Catholic Schools Week 2022 January 30 - February 5 Discover the Benefits of Catholic Education...
Join us as we celebrate our Catholic Schools during Catholic School Week. For an activities schedule near you, contact your local school.
https://jacksondiocese.org/ find-schools/
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ANNUNCIATION SCHOOL 223 North Browder Street, Columbus, MS 39702 www.annunciationcatholicschool.org Instagram: @Annunciation_cs
Pre-K4 th thru 8 Grade
(662)328-4479
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022 CATHEDRAL SCHOOL 701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Natchez, MS 39120 www.cathedralgreenwave.com Facebook: @cathedralschoolnatchez
Pre-K3 thru 12th Grade
(601)442-2531
COLUMBUS – Annunciation kindergarten student, Natalie Jones participates in a hearing screening. (Photo courtesy of school)
NATCHEZ – Cathedral’s National Honor Society held a Pack the Bus Fundraiser for the Natchez Stewpot to assist them with providing Thanksgiving meals to those in need. (Photo courtesy of school)
“I am thankful every morning that we get to send our kids off to school at Annunciation. The academics are top notch, and beyond that our kids are spending the school day in a loving and nurturing environment with outstanding teachers. The hearts, minds and souls of every child are in excellent care.” – Kelly Taboada, parent
“Going to a Catholic school means being a part of a community that is determined to help every student reach their full academic and faith related potential. Through the guidance and kind hearts of the people at Cathedral I have found a place to let my faith deepen and flourish in a safe and caring environment. ” – Graci Gamberi, tenth grade student
TRADITION: Each year since 1986, the students in the third-grade class have created a time capsule. The biggest difference in the school’s time capsules and the classic type time capsules is these will not be buried. They will be hidden/stored away on our school’s campus. These time capsules will follow them through the remainder of third grade, then all the way through eighth grade. At some point during their eighth grade year, the time capsules will surface and an opening celebration will be had.
TRADITIONS: The Ring Day Presentation is a special day at Cathedral School. There is a full day of spiritual activities planned for the Junior class beginning with the Ring Day Presentation. The rings are blessed by Father Scott Thomas, then presented to the students. After this presentation, the junior class participates in their class retreat.
SERVICE: Our students learn from an early age that they can help make a difference in the world. The school has community service projects for all grades and a buddy program to help re-enforce the value and importance of giving of one’s time, talents and gifts. In addition to classroom service projects, all students participate in various charitable events throughout the year. Classroom service projects vary from class to class and include Heifer International, St. Jude, Operation Christmas Child, The Humane Society and St. Vincent de Paul, to name a few. This year, our students raised over $400 for Dyslexia Research.
The late Sister Loretta Parpart, Daughter of Charity and former principal of the Elementary School (1980’s until 1991) and then Religious Coordinator (1991-2002), started the “Prayer Partner Program” at Cathedral well over 35 years ago. All faculty and staff names (who choose to participate) are placed in a basket then all draw a name of someone to pray for during the Advent or Lenten season. SERVICE: All students Pre-K3 through 12th grade at Cathedral School are able to participate in school-wide service projects throughout the year. A few service project examples are the following: Natchez Stewpot, Natchez Adams County Humane Society, Disaster Relief collections and Campus beautification projects.
Continuing the Proud Tradition of Catholic Education
www.cathedralgreenwave.com
Natchez 601-445-9844
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ST. PAUL EARLY LEARNING CENTER 5969 Highway 25, Flowood, MS, 39232 www.saintpaullearningcenter.com Facebook: Search St. Paul Early Learning Center
Infants thru Pre-K4
(601)992-2876
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022 ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL 150 Florence Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614 http://seseagles.com Instagram: @seseagles47
Pre-K3 thru 6th Grade
(662)624-4239
FLOWOOD – Mrs. Angel’s toddlers class explore books during mat time at St. Paul Early Learning Center. (Photo courtesy of school)
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth fourth grader, CJ Warren tries out a welding gun during “Manufacturing Day” field trip to Image Industries. (Photo courtesy of school)
“I learn about Jesus. I listen to Jesus and He takes care of you. Don’t be afraid.” – Emerson Massingill, Pre-K5 class
“Being part of a catholic school community is to love, trust and be kind.” – Piper Fondren, fifth grade student
TRADITIONS: • End of the Year Family Fun Day – Parents come and celebrate their children’s last day of the school year. We have a petting zoo, face painting, games and a hamburger lunch. • Each year St. Paul parish staff hosts “Trick or Treat” for the Learning Center Children. • The St. Paul Early Learning Center joins Father Gerry Hurley for a St. Patrick’s Day Sing-a-Long of Irish Songs in the church.
