The Archdiocese of Chicago will develop a standard webinar based on these guidelines and make it available to the other dioceses in the Chicago Province. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Cardinal Blase Cupich announced that the Archdiocese of Chicago is planning to reopen schools for in-class learning in the fall. The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Jan. 13 that five Catholic schools will close at the end of the 2019/2020 school year. Evaluate and certify parish proposals for opening during the phases. We are critically aware of the time and the energy it takes to lead the Catholic school ministry in your parish and appreciate your generous response to the myriad challenges and demands on your leadership. It serves the more than 2.3 million Catholics in Cook and Lake counties in Northeastern Illinois, in the United States, an area of 1,411 square miles (3,650 km 2).The archdiocese is divided into six vicariates and 31 deaneries. Students in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago, who have been at home since mid-March because of the coronavirus outbreak, will return to … The Roman Catholic school system, covering Cook and Lake counties, closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. to our Pastors, Grace and gratitude to you! Create and distribute to parishes a video message from the local bishop to explain the Plan for reopening churches. Your work in and for our schools is a work of the Church, a liturgia of love and learning. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago (Latin: Archidioecesis Chicagiensis) was established as a diocese in 1843 and elevated to an archdiocese in 1880. Dr. Rigg began his role in Chicago in October of 2015, having previously served as Director of Educational Services and Superintendent in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Reopening Training Below are training materials for the reopening of our churches. ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. As we progress through the phases of our reopening plan new resources will be added, as needed. During his time in Cincinnati, Dr. Rigg initiated the first-ever vision and strategic plan for Catholic education. Dr. Jim Rigg is the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago.