16 Gulf Pine Catholic • January 16, 2026 Sacred Heart Parish, Hattiesburg, thanks altar servers Parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish and Father Sergio Balderas recognized the ministry the Altar Servers offer to the parish. The recognition was given to them at all the Masses (English and Spanish) on Sunday. The recognition was a Dominos gift card for each one of them. This is the second year the parish does this recognition for the altar servers during the Soleminty of Christ the King of the Universe. The altar servers at their young age are serving Christ the King. Special thanks to their parents who support hem and let them practice their faith by serving others. Father Sergio Balderas believes that by supporting, training and guiding them, the next priest, permanent deacon, religious brother or sister, bishop or mother superior will come, because they all come from families that practice their faith and follow Jesus call to be his disciples. Religious Emblems Program reinstated in the Diocese of Biloxi The Diocese of Biloxi is pleased to announce that the Religious Emblems Program for Scouts has been updated and officially reinstated. Overseen by the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, the program continues to play a vital role in our mission to form young disciples of Jesus Christ and accompany them on their journey of faith. More than a series of awards, the Religious Emblems Program serves as a pathway of discipleship, helping Scouts deepen their relationship with Christ through Scripture, the Sacraments, acts of service, and intentional faith formation. In keeping with our diocesan vision, the program supports the formation of missionary disciples who know, love, serve, and witness God in all aspects of their lives. Scouting offers a meaningful framework for this growth, and the Religious Emblems provide a tangible way for young people to integrate their Catholic faith into their daily experiences. The four emblems -- Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei, and Pope Pius XII -- invite Scouts to cultivate virtue, strengthen their Catholic identity, and take an active role in parish life. Those who complete their emblem work are honored during a special Mass, typically celebrated on Scout Sunday at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We are also delighted to share that this year’s Pine Burr Area Council Winter Camp, held Nov. 22–25 at Camp Tiak, included a milestone for Catholic Scouting. Fifty-five teens and Scout leaders attended Mass celebrated by Father Satish with Deacon Paul Matherne assisting -- marking the first Winter Camp Mass in many years. During his homily, Deacon Matherne reflected on his own Scouting journey, his vocation as a physician, and his time serving on staff at Philmont Scout Ranch’s medical clinic. Winter Camp is a four-day program during which Scouts develop outdoor skills and earn merit badges. We extend heartfelt thanks to all who helped make this Mass possible, especially Father Satish, Deacon Paul Matherne, Rachel Neal, Steven Hymel, Pyke Van Dalsem, and Michael Burke. For more information about the Religious Emblems Program, please contact the Office of Youth Ministry at aherbert@biloxidiocese.org, scouting@biloxidiocese.org, or (228) 702-2142. Youmay also reach the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting Chairman, Bob Favre, at (228) 5964681. K of C Council #15121 members at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Poplarville present a letter of appreciation to Knight Roland Lassere. Presenting the letter was past Grand Knight Greg Keller (l) and Deputy Grand Knight Rory O’Neal (r). Knight Lassere gave to Council #15121 an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capital Building on Dec. 7, 2001, the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This flag is on display in the Parish Hall and will be used at all Council #15121 events. KC Council #15121 presents letter of appreciation Knights of Columbus Council #7087 organized a Christmas Giving Tree in the lobby of St. Matthew Catholic Church. Parishioners participated in making Christmas special for 29 less fortunate students at Hancock North Elementary located in North Hancock County. Twenty-nine children were given the opportunity for a special Christmas this year. The gifts were left in the lobby and delivered December 9 at the school. A caravan of Knights’ vehicles left St. Matthew and delivered the items in the school band hall. Following the journey from the school, the Knights returned to St. MatthewApostle Church and cleaned the Church for one of their two yearly cleaning. KC Council #7087 organizes Christmas Giving Tree
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