Being able to share the experience I had growing up in Catholic Schools with my students is incredibly special to me. – Sue Craig, third grade teacher and SES alumni
SERVICE: • We have a food collection once a year to stock the Food Pantry at St. Paul or help with the Back Pack Program for a nearby elementary school. • We have lunch for our First Responders. • We collect books for Blair E. Batson’s Cancer Clinic. • This year we collected school supplies for Holy Savior Catholic School in Lockport, Louisiana, that was damaged by Hurricane Ida.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK TRADITIONS: SES begins the week with Sunday Mass where students help lead Mass as proclaimers. The week is filled with a few dress-up days and other “surprises” that focus on the daily themes and highlight some of the things that make Catholic Schools unique. Our families are invited to eat lunch with us during the week. We close the week with our bingo and hamburger supper on Friday night. Parishioners, school families and community members join us for bingo, burgers, prizes and fun! SERVICE: Each year SES students serve their community through a service project. This year we are focusing on Project IDA.
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SISTER THEA BOWMAN SCHOOL 1217 Hattiesburg Street, Jackson, MS 39209 www.theabowmanschool.com Facebook: @SrTheaBowmanCatholicSchool
Pre-K3 th thru 6 Grade
(601)352-5441
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022 ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL 2607 Hwy 82 East, Greenwood, MS 38930-5966 www.sfgw.org Facebook: @sfgwschool
Pre-K3 thru 6 Grade th
(662)453-9511
JACKSON – Under the masks are all smiles from the following Sister Thea Bowman School Kindergarten students – Raleigh Mozee, Karmen Davis, Kahlie Saleem and Zyon Brown – after receiving their very own personalized bottles from St. Joseph High School (Madison) during acts of kindness week. (Photo courtesy of school)
GREENWOOD – St. Francis of Assisi students practice for the Christmas program held at the Leflore County Civic Center. Front row from left to right: Cienna Quinn-sixth, Josalyn Sago-fifth, Kamaree Grayson-fifth, Lilliana Virrey-sixth, Khayla Clay-fifth. Back row: Camila Gamez, Samantha Villasana and Sierra Ikenga. (Photo courtesy of school)
“I love my Catholic school community because I love learning my ABC’s, numbers and spend time with friends.” – Katelyn Kelly, Pre-K student
“Being a part of the Catholic School Community has been a blessing to me and my family because the school and church’s values are communicated through interpersonal and sincere relationships of its faculty and staff. St. Francis’s aim is the transmission of values for the children. The school and church’s work is promoting a faith-relationship with Christ in which all values find fulfillment. I know my sons’ faith is principally assimilated through contact with people whose daily life bears witness to it. I thank God for Mrs. Lewis and the faculty and staff of St. Francis of Assisi for helping my husband and I raise God fearing, Christian boys into productive men.” – Denita West, parent
TRADITIONS: The Annual Sister Thea Bowman School Draw Down is held the last Saturday in April to raise funding for the school. This year will be the 16th Annual Draw Down. It will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 with a grand prize of $5000. Also, parents and the parish community look forward to student performances in the Annual Christmas Program and Spring Talent Showcase. SERVICE: Students regularly collect canned goods for community food pantries. During the Christmas season, socks, caps and gloves are collected, placed in hand decorated Christmas bags and given out in the community to the homeless. This year, students donated school supplies and a part of their “Greens for Jeans” collection to help purchase gift cards to support their adopted elementary school affected by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.
TRADITION: Sister Kathleen’s Pre-K class studies modes of transportation every year. The unit ends with an exciting day when huge trucks, tractors, garbage trucks, police and fire vehicles visit the school campus. SERVICE: Students participate in many worthwhile projects at St. Francis School, including International Box of Joy, holding food drives for the Leflore County Community Food Pantry, Pennies for Patients and fundraisers for the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation.
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 308 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110 www.stjoebruins.com Facebook: @StJosephMadison Instagram/Twitter: @stjoemadison
7th thru 12th grade
(601)898-4800
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022 VICKSBURG CATHOLIC SCHOOL 1900 Grove St/ 1400 Hayes St, Vicksburg, MS 39183 St. Francis Xavier Elementary St. Aloysius High School www.vicksburgcatholic.org Facebook/Instagram: @vicksburgcatholicschool
Pre-K3 thru 12 grade th
(601)636-2256 (601)636-4824
MADISON – St. Joe seventh graders collected canned food items during a school-wide Advent service project to stock several local food pantries. (Photo courtesy of school)
VICKSBURG – Father Rusty Vincent distrubutes the Eucharist and blessings during school Mass at Vicksburg Catholic School. (Photo courtesy of school)
“For me, being part of a Catholic community means being part of the Body of Christ, which comes together to learn, grow and serve with a shared tradition and mission. We feed not only the academic, but also the spiritual needs of all of our students, who are then empowered to serve others as Jesus commands.” – Brother R. Droel, theology teacher TRADITIONS: St. Joseph focuses on helping each student develop by listening for their call from God when each class makes an annual retreat off campus. A favorite tradition includes honoring alumni each year by welcoming them back on campus during Homecoming weekend with a reception. Because so many students are relatives of former students, they meet in the rosary garden for an annual legacy picture.
