School History
In 1998, St. Joseph’s Catholic School began in the basement of the church rectory. Things looked grim, however, when two months later the City of Wayne informed the pastor that the school would have to go. “The fire marshal informed us we were violating the safety code,” said Fr. Francisco Radecki, pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish. Resolved to save the school, however, Fr. Radecki fell to his knees and prayed for a miracle. “We moved the children to the church basement. I knew we had to find a more suitable place, but we had no money to buy a building.”
With one last hope, Fr. Radecki made an appointment with the former mayor of Wayne. “I will never forget that,” he said, “because it was October 28—the feast of St. Jude.” The local school superintendent not only listened to Fr. Radecki’s concerns, but sold the parish two double-wide modulars for $1 each. “And that was the beginning of St. Joseph’s School,” he said.
St. Joseph’s Catholic School flourished during the next ten years. St. Jude could not rest on his laurels, however. In 2009, Fr. Radecki was once again informed that time had run out and zoning ordinances restricted further use of the modulars. The Building Fund was not ready for such a financial burden and numerous attempts over the years to find a suitable site for the school had failed. Fr. Radecki is not one to run from a challenge. His devotion to the parish and unequivocal faith in God left no room for despair. “Jesus loves children,” he said. “You have to trust in God.”
Miraculously, a run-down building across the street from the church went up for sale. Few would have had the courage to take on such a challenge. “We had to completely gut it,” Father said. “The building was in the worst shape I could even imagine. There was very little we could use from the building besides three walls, the concrete floor and the metal trusses.” Structural deficiencies were not the only problem. The building was poorly maintained. There were those who scoffed at Father’s fervor to make this into a school, but he continued with relentless determination.
Contributions began pouring in. One hundred businesses donated lights, acoustical tile, metal studs, drywall, paint and plumbing. Barron Hilton contributed $10,000 as well as the Carroll Shelby Foundation, and parishioners opened up their wallets and their hearts to give whatever they could.
Twenty dumpsters later, the canvas became ready for the artist. Artisans from every craft came forward to donate their time and energy. From the ruins of an architectural nightmare emerged a state-of-the art school and an answer to prayers. As for Fr. Radecki, he refuses to take credit for the realization of such a daunting goal. Jesus told him, ‘This is My school; I will take care of it’, and that’s all Father needed to know.
SJCS owes a great debt of gratitude to talented foreman Charlie Hughes, whose perseverance and dedication turned a run-down sandwich making shop into a state-of-the-art school in just under two years.
Sisters from the Congregation of Mary Immnaculate Queen (CMRI) from Spokane, Washington and Sisters from the Congregation of the Mother of God (CMD) from Persia, Iowa near Omaha, together with the Pastor and lay teachers, have taught at St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Due to the large number of schools opening in recent years, our school is now staffed by the Pastor and lay teachers.
The 2021-2022 school year will be the 22nd in St. Joseph’s Catholic School’s history.