My name is Erick Passarelli and I am excited and blessed to have been chosen as the next principal of St. Joseph School. St. Joseph School has a great reputation, not just around town, but also throughout the Diocese of Joliet. I cannot wait to get started and to continue the great legacy of this school!
Catholic education has been a huge part of my life forever. I attended St. Patricia School in Hickory Hills, Marist High School in Chicago, and Lewis University in Romeoville. During my time at Lewis University, I earned a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a second master’s degree in educational leadership.
I have served as the assistant principal at Holy Family Catholic School in Shorewood for the past six years and have taught junior high English for the past nine years. I started at Holy Family Catholic School right out of college and have gained many skills and insights there as both an administrator and a teacher.
I look forward to getting to know the Downers Grove community and to getting to know all of you! Even though my official start date is not until July 1st, you’ll see me around the school and parish during these next few months as I work with Fr. Al and Mrs. Stasi to ensure a smooth transition.
In Christ’s Peace,
Erick Passarelli
As you are aware, Mrs. Rita Stasi, the esteemed faith and instructional leader of St. Joseph Catholic School since July of 2007, will retire from her position as principal of our school on June 30, 2021. I sincerely thank Mrs. Stasi for the outstanding job that she has done of ensuring the academic and spiritual success of our students and staff for the past 13 years. I encourage you to include Rita and the entire St. Joseph Catholic School faculty and staff in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to work together to deliver Catholic education of the highest quality to all students of St. Joseph Catholic School throughout the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
Following Rita’s announcement, I assembled a Principal Search Committee that consisted of several parishioners, two local Catholic school principals, and a facilitator from the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office. These individuals met with me for more than 25 hours from January through March 2021. Together, we:
I then personally interviewed finalists and prayerfully discerned Mr. Erick Passarelli as the new Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Downers Grove. Mr. Passarelli will work closely with Mrs. Stasi to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Erick will officially begin his duties on July 1, 2021. I include a welcome letter from Mr. Passarelli below.
I sincerely thank the following members of the Principal Search Committee for their wise consultation, dedication, and prayers.
In Christ,
Father Al Heidecke
Dear Friend of St. Joseph Catholic School,
Mrs. Rita Stasi, the esteemed faith and instructional leader of St. Joseph Catholic School since July of 2007, plans to retire from her position as principal of our school on June 30, 2021.
I sincerely thank Mrs. Stasi for the outstanding job that she has done of ensuring the academic and spiritual success of our students and staff for the past 13 years. I encourage you to include Rita and the entire St. Joseph Catholic School faculty and staff in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to work together to deliver Catholic education of the highest quality to all students of St. Joseph Catholic School throughout the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.