3 February 2024 - Prayers of the faithful - First Saturday Devotion to Our Lady of Fatima - Saturday of the fourth week in Ordinary Time

Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus, you the Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ, have mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you are Word of God made flesh: Lord, have mercy.

Prayers of the faithful:  

PRIEST:  God graciously blesses us in his love and mercy.  We now bring forward our needs to God with confidence as we commemorate our first Saturday Devotion:

1. That those who follow Christ may remain faithful throughout the challenging and difficult circumstances of their lives.

2. That God will grant wisdom to our governmental leaders in the decisions they make.

3. For peace in our communities that are torn apart by violence, terrorism, anger, or conflict.

4. That we may all be peacemakers who work for reconciliation, peace, and justice in our relationships and in our families.  

5. That our Mother Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, may be an example to all of us in her patience, compassion, and love.  

6. For all who have been affected by bad weather and natural disasters. We pray for safety for all travelers. 

7. For the sick and the shut-in.  For our dearly departed family members and loved ones, that perpetual light may shine on them.

8. For those prayers we hold in our hearts.  

PRIEST: Gracious God, you bless your people with peace and justice. As we commemorate our Mother Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, we ask that you accept our prayers and give us your help, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

3 February 2024 - homily for Saturday of the 4th week in Ordinary time - First Saturday Devotion - Mark 6:30-34

As we celebrate the first Saturday devotion this morning in honor of Our Lady of Fatima, we also celebrate daily Mass for Saturday of the 4th week in Ordinary Time. We have a wonderful Gospel reading today about Jesus and his disciples serving in their mission and ministry.  There is excitement about what Jesus and his disciples are doing, about the miracles and healings they are performing, about their proclamation of God’s kingdom.  Yet, the crowds have been demanding so much of them, they are worn out, having little time to rest and even eat. I am sure the disciples were amazed at the new found fame and popularity, but it was probably taking a toll on them. Right now in ministry, many of us are stretched very thin. As the Gospels state, the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.  Just this past week, I have three masses at the Federal prison in Yazoo City, two mass at the state prison in Pearl, and Masses at St Joseph School in Madison and the Vicksburg Catholic schools as well, not to mention our different parish activities and liturgies. I love being a priest, I love all that I do, but it can be a lot sometimes, as you can imagine.  We all need to strive for balance in our lives, to work hard for the kingdom of God, but also to have to for rest and prayer.  Jesus and his disciples strived for balance in their lives; they took time to reflect on the meaning of what they were doing. Our actions are to be fruits of our faith, not to flow out of our frustrations and our emptiness.  

4 February 2024 - 5th Sunday Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful - CMCF prison ministry

Introduction: We gather at Mass today to celebrate the meal that Jesus instituted for us. As we celebrate the Eucharist together today, we pray that Jesus may continue to nourish us on our journey of faith. We give praise and gratitude to God for this opportunity to gather for Mass today, even as we acknowledge our failings and our need for God’s mercy. Let us life up our hearts in praise and worship today.

Priest - Penitential Rite:

Lord Jesus - you cured the sick and you drove out demons, Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you are the Beloved Son of the Father, Christ have mercy.

Lord Jesus - you are our Savior and our Redeemer, Lord have mercy.

Prayers of the faithful:

Priest: As we hear the call to discipleship at Mass today, let us bring our prayers to our Heavenly Father in faith and hope:

1. For our Holy Church, that we may bring Christ’s presence to the world. May we respond selflessly and compassionately to those in need, we pray to the Lord.

2. That nations around the world may take special care of the oppressed and the marginalized, we pray to the Lord.

3. For doctors, nurses, paramedics, and all medical professionals, for all who minister to the sick and injured, that they may be blessed in their work, we pray to the Lord.

4. That the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us on our journey of faith, we pray to the Lord.

5. For victims of war, terrorism, and violence in our country and throughout the world. We pray for peace and healing for the women and women here at CMCF.  We pray to the Lord.

6. For those suffering from despair, mental illness, or depression, may they be comforted and given hope, we pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord.

Priest: God of light and hope, as we turn to you in confidence, you are attentive to our prayers and loving in your care for us. We present these prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 11 February 2024 - prayers of the faithful - CMCF prison ministry

Introduction: The Holy Spirit draws our community of St Michael the Archangel to Mass today right before we start the holy season of Lent this upcoming week. Today at Mass, we encounter our Savior Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, in God’s Word, and in each other. Our weekly celebration of Mass is to bring joy into our lives. May the Mass today strengthen all of us today in our faith and in our mission.

Priest - Penitential rite:

Lord Jesus - you bring healing into our lives, Lord have mercy.

Christ Jesus - you are the source of holiness, Christ have mercy.

Lord Jesus - you are the way to God’s eternal kingdom, Lord have mercy.

Prayers of the faithful:

Priest: We bring to mind our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world in our prayer petitions as we call to mind the faith of the leper in the Gospel today:

1. That all of us in the Church may pray without ceasing, that we may support each other in prayer, and that we may remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and holiness, we pray to the Lord.

2. For our governmental leaders, that they may break down barriers that divide us, we pray to the Lord.

3. For an end to violence amongst all the men and women here at CMCF. We pray for peace and healing here at CMCF, in our neighborhoods, in our cities, and throughout the world, we pray to the Lord.

4. That we may look to God’s word for teaching and for formation in righteousness, so that we may be equipped for good works and evangelization, we pray to the Lord.

5. For those undergoing a crisis of faith or a time of doubt, that the witness we give to our faith may sustain them and reassure them despite doubt or despair, let us pray to the Lord.

6. For those suffering from disease or illness, and for their medical professionals and caregivers, that they may feel God’s healing presence, we pray to the Lord.

7. For our families, that they may feel our love and our prayers, we pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all of our prayer intentions both spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

Priest: Heavenly father, we ask that you watch over us and listen to our prayers as we seek your kingdom. We ask these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

Bulletin Reflection - 11 February 2024 - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

I always look forward to the beginning of Lent, which begins this Wednesday with our commemoration of Ash Wednesday. As we the Catholic faithful fill the churches on Ash Wednesday, we receive a smudge of ash on our foreheads as we hear it declared to us, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” The Church calls us to the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and works of charity. This year at Holy Savior and Immaculate Conception, we will follow the theme of gratitude throughout the holy season of Lent and will practice the Ignatian examen. Gratitude is such an important part of our Catholic faith. I look forward to us journeying together during this holy season and to grow together in our faith. We look forward to seeing you on Ash Wednesday and throughout the season of Lent. Blessings - Father Lincoln. 

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 11 February 2024 - prayers of the faithful

Introduction: The Holy Spirit draws our community to Mass today on this last Sunday before we enter the holy season of Lent this upcoming week. Today at Mass, we encounter our Savior Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, in God’s Word, and in each other. Our weekly celebration of Mass is at the center of our parish life. May the Mass today strengthen all of us today in our faith and in our mission.

Priest - Penitential rite:

Lord Jesus - you bring healing into our lives, Lord have mercy.

Christ Jesus - you are the source of holiness, Christ have mercy.

Lord Jesus - you are the way to God’s eternal kingdom, Lord have mercy.

Prayers of the faithful:

Priest: We bring to mind our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world in our prayer petitions as we call to mind the faith of the leper in the Gospel today:

1. For the Church, that we may pray without ceasing, that we may support each other in prayer, and that we may remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and holiness, we pray to the Lord.

