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Catholic Schools Celebrate Legacy of Monsignor Joseph Mercier

Catholic Schools Week is January 30 – February 5, and all across the country Catholic schools are celebrating the positive contributions that the schools, their students, and graduates bring to the nation.

Sacred Heart Catholic School (SHCS) is no exception. Our local Catholic School has been a cornerstone of the Catholic community, as well as downtown Hattiesburg, for over 110 years. Many people have seen their lives blessed by Sacred Heart Catholic School and the high level of service provided to the local community. One graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School, Monsignor Joseph Mercier, continues to support Catholic education.

“Monsignor Mercier became an ordained priest in 1955 and has continued to serve the Catholic community in numerous roles for over 55 years,” stated Andy Mercier, Monsignor’s nephew. “The extended Mercier family is very proud of Monsignor Mercier having served the Catholic Church and the youth of the diocese for so long and we are grateful to be able to establish seed money for this fund in his honor”

Monsignor Mercier has been deeply involved in the education of Catholic youth as the majority of his assignments connected the church and Catholic schools. He has taught at three Catholic high schools in Mississippi, and while he served at Sacred Heart parish, he also served the Catholic students at the University of Southern Mississippi as chaplain of the Newman Club on campus.

Mercier served as assistant pastor at St. Mary, Jackson; Nativity BVM Parish, Biloxi; St. John the Evangelist, Gulfport; and Sacred Heart Parish, Hattiesburg. He was also the pastor of Christ the King and of Holy Family in Jackson; Sacred Heart, Pascagoula, St. John the Evangelist, Gulfport; and Sacred Heart Parish, Dedeaux, where he also served as director of the Cursillo Movement of South Mississippi. Mercier also served on the Diocesan Board of Consultors, Clergy Council, Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Personnel Board, Synodal Examiner, and Parish Priest Consultor. In addition,

Although Monsignor Mercier is retired, his ministry with the Cursillo Movement and his availability to help out at parishes keep him active in the diocesan community.

“Monsignor Mercier has touched the lives of thousands of parishioners and students throughout his years of service to the Catholic community,” stated Brian McCrory, principal of Sacred Heart Catholic School.

“I am confident in saying on behalf of all priest in the diocese that we are proud for Monsignor Mercier to have this perpetual fund established in his honor” stated Father Ken Landry of Sacred Heart Church. “He is a priest we all should like to emulate for his dedication to the church and his fellow priest.

“I have worked with him for 25 years and have seen God work miracles through him. He is an extraordinarily dedicated Christian and priest,” stated Father Tommy Conway, the priest of St. Thomas Catholic Church.

For his unwavering dedication to the future of the Catholic faith and to honor Monsignor Joseph Mercier, an Endowment was established at The Greater PineBelt Foundation. This Endowment will provide financial assistance to students and funding for specific projects that benefit the students of Sacred Heart Catholic School.

Anyone also wishing to honor Monsignor Mercier can do so by making a tax-deductible donation to The Greater PineBelt Community Foundation and marking “Catholic Education Fund” in the memo line. Please mail your donation to 1507 Hardy Street, Suite 208, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

For more information about the PineBelt Foundation, please visit www.PineBeltFoundation.org, www.Facebook.com/PineBeltFoundation or call 601.583.6180.

Filed under: Church, Featured, Hattiesburg, K-12, Religion, Andy Mercier, Catholic Education Fund, education, Greater PineBelt Community Foundation, Greater PineBelt Foundation, Hattiesburg, Joseph Mercier, Ken Landry, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Tommy Conway, University of Southern Mississippi

WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY STAFF AND STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MISSION TRIP TO KENYA

Students and staff from William Carey University, in collaboration with a local Christian rock band called Flight From Below, participated in a mission trip to Kenya, Africa, from December 26, 2010, to January 9, 2011. The WCU participants were Tammy Dossett, the administrative assistant for the academic affairs office; and students Stephanie Pendergrass of Hattiesburg, Whitney Hunt of Franklinton, LA, and Daniel Maqueda of Hattiesburg, who is also a member of Flight From Below. Maqueda’s aunt, Amy Hurst McKelvey, is an alumna of WCU and missionary in Kenya. She invited the band to come to Kenya to perform and requested that a team from WCU accompany them to help with the children during a Bible conference for missionaries and Christian relief workers.

