The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur came to Lockport in 1863 from Namur, Belgium. They started a small school at St. John's site and then, with the help of their students families, built St. Joseph's Academy. Soon, dozens and later hundreds of young girls joined them. The Sisters have now branched out to many cities in this country and Canada and even as far as England, Africa, South America, and the Dominican Republic.
In Lockport the sisters taught at St. John's (1863), St. Patrick's (1865),
St. Joseph's Academy (1866), St. Mary's (1872) and St. Joseph's Secretarial Institute (1936).
St. Joseph's Academy site was closed in 1957. The high school girls joined the boys at DeSales High School which was run by the Oblates of Frances de Sales. The Sisters joined the staff.
DeSales High School closed in 1989.
St. Joseph's Academy building was razed in 1969.
In 1970 the three parish schools ( St. Mary's, St. John's and St. Patrick's)consolated and became Lockport Catholic school (one school in three buildings).
In 1994 the Lockport Catholic School moved to DeSales High School.
This movement of faith brought all the children to the DeSales Site.
For more info on the Sisters today check out our web site.
You will also find commentaries on the Sunday readings.
http://www.ssmn.us/
