The News According to St. Thomas8

The NewsAccording to St. ThomasVol. 9 Spring 2014

Bishop installs Fr. Mark Ropel as pastor of St.

Thomas Aquinas

Get out your reds and greens for the Irish-Italian Fest• Bike race (March 9th) 5-K race (March 14th) parade and festival (March 15)

Photos by Steve Coleman

The News According to St. Thomas The News According to St. Thomas 72

Signed, Sealed and Delivered•Bishop installs Fr. Mark Ropel as pastor of St. Thomas AquinasStaff report

The adage “the third time is the charm” makes Rev. Mark Ropel abundantly welcomed as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas.

He received an unofficial welcome January 21, an official welcome with a Covered Dish Saturday, January 25, and Bishop Roger Morin’s blessing when he was installed as pastor here February 8.

The first to welcome him following the Tuesday morning Mass, was Seymour, USM’s mascot. Smiling at the unexpected visitor, Fr. Mark hugged the big guy and promised, “I’ll see you at the game!”

“We wanted to offer a show of support as well as make the welcome memorable,” said Carolyn Nation. “Inviting Seymour seemed appropriate since St. Thomas’s mission has always been closely linked with the university.”

Originally from southern California, Fr. Mark is the son of Joe and Mary Jean Ropel. He has a younger sister, Linda Theodore, and two nieces and two nephews. Following four years in the Army and jobs in the private sector, including working with paralyzed veterans, he earned a Master of Theology degree from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

Msgr. Dominick Fullam and Dr. Lanny Acosta from the Biloxi Diocese invited him and a friend to teach religion at St. John High School in Gulfport. It was there he began thinking about becoming a priest. He studied in Rome and was ordained to the priesthood February 9, 2002. He joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) order based in Corpus Christi, TX. While there he served on a team who developed a Valentine’s Day Novena - a series of prayers said for nine days.

During his first weekend sermon in Hattiesburg, Fr. Mark admitted, “I”m not Irish, and I don’t have an accent, so you know I’m not from Mississippi.” He apologized for not having the gift of remembering names, the way his predecessor, Fr. Tommy does. “Fr. Tommy is a great priest. Six months after he meets you, he not only remembers your name, but he can tell you who your cousins and friends are.”

Fr. Mark explained how he served delinquent teens at Youth Ranches in Wyoming, worked with Chippewa Native Americans at the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota, and finally returned in 2012 to Gulfport and St. John the Evangelist Parish.

He said he knew from texts to friends on the coast that St. Thomas parishioners were checking him out. However, he said, “I checked you out too,” and said he was pleased that the bishop’s appointment

placed him at St. Thomas, which he called a “Crown Jewel” among the top five churches in the Biloxi Diocese.

He had never been to Hattiesburg before Fr. Remigius Kozak’s funeral. What he experienced was the gift of welcome at St. Thomas. He is looking forward to working with the USM students and President Bennett.

The final blessing came Saturday, February 8, while a packed church witnessed the installation of Fr. Mark as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas by Bishop Morin. The Knights of Columbus flanked the main aisle at the entrance. Staff members presented him with gifts representing their ministries. And Fr. Mark signed documents for the diocese. Bishop Morin congratulated him and announced, “He’s signed, sealed and delivered.”

Congratulations and welcome Fr. Mark!

Last book read: The Father’s Tale by Michael O’Brien.Favorite male saint: St. Martin of Tours.Favorite female saint: St. Terese.Favorite city to visit: Cabo San Lucas, because I like to fish.Number of trips to Rome: Studied there for 2 years.Person I would like to invite to dinner: Pope Francis.On my 75th birthday I’ll eat: Surf and turf.Most enjoyable holiday: Vacationing with two priest friends. We go someplace warm where I can fish, the other can surf and the third golfs.Most cherished religious article: Rosaries. I keep two in my pocket.Favorite place to pray: In the chapel, in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

When do I pray: Throughout the day, but mainly early morning.Favorite season: Fall.Favorite artist or work of art: Thomas Cole’s “River of Life.”Favorite childhood memory: Fishing with my grandfather.Favorite class in school: History.Favorite type of music: Country. That developed here.What influenced my vocation: A friend who passed away.Best part of being a priest: The presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the Sacraments.Best blessing: Mass.Greatest challenge: Figuring out how the Lord wants to work with me.Do you have a wish? To stay on the road with Christ and take the next step.

