters I met minican Family visit https://springfieldop.org/join-us/ or — Sister Maxine, Sister Concepta and Sis- contact Sister Denise Glazik at dglazik@spdom.org. ter Loyola — made me want to learn more about Dominican life.” Sister Kelly began formation in Dominican consecrated life in 2013, giving three years toward prayer, study and ongoing discernment of her call to religious life. Her first year was focused on learning the basics of faith, religious life and the charism

The Dominican Sisters of Springfield are part of a worldwide Dominican family, the Order of Preachers. For more than 800 years, Dominicans have preached the Gospel in word and deed. The Springfield Dominicans were established in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1873 and relocated to Springfield in 1893. Today, thousands of Dominican sisters, nuns, priests, brothers, associates, and laity minister in more than 100 countries around the world.

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

OBITUARies 9

In memorium: Abbot Thomas DeWane, O. Praem., Sister Roselyn Snyder, OP and Sister Nicholas Catrambone, BVM Abbot Thomas DeWane, O, Praem. DE PERE, Wis. – Abbot Emeritus Evermode Thomas DeWane, O. Praem., 89, a member of the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, Wisconsin and a Norbertine priest, passed into God’s eternal kingdom on July 31, 2021. Abbot DeWane was born on Feb. 26, 1932 in Green Bay to the late Thomas and Angeline (Bos) DeWane. His home parish was St. Willebrord in Green Bay. After graduating as salutatorian from what was then Central Catholic High School, his desire to become a priest solidified. Abbot DeWane felt he was “born to be a priest.” He was vested as a novice, professed simple vows and solemn vows on Aug. 28 in 1950, 1952 and 1955, respectively. In 1955, he graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy while teaching at Abbot Pennings High School. On May 31, 1958, Abbot DeWane was ordained to the priesthood. After ordination, he served as a teacher, then registrar at Premontre High School in Green Bay for five years. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee and obtained a doctorate in education in 1964. From there, he went on to the University of Chicago for doctoral administration studies, while also being the house superior at the Holy Spirit House of Studies for six years. Upon returning to De Pere in 1970, he was appointed Dean of Students at St. Norbert College. In 1973, Abbot DeWane returned to the high school and served as principal for nine years. During this time, he was on the St. Norbert College board of trustees, held leadership positions on several educational committees and was active in various professional organizations. In 1983, he returned to St. Norbert College to serve as the director of teacher education, a position he held for nine years. In 1993, Abbot DeWane was appointed the director of formation for St. Norbert Abbey. In April 1994, he was elected as fifth Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey and received his abbatial blessing from Bishop Robert Banks on June 6, 1994. After his nine-year term as abbot, he moved to the Priory of St. Moses the Black in Raymond, Mississippi and ministered in a variety of parishes and the state correctional facility. He retired to St. Norbert Abbey in 2019. He is survived by the Norbertine community of St. Norbert Abbey; one sister, Marilyn Marsh; many nieces and nephews. Abbot DeWane was preceded in dealth by his par-

ents; siblings: Gordon (Elaine) DeWane, Lois (John) Cawley, Gladys Jentz; brother-in-law, Charles Marsh. Abbot DeWane’s Mass of Christian Burial took place on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 and he was buried in the St. Norbert Abbey Cemetery. Sister Roselyn Snyder, OP SINSINAWA, Wis. — Sister Roselyn Snyder, OP, died June 25, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wisconsin. Her religious name was Sister Adeltrude. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, July 8, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. Sister Roslyn made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1949, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1952. She ministered in education as a teacher for 27 years, assistant principal for two years, and principal for four years. Sister Roslyn served as director of social justice ministry for three years, in parish ministry for eight years, and director of religious education for five years. She served the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa as finance officer for the Southern Province for 14 years and as support staff in the Office of Development for 15 years. Sister Roslyn believed in the dignity of every person and worked for social justice with her unwavering, calm, and caring presence. She served in Illinois, the District of Columbia, Wisconsin, Alabama and Mississippi. In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Roslyn served the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa as finance officer for the Southern Province, 1998-2002, while living in Madison. Sister Roslyn was born Oct. 5, 1928, in Galena, Ill., the daughter of Peter and Mathilda (Kaiser) Snyder. Her parents; four sisters, Delphine Sheehan Fischer, Alverna Segert, Mabel Bussan, and Marian Davis; and two brothers, Richard Snyder and Emmet Snyder, preceded her in death. She is survived by

nieces, nephews, and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 71 years of religious life. Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online. Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Roslyn are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab. Sister Nicholas “Nic” Catrambone, BVM DEBUQUE, Iowa – Sister Nicholas “Nic” Catrambone, BVM, 85, died Monday, July 12, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa. Private funeral services were held Tuesday, July 20, 2021 with burial in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. She was born April 8, 1936, in Chicago to Nicholas and Theresa Catrambone. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary congregation on Sept. 8, 1954, from St. Callistus parish, Chicago. She professed ﬁrst vows on March 19, 1957, and ﬁnal vows on July 16, 1962. In Clarksdale, Mississippi, she taught at Immaculate Conception High School from 1964 to 1978, and worked in prison ministry. Sister Nic taught at Memphis Catholic High School from 1984 to 1992. She also served in prison ministry at the Shelby County Jail and volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen. She also taught in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Anthony, Joseph (Thelma), Eugene, and Arthur Catrambone; and sisters Tessie (Ralph) Galluzzi and Kay (Dominic) Belmonte. She is survived by a sister, Letty Catrambone, Oak Park, Ill.; sisters-in-law Mary Catrambone, Westlake Village, Calif., and Terri Catrambone, Oak Park, Ill.; nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 66 years. Memorials may be given to the BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003.

10 DIOCESE

AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

Annual Bishop’s Cup tournament set for Sept. 18 BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

JACKSON – On Thursday, Sept. 16, the 39th annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament will take place at Lake Caroline Golf Club. All are invited to sign up for a great day of golf or even just join Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the Catholic Foundation for dinner and a live auction at The Mermaid Café. “Last year we had to cancel our dinner at the Mermaid Café. We had to put strict COVID protocols in place so we could have the tournament. We are really excited about the tournament this year. Golfers will be able to socialize before the tournament and we are looking forward to gathering at the Mermaid Café afterwards. We hope some of our non-golﬁng friends will be able to join us as well,” said Rebecca Harris, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation. Each year the Catholic Foundation supports grant projects around the diocese. Parishes, schools and Catholic ministries submit grants proposals each year. The Catholic Foundation has funded projects like parish renovations, STEM labs, Catholic Charities domestic violence program and pro-life billboards just to name a few. This year proceeds from the tournament will go to the Bishop Joseph N. Latino Memorial Trust. This trust will support future grant projects around the diocese. Steve Carmody has chaired this event for the past 29 years. “The tournament continues to grow each year, and we are always excited to see our golfers return. We would like to thank all past sponsors who have helped to make the tournament a success. We hope that you will join Bishop Kopacz and the other participants again this year,” said Carmody. Tee time will be at 1 p.m. for the event with lunch served at 12 p.m. The cost per player is $200 and priests play for free. Each golfer receives lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, snacks and beverages on the course, a large golf towel and dinner with two

