Author Archives: Mississippi Catholic

Father Frank Cosgrove marks 60 years of priesthood with love, laughter and legacy

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By Joe Lee
MADISON – Ed Donohoe didn’t fly nearly as far as Father Frank Cosgrove’s family members from Ireland to see the beloved priest celebrate Mass and mark the 60th anniversary of his ordination, an event which took place June 2 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Madison.

But 1,200 miles was a long way for Donohoe to travel, and not an inexpensive trip. Why was it so important for him to join the celebration across the country?

“Because Father Frank was like family,” said Donohoe, a Colorado resident who had just reported for duty at the Meridian Naval Air Station in 2008 when they met. Father Frank, then pastor of St. Patrick Church, would drive half an hour to the base chapel to celebrate Mass. It wasn’t long before he and Donohoe grew close.

MADISON – From left, Deacon John McGregor, Keith Comish, Father Frank Cosgrove, Cathy Comish, and Deacon Denzil Lobo listen to the Mass readings during the 60th anniversary celebration of Father Cosgrove’s ordination to the priesthood at St. Francis in Madison, Monday, June 2, 2025. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Cosgrove family members, including Father Frank’s brother Eamonn, his sister Ruth, and great nephews who were making their first trip to the U.S., flew over 4,000 miles to take part in the service and enjoy the reception. More than 50 priests from all over the Catholic Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi came to support him, and Catholics from all over Mississippi (and a surprising number of non-Catholics) packed the St. Francis sanctuary.

They heard a homily that drew from his brand-new memoir, “Sir, Do You Know Where You Are Going?” and touched often on unity.

“The celebration means a great deal to me,” said Ralph Eubanks, who has known Father Frank since he was a student at Ole Miss two generations ago, back when Father Frank pastored at St. John Church. “He was devoted to the truth, he called out the sin of racism, and he believes in bringing people together.”

“He married my parents (Ed and Cindy Hannan) 48 years ago,” said St. Francis parishioner Anabeth Hannan Duncan. “He baptized me 31 years ago and married me three years ago. We have Christmas Eve with him every single year. When I think of God, I see Father Frank, imagining him a few feet taller.”

“Father Frank and I go back to 1969, when he was associate pastor at St. Peter,” said Charlene Bearden. “He made a way for me to have an audience with Pope St. John Paul II in 1987 when he was in New Orleans. This was through the National Black Catholic Leadership. He’s touched so many lives in so many ways.”

ROME – Father Frank Cosgrove, right, stands with now-Deacon Denzil Lobo on the rooftop of the Pontifical North American College in 2002. Lobo and his wife, Gina, surprised Cosgrove with a visit while he was on sabbatical in Rome. Both attended Cosgrove’s 60th ordination anniversary celebration where they reminisced about the special trip. (Photo courtesy Gina Lobo)

“I’ve known him since I was a teenager when he was our parish priest at Ole Miss,” said Mary Johnson Coyle. “I’ve stayed friends with him my entire adult life. You wanted to be a better Catholic around him. He’s a lovely, great man who brings everyone together.”

“My husband John and I were charter members at St. Francis,” said Mary Kraft. “Father Frank has been wonderful to our family. Our daughter and another little girl started CYO at St. Francis under him. He asked us to be eucharistic ministers, but I told him we would like to be altar servers, and we were the first adult altar servers.”

At the reception in the St. Francis family life center, Father Frank made time for everyone who wanted a hug, a selfie, or a minute or two to say thanks. The celebration lasted well into the night. Father Frank, now in his mid-eighties and slowed by Parkinson’s, was still on his feet with a big smile on his face.

The memoir was a huge hit, selling almost 200 copies at the event. It’s available for $20 while supplies last at parish offices at St. Patrick in Meridian, St. John in Oxford, St. Paul in Flowood, and St. Francis of Assisi in Madison.

Click here to view more photos

(Joe Lee is the Editor-in-Chief of Dogwood Press, and member of St. Francis of Assisi, Madison.)

