ABOUT ST. RICHARD CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Welcome to Saint Richard Catholic School—where faith guides us, learning is personalized, and community flourishes. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of faithful, confident leaders for the future.
Our History
Saint Richard Catholic School is a parish-based Pre-K3 through 6th grade Catholic elementary school. Our school was founded in 1953 by the Sisters of Mercy with an emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and faith formation. Originally, three nuns from the Sisters of Mercy taught grades one through five and a lay teacher taught Kindergarten. Throughout the years, leadership changed, enrollment increased, and our campus grew to include more classrooms, a STREAM lab, music room, gymnasium, and a robust community.
In 2024, we purchased the former Meadowbrook Church of Christ campus, and one year later, we completed a state-of-the-art renovation. We were thrilled to start the 2025-26 school year on our brand new campus, and we are committed to continue investing in the city of Jackson and ensuring that St. Richard remains a beacon of academic excellence and a nurturing environment for all students.
Leadership
Father Joe Tonos, Pastor
Fr. Joe Tonos is a native of Greenville, Mississippi and fiercely proud of his Lebanese heritage. He's a graduate of Delta State University and spent a short time in the business sector before following a calling to the priesthood. After graduating from Mundelein Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Jackson in 1994. In the past, he has served as director of youth ministries and vocations for the diocese and was appointed as the pastor of St. John's in 2004.
Father Andrew Bowen, Associate Pastor
Fr. Andrew Bowden is from Brandon, Mississippi. After graduating from Brandon High School, he began priestly formation. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and the Liberal Arts at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana then attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he earned a Masters in Divinity. He was ordained in the spring of 2022. Saint Richard’s parish and school is his first priestly assignment.
Russ Nelson, Principal
Russ Nelson is a native of Vicksburg and a graduate of Mississippi State University. In 2025 he earned his Master's in School Administration from Mississippi College. He began his career at his alma mater, Saint Aloysius Catholic School in Vicksburg, where he coached high school football and taught Theology. Mr. Nelson also taught in Terry and Clarksdale before entering the business sector where he acquired a unique set of skills including financial management.
Mr. Nelson joined Saint Richard Catholic School in 2022 and has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to our community. His commitment to our students and staff and his dedication to ensuring high quality education, the well-being of our students, and the spiritual growth of our school family is unwavering.
Rose Ball, Assistant Principal
Rose Ball comes from a long line of Catholic educators and is the assistant principal at St. Richard School. A proud member of St. Richard Parish, Rose enjoys being an active participant in the school community. She has two children, Josie and Leo, who are also students at the school. Rose began her journey as an educator in 2013 and has been passionate about helping students grow ever since.
Rose earned two undergraduate degrees from The University of Mississippi—one in Anthropology and the other in Special Education. She then lived in Boston while completing her Master’s in the Science of Education from Simmons College. Afterward, she achieved her National Teacher Board Certification in Special Education and later earned an Educational Specialist degree in School Leadership from William Carey University.
Grounded in deep values and a strong understanding of the Catholic faith, Rose’s academic background and dedication to education have greatly enriched her service as assistant principal within the St. Richard community.
School Advisory Council (SAC)
The Saint Richard School Advisory Council (SAC) is a ministerial agency of St. Richard Parish and its pastor which serves in an advisory capacity under the authority granted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson. The SAC meets monthly and is charged with promoting St. Richard Catholic School by working with the Principal and Pastor to strengthen all aspects of the School.
2025-2026 SAINT RICHARD SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
President: Anne Stanton
Immediate Past President: Patrick Crews
Vice-President: Robert Metzger
Secretary: Suzanne Rutherford
Chair of Finance: Andrew Fox
Chair of Building and Grounds: Amy Boteler
Chair of Institutional Advancement: Jen Hospodor
Chair of Policy and Planning: Steve Montagnet
Members at-Large:
Temekia Jackson
Richelle Owens
Antoine Barlow
Nick Morisani
Ex-Officio Non-Voting Members:
Fr. Joe Tonos, Pastor St. Richard Church
Russ Nelson, Principal St. Richard School
Beth Nunley, Parent Association President
Susan Eastus, Parent Association Vice President
Andrew Ueltschey, Cardinal Men’s Club President
Ryan Nunley, Cardinal Men's Club Vice President
Our Mission
Saint Richard Catholic School is dedicated to providing academic excellence for all students as well as instilling a reverence for God, a respect for all life, and a commitment to serve others in a safe, Catholic environment.
Our Vision
Teaching children to learn, love, and help like Christ in a diverse and nurturing school community.
Accreditations & Affiliations
We are accredited by Cognia Accreditation and Certification and we are members of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS).
Prayer of Saint Richard
Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Amen.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Amen.