The Herald-News_Catholic Schools Week_012721

Catholic Schools Week January 31 - February 6, 2021

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS DIRECTORY

See What’s inside...

Cathedral of St. Raymond School................page 8 ADDRESS: 608 North Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-722-6626 WEB SITE: www.straymond.net/school PRINCIPAL: Ms. Marjorie Hill CHURCH PASTOR: Rev. William G. Dewan

Providence Catholic High School.................page 4 ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 PHONE: 815-485-2136 WEB SITE: www.providencecatholic.org PRINCIPAL: Dr. John Harper PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis

St. Jude Catholic School (New Lenox).........page 9 ADDRESS: 241 W. 2nd Ave., New Lenox, IL 60448 PHONE: 815-485-2549 WEB SITE: www.stjudes.org/school PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Kathleen Winters CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Robert Basler

Holy Family School...............................pages 6 & 7 ADDRESS: 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 PHONE: 815-725-8149 WEB SITE: www.holyfamilyshorewood.org/school PRINCIPAL: Mr. Anthony Wilkinson CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. John Phan

St. Dennis School.......................................page 10 ADDRESS: 1201 S. Washington St., Lockport, IL 60441 PHONE: 815 838-4494 WEB SITE: www.stdennisschool.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Lisa Smith CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Shaun Cieslik

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School..............page 3 ADDRESS: 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield IL 60544 PHONE: 815-436-3953 WEB SITE: www.smischool.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Jennifer Errthum CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Pat Mulcahy

St. Joseph Academy....................................page 4 ADDRESS: 403 N. Hickory St., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-723-4567 WEB SITE: www.sjajoliet.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Jan Novotny

St. Mary Nativity Catholic School..............page 10 ADDRESS: 702 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-722-8518 WEB SITE: www. stmarynativity.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Regina Pestrak CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Jerome Kish

Joliet Catholic Academy..................pages 11 & 12 ADDRESS: 1200 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-741-0500 WEB SITE: www.jca-online.org PRINCIPAL: Dr. Jeffrey Budz Providence Catholic Children’s Academy.....page 5 ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 PHONE: 815-485-7129 WEB SITE: www.wearepc.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Laura McErlean PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis

St. Jude Catholic School (Joliet)..................page 2 ADDRESS: 2204 McDonough St., Joliet, IL 60436 PHONE: 815-729-0288 WEB SITE: www.stjudejoliet.net PRINCIPAL: Mr. Lucas Stangler CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Michael Lane

Are you looking for a school that will: Provide an excellent education.

Have a safe and caring environment.

Give your child the resources he or she needs to be successsful.

Help your child learn responsibility, compassion and respect for themselves and others

Look no further!

Schedule a visit to St. Jude Catholic School in Joliet!

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The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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Celebrating more than 65 Years of Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Finally, we provide a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and encourage students to discover, develop and share their talents. Outside the classroom, our students participate in athletics including baseball, basketball, football and volleyball. Students perform in the Band, the annual School Musical, and the Choir. We also offer Student Council, Ecology Club, Creative Writing Club, Chess Club, Battle of the Books, a Junior High Academic Team and more.

The children who attend St. Mary Immaculate Parish School are successful because of the dedication of their teachers, involvement of their parents, and their own hard work and accountability combined with the loving atmosphere that fills our school. St. Mary’s is also Recipient of “The Best Pre-School in Will County” award three years in a row and the last two years voted “Best Workplace for Education” from the Herald News Readers Choice Awards. For more information contact the school at 815-436-3953 or visit our website at www.smischool.org.

We live in an unprecedented time that has caused us great adversity and uncertainty. However, what remains are the important things: faith and family. We at St. Mary Immaculate Parish School cherish the role we play in working with you and your families to share the gift of our blessed faith with your wonderful children. Thank you for trusting us to play that role.

• Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Sixty six years ago in the quiet village of Plainfield, St. Mary Immaculate Parish School was founded to serve the needs of educating Catholic youth in the growing community. Built on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the school incorporates three pillars of success: a focus on faith, a pursuit of academic excellence and an abundance of opportunities beyond the classroom.

