Parish Staff

Father John McDonald was born in Citronelle, Alabama and graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1997.  Working as a financial planner for a few years, he returned to Alabama for work in 2000.  He entered seminary for the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama in 2001, and completed the pre-theology program at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg , MD in 2003.  He was then sent by Bishop David Foley to complete his theology studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy.  Fr. McDonald earned his theology degree from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, and then began his license studies in ecclesiology at the Gregorian University in Rome.  Ordained in 2007, Fr. McDonald has served as teacher, chaplain, principal and president of John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham.  In January of 2013, he was appointed by Bishop Robert Baker as Director of Catholic Education and Lifelong Formation for the Diocese of Birmingham. Fr. McDonald pursued his doctoral studies in Catholic Educational Administration at Catholic University of America under the direction of Dr. Merilynn Schutloffel, and was appointed pastor of St. Aloysius Parish and school in Bessemer, Alabama.  In 2016, Fr. McDonald was called to service at the Pontifical North American College in Rome where he served for three years as the Carl J. Peter Chair of Homiletics Instruction, and served as a formation advisor to many seminarians.  In 2019, he returned to Alabama and was assigned as pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and school in Anniston, Alabama, where he is currently serving. 

Is a life-long member of Sacred Heart.  He has heard the call to serve in some capacity since he was a youngster. Beginning soon after his baptism at age six , he answered the call to serve as an Altar Boy.  In the 1990’s he served a large number of children and young people through youth ministry.  During those same years, he took classes in the Diocesan Lay Ministry through Spring Hill College.  In the year 1996, he began a journey in Diaconate Formation. His practicum led him to rural ministry at St Mark’s in Ashland, Al.  After Ordination, in December of 2000 he has served several parishes.  Beginning at Sacred Heart. He has served faithfully the parishes of Ashland, All Saints in Anniston, Wedowee and Lanett. During the time of COVID Bishop Raica called upon him to be the interim administrator for Holy Spirit, Lanett, Al and Immaculate Conception, Wedowee, Al. In February of this year after much discernment Bishop Racia granted him a new assignment to Sacred Heart of Jesus.  When asked to comment on his latest assignment he said, “I am just so happy to be home”.

Mary Rhodes joined the staff of Sacred Heart church as Music Director and Organist in 1976.  She will be starting her 48th year August 2024.  She was born and raised in Jacksonville, AL.  

A proud 1996 graduate of Jacksonville State University, she was inspired to pursue a music degree, with a concentration in organ performance, to better her work in music ministry.

Mary and her husband, Dr. Gene Rhodes, retired English teacher, reside in Jacksonville.  They are active members of the Oxford Performing Arts Center and enjoy attending the many concerts.  They also enjoy spending time with their daughter, Tracy Walsh; son, Trent Jones; and grandson, Jace Walsh.

Mary, when she is not planning liturgies and playing, enjoys researching and listening to music and flower gardening.

Laura is from Prestonsburg, KY and a graduate of the University of Kentucky, School of Social Work.  She has been married to her husband, Thom for 26 years.  Together they have three children, Andrew, Abigail and Anthony.  Her and her husband Thom moved to Alabama in 2000 when her husband's career with Honda Manufacturing relocated them.   She began her current role at Sacred Heart in 2018. Laura also serves in various ministries in the church.  

Megan Day is from Southside AL, where she attended Southside High School. She went on a European tour of 8 countries with the Alabama Ambassadors of Music right after she graduated in 2013. She is currently finishing her BA from Jacksonville State University where she was a member of the Marching Southerners, A Capella Choir, Show Choir and Chamber Singers. She has been a paid vocalist at multiple churches in the area including FUMC Attalla, Grace Episcopal, St. Michael's Episcopal, St. Luke’s Episcopal and Rockmart Methodist for nearly a decade. She also appeared in many Jacksonville Opera Theater productions as well as local community theater shows with Theater of Gadsden and CAST. Megan is also a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus and a community of musicians based in Birmingham called the Iron City Singers. She has performed in London’s Southwark Cathedral with the ASO Chorus and just recently returned from performing at the 2024 Southern Division ACDA conference in Louisville, Kentucky with the Iron City Singers. When she is not at Sacred Heart she works as a Custom Framer at Nunnally’s Noble Frame and Gallery on Noble Street. She is excited to be learning and growing with the Sacred Heart Choir.