Category Archives: Diocesan News

‘The work continues’ – Bishop Kopacz marks 75 with gratitude and new chapter of ministry

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz reached a milestone on Sept. 16 as he celebrated his 75th birthday with Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and a luncheon with chancery staff. The day carried both personal and ecclesial significance: under canon law, bishops are required to submit their resignation at age 75.

In a video message leading up to the day, Bishop Kopacz reflected on the process and what it means for his ministry. “It’s special because it’s my 75th birthday. Canon law requires that I send my letter of resignation into the Apostolic Delegate,” he explained. The letter was submitted to Christophe Cardinal Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States.

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz delivers the homily at a Mass celebrating his 75th birthday on Sept. 16 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Still, as the bishop reminded the faithful, acceptance of the letter does not come right away. “Every bishop is obligated to do this … but typically the nuncio will write back and say, continue serving in the diocese,” he said. That time of waiting often lasts a year and a half or longer.

“I look at it as being an extended Advent,” Bishop Kopacz said. “A bishop knows not the day nor the hour when he will receive notice of a successor. That allows me the time then to realize – time is important – and there’s much ministry to attend to in collaboration with priests and leadership in the diocese.”

The bishop spoke of gratitude for the years behind him and the ministry still to come. “Although the letter is going in, not much is going to change, practically speaking, except I’m getting older and grateful to God for living a long life up to this point and being able to serve the Lord and be active in ministry.”

At the Mass marking his birthday, Bishop Kopacz reminisced about his consecration as Bishop of Jackson at the “young age of 63 and a half years old,” he quipped. With many other bishops turning 75 or nearing that milestone, he told those gathered, “Now it’s a matter of waiting for the announcement of a successor. But until then, we continue to walk together.”

At the chancery luncheon, Bishop Kopacz lightened the moment with humor. “I have documentation of my baptism certificate … that shows I was baptized on Oct. 1, 1950. That’s not a recent convert. I think I qualify with longevity here,” he said, drawing laughter.

Looking back on his years in Jackson, he said: “It’s been an amazing 11 and a half years as bishop … really such a blessing in many ways. A few rough patches – welcome to life, right? But overall, a blessing.”

He also spoke of the diocese’s breadth and diversity. “Looking at the folks from Natchez and Fayette, and priests from Amory and New Albany … the heart of the Delta … it really is amazing,” he said. “Together we’re serving the Lord and serving the church, and it really doesn’t end. Wake up tomorrow – it continues.”

The bishop’s reflections place him among a growing group of American church leaders at the same juncture. Canon law requires bishops to submit their resignations at 75, but the pope decides when to accept them. Until then, bishops continue in their ministry.

This September, Bishop Kopacz was not alone in marking the milestone. Bishop Francis Malone of Shreveport turned 75 on Sept. 1, and Bishop David Talley of Memphis turned 75 on Sept. 11. Across the United States, dozens of bishops are reaching retirement age, part of a larger generational shift in church leadership.

National data underscores the trend. By the end of 2023, 13 U.S. diocesan bishops were already over 75, the highest number since the 1960s. Over the next five years, more than a third of current diocesan bishops will submit their resignations as they turn 75. Many, like Bishop Kopacz, are expected to remain in their dioceses for a time before successors are appointed.

For the Diocese of Jackson, that means continuity for now. “Although the letter is significant, the work of the ministry continues,” Bishop Kopacz said. “God bless you. Let us go forward confident again in our Lord’s love for us.”

The day’s celebrations reflected both the seriousness of the moment and the joy of community. Parishioners, priests and diocesan staff joined in thanksgiving for Bishop Kopacz’s life and leadership. While change will eventually come, the bishop expressed hope and confidence in God’s providence for the road ahead.

(Watch Bishop Kopacz’s video message on turning 75 and read the full text of his resignation letter at https://bit.ly/BishopKopacz75.)

In memoriam: Sister Mary Donata Kokot

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Ursuline Sister of Louisville Mary Donata Kokot, O.S.U., age 98, died in the 76th year of her religious life on June 26, 2025, at Baptist Health Louisville. Sister Donata was born in Daguscahonda, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Bretz, West Virginia. She entered the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville in 1949.