Father Cosgrove is pictured with his new memoir – “Sir, Do You Know Where You Are Going? An Irishman’s Mission to America.”
Father Cosgrove receives a huge hug from Anabeth Hannan Duncan at his 60th anniversary celebration.
Mary Kraft poses for a photo with her one time pastor Father Cosgrove.
Father Frank Cosgrove receives the gifts during his 60th ordination anniversary celebration from his Irish family: Eamonn McGauran, left, and wine from his brother, Eamonn Cosgrove. (Photos by Tereza Ma) See more photos at jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com.

CSA feature: Prison Ministry

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At a place often defined by steel bars and silence, a different kind of transformation is taking place – one built on hope, faith and the enduring light of Christ. Michael Shaw, an inmate and the first officially recognized “Catholic Minister” within his facility, is helping lead that transformation through his involvement in Prison Ministry alongside Father Lincoln Dall.

“I began attending Mass with Father Lincoln back in 2017,” Shaw recalled. “At the time, we were lucky to be allowed to attend twice a month. The calendar often changed due to guard shortages, but for us, that calendar was a flicker of flame leading us out of the darkness – if only for an hour a week. What an incredible hour that was. Through our darkness shines the light of the Lord.”

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an even deeper understanding of what faith and community meant to Shaw and his fellow inmates. “When we were not able to have Mass, I truly understood the gravity of that darkness,” he said. “Jesus is the only light we have inside these cold and desolate walls, and Father Lincoln was the lightbulb for the true light of Jesus.”

“I no longer just attend Mass,” he shared. “We are now an official church. That title – St. Michael – means the world to us.”

Michael Shaw, the first officially recognized “Catholic Minister” at his correctional facility, stands with his mother in this undated photo. Shaw leads a growing Prison Ministry rooted in faith, healing and the light of Christ – made possible in part through generous support of the CSA. (Photo courtesy of Michael Shaw)

Shaw’s ministry extends far beyond his own personal faith journey. He has mentored dozens of men through RCIA, confirmation and baptism – earning the affectionate title of “Godfather” to many. “I often receive random notes and letters thanking me for what I’ve done,” he said. “These men have become my strength. Prison Ministry has given me a chance to help others, and that has been a gift.”

The Catholic Service Appeal (CSA) has played a vital role in supporting Shaw’s mission. Its donors help fund the programs that make these spiritual transformations possible. Shaw offered both his gratitude and a heartfelt plea.

“To those who have given to the Catholic Service Appeal – thank you,” he said. “You have played a massive role in actively changing the lives and hearts of so many men. Because of your support, we now have over 500 men participating in Catholic-based programs. You’ve helped create opportunities for lost men to feel the love of Christ – and feel found again.”

With continued support, Shaw hopes to reach even more men with the message of hope and healing.
“Thank you for the opportunity you’ve given us,” he added. “And to anyone considering giving to the CSA – know that your gift truly brings the light of Christ into the darkest of places.”

Click here to DONATE to the CSA in support of Prison Ministry

Called by Name

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All of our seminarians have begun their summer assignments. It is always exciting to see our guys get to be in parishes and I know how much parishioners from these parishes enjoy getting to know our men. Our seminarians look forward to their summer assignments each year because they get to come out of the classroom and serve the people that they are called to serve!

This year Will Foggo and Francisco Maldonado will have a unique experience as they are assigned together at St. Elizabeth in Clarksdale. You may know that the rectory at St. Elizabeth is quite large, and so I wanted to give those two an opportunity to serve together and I am grateful to Father Raju Macherla for being willing to supervise two men. Grayson Foley is with Father Mark Shoffner in Oxford; Joshua Statham is with Father Rusty Vincent in Vicksburg; and Joe Pearson will be with Father Kent Bowlds in Cleveland after he completes the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, Nebraska in early July. EJ Martin and Wilson Locke are in Mexico for the summer studying Spanish.

Before the summer Father Tristan Stovall and I met with all the pastors who will be serving as supervisors to help them prepare. It is important that our guys are guided through the summer as these assignments really help them discern whether they are called to serve as priests in our diocese. I try to give them varied experiences so they can understand what it will be like if they are called to serve in a suburban parish in the Jackson metro, in a country parish in the Delta, or in a college town.