“Growing up in a Catholic school means integrating Christian values into our everyday life. Our teachers focus equally on academic achievement and spiritual growth. I know I will always have a family to fall back on at VCS.” – Ally Doiron, class of 2023
SERVICE: BruinThon is the major fundraiser that is the focus of the entire school year. Bake sales, movie nights and various activities are held culminating in a 12-hour dance marathon, with all proceeds to benefit Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. While the school have always held canned food drives, the 2021 Advent food drive brought in more than 10,000 canned items for the food pantries at St. Richard Church in Jackson and Sacred Heart Church in Canton. In addition to each student’s requirement to contribute individual service hours, St. Joe hosts a blood drive in the gym, and the seniors take a day to volunteer together wherever there is a need. Bruins truly care for the needs of those who cannot care for themselves.
TRADITIONS: Vicksburg Catholic School has over 160 years of traditions. Many of the school’s alumni have returned as staff members and/or parents of our students to continue the tradition of Catholic education. Each year the senior class hosts the Luminary Prayer Labyrinth, which allows the Vicksburg community to gather to honor lost loved ones. Additionally, the food basket project was established over 30 years ago by Sister Fatima, and it allows us to provide turkey dinners to families in need for Thanksgiving. SERVICE: Community service is a cornerstone of Vicksburg Catholic School. The school believes that it is through service and positive core values that the members of the Body of Christ carry on the work of Jesus and make God visibly present in the world today. Vicksburg Catholic School strives to prepare students for a lifetime of service to community, in addition to academic excellence.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart first grade students plant fall vegetables. (Photo by Laura Grisham) (Right) CLARKSDALE – School parent, Lauren Fondren helps her daughter with her project at St. Elizabeth’s Math and Science Family Fun Night. Third graders Ridgely Walls and Brooks Cauthen make predictions at the project table. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph sixth grader, Hensley Fortenberry presents her St. Teresa of Avila project to her peers. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
VICKSBURG – (Above) Junior, Ally Doiron poses for a photo with a “Junior” Flash at Vicksburg Catholic School. (Photo by Kristi Smith)
JACKSON – Little Cardinals take time to pray during Atrium. (Photo by Catherine Simmons)
FLOWOOD – St. Paul students, Madelyn Bradfor, Mary Evelyn Britt and Reed Wilson work in the Fine Motor Center. (Photo courtesy of school)
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022 (Left) NATCHEZ – Joanie David’s first grade students were excited to see that St. Nick had stopped by their classroom on Dec. 6 for St. Nicholas of Myra’s Feast Day. Pictured: Noah Johnson, Sam House, John Ruffin Daniel, Lucas Wingfield, Aubrey Burnsed, and Robert Martin. (Photo by Cara Serio)
COLUMBUS – (Above) Third grade student, Madison Edwards works with her teacher on an archeology lesson. (Photo by Katie Fenstermacher)
MADISON – St. Anthony sixth graders, Maddie Morris and Arie Strong share a stroll down the hall with Pre-K3 student Henry Sellers. (Photo by Michele Warnock)
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph student, Gabby Wells receives the Eucharist from Brian McGaugh at school Mass. (Photo by Nikki Thompson)
HOLLY SPRINGS – Holy Family Religion teacher, Dorothy Vinson lights the Advent wreath and explains its meaning to the school’s younger students. (Photo by Laura Grisham)
JACKSON – Students at Sister Thea Bowman school receive a blessing from Deacon Denzil Lobo during school Mass. (Photo by Shea Robinson)
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL 395 West Street, Holly Springs, MS 38635 www.hfamilyschool.org Facebook: @hfamilyschool Twitter: @holyfamilyscho9
Pre-K3 thru 8th grade
(662)252-1612
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022 ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 1501 V.F.W. Road, Greenville, MS 38701 Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary St. Joseph Middle/High School www.ourladyoflourdesschool.org www.stjoeirish.org
Pre-K3 thru 12 grade th
(662)334-3287 (662)378-9711
Facebook: @sjsgreenville
HOLLY SPRINGS – Students at Holy Family pose for a picture before they begin their school day. (Photo courtesy of school)
GREENVILLE – Senior, Catherine Meyer serves Russell Humphrey ice cream for reaching his AR goal for the first 9-weeks. (Photo courtesy of school)