Her first encounter with the Ursuline Sisters was at age 7, when the Sisters came every summer to teach catechism lessons to the children of Bretz, West Virginia. Sister Donata, one of five children, said, “I had never seen nuns before. I told my mother I wanted to be just like them when I grew up. I thought they were dropped from heaven.”

Sister was a primary educator for 48 years, teaching first and second grade in Louisville for 10 of those years at Saints Boniface, Therese, Helen and Clement parish schools, and at Sacred Heart Model School. She also taught at parish grade schools in Pittsburgh and Conemaugh, Pennsylvania, and in Cumberland, Maryland. Sister Donata and her dear friend, Sister Julienne Guy, taught together in Columbia, South Carolina. Sister Donata then taught for 22 years in Jackson, Mississippi.

After retiring from teaching, Sister Donata served as a medical records clerk at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, from 1999 to 2006, and as sacristan at the Ursuline Motherhouse Chapel from 2012 to 2018.

Sister Donata earned a bachelor of arts degree from the former Ursuline College (now Bellarmine University) in Louisville, and a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She received the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award in 1997.

Sister Donata was the daughter of the late Mark and Anna Markovich Kokot. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Kokot, and many nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, as well as her community of Ursuline Sisters and Associates.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville and mailed to the Donor Relations Office, 3115 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206.

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
NATCHEZ – Diocesan Young Adult Pilgrimage to St. Mary Basilica in Natchez, Nov. 8. Register by Nov. 1. Cost $25. Fee does not include transportation, meals or optional overnight stay. Details: https://jacksondiocese.flocknote.com/signup/222556 or email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

CAMDEN – Sacred Heart, “Living our Best Life in Christ” Women’s Retreat, Saturday, Oct. 25, registration at 8 a.m. with retreat from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will engage in a series of enriching guest speakers, group discussions, prayer sessions, and interactive workshops designed to inspire and uplift. Cost: $25 before Oct. 20 or $30 at the door. Registration includes lunch. Details: call Dr. Kathy McMurty, Ph.D. (601) 566-2769.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, “Gratitude Through All Life’s Mysteries” – a Reflection for Women on the Holy Rosary, Saturday Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don’t miss this spiritual event with speaker Ann Cook. Details: to sign up email lnblaylock@me.com.

JACKSON – St. Richard, An Evening with Mary, Thursday, Oct. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. All ladies are invited for a special evening with speaker Kimberly Harkins on “My Year with Mary.” Details: RSVP by Oct, 10 to bulletin@saintrichard.com.

VIRTUAL – The North American Vocation Team (NAVT) of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) invites young adults ages 18 and older to a monthly online evening prayer on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. CST via Zoom. Remaining dates for evening prayer in 2025 are Oct. 28, Nov. 25 and Dec. 16. Details: ssnd.org/events.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
BROOKHAVEN – St. Francis, Parish Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 5 after 10 a.m. Mass. Meat, beans, potato sald, drinks and desserts will be provided. Details: (601) 833-1799.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Blessing of the Pets, Saturday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Parish Fall Festival, Sunday, Oct. 26 from 4-6:30 p.m. Join us on College Street in downtown Columbus for fun for all with trunk or treat, cake walk, games, food and more. No pets please. Details: church office (662) 328-2927.

HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Blessing of the Pets, Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. All pets must be on a leash or in a cage. Details: church office (662) 985-3209.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Parish Gala, Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Club Rooftop. Join us for this no tie occasion to raise funds for the Cathedral kitchen and promote community across all of our Masses and events. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Adopt-A-Student Scholarship Program – Consider sponsoring a full or partial tuition for a child to experience the benefit of a Catholic education. Donations are tax deductible. Details: email Chris Payne at principal@theabowmanschool.com.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Special Kids Golf Tournament, Thursday, Oct. 9 at Deerfield Golf Club in Canton. Details: visit https://saintrichard.com/specialkids for more information or email golf@saintrichard.com.