2. For our governmental leaders, that they may break down barriers that divide us and isolate us, we pray to the Lord.

3. For an end to violence and the threat our violence in our neighborhood, our cities, and throughout the world, we pray to the Lord.

4. That we may look to Scripture for teaching and for formation in righteousness, so that we may be equipped for good works and evangelization, we pray to the Lord.

5. For those undergoing a crisis of faith or a time of doubt, that the collective witness we give to our faith may sustain them and reassure them despite doubt or despair, let us pray to the Lord.

6. For those suffering from disease or illness, and for their medical professionals and caregivers, that they may feel God’s healing presence, we pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all of our prayer intentions both spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

Priest: Heavenly father, we ask that you watch over us and listen to our prayers as we seek your kingdom. We ask these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

8 February 2024 - prayers of the faithful - Thursday of the 5th week of Lent

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy.

With faith and hope, we bring our prayers to our heavenly Father:

1. For an end to war and violence.  That we all may be peacemakers in the brokenness of the world. 

2. For people who need healing and wholeness and their lives — that they may seek forgiveness and reconciliation. 

3. For those who are battling addictions, for those struggling with depression and mental health issues. 

4. For the gift of compassion — that we may treat others as we wish to be treated.  May we hear God calling us to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. 

5. For those are sick, at home, in hospital, and in the nursing home. For healing body, mind and spirit.  

6. For our loved ones and family members who have entered enteral life.  For the souls in purgatory.  

God of love and compassion, we ask that you look lovingly on your people and grant us your gracious help, through Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever.  Amen.

prayers of the faithful - Friday of the 5th week of Ordinary Time - 9 February 2024

Lord Jesus, you call us to simplicity of heart.

Christ Jesus, you call us be a light in the world.

Lord Jesus - you call us to trust you.  

As Jesus calls us to have faith, let us present our prayers to our Heavenly father:

1. We pray that in moments of fear, doubt, and despair, we will recall the words of the Lord and place our trust in his love and goodness.

2.  We pray for Pope Francis, Bishop Kopacz and our Church leaders, that they be inspired by the Spirit to be brave and trusted navigators of the Church. 

3. We pray for those who are unemployed or those seeking new work,  that the Lord may lead them and guide them in their work and their vocation.

4. For our first responders, our medical professionals, and the men and women in the military.  For their safety and in thanksgiving for their sacrifices.  

5. For our seminarians and deacon candidates, for all discerning a vocation in the Church. 

6. For the sick and the shut-ins - for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed.  

7. For those prayers we hold in our hearts today.  

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your loving help and guidance through the storms of life. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  Amen.

Prayers of the faithful - Wednesday of the 5th week in Ordinary Time - 7 February 2024

Lord Jesus - you call us to faith. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to hope. 

Lord Jesus - you are seated at the right hand of the Father where you intercede for us.  

With faith and hope, let us present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. That God will give our governmental leaders wisdom in addressing the issues that challenge society, free them from self-centeredness, and inspire them to work for the common good. 

2. That God will raise up those who are exploited in work places or who are caught in human trafficking, healing their wounds and leading them to a new life. 

3. For all who are grieving: that those who have lost loved ones, their health, or their employment, may know the presence of God who wipes away all tears and who brings light into every darkness. 

4. That our children and youth may they feel God’s presence leading them and guiding them through life, and may the Lord accompany them through their studies and school activities this academic year.  

5. For our seminarians and our deacon candidates, may the Lord accompany them throughout their period of formation. 

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

God of love and mercy, we present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

6 February 2022 - prayers of the faithful - Tuesday of the 5th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you call us to wisdom. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us hope.  

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father. 

In faith and hope, let us now bring our prayers to our heavenly Father:

1. For all who are discerning God's call or who are beginning a new commitment: that God will free them from their fear, guide them along the path to life, and help them to trust in faith. 

2. That we may rely upon God’s love and providence in our vocations in marriage, parenting, and employment. 

3. For a conversion of heart: that God’s Spirit will guide us in the ways we live out the teachings of Christ, and lead us to faith, hope, and love. 

4. For all those in the RCIA process: that they may receive the Gospel message as a word of life and grow in the knowledge and love of God. 

5. For the youth preparing for confirmation, that God may continue to lead them and guide them on their faith journey. 

5. For all who feel unwelcome or unworthy before God: that God’s unconditional love may heal them and call them to deepen their faith. 

6. For the sick and the shut-in.  For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. 

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

9 February 2024 - Homily for Friday of 5th week in Ordinary Time – Mark 7:31-37

A group of people bring a man to Jesus to heal him; this man is deaf and has a speech impediment. Jesus tells the man to be opened!  And then the man could plainly speak.  Sometimes it seems like we are deaf ourselves, doesn’t it, just like the man in the Gospel today.   We may want to hear God’s word, we may want to hear God’s will speaking to us, but sometimes that message is difficult to hear, drowned out by all the other noise in the world around us, noise that we often voluntarily put in our lives. Other times it may seem like we have a speech impediment. The words we want to speak don’t come out the way we want them to. We speak unkindly, ignoring the message God gives us to say. As we hear of this Gospel story of healing today, I think of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick that we have in our Catholic faith that we are going to offer today. That Sacrament brings healing into our lives, it brings comfort to our souls and to our physical bodies. Pope Francis has said that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is also a sacrament of healing for our soul and forgiveness for our sins.  May we feel Christ’s healing presence with us today. 

8 February 2024 – Thursday of 5th week in Ordinary Time – 1 Kings 11:4-13, Mark 7:24-30

Loyalty is a theme in today’s readings. God had blessed Solomon in many ways. As Solomon was made King of Ancient Israel, God blessed his kingship. He had great power and wealth and was admired by all. Yet, Solomon did not remain loyal to the Lord, turning to the worship of the pagan gods of his pagan wives.  

One of my favorite Catholic authors is Herni Nouwen, a Catholic theologian and priest from the Netherlands who died in 1996. Nouwen was a accomplished scholar, having taught at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Notre Dame.  On the pastoral side, he served as chaplain at the L’Arche Daybreak community in Canada with it founder Jean Vanier, a community that helped individuals with developmental and intellectual challenges. Reflecting upon today’s reading about King Solomon, I thought of Nouwen’s book Can You Drink the Cup? According to Nouwen, part of drinking the cup that Jesus offers to us is holding it and reflecting upon it. According to Nouwen, if we do not examine our lives, if we do not reflect on our faith and on our journey, we will not grow in our life of discipleship. Without reflection and development in our life of faith, our loyalty to God could possibly waiver and grow dim.  Perhaps this is why Solomon was not able to remain loyal to God in his life of faith.                   

In comparison to Solomon, the Syrophoenician woman in today’s Gospel was able to show loyalty to Jesus even with the rejection and discrimination she faced in life. Loyalty is an important moral value we are called to follow on our journey of discipleship: Loyalty to Jesus, loyalty to our faith, loyalty in a world that tries to lure us away in another direction. May all of us feel this call to be loyal to our Lord Jesus Christ.  

