Schools
St. Mary Catholic School Celebrates 75 Years of Faith and Excellence
The entire St. Mary Community came to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of St. Mary Catholic School.
MOKENA, IL – On Sunday, January 26, 2025, St. Mary Catholic School celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a special Mass presided over by Bishop Ron Hicks. Joining him in the celebration were Fr. Dindo Billote, Pastor of St. Mary Parish, along with Fr. Sam Conforti and Fr. Jose Gasta, making the occasion even more meaningful for the St. Mary community. The milestone event brought together generations of students, families, faculty, and alumni to honor the school’s rich history and unwavering commitment to Catholic education.
Following the Mass, a reception was held in the church hall, hosted by the Council of Catholic Women (CCW). Guests had the opportunity to reconnect, browse through historical photos and yearbooks, and enjoy a variety of food and desserts. The gathering was a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of St. Mary Catholic School and the many individuals who have contributed to its success over the decades.
“This celebration is a testament to the faith, dedication, and community spirit that have shaped St. Mary Catholic School for 75 years,” said Dr. Michele Engelman, Principal of St. Mary Catholic School. “We are proud to continue our mission of providing a strong Catholic education while preparing our students for the future.”
Fr. Dindo Billote, Pastor of St. Mary Parish, reflected on the special occasion, stating, “This was a truly joyous day for our entire St. Mary community. To celebrate 75 years of faith and academic excellence is an incredible milestone, and we are so blessed to have Bishop Hicks here to commemorate this moment with us. His presence makes this celebration even more meaningful as we kick off Catholic Schools Week for the Diocese of Joliet. St. Mary Catholic School continues to thrive because of the dedication of our students, families, faculty, and staff, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
As St. Mary Catholic School looks ahead to the future, it remains committed to its mission of faith, academic excellence, and service. For more information about St. Mary Catholic School or to enroll for the 2025-26 school year, contact Danelle Bernas, Marketing and Enrollment Coordinator, at dbernas@stmarymokena.org or 708-326-9330 x. 9349.