St. Richard, Cardinal Fest and Chili Cookoff, Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the football field. Enjoy food, music, games, art and more! Details: purchase your tickets here https://bit.ly/StRCardinalFest2025.

JACKSON AREA – Theology on Tap, Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at Blaylock Photography in Ridgeland. Catholic comedian Jason Price will speak on the topic – Blessed are the Laughmakers. Details: email amelia.rizor@jacksondiocese.org.

MADISON – St. Francis, Parish Mission “Hope and Pilgrimage,” Oct. 26-27 from 5:30-7:45 p.m., with speaker and author Joan Watson. All are welcome. Please RSVP. Details: church office at (601) 856-5556.

MERIDIAN – St. Joseph, Jubilee Year October Festival and Health Fair: Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a day of fellowship, family and faith. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

St. Patrick, Second Annual St. Ann/St. Catherine Brunch, Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Father Vally Room. Join this special support group gathering for all who have experienced infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child at any age. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Prayer Service, Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. All are invited to this service honoring Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe and reaffirming our dedication to human life.

Queen of Peace, Blessing of the Pets, Saturday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. All pets must be on a leash or in a cage.

SENATOBIA – St. Gregory, Blessing of the Pets, Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. All pets should be on a leash or in a cage for their safety.

Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Don’t miss this fun day of fellowship filled with international foods, games, cake walk, live music, white elephant sale and more! Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

Father Sam Messina remembered as priest of prayer and joy

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By Joanna Puddister King
GRENADA – Parishioners, clergy, family and friends filled St. Peter Catholic Church on Aug. 18 to celebrate the funeral Mass of Father Sam Messina, a priest of the Diocese of Jackson for more than 60 years. Father Messina, who died Aug. 30 just days away from turning age 87, was remembered as a devoted pastor, a joyful friend and a man of deep prayer whose ministry touched communities across Mississippi.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at his home parish, where he offered his first Mass in 1965. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz presided, with dozens of priests and deacons concelebrating. Music included hymns dear to Father Sam, such as Amazing Grace and On Eagle’s Wings.

In his homily, Father Jeffrey Waldrep described Father Messina’s life as “long and large in virtue and in merit, a life long and selfless love.” He drew from the day’s readings to remind mourners that “death is not the end … it’s a mere passage to glory.”

GRENADA – At St. Peter Catholic Church, Father Jeffrey Waldrep, with Father Sam’s niece Rita Heuel (left) and cousin Cheri Messina (right), places the pall over the casket during the funeral Mass for Father Sam Messina. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz looks on with Deacons Ted Schreck and Denzil Lobo. (Photos by Tereza Ma)

Father Waldrep recalled Messina’s dedication to daily prayer, particularly the Liturgy of the Hours and the rosary, which he learned from his mother. “Anytime we were in the car going to a mission or parish, he would say, ‘All right, get your rosary out, Jeffrey,’ and we would pray together,” Waldrep said. Though known to be exacting at times, Messina’s joy in priestly ministry was constant. “He never complained about celebrating Mass or taking Communion to the shut-ins. It was never an inconvenience. He loved being a priest and said he would do it all over again.”

Near the close of Mass, Bishop Kopacz reflected on Messina’s decades of service, stretching back to the era of Bishop Richard Gerow. He noted Messina’s leadership in reviving the permanent diaconate program under Bishop Joseph Latino, and his devotion to parish life in Grenada, Batesville and other communities. “You couldn’t have a better heart of the servant priest overseeing Christ the servant in the permanent diaconate,” Kopacz said. He also recalled celebrating Messina’s 50th jubilee in Batesville, where the parish hall Messina helped build became a vibrant center of community.

Family members remembered Father Sam as a steady presence across generations. His niece, Rita Heuel, said she grew up with her uncle’s energy and warmth. “Every summer when we visited Mississippi, he’d show up at my grandparents’ house, loud and boisterous, just happy to see everyone. He had such a big heart,” she said. Hoyle added that even in his later years, “He always said, ‘I love my nieces to pieces,’ and even when he struggled with dementia, he still remembered that. That means a lot to me.”

