DECEMBER 12, 2025
mississippicatholic.com
Homegrown seminarian, Foggo ordained transitional deacon for the diocese BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz hands the Book of the Gospels to newly ordained Deacon Will Foggo during his Nov. 29 diaconate ordination at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, entrusting him with the ministry of preaching and service. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
JACKSON – Surrounded by family, friends, priests, deacons, and fellow seminarians, Will Foggo was ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz ordained Foggo, marking the final stage of formation before his anticipated priestly ordination on May 16, 2026. Foggo, a lifelong member of the Diocese of Jackson, grew up at St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood and attended St. Richard School in Jackson and St. Joseph School in Madison. He later became deeply involved in Catholic Campus Ministry during his years at Mississippi State University, where he first began to sense a persistent call to priesthood. “I never had one specific moment,” Foggo said. “It was a series of events and the work of prayer and reflection over the course of a few years that led me to enter seminary.” During the Rite of Ordination, Father Nick Adam, Director of Vocations, presented Foggo to Bishop Kopacz and testified that he had been found worthy after inquiry among the faithful and those overseeing his formation. The bishop then formally chose Foggo for the Order of the Diaconate. In his homily, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the foundations of faith laid by Foggo’s family, parish community, and those who walked with him in discernment. He emphasized the distinct call of the diaconate as a ministry “set apart to serve – not above, but at the heart of the church – in service to God’s Kingdom.” He also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s teaching that charity is the “burning heart” of the church’s mission, noting that the diaconate embodies this spirit in a particular way.
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Joyful homecoming: St. Paul parish returns to renewed sanctuary BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
FLOWOOD – After more than a year of construction, parishioners of St. Paul Catholic Church returned to their newly renovated sanctuary and expanded gathering space for a joyful rededication Mass on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 – the Feast of Christ the King. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz served as principal celebrant, blessing the walls of the church
as more than 450 parishioners filled the new pews, admiring the bright, welcoming space they can now enjoy before and after Mass. Construction began in October 2024 and included new pews, flooring, paint, lighting, a redesigned sanctuary, and a new tabernacle. A major highlight was the expansion of the front entry and the creation of a true main entrance – replacing the previous side-entry layout. The parish’s façade is now illuminated at night, offering what many describe as a warm invitation to all traveling down Highway 25. “We were one of the few churches in the diocese that didn’t have a front door,” said Father Gerry Hurley, pastor of St. Paul. “It took quite a while –
and as we’ve said a couple of times, God’s plan takes quite a while. Thank you for your gifts and generosity. We were able to bring it about eventually.” In a nod to their year-long displacement during construction, he added with a smile, “We are very thankful to be back in this space after a long sojourn in the desert at the Family Life Center. Like the people of Israel, we weren’t sure we were going to get there … but we’re finally here 12 months later. I am very happy to be back in this space.” Several priests joined the celebration in support of Father Hurley, including Father Tommy Conway of Hattiesburg, retired priest Father Bernie Farrell,
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INSIDE THIS WEEK FOLLOW US
@jacksondiocese DIGITAL EDITION Text MSCATHOLIC to 84576
Faith Formation 7 Annual diocesan formation day brings leaders together
Carmelite first vows 8 Sister Marie Claire takes first vows for Carmelites
Youth 18 Photos of youth activities from around the diocese