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

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.

Seminarians assist with beautification project

CLARKSDALE – Seminarians Francisco Maldonado and Will Foggo joined members of Russell Tree Service, Father Raju Macherla, and parish volunteer Ronnie Demilio in a campus beautification project at St. Elizabeth Church and School. The work included careful pruning of the parish’s 21 historic live oaks, a reminder of both the South’s natural beauty and the strength and rootedness of faith. (Photo by Catelin Britt)

St. Joseph Church awards inaugural Scholarship in honor of Father Cosgrove

MERIDIAN – Meridian High School valedictorian Dane Hill was awarded the first Father Cosgrove Scholarship by St. Joseph Catholic Church. Pictured, from left, Father Augustine Palimattam, Dane Hill, Kim Hill and Demetrius Hill. (Photo courtesy of parish)

By Staff Reports
MERIDIAN – St. Joseph Catholic Church has awarded the first Father Cosgrove Scholarship to Dane Hill, valedictorian of Meridian High School’s Class of 2025.

The scholarship honors Father Frank Cosgrove, former pastor of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Catholic churches and St. Patrick School in Meridian. Now retired at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, Cosgrove is remembered for his wisdom, humor and deep pastoral care.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the parish established a $10,000 scholarship fund to be awarded annually to the school’s valedictorian for as long as funds are available.

“Father Cosgrove has had a profound and lasting impact on our community,” said Father Augustine Palimattam, current pastor of the Catholic Community. “This scholarship honors his legacy by encouraging and supporting the academic and moral excellence he always championed.”

Hill, the first recipient, will attend Clark Atlanta University this fall.

Calendar of Events

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
DIOCESE – Cathedral of St. Peter, Prayer Service in Solidarity with Dreamers and Migrants, Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Details: Sister Amelia Breton at amelia.breton@jacksondiocese.org.

GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, “Hearing The Voice of God” Retreat, Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presenter: Maria Vadia. No cost but love offering taken. Details: to register call (662) 299-1232 or email contactlocusbenedictus@gmail.com.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

JACKSON – St. Richard, ChristLife: Discovering Christ, begins Wednesday, Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Retreat on Saturday, Oct. 11. Enjoy a delicious meal, listen to a dynamic teaching that helps people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children and join in a small group discussion. Register at https://bit.ly/3HvRKGE. Details: call Tiffany at (601) 842-0151.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
FLOWOOD – St. Paul Early Learning Center, Annual Golf Tournament, Friday, Sept. 19, tee off at 1 p.m. at Bay Pointe Golf Club. Registration opens at 11 a.m. Details: register at https://bit.ly/3Jn4XlS or email stpaullearningcenter@gmail.com.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Parish Fair at St. Joseph School, Tuesday, Sept. 9. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Fall Bazaar, Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sales, silent auction, raffles and more. Details: email julieastefanik@gmail.com.

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

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Cocktails & Catholicism, Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Topic is Cursillo with speaker, Nikki Simmons. Ages 21+. BYOB. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

Queen of Peace, Golf Tournament, Sunday Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Wedgewood Golf Club. Cost: $125/player. Details: Tim at (901) 515-8598.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join us for food, games, music and more! Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

CORRECTIONS
In the July 18 story “Diocesan seminarians witness history in Rome” by Madelyn Johnson, Sterling Foley was incorrectly identified as the brother of EJ Martin; he is the brother of Grayson Foley. In the Sacraments section, a group photo from the Catholic Community of Meridian was misidentified as Confirmation candidates; the photo showed candidates and elect welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil. We apologize for the errors.

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

Father Jeffrey Waldrep celebrated his 35th anniversary of ordination on Sunday, June 22, surrounded by family and friends at Annunciation parish in Columbus. Pictured from left in the first photo are Archbishop Shelton Fabre (Archdiocese of Louisville), Father Waldrep, and Bishop Joseph Kopacz. At center, Father Sam Messina vests Father Waldrep on his ordination day, June 16, 1990 at Immaculate Conception parish in West Point. At right, Father Messina shares a smile during his 60th anniversary celebration at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison on June 4, 2025, joined by friends, family and fellow clergy – including longtime friend Father Waldrep. (Photos by Rhonda Bowden, center from archives)