Dr. Joseph Messina, Father Sam’s first cousin and a physician in Grenada, called him “a vital part of my life for as far as I can remember.” He said, “He was at my baptism, he officiated at my wedding, and he was present at every important family event, whether joyous or sad. He was someone that I admired, that I looked up to, and I will always cherish until my dying breath.” Dr. Messina’s son, Philip, a senior at Kirk Academy, said he will remember his cousin for his kindness and humor. “Every time you saw him, he always had a smile on his face and was cracking jokes. He’d light up every room he went into,” Philip said. “I’m really going to miss him, and he’ll always live in my mind for the rest of my life.”

Ordained in 1965, Father Messina served parishes in Jackson, Starkville, Batesville, Grenada, Greenville, Natchez, Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Anguilla, Sardis and West Point; and additionally in Hattiesburg and Chatawa. He was remembered for his pastoral care, ecumenical friendships and simple pleasures such as fishing and bird-watching. Even in retirement and during years of illness, he remained faithful to prayer and to the people he served.

As the final commendation was prayed, Bishop Kopacz entrusted his brother priest to God’s mercy. “Into your hands, Father of mercies, we commend our brother Father Sam in the sure and certain hope that he will rise with Christ on the last day,” he prayed. Burial followed in the parish cemetery, with family inviting clergy and mourners to a reception afterward.

“Father Sam lived not just a faithful life, but a faith-filled life,” Father Waldrep said. “We pray that he now receives his eternal reward.”

CSA feature: Intercultural Ministry

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Angelica Mazy

At the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle, parishioner Angelica Mazy has found a calling that has both deepened her own faith and helped others discover the beauty of the church. Through her work in Intercultural Ministry, Angelica is working to become a bridge between people of different backgrounds, fostering understanding and unity within the parish community.

Her journey began during a moment of prayer and reflection. “Recently, I attended the reflection of Pilgrims of Hope,” Angelica recalls. “Some people from the group I belong to also participated, and it was there I felt called to say ‘yes’ to this ministry.”

That simple yes soon became a transformative experience. “Intercultural Ministry is helping me appreciate other cultures and understand other people,” she explains. “We can be bridges in relationships.”

Over time, Angelica has witnessed remarkable changes in others. “There have been several moments in which I’ve seen people grow,” she says. “Some who rarely attended Mass and had not received all their sacraments are living their faith and attending Mass every Sunday. Watching that transformation fills me with hope.”

Stories like Angelica’s reveal the profound impact that parish ministries can have on individuals and communities alike. They remind us that when people come together in faith, lives are renewed, hope is restored, and the church is strengthened.

Angelica Mazy (front) and others participate in a reflection session provided by the Office of Intercultural Ministry on being “Pilgrims of Hope in a Multicultural Church” on June 14,2025 at the Chancery office in downtown Jackson.

The Catholic Service Appeal makes this possible. Each gift becomes part of the church’s mission to share Christ’s love across cultures and generations. As Angelica beautifully puts it, “All those who help with donations are also evangelizing with their contributions.”

By supporting the Catholic Service Appeal, you share in this mission – helping build bridges of faith, fostering unity, and opening hearts to the transforming grace of God.

The annual Catholic Service Appeal unites Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson to support 14 vital ministries that serve local communities. From faith formation and youth ministry to seminarian education and clergy healthcare, these initiatives help carry the Gospel’s message to those in need throughout the diocese. Give today to help these ministries thrive.

Click here to DONATE to the CSA in support of faith formation

‘Christ calls us to be Christ for one another,’ Mobile’s new shepherd tells faithful

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MOBILE – Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Rodi (right) hands newly installed Archbishop Mark Rivituso the crozier of Bishop Michael Poitier, first bishop of Mobile, signifying the transfer of the Archdiocese of Mobile to Archbishop Rivituso. (Photo by Mary Dillard, courtesy Archdiocese of Mobile)

Editor’s note: Bishop Joseph Kopacz and Chancellor Mary Woodward were in attendance at the installation of Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso. From the archives will return in our next edition.

