Our Ministries
to the Community
Parish Ministries
Of course the Norbertines of St. Moses the Black engage fully in sacramental preparation and celebration. They also facilitate both adult and youth education programs. Visits to the sick and shut-ins at local private homes and nursing homes are frequent, as are visits to local hospitals as chaplains. There is a very active lay ministry preparation program in both parishes, as well as administration of and membership in the usual parish organizations such as the Parish Councils, Finance Councils, Seniors and Choirs.
At St. Mary's there is also an elementary school with kindergarden and six grades -- with students attending from both parishes. Fr. Norbert N'Zilamba is a frequent visitor to religion classes. There is also a diocesan Junior and Senior High School in the area.
At Christ the King there is a preschool, a Montessori program with students attending from both parishes. The Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver have a very active Chapter at Christ the King. And then of course, there is the famed Kingdom Choir, one of the finest Catholic Gospel Choirs in the United States.
Cooperation between both parishes is significant and grows with each year. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults -- RCIA (preparation for non-Catholics who wish to enter become Catholics) is conducted jointly, as are Saturday morning catechetical classes for children, daily Eucharist, and morning prayer services.
There are also monthly gatherings for Seniors, and frequent parish luncheons. Each Friday there is also Mass celebrated for school students. Parish reconciliation services are held during Advent and Lent, and there is a tremendous carnival celebrated yearly.
Outreach to Educational Institutions
Fr. Richard Chiles teaches full time in the Psychology Department at Jackson State University as a Full Professor, and acts as an advisor to students, serving on several University Committees. Fr. Jeremy Tobin works with Catholic students in a campus ministry at Jackson State University as well.
Involvement in Catholic Charities and Social Services
Fr. Jeremy Tobin is a consultant for Catholic Charities and Social Services in the area, writing articles for the Diocesan Newspaper on issues of Peace and Social Justice. He also consults with various other Social Service experts on issues being considered by the State Legislature. He also acts as a liaison with several local neighborhood associations dealing with issues of Social Justice.
Other Ministries
Fr. Xavier Colavechio works as an assessor in the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, offers occasional courses / lectures at local parishes on theology and scripture, and gives retreats at local colleges and Universities.
Future Plans for Ministries
Future plans include a Norbertine Institute for Spiritual Life, offering courses, lecture series, and experiences in Theology, liturgy, and scripture -- with a particular emphasis on Black Theology, Black History and Culture, Black Catholic History and courses for the marginalized and poor to assist them in dealing with employment and everyday social challenges (such as: parenting, job interview skills, budgeting, etc.). One day directed retreats will also be a feature at this Institute.
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