CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Wednesday is the last day of classes at three south suburban Catholic schools forever. Schools in South Holland, Lansing, and Summit are closing.
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced back in January the closures of Christ Our Savior School, in South Holland; St. Ann School, in Lansing; and, St. Joseph School, in Summit, citing declining enrollment at the schools.
St Joseph’s principal Claudia Mendez said despite alumni "coming out of the woodwork" to help raise funds during Catholic Schools Week, they did not meet their fundraising target.
Teacher and alumna Maureen Cervi told the Daily Southtown she’s heartbroken by the closure, which has let down the entire community of Summit where generations of families attended the school.
“I’m utterly heartbroken,” Cervi said. “It has let down this entire community. Students and parents grew up with this school. There are second and third generations strong in this building...I’m going to miss that so terribly.”
St. Joseph Catholic School is planning a car parade past the school on Saturday. Participants are encouraged to decorate vehicles and make posters.
Meanwhile, in Lansing, longtime St Ann’s teacher Marie Hess told the Daily Southtown the school is a place of “diversity and love” where older students know all of the younger students and look out for them when needed.
The school is hosting an open house Saturday from 1-4 p.m., followed by a Mass at 4 p.m. and parking lot party at 5 p.m. to say goodbye.
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