By Rob Herbst/The Catholic Week
MOBILE, Ala. (OSV News) – About 45 years later, the trade between the Archdiocese of St. Louis and Archdiocese of Mobile is complete.

Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso, a former auxiliary bishop of St. Louis, was installed as the third archbishop of Mobile Sept. 3 at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Archbishop Rivituso, 63, was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis by Archbishop John L. May, who previously served as bishop of Mobile.

While Archbishop Rivituso expressed gratitude for his new assignment on the Gulf Coast, he learned from Archbishop May’s tenure to pray for good weather.

“I don’t know if it’s fact, fiction or embellishment … but it was told to me during (Archbishop May’s) time in Mobile that the area suffered the devastation of a hurricane. Immediately after that, John L. May was appointed to the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The saying goes, ‘One hurricane and you’re gone,” Archbishop Rivituso joked at the closing of Mass.

Archbishop May was appointed as archbishop of St. Louis in January 1980, four months after Hurricane Frederic hit Mobile.

However, weather was no issue on this September sun-soaked day. About 700 people filled the cathedral for Mass, including Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States, along with about 25 visiting bishops and archbishops. Those in attendance included Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of St. Louis, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans as well as Archbishop W. Shawn McKnight of Kansas City, Kansas, and Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Detroit, who were both installed archbishops earlier this year.

Those unable to sit in the cathedral watched the Mass via livestream at the nearby Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile.

Archbishop Rivituso succeeds Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, who served the Archdiocese of Mobile for 17 years. Archbishop Rivituso is the 10th bishop of Mobile and third archbishop of Mobile, dating back to 1829.

While Archbishop Rivituso was installed to lead the Archdiocese of Mobile, he expressed his desire for the faithful to work alongside him in sharing the love of Jesus to all in the southern half of Alabama.

“I am installed as shepherd of the church in the Archdiocese of Mobile, but I acknowledge humbly my need for the faithful to be one with Jesus, be one with me as we show the shepherding love and care of Christ to all in this local church,” Archbishop Rivituso said during his homily.

Cardinal Pierre – a proud Frenchman – opened the Mass and Archbishop Rodi then spoke briefly about the history of Mobile, which was the first permanent French colonial settlement in the U.S.

But before publicly reading the papal bull in which Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Rivituso, Cardinal Pierre deadpanned with a finger wag: “Rivituso … he’s not French.”

However, he added, “Congratulations on the blessing you have received from the Providence of God and by the choice of Pope Leo to become the archbishop of Mobile. May your service to the people here … be a continuing sign of the hope with which God blesses us.”

Upon accepting the apostolic mandate, Archbishop Rivituso presented it to the archdiocese’s college of consultors and walked through the cathedral’s three aisles to show the congregation.

After displaying the papal bull, Cardinal Pierre and Archbishop Rodi escorted Archbishop Rivituso to the cathedra. Archbishop Rodi handed the new archbishop his crosier. Archbishop Rivituso then greeted various archdiocesan dignitaries before the Mass proceeded.

Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso displays the papal bull during his installation Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, Ala., Sept. 3, 2025. Archbishop Rivituso was previously an auxiliary bishop in St. Louis. (OSV News photo/Mary Dillard, courtesy Archdiocese of Mobile)

The Gospel reading chosen was Luke 22:24-30 in which Jesus says, “I am among you as the one who serves” and Archbishop Rivituso stressed in his homily the need to serve all.

“We are brothers and sisters and Christ calls us to be Christ for one another,” Archbishop Rivituso said.

“I am excited to be your shepherd,” he said, “working alongside you as we show forth Christ’s shepherding care and love for all – and being especially mindful to reach out with Christ’s shepherding love and care to the poor and the homeless; to reach out with Christ’s shepherding care to our immigrant brothers and sisters in their own fears and anxieties; to be with all those who are imprisoned and on death row and show the comfort of the Lord and show a redemption in the Lord.”

