Spiritual director, educator and ministry leader
BELMONT — Sister Mary Antonette Schmidt, a beloved member of the Sisters of Mercy for six decades, entered eternal life on June 13, 2025, at CaroMont Medical Center in Gastonia.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at Sacred Heart Convent, Cardinal Gibbons Chapel, 500 Sacred Heart Circle, Belmont, N.C. Viewing will be held before Mass, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.
The funeral Mass will be livestreamed online here.
Sister Antonette was born on Jan. 11, 1944, to John Schmidt of Devon, Pennsylvania, and Mary Powers of Manayunk, Pennsylvania.
Sister Antonette dedicated her life to service, faith and compassionate ministry. At 21, she entered the religious community in August 1965 in Belmont, embracing her calling to serve others through her deep prayer life and her extensive ministries.
Her educational journey was marked by a commitment to understanding and spiritual growth. She earned a certificate of chaplaincy from Carolinas Medical Center, a master’s degree in religious studies from La Salle University in Philadelphia and a bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart College in Belmont. Later she received a certificate in spiritual direction from the Diocese of Charlotte. Her pursuit of education reflected her dedication to caring for others’ spiritual needs.
Throughout her ministry, Sister Antonette served in various roles, embodying her motto: “That the world may believe.” She ministered at the Jesuit House of Prayer in Hot
Springs as a retreat director from 2001 to 2004 and served as spiritual mentor and coordinator for young adult ministry at the Diocese of Charlotte during the same period.
From 2004 to 2007, she served as Vice President of Mission and Values at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Her compassionate spirit extended to her work as a Chaplain for Mission Services and pastoral care at St. Joseph – Chandler Health System in Savannah, Georgia. She served as Assistant to the Community Life Coordinator at Marian Center from 2014 to 2020, as well as working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, Well of Mercy retreat center in Hamptonville, and Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley earlier in her career.
Sister Antonette's unwavering dedication to her ministries and her deep prayer life touched countless lives. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her Sisters of Mercy, revealing her lifelong commitment to service, faith and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Virginia.
She is survived by three brothers: John, William and Paul; two sisters, Christina, the oldest of the seven, and Mary: as well as her fellow Sisters of Mercy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012.
A guest registry for sharing prayerful thoughts and heartfelt condolences is available online at www.mcleanfuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
More online
Read more about Sister Antonette Schmidt https://issuu.com/catholicnewsherald/docs/cnh_issue_08_13_04/4