Catholic Diocese of Biloxi  

JON OLIVIER - SEMINARIAN, DIOCESE OF BILOXI - NOTRE DAME SEMINARY

I grew up Catholic but did not know my faith. As I look back, I know my journey has had many paths and I have learned that “God plays the long game.” He does not give up on us. Before my beautiful Mom passed, I saw her praying the rosary while being cared for by home hospice. Some of her rosary prayers were for me. After she passed, I became part of home hospice care and this experience was part of my long game…my journey to God and my Catholic faith. I found passion in helping the sick.

Years later, God continued sending people and experiences into my life. I joined a Bible study on Book of Acts and those in the group showed me what living the Catholic faith was all about. I was a green tomato at reading scripture, and they started to guide me and turn me on to the scriptures. I bought my first Catholic Study Bible and Catechism for this class.

Later again, I moved to Salida, CO, and soon I was helping lead Bible studies and teaching classes in the RCIA program for new catechumens and for the baptized coming into the Church. Soon, I was asked if I was interested in becoming an acolyte to help at Mass with the Eucharist, and in 2017 I was instituted as an acolyte by Bishop Sheridan in the Colorado Springs diocese. My next calling came toward prison and healing ministry, and helping with communion services and Masses at the prison.​​​​
 

Looking back, God continued “playing the long game” in
my life. I continued to say yes!

A senior woman living with abusive family members in an isolated area of South Mississippi.

Margaret Agnes was in complete darkness and feeling no hope. The family members that were “offering” to help her with housing were stealing her Social Security benefits. She had no idea what to do, and was becoming more dependent and lost. She tolerated excessive mental and physical abuse because she felt as though she had no options.

An anonymous call came into Catholic Charities for assistance for Margaret Agnes.

Swiftly, Catholic Charities moved her safely to another house and worked with Social Security to regain control of her benefits. She thrived in her new setting, has been working part time and making supportive friends. She’s even using a bicycle now for her transportation to work, which was generously given to her by folks at Catholic Charities.

She is much more independent now and has found her faith and love for Christ. This was all made possible by the shining light of the good people at Catholic Charities and everyone who helps support this amazing ministry.

When you give to CSA, you support them, and people like me.

Thank you so much!

I am a native Biloxian and the oldest of six siblings, who, along with my parents, were hugely influential in my decision to enter the priesthood. My journey started early as an altar server, a member of CYO, and a Catholic school student.

After finishing seminary, I was ordained a diocesan priest, and in 1974 began 48 years serving as a priest in five parishes: Our Lady of Victories Church, St. Joseph Church, Sacred Heart Church, St. John Church and St. Louis Church, and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral. I also served as diocesan vocation director, working with seminarians for our diocese.

I now live in one of the houses built for retired priests, which are funded by gifts to the CSA. I continue to help out covering Masses, which always reminds me of my greatest blessing in life: providing the sacraments and sharing my faith.