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School provides this solid foundation in a safe and secure family environment. We are also the first school in the area to have so many extra staff members to enhance the learning culture in special needs, technology, reading, and religion, faith, and spirituality.

Our focus on faith enables teachers to help students connect with and embody the Catholic faith through daily Bible readings, prayer and classroom instruction. We nurture strong faith in the students and foster integration into their family faith life. In addition, our caring, enthusiastic teachers consistently guide our students to achieve their fullest academic potential, preparing them well for high school and college. Graduates of St. Mary Immaculate Parish School achieve academic excellence at both public and private high schools. The names of our graduates are regularly seen on the honor roll of all the local high schools, both public and Catholic. Our state of the art STEM lab and 1:1 program sets our school apart from many others.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School

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Providence Catholic Children’s Academy

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy (PCCA) was opened in 1992.

Under the director of the Joliet Diocese it served the religious and educational needs of children who are members of the New Lenox and surrounding communities. It is located on the campus of Providence Catholic High School at 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy. in New Lenox. Preschool children, ages 3-4 have the choice of full or half-day classes. Kindergarten children, ages 5-6, attend school 5 full days a week. Before and after school care is also available to students on a full time or as needed basis.

All teachers at PCCA possess a bachelor’s degree or greater. They provide a nurturing environment that emphasizes on academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. This environment encourages children to develop a

positive self-concept, while allowing them to grow on many levels.

Tuition includes books, in school field trips and most supplies. There are no required parent volunteer hours and all fundraising is optional. Free and optional speech and developmental screenings are offered to all PCCA students in the fall.

Our open house and registration for the 2021-2022 school year is on Sunday, January 31st from 10:00-12:30 by appointment. Call today to schedule a tour January 31st 815-485-7129.

Please call or email Mrs. Laura McErlean at lmcerlean@providencecatholic. org with any questions or visit the school’s website at www.wearepc.org

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2021

St. Joseph Academy Open House

403 N. Hickory St. Joliet 60435 Sunday, January 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• • • • • •

Montessori-based Preschool & Kindergarten Individualized Elementary & Adolescent Program Small Class Sizes Competitive Tuition Rates Before and After Care School of the Arts Program

Call 815-723-4567 to schedule a private tour.

Visit our website at www.sjajoliet.org

Ask about our scholarship program! *** Enroll by March 26 and receive a $25 discount on your registration fee.

A private, independent school in the Catholic Montessori tradition, providing individualized education for students with diverse gifts and abilities.

“Living our Christian Love Daily in a Diverse and Accepting Community”

Join Us!

OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION SUNDAY, JANUARY 31st 10 am - 12:30 pm by appointment Call today to schedule your private tour Why PCCA? • Full-Day Kindergarten • Half/Full-Day Options for 3/4 year old preschool • Small Class Sizes • No Mandatory Fundraising • Bachelor Degreed Experienced Teachers • Before/After School Care • Spiritual & Nurturing Environment

• Wednesday, January 27, 2021

815.485.7129

QUESTIONS? CALL 815.485.7129

CLASSES INCLUDE: • Kindergarten (age 5) • Pre-Kindergarten (age 4) • Preschool (age 3) 1800 W. Lincoln Highway • New Lenox Illinois 60451 • www.wearepc.org

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com

Providence Children’s Academy, New Lenox, IL

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The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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Holy Family School

A Tradition of Excellence A Future of Success

Holy Family School in Shorewood is a Catholic school where you really are part of a family. At Holy Family, our Catholic identity is integrated in every facet of our school and is not just an added component. It permeates the spirit and climate of the school. Our children learn about themselves and the entire world through the lens of faith. We express our Catholic identity and reflect Jesus’ message of love through daily prayer and religion classes, school liturgies, the sacraments, social interaction, and outreach to others. Morals and values are a part of all areas of academic studies. At Holy Family, we build both an excellent academic and spiritual foundation which will remain with your child throughout his or her life.