MADISON – The annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament will take place at Lake Caroline Golf Club on Thursday, Sept. 16. To register or sponsor the event visit one.bidpal.net/bishopscup2021. free drink tickets at The Mermaid Café. Also, with the event the Catholic Foundation offers a hole in one prize of $10,000. Even if someone isn’t a golf player, fun can be had after the tournament at The Mermaid Café at 6 p.m. Dinner tickets are $40 per person and there will be a silent and live auction. For more information on the golf tournament or to sponsor the event, visit one. bidpal.net/bishopscup2021. If you would like to donate an item to the auctions or volunteer, contact Julia Williams at 601-960-8481.

Connect God’s will to your will BY REBECCA HARRIS

JACKSON – The Catholic Foundation was established in 1973 to help donors with planned giving gifts to support parishes, schools, and ministries in our diocese. Donors wish to express their gratitude to God for a lifetime of blessings. Due to the pandemic many of us have been thinking about our mortality. After all, each day on the news we are told how many people are dying of COVID in our country. That starts us thinking about – what if? We should also be asking ourselves what happens? What will happen to the things in my life if I have no will. Who decides where my possessions go if I have

no will? Those are important questions to ask yourself. Our loved ones may not know our intentions. The Catholic Foundation can help you think about how to plan out your will. They offer an estate planning kit to help understand the benefits of smart estate and gift planning. With the guidance of your own estate planner, you can determine what strategies work best for you. What is planned giving? A planned gift is a charitable donation that is structured during a donor’s lifetime, and it typically funded upon or after death. Planned gifts are a way for you to create a lasting legacy for future generations and support the ministries that matter most to you. Most planned gifts options require no cash outlay during your lifetime. Just as you plan for your future, so must parishes, schools and diocesan ministries like retired priests and seminarian education must plan for their future. Are you ready to start your will? Creating a will is not as difficult as it sounds. The Catholic Foundation can provide you with a will planning workbook.; and is here to help with the bequest wording that you will need if you wish to leave a parish, school or ministry in your will. The will planning workbook can then be taken to your estate planning to help you execute your plan. The Foundation office can also provide you with a funeral planning guide to take the burden of planning a funeral off your loved ones by providing them with your funeral wishes. The Founcation is here to help!

The staff at the Catholic Foundation is here to help you determine which opportunities will work best for you. You do not have to be wealthy or at a certain stage of your life to make a difference. The Foundation hopes that when you are working on your estate planning that you consider your parish, Catholic school or other Catholic ministry in your decisions. A bequest in your will to your parish will have a long-term impact and you are putting your Catholic values in action. The Catholic Foundation would be happy to work with you on the various ways to give and answer any of your questions. Please contact Rebecca Harris at the Catholic Foundation at 601-960-8477.

Mississippi Catholic join our email list: text: MSCATHOLIC to 84576

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

DIOCESE 11

Bishop Gunn’s diary provides insight to perils of travel in the early days of diocesan life FROM THE ARCHIVES

lin was making his way around the diocese for Confirmation celebrations. BY MARY WOODWARD Let me share a particular instance JACKSON – A bishop’s life is full of travel around the from Bishop John Gunn’s diary dated diocese to visit parishes, schools and missions. This time June 8, 1912, in which he accounts for of year, it involves school masses for the opening of the an unfortunate incident that led to Bishnew academic year. Because of COVID, these celebra- op Heslin’s ultimate demise. It may give tions did not occur last August. a better appreciation for a bishop’s life Confirmation celebrations have Bishop Joseph Ko- on the road. pacz all over the diocese from one end to the other. “Visit to Montpelier. This is a little These celebrations normally take place between Easter mission chapel about 13 miles from and Pentecost, but due to schedules and once again the West Point, without a railroad and with pandemic, Confirmation celebrations have been spread the poorest roads imaginable. On the out into the summer months. way out from West Point to MontpeThis weekend Bishop Kopacz will be in Ripley at St. lier I heard a story about Bishop Heslin Matthew Mission to confer Confirmation on more than which is worth recording. a dozen young people. Ripley is in Tippah County, and “The good Bishop was, like myself, I have a special connection to the area because my ma- going out to the little chapel to give Conternal grandmother’s family is from Tippah County. My firmation. The best pair of mules in the great-grandparents are buried in the Pine Hill Cemetery neighborhood were commandeered to just outside of Ripley on the way to Walnut. bring the Bishop out. The Bishop’s carSuffice it to say that our diocese being the largest riage was a spring wagon and a plank diocese geographically east of the Mississippi River cre- put over the sideboards formed the ates long drives. Tippah County borders Tennessee and cushions for the driver and the Bishop. is part of the rolling hills section of the state where beau“The roads were of that peculiar tiful views can be found around various bends in the type known in Mississippi as ‘corduroy’ road. Ripley is close to a four-hour drive from Jackson. roads. Branches of trees, stumps, logs, Imagine travelling to Ripley on horseback or in a cart etc. are imbedded in the mud roads from Natchez as was done in the early days of our di- during the Winter, In the Spring these ocese. This was the life of our bishops back in the day are covered with dirt and there is a good even up into the early 1900s when Bishop Thomas Hes- road until the first rain comes. Then the dirt is washed up and the stumps are very much in Bishop Thomas Heslin, the fifth bishop of the diocese, died on Feb. evidence, especially when 22, 1911. He guided the diocesan church through the turn of the the mules get into a trot. century. A few weeks prior to his death while visiting churches “It seems that on the in East Central Mississippi, he met with an unfortunate accident. past visit of Bishop Hes- Bishop Heslin most likely suffered a broken rib from this accident lin, the driver talked all and may have ultimately succumbed to pneumonia. (Photos from he knew about cotton, archives) lumber, and the country and talked so much that recovered from the shock and the injury sustained by the mules fell asleep. It is thought that this fall. Bishop Heslin – if he was not asleep, was “The driver who brought me out to Montpelier was at least nodding – and at the moment the the same one who had brought Bishop Heslin and he driver woke up and commenced to whip gave me the story as written.” the mules into some kind of activity. This incident would have occurred most likely in “The sudden start caught the Bishop 1910 because Bishop Heslin died in February 1911. unprepared and he made a double somBishop Gunn concludes his description of his own ersault over the spring wagon and fell on arrival and visit in Montpelier thusly: “I arrived at Motthe road. The driver was so busy with the pelier for supper. The day was hot, and all the neighbors mules that he forgot the Bishop and did of the little village were invited to sup with me. not know of the mishap for nearly half a “There was a table spread for all comers on a kind mile. of porch. The neighbors supplied the feed and there was “Then there was the difficulty of turn- plenty of it. I think that all the flies of the country got noing the pair of mules on the road and a tice because they were present like the locusts of Egypt. convenient turning spot had to be reached. They were in everything, tasting everything, and lighting This delayed the recovery of the Bishop everywhere, especially on the bishop’s nose. for a considerable time and when the “A few girls got branches of trees and used them to mule driver and his mules found the Bish- keep the flies away. It was all right as long as the girls op – Bishop Heslin was in a dead faint. minded their business but when they forgot the flies and “The good Bishop was a big man and a hit the guests there was some embarrassment. heavy man, and the mule driver was lean “We had Mass and confirmation in the little chapel, and lanky and there was no help in sight which strange to say was dedicated to St. Patrick and for or available. There was nothing to do only that reason several parts of it were painted green. We to take the sideboards from the wagon and Bishop John Edward Gunn, a Marist priest, was the sixth Bish- form an inclined plane and roll the Bishop returned to celebrate Sunday.” More from Bishop Gunn next time… op of Natchez. He was known as brilliant orator and for having up the plane and make him comfortable in tremendous energy. Through his writings, we learn that Bishop the wagon. “He recovered consciousness (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Heslin suffered a fall while travelling around the diocese for Con- before he reached West Point. Diocese of Jackson) firmation celebrations in 1910. “It is said that the Bishop never really

