Parents, Former Students Lament Closure of St. Kieran School

The closing was brought on by the school's $1 million debt to the Chicago Archdiosese.

After years of financial woes and lower enrollment, St. Kieran School will be closing at the end of its 2012-2013 school year, according to a school board member. The school has had decreased enrollment in recent years and has had to borrow money from the Archdiocese of Chicago, building up to a debt of more than $1 million. Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, O.P. Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools responded to Patch inquiries about the closing with the following statement: The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Catholic Schools is supporting St. Kieran parish’s request to close St. Kieran School at the end of this school year due to ongoing enrollment and financial concerns. The parish has provided years of generous …

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People of Faith

St. Agnes: Century-Old Heartbeat of the Heights

Rev. John Siemianowski talks about the church's history, its congregation and what makes it unique.

When he was 8 years old, John Siemianowski lost his best friend and mentor—his father. In the months that followed, the family parish stepped in and helped John’s mother raise six children. The compassion of the priests, the nuns and the community helped mold John into the man he is today: The Rev. John Siemianowski, pastor of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Chicago Heights. "The church became an extended family for my mother," Siemianowski said. "She had six kids, no income, lots of bills and worries. The church stepped in, they were there for us. They brought us through a tough time."  Siemianowski spoke with Patch about the church, the congregation and his willingness to serve others. Patch: How long has St. Agnes been in Chicago Heights? …

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