MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Michel, Blackmon, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING AND CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty and alumni of Saint Joseph Catholic School in Madison, Mississippi, in honoring the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the school and its mission of preparing students for college and for careers and its Catholic tradition; and
WHEREAS, in 1870, Father Picherit, Pastor of Saint Peter Church, Jackson, Mississippi, requested the Sisters of Mercy of Vicksburg to come and take charge of his parochial school, Saint Joseph Catholic School. Since that time, St. Joseph has operated continuously as a school in the Jackson Metropolitan Area and has educated thousands of students of this community and state. Saint Joseph Catholic School has long stressed the importance of developing a strong learning ethic through high standards, hard work and community service; and
WHEREAS, Saint Joseph Catholic School offers a college preparatory curriculum to a diverse community of learners in Grades 7-12, committed to academic excellence and the values taught by Jesus Christ. Founded in 1870 in Jackson, Mississippi, Saint Joseph Catholic School strives to equip young people for the world while preparing them for Heaven. Believing that parents are the primary educators of their children, Saint Joseph considers it a privilege to collaborate with them in this challenge; and
WHEREAS, Saint Joseph Catholic School dates to 1870 when the Reverend Henry A. Picherit built a temporary school consisting of two classrooms. The original enrollment was 56 students. In the fall of 1870, five members of the Sisters of Mercy arrived from Vicksburg to staff the small school, which at the time was called Saint Joseph Academy. Sister Mary Vincent Browne was the school's first Principal. The enrollment increased over the years and several rooms were added to the structure. A new school was built in 1914 under the direction of the Reverend Charles A. Oliver. In 1932, the Sisters of Mercy turned the school property over to the Diocese of Natchez. There was a great need at that time for a new building, so plans were made for a brick structure. Bishop Richard Gerow dedicated the new school in 1933. In the summer of 1965, the school was moved from its location on Amite Street to Boling Street. A central junior high school was created in 1989 at a site on Holly Drive, near St. Richard Church and grammar school. This newly constructed facility housed the 7th and 8th Grades. From 1996-1998, the two campuses were temporarily located at the Holly Street location during the construction of a new campus. In the fall of 1998, the middle and high school moved to 65 acres in Madison, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Joseph Catholic School campus, under the guidance and oversight of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, consists of eight buildings: one for administration, three for classrooms, a self-contained cafeteria, a gymnasium, a performing arts complex and a field house. The school campus has separate football and baseball stadiums. The school administration building is home to a library and a new campus chapel. The chapel was blessed during the spring 2016 semester; and
WHEREAS, Saint Joseph's recent accolades include:
· Annually raises over $10,000.00 for Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital;
· Annually donates over 16,000 hours of service to the Metro Jackson area churches and nonprofit organizations;
· Earned 2018-2019 Class 2A All-Sports Award;
· Earned 2018 State Champs in Baseball, Swimming and Boys Soccer;
· State and nationally recognized Broadcast and Print Journalism winners, including the Orley Hood Award; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge the 150 years that Saint Joseph Catholic School has educated thousands of students of all faith traditions and varying racial and ethnic backgrounds, in a learning environment of high academic standards, values and religious beliefs supported by the home; we recognize the commitment of parents and guardians who send their children to Catholic schools and the millions of dollars that Catholic schools save the taxpayers; and we value and appreciate the teachers and auxiliary personnel who have provided and continue to provide outstanding education to youngsters at Saint Joseph Catholic School and Catholic early childhood centers throughout the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the founding of Saint Joseph Catholic School in Jackson, Mississippi, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Legislature to the students, faculty and alumni on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Headmaster of Saint Joseph Catholic School, forwarded to the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.