12 OLYMPIC BRIEFS

AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

SCOTCH PLAINS (CNS) – When U.S. runner Sydney McLaughlin crossed the finish line to win the gold in the 400-meter hurdles Aug. 3 in Tokyo, she had the cheers of fans supporting her from the New Jersey Catholic high school where she graduated four years ago. Fans at the watch party at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains jumped up and down and cheered for their fellow alumnae who broke her own world record in the event and narrowly beat fellow U.S. teammate Dalilah Muhammad, who was the defending title-winner in this event. Another local watch party was taking place in McLaughlin’s hometown of Dunellen, New Jersey. McLaughlin began her quest to win the gold medal in the event at the Summer Games when she smashed the world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. McLaughlin, who turns 22 Aug. 7, stunned the track and field world as a 16-year-old student at Union Catholic when she made the U.S. team for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. On July 27, the last night of the U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. She became the first woman to run the 400 hurdles in under 52 seconds – she set a new world record of 51.90.

TOKYO (CNS) – Hidilyn Diaz became the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal winner, set an Olympic record – and thanked her friends who prayed the Miraculous Medal novena. In a virtual news conference, the 30-year-old said she also prayed the novena and wore the medal. After winning July 26, the four-time Olympian praised God and lifted up Our Lady’s Miraculous Medal from around her neck while repeatedly shouting “Thank You, Lord,” reported the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines News. That gesture by Diaz went viral, CBCP News reported. After her win in the women’s 55-kg weightlifting – she had an overall lift of 224 kilograms – more than 493 pounds – she told the virtual news conference about the Miraculous Medal. “It is a sign of ... my faith to Mama Mary and Jesus Christ,” she said. In a statement, Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao congratulated Diaz on behalf of the Philippine bishops. “Her victory was captured through many lenses, and in one of those photos was her holding the gold medal and wearing a Miraculous Medal of Our Lady on her chest. We admire her devotion to the Blessed Mother as she car- Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines poses with her ried in her victory her great gold medal and Miraculous Medal after winfaith in God. Hidilyn is a true ning the gold in women’s weightlifting at the weightlifter who draws her 2020 Tokyo Olympics July 26, 2021. Diaz bestrength from her love for the came the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal U.S. runner and gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin celebrates Aug. 4, 2021, after country and a deep Catholic winner and set an Olympic record. (CNS phobreaking the world record to win the women’ 400-meter hurdles final at Olympic faith,” the archbishop said. to/Hidilyn Diaz, Instagram, via CBCP News) “Congratulations, Hidilyn! Stadium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (CNS photo/Lucy Nicholson, Reuters) May the Lord continue to bless you with perseverance.” WASHINGTON (CNS) – After a week of historic and electrifying swimming events at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, two Catholic Olympians will return to their hometown of Bethesda having proudly represented their parish community, their schools and the USA. Katie Ledecky won two gold and two silver medals, and Phoebe Bacon had a strong fifth-place finish in the 200-meter backstroke. Both Olympic athletes attended Little Flower School in Bethesda, in the Washington Archdiocese, and are alumnae of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, also in Bethesda. Three-time Olympian Ledecky, 24, now a 10-time Olympic medalist, is one of the most decorated female U.S. Olympians ever and also one of the most dominant female swimmers in history. One gold in Tokyo was for coming in first in what was a first: the Olympics inaugural women’s 1,500-meter freestyle swim July 28. Her other gold was her seventh gold in what is her signature event: the 800-meter freestyle race. “What a thrill it has been to watch Katie and Phoebe compete this week. Stone Ridge is incredibly proud of these alumnae athletes, not only for what they accomplish in the sport of swimming, but for the values and character they represent,” said Catherine Ronan Karrels, head of Stone Ridge School. “I am so proud of how they both swam in these Olympic games and how they represented the USA,” she said.

Katie Ledecky of the United States gets ready enter the pool for the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle final during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics July 28, 2021. The 2015 graduate of the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Md., won the gold medal in the Olympic debut of the event. (CNS photo/ Marko Djurica, Reuters)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

NATION

WASHINGTON (CNS) – As indoor mask mandates are returning in areas of the country hard hit by a new wave of the coronavirus, U.S. bishops have been informing their dioceses of this new policy impacting Masses, Catholic schools and church events. This is particularly true in Louisiana where bishops have been announcing this change in letters to their respective dioceses or public announcements the ﬁrst week of August. Their announcements followed the Aug. 2 statewide mask mandate issued by Gov. John Bel Edwards requiring anyone age 5 and up to wear a mask indoors in K-12 schools, businesses, universities and churches as the state tries to bring down the rising number of COVID-19 infections. The mandate is in effect until at least Sept. 1. Louisiana is currently experiencing the worst outbreak of new COVID-19 cases per capita in the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also is having record hospitalizations due to the impact of the Delta variant of the coronavirus particularly affecting the state's unvaccinated. Despite a recent surge in vaccinations, only 37.2% of its residents were fully vaccinated as of Aug. 4. The state mask mandate also impacts Catholic schools that have already begun opening in some parts of the state.