We offer top-notch education that allows individualized attention for students who excel as well as for students in need. Our dedicated teachers and challenging curriculum, combined with our specialized resources, contribute to impressive educational growth for our students.

This is all topped off with school spirit like no other! Holy Family offers team sports, academic competitions, choir, clubs, and more. Pack-the-Gym Nights allow for students to bond outside of school and cheer on their Holy Family teams. Of course, no Pack-the-Gym Night would be complete without a visit from the school’s mascot, the Holy Family Eagle!

Family, Spirit, and Faith! Holy Family School has it all! Come and see what it’s all about on Sunday, January 31st from 9:00am-12:00pm, by appointment only. Please call the school office (815-7258149) to schedule your tour!

Please join us at Holy Family School’s annual Open House on Sunday, January 31st from 9:00am-12:00pm.

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& NE TION REGISTRA A SUND Y ST

31 JANUARY M P 2 9AM-1

FAMILY | SPIRIT | FAITH Catholic faith based education from Pre-K—8th Grade Half and full day Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 options Before and after school care available Specialized resources to maximize learning

“A Tradition of Excellence and A Future of Success”

Academic and athletic extracurricular programs Family centered community

600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, Illinois 60404

815-725-8149

HOLYFAMILYSHOREWOOD.ORG/SCHOOL SM-CL1850881

• Wednesday, January 27, 2021

*Tours are by appointment only. Please contact the school office to schedule your appointment.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com

OPEN * HOWUFSAMEILY

The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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Cathedral of St. Raymond School

The Cathedral of St. Raymond School was established over 100 years ago with a vision from our founding pastor, Fr. Scanlon to educate young people in the faith. Staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 178 students embarked on the beginning of a tremendous heritage. Currently serving 305 students, we continue the vibrant community that Fr. Scanlon dreamed would represent our parish family.

Our goal today is the same as it was 100 years ago, to provide an education of unsurpassed quality to every student. Equally important, we teach our students to be kind, compassionate and to share Christ’s love with the world. We believe WHO your child becomes is just as important as WHAT they become. To this end, we have established a culture in which we ask our students to RISE to greatness every day. Proud to be the Rockets, R.I.S.E. is an acronym for respect, integrity, service and excellence. In living out these values, we achieve greatness through strong character, a vibrant faith, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Located in the historic Cathedral area of Joliet, St. Raymond School educates students in 3yr old Pre-school through 8th grade. The challenging curriculum is taught by a team of experienced, faith-filled certified teachers with an average of 17 years teaching experience, many who have been recognized with accolades and awards. In addition to core subjects, students at all levels are taught art, music, physical education and computer technology. Our 6th-8th grade students participate in a 1:1 Chromebook initiative.

St. Raymond School offers a strong athletic program where 1st through 4th grade students can participate in intramural basketball and 5th-8th grade students can participate in cross country, baseball, flag football, basketball, co-ed volleyball, and track and field. The focus of our program is on team work, responsibility, resiliency, discipline and the many other intangibles that being a part of team teaches.

Extracurricular activities are also available to our students. Our 5th-8th grade students can participate in band and students in 6th-8th grade can participate in the Spring Musical which is performed each year at the University of St. Francis.

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Along with band and the musical, students can participate in Battle of the Books, Girls on the Run, Let’s Build it Engineering, Entrepreneurship Club, Boy Scouts and the annual school talent show.

Mass is celebrated every week where a class is assigned to plan and participate in the mass as lectors, gift bearers, musicians and altar servers. Each month our students meet with their assigned Faith Buddy to work on building a faithbased relationship with one another. Our 1st and 8th grade students participate in our Big Friend/Little Friend program which offers them special sharing and friendship opportunities throughout the school year which lasts even long after they have graduated.

