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Rev. James J. Sinnott, O.S.A. (1910 - 1983)

Rev. James J. Sinnott, O.S.A. entered eternal life May 28, 1983.

James Joseph Sinnott was born September 1, 1910 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to Francis P. and Anne C. (O'Connor) Sinnott. He was Baptized September 4, 1910 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Pottsville. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation December 3, 1916 in the same church.

James received his elementary education at St. Thomas Catholic School, Rosemont, Pennsylvania. He did his secondary education at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, which awarded him a diploma in 1926. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate August 15, 1926. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine August 16, 1927 and solemn (permanent) vows September 1, 1931.

He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1931. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1931 to 1935. He was ordained a Priest June 12, 1934. He received an M.A. in Psychology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1937.

Father Sinnott was assigned in 1937 to St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Flint, Michigan, as Assistant Pastor. In 1939 he began a long career as an educator. He taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago, from 1939 to 1950, also serving as Vice-Principal for Studies from 1944 to 1950. He was transferred in 1950 to Cascia Hall School, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was Rector of the school.

In 1965 he joined the faculty of Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri, where he also served as Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community. He was assigned in 1968 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he was Prior. He returned in 1971 to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, as a Teacher.

In 1972 Father Sinnott returned to parish ministry, serving until 1974 at St. Patirck Catholic Parish, Dallas, Texas, and then at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, Chicago, until the time of his death.

Father Sinnott suffered from cancer in his final years. He died May 29, 1983. He is remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.