7 February 2024 - Wednesday of the 5th week in Ordinary Time - Psalm 37 - 1 Kings 10:1-10

The Queen of Sheba traveled to Ancient Israel from her home in either Arabia or Africa to meet Solomon. She wanted to test him, having heard of his great wisdom. Although she brought him great gifts in his honor, she was awed by his wisdom and wealth, imparting a blessing on him. The psalmist declares: “The mouth of the just man tells of wisdom and his tongue utters what is right. The law of God is in his heart.” Perhaps this is what the Queen of Sheba saw in him. The Queen of Sheba was a pilgrim and a seeker. She was searching for knowledge and truth, a calling that reaching out to all of us. As we all search as a part of our journey of faith, it is important to recognize that wisdom is not something we encounter on our own; wisdom is a grace we receive from God. Through our life of prayer, through our experiences and our encounters with others, God speaks to us and imparts his wisdom to us. And knowledge and wisdom are certainly not the same. We can accumulate a lot of knowledge, but attaining the wisdom of God is something altogether different.  May we always be seekers. May we always be pilgrims on our journey. 

6 February 2024 - Tuesday of the 5th week in Ordinary Time - 1 Kings 8:22-23 and 27-30

Today's first reading from the first book of Kings tells us about Solomon, the son of King David.  At the time of this reading. Solomon is now King and his father David is in his last days. David had planned on building a Temple in Jerusalem, but had not realized those plans, so now that task falls to Solomon. 

Solomon speaks to the people of Israel in front of the Ark of Covenant in the newly constructed Temple, proud of the place they have for their worship of the Lord. Solomon makes a prayer of gratitude to the Lord as he speaks to the people of Israel gathered there.

As we hear about this newly built Temple and listen to the gratitude and humility with which the people present themselves before God, we may wonder if we really see ourselves as inhabiting the Temple of the Lord in our bodies, seeing them as Temples of the Holy Spirit. We, as a community of Christ's followers, form the Body of Christ here on earth; we are entrusted with bringing Christ's Gospel to others. We are all called to have an attitude of eagerness, gratefulness, and gratitude as we come before the Lord and as we identity as God’s people.

4 February 2024 - 5th Sunday Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful

Introduction:  We gather at Mass today to celebrate the meal that Jesus instituted for us so that we may be nourished by him on our journey of faith. We give praise and gratitude to God for this opportunity to gather for Mass today, even as we acknowledge our failings and our need for God’s mercy. We lift up our hearts in praise and worship today. 

Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you cured the sick and drove out demons. 

Christ Jesus - you are the Beloved Son of the Father. 

Lord Jesus - you are our Savior and our Redeemer. 

Prayers of the faithful: 

Priest: As we hear the call to discipleship at Mass today, let us bring our prayers to our Heavenly Father in faith and hope:

1. For our Holy Church, may we bring Christ’s presence to the world. May we respond selflessly and compassionately to those in need, we pray to the Lord. 

2. That nations around the world may take special care of the oppressed and the marginalized, we pray to the Lord. 

3. For doctors, nurses, paramedics, and all medical professionals, for all who minister to the sick and injured, that they may be blessed in their work, we pray to the Lord. 

4. For all discerning a vocation, that the Holy Spirit will lead them and guide them, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For victims of war, terrorism, and violence in our country and throughout the world, we pray to the Lord. 

6. For those suffering from despair, mental illness, or depression, may they be comforted and given hope, we pray to the Lord. 

7. For the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

Priest: God of light and hope, as we turn to you in confidence, you are attentive to our prayers and loving in your care for us.  We present these prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

Bulletin Reflection - 4 February 2024

Right before Christmas, the secular media was reporting about the types of blessings that priests are able to give to the faithful.  You can imagine that as a priest, I give blessings to people on all different occasions and for all different reasons. This weekend, Catholics from all around the world receive a special blessings of the throats in honor of St Blaise, an Bishop who served in Armenia in the 4th Century.  Through the Tradition of the Church, it has been passed down that Blaise was a physician before he was elected as Bishop and that he died in 316 AD in the persecutions of Christians by the Emperor Licinius of the Eastern Roman Empire.  While Blaise was hiding before he was captured and put to death, a legend states that a mother pleaded for Blaise to cure her son who was dying from a fish bone lodged in his throat. Blaise prayed over the boy, and the child was healed.  From this legend comes the blessing of the throats that we celebrate today.  Blaise became a popular saint in the Middle Ages.  As early as the 9th century, his intercession was invoked for ailments of the throat. By the 15th century, the ritual of the throat blessing in his name was being practiced in the Church. With great faith, we Catholics remember St Blaise this weekend as we receive this blessing of the throats.  Father Lincoln. 

4 February 2024 - homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle B - Mark 1:29-39 - Job 1:1-4 and 6-7

The first thing that struck me when I looked at the readings for today was the striking contrast between Job’s attitude in the first reading and Jesus’ attitude in the Gospel. However, I must admit, I sympathize with Job and how he is feeling, because we all have probably been in that same frame of mind at one time or another. Job feels like a servant in the relentless hot sun who wants to be in the shade. He feels like the laborer whose work is hard and tedious, who watches the clock and hopes that the day will soon end. Job is weary and tired, hoping that his futile days here on earth will mercifully come to an end. Job is like the man who tries to get sleep, but who tosses and turns all night long until dawn. Job is in a bad spot. He finds no value or meaning in life. He is full of pity and woe. He has no hope, but he is not taking steps to make his life any better. 

As I thought about Job and all the doom and gloom he was feeling, I thought of a quote from St José María Escriva (1902 - 1975), a Spanish priest who founded the Catholic lay movement Opus Dei.  Escriva said this: “Do everything for love. Thus, there will be no little things: everything will be big. Perseverance in little things for love is heroism.” Escriva’s quote talks about heroism. Most people think of heroism as one great significant act when they sacrifice for the good of others. According to this view, we wouldn’t have many opportunities for heroism in our lifetime, if we’re offered an opportunity at all. But, as Escriva asserts, the big heroic things are not what comprise our journey of faith. It is the little ordinary things that makes up the majority of our lives that Jesus asks us to approach with love: the little mundane things and the tedious monotonous things. In all things, we are to persevere in love.  

 Today's Gospel is a continuation of the first chapter of Mark that we heard last Sunday, in which Jesus visited the synagogue and healed a man possessed with an unclean spirit. Leaving the synagogue, Jesus visits the house of Simon Peter, where he cure’s Simon Peter’s mother-in-law who was sick in bed with a bad fever. People see the power that Jesus has, so now many of the sick are coming to him for healing. Jesus is committed to serving the people and proclaiming the kingdom of God through these miracles of healings. Jesus does not think about himself and his own selfish desires. He is following the will of the Father and the mission to which he has been sent. 

We can bemoan our situation in life and the sacrifices we have to make. We can look at the crosses we carry with pity and dread. We can feel unfulfilled at work, looking for a way to escape. We can just go through the motions of life, taking the easy way out. Or we can see ourselves in service to God and service to others. We can unite our crosses with the cross of Christ. We can take joy in those little moments we have in our lives and in our interactions with others. The life of Jesus calls us to reach out of ourselves and to bring his light to others.

 

prayers of the faithful - the presentation of the Lord - 2 February 2024

Lord Jesus, as a child, you were presented in the Temple. 

Christ Jesus, you grew up in holiness. 

Lord Jesus, you are the son of God and son of Mary. 

Prayers of the faithful: 

PRIEST: On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we join with the prayers of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as we present our prayers and ourselves to the Lord:

1. For the whole Church: that inspired by the Holy Spirit

with wisdom and knowledge, we may follow the example of Simeon and Anna in making Jesus and his mission known to the world.