We invite prospective families to our Open House on Sunday, January 31st from 10:00am-12:00pm. Advanced registration is required. During this time you will be able to tour our school and classrooms, meet with our faculty, staff, and current parents and receive an information packet explaining registration. More information about our school can be found at www.straymondgradeschool.org and Facebook as Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish and School.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com

St. Jude Catholic School (New Lenox)

St. Jude School holding open house for prospective students and families

JOIN US FOR

Open House

Sunday, January 31 TOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

• Wednesday, January 27, 2021

call 815-485-2549 or visit www.stjudes.org/school to schedule a visit!

Talk to our families and meet our students!

8, state-of-the-art technology for all students, Spanish instruction for all students. St. Jude also has above national average and local test scores in reading, math, social studies and science.

Students also have testing in AimsWeb and Iowa Test.

With the current state of the pandemic, St. Jude’s small class sizes facilitate safety and social distancing, but allows for important social interaction.

Tuition assistance is also available for St. Jude students and their families. The St. Monica Gift of Faith Scholarship can provide students with up to 50% off tuition. St. Jude also offers Catholic Education Foundation Grants, a Tuition Transfer Grant and an Empower Illinois Tuition Scholarship.

Twenty five percent of graduating eighth grade students receive high school academic scholarships.

Be sure to also keep up with St. Jude on Facebook by following its page, “St. Jude School of New Lenox” where different news of events and fundraisers are posted.

“Come join the St. Jude Family.”

WE HAVE SO MUCH

TO SHARE Faith-based curriculum Strong academic program Small class size 1:1 computers (grades 5-8) State-of-the-art technology (K-8) Spanish instruction K-8 Before and after school care

Competitive and recreational athletic programs Extracurricular activities and enrichment programs 2, 3, & 4 year old preschool Above national average and local test scores, Iowa Test and AimsWeb

Tuition Assistance Available St. Monica Gift of Faith Scholarship (up to 50% off tuition) Catholic Education Foundation Grants Tuition Transfer Grant Empower Illinois Tuition Scholarship 25% of graduating 8th graders receive high school academic scholarships 241 W. Second Avenue | New Lenox, IL 60451 | www.stjudes.org

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St. Jude School in New Lenox is holding an open house on Sunday, Jan. 31. Those interested in attending the open house must schedule an appointment by emailing atraven@ stjudes.org. In the email, it is asked to include the grades interested and preferred appointment time.

Tours last 15 minutes and St. Jude will notify families of their tour time by Friday, Jan. 29.

St. Jude School is located at 241 West Second Avenue. The school’s open house will allow families to talk to current families and students to get a feel for what St. Jude has to offer. Registration for new students also opens on Jan. 31.

Students K-8 are welcome at St. Jude where they will receive a faithbased curriculum, a strong academic program, before and after school care, competitive and recreational athletic programs and extracurricular activities and enrichment programs.

St. Jude offers preschool for children ages 2 to 4.

St. Jude’s small class size also allows for 1:1 iPads for grades 1 through

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The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 27, 2021

| CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Learn More!

Schedule a Tour!

New Family mily

Registration Regi Now Available!

Visit our Website www.StDennisSchool.org to request information and explore what makes St. Dennis School Unique!

1201 S Washington Street • Lockport 815-838-4494 • www.StDennisSchool.org

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Celebrating 150 Years of Education in Will County volleyball state championships (ten state finals trophies overall), three baseball state championships, and several IHSA Sportsmanship Awards.

Individually, JCA students have captured state titles in wrestling, track-and-field, tennis, and swimming.

All students have the opportunity to be creative, to be unique, to build confidence, and to be their best self. The award-winning JCA Drama Department annually puts on a Fall Play, Winter Radio Show, and Spring Musical.

The annual Fall Play and Spring Musical, hosted at Joliet’s Bicentennial Park Theatre is one of the hottest tickets in town, with all performances expected to sell out. JCA offers a Christmas Concert and Spring Concert, with the opportunity to participate in Marching Band and English Handbells performances as well.

Applications are still being accepted for the incoming Class of 2025 and for current high school students interested in transferring. JCA awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to current students during the ’20-‘21 school year through the “Leveraged Financial Aid” program. Scholarships range from $500 to $13,336.64, funded through several sources including the JCA Endowment, the Catholic Education Foundation, and the IL Tax-Credit Scholarship program, Empower Illinois.

