St. Joseph, St. Dennis Schools Face Restructuring

LOCKPORT, IL — A targeted restructuring team is evaluating St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Dennis Catholic School in Lockport, according to a letter to parents from the Diocese of Joliet.

In the letter, it states that the Diocese launched a restructuring process to better serve schools, parishes and other Catholic institutions a year ago.

"Now a targeted restructuring team composed of the bishop, the superintendent of schools, senior diocesan staff and the priests who serve as deans of the eight deaneries of our diocese are meeting to discuss and evaluate the vibrancy and sustainability of our schools and parishes."

The letter states that the team is facing "dire facts about Catholic education in Lockport," and both St. Joseph and St. Dennis schools are in the "urgent evaluation phase" of the process.

According to the letter, the combined enrollment of both schools has remained mostly static or declined over the past several years, staffing needs have struggled to be met, and structural maintenance needs have increased.

The letter states that "save our school" campaigns or additional fundraisers are unrealistic solutions.

A meeting for parents, pastors and principals of both schools will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the letter.

Patch reached out to the Diocese of Joliet about the restructuring process, and the Diocese said it had no comment at this time.