I also have some exciting information about an upcoming ordination. Will Foggo will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson. Please save the date and join us! The Egg Bowl, gratefully, is on Friday, Nov. 28, so please enjoy your time over Thanksgiving with your family and watch some good football, then come to pray for Will and support him that Saturday morning. Will’s priestly ordination will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral.

The reason that Will’s ordinations are close together is because the recommendations of the U.S. Bishops recently changed with regard to when men should be ordained to the diaconate. It was suggested that dioceses wait until the candidate is completely done with their academic work so that they can be in the diocese full-time as a deacon. Will’s class was the second class to experience this trial, but after this year we are all reverting back to the old schedule, so he’s getting a unique experience for sure! I am very excited for Will, and I know that he will be a great asset to whichever parishes he gets assigned to.

Thus far we will have three new seminarians joining the fold this August. There are still a couple of applications in process, so I’ll keep you all updated as we go along. Thank you for your prayers and support for our program, they are working! Thanks to all who have given to our Spring Vocations Appeal which is really helping us continue to accompany any young man who is open to a call to the seminary.

Father Nick Adam, vocation director

(For more information on vocations, visit jacksonvocations.com or contact Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)

Remember Christ’s compassion, show compassion to others, pope says

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By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Being religious does not automatically mean someone is compassionate, and yet for a Christian compassion is a clear sign of following Christ, Pope Leo XIV said.

“Before being a religious matter, compassion is a question of humanity! Before being believers, we are called to be human,” the pope said May 28 as he held his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
At the end of the audience, Pope Leo again pleaded for peace in Gaza and in Ukraine.

“From the Gaza Strip there rises to heaven ever more intensely the cry of mothers and fathers who, clutching the lifeless bodies of their children, are continually forced to move in search of some food and safer shelter from the shelling,” the pope said. “To the leaders, I renew my appeal: Cease firing; free all the hostages; fully respect humanitarian law.”

And after days of Russia increasing its attacks on Ukraine, killing civilians and destroying infrastructure, the pope assured the Ukrainian people of his “closeness and my prayers for all the victims, especially the children and families.”

Pope Leo XIV smiles as he talks to visitors during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican May 28, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

“I strongly renew my appeal to stop the war and support every initiative of dialogue and peace,” he said. “I ask everyone to join in prayers for peace in Ukraine and wherever people suffer because of war.”

The pope’s main talk at the audience focused on the Gospel parable of the good Samaritan, a story the pope said offered important lessons for Christians but also was a source of hope.

“The lack of hope, at times, is due to the fact that we fixate on a certain rigid and closed way of seeing things, and the parables help us to look at them from another point of view,” Pope Leo said.

The parable of the good Samaritan is an obvious lesson in being compassionate and recognizing all men and women as neighbors, he said. But it also says something about the compassion of Jesus.

“We can also see ourselves in the man who fell into the hands of robbers, for we have all experienced the difficulties of life and the pain brought about by sin,” he said in his English summary. “In our frailty, we discover that Christ himself is the Good Samaritan who heals our wounds and restores our hope.”

“Let us turn, then, to the Sacred Heart, model of true humanity, and ask him to make our heart ever more like his,” the pope said.

The wounded man on the side of the road “represents each one of us,” he said, and remembering “all the times that Jesus stopped to take care of us will make us more capable of compassion.”

Being compassionate, he said, is not just a feeling; it means taking action.

“If you want to help someone, you cannot think of keeping your distance, you have to get involved, get dirty, perhaps be contaminated,” the pope said, noting that in the parable, the good Samaritan cleans and bandages the man’s wounds and takes him to safety.

Supreme Court rules in favor of Wisconsin Catholic agency over religious exemption

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By Kate Scanlon
(OSV News) — The U.S. Supreme Court on June 5 unanimously ruled in favor of the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin, which had asked the high court to overturn a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court the agency argued discounted its religious identity.

The group previously appealed a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that Catholic Charities is not exempt from paying into the state’s unemployment insurance system because its operations aren’t primarily religious under the definition in the statute requiring certain employers to do so.