2. For all the children of our world, that they may be loved and cherished by their families and by the societies in which they live.

3. For all who live under the constant threat of violence and the shadow of war, that all people will turn from violence to peace. We pray in a special way for a stop to violence and crime here in the Jackson metro area. 

4. For all the children, youth, and adults who are preparing this year for their sacraments, that they will always keep Jesus at the center of their lives.

5. For all who are grieving or afflicted. For those who are sick or suffering in any way.

6. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, for their entry into eternal life. 

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

PRIEST: Heavenly Father, you have given us Jesus your Son as the light of the world. May we always walk in his light and live by his truth. We make this prayer through your son Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

2 February 2024 - Feast of the presentation of the Lord - Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 2:22-32

The Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord each year on February 2, a date that is forty days after Jesus’ birth. This feast day is traditionally known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in today's liturgy.

As declared by Pope John Paul II in 1997, today is the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. He attached it to Candlemas Day because the consecrated men and women in religious life are to be a light in the world, imitating Jesus, the true light of the world. In the Church’s liturgical calendar prior to the Second Vatican Council, this feast was referred to as the "Purification of Mary." This is known as a "Christmas feast,” since this feast day points back to our celebration of Christmas. Even though the Christmas season officially ended on January 8 this year in our celebration of the feast the Baptism of the Lord, the Vatican practices the tradition of keeping out the Nativity creche until this feast day.

In today’s first reading, we gain insight into the profound mystery of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, which adhered to the canons of Mosaic Law. The Prophet Malachi states: “I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek.” The Gospels tell us that the precursor, St John the Baptist, was born 6 months before Jesus. God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Savior. Malachi’s words foretell the coming of the Lord. God promised that he would send a precursor to prepare the way. Since there is only 6 months between the birth of St John the Baptist and Jesus, it is clear that Malachi’s prophecy meant that suddenly after the precursor, the Lord himself will come. Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance into his temple. Jesus, God-made-man, entered his temple, presenting himself to those who were intently searching for him.

St. Anselm (1033-1109), the Archbishop of Canterbury, spoke about the mystery of the Feast of the Presentation, considering three aspects of the blessed candles. He says, “The wax of the candles signifies the virginal flesh of the Divine Infant, the wick figures his soul, and the flame his divinity.”

We will use the following prayer for blessing the candles:

V: Our help is in the name of the Lord

R: The maker of heaven and earth.

V: The Lord be with you 

R: And also with you.

Let us pray: O Gracious Father, almighty and eternal God, you created all things out of nothing, and by your command caused the labor of bees to be revealed in the perfection of wax. You commanded your servant Moses to keep lamps continually burning before you. Bless and sanctify these candles that their light may be for us a visible reminder of the true light who enlightens everyone coming into the world. As these candles, kindled with a visible flame, scatter the darkness of night, so also may our hearts be enlightened by the invisible fire of the Holy Spirit that we might avoid the darkness of sin, see your salvation, and attain to the Light that never fades away. All this we ask through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 February 2024 - Thursday of the fourth week in Ordinary Time - 1 Kings 2:1-4 and 10-12

We have been hearing readings at daily Mass from 1 and 2 Samuel; this story continues with the book of 1 Kings today. David is now at the end of his life, handing over the kingship of Israel to his son, Solomon. Just as Moses, Joshua, and Samuel had given testaments before dying, David gives final instructions today after his death.  Although it is commendable that David instructs Solomon to observe God’s decrees and commands and to walk in the way of the Lord, he also asks Solomon to take vengeance upon David’s personal enemies, on Joab, one of his generals who had betrayed him, and on Shimei, who had cursed David. 

Having ruled Israel for 40 years, David is one of the giant personalities to come from the history of Israel. He was a man of many faults, but also of integrity and religious conviction. His failures were great, but he also repented from his sins and received God’s mercy and forgiveness. King David is an example of faith from which we can all learn. When we sin, we are all called to acknowledge our sins, to repent, and to return to the Lord. 

Prayers of the faithful - fifth week of ordinary time - 1 February 2024

Lord Jesus - you come to us in the midst of our reality. 

Christ Jesus - you give us strength and courage. 

Lord Jesus - you reach out to the poor in spirit. 

Out of our humble hearts, let us present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. For peace: that God will inspire those working to reduce tension in Eastern Europe and in Ukraine.  For peace in justice in our communities. For respect and understanding in situations of conflict. 

2. For those who are struggling with mental illness, depression and addiction.  For those having a hard time getting through the tough cold dark winter months.  For all affected by the harsh winter weather.  

3. For all who are ill: that God will heal the sick and help our healthcare providers. 

4. For all who have died: that they may share fully in the new life of the resurrection and live with God forever. 

5.  Four our children, youth, and college students.  May they see God’s presence in the studies and in their times of fun and pleasure.  

With joy and hope, we present these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

31 January 2024 - Homily for Wednesday of the 4th week in Ordinary Time - 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17

David doesn't completely put his trust in God, so he takes a military census of the men in Israel in order to see if he has a force large enough to take into battle. Before God has a chance to rebuke him, David realizes that he has sinned. David repents and acknowledges the foolishness of his actions. Yet, he is forced to accept a punishment for what he has done. It’s ironic that David wanted to take a census to determine the strength of a potential fighting force, and now due to his sinfulness, those forces have been reduced by 70,000 men who were killed by pestilence. 

The saint we celebrate today, John Bosco, put his trust in the Lord and in his call to serve the Lord as a priest.  Bosco was born on the island of Sardinia in 1815.  While a youth in the city of Turin, Italy, Bosco was encouraged to become a priest so he could work with youth. His service to the youth started when he met a poor orphan in Turin. He instructed this orphan in preparation for receiving First Holy Communion. He then gathered young apprentices together and taught them the catechism. After serving as chaplain in a hospice for working girls, Bosco opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys. Several wealthy patrons contributed money, enabling him to provide two workshops for the boys, teaching them shoemaking and tailoring skills. He became renowned for his ministry to youth, gathering other young priests together in this work. Under the encouragement of Pope Pius IX, he founded the religious order of the Salesians in 1859, and later founded an order of Salesian sisters to work with girls.  John Bosco is one of the patron saints of children and youth, especially youth who are struggling in life. May we unite our prayers with the prayers of St John Bosco in praying for our children and youth.  

Prayers of the faithful - 31 January 2024 - Wednesday of the 4th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you are the rock of salvation. 

Christ Jesus - you reach out to us in our love and mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you forgive the sins of the contrite. 

Priest: With faith and trust, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. That all believers may be like Mary, saying yes to the invitation we receive from God. 

2. That we may have hope in the face of any fears we have and that God's faithfulness will free us and strengthen us. 

3. For parents who are expecting a child, that they may know God's presence and strength as they await the birth of their child and that these children may be healthy and strong. 

4. For those who are facing oppression and injustice in their lives, that God will help them experience justice and dignity. 

5. For all who are isolated and alone, particularly those who are homebound or in nursing homes, that Christ may fill their emptiness and open our hearts to reach out to them. 

6. For our deceased loved one and family members, for their entry into eternal life.  

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts.  

Priest: As we give thanks for the blessings we have in life, and as we face our challenges with the trust we have in our faith, we present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

Prayers of the faithful - 30 January 2024 - Tuesday of the 4th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you are the long-awaited Messiah. 

