Editor’s note: The following letter was shared by Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz with the Catholic community of the Diocese of Jackson on June 23, 2026, regarding the future governance structure of Metro Jackson Catholic schools.

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz
Dear Friends in Christ,
Just over a year ago, I wrote to you expressing my support for a comprehensive study of our four metro Jackson Catholic schools and three early learning centers. Since that time, a dedicated 23-member committee – comprised of pastors from parishes with schools, the Vicar General, the Executive Director of the Office of Catholic Education, and lay representatives from each metro parish – has prayerfully carried out this work.
The committee developed a request for proposals, selected our consultant (Partners in Mission), listened carefully to the voices of our Catholic community, and conducted a thorough assessment. They have now presented their recommendations, which I have accepted and shared with our pastors. I am grateful for their faithful service and am pleased to share with you our path forward.
Two primary recommendations will guide us:
– The formation of an organization of Metro-Jackson schools including St. Joseph Catholic School (Grades 7-12), St. Richard Catholic School (Pre-K3-6), St. Anthony Catholic School (Pre-K3-6), and Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (Pre-K3-6). A unified system will provide a seamless path for our children, from early childhood through high school. Our early learning centers are expected to join the organization after the new structure is fully operational.
– The organization will be structured within the Diocese of Jackson and work with the Office of Catholic Education. The metro schools will be administered through a board of directors made up of both clergy and lay faithful. This board will be entrusted with providing strategic direction, fundraising, and governance of the schools. The board will hire and evaluate the President, establish the central administrative office, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability and mission effectiveness of the organization.
I have authorized the formation of the new entity and the necessary legal and canonical steps have begun. The committee will continue its work by collaborating with Diocesan legal representatives regarding formation of the organization, shaping the board, and beginning the search for a president. We will move forward thoughtfully and faithfully, with both urgency and prudence trusting always in the Lord’s guidance.
As we take these steps, we remain rooted in what makes Catholic education a vital part of the Church’s mission: forming young people in the light of Jesus Christ, nurturing the whole person, and striving always for excellence in both faith and learning.
I am confident that these efforts will strengthen our schools and serve our families well for many years to come. Above all, it is my hope that our students will come to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ, living lives of faithful intentional discipleship.
Please join me in praying for our schools, our leaders, our teachers, and especially our students. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to fulfillment.