Wisconsin law states religious employers in the Badger State are eligible for an exemption from paying into its unemployment benefit program if they operate primarily for religious purposes. The state argued, however, that the Catholic Charities Bureau does not meet that standard since it employs non-Catholics and does not make its service to the less fortunate contingent on Catholic religious practice, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court previously sided with the state, drawing a distinction between its mission or purpose and its “activities.”

However, in an opinion written by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously found the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling violated the First Amendment by creating a preference for some religious practices over others.

“It is fundamental to our constitutional order that the government maintain ‘neutrality between religion and religion,’” Sotomayor wrote, quoting previous Supreme Court precedent in Epperson v. Arkansas. “There may be hard calls to make in policing that rule, but this is not one.”

At oral arguments in the case in March, the justices appeared to note that the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law would appear to favor religions that would limit their hiring or services to co-religionists.

Justice Elena Kagan said at that time that it might be a “matter of religious doctrine” that some religions “don’t require people to say the Lord’s Prayer with us before we give them soup.”

“I thought it was pretty fundamental that we don’t treat some religions better than other religions, and we certainly don’t do it based on the content of the religious doctrine that those religions preach,” she said.

Bishop James P. Powers of Superior celebrated the ruling in a statement.

“At the heart of Catholic Charities’ ministry is Christ’s call to care for the least of our brothers and sisters, without condition and without exception,” Bishop Powers said. “We’re grateful the Court unanimously recognized that improving the human condition by serving the poor is part of our religious exercise and has allowed us to continue serving those in need throughout our diocese and beyond.”

Eric Rassbach, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, a religious liberty law firm that represented the Catholic Charities bureau, said, “Wisconsin shouldn’t have picked this fight in the first place.”

“It was always absurd to claim that Catholic Charities wasn’t religious because it helps everyone, no matter their religion,” Rassbach said. “Today, the Court resoundingly reaffirmed a fundamental truth of our constitutional order: the First Amendment protects all religious beliefs, not just those the government favors.”

(Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.)

Parish scholars shine: Honoring our Valedictorians and Salutatorians

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Editor’s note: As another school year comes to a close, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2025. Whether you are stepping into college, a career, or new adventures, know that your parish community is proud of your achievements and prays for your continued growth in wisdom, faith and service. May the foundation you’ve built carry you confidently into the future. Well done, graduates!

BAYOU ACADEMY

VALEDICTORIAN:
AVA COSUE
GPA: 4.483 – ACT: 30

From her speech: As I look out at my classmates tonight, I don’t just see graduates.
I see God’s handiwork. Each person designed for a special purpose that they don’t even know about yet.
I see athletes, future doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists and leaders. I see people who will go out and change lives – not because of who they are on their own, but because of who they are in Christ. And I’m so proud to have been able to know each and every one of them.

Church: Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Favorite service project: My favorite service project has been the “Tutus and Dancing Shoes” project that the seniors of Leslie’s Dance Company came up with and executed. The seven of us did a donation drive for old dance costumes and shoes, and afterwards, we donated them to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. Not only did we make a donation, but we also spent time with them by hosting a dance class. This has been my favorite service project because it felt so heartwarming to see my old dance shoes – objects that held the memories of my growing love for dance – be repurposed and passed down to younger girls. I not only got to help foster the love for this art for girls who had never gotten to experience it, but most importantly, I got to make them feel special. Dance, choreographing, kids and teaching are all things I love, and this service project perfectly encompassed them all.

Plans to attend: University of Mississippi

Plans to study: Double major in Biology and Psychology (Pre-Med Track)

Awards/honors: Faculty Scholar Award; 4-year Math Award; 4-year English Award; 4-year Science Award; 4-year History Award; Hall of Fame; Kossman Outstanding Junior Award; Dr. James Robinson Award; Dr. Granville Scholarship; Chamber of Commerce Finalist Award; Exchange Club Student of the Month Award; Junior Auxiliary Scholarship; Forever Colt Award; MAIS All-Star Cross Country Runner; Outstanding Senior Leadership Cross Country Award; 2x All-American Cheerleader; Rookie of the Year Cheer Award; Most Dedicated Cheer Award; 2x Lead Soloist in local production of The Nutcracker; “Step-Up” Dance Award; 11x Highest Average Award in different subjects; Eminent Scholar; and Delta Honor Graduate