Christ Jesus - you are the beloved Son of God. 

Lord Jesus - you are our savior and redeemer. 

Priest: May we present our prayers to God this evening with faith and humility: 

1. That we in the Church may create in our hearts an authentic place for God. 

2. That our Church leaders help the people bring God’s presence to all they encounter. 

3. May Christ Jesus open for those who have died the eternal joy and peace of God's presence forever. 

4. That in the obstacles we face in life, we may have confidence in God’s providence.  

5. That we may have a loving heart that is open to the word of God. 

6. For healing for the sick and the shut-in. 

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: We thank you for our blessings in life, heavenly Father.  And we thank you for your grace that helps us meet our challenges.  We present our prayers today through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

30 January 2024 - Homily for Tuesday of 4th week in Ordinary Time – Mark 5:21-43

A synagogue official comes to Jesus to get help for his sick daughter. At the same time, a woman also comes to him for help, as she had been sick for many years, received no relief from the doctors. This woman reaches out to Jesus, believing that touching his cloak will bring her relief. Both of these individuals were bold and courageous in reaching out to Jesus.  They reached out through barriers, fears, and any inadequacies they felt. Ultimately, they reached out in faith. So often our fears can hold us back and immobilize us. The synagogue official’s fears are brought to reality when he is told that his daughter has died.  Yet Jesus’ response to this synagogue official is the same response he gives to all of us: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” The Buddhists have a saying: “A journey of 10,000 miles begins with one step.” Sometimes having faith starts with that one little baby step, to step out of our fears and out of the darkness. That’s all it takes to begin the process. Just one step. 

14 January 2024 - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful - prison ministry - Central Mississippi Correctional Facility - women’s prison ministry

Introduction: Today, we hear John the Baptist testify to Jesus, declaring him to be the Lamb of God. Due to this testimony, two of his disciples are intrigued and they follow Jesus to find out more. May we all be conscious of the ways that our testimony in our words and our actions may lead others to the faith.  

Penitential rite -

Lord Jesus - you are the Servant of God. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us new life.

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the nations.

Prayers of the faithful - 

Priest: We now look to God, who sent his son into the world for our salvation. We now present our prayers to God with faith and hope:

1. For our Catholic community here at CMCF, that we may give witness to others to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord.

2. For our world leaders, that they may pursue peace amongst all nations, resolving conflicts and animosities, we pray to the Lord.

3. For all missionaries, that they may testify to the light of Christ, so that God’s word may be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, we pray to the Lord.

4. As we honor the memory of Dr Martin Luther King Jr this week in our national holiday, that we may speak out against injustice and work to bring about peace and harmony in our nation and our communities, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For all Christians, that we may pray for Christian unity. May we put into practice our love of God and our love of neighbor, finding common ground in our faith. We pray to the Lord.

6. For the healing of the sickness and brokenness that exist in our lives. We also pray for our family members and friends who have died. We pray for all the men and women here at CMCF.  We pray for the guards, administrators, and employees.  We pray that God’s presence be with us. We pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts, for our prayers, both spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.

Priest: Generous God, may your precious gifts of the Son and the Holy Spirit guide us as we put your love and mercy into action. We make our prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

28 January 2024 - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful

Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you are a light in the darkness of the world. 

Christ Jesus - you give new life to your people. 

Lord Jesus - you lead us to God’s kingdom. 

Prayers of the faithful:

Introduction:  We continue our journey during the weeks of Ordinary Time before we begin the holy season of Lent in the middle of February.  The light of Christ that we celebrated in the Christmas season still shines in the darkness of the winter months. Christ is with us today in his word and his Sacrament as we celebrate Mass together and as we receive him into our lives today. 

Priest: Let us now come in faith and confidence to the Lord, as the Lord will hear our prayers and be attentive to our needs:

1. For God’s holy Church, that its teachings may give us hope and that our ministry may give support to those in need, we pray to the Lord. 

2. For the leaders of the nations, that they may find peaceful ways to settle conflicts and disagreements.  We pray for those places that are torn apart by war, terrorism, and violence, we pray to the Lord. 

3. For those struggling with addiction, depression, and mental illness, for their families and loved ones, we pray to the Lord. 

4. For teachers and school administrators, for all those who help educate our children and expand their natural curiosity. We pray for our Catholic and our public schools, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For those who are unable to join us at Mass today due to age, illness, or disability, that they may know the goodness of the Lord through our Church and through family members, friends, and neighbors, we pray to the Lord. 

6. For the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord. 

Priest: God of mercy, as we turn to you in our needs, may we find the grace to open our hearts to your love and to respond with thanksgiving and praise. We make our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

Bulletin Reflection - 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 28 January 2024

We are already nearing the end of the month of January.  In a couple of weeks, we will commemorate Ash Wednesday and the start of the holy season of Lent.  In these weeks in between the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Lent, we commemorate Ordinary Time. According to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ordinary Time draws us to the life of Christ in a time of conversion, growth, and maturation.  Ordinary Time calls the faithful into the mystery of Christ, to penetrate ever more deeply into history until the time when Christ will come again. Blessings to all of you as we journey together through these days of Ordinary Time.  Father Lincoln. 

28 January 2024 – Homily for the 4th Sunday of ordinary time – Cycle B - Deuteronomy 18:15-20 - Mark 1:21-28

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” I wonder what meaning this psalm refrain has for us? We can open our hearts to God’s voice and allow his voice to lead us and guide us. Or we can close our hearts to God’s voice and not listen to what it is saying.  It may be challenging for us to distinguish God’s voice from all the noise and distractions that fill up our days. 

So, who do we see as the authority in our lives? What a good question today, since today’s readings all deal with the theme of authority. When the crowds heard Jesus teaching in the synagogue, when they saw him draw a demon out of a man at his command, they recognized that Jesus was not just one of the common scribes or teachers, but that he was a man with an authority they had never seen before. And if we are like these crowds, if we recognize Jesus' special authority, how do we allow that authority to interact with our lives? This authority has to be more than a whim in our lives, more than an impetuous impulse. Jesus’ authority has to be foundational as to how we truly live. It is good for us to be passionate about something that brings us joy. A lot of us here really love to do things such as hunting, reading or gardening, exercising or following our favorite sports team. Those things may be important parts of our lives and our identities, but we cannot give those things priority in our lives over God, we can’t make them our idols. We need to be passionate about our faith and our relationship with Jesus beyond anything else. 

 Allowing our faith to have authority is sometimes easier said that done. Unfortunately, many Americans have a negative view of authority of any kind; nevertheless, authority is an important part of life, especially in our life of faith. If we are obedient to our faith, we recognize the authority of the Church. Within the Church, there are several sources of authority. We not only have the authority of Sacred Scripture and Tradition, but also the teachings of the Magisterium of the Church, comprised of the pope and the college of bishops. As I am a priest, I take this authority seriously, just as all of us as Catholics should. When I meet with someone as a priest, when I up here preaching or celebrating mass, I am not just Lincoln, an ordinary, everyday person, but rather a priest who is representing the Church, who is teaching, preaching, and standing up for what our faith teaches.