Apply online at www.jca-online.org. Contact the JCA Admissions Office for more information at 815.741.0500 or admissions@jca-online.org.

• Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Joliet Catholic Academy, which recently celebrated 150 years of Catholic education in the Will County area, is built on the belief that Angels and Hilltoppers are champions of their faith in the classroom, after school and on the playing field. JCA is a family of 630 current students and over 23,300 alumni. JCA is the number one choice for Catholic college preparatory education in the Joliet, Shorewood, and Plainfield communities.

JCA’s alumni are lawyers, doctors, Catholic priests, Catholic nuns, politicians, teachers, coaches, police officers, firefighters, and more.

JCA graduates continually thrive in leadership positions in the Joliet community and beyond; elected officials, leaders on volunteer boards, eight current professional athletes, Olympic medalists, Fortune 500 company CEO’s, Hollywood producers, and box office stars are counted among its graduates.

JCA was founded on the principles that drive the missions of the Carmelites and Franciscans. Students experience opportunities to foster their spiritual awareness through daily prayer, liturgical experiences, Christian service within the community, and retreats. Angels and Hilltoppers are challenged to bring a deeper meaning to all aspects of their lives by following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

JCA offers three curricula of study, Advanced Placement courses, and Junior College dual credit options. Student schedules are built to meet their individual needs. JCA offers 37 Honors and 14 AP classes, with JCA students passing AP exams at a higher rate (67%) than the state and national averages. The Class of 2020 carried on the school’s legacy by recording an average ACT score of 28.9 for honors program students and 26.3 for the top 50% of the class; 19 students were named Illinois State Scholars; 66% of students earned college scholarships and Advanced Placement and junior college dual credits were attained. Students are challenged with technology through JCA’s one-to-one program and broaden their horizons with exciting new electives such as Computer Science/Coding, Meteorology, and Robotics and Engineering. JCA students attended 71 different colleges in 26 states, earning over $13.5 million in scholarship dollars in the past year alone.

Angels and Hilltoppers are successful in and out of the classroom. JCA believes extra-curricular involvement plays an important role in developing the discipline and competitive spirit required for academic success. Every student at JCA has excellent opportunities to compete at many levels in 24 interscholastic and intramural sports programs and over 40 additional clubs and activities, including an award-winning drama program.

JCA boasts 32 overall state or national championships. Since 2018, the Hilltoppers captured their IHSA-record 14th state football championship, the JCA varsity dance team won the IHSA Class 1A state championship, senior Dean Hamiti Jr. won his third consecutive IHSA Class 2A wrestling state championship, both cross country programs, girls volleyball, and girls soccer all advanced to the IHSA state finals. In addition, the Angels and Hilltoppers boast three girls

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | The Herald-News / TheHerald-News.com

Joliet Catholic Academy

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JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY

inspiring growth

IN KNOWLEDGE AND FAITH SINCE 1869

Think a quality Catholic education isn’t affordable? THINK AGAIN! A TRADITION OF FAITH & FAMILY • Faith in Action ~ Daily Prayer ~ Kairos • School Masses ~ Retreats ~ Christian Service

A TRADITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • 26.3 Average ACT Score for the Top 50% of the Class of 2020 • 28.9 Average ACT Score for Honors Program Students • $22,203 Average Yearly College Scholarship Package for the Class of 2020

A TRADITION OF ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE • 32 State or National Championships • 93% of Students Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities • 7 Pro Athletes; 25% of the Class of 2020 Playing a Sport in College

APPLY ONLINE TODAY

Scholarships range from $500 to $13,763.50 through the JCA Endowment, Catholic Education Foundation, and Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarships

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR HYBRID/IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS

Contact Admissions for a Private Family Tour Today! 815.741.0500

Now Accepting Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students

Visit www.jca-online.org/apply

@JCAOnline | www.jca-online.org | 815.741.0500

Ryan Quigley, Director of Admissions rquigley@jca-online.org