What follows is a copy of a letter that Father Carl sent to the faith community of Ascension and St. Edmund Parish. As part of the Catholic Communities of Oak Park and Neighbors, we also want to share the information in this communication with the St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish.

July 27, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

As the fiscal year has come to a close, I wanted to give you an update on the future of our St. Edmund school building. There is no doubt that the school building is currently being used to carry out mission for Ascension and St. Edmund Parish and for the Catholic Communities of Oak Park and Neighbors. We see this through the Migrant Ministry and our Youth Ministry which are presently using the building.

When we met with parishioners this fall to share the report from the Multi-Site Review Committee, we discussed that a committee would be formed to look at how the school building could further support the ministry and formation needs of both parishes. While we recognize the potential value this space may hold for our future, after much discernment, we have determined that our financial reality makes it impossible for us to retain the school building. This is a very difficult decision for me as your pastor, knowing the profound legacy of St. Edmund School. For 99 years, it helped shape the faith of thousands of children - made possible by the unwavering generosity and commitment of the St. Edmund faith community.

We are currently in ongoing dialogue with the Archdiocese of Chicago regarding the next steps for the future of the school building. I will share more details as soon as I am able. In the meantime, we have met with the leadership for Migrant Ministry and encouraged them to begin to look at space alternatives. A plan is also being developed for Youth Ministry so that it has the space necessary to support our young people and the ministry’s programming.

I know many of you may have questions, so I have set aside time on Sunday, August 24, at 10:15 AM in Murphy Hall to be available for conversation. Please join me after the 9:15 AM Mass for coffee, pastries, and a time to talk together.

I will keep you updated as I have more information to share. Thank you for your faithfulness and for everything that you do.

Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish