Rev. James J. Sinnott, O.S.A. (1910 - 1983)
Rev. James J. Sinnott, O.S.A. entered eternal life on May 28, 1983.
James Joseph Sinnott was born on September 1, 1910 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to Francis P. and Anne C. (O'Connor) Sinnott. He was baptized on September 4, 1910 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Pottsville. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on December 3, 1916 in the same church.
For his elementary education, James attended St. Thomas Catholic School, Rosemont, Pennsylvania. He then 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 on August 15, 1926. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on August 16, 1927 and solemn (permanent) vows on September 1, 1931.
James earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1931. After this, he pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1931 to 1935. He was ordained a priest on June 12, 1934. He received an M.A. in Psychology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1937.
Father Sinnott was assigned to St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan, in 1937 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, Father Sinnott joined the faculty of Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri. He also served as Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community there. He was then assigned in 1968 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he was Prior. He returned to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, in 1971 as a teacher.
Returning to parish ministry in 1972, Father Sinnott served until 1974 at St. Patrick Parish, Dallas, Texas. After this, he served at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, until the time of his death.
Father Sinnott suffered from cancer in his final years. He died on May 29, 1983. He is remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor.
Father Sinnott is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.
