Catholic Sharing Appeal 2021

As a second-year seminarian, Chris Collins looks forward to the day when he can be fully present to his parishioners as a Catholic priest, and to accompany them on their journey of faith during the most important times in their lives.

"I felt God’s calling during my time at St. Patrick Catholic High School and that call was made stronger by the examples of service by holy priests at school, in my parish and across our diocese. I knew that God was calling me to serve Him by serving His people in South Mississippi."

Growing up as a parishioner of St. James parish in Gulfport, Chris was inspired by the clergy whose lives gave active witness to the joys of their priestly vocations. The witness of these priests also helped Chris to more clearly discern his call to be a shepherd to a future flock. Studying at St. Joseph Seminary in Covington, Louisiana, gives Chris the opportunity to stay connected to our diocese throughout the year which greatly helps him to remain focused on his call to the priesthood and those he is called to serve.

"Solid seminary formation is crucial in forming good and holy priests for our diocese. Your support of this appeal is a direct investment in us as seminarians, as well as in the future of the Church in South Mississippi. It is this conviction that continues to drive me to be the man, and priest, that God calls me, and my brother seminarians to be in the world today."

As a long time member of the Catholic Charities team of South Mississippi, Magda works closely with people and families at their most vulnerable times. Whether transitioning from homelessness, or settling into a new community or way of life, or in need of food and the basic necessities of human life, Magda, and the team at Catholic Charities moves the mission of the Church forward and brings the healing hand of Jesus to our brothers and sisters in the time of most need.

"When I accepted this position, I knew so little about the suffering of people in our own communities, or the incredible joy that would come from helping them. Catholic Charities is one of the most visible ministries of the Church that really brings Christ's message of hope to those who need to see it and hear it the most. Our team at Catholic Charities does a lot of great work, but we couldn't accomplish any of it without the support of the people in our diocese. It really does take everyone, working together, to be the Body of Christ to the world."

As Co-Patron of our diocese and husband of Mary, St. Joseph serves as a model to us in trusting God. When you become a member of the St. Joseph Society, your generous gift to the Catholic Sharing Appeal provides essential support to our programs, ministries, and services that allow us to do God’s work in South Mississippi.

St. Joseph inspires us to trust in God’s plan for us, no matter what circumstances we face. As the husband of Mary, St. Joseph answered God’s call to support her and Jesus. His humility, love, and faithfulness were important anchors for the Holy Family. Today, St. Joseph models for us what it means to do God’s work with humility, love, and faithfulness. Our ministries and programs follow St. Joseph’s example as they do God’s work throughout the 17 southern counties of Mississippi. Each year, the Catholic Sharing Appeal raises funds to support this critical work.

The Society of St. Joseph includes Catholic Sharing Appeal gifts of $25,000 or more.

Recognized as the Patron of Seminarians, St. Charles Borromeo served the Church in countless ways, especially through his work to ensure the proper education and formation of seminarians. When you become a member of the St. Charles Borromeo Society, your incredible commitment to the Catholic Sharing Appeal supports many ministries and programs of our parishes and diocese, including supporting our seminarians.

St. Charles Borromeo served as a priest, bishop, and cardinal during a time of great need in the Church and in the world. Through his humble leadership, he worked tirelessly in the care of the Church and for God's people. One of his most important priorities was reforming how seminarians were formed and educated to serve as Catholic priests. This ensured that every young man preparing for ordination to the priesthood were be properly formed to offer a life of service to the Lord and His Church. Today, we are blessed as a diocese with young men interested in committing their life for ordained service to God’s people. Each year, the Catholic Sharing Appeal raises funds to make sure that they receive the proper training to be able to effectively serve all of God’s people. With these ministries and programs in place, we are able to ensure that our Church will be able to live out its mission for years to come.

The Society of St. Charles Borromeo includes Catholic Sharing Appeal gifts of $5,000-$9,999.

St. Therese dedicated her spiritual life to supporting the Church in prayer, particularly the missions and eventually becoming the Patroness of Missions. When you become a member of the St. Therese of Lixieux Society, your commitment to the Catholic Sharing Appeal helps us to continue our mission as intentional disciples.

Know for her "Little Way," St. Therese of Lisieux lived her short life spiritually committed to the mission of the Church. With our roots as a mission diocese, we recognize the powerful intercession St. Therese provides us in our work of bringing Christ to all of those in need. She inspires us that we are each able to live as intentional disciples for others. We have been blessed with parish and diocesan programs that do everything they can with where they are to share Christ’s love with others, like St. Therese did. Each
year, the Catholic Sharing Appeal raises funds that provide critical operating support for our ministries and programs. These services impact thousands of lives each year.

The Society of St. Therese of Lisieux includes Catholic Sharing Appeal gifts of $1,500-$2,499.

St. John Vianney served his vocation well as a parish priest, eventually becoming Patron of Parish Priests. When you become a member of the St. John Vianney Society, your Catholic Sharing Appeal gift supports vital programs and ministries of our diocese, including the work of our parish priests.

At the end of Jesus’ time on earth, He asks Peter if he loves Him, and then asks him to feed His lambs. Repeating this two more times, Jesus is telling Peter that he is called to care for God’s people. St. John Vianney powerfully witnessed to this call throughout his life. Serving a community in France after the revolution, he worked steadfastly to provide for the spiritual needs of his faith community. Today, we are blessed to have the witness of many priests in our diocese that serve like St. John Vianney. In each of their parishes and ministries, they witness to God's love in real and personal ways. They also work hard to provide for the spiritual care of every soul in our diocese. Each year, you have the opportunity to greatly help them in their vocation to serve the Lord by supporting the Catholic Sharing Appeal.

The Society of St. John Vianney includes Catholic Sharing Appeal gifts of $500-$999.