Getting to Know Fr. Mark: Q & A

Pizza partyby Robert Lawson

As a reward for signing up for and going through training, Altar Servers, were treated to a Pizza Party hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Altar Servers can apply at any time. To be eligible they must undergo training and be in grades Fourth through Eighth. Contact Robert Lawson 601-268-6216 or Jennifer Bilbo 601-606-4440.

CSA News: Spread the newsby Sarah Aucoin

As Catholics, we are called to spread the good news to others. Being a part of the Catholic Student Association, we are spreading this to others by putting on events throughout the year that help deepen our spiritual faith and friendships.

We hosted a penny war last semester between the Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen. The results are in and the seniors won! CSA would like to thank all who participated. The money will go towards helping the community.

CSA had their annual fall retreat with a great turn out. The participants had a great time deepening their faith.

CSA also participated in intramural sports, Praise and Worship nights every other week, SIBS, tailgating for home football games, and many more activities.

This spring CSA welcomed Fr. Mark to the parish. We are excited to get to work with him more this semester.

Also, this semester, we hosted a Confirmation Retreat at St. Thomas for local high school students in preparation for their Confirmation later this spring. Later this semester, we will have a tie dye night, a family picnic for the college students’ families, a Great Gatsby themed party, Praise and Worship nights, SIBS, weekly fellowship activities, a rock climbing/camping trip, interviews for the new Leadership Team. We will end with a Senior Brunch.

Early in January, members of ARC - Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Challenges - sang at Mass. Representing St. Thomas were Ryan Hendley, Denise Ervine, and Laura Holifield.

An Author Among UsBy Kathy Schimel

Carolyn Nation recently finished her 16th book, Ministry Matters, Secrets of Heartfelt, Engaging Ministries.

The preface was written by Justin Clements, who presented a workshop at St. Thomas a few years ago and is the author of Stewardship, A Parish Handbook, among other books.

Ministry Matters is a history of St. Thomas’ Discipleship ministries, how to put on a Ministry Fair, and has detailed profiles of over 40 ministries. A few that didn’t work out are included to help others avoid costly detours with their own ministry programs.

Carolyn stated that the most overwhelming part of the book is marketing. It is published through their company, Mississippi Valley Publishing, best known for the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine. “Since our company’s readers are farmers and ranchers, we have to build an entirely new audience of church goers and leaders for this book.” The first step has been to create a new website www.LivingYourMinistry.com and learn how to use various aspects of social media marketing. Carolyn hopes the website will become a place where people will go to post and share their church’s ministry ideas.

After praying about every chapter, and putting it into God’s hands, Carolyn said, “If it succeeds it is all because of Him.”

Paul Wilkes, author of Excellent Catholic Parishes: The Guide to Best Places and Practices, who also presented a workshop at St. Thomas wrote: “Practical. Easy-to-use. Insightful. Carolyn Nation’s book can be used by the parish going from ‘good to great,’ or the parish looking for that ‘jump start.’ If you want your parishioners to be involved, this is the ministry book you’ve been waiting for.”

Following author John Grisham’s example, she plans to keep books in her car, and hopes to have a book signing at St. Thomas and possibly at St. Fabians in the future. Watch the bulletin for details.

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Knights support seminarianBy Bob Bateman

Since the founding of the Knights of Columbus, seminarian support has been a major part of the Order, so much so that all money raised during our Lenten Fish Fries goes to seminarian support. When the St. Thomas Council 15382 was founded we were blessed with a local seminarian to support with a regular financial gift. Johnathon Goff was a history student at Southern Miss from Vancleave, a part of the CSA, and a fellow member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as Spiritual Chair on the CSA board for one year. During that time it was his job to schedule Eucharistic Ministers for student masses, run and plan retreats, and plan the Saltillo Mission Trip.

Before completing his studies at USM, Johnathon discerned a call to enter the seminary in the spring of 2009, entering into the pre-Theology program at St. Joseph’s Seminary College near Covington, LA, in the fall of that year. Johnathon graduated in 2011 earning a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology. In the fall of 2011, he entered the Theologate at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and is currently completing his third year of Theology. This year he will be ordained into the Transitional Diaconate. As Catholics it is our honor and duty to support our Brother Knight, Johnathon, on his spiritual journey.

by Carolyn NationAlthough he’s only eleven,

Luke Brust had the opportunity to be Santa this past Christmas.

The son of Greg and Stacy Brust, Luke is a Boy Scout in Troop 1323 at St. Thomas. In December 2013, the Troop sold Camp Master popcorn. The fundraiser supports Scout camping equipment, badges, awards, and charities such as the Mississippi Children’s Shelter.

