Following two years of comprehensive meetings and discussion, Oct. 28 marked the official launch of the Lake County Catholic School Network.
The LCCSN is a partnership between six Catholic parishes – Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Mount Carmel (East), St. John Vianney, St. Justin Martyr, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Noel – a direct result of the Keeping the Faith Strategic Plan for Catholic Elementary Education. It formalizes a significant multi-parish commitment of time, talent and treasure to sustain Catholic education in Western Lake County, particularly at All Saints School and Mater Dei Academy.
“Our Keeping the Faith strategic plan for Catholic elementary schools calls on our Catholic community to lead with enthusiasm and move forward without fear, being proactive and strategic to plan for the future of Catholic schools in our Diocese,“ said Bishop Edward Malesic in a recorded video message shared with school students, faculty and parents.
“It’s with that same spirit and deep gratitude that we gather today to unveil the future of Catholic education in Western Lake County, with All Saints School and Mater Dei Academy boldly leading the way.”
Effective July 1, 2025, the LCCSN will oversee All Saints School and Mater Dei Academy. Led by a network president and supported by an operations staff responsible for school finance, enrollment, development and facilities, the LCCSN will leverage the support of all member parishes and strengthen these areas of school governance vital to our success.
Father John Betters, bishop's liaison for the Keeping the Faith Strategic Plan, and Frank O'Linn, superintendent of Catholic schools, shared this news with All Saints and Mater Dei faculty, staff and parents.
Both All Saints School and Mater Dei Academy will remain separate and distinct educational institutions, each led by its own principal and assisted in faith formation by the LCCSN member pastors. Students will benefit from more collaborative academic instruction, expanded extracurricular opportunities and focused faith formation.
Click here to view an FAQ document pertaining to common questions and answers about the LCCSN. View the PowerPoint presentation from the Lake County Catholic School Network, LLC launch meeting here.