Daniel Markham prays during Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, Minn., June 13, 2021. Markham is traveling around the U.S. on what he calls a "52 Masses" tour. (CNS photo/ Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit) ST. MICHAEL, Minn (CNS) – It's doubtful anyone matched Daniel Markham's driving distance for the 6 p.m. Sunday Mass June 13 at St. Michael in St. Michael. He came all the way from Tinley Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, on a journey that began two days earlier, winding through Wichita, Kansas, and heading north through Iowa to the Twin Cities – all because of a phone conversation with the parish business administrator at St. Michael, Dave Ferry. Five years ago, Markham decided he wanted to attend Mass in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. After several years of waiting, dreaming, and planning, he got going the weekend of June 5 and 6 when he visited two states on the East Coast, Connecticut and New Hampshire. After coming back to his home in Tinley Park, he went to Wichita for a Mass June 12 and hopped in his car the next morning to drive to St. Michael. The day after Mass there, he went even farther north to visit Extreme Faith Camp near Pine River, about two hours north of the Twin Cities. Markham plans to write a book after ﬁnishing all 52 visits, with the last one taking place in July 2022. It will recount his visits not just to parishes but to ministries and organizations that intrigue him.

VATICAN

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Saying he was acting for the good of the unity of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis restored limits on the celebration of the Mass according to the Roman Missal in use before the Second Vatican Council, overturning or severely restricting permissions St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI had given to celebrate the so-called Tridentine-rite Mass. "An opportunity offered by St. John Paul II and, with even greater magnanimity by Benedict XVI, intended to recover the unity of an ecclesial body with diverse liturgical sensibilities, was exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences and encourage disagreements that injure the church, block her path and expose her to the peril of division," Pope Francis wrote in a letter to bishops July 16. The text accompanies his apostolic letter "Traditionis Custodes" (Guardians of the Tradition), declaring the liturgical books promulgated after the Second Vatican Council to be "the unique expression of the 'lex orandi' (law of worship) of the Roman Rite," restoring the obligation of priests to have their bishops' permission to celebrate according to the "extraordinary" or pre-Vatican II Mass and ordering bishops not to establish any new groups or parishes in their dioceses devoted to the old liturgy. Priests currently celebrating Mass according to the old missal must request authorization from their bishop to continue doing so, Pope Francis ordered, and for any priest ordained after the document's publication July 16, the bishop must consult with the Vatican before granting authorization. VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Jesus wants to nourish the souls of those who are spiritually famished from the loneliness and anguish that come from life's difficulties, Pope Francis said. "What does he not want? To be relegated to being considered a side dish – he who is bread – to be overlooked and set aside, or called on only when we need him," the pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square Aug. 8 during his Sunday Angelus address. The pope reflected on the Sunday Gospel reading from St. John in which Jesus responded to those who doubted that he was the "bread that came down from heaven." "I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die," Jesus said. Commenting on the passage, Pope Francis said bread is a basic necessity needed for survival, especially by the hungry who "do not ask for refined and expensive food, they ask for bread." "Jesus reveals himself as bread, that is, the essential, what is necessary for everyday life; without him nothing works," the pope said. "He is not one bread among many others, but the bread of life," he said. VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Hours before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, Pope Francis expressed his hope for the peace and safety of the country's citizens. "I join in the unanimous concern for the situation in Afghanistan. I ask all of you to pray with me to the God of peace, so that the clamor of weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue," the pope said Aug. 15 during his Angelus address. Only through dialogue, he added, "can the battered population of that country – men, women, elderly and children – return to their own homes, and live in peace and security, in total mutual respect." The Taliban, an extremist Islamic movement that ruled Afghanistan until ousted by a U.S.-led coalition nearly 20 years ago, began taking over large swaths of the country as U.S. forces withdrew. According to The Associated Press, Taliban fighters entered the presidential palace after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

WORLD

SYDNEY (CNS) – Sydney catechist Caroline Fisher

says writing a successful book for Catholic children has helped her spread a message of true love "too good" to keep to herself. The mother of three said her picture book, "Jesus Had a Body Like Me: A Theology of the Body for Babies and Little Ones," is aimed not just at children but at those who read to them. She is passionate about sharing with readers that each of them is a gift, every soul is sacred and, to truly nourish the body, one must also nourish the spirit within. "God doesn't make mistakes, and each of us matters to God and has been 'fearfully and wonderfully' made in his image and likeness for a purpose only we can fulfill, and nobody else," Fisher told The Catholic Weekly, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Sydney. "If only people knew this and understood the reasons behind what the Catholic Church tells us what to do and what not to do, we would not see the levels of suicide, despair and hopelessness we are seeing in our society. "Teenagers in particular need to know this, but it's never too early to connect the dots." Illustrated by Kama Towcik, the book is based on the theology of the body teachings of St. John Paul II and aims to communicate the message of God's self-sacrificing love to babies and the very youngest of readers.blessings of the Holy Family. ... "We resort to the Holy Family and place under their feet our pain, anxiety, weakness and hopes." LES CAYES, Haiti (CNS) – The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti collapsed the bishop's residence in Les Cayes, killing one priest, leaving one missing and injuring Cardinal Chibly Langlois. Father Emile Beldor died of his injuries after the Aug. 14 quake. Father Jean-Antoine Coulanges is reported missing. Cardinal Langlois sustained arm and leg injuries; church sources say his life is not in danger. Voice of America reported that 18 people, assembled for a baptism, were killed in Immaculate Conception Parish church of Les Anglais. The Haitian civil protection service reported late Aug. 15 that nearly 1,300 people had been killed, more than 5,700 were injured and more than 30,250 families needed shelter. Those numbers were expected to rise as a tropical depression headed toward the island. The civil protection agency warned people to expect strong winds, landslides and flooding in addition to heavy rain and rough seas. At the Vatican Aug. 15, Pope Francis expressed his condolences and closeness to the Haitian people. "While I lift up my prayer to the Lord for the victims, I extend my word of encouragement to the survivors, hoping that the interest of the international community to help might move toward them," the pope said during his Angelus address.