Many of Jesus’ contemporaries had a difficult time accepting his authority. They did not deny his mighty deeds of power, such as the healing of the man possessed by an unclean spirit in today's Gospel. The crowds were troubled by the source of Jesus' authority. What authority could Jesus have, this humble carpenter from Nazareth? Is he acting by an authority from God, or is it from the world, from the lesser gods and spirits? Through Jesus' healing and teaching at the synagogue, through the manner in which he acts honorably and not shamefully, the people start spreading Jesus' upright reputation throughout the region of Galilee. 

As modern Americans, most of us believe we have much greater power over our lives in comparison to those in the ancient world who believed in spirits. Yet, are we really giving God, the Church, and our faith authority in our lives? Or, are we letting an improperly formed conscience and the voices of the false prophets in our secular society control over what we believe as a part of our Catholic faith? 

Prayers of the faithful - 30 January 2024 - Tuesday of the 4th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you are the long-awaited Messiah. 

Christ Jesus - you are the beloved Son of God. 

Lord Jesus - you are our savior and redeemer. 

Priest: May we present our prayers to God this evening with faith and humility: 

1. That we in the Church may create in our hearts an authentic place for God. 

2. That our Church leaders help the people bring God’s presence to all they encounter. 

3. May Christ Jesus open for those who have died the eternal joy and peace of God's presence forever. 

4. That in the obstacles we face in life, we may have confidence in God’s providence.  

5. That we may have a loving heart that is open to the word of God. 

6. For healing for the sick and the shut-in. 

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: We thank you for our blessings in life, heavenly Father.  And we thank you for your grace that helps us meet our challenges.  We present our prayers today through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

Prayers of the faithful - 26 January 2024 - feast of St Timothy and St Titus

Lord Jesus - you call all of us to a life of discipleship.

Christ Jesus - you draw us beyond our human limitations.

Lord Jesus - you call us to be missionary spirit. 

Priest: As we celebrate St Timothy and St Titus today on their feast day, let us bring our prayers to our heavenly Father:

1. For missionaries and evangelizers, that all of us may proclaim Christ’s Gospel to the world with our words and our actions.

2. For our youth and our children, that the Lord will continue to accompany them and bless them and their parents on their journey of faith. 

3. For teachers and educators, that the Lord may bless them in their service to their students. 

4. For our first responders, for our medical professionals, for the men and women in the military, for all who keep us safe in society, for their safety and protection.

5. For the sick, the shut-in, for those in the hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes, for healing in body, mind, and spirit.

6. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, for their entry into enteral life. For the souls in purgatory. 

7. For those prayers we hold in our hearts today.

Priest: Generous God, you sent St Timothy and St Titus out into the world to bring your Gospel message. Let us follow their example of faith. We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

Prayers of the faithful - feast of the Conversion of St Paul - 25 January 2023

Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you call us all to be missionary in Spirit - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to conversion of heart - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to be your presence in the world - Lord have mercy. 

Prayers of the Faithful: 

PRIEST: As Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, sends the word of light into a world of darkness to enlighten, to transform, to heal, and to save, with joy, we now present our prayers to God:  

1. As you turned Saint Paul’s zeal for the faith of his ancestors into zeal for you, we pray that you lead all Christians to the way and the truth. 

2. As you called Saint Paul out of darkness into light, we pray that enlighten all all those who hate and persecute: 

3. As you sent St Paul to preach the good news to unbelievers, we pray that you send all of us into the world  as missionaries, especially to the unconvinced, the indifferent, the unchurched.

4. As you commissioned St Paul to bring new life to both Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slave and free, we pray that you enable us to speak the word of life and love to all who dwell apart from you and who are hostile to one another. 

5. For the sick and shut-ins, for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. 

6. For our personal intentions we hold in our hearts today. 

PRIEST: As you called Saint Paul to preach the Gospel to all nations, help us to embody the power and zeal of the Gospel through which he preached. We present these prayers to you, thru your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

Prayers of the faithful - 24 January 2023 - Wednesday of the 3rd week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you are the light of the world. 

Christ Jesus - you encourage those who are living in darkness. 

Lord Jesus - you bring us the love of the Father. 

Priest: We bring our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. We pray that you deepen our faith and trust as we walk on our journey of faith. 

2. We pray that we may grow in our prayer life and our contemplation of the divine mysteries. 

3. For all who are preparing for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first Eucharist. 

4. We pray that we may all work for peace and justice in the reality of our lives. 

5. We pray for healing for the sick and for those in the hospice, hospitals, and nursing homes. 

6. For those who have died, that they may enter the light of eternal life. 

7. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

Priest: In faith, hope, and trust, we present our prayers through your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

Prayers of the faithful - 23 January 2024 - Tuesday of the 3rd week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus - you reach out to the broken hearted. 

Christ Jesus - you are the savior of the world. 

Lord Jesus - you bring us new life. 

Priest: With humble hearts, let us now present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. For all who are affected by winter weather throughout the country, that they be kept safe from harm. 

2. For the Christians of the Holy Land, that they may find ways to witness to the Good News of God's saving love and work with all their neighbors and to help them build a peace based on justice and respect. 

5. For all who are away from home, particularly members of the military and relief workers, that God will keep them safe, help them fulfill their duties, and bring them home when their duties have been completed. 

4. For all who are suffering economically, that God will protect and guide those who are facing eviction, have lost employment, or who struggle to have enough to eat. 

5. That God will heal the sick, strengthen the caregivers, and guide and encourage our medical professionals. 

6. That Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, may enlighten minds and hearts to resolve disputes with words and deeds of compassion, and turn human hearts from violence and domination. 

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: With faith and hope, we preset these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

26 January 2024 - Feast of St Timothy and St Titus - Friday - 2 Timothy 1:1-8

Yesterday, we celebrated the conversion of St Paul at Daily Mass. Today we celebrate and honor Timothy and Titus, two of Paul's companions on his missionary journeys. When I served as pastor of St Mary parish in Yazoo City, I used to frequently visit historic Glenwood Cemetery there. I would pass by the graves of four members of the Sisters of Charity who died in Yazoo City in the 1800s in the early days of the parish. These nuns were teachers at the Catholic school that was founded by their order. I remember reading an account stating that these nuns traveled from their home base in Kentucky to Yazoo City in a stage coach right after the Civil War. I often heard stories of those who remembered the sisters who taught at the school over the years, of their dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. I often thought of how the Catholic community in Yazoo City was a fruit of all those who came before us, those who made many sacrifices to pass down the faith to us.   

As we celebrate the memorial of Timothy and Titus today, we honor these courageous missionaries who made many sacrifices to pass down the faith to others. Timothy, one of St Paul’s missionary companions, later became the administrator of the important Christian community in Ephesus, while Titus served the Church in Crete. 

In the second letter of Timothy, St Paul recalls the importance of the Holy Spirit in the gift of our faith, of how our faith has been passed down to us, of how Timothy’s journey of faith was greatly influenced by the faith of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. The faith of our fathers and mothers, the faith of our ancestors, lives on in us. 

Paul exhorts Timothy to stir into flame the gift of God that has been given to him, telling him, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather of power, love, and self-control.”  Truly living our faith and our Christian values in our lives, discerning the will of God for us and trying to follow it - this stirs into flame the gifts and the blessings that God has given to us. 

Our lives of faith are not always easy. St Paul and his companions suffered great hardship and persecution for their faith, but their steadfastness and the grace of God kept their faith alive. May the faith of the great missionaries such as Paul, Timothy, Titus, and those who came to our Diocese in Mississippi stir the flame the flame of faith within us, keeping our faith fresh and vibrant.   