The eight-member team that participated in the mission trip to Kenya pose in the airport before leaving on December 26, 2010. (left to right) Mark Wheat, Flight From Below’s drummer and a Presbyterian Christian High School student; Chandan Bangar, Flight From Below’s guitarist and a Northeast Jones High School student; Whitney Hunt, a WCU student from Franklinton, LA; Daniel Maqueda, Flight From Below’s bassist and a WCU student from Hattiesburg; Marshall McKellar, Flight From Below’s vocalist and a Belmont student; Stephanie Pendergrass, a WCU student from Hattiesburg; Tammy Dossett, the administrative assistant for the academic affairs office at WCU; and Misha Nielsen, a USM student.

WCU sponsored Dossett for the trip, and each of the other team members participated in various fundraisers to raise sponsorship, most of which involved assistance from local churches. The team served in a variety of ways in Kenya, beginning with teaching Vacation Bible School for missionary children whose parents were at the conference. Next, the team served in Maasai Land near Tanzania, by leading worship in two different churches and ministering to children at an area school. Before the team even left the U.S., they raised money for a mission project in Maasai Land, and the money was donated to a building project that will serve as a school for local children during the day and a Bible college at night.

The team also visited children at an aids orphanage before going to the last mission project in the Kibera slum. In Kibera, the group led activities for local children and met some of the children’s needs in various ways. One team member assisted a young man with medical treatment. Another team member gave his guitar to one of the music leaders to enable him to continue ministry in the Kibera children’s club. Additionally, others paid for one year of tuition for needy students, and for their supplies.

Filed under: Church, Featured, Hattiesburg, Religion, William Carey, Amy Hurst McKelvey, Daniel Maqueda, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Kenya, Maasai, Stephanie Pendergrass, Tammy Dossett, Whitney Hunt, William Carey University

JCJC faculty and students hold organ concert

ELLISVILLE – The historic First-Trinity Presbyterian Church will be the setting for an organ concert presented by Jones County

JCJC sophomore music students and their organ instructor Kay Guiles (pictured on the left) will be the featured performers in an upcoming organ concert at First-Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel. Pictured left to right are Mary Laura Boyett of Laurel, Angel Marie Hatten of Hebron and Ryan Turner of Laurel. (By Teresa Martin)

Junior College faculty and students.   JCJC organ and piano instructor, Kay Guiles, will be joined by three of her sophomore students, Ryan Turner and Mary Laura Boyett from Laurel, and Hebron’s Angel Marie Hatten. The public is invited to the free concert on Monday, January 31, at 7 p.m. at the Laurel church.

The performance features one of the world’s finest pipe organs.  The 1968 Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ is an instrument of four manuals and 75 ranks, and is a musical treasure in this area.  The pipe organ concert will feature music from composers Boëllmann, Bruhns, Du Mage, J.S. Bach, and Gigout.   A transcription of Samuel Barber’s beloved “Adagio for Strings” will be performed as well as the thrilling “Carillon”, by Marcel Dupré, who was a prolific French composer and organist who once performed at Laurel’s First-Trinity.

For more information about the JCJC music program or the recital call the Fine Arts department at 601-477-4094.

Filed under: Arts, Church, Ellisville, Featured, Jones, Jones County, Laurel, Angel Marie Hatten, First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, Jones, Jones County, Junior College, Kay Guiles, Mary Laura Boyett, Organ, Ryan Turner

WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH VESPERS AND HANGING OF THE GREEN SERVICE

William Carey University will host a campus-wide Christmas dinner at 4:45 p.m. in Wilkes Dining Hall on Thursday, December 2. The annual “Christmas Vespers and Hanging of the Green” service will follow at 6 p.m. in Smith Auditorium in the Thomas Fine Arts Center.

Presented by the WCU Chorale, the Vespers will feature a candlelight processional and recessional, handbells, instrumental ensemble, scripture readings and Chris carols. After the Vespers Service, students will exit the auditorium to a campus sparkling in holiday lights.

Alumni and friends of WCU are invited to attend the service, as well. There is no admission. For more information, call 601-318-6175.

Filed under: Christmas, Church, Communities, William Carey, Christmas, Vespers, William Carey University

Dr. Jim Futral Speaks at WCU Chapel

(left to right) Dr. Tim Glaze, William Carey University’s director of Baptist Student Union and professor of religion; Dr. Jim Futral, executive director and treasurer for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board; and Dr. Scott Hummel, WCU vice president for advancement and church relations, all pose for a picture after Dr. Futral spoke at Carey’s first Chapel of the Winter Trimester on Monday, November, 8.

Dr. Jim Futral, executive director and treasurer for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, spoke to WCU students, faculty and staff during Chapel on Monday, November 8.