An injured woman is assisted in Les Cayes, Haiti, Aug. 15, 2021, following magnitude 7.2 earthquake the previous day. (CNS photo/Estailove StVal, Reuters)

14 REVIEWS

AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

A vocation test in "Diary of a Country Priest" THEOLOGY AT THE MOVIES BY JAMES TOMEK, PH.D Shortly after attending “An Hour of Prayer for Vocations” led by Father Nick Adam, I saw Robert Bresson’s acclaimed 1951 film, “Diary of a Country Priest,” (on the TMC Channel and based on a novel by George Bernanos) where a humble priest at a small parish keeps a journal of his experiences, which include hostility and a lack of compassion from members of the parish, a questioning of his vocation and prayer life, all while counseling a woman who years ago lost her infant son. He is also battling a serious stomach condition, reduced to digesting only small quantities of old bread and cheap wine with an occasional potato. After trying to get a colleague to return to the priesthood, he dies of a stomach cancer with a rosary on his chest and the words “What does that matter? All is grace.” I joked with my wife that Father Nick should use this film in recruiting people to the religious life! But, on second thought, maybe this film should be a major part of the curriculum to confirm one’s sense of vocation. I will go through the film, discussing his particular challenges with the parishioners, then his thoughts on vocation from his mentor and doctor with a conclusion on the “success” of his life. It is a story about vocation in general. Did I choose the right one? Can I continue to have faith in a vocation where there is seemingly little compassion? The priest (in French they say Monsieur le curé or mon père where we would say “Father” only) is not referred to by name. He has trouble dealing with his lower bourgeois parishioners as they complain about him and are stingy in donations and goodwill. His catechism lessons to the young girls are met with derision, even from

the one he thinks is the best student. His only attendee at daily Mass is Louise, the governess of the only nobility in the region. We learn that Louise is also the mistress of the Count whose home the priest visits to ask for financial assistance and to offer psychological help to his wife, the Countess, who still suffers from the loss of her child. He has a mentor, a priest in another parish, Torcy, who is cynical and advises him to keep order and not let the people boss him around. The Torcy priest is resigned to accept his vocation as simply clerical. Doctor Delbende, another advisor, suffers from the same depression. He receives no compassion from his patients and will eventually take his own life. Our priest is quite effective dealing with wounded souls. In a long central scene, he succeeds in helping the Countess to finally accept the death of her son. It is a complex confession reconciliation scene. The priest influences her to say the Lord’s Prayer in a manner that she resigns herself to her son’s death to the point that, even though still tormented by it, she arrives at a moment of peace. It is the priest’s honesty in this Sacrament of Reconciliation where she sees that he is truly afraid for the death of her soul. The priest goes to Lille, a city, for a medical consultation. He receives a death sentence – stomach cancer, caused by his meager diet of cheap wine and stale bread. The very foods that he thinks he can only digest are bad for him. That these foods are also consecrated into the Body and Blood of Jesus at Mass may be a not so wise influencing factor. At Lille, he does manage to see an old seminary friend who has left the priesthood, and has married, but who is sickly and poor. Before dying, he asks his friend to rethink his vocation and, also, to give him absolution.

In this way, our priest helps the former priest to recover some of his first vocation. Is our priest a failure? There is a reoccurring image of him at a gate in front of his Rectory and the noble’s estate. Is it a sign of prison? He says that he cannot pray, but the diary that he keeps is an articulate and prayerful examination of conscience. The film makes us aware that he is constantly writing down his thoughts. He is a very capable confessor with the two to three people that allow him to enter in extended conversation. We see that he really tries to help those who are broken. He suffers deceptions at first, but then seems to see through them. He refuses to take the advice of the elder priest as he will not resign himself from helping the Count’s daughter, who is filled with hate over her father’s actions. His resignation is not one of quitting, but that of letting go his ego and engaging. When thinking about our vocation in life, we should see this film. Do we have this priest’s “faith” to continue in spite of all the physical and mental obstacles? When he says “What does it matter? All is grace,” what does he mean? Grace is that gift that allows us to be charitable when all else tells us to think for ourselves. To me, this movie is really a positive statement about someone who accepts his vocation in the most trying circumstances. I hope that God will treat me the way this priest treats his flock. We need compassionate people to guide us, even when they are weary. Gate images? A prison? I say no. He is opening the gates of our prisons, like the narrator in Bob Dylan’s “Desolation Row,” a song about desperate people who need help. At the end of the song the consoler is weary, but sings out to us – “ Right now I can’t read too good/Don’t send me no letters, no/Not unless you mail them from Desolation Row.” (James Tomek is a Lay Ecclesial Minister at Sacred Heart in Rosedale and also active in RCIA at Our Lady of Victories in Cleveland.)

Rachel weeps for loss of innocent life at St. Richard parish BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING

AND

TEREZA MA

JACKSON – Rachel stands perpetually weeping for the loss of innocent life on Lynwood Drive in Jackson near the Special Kids building at St. Richard parish. "Rachel Weeping" is the culmination of a vision that started at the parish years ago in a desire to have a substantial 'pro-life' monument permanently present at the church. "One day a few years back, I ... stumbled across a story whose headline said something to the effect of 'Iceland eliminates down syndrome,'" said Father John Bohn. He was prepared to be amazed by scientiﬁc discoveries, but found that they were simply aborting any child who tested positive for Trisomy 21, the condition that leads to down syndrome. "So, I didn't think that was a cause for celebration. I thought that it was a tragedy, in large part because our Special Kids program here at St. Richard is really the best part of our parish. I thought about what we'd all miss if these souls had been aborted by their parents before birth simply because they were different," said Father John. Commissioned by the Knights of Columbus at St. Richard, the work began in 2017 and was sculpted by Tracy H. Sugg. The concept of the sculpture is based on the scripture in Jeremiah 31:15 "Behold, Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be comforted because they were no more." Sugg, whose studio is in Tennessee, has been sculpting professionally for about 30 years and has ties to Jackson, earning a master of ﬁne arts from Mississippi College. She also sculpted a piece in the main hall of St. Richard called "Christ Setting Forth the Sacraments," and has pieces across the country, including "G. V. Sonny Montgomery"

at Mississippi State University in Starkville, "Dominican Sister" in the lobby of St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson and "General Tadeusz Kosciuszko" in Kosciusko. Sugg surrounded Rachel with astounding symbolism from her bare feet to the curls in her loose ﬂowing hair. The Knights requested that Rachel hold a baby blanket, which Sugg took great care to create, using only her hands. "I wanted to bring home to the viewer the loss of that life. So, I chose to create a sharp contrast between the movement found in the ﬁgure to the shocking stillness found in the blanket," said Sugg. "So, I just have the blanket inert with gravity pulling on it so it has very heavy folds." The same folds are also tucked in the sculpture under Rachel's belt. "The folds are echoed in the blanket and it ties in with her womb and visually creates a connection mentally between the grieving mother and the loss of a child," said Sugg. "This sculpture ... will continue to show the dignity of human life. It will continue to glorify God and this testimony through the tool of a bronze sculpture. It goes beyond me and beyond all of you. And beyond this generation that is alive right now because it will continue to tell the story long after they are gone," said Sugg. "My hands are just the tools. This was the vision of the Knights of Columbus and Father John ... we are all a part of this enduring statement that will endlessly cry out to those who view it of the blessed dignity of all human life." JACKSON – St. Richard's pro-life monument, (More about Sugg's process for creating Rachel and more "Rachel Weeping" stands near the Special Kids about her breathtaking symbolism can be found at www.tracybuilding at the parish. The statue stands eight hsugg.com/rachel-weeping/.) feet tall and is full of symbolism. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