Activities: Community Service Club (president); Future Medical Professionals Club (vice president); Leslie’s Dance Company (captain of Elite Troupe); Fellowship of Christian Athletes (devotion leader); Internship with nonprofit organization (The RISE League); Bayou Academy Ambassador; Catholic Youth Organization; Cross Country Team; Cheerleading Squad; National Honors Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Mock Trial Team; Decorating Committee; Finance Club; Cleveland Cotillion Club; ACT 25 and Above Club; and Bolivar County Relay for Life Team

Favorite subject: Science

CLEVELAND CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN:
RACHEL TIBBS
GPA: 4.0 – ACT: 35

From her speech: Another piece of advice I want to give you all comes from my Dad. Whenever I’m having a particularly bad day, he always leaves me with these words: “let the rough edge drag.” I never really understood exactly what he meant by this, but I always interpreted it as to simply go on about your life, and the difficulties of your journeys will pass on.

Let your hardships run their course, and don’t spend all your time dwelling on them. Live your life day by day, and everything will come together in the end, as Romans 8:28 reads: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

Church: Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Favorite service project: My favorite service project is Teddy Bear Tea with the Cleveland Junior Auxiliary. I loved being able to interact with all the kids and help make their Christmas special.

Plans to attend: University of Mississippi

Plans to study: Business and then advance to dental school

Awards/honors: Valedictorian; and Star Student

Activities: Working at La Michoacana; Beta Club; National Honor Society; and Mu Alpha Theta

Favorite subject: Math

Happy Ordination Anniversary – Thank you for answering the call!

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June 11
Msgr. Patrick Farrell
Retired

Father Thomas Lalor
Retired

June 12
Father Kent Bowlds
Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Father Frank Cosgrove
Retired

Father Gerry Hurley
St. Paul, Flowood

June 13
Father Mike O’Brien
Retired

Father Mario Solorzano
St. James the Less, Corinth


June 14
Msgr. Mike Flannery
Retired

Father Tom McGing
Retired

Father David O’Connor
Retired

June 15
Father David Szatkowski, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

June 16
Father Jeffrey Waldrep
Annunciation, Columbus

June 18
Father Anthony Quyet
Retired

June 26
Deacon David Gruseck
Annunciation, Columbus

June 27
Father Andrew Nguyen
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Greenwood

Father Cesar Sanchez
St. Jude, Pearl

Father Marco Sanchez, ST
St. Anne, Carthage & St. Therese, Kosciusko

June 28
Father Stephen Okojie
St. Stephen Magee & St. Therese Jackson

July 16
Deacon Mark Bowden
St. Jude, Pearl

Deacon Dien Hoang
Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Deacon Wesley Lindsay
Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Deacon John Pham
St. Michael, Forest

Deacon David Rouch
St. Michael, Vicksburg

Deacon Tony Schmidt
St. Paul, Flowood

August 5
Msgr. Elvin Sunds
Retired

August 14
Father AnthonyClaret Onyeocha
St. Joseph, Woodville & Holy Family, Gloster

School Sisters of St. Francis celebrate jubilees

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By Michael O’Loughlin
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – On June 21, 34 School Sisters of St. Francis in the United States will celebrate milestone anniversaries of service as women religious. In addition, one lay woman in associate relationship with the community will celebrate her 50-year Jubilee, and another will celebrate 40 years. Two sisters’ ministries include service in the Diocese of Jackson.

80 Years – Sister Frances Kloewer
Sister Frances Kloewer (Mary Bennet) is celebrating 80 years of consecrated life.

Sister Frances was born in Harlan, Iowa. She has a bachelor of science degree in education from Alverno College, and a master of science degree in education from the University of Nebraska.

In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Frances served as principal and teacher at Christ the King School in Jackson (1957-1966); taught at St. Francis School in Yazoo City (1967-1970), and Holy Family School in Jackson (1970-1972).

She now ministers through her prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

75 Years – Sister Dorothy Hegemann
Sister Dorothy Hegemann (Myriam) is celebrating 75 years of consecrated life.

Sister Dorothy was born in Howells, Nebraska. She has a bachelor’s degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee.

