Learning Center Named For Sisters Of Mercy

Nearly 160 years ago, six ordained Sisters of Mercy arrived in Vickburg with a singular goal in mind - - to educate the children of the town and open the area's very first school.  Now, that legacy is being continued, and those women are being honored through the naming of the Vicksburg Catholic School Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center.

The new facility, which is under construction at the corner of Clay and Howard streets, will serve as a childcare center for infants through three-year-olds.  The building itself will be named the Sherry J. Scott Building, honoring a graduate of St. Francis Xavier and a generous donor to the school, who learned the importance of giving back at a young age from the Sisters o Mercy.  "Without the support, Sherry and her husband, Sam Scott, fundraising for this project would have been daunting, especially in our current environment," said Kristi Smith, development director at VCS.  "Their generosity and commitment to the school is just another great testament to the incredible impression the Sisters of Mercy left on their students."

But education wasn't the only call the Sisters of Mercy answered during their time in Vicksburg.  In addition to being remembered as great teachers in the area, the Sisters also became nurses when they encountered numerous sick and injured soldiers during the Civil War.  That work led them to take over City Hospital in 1878, and the Vicksburg Street Hospital in 1943, which later became known as Mercy Hospital until it was bought by a corporation in 1991.  

"When you talk about the history of Vicksburg, you have to talk about the Sisters of Mercy," said Mary Margaret Edney, a member of the VCS advisory council. "I can't think of a more appropriate way for us to honor their legacy and to remember the many sacrifices they made to better our community all those years ago.  There are a lot of people who will tell you that they wouldn't be where they are today if it weren't for those women.

Since the news of Scott's donation, VCS has moved into Phase 2 of its capital campaign to raise $2.2 million for the center.  this phase will fund construction completion and furnishings, a total of about $400,000.

The Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center is scheduled to open in 2021.  For more information about enrollment, please contact the school at 601-636-4824

Click here to view the Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center video.

Bill Adams's Sister-In-Law Dies

Please keep Bill Adams's sister-in-law, Gail Adams, who passed away Sunday after a very brief illness, in your prayers.  Bill commented that Tom has a large circle of friends for forty-seven years of marriage and it is so hard to lose so fast.  She will be put on our prayer list.  You and yours have my sympathy, Bill and may she rest in peace! 

Update On Chuck Kitowski

Chuck is off the walker for now and a physical therapist is helping him with his walk and now walking a mile to two miles.  He also needs a speech therapist but has to go to the hospital but with everything that is going, he will opt-out until something else can be worked out. They are still staying with friends until he gets stronger.  Please continue to pray for Chuck’s recovery and also for Theresa. Keep both of them in your prayers and continue to send get well cards for support to 6218 Magnolia Street, Katy, TX 77493.

Remembering Charles B. (Trey) Kitowski

I came across this post on Cynthia Davis Martin's Facebook page last night of our classmate, Theresa Martin Kitwoski, and Chuck's son (Charles B. (Trey) Kitowski) who gave his life for our country.  I wanted to share this with you today.  Click on Trey's name to read about a fallen hero.

Thirteen years ago today a family lost their only child. 

Thirteen years ago today a fiance lost her love.

Thirteen years ago today the world lost a wonderful man who felt a calling to serve.

Pause for a minute to be thankful for your freedoms.  They don't come free.   

(Cynthia Davis Martin's husband is Gene Martin and the brother of Theresa)

Class Reunion - Has This Happened To You?

 

Chuck Out Of Hospital

I received word last night that Chuck came out of the hospital about noon yesterday, Friday.  They are staying with friends for a few days so Theresa will have help.  She is pleased with his condition.  The speech therapist will come to him soon. He is on a walker and will need help with balance as well.  They will be picking up the mail at the Katy address if you want to send cards.  

Chuck Kitowski

6218 Magnolia St. 

Katy, Texas  77493.  

Thanks again for answered prayers and all of your concerns.