Filed under: Church, William Carey, jim futral, scott hummel, tim glaze, wcu

Happening Today

Gospel Concert Sunday, October 31st, 2010 – All DayThe Mississippi Mass Choir, the Kaiser Singers, the King Solomon Mass Choir & the King Solomon Male Choir will perform in the Main Arena on Sunday, October 31st during the last day of the Fair of Forrest County. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and at the FCMPC Box Office for only $10…tickets will be $15 at the door. Special rates are available to church groups.

5th Annual Fair of Forrest County Sunday, October 31st, 2010 – All DayThe Fifth Annual Fair of Forrest County will take place October 26-31 at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center. Bring the kiddies out to enjoy an old-time fair. Children will also enjoy the opportunity to trick or treat. Bring the whole family out so they enjoy all the rides and fair food. For more information, call 601.583.7500 or visit www.forrestcountycenter.com.

Southern Miss Repertory Dance Company’s Fall Concert Sunday, October 31st, 2010 – 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmContemporary showcases by faculty and students in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium. For tickets, call 601-266-5418 or visit www.southernmisstickets.com. For more information, visit www.usm.edu/arts.

USM Symphony Orchestra presents Carnival of the Animals Sunday, October 31st, 2010 – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pmUSM Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf and Carnival of the Animals on Sunday, October 31. Two showings: 2:30pm at the Hattiesburg Zoo and 7:30pm at Marsh Auditorium.

City of Hattiesburg Concert Band Sunday, October 31st, 2010 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pmTitled “Salute to America III,” this event is held at the Historic Saenger Theater and is free and open to the public. Visit http://bellsouthpwp2.net/b/r/brown8801/HCB/About_Us.htm, or call the Saenger Theater at 601.584.4888.

Zoo Boo Sunday, October 31st, 2010 – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pmPresented by the Hattiesburg Zoo Society. Call 601-545-4576 for more information. or visit www.zoohattiesburg.com

USM Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf Sunday, October 31st, 2010 – 7:30 pm – 8:30 pmUSM Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf and Carnival of the Animals on Sunday, October 31. Two showings: 2:30pm at the Hattiesburg Zoo and 7:30pm at Marsh Auditorium.

Filed under: Arts, Church, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Oak Grove, Petal, Entertainment/Culture, Forrest County Multi Purpose Center, Hattiesburg Zoo, Hattiesburg Zoo Society, Solomon Mass Choir, Southern Miss Repertory Dance Company, University of Southern Mississippi, USM Symphony Orchestra, Zoo Boo

Forrest General Chaplains to Host Monthly Clergy Prayer Breakfast

HATTIESBURG- Forrest General’s Pastoral Services staff will host their monthly clergy prayer breakfast on Thursday, October 21 at the hospital from 7:45 until 8:45 a.m.

Breakfast for all officially registered members of the local clergy will be complimentary, courtesy of Forrest General. All members of the clergy should present their yellow clergy registration card to receive their breakfast. If you are a member of the clergy and do not have a card, please see the Information Hostess at the hospital front desk prior to breakfast to register.

This month, Pulmonary Medicine/Intensivist physician Charles J. Parkman, M.D. will talk with attendees about Intensivist care in the Intensive Care Unit/Critical Care Unit setting. At the conclusion of each meeting, attendees will form small groups for prayer. The hospital’s Pastoral Services staff hopes that these meetings will assist area clergy in meeting the spiritual needs of congregations and the community.

All clergy members are asked to call or email to RSVP for the breakfast by contacting Brian Williamson, coordinator of Forrest General’s Pastoral Services, at 601-288-4227 orBAWilliamson@forrestgeneral.com.

Filed under: Church, Forrest County, Jones County, Lamar County, Marion County, Medical, Brian Williamson, chaplain, Charles J. Parkman, clergy prayer, Forrest General, Hattiesburg, Intensive Care Unit/Critical Care Unit, Pulmonary Medicine/Intensivist physician

Missionary from Bangladesh Speaks at William Carey University

Dr. Mark Caldwell, Dean of Cooper School of Missions and Biblical Studies, and Dr. Don Odom, Dean of the Winters School of Music, listen intently to Sandford Subash Bhowmik, a missionary from Bangladesh, as he tells about his work with the International Mission Board.

Sanford Subash Bhowmik, a graduate of Nizamuddin College in Bangladesh and Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio City,  spoke at William Carey University recently. Bhowmik and his wife, Maryana, have served as missionaries establishing and training churches over the past 27 years.

