Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • January 24, 2025 31 The Resurrection Catholic School Music Department, led by Kaitlin Ross, received a $2,500 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community grant from the Electric Cooperatives of MS . RCES was awarded the grant based on their music program that helps students develop their musical talent, learn about musical genres, and participate in performances. Funds were used to pur- chase instruments for students. Congrats RCES and Ross! Music department receives grant R esurrection C atholic S chool , P ascagoula Visiting priest S t . J oseph P arish , G ulfport Father Joe Uko at St. Joseph Parish, Gulfport, had a visiting priest with him at Mass January 3. His friend, Father Simon-Peter Engu- rait, diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana was visiting. Father Simon-Peter is originally from Uganda and was named administrator last year following the death of the bishop of Houma-Thibodeaux. In his homily, Father Simon-Peter spoke of the tragic, senseless murder of his brother recently and the power of forgiveness. Fr. Simon-Peter Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church celebrated the birth of our Lord in a joyful manner, through song, dance, and praise! The OMM Religious Education Program presented ‟The Light of Christ: A Christmas Musical” on December 15 at 3 p.m. The children highlighted the true reason for the season -- Jesus -- by letting their lights shine brightly. The OMM Mass Choir, directed by Jamion Burney, performed beautiful Christmas songs, and special guests from St. Rose de Lima in Bay St. Louis, St. Therese of Lisieux in Gulfport, and St. Peter the Apostle in Pascagoula joined in to uplift the celebration with their voices and expressive dance. The evening concluded with a special appearance from Santa, followed by a wonderful fellowship dinner in the OMM Parish Hall. Photos/AJF Photography Christmas celebration O ur M other of M ercy P arish , P ass C hristian