USCCB, Catholic groups, politicians back Mississippi in court abortion case BY CAROL ZIMMERMANN WASHINGTON (CNS) – Catholic leaders, pro-life organizations, Republican members of Congress and several governors are among those on a long list of supporters backing Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy and urging the court to reexamine its previous abortion rulings when it takes up this case in the fall. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in its friendof-the-court brief filed July 27, stressed that abortion is not a right created by the Constitution and called it “inherently different from other types of personal decisions to which this court has accorded constitutional protection.” Referring to the court’s major abortion decisions – Roe v. Wade, the 1973 court case which legalized abortion, and 1992’s Casey v. Planned Parenthood, which affirmed Roe, – the brief warned that if the Supreme Court “continues to treat abortion as a constitutional issue,” it will face more questions in the future about “what sorts of abortion regulations are permissible.” Other Catholic groups echoed the USCCB, which was joined in its brief by other religious groups and the two dioceses of Mississippi, in their support of the state’s abortion ban after 15 weeks. The case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, came before the court last year but the justices only agreed in late May to take it up in the next term. The case focuses on an appeal from Mississippi to keep its ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which was struck down by a federal District Court in Mississippi in 2018 and upheld a year later by the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. A brief filed by O. Carter Snead, law professor at the University of Notre Dame and director of the university’s Center for Ethics and Culture, and Mary Ann Glendon, former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, said the Mississippi case “offers the cleanest opportunity since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973 for the court to revisit its

deeply flawed and harmful jurisprudence,” or theory of firmation to the court last year. The Mississippi law is being challenged by the state’s law, on abortion decisions. They also said the court’s abortion rulings have been only abortion facility, the Jackson Women’s Health Or“completely untethered from the Constitution’s text, his- ganization. In announcing they would take up this case, the tory and tradition” and have imposed “an extreme, incoherent, unworkable and antidemocratic legal regime for justices said they would only review one of the three questions presented to them: “Whether all previability abortion on the nation for several decades.” Similarly, a brief filed by the National Association prohibitions on elective abortions are unconstitutional.” In other words, they are focusing on the viability, or of Catholic Nurses and the Catholic Medical Association urged the court to take itself out of the “arbitrary when a fetus is said to be able to survive on its own. The line-drawing that Roe and Casey engaged in while at- Supreme Court has consistently ruled that states cannot restrict abortion before the 24-week mark. The ban on tempting to settle the abortion controversy.” “There is no nonarbitrary line during pregnancy that abortions after 15 weeks is more restrictive than current the court can draw,” the groups added, emphasizing that law. “the lives of unborn children are on a continuum toward adulthood from conception forward.” Other Catholic or proy universitario y más se verán afectados – Viene de la pág. 3 – life groups that filed briefs negativamente, a menos que podamos supporting Mississippi eliminar sustancial o totalmente este déficit. in this case included the Agradecemos a todos los que han contribuido hasta ahora al llamamiento de Thomas More Society, the este año. Algunos incluso hicieron un esfuerzo adicional e hicieron una segunda National Catholic Bioethcontribución, al darse cuenta de que es posible que los donantes habituales no ics Center, the Diocese of puedan contribuir debido a los reveses de la pandemia. Tyler, Texas, which joined Actualmente, hemos perdido 1.470 donantes en el llamamiento de este año. other religious and civil Claramente, el aplazamiento del proceso en las bancas es el principal culpable. groups, the National Right Si usted puede contribuir en la undécima hora de la apelación de 2021, sepa to Life Committee, Amerque todos y cada uno de sus donativos serán una bendición. Ya sea que pueda icans United for Life and aprovechar la oportunidad a través del proceso en persona, en las bancas el the March for Life Educasábado y domingo 28 y 29 de agosto, por correo o donando en línea, tenga la tion and Defense Fund. seguridad de que apoyará a la misión de la Diócesis de Jackson de servir a los The case, which is aldemás, a inspirar a los discípulos y abrazar la diversidad. ready getting a lot of atLa hermana Thea Bowman estaría muy orgullosa de contemplar cada tention, will be the court’s pequeña luz brillando juntas para convertirse en un faro de esperanza para todos first look at the right to los necesitados y para la gloria de Dios. an abortion since Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s con-

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.

To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/ jacksondiocese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800216-1288 (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

‘... Sus donativos serán una bendición ...’

16 Columns

AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC mini canes. Illustrative of Dominic’s charity is this anecdote from his student days, during a time of famine in Spain. In an effort to alleviate suffering, he sold all his possessions, including his cherished books, giving the proceeds to the poor. His life of self-denial and personal holiness would be totally foreign to today’s self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking culture. Dominic is often associated with the origin of the Rosary. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary, appeared to him in a vision and gave him the first Rosary. Early on, the Dominicans were the ones largely responsible for spreading this Catholic devotion throughout Europe. Concerning his love of books and learning and his devotion to Sacred Scripture, it was said that he always carried copies of Matthew’s Gospel and Paul’s letters wherever he went and that he knew all those texts by heart. Through prayer and study he and his friars equipped themselves for teaching and preaching, thereby combining the contemplative life with the active, something that had not been done before on such a broad scale. I feel connected to this saint in several ways, not the least of which is that I was born in St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, not the sprawling complex off I-55 at Lakeland, but the original one, the former Jackson Infirmary, located on North President Street, just off Capitol Street. The Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois, acquired the old hospital in 1946. In 1954 operations moved to the current location, where my sister was born. My mother, a nurse, spent much of her career at St. Dominic’s. When I was a little boy, I would often go with Daddy to the hospital to pick her up after her shift. When we entered the building, I would inevitably encounter one of the sisters moving down the hallway in our direction at a rapid pace. I just knew she was coming to get me. In those days a Dominican nun typically wore a voluminous, free-flowing tunic, topped off with a headpiece that was imposing, to say the least. The sisters

The way of St. Dominic REFLECTIONS ON LIFE BY MELVIN ARRINGTON Among the saints with an August feast day is Santo Domingo de Guzmán – St. Dominic (1170-1221) – founder of the Dominican Order, the Order of Preachers (O.P.). Born in North-Central Spain, he began his religious life as a contemplative, but when he was in his mid30s Pope Innocent III sent him to the south of France on a preaching campaign in an effort to halt the spread of the Albigensian heresy sweeping across the land. The Albigensians taught that all material things, including the body and human sexuality, were evil; they saw extreme austerity as the only way to achieve perfection. Dominic preached relentlessly against these false doctrines, countering the bizarre practices of the heretics by walking barefoot across the countryside and enduring other mortiﬁcations, all the while praising God. Dominic and the friars who gathered around him devoted themselves to intellectual life and preaching the Gospel. Formal papal approval for the Order came in 1216, but some 10 years earlier in France Dominic had already organized a group of women converts from Albigensianism, establishing a convent in Prouille. So, interestingly, Dominican sisters actually predate the friars. As stories arose about his life, the line separating historical fact from tradition and legend gradually became blurred. One example concerns how he got his name. While on a pilgrimage to the shrine of 11th century Spanish saint Domingo de Silos, Dominic’s mother had a vision of a dog leaping from her womb and carrying a torch that lit up the world. Later, when she gave birth to a son, she named him Dominic, in honor of the namesake of the abbey she had visited. Thus, the Dominicans became known as the Hounds of the Lord, in Latin do-