Maryana led her husband, a former Hindu, to the Lord in 1980, and since then he has worked as an evangelical missionary in various parts of the world. In 1983, he began his missionary work as a church planter in Bangladesh; first in Gopalgonj and then in the Jessore District. In 1994, he moved to New York to serve as a pastor for the Metro New York Baptist Association. He then worked as a multi-language church planting missionary with the Baptist Convention of New York from 1999-2007.

Since 2007, the Bhowmiks have been working with the International Mission Board (IMB) in South Asia. IMB is an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, claiming more than 40,000 churches with nearly 16 million members.

The couple live their life by Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” The Bhowmiks have two children, Prodip and Popy, and two grandchildren, Shiloh and Lydia.

Filed under: Church, Featured, Hattiesburg, Religion, William Carey, Bangladesh, Christianity, International Mission Board, Sanford Subash Bhowmik, Southern Baptist Convention, William Carey University

Jones County Baptist Association Resolution in Opposition to Casino Gambling

Jones County Baptist Association Adopts Resolution in Opposition to Casino Gambling

Whereas, gambling is built on a system that appeals to personal greed, that fosters deceit, that exploits those most vulnerable and at risk, particularly children and the poor, and

Whereas, gambling violates the 10th commandment against coveting and the biblical work ethic by encouraging individuals to think they can get something for nothing, thus minimizing personal initiative and responsibility, and

Whereas, gambling contributes to family instability, to economic hardship, and to increased crime rates in communities where gambling facilities are located, and

Whereas, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are involved in construction of a casino in Jones County.

Be it therefore resolved,  that messengers of churches affiliated with the Jones County Baptist Association, meeting at Bethlehem Baptist Church on October 4, 2010, call on its member churches to actively oppose efforts to establish casino gambling in Jones County, and

Be it further resolved, that we acknowledge the sovereign status of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and affirm our desire to see the Choctaw people prosper through any and all legitimate and honorable options to casino gambling, and

Be it finally resolved, that we offer support and cooperation to fellow Christian believers in the Bogue Homa community as we seek to work together in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Southern Baptist Churches Opposed to Casino

Bethel     Pleasant Home

Bethlehem    New Hope

County Line    Open Door

Ellisville First Baptist   Ovett First Baptist

Emmanuel    Park Haven

Fairfield    Pineview

Faith     Salem Heights

Friendship    Sandersville

Glade     Shelton

Grace     Soso First Baptist

Heritage Heights   Sumerland

Highland    Tuckers Crossing

Indian Springs    West Ellisville

Journey    Plainway

Laurel First Baptist   Myrick First Baptist

Moselle Memorial

For more information contact: Rev Cary Kimbrell 601-498-8830

or Rev John Bryant 601-580-6452

Filed under: Church, Ellisville, Jones County, Laurel, Ellisville, Jones County Baptist Association, laurel, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Sandersville, Southern Baptist Convention

Temple Baptist East to Become Independent From Temple West

Temple Baptist Church West Campus

Temple Baptist Church Hattiesburg has voted to become two independent churches. The transition will begin immediately with a transition team being appointed at both locations to help smooth the transfer. Functionally, the two campuses will separate on Jan 1, 2011. The East Campus will then have all

Temple Baptist Church East Campus to Become Independent Church

of next year to organize as a separate church by Jan. 1, 2012.

A ballot passed out at the Temple West campus on Sunday morning Oct. 3, informed the congregation of several items including:

  • The West Campus will supplement the East Campus budget by $100,000 for 2011.
  • An East Campus Church Organizational team will be appointed to create the structure for a separate church.
  • Appoint a team consisting of East and West Campus members to work through legal and logistical matters between the two campuses.
  • Pending approval by the appropriate committees, the general outline of the assets of the new church would be
    • A. The property at 1508 Hardy St., Activity Building, and Missions House.
    • B. No Assumption of debt.
    • C. Two Vans

Gary Shows, Executive Pastor

Gary Shows Executive Pastor at Temple said this in a prepared release:

“For the health of the church and good of the Hattiesburg area, we’ve decided that the two campuses should function autonomously. We hope to continue working together in our efforts to share the gospel with the people of Hattiesburg and with people groups around the world.  We do believe that individual autonomy will help us be more effective in our distinctive contexts.  This recommendation comes with the unanimous support of Temple’s pastors and deacons.”

Both campuses voted on the issue Sunday and the ballot was approved by nearly 94% of those voting.

Filed under: Church, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Marion County, Oak Grove, Temple Baptist Church East Campus, Temple Baptist Church Hattiesburg, Temple West campus