Luke topped over $2000 in sales, unaware that there was a prize for the top selling Scout.

His sales strategy was to make announcements at Mass and sell outside church several weekends. “He was dedicated about being there,” his mother said.

“I talked to church members,” Luke said, “and they were very giving.” His seven-year-old sister, Audrey, helped as his assistant.

He was dining with his family at Sweet Peppers when his mother learned he had won a bike for selling the most popcorn. “I was completely unaware there was a prize,” Luke said, and immediately told his mother, “Let’s give it to the Angel Tree.”

“I wanted to cry when he said that,” Stacy admitted. Thanks to Luke’s dedication and generosity, an Angel Tree child is

blessed with a new bike. Well done!

Angelic gift for Angel Tree

Shop Parish * Buy Parish * Dine Parish* St. Thomas held it’s first Business Expo, Sunday, February 16.

In a spirit of building community within the church, this was an opportunity to put a name to a face for both business owners and parish customers.

Business owners showcased their companies and services, while parishioners collected business cards, promotional items, sampled food and drinks. Tickets for more than two dozen door prizes, valued at over $1000, and generously donated by the business owners, were randomly drawn throughout the event. Street signs of the St. Thomas Business District aided in the location of vendors along with a program guide.

Participating businesses were Aflac - Joseph Parker; Amerlaine - Amanda Daho-Habeeb and Daniel Habeeb; ATM Investments and Super Saver Package Store - Jonathan Kerley; Bops Frozen Custard and The Lawn Ranger - Scott Martin; Chick-fil-A - Rene Olivier;

Coca-Cola - Russ Hendley and Jeff Bryant; Hattiesburg Coffee News - Bethanne Dufour; Hattiesburg Orthodontics - Dr. Juliana Henderson and Dr. Tracy Stanley; Hub City Fashion - George and Elaine Daho; Independent Beachbody Coach - Cherie Peltier Wright; Independent Director for Thirty-One Gifts - Judy Liaw; Jimmy John’s - Eric Fasnacht; Lights Jewelers and Gemologists - Yvonne and Tom Light, Jr. and Joslyn Araujo; Mugshots Grill & Bar and Patio 44 - Ron Savell; Multi Arc - Daniel Howse; Petro Automotive - Carolyn Petro; Primerica - Beanie Shirer; Recovery That Lasts - Alexis Polles, MD; ReMax Real Estate Partners - Kim Rutland and Wendy Kulzer; Southern Property Group - Philip and Kimberly Gattuso; Loftus Lawn Care - Justin Loftus.

“Great interaction with fellow church members,” Coca-Cola representative, Russ Hendley, said, reflecting the feeling of all paticipants.

Photos by Steve Coleman

Catholic Social Services ministry attends Faith and Social Justice Conference

by Cherrie NoblesIn January, members of St. Thomas’ Social Services ministry

attended a Faith and Social Justice conference sponsored by Sacred Heart.

People from various churches, organizations, and the community attended. The theme was “Who is my neighbor? Journeying as the family of God.”

Fr. Fred Kammer, SJ,JD from New Orleans was the keynote speaker. He traced the concept of justice from the Old Testament through the New Testament and challenged the audience to follow Pope Francis’ call for social justice for all. His rich background in social justice issues added to his presentation.

Dr. Wesley Johnson, a professor of Criminal Justice at USM also spoke. He shared his work experiences in the field, including work with youth and law enforcement.

In the afternoon, breakout sessions covered numerous ministry opportunities to serve people in prison, those who are homeless, mentally ill, pregnant, and the youth. Needs of the Hispanic Community, including housing and immigration issues were covered along with the work of St. Vincent de Paul.

This conference renewed our passion to meet the needs of the poor and all who deserve justice, regardless of their circumstances of status.

PrayerPrayer

can transform Satan’s yokeof eternal damnation

into a mantel of joy and peace. Don Hegwood

The News According to St. Thomas The News According to St. Thomas4 5

By Carolyn NationAfter 26 years as a priest, 13 of which were spent at St. Thomas,

Fr. Tommy Conway took his first sabbatical at the North American College (NAC) in Rome and shared some of his experiences during his first weekend back.

The group of 33 priests prayed together each morning and evening and said the Mass together. Mornings were reserved for classes with free afternoons. “Getting around Rome was amazing. Night or day I felt safe and could walk everywhere. Being with my brother priests was fantastic.”

