LRSS director announces retirement, set for July

Published: March 12, 2019

Cackie Upchurch

Cackie Upchurch, who has served Little Rock Scripture Study for 30 years, will retire in July. She announced her decision to diocesan staff March 11.

Since 1998 she has been the director of the national biblical ministry. She joined the staff in 1989 as an associate director.

“My life has revolved around LRSS for a long time -- first, as a high school student in a LRSS group in Fort Smith, then as a volunteer offering LRSS workshops around the country while I also taught at Mount St. Mary’s (Academy in Litttle Rock), and finally on the staff here at the diocesan office for 30 years,” she said. “This ministry is near to my heart and will be always. I have had the privilege of meeting outstanding scholars in places far and near, working with talented and dedicated people in this office and in Collegeville, Minn., and, probably best of all, meeting so many people along the way who have fallen in love with God’s Word. I cannot begin to describe the value of all I have learned in the process.”

Dennis Lee, chancellor for administrative affairs, will work with Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and others to find the next leader of the Scripture study office. LRSS staff members Lilly Hess and Amy Ekeh will continue to work in partnership with the publisher, Liturgical Press, to produce Catholic Bible study materials for adults.