Racing through ordinary time ON ORDINARY TIMES BY LUCIA A. SILECCHIA

Recently – when it was still July – a friend sent me a text from the supermarket with a photo of a Halloween candy display in the aisle. I expected that the Halloween blitz would be coming soon. Yet, “back-to-school” sales are still in full swing and, in my mind, August is still summer! I guess I should not have been surprised. After all, I did see “back-to-school” sales advertised in June, making me wonder how someone could possibly go back to school before even leaving school for the summer. Perhaps Halloween candy must be sold in the summer so that Christmas decorations can come out right after Labor Day and Valentine’s Day cards can be on the shelves the day after Christmas. Of course, they too will disappear quickly so that the Easter candy can come out before Lent even begins. Maybe next year, Halloween costumes can be on the shelves in June. Why the rush? I appreciate the joy of anticipation. I understand the need to plan. I know the satisfaction of checking things off a “to do” list early. Yet, as the race through the months seems to accelerate every year, I have to wonder why. I know much of this is driven by commercial interests. The longer that products sit on the shelves the better it is from a consumption

perspective. Yet, I worry that this also reflects an all-too common and, I fear, growing tendency to anticipate our tomorrows at the expense of treasuring our todays. I’ve done this myself. From the time I was a toddler and well-meaning adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, tomorrow seemed like an exciting place to be. When I was in kindergarten, the most adventurous thing in the world seemed to be starting “real school” in the first grade. Then, like most eighth graders, high school seemed to be a great journey on the horizon. Then, in high school it was college, in college it was graduate school, in graduate school, it was a first job, and then a second job, and then moves and new escapades were eagerly planned and anticipated. But, as time goes by and I have gotten older, I am starting to realize two things. First, time seems to be passing by far too quickly on its own. My parents warned me this would happen and, as with so many things, they were right. Thus, I am coming to resist all of those things that try to, artificially, hasten time along. Halloween can wait when these precious weeks of summer still linger. Second, and more importantly, I am coming to appreciate the way that today holds so many joys – and sorrows, too, – that I will miss if I constantly keep my eyes on what will come next. Prudence and planning for tomorrow are important parts of adult life. But so too is realizing that the 1,440 minutes that God has given me today deserve my full attention, deep gratitude and wise use. I have no promise of anything beyond today. Indeed, if I have learned anything this past year and a

looked like nothing I had ever seen before, and I was scared to death of all of them. Mama had several surgeries and procedures performed at St. Dominic’s and Daddy passed away there after suffering a massive heart attack. So, my family has long had close ties to the hospital. Another link with Dominic concerns the fact that he was Spanish. During college and graduate school, I majored in Spanish language, literature and culture. Before I became Catholic, I was moved by the holiness and spirituality of the Spanish saints I read about. Those studies played some role in my conversion, as did the strong faith of my wife, who received her first 12 years of formal education from the Adrian Dominicans in Detroit. In a recently published study, Saint Dominic’s Way of Life: A Path to Knowing and Loving God, Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, and Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP, offer valuable insights into the saintly path followed by this great man of God, whom they characterize as a “hidden saint.” Other holy men, like Francis of Assisi and Ignatius of Loyola, were more famous, in part due to their striking conversion stories and their influential writings. Dominic, on the other hand, grew up in the church, and he left behind practically nothing in the way of written texts. Nevertheless, his legacy is formidable, especially when one considers his Order’s contributions across the centuries and around the world. When Pope Honorius III officially confirmed Dominic’s preaching mission, he encouraged him to strive to spread the Gospel by remaining “insistent in season and out of season.” He faithfully carried out this mandate until the day of his death, which occurred 800 years ago, on Aug. 6, 1221. We celebrate his feast day in the summertime, on Aug. 8, but he is truly a saint for all seasons. (Melvin Arrington is a Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages for the University of Mississippi and a member of St. John Oxford.)

half, it is that precise planning for the future is so often impossible. But what is possible is to wake up grateful for the gift of today. To look at the people I love and be grateful for their presence today. To pray for my “daily bread” without demanding the long-term meal plan – confident in the assurance that God will provide what I need for today. Seeing a blazing sunset, a friendly stranger or wideeyed kitten are the joys of today. Hearing my phone ring, or a favorite song, or those cherished words “I love you,” or “I’m sorry,” or “Thank you” or “Don’t worry” are the joys of today. Feeling a friend’s embrace, a summer breeze or the sand of a beach are the joys of today. Smelling a late summer rose, fresh bread, or a whiff of hearty food are the joys of today. Having quiet moments alone with God and hectic hours with the people I love are the joys of today. I pray that there will be blessings that fill your tomorrows and mine. But, as I get older, those words “tomorrow will take care of itself” (Matthew 6:34) mean more to me. I understand them a bit more now. I understand a little more with each day that races by how precious each one is – even those days that are hard. I hope that when I shop for my Halloween candy in October, there is still some left for me. (If not, I’m sure I can get Christmas candy canes then.) But for now, I still want to hold on to the gift that is August. The gift that is now. The gift that is today. I want to walk, not race, through ordinary time. (Lucia A. Silecchia is a Professor of Law at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. “On Ordinary Times” is a biweekly column reflecting on the ways to find the sacred in the simple. Email her at silecchia@cua.edu.)

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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

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PLEASE GIVE TO SUPPORT THE WORKS OF CATHOLIC EXTENSION IN MISSISSIPPI AND BEYOND!

Since 1972, the DIOCESE OF JACKSON has been partnering with Catholic Extension to build the faith in central Mississippi. Join us and together we can build and repair churches, strengthen and grow essential ministries and support our lay and ordained leaders.