At first, the size of Rome overwhelmed him, however, after 10 days and using the excellent public transportation system, he began to feel as if it wasn’t so big after all. Frequently, churches named in the classes led him to seek out and explore them on his own.

Each morning, between 7:00 and 9:00 St. Peter’s was uncrowded and he would attend Mass. During the day, he and his fellow priests would return to the Vatican talking to the crowds waiting in line - often for more than an hour - and offering to take their photos.

He also discovered favorite pizza places, bars, restaurants, and hangouts, which came in handy for the numerous friends and family who visited him in Rome.

As a group, the student-priests went to Assisi for a week on retreat, and Montecasino. On weekends he went on his own to Sienna and Venice.

“The experience gave me a better view of the bigger church we belong to and its traditions,” he said. “It affirmed my own ministries, sharing ideas (with the other priests) what they do and don’t do. It made me realize I am on track in what I do as a priest. Knowing, loving, and being with people has always been important. I’d like to slow down a bit.” He said when he walks into his office and faces stacks of paper and projects, it reminds him to “put people before paper.”

A week before Bishop Morin announced the diocese appointments, Fr. Tommy said he had a feeling that he would remain in Hattiesburg - at St. Thomas. “A lot can happen in a week,” he said. “Nothing is official until it is in writing.”

He had promised St. Thomas parishioners they would be the first to know, and said the Bishop usually notifies everyone by phone. Since

he was in Rome and the decisions were finalized at 4:00 on Thursday afternoon, Fr. Tommy received an email. With a seven hour time difference, Fr. Tommy received the news in the middle of the night. He quickly notified the staff so that they could convey the news as soon as possible to the St. Thomas congregation.

A Facebook fan had posted the Bishop’s list of appointments, including his new post as the founding father of St. Fabian’s in West Hattiesburg. “I deleted it from my page,” he said, “but didn’t realize people had already commented and I didn’t get those off ahead of time.

“I will be in a unique position as the only priest who has served at Sacred Heart, St. Thomas, and St. Fabian’s. Both churches are very dear to me and I want to see us grow as a Catholic community. For the last 13 years, I don’t know how I could have been more appreciated and loved by the people of St. Thomas.”

“It is difficult to put into words what it meant.” Having numerous special moments he was reluctant to name just one. “The churches, the art, the architecture were fantastic.” He’d like to take just one of those churches rarely used and set it down in Lamar County.

He was in the presence of Pope Francis five times. The first was at a papal audience with 79,000 others. Near the end of his sabbatical he con-celebrated Mass with the Pope and many other priests, cardinals and bishops and a crowd of 250,000 people. Because of where he was seated, he assisted in giving out communion.

He described Pope Francis as a very humble, ordinary man. Every time he spoke he put the emphasis away from himself and toward God and the people. “Over and over again he said, ‘Christ is the head and center.’”

One memorable time the Pope had his body guards lift up a Downs Syndrome boy. Another time he took the hat of a fireman and put it on his own head. “He talks about being a shepherd and smelling like the sheep.”

He said Pope Benedict XVI lives very simply in a small house on the Vatican property and walks in the Vatican gardens praying the rosary daily, writes and has his books.

He said, “I feel refreshed, relaxed, and ready to go for whatever comes next.”

When in Rome: Fr. Tommy takes a sabbatical Tony Taylor becomes U.S. citizenby Carolyn Nation

After living in the United States for 13 years, Tony Taylor has become a citizen of the United States of America.

A well-recognized figure at St. Thomas, Tony often helps during Mass to direct or be an Altar Server. During USM sporting events, he parks at the head of the driveway to protect the parking spaces intended for those attending Mass. And he’s frequently seen around town driving a white taxi van with bumper stickers of the US and the Ghanian flags. He owns Hattiesburg Transportation Taxi. Although he has ups and downs, he lives by the motto lettered on the taxi “Ever Forward, Never Backward.” Also on his taxi: “The fastest, quickest service you can count on.”

In 2006 he began studying to become an American citizen using tapes that he played continuously while driving and reading a book with questions and answers about the United States. Finally, last year he was given an interview appointment at the New Orleans Immigration Services Office. He showed his Green Card and answered six questions during a one-on-one interview. The interviewer told him, “Mr. Taylor, you have passed the test.”

It wasn’t until the fall that he was notified to return. “There were people from about 26 other countries,” he said, “Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, Canada, India, and Great Britain. Our country and name was called. We all stood up and sang the National Anthem.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, he was given a form to apply for a U.S. passport. “They said it would take six weeks,” he said, “but I got it within five days.”

