Statement from Fr. Benedykt Regarding St. Bernadette Catholic Academy

It is with great sadness that I have to share with you some information about our school here at St. Bernadette.  I was recently informed by the Archdiocese of Chicago that St. Bernadette Catholic Academy will be closed at the end of this school year.

After much deliberation and prayer, Cardinal George and Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, have come to the very difficult decision to close St. Bernadette Catholic Academy.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with each child and their family who will be impacted by the closure of our cherished school.  I strongly believe that Catholic education helps lay the foundation of our faith and prepares our children to lead a life in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Catholic schools will continue to fulfill the mission of nourishing our children both intellectually and spiritually, but, sadly, not here in our parish.

St. Bernadette is a strong parish comprised of families united in our love of Jesus Christ and one another, and we will continue to share and celebrate our faith.  Though our school is closing, our church and parish will remain open and continue to be a vibrant place where we gather together as a community to profess our faith.  Even though we are joining the ranks of Catholic parishes that do not operate a school, St. Bernadette will continue to provide religious education to our children.

I know many of you are sad to here this news and have asked questions about how this will personally affect you and your family.  I'm asking you to please read the letter from Cardinal George and Sr. Mary Paul that is included in this week's church bulletin for additional information.

Change is always difficult, but with faith and the continued support of one another, St. Bernadette Parish will continue to move forward and be the place where we gather together to celebrate our faith.

Fr. Benedykt Pazdan