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SEPT. 11 & 12

OR MAIL YOUR DONATION TO: Catholic Extension Collection Diocese of Jackson, P. O. BOX 22723, Jackson MS, 39225-2723 PHOTOS Top Left: Father Bob Goodyear of Holy Rosary Indian Mission. He is a finalist for the 2021-2022 Lumen Christi award. Top Right: Father Bob Goodyear (center) stands with his 2020 Confirmation class. Pictured left to right: Kelin Kelly, Sierra Wallace, Sydney Nickey, Father Goodyear, Katelin Williams, Onnahili Williams, Alexis Williams and Veronica Williams. Bottom Left: Father Bob Goodyear confirms Onnahili Williams at St. Therese Church on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. Also pictured is Onnahili's sponsor, Bea Carson. (Photos by Bradley Isaac)

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AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

Summer camp fun

(Above) SOUTHAVEN – Summer Camp students at Sacred Heart taste carrots and tomatoes from the children's garden. The food could be tasted alone or with sugar, salt or Ranch dressing. What do you think they preferred? (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker) (Left) MADISON – Before school begain in August, students kept busy during the summer at St. Joe's Volleyball camp. (Photo by Tricia Harris)

SEARCH – Exploring the call

GALLMAN – Youth gathered for a SEARCH retreat July 23-25 at Camp Wesley Pines. SEARCH is a unique experience designed for juniors and seniors who have a strong desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ. Each year the Office of Youth Minsitry offers SEARCH retreats. This retreat was themed 'Explore the Call' with a focus on Jeremiah 29:11-13. "For I know well the plan I have in mind for you." (Photo by Abbey Schuhmann)

MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC AUGUST 20, 2021

YOUTH 19

Graduating seniors recognized

LELAND – St. James parish celebrated their 2021 graduating seniors. Pictured left to right, Reeves Polasini, Madisyn Henry, Father Sleeva Mekala, Walker Zepponi and Lane Walker. (Photo by Deborah Ruggeri)

FLOWOOD – St. Paul parish celebrated seniors who graduated in 2021. Pictured left to right, Alexis Boman, Nikki Lawrence, Victoria Esparza, Cory Head (Youth Leader), Brendan McIntyre, Joshua Burton and Ares Colas. (Photo by Renee Borne)

Vacation Bible School

McCOMB – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy surrounded by all the children who attended Vacation Bible School at St. Alphonsus parWEST POINT – Father Bihn Nguyen celebrated graduating seniors Dominic Borgioli (left) ish. This year's theme was "God's Wonder Lab." (Photo Connie and Aidan Henson (right) at Immaculate Conception parish. (Photo by Cathy Johnson) Harrington)

MADISON – VBS instructor, Seth Dean shows a group of young “scientists” how magnets work at St. Francis of Assisi parish. (Photo by Mary Catherine George)

CLARKSDALE – (Left to right) Liza Stonestreet, Madison Williams, Virginia Johnson, Anne Taylor Tackett and Elsie Grace Young dance at St. Elizabeth's VBS. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)

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AUGUST 20, 2021 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC

Office of Catholic Education restructures to better serve diocese BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING STEPHANIE BROWN

table wages that they deserve while also pursuing the resources and infrastructure needed to provide the highest quality of JACKSON – The 2020-2021 school education to all of our students" said Luke. year was one like no other before it. First, "It is important to look for other ways to the pandemic challenged the Office of keep our schools financially viable outside Catholic Education to assess how it has of raising tuition." functioned and how they can best support Second, the office hopes to improve schools in the diocese. As schools navigattheir service and outreach to minority ed the year, new tasks and responsibilities communities across the diocese. "When were created to deal with the demands of we look at enrollment trends at our virtual learning, contact tracing and overschools that serve our minority commuall management of our response. Then, nities, we see a larger decline in enrollin March of 2021, it was announced that ment," said Brown. "We have challenged Superintendent, Cathy Cook, was planning ourselves to find ways to better meet the to retire. needs of these communities by looking at When Cook's retirement was anbarriers to accessibility." nounced, it opened the door for the office Their next goal is to continue to focus to critically examine how to address areas of improvement that they observed during MADISON – Karla Luke speaks to St. Anthony principal, Anne Cowger and on college and career readiness, with a their system-wide accreditation that came fifth grade teacher, Katie Williams, at a vaccination event at the school in large emphasis on career planning. "We to fruition in October 2019; as well as, March. The Office of Catholic Education was restructured and Luke is now hope to help our students identify their make any changes to the structure of the the executive director of school operations. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King) God-given strengths and talents and set them on a path toward success in a career office. they will enjoy by providing the tools they "To help us better understand our schools' current trajectory, we decided to dive into as much data as possible. We looked at survey results, enrollment, and finance fig- need to adequately prepare for college or whatever their next step may be," expressed ures, as well as current policies. After looking at everything, it was determined it is time Brown. Additionally, the office also hopes to standardize clerical tasks completed at schools to do something different. One theme that we focused on was the difference between a public-school superintendent and a Catholic school superintendent. While their titles across the diocese. Brown said that they found that many staff members and adminare the same, the scope and authority of the roles are very different," explained Karla istrators at schools spend time doing tasks that could easily be consolidated and performed at the diocesan level. "With the addition of the Coordinator of School Support, Luke of the Office of Catholic Education. The office even reached out to Kathy Mears, a senior consultant for the National we hope to find ways to free up the time of our administrators by taking these tasks Catholic Educational Association, to discuss national trends that should be considered. off of their plate." Finally, just as the office evaluated roles and job descriptions, they hope to spend "She explained that many dioceses across the country are reevaluating the structure time clarifying job descriptions for all positions within our schools. "Accountability is of their education offices to try to meet the needs of their schools better," said Luke. After much discussion and research, the office decided to make a move. Rather the key to forward movement. We hope that by clearly delineating responsibilities, than seek to fill the superintendent position, it was decided that the Office of Catholic everyone can better understand their role in moving our school communities forward," Education would have three new positions: executive director of school operations, said Luke. AND

director of curriculum and development, and coordinator of school support. Luke, believes that a change in title and reassignment of responsibilities will better articulate what the office does to best serve schools in the diocese. Luke has assumed the position of executive director of school operations for the diocese. In this role, she will continue many of her responsibilities as associate superintendent and interim superintendent. In addition, this position will oversee the diocesan advisory council for education, local school advisory councils, personnel and legal issues, parent and student concerns, and government programs. Stephanie Brown, the former assistant superintendent, assumes the position of director of curriculum and development. Previously, Brown oversaw the accreditation process, curriculum, assessment and professional development. In this new role, she will also work closely with the Department of Temporal Affairs on ensuring financial viability and increasing enrollment in all diocesan schools. The third position in the restructured office will be the coordinator of school support. This role will be similar to an administrative assistant but will play an active role in daily operations at diocesan schools. "We hope that this position's addition will help us streamline many of our administrative tasks, such as record-keeping and verification, school reporting and textbook procurement," said Brown. They are actively looking for the right person to join the office in this new role. The Office of Education, working in its newly established structure, recognizes that they have a great deal to be proud of and a great deal of work to do moving forward; and have set five areas of focus for the coming year and beyond. Their number one priority will be focusing on marketing, development and advancement. While increasing enrollment is always a goal, the office recognizes that they must also seek alternative sources of income outside of just tuition. "As the cost of living rises, we must find the funds necessary to provide all staff members with equi-

COLUMBUS – Stephanie Brown, director of curriculum and development, leads a teacher's retreat at Annunciation Catholic School in August. (Photo courtesy of Annunciation School)