On the drive home from New Orleans he said, “I was flying on the road. I couldn’t help myself.”

Tony is quick to give credit to others who have helped him. David Seymour at Howard Industries hired him to clean the employee parking lot. And now he has a contract with Silver Airways to transport the captain and crew from the airport to the hotel and back again each day.

When he first arrived in town, he asked a policeman where there was there a Catholic church, and he didn’t know even though they were right in front. “Miss Cristina Moreland showed me around the church,” he said. “I am very grateful to Fr. Tommy and the St. Thomas staff for helping me to stay in this country. Miss Cathy and Deles helped fill out the paper work.”

To reach Tony call 601-520-4816.Congratulations, Tony, now proud to be an American!

Volunteer of the MonthStaff report

In November 2013, Director of Volunteerism, Kathy Schimel, announced that Eliska Schilling was the first Volunteer of the Month at St. Thomas.

The Volunteer of the Month honors those people who work behind the scenes in ministry. Eliska was selected for her work with Money Counters, however she also serves in numerous other areas.

As an Altar Guild member, she cleans the sanctuary, she cooks meals for Care & Comfort for the Bereaved. She bakes cookies for the Irish Italian St. Joseph altar and mans the beverages booth.

When it’s crawfish season, Eliska (wearing crawfish earrings) and her husband, Alvin, work where needed at the James Loftus Crawfish Festival. And she helps Sr. Carmelita with innumerable projects for the Catholic Social Services ministry.

As an example of her self-less spirit of giving to St. Thomas and the community, she was not present when Kathy made the announcement at Mass. Despite two full days working a garage sale, Eliska spent the night awake with a friend in hospice so that her friend’s family members could get some sleep.

December’s Volunteer of the Month was Peter Breeden. Peter was nominated for his unselfish way in serving the poor, primarily through St. Vincent de Paul. He has worked almost single handedly bringing food to needy families.

He also helped with the St. Vincent de Paul computer programs to be more efficient. He also drove to Jackson to pick up food from the MS food bank for their food pantry.

Starting the New Year, Ondine Rudolph and her grandson, Arya Shoja, were named January’s Volunteers of the Month. Both are always willing to step in and help out wherever needed. Ondine serves as a Eucharistic Minister, Hospitality Host and volunteers with the Irish/Italian Festival and St. Vincent de Paul. Arya is Hospitality Host who always has a smile for everyone when he opens the doors.

February’s Volunteers, Tony and Josette Bonfanti serve Catholic Social Services by delivering food, clothing and furniture to the needy, shop for any needs and requests, help divide school supplies for distribution, and purchase and deliver diapers. They also help sort and pack for St. Gabriel Mission in the Delta, visit residents at two nursing homes, and Tony organizes the Breadbasket and finds volunteers to deliver the food. They are also active in the Irish Italian Festival. Congratulations to all.

RAIN

Rain is God’s blessingsent to cleanse the dustfrom earth objects,settle the dusty dry ground,renew our sagging spirits,give new life,regain hope,wash away our dirt.

Its foretellingis hopeful anticipationfor the needy,

dread for the sated,revealing to the open mind,a mystery to the curious,a non-entity to the blind.

Rain is sent to us humans to redeem us for the disrespect and the perdition we bring forth to the earth we are given to serve and honor Him.

Rain is succor from God.don hegwood

Simple bedtime and morning prayer My heavenly Father,

as I lay down to sleep, I pray that through the night

my soul you will keepand make me safe until the morn

that when I awakeI may continue the work

for which I was born.

A prayer upon awakening:

Thank you God for this Day.As I rise for this I pray-the grace and courage

to live Your way.don hegwood

Save the date - Lenten MissionFather Gabriel Kevin Gillen, O.P., will present three nights of Masses and talks Sunday, March 23 (Mass 6:00pm, talk 7:30pm), Monday March 24 and Tuesday March 25 (Mass 5:30pm, talk 6:15pm both evenings). The topic will be “What our Holy Father is saying about renewing our hearts, our church, and our world.” Ordained to the priesthood in 2000, Father Gillen serves as Vicar Provincial for the Province of St. Joseph in New York. He earned degrees from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.Prior to becoming a priest, he worked as a Wall Street stock broker. He hosts a weekly program on Sirius XM radio channel 129.For babysitting, please call 601-264-5192 for reservations.