Back for the seventh performance, this weekend internationally acclaimed Ballet Magnificat will fill the Natchez City Auditorium stage with graceful and faith-filled movements to generate support for the Catholic Charities Guardian Shelter, which provides services to families affected by domestic violence in the Miss-Lou area and in other parts of Southwest Mississippi. It is always good to have such talented performers come to the Natchez area. It is an even greater blessing to have residents of the area be a part of the mission of Catholic Charities as it reaches out to families.

In my first year as Executive Director of Catholic Charities, I have been impressed by the great amount of collaboration I see in the Natchez area in terms of the services offered by Catholic Charities. This annual Ballet Magnificat performance first began through the initiative of Mrs. Carolyn Ridley and Mrs. Dorothy Sylvester, along with other members of their Sunday School group at Parkway Baptist Church. They had been supporters of the Guardian Shelter for years and brainstormed about new ways to generate awareness and financial assistance for services to families affected by domestic violence. This resulted in the debut of Ballet Magnificat in Natchez as a benefit for the Guardian Shelter. Like other events that the community has backed for years, such as the Purple Dress Run or the Journey of Hope Luncheon, the residents of the Miss-Lou area come together to assist with efforts that help area families.

In addition to the Guardian Shelter, Catholic Charities Natchez programs also include emergency assistance, sexual assault services, a thrift shop, and counseling services, and Catholic Charities Parish Health Ministry is housed at the Natchez office. The Guardian Shelter provides immediate relief, housing and child care for domestic violence survivors and their children with follow up to help consumers find housing, employment and other needed resources. Like all Catholic Charities programs, the shelter serves families of all racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Up to 27 women and children can be served at any given time at the Guardian Shelter. Community outreach is a critical component of the shelter’s services, spreading awareness of programs offered and prevention strategies. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in five women have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime, and one in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year. Domestic violence is known to be tied to higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior. Each year the Guardian Shelter helps families to achieve stability and to feel empowered to move into more peaceful and supportive environments.

It is a blessing to have area residents partner in this work. Ballet Magnificat will perform “Deliver Us” this Saturday night at the Natchez City Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, with more information available by calling 601-442-0142. It excites me that the proceeds from this event will provide families in the region with a safe haven as they find the courage to journey into more peaceful surroundings. I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces who are friends of the Guardian Shelter.

Rev. Ricardo Phipps is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Inc.