”Holy Family school states its program and its commitment to uphold it right from the start. It is a true community, dedicated to providing all possible assistance to its members in adopting a Christian way of life, in addition to academic education. Mutual respect at a Catholic school involves serving the ‘Person of Christ.’ In Christ, cooperation is between brothers and sisters. Working for the common good is taken seriously as part of the work of building up the Kingdom of God. All members of the community, including teachers, parents, students and administrative workers, have a moral obligation to work together to achieve this goal. Each person has a specific role to play. Everyone working together! Given in the spirit of the Gospel, it is, by definition, a testament not just to Christ as the community’s cornerstone, but also to Christ as the light that shines far beyond it.” – Antonio Hinton, HFS librarian
“Being part of a catholic school community, means the world to me. I have gone to St. Joseph Catholic School for 13 years, and in these 13 years I feel that I have experienced a true, loving community. Being part of a Catholic school community is much different than any school community. Here we experience weekly Mass, as well as weekly Adoration and Reconciliation. This Catholic school community gives us all the opportunities to be able to grow closer to God together.” – Allyson Moss, student
TRADITION: Boxed goods and warm meals are delivered to senior citizens living near the school during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. SERVICE: Garden Café Servers, Annual Canned Good Drive, St. Jude Math-a-Thon, St. Jude Trikea-Thon, delivering food to the less fortunate and collecting toiletries and winter apparel for Native Americans on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation.
TRADITIONS: The Parish Fair is an annual event that has been hosted for over 100 years. This tradition also hosts a huge spaghetti dinner. The Spring Fling is another tradition that the Irish take pride in. This event invites alumni and their families for one of the school’s biggest dinners and draw downs. These are just a few traditions that make St. Joseph such a special place. SERVICE: Service is the basis of any good foundation. St. Joseph Catholic School of Greenville hosts weekly/monthly service opportunities. Whether it’s giving at the annual coat drive, donating canned goods to St. Vincent de Paul, or lending your time to local nursing homes, students at St. Joseph have many opportunities to serve.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ASSISI EARLY LEARNING CENTER 4000 West Tidewater Lane, Madison , MS 39110 www.aelcmadison.org Facebook: @AELCMadison
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022
9 Infants thru Pre-K4
(601)856-9494
ST. RICHARD SCHOOL 100 Holly Drive Jackson, MS 39206 www.strichardschool.org Facebook: @saintrichardcardinals
Pre-K3 thru 6th Grade
(601)366-1157
MADISON – Assisi Early Learning Center students enjoys some fall weather and fun. (Photo courtesy of school)
JACKSON – St. Richard Kindergarten students Skip Harkins and MJ love one another! (Photo courtesy of school)
" AELC nurtures the heart and body of our children raising them in the grace and admonition of our Lord. We are very thankful for the staff and their selfless love they give our babies." – Amanda Polless, parent MISSION: Assisi Early Learning Center is a faith-based childcare center that strives to educate the whole child. We strive to help children grow socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually. From six-weeks to four-years of age, children at Assisi are cared for in a safe, loving, and educational environment.
“It’s a great feeling being a part of the Catholic family. Especially in the South, it feels like being a part of a club that is small, but very much welcoming and inclusive.” – Chelsea Hamilton, staff
TRADITION: We are serving second generation children – parents who have graduated from AELC are bringing us their babies; eleven families so far!
SERVICE: Students are encouraged to participate in community service projects throughout the year. Each month, the school collect items for community groups such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Birthright and Coins for the Cause to name a few. Our largest community service project, Manhattan Mall, runs in November and December when sixth graders collect gift items and wrapping supplies and host a shopping center for the residents at Manhattan Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Jackson. On Fridays, students are invited to participate in Jeans for Green – a program where students can wear jeans to school in exchange for bringing $1 to be donated to the charity of the month. It is the school’s hope that they are turning out successful, community minded students when the Cardinals leave the nest after sixth grade.
SERVICE: During Catholic Schools Week, we read and study the story Stone Soup. Along with discussing the values of this story, our four-year old classes make Stone Soup for the whole school which is a service to the school. The idea is that when we all share a little, we can feed a village.