25 January 2024 - Conversion of St Paul - Thursday - Acts 22:3-16

Every disciple of Christ has a conversion of faith in one form or another. The conversion stories of many of Christ’s apostles are recorded in the Gospel. However, we can say that in salvation history, few conversions have had greater consequence than the conversion of St Paul to the way of Jesus. St Paul had been very hostile toward the Christianity before this conversion. He testifies honestly through his letters in the New Testament about his hostility toward Christianity prior to this. It appears that St Paul was never ambivalent about anything in his life, having lived very boldly and passionately.  At the very least, Paul had stood by while Stephen was stoned to death, and perhaps he threw some of the stones himself. But through a dramatic event, St Paul was converted and transformed. God changed him in a profound way. Through St Paul’s transformation, Christianity was transformed too. Today’s feast at Mass celebrates St Paul’s transformation and conversion.  

What if Paul’s conversion never took place? What if St. Paul had remained a zealous Jew and had never converted to the way of Jesus?  What if Paul had never been called to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles? The world itself, not just the Church, would be a very different place if St Paul’s conversion had never taken place.  

As we celebrate St Paul’s conversion today, let us think about all the ways we still need conversion in our own lives. Let us pray with St Paul for the conversion of our brothers and sisters. And our own conversion as well. 

24 January 2024 - St Francis de Sales - Wednesday of the 3rd week of Ordinary Time - Mark 4:1-20

Francis de Sales was born in Savoy region of Europe in 1567 to a wealthy family in the era in which Europe going through a lot of turmoil and division in the years after the Protestant Reformation. His family hoped he would become a lawyer, for which he studied in the university. However, he felt called to serve God in the Church. After his ordination, he served as a priest in the region near Geneva, Switzerland, a center of Protestant Calvinism, not the easiest place to serve as a Catholic pastor. De Sales traveled around the region on foot, living in poverty and often being threatened by the hostile population.  

I thought of the parable we hear today, about the sower who went out to sow in different types of soil, thinking of the challenges that Francis de Sales faced in his preaching and his ministry. With Sister Jane Frances de Chantal, he helped found the Sisters of the Visitation, a group of religious sisters who were to practice the virtues that Mary exemplified in her visit to her cousin Elizabeth: humility, charity, and piety. Francis de Sales had a strong sense of identity in his Catholic faith and in his priestly vocation. He was named as Doctor of the Church in 1877 and as the patron saint of educators, journalists, and writers.     

The writing of St Francis de Sales on holiness and spirituality have had a great influence on our faith, even today. Here is one wonderful quote from him:  “It is not those who commit the least faults who are the most holy, but those who have the greatest courage, the greatest generosity, the greatest love, who make the boldest efforts to overcome themselves, and are not immediately apprehensive about tripping.” May we unite our prayers with the prayers of St Francis de Sales today.  

23 January 2024 - Homily for Tuesday of the 3rd week in Ordinary Time - Sister Marianne Cope - Mark 3:31-35

What do we make of the Gospel we hear today?  Not only does Jesus not go out to see his mother, but Jesus also proposes that those who are inside the house with him are his “real” family.  But, are those who are outside to see him still his family? Immediate and extended families and kinfolk were an important part of society in the ancient Mediterranean world. In today’s Gospel, Jesus expands the concept of family beyond blood relatives, seeing family as those who desire a relationship with God and desire to follow God’s will in their lives.  Unfortunately, there are those family members who do not want a relationship with God.  And perhaps some of us may experience this reality in our own families. But, for Jesus, in the family of faith, what counts are the choices we make in our faith. This is very radical, considering the Jewish faith considered non-Jews to be unclean and to be outsiders. Members of the Early Church faced persecution and ostracism, sometimes within their own biological families. But, with the values that Jesus proposes in today’s Gospel, he sees Christianity as a new family. Our family of faith does not pretend to be perfect. But our family is here to support us, guide us, and to help us grow and learn together. 

Marianne Cope, the saint we celebrate today, was the oldest of 10 children. She was born in Germany in 1838 and was brought to New York state as a baby by her parents. Her parents struggled in their new country, so Marianne quit school after 8th grade to work in a factory to help her family. Despite the challenges she faced, she entered religious life in 1862 as a Franciscan sister. She taught in German-speaking Catholic grade schools and became a school principal. Later, she and her order opened some of the first hospitals in that area of New York state. When she was the superior general of her order, she was asked to send some of the sisters to serve in ministry in Hawaii with the lepers. Not only did she send 6 sisters, but she went herself.  

Sister Marianne and her Franciscans sisters worked in two hospitals, they opened a home for the daughters of lepers, and, after then, they opened a home for women and girls on the island of Molokai when Father Damien was living out his last days after coming down with leprosy himself from his ministry with the lepers. Sister Marianne nursed Father Damien in his last dying days. They continued Father Damien’s ministry on Molokai.  Sister Marianne stayed on that island 30 years until her death in 1918.  She was canonized by Pope Benedict in 2012, three years after Father Damien was canonized. Sister Marianne’s life and ministry stand as a testimony of faith for all of us more than 100 years after her death. May we unite our prayers with her prayers today. 

prayers of the faithful - Saturday in the 1st week in Ordinary Time - 13 January 2024

Lord Jesus - you call us to carry our crosses. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to stand up for our faith. 

Lord Jesus - you are our Savior and our Redeemer. 

With humble hearts, let us now present our prayers to our Heavenly Father: 

1. For the Church: that we will live as a Eucharistic people, giving ourselves and sharing of ourselves, as Christ continually does for us. 

2.  For all missionaries, for the sacrifices they make to spread that Gospel message, and for those throughout the world who are persecuted for their faith.  

3. For peace in the world, especially in those places torn apart by war and violence. 

4. For our children and youth: as they continue their journey throughout the school year, may they be safe and may they feel God accompanying them through their school work and their activities.  

5. For the Gospel of Life: may all profess the dignity of human life in their words and actions, from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. 

6.  For those who feel separated from God and from the Church. May they feel the people of God and the Church welcoming them back. 

7. For the sick and shut-ins and for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed.  

8. For the prayers we hold in our hearts.  

We present these prayers, heavenly Father, through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.   

21 January 2024 - Homily for the 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time – Cycle B - Jonah 3:1-5 and 10 - Mark 1:14-20

        Sometimes the callings we get in life can be very surprising. Some of the conversions in the hearts of believers have been very dramatic.  St Ignatius of Loyola had a conversion of heart while bedridden after a cannonball shattered his leg in the battle of Pamplona.  St Paul had a conversion experience that jolted him out of his former life as he is traveling to Damascus, as a light from the heavens appears and as he hears the voice of Jesus speaking to him.  

         Not all of our responses to God’s call are so dramatic. Some of us here at Holy Savior parish in Clinton and Immaculate Conception parish in Raymond grew up in the Catholic Church. Some of you may have been baptized as infants here at one of these parishes, or had some of your children baptized here. Even if we are baptized into the faith as infants, when we are teenagers or adults, at one time or another, we have to make a conscious decision to continue in the footsteps of our faith or not.  We see a lot of youth and young adults leave the Catholic faith and leave organized religion altogether, never to return. We know that it is very easy to go down another road in life, to shut ourselves off from God, to choose another path that follows the values of our secular world. We have the freedom to follow our faith or not, and whether we consciously make that decision or not, we all make that choice in some way.