More photos from Father Jeffrey Waldrep’s Celebration

More photos from Father Sam Messina’s Celebration

Calendar of Events

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CHATAWA – Our Lady of Hope, A Day of Hope and Healing with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Friday, Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy talks by Father Patrick Gonyeau and Dr. Carol Razza, along with music, Mass, prayer, lunch and more. Details: register at www.OurLadyofHopeMS.com.
Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Annual “Speak Lord I’m Listening” Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa, July 25 at 7 p.m. through Sunday, July 27 at noon. Presenters Father Bill Henry and Jim Murphy will give techniques to pray and meditate on the scriptures. Cost: $350/person (includes all meals and private room); $275 for commuters. Details: contact Charlene at (601) 248-4310.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, St. Faustina Relic Display and Presentation, Saturday, July 26. Event begins at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast followed by presentation by Jay Hastings, director of the Shrine of St. Faustine of The Divine Mercy in Memphis. He will lead prayer with first class relic of St. Faustina and speak about promises Jesus offers along with tools and avenues of grace from the Lord. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

DIOCESE – Pastoral Ministries Workshop for parish leaders, Aug. 22-24 at Lake Tiak O’Khata in Louisville. Cost: $300/includes housing, meals and supplies. Details: email fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

JACKSON – St. Richard, ChristLife: Discovering Christ, begins Wednesday, Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Retreat on Saturday, Oct. 11. Enjoy a delicious meal, listen to a dynamic teaching that helps people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children and join in a small group discussion. Register at https://bit.ly/3HvRKGE. Details: call Tiffany at (601) 842-0151.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, July 27-29 from 5:15-7 p.m. in the parish hall. Event is for K3 through fifth graders. Details: register at stjosephgreenville.org or contact church office (662) 335-5251.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Fall Bazaar, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sales, silent auction, raffles and more. Details: email julieastefanik@gmail.com.

HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Potluck Fundraiser, Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. All are welcome! Details: church office (662) 985-3209.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick/St. Joseph, Youth Retreat, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp. Retreat is for grades fifth through seniors. Enjoy games, food, fellowship and boating. Details: email Kristen at kaugustine@stpatrickcatholicschool.org.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Taco Sunday, Aug. 10 after 10 a.m. Mass. Enjoy four tacos (carne asada or chicken) and a drink for $10. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

Queen of Peace, Blood Drive, Sunday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 877-25-VITAL or visit donors.vitalant.org and use the code queenop to schedule your appointment.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Young Adults Fellowship Food and Fun Event, Tuesday, July 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the social hall. College age to mid 30s are welcome for a night of fellowship. Join us!

Christ the King, Cookie Social, Sunday, Aug. 3 after 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Masses. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

Around the Diocese

GREENVILLE – Sacred Heart parish RCIA candidates Quentin Nelson Sr., Alana Sorrell and Christian and Ashala Sorrell, pictured with Fathers Sebastian Myladiyil, SVD, and Tom Mullally, SVD. (Photo courtesy of parish)
CARTHAGE – St. Anne Catholic Church celebrated its high school, college and university graduates on May 31.(Photo courtesy of parish)
JACKSON – Holy Ghost parish held a Graduate Mass on May 25. Pictured are Dajia Williams, a graduate of Mississippi State University; Father Madanu Vijaya Bhaskar, SVD; and Kameron Fox, a graduate of Jim Hill High School. Not pictured: Hugh Smith and Earnestine Powell. (Photo by Dorothy Ashley)
JACKSON – Christ the King graduates Kaitlyn deVerteuil, Sydney Asowata and Yann Tche were blessed by Deacon Denzil Lobo. (Photo by Maggie Spence)

In memoriam: Sister Annette Seymour, RSM

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.

Memorial Day remembrance

MERIDIAN – Members of Knights of Columbus Council 802 gathered Monday, May 26, at St. Patrick Cemetery to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. The small, dedicated group raised the American flag before lowering it to half-staff, shared personal stories of loved ones who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts, and reflected on the freedoms secured through their sacrifices. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt testimony from Vietnam War veteran Ken Woodward and a group rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Pictured (l-r): William Nix, John Harwell, Robert Leo, Donna Polizzi, Denise Huntley, John Bennett, Frank Polizzi and Robert Connor. (Photo by David Stephens)

FEATURE PHOTO: … Class of 2025 …

The two Mississippi graduates of the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, pictured from left are Liz Rooks-Barber (St. Francis of Assisi, Madison), Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology, and John Lebert Smith, Sr. (West Point, Immaculate Conception), Master of Arts in Theology with a Concentration in Sacred Scripture. They were part of the largest graduating class in the Institute’s 20-year history and the first to graduate from the new Florissant, Missouri campus on May 3, 2025. Both are dedicated parish volunteers who found joy and purpose in this labor of love. (Photo courtesy of Liz Rooks-Barber)