ASSISI EARLY LEARNING CENTER Nurturing and Educating Infants through Four Year-Old Children since 1987
4000 W. Tidewater Lane Madison, MS 39110
601-856-9494
Serving a need for parents who have to work by providing a loving, safe, stimulating environment in which each child can become the best version of themselves. A ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Parish
TRADITION: Like any family, St. Richard Catholic School is steeped in tradition. Though many of our traditions have been paused recently due to the pandemic, we cannot wait to again host things like our Thanksgiving Feast, Field Day and to get parents back on campus visiting their students for lunch and celebrating holiday parties!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL 1585 Old Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110 www.stanthonyeagles.org Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @STAEagles
10 Pre-K4 h thru 6 Grade
(601)607-7054
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022
ST. PATRICK SCHOOL 2700 Davis Street, Meridian, MS 39301 www.stpatrickcatholicschool.org Facebook: @stpatrickcatholicschool2700
Pre-K3 thru 7 Grade th
(601)482-6044
MADISON – Fourth grade students, Ben Schenck, Charlie Scott, Natalia Rojas and Hayden Dickerson investigate how electric circuits work during a science lesson. (Photo courtesy of school)
MERIDIAN – Sixth graders, Harlie Harless-Gregory, Audrey Lee and Logan parker work on a science project. (Photo courtesy of school)
“To me it means that I get to be a part of a loving community and learn about my faith with other people.” – Emily Odde, sixth grade student
“I enjoy being a part of this Catholic school community because our Catholic teachings and values are a part of every day life. I like being in an environment where I can discuss my beliefs with my teachers and other students.” – Denise Quedado, sixth grade student
“Being a part of a Catholic school community allows me to be a part of something that is bigger and better than myself. It means getting to live out my faith through daily prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and share in the Eucharist with my class. The St. Anthony community has strengthened my knowledge and relationship with God and allows me to share my love of teaching with my students, while also instilling a love of the Catholic faith and God, all at the same time.” – Anabeth Duncan, Sixth grade language arts and social studies teacher TRADITIONS: Traditions at St. Anthony Catholic School include student body participation in the House System and beginning each school day with Prayer and Pledge. SERVICE: St. Anthony has a strong school spirit and involves families as much as possible. Students are provided many opportunities to serve others in the community through various outreach projects, such as the Backpack Ministry. During this year’s Catholic Schools Week, students will be making blankets to give to patients at Batson Children’s Hospital and door decorations for residents at St. Catherine’s Village.
TRADITIONS: During Advent, students gather in an assembly every Friday and sing the Advent song; Each year for Catholic Schools week, the entire school and student’s families parade to City Hall to meet with the Mayor of Meridian who gives an official Proclamation of Catholic Schools Week. SERVICE: The school choir visited Poplar Springs Nursing Home and sang Christmas Carols to the residents during the holidays; students create “Love Bags” filled with necessities for the homeless and deliver them to the local soup kitchen; the last Friday of every month, students contribute $1 to wear jeans, the profits are donated to a local charity each year; each classroom participates in “Fill the Mayflower,” a canned food drive; this year, students are volunteering at local daycare facilities and reading to children.
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SACRED HEART SCHOOL 5150 Tchulahoma Road, Southaven, MS 38671 www.sheartschool.org Facebook: @sheartschool
Pre-K4 thru 8 Grade th
(662)349-0900
SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart eighth grade students volunteer at Sacred Heart Southern Missions sorting food for Thanksgiving baskets. (Photo courtesy of school) “Being in a Catholic school community means to me that I can feel comfortable talking about my faith to people around me and not feel embarrassed. I also feel like having religion class everyday and Mass once a week brings me closer to God. ” – Gwyneth Michael, eighth grade student TRADITION: On the first day of school Sacred Heart students line a path in the gym ready with pompoms for the eighth-graders to run in on their last first day to the tune of the school song. Once the eighth-graders are in the gym, middle school teachers call each one of them up to present them with their eighth-grade school jersey. The students may wear the jerseys with jeans every Friday. SERVICE: Each month the school highlights one of the social service ministries sponsored by Sacred Heart Southern Missions (SHSM). Students learn about the ministry, and pray for the clients and volunteers. The last Friday of the month they make a donation from their own money to the ministry and they may wear jeans. Our middle school students have a Day of Service when they volunteer at the SHSM mobile food pantry.
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 5, 2022
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2022
The Office of Catholic Education dedicates this Catholic Schools Week edition to:
Caroline McCollum Simrall Hood St. Aloysius, Vicksburg Class of 2018 August 25, 1999 – January 11, 2022
Jordan Jamaal Herrington Cathedral School, Natchez Class of 2024 April 24, 2006 – January 15, 2022
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.