In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister taught at St. Mary School in Holly Springs (1954-1958) and St. Francis High School in Yazoo City (1958-1959). She now ministers through her prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

Note: Cards may be mailed to sister’s name, Attn: Jubilee Committee, 1515 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215.

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters devoted to education, healthcare, and social justice ministries around the world. Founded in 1874, they continue to serve with compassion and faith. Learn more at schoolsistersosf.org.

St. Dominic Health dedicates Jackson’s location of St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy

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By Staff Reports
JACKSON – St. Dominic Health, a part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, joyfully hosted the blessing and dedication ceremony for the new St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, open at the St. Dominic Center Complex in Jackson on May 14.

This marks Mississippi’s third location for the pharmacy, which is licensed by the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy to dispense non-controlled medication. It provides free prescriptions and wellness education to uninsured and underserved individuals. The initial collaborators are St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy and Stewpot Community Services along with individuals served at St. Dominic’s Sister Trinita Community Clinic. Other partners are welcome.

Jackson’s location of the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy operates on the ground floor of St. Dominic’s Saxony building at 3820 I-55 North Frontage Road. (Photo courtesy of St. Dominic Health)

“This endeavor reflects our ongoing commitment to compassionate healthcare,” said Jeremy Tinnerello, president of St. Dominic Health and the Jackson market. “By donating the space and supporting operations, we continue and expand our commitment to serve those most in need in our community.”

The pharmacy is in the Saxony building of the St. Dominic Center Complex at 3820 Interstate 55 North Frontage Road and operates two days a week.

Samuel Burke, St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy executive director, said, “Our doors are open from 9 a.m. until noon. Eligibility is done on Tuesdays and walk-in services are available on Thursdays.”

A shuttle service is available from Sister Trinita Community Clinic and Stewpot Community Services to the pharmacy on Tuesdays and Thursdays during operating hours.

The pharmacy serves eligible patients referred through community clinics, charitable organizations and healthcare providers. Medications are provided to individuals with current prescriptions at no cost, sourced from unused, unopened medications donated by licensed facilities.

“Our volunteers are ready to assist with the qualification process and getting individuals the medicine they desperately need. The eligibility process usually takes about an hour,” Burke added.

Know someone in need? Share this resource at https://svdprx.org/apply-for-assistance.

For more information about the pharmacy, its services, making referrals or volunteering call (601) 326-1717.

In memoriam: Sister Annette Seymour, RSM

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FRONTENAC, Mo. – Sister Marie Annette Seymour, RSM, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas for 63 years, died May 20, 2025, at Catherine’s Residence in Frontenac. She was 82.

Born May 14, 1943, in Meridian, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Edward and Jamie Seymour.

She is survived by her sisters, Linda Foster (Steve), Connie Robert (Pete), Janice Hess (Buddy) and Luky Seymour (Gene); her brother, Sid Seymour (Liz); and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Laura Opperman (Fred), Jimmy Seymour and Leo Seymour (Nancy).

Sister Annette graduated from St. Francis Xavier in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1962. She entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 8, 1962, and received the name Sister Mary Charisse. She professed her first vows in 1965 and made perpetual profession on Aug. 16, 1970. Her ring motto was “Love Conquers All.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a certificate in secondary education from Saint Louis University, a Master of Arts in communication studies from the University of Notre Dame, and a certificate in spiritual direction from Mercy Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was also certified as a Healing Touch practitioner.

Sister Annette taught at St. Joseph Parish School, St. John’s Inter-Parochial High School and Sacred Heart High School, all in Mississippi. She served in campus ministry at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Jackson, Mississippi; Maplewood Community College in New Orleans; the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg; and Radford University in Richmond, Virginia. She also served for four years as vocation minister for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Later in life, she offered Healing Touch therapy at Pratt Cancer Center, Mercy Hospital St. Louis and Mercy Center in St. Louis.

Sister Annette enjoyed dancing, singing and cooking. She cherished time with family and friends, valued lifelong learning and supported the arts.

A liturgy was held Saturday, May 31 at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in Frontenac. Interment was private at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, Attention: Sister Christine Blair, RSM, 2039 N. Geyer Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.