He added, “With the rich history in this archdiocese of civil rights, (I am excited) to build upon the witness of those who advanced civil rights by fostering racial harmony and to be a shepherding, caring church of Jesus. (I look forward to being) present to those who feel forsaken, those who feel forgotten, those who are marginalized, those who are on the peripheries of society.”

Archbishop Rivituso also acknowledged that while many are suffering today, the faithful must remember the words from the Mass’s second reading, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7.

“We live in very challenging times. I know many feel disconnected from one another. It is good to hear the word of God through St. Paul today – ‘We are not discouraged.’ We are ministers of hope.”

(Rob Herbst is editor of The Catholic Week, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Mobile.)

In memoriam: Father Samuel Messina

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JACKSON – Rev. Samuel J. Messina, a priest of the Diocese of Jackson for 60 years, died Aug. 1, 2025, in Jackson, Miss., at age 86, just days before his 87th birthday.

He was born in 1938 in Grenada, Miss., to John V. and Mary T. Messina. He attended St. Joseph Seminary/College in Covington, La., and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1965, and celebrated his first solemn Mass on June 6, 1965, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Grenada.

Father Messina served Catholic congregations across Mississippi as parochial vicar, pastor, director of the diaconate, dean and chaplain. His assignments included Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hattiesburg; St. Michael, Vicksburg; St. Joseph, Greenville; St. Teresa of Avila, Chatawa; Immaculate Conception, West Point; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Natchez; St. Joseph, Port Gibson; Mercy Hospital, McAuley Retirement Home and Mercy Sisters, Vicksburg; All Saints, Belzoni; Our Mother of Mercy Mission, Anguilla; St. Mary, Batesville; and St. John the Baptist Mission, Sardis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joseph; and his sisters Katherine, Rose and Teresa. Survivors include his sister, Mary; and nieces and nephews Judith Anne, John Paul, Joseph, Doug, Brian, Rita, Diane, Michael, Maria, Connie, Ray and John, as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

A visitation, rosary and Mass of Christian Burial were held Aug. 17-18 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Home and St. Peter Catholic Church in Grenada. Bishop Joseph Kopacz was the main celebrant.

FEATURE PHOTOS: … Anniversary blessings to Father Jeffrey Waldrep and Father Sam Messina …

A Future Filled with Hope: St. Richard begins new era at Meadowbrook campus

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – St. Richard Catholic School officially dedicated its new campus on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, marking a milestone in the school’s mission to provide faith-filled education for future generations.

Founded in 1953, St. Richard has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in Jackson for more than 70 years. Generations of families have walked its halls, building a legacy of academic excellence, faith formation and community that continues to shape the city today.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz blessed the campus during a dedication ceremony, joined by faculty, students, alumni and parishioners. The renovations include upgraded classrooms, new technology, the Father Brian Kaskie Memorial Chapel and spaces designed to meet the needs of the whole child.

“This is an important moment for Catholic education in our diocese,” Bishop Kopacz said. “My hope is that this new campus will help our students grow as disciples and serve as a visible witness to the Catholic faith in the Jackson community.”

JACKSON – With a joyful cheer, Eve Walsh raises the scissors in triumph after cutting the ribbon for St. Richard School’s new Meadowbrook campus on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. Sharing in the moment are (from left) Gerald Beard, project manager; Father Joe Tonos, pastor of St. Richard Parish; Bishop Joseph Kopacz; Eve Walsh; Joni House, incoming executive director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Jackson; and Russ Nelson, principal. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

The project began in 2023 when an unexpected opportunity arose – the nearby Meadowbrook Church of Christ property – just off I-55 on Frontage Road, near St. Andrew’s Episcopal Lower Elementary – became available. Recognizing how the site could meet both current needs and future growth, St. Richard parish and school launched the A Future Filled with Hope capital campaign and purchased the campus. Over the past year, the site has been transformed into a state-of-the-art Catholic school facility.