         Our Gospel tells us about two brothers who are making their livelihood fishing; they are casting their nets in the sea when they receive their call from Jesus. We don’t know if Simon and Andrew had previously known Jesus or had heard him preaching before.  Some Scripture scholars speculate that these brothers may have been friends of John the Baptist.   But, ultimately, Simon and Andrew left everything behind to follow Jesus.  It was a radical change, but they realized who Jesus truly was, and this made all the difference in the world. 

       In our first reading this morning, we hear about another call, the call of Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh, to tell them to repent and to change their ways. The people of Nineveh believed in the message that Jonah brought, responding in a sign of repentance, symbolized by their sackcloth and ashes. God saw their remorse, so he did not carry out his promise to destroy their city.

       Bishop Kopacz has called us to a reimagining process here in our Diocese and our parishes to look at the way we do ministry, at the way we evangelize our community, and at the way we reach out to others beyond our community.  As we are a part of the Hinds county area of churches, we have eight parishes right now in Hinds county, and also the Carmelite monastery and St Dominic chapel that also offers Mass to the people, so ten different places in Hinds county where the Catholic faithful can go to Mass. Unfortunately, our county has a declining population in general and a declining Catholic population. This is in contrast to Rankin and Madison counties in our area, which are growing. We need to look at how we are meeting the needs of the Catholic faithful with the resources that we have as parishes and as a Diocese.  I told the Bishop, however, that our areas of Clinton and Raymond are growing compared to the city of Jackson.  And most of our parishioners come from within our parish area, as an opposed to the parishes in Jackson, where many of their parishioners do not come from within their parish boundaries.  

       These are some of the areas that the Bishop wants us to look at in our parish. You can see that these are areas that we have been working on irregardless of this reimagining process.  

OCIA/RCIA


Adult Faith Formation  

Religious Education 

Youth Ministry 

Campus Ministry 

Young Adult Ministry 

Intercultural Ministry (Including all emerging cultural communities)


Family Ministry (including marriage prep, NFP, Pro-Life, grief support, etc.) 

Community Outreach (Ecumenical and other community events)


Social Justice (Care for the poor, animation of Catholic social teaching) 

Liturgical Ministry


Parish Council


Finance Council 

Stewardship 

        We are going to be talking about these areas and our plans for our parish in the parish council and in some of the small groups we have in the parish. I want to dialogue with all of you about these things. It is going to be an on-going work in progress, that is for sure, tackling these different areas. But that is what parish life is all about.   

13 January 2024 - Saturday of the 1st week in Ordinary Time - St Hilary of Poitiers - Matthew 2:13-17

Today, we celebrate the feast day of an important early Church Father and the Bishop of Poitiers in France in the 4th century.  He was named as a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1851. A convert to Christianity as an adult, he was very gentle and courteous man. Hilary’s writings on the Trinity and on Christ’s divinity were important in the development of these doctrines in the Early Church and in combating the Arian heresy that denied Christ’s divinity. At one point, Hilary was sent into exile for refusing to back down from his beliefs. 

As St Hilary was called to be a disciple of Christ as an adult, we hear of the call of another disciple of Christ in the Gospel today, the call of Levi, called Matthew in other Gospels. Levi was a tax collector on behalf of the Romans, which would have made him an outcast in the eyes of the Jewish people. When the Lord calls anyone of us to a life of discipleship, he asks us to respond with thankfulness and gratitude. All of us have inadequacies and weaknesses, but God calls us to trust in him, to serve him by the power of God’s grace.  

Jesus befriended the outsiders and those on the margins. Yet, often in their humility, these outsiders recognized their weaknesses and their sinfulness, in contrast to the pride and arrogance of the scribes and the Pharisees. In this same spirit, Jesus calls us of us to reach out to those who are oppressed and on the outside, to invite them to a life of discipleship, to call them to repentance and renewal. May we invite others to gather with us around the Lord’s table. 

21 January 2023 - Third Sunday in Ordinary time - Prayers of the Faithful - prison ministry - Central Mississippi Correctional Facility

Introduction: On the sea of Galilee, the disciples Andrew and Simon were fishing when Jesus came by and called them to be fishers of men. This encounter with Jesus changed their lives forever. Jesus calls us to repentance, to conversion, and to discipleship as we follow him. May we all take this opportunity at mass today to listen closely to Jesus and to discern whether we can hear him calling us to something new. 

Lord Jesus, you are the eternal son of the Father. 

Christ Jesus, you show us the way to repentance. 

Lord Jesus, you bring us new life. 

Priest: We’re called to rely on the Lord’s ever-present compassion and love. Let us present our prayers to our heavenly Father, confident that we will be heard: 

1. That we may place our trust in Jesus’ constant presence with us, that we may help bring the kingdom of God to realization in the world in the way we love God and love our neighbor, we pray to the Lord. 

2. That we as a nation may repent from any wrong we have done. May we turn to God who is the source of life and goodness in what we do as a country.  We pray to the Lord. 

3. For all who suffer in different ways in life. For those who lack sufficient food, housing, or health care. For those who lack clean drinking water. That we may work towards achieving these basic needs for all. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For all monks and nuns who follow Jesus in their religious vocation, that the Lord may continue to bless them in their way of life and in their service to God’s Church and God’s people, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For our Catholic community of St Michael the Archangel, that we may be willing to look into our hearts and repent, returning to the Lord in the ways we have strayed. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For the healing of the sickness and brokenness that exist in our lives, and for those who have died, for their entry into eternal life, we pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts, we pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Merciful God, we trust in your generosity and acknowledge our need to seek your forgiveness.  We ask that your listen to our prayers and grant them in the name of your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

21 January 2023 - Third Sunday in Ordinary time - Prayers of the Faithful

Introduction: On the sea of Galilee, the disciples Andrew and Simon were fishing when Jesus came by and called them to be fishers of men.  This encounter with Jesus changed their lives forever. Jesus calls us to repentance, to conversion, and to discipleship as we follow him.  May we all take this opportunity at mass today to listen closely to Jesus and to discern whether we can hear him calling us to something new. 

Lord Jesus, you are the eternal son of the Father. 

Christ Jesus, you show us the way to repentance. 

Lord Jesus, you bring us new life. 

Priest: We are called to rely on the Lord’s ever-present compassion and love. Let us present our prayers to our heavenly Father today, confident that we will be heard: 

1. That we in the Church may place our trust in Jesus’ constant presence with us, that we may help bring the reign of God to realization in the world in the way we love God and love our neighbor, we pray to the Lord. 

2. That we as a nation may repent from any wrong we have done.  May we turn to God who is the source of life and goodness in what we do as a country.  We pray to the Lord. 

3. For all who suffer in different ways in life.  For those who lack sufficient food, housing, or health care.  For those who lack clean drinking water. That we work towards achieving these basic needs for all.  We pray to the Lord. 

4. For members of religious orders who follow Jesus in their religious vocation, that the Lord may continue to bless them in their way of life and in their service to God’s Church and God’s people, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For our parish community, that we may be willing to look into our hearts and repent, returning to the Lord in the ways we have strayed.  We pray to the Lord. 

6. For the healing of the sickness and brokenness that exist in our lives, and for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, we pray to the Lord.

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts, for our prayers, both spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Merciful God, we trust in your generosity and acknowledge our need to seek your forgiveness.  We ask that your listen to our prayers and grant them in the name of your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.