Mission Mississippi

A cross was raised in Jackson, Mississippi 20 years ago as a symbol of the unity found in Jesus. On August 7, a lighted cross began its journey across all 82 counties in Mississippi, celebrating Mission Mississippi’s 20 years of racial and denominational reconciliation and healing.

From 1984 to1996 Sister Nancy McNemar’s varied ministries in the Diocese of Jackson—Director of Family Life, RENEW, Parish and Diocesan Planning and the first Administrator of the Diocese—offered her the opportunity to work in 75 parishes in 65 of the 82 counties of Mississippi. She saw the need for evangelization. And she experienced racism, seeing first hand its impact on parishes, schools, jobs and families. She also came to know the reality of reverse racism. In 1993 Sister Nancy participated in the initial formation of Mission Mississippi and its weekly prayer groups.

Fast forward to 2013 as Sister Nancy served as Pike County Coordinator where 300 people attended the Mission Mississippi Glowing passing of the Cross. Mission Mississippi believes that to change Mississippi, it takes developing deep relationships across races and denominations; "Changing Mississippi . . . One Relationship at a Time." The passing of the Cross across all 82 Mississippi counties concludes in October at Jackson State Veterans Memorial Stadium after the 2,400+ mile journey. There will be a rally celebrating denominational and racial reconciliation, reflecting Mission Mississippi’s mission to bring people of different races and denominations together to celebrate the unity Christians have as the Body of Christ. Sisters Clared Coyne, Dorothy Ann Balser, Joan Schaeffer, Helen Roper and Clare Marie Clare Powell join Sister Nancy and participate as they are available in Mission Mississippi prayer groups and other activities in Pike County.

Upper left: Citizens carry the cross.
Lower right: Mayor Whitney Rawlings of McComb, will carry the Pike County cross
at the conclusion rally in Jackson, MS on October 27, 2013.