Principal Russ Nelson said having a location that puts the school “front and center” in the community is a game changer. “In the past, there were many people in the Jackson area who didn’t even know St. Richard School existed,” he said. “Now, our visibility alone will open doors, spark conversations and help us connect with more families than ever before.”

Nelson, who guided the project from concept to completion, said the process was more than construction – it was a mission-driven transformation. He credited much of the project’s success to Gerald Beard, the volunteer project manager whose dedication, expertise and countless hours of service helped bring the vision to life.

A parishioner at St. Richard, Beard brought decades of construction and public service experience to the role, including his tenure as the City of Jackson’s director of public works in the 1990s. Since 2012, he has volunteered at St. Dominic Hospital and previously oversaw the St. Richard Early Learning Center project. “With every detail and every decision, Gerald gave his very best – and we are profoundly grateful,” said Nelson.

With the assistance of Beard and the generosity of parishioners, alumni and friends of the school, Nelson noted that the new campus is “designed to inspire learning, foster community and reflect the joy we have in Catholic education.”

The new campus also honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to St. Richard. The main academic building now bears the name of Eve Walsh, a proud graduate of St. Richard and a beloved member of St. Richard parish’s Special Kids program. Born with Down syndrome in 1972, “Miss Eve” has been a lifelong member of the parish and a joyful witness to the school’s inclusive spirit. After graduating from the Special Kids program, she began working in the school cafeteria in September 1999 and retired in 2024.

Known for her ever-present smile, warm greetings and tireless work ethic, Eve helped prepare and serve meals, visited with children and pitched in wherever needed. “Eve has been the heart of our school for decades,” said Father Joe Tonos, pastor of St. Richard. “Naming the building in her honor tells every student that they, too, are loved and valued here.”

Among the most distinctive additions to the new campus is the Wiggle Room – a calm, supportive space designed for students who need a moment to refocus or regroup. Created with intention and care, the Wiggle Room reflects St. Richard’s commitment to nurturing the whole child – mind, body and spirit. The space is filled with sensory elements and calming areas where students can feel safe, supported and able to reset before returning to class ready to learn.

“It’s a blessing for both students and teachers,” said development director Celeste Saucier. “It’s more than just a room – it’s a message to our students that we believe in their ability to succeed, and we are committed to helping them feel calm, comforted and confident every step of the way.” This focus on well-being is part of the school’s broader commitment to meet students where they are, strengthen its exceptional education program and ensure that every child – no matter how they learn – can thrive.

Among the most meaningful additions to the renovated campus is the Father Brian Kaskie Memorial Chapel, a quiet space where students, faculty and visitors can pause for prayer and reflection. A large, smiling photo of Father Brian greets all who enter, capturing the joyful, approachable spirit he was so well known for. Father Brian, who died in 2021 at age 57, was beloved for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit and deep compassion. He had a special gift for connecting with young people, often making them feel seen, understood and valued.

Father Joe Tonos, a close friend, recalled how much Father Brian loved being among students and sharing the faith in a way that made it real and personal. “I think he would be thrilled to see a space where students can encounter Christ daily, right here in the heart of their school,” Tonos said.

The St. Richard School campus move and renovations also address safety, accessibility and long-term sustainability. Upgraded entrances, enhanced lighting and energy-efficient systems ensure the campus meets both present needs and future growth.

While much has been accomplished, the A Future Filled with Hope campaign continues, and there are still opportunities to be part of this chapter in St. Richard’s story. Naming opportunities remain for classrooms, stained-glass windows, the playground and the refectory, which houses classrooms, the gym and the cafeteria. “Every gift helps us reach our goal and leaves a lasting mark on our school’s story,” Saucier said.

The project represents years of planning and collaboration between the parish, school leadership and the community. Nelson said he hopes the campus will serve students for decades to come. “This is about preparing our children academically, spiritually and socially for the world they will enter – and reminding them they are never alone on that journey,” he said.

To learn more about supporting the campaign, A Future Filled with Hope, or exploring naming opportunities, contact Celeste at csaucier@strichardschool.org, call (601) 366-1157 or visit www.strichardschool.org.