SAVE ST. JOSEPH

Dyer, Indiana • Est. 1867
Friends of St. Joseph Dyer Church — Preservation Society
“The love of Christ compels us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:14
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Our Church Needs You

For over 155 years, St. Joseph has been the spiritual home of Dyer families. Now, the Bishop of the Gary Diocese has decided to close our parish. We refuse to let this legacy end.

⚠ The Situation

The Bishop has issued a decree to close St. Joseph Parish and potentially deconsecrate the church building. Without action, we risk losing a 155+ year legacy permanently. Parishioners would be redirected to other parishes in the diocese.

♻ Our Rights

Canon law requires a “grave cause” to suppress a parish. If the community can fund maintenance and operations, that cause is weakened. At least 38 churches have won Vatican appeals. We have the right to fight.

✝ Our Plan

We are forming a 501(c)(3) Preservation Society to raise funds for all repairs, maintenance, and utilities for decades to come — and to file a formal canonical appeal of the bishop’s closure decision.

“Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set.”
— Proverbs 22:28
St. Joseph Church circa 1918 — historic postcard

A Legacy of Faith Since 1867

On a small plot of donated land in 1867, the humble beginnings of St. Joseph Parish in Dyer began. Rev. Jacob Schmitz built the first frame church after acquiring about four acres of land on what would become U.S. Highway Route 30 — one of the crossroads of America.

For over 155 years, generations have been baptized, married, and laid to rest from this church. St. Joseph has survived a devastating fire, two world wars, and two pandemics — yet its resiliency, passion, and faith have never faltered.

St. Joseph is not just a building — it is the heart of our community.

Read Our Full History

How You Can Help

Every voice matters. Every dollar counts. Every prayer helps.

✝ Join Our Friends

Register as a Friend of St. Joseph Dyer Church. Add your name to our community of supporters fighting to save this historic parish.


Register Now

★ Make a Donation

Every contribution goes directly toward preservation efforts, legal costs for the canonical appeal, and building maintenance.


Donate Today

✉ Spread the Word

Tell your friends and neighbors — Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Write letters to the Diocese. Attend meetings. Pray for our success.


Contact Us

Upcoming Events

Apr
21

Community Gathering — Canonical Appeal Strategy

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM • St. John Township Community Center, 1515 W. Lincoln Hwy, Schererville

Canonical Appeal Process update, plan strategy, and inform the wider community. Rally the troops!

May
1

Rosary Rally at St. Joseph Church

3:00 PM • St. Joseph Church, 440 Joliet St, Dyer, IN

Join us in prayer at our beloved church. All are welcome.

May
13

Rosary Rally at Diocese Office

3:00 PM • Gary Diocese Office

A peaceful gathering to pray and show our support for St. Joseph Parish.

View All Events

Together, We Will Prove This Parish Has a Future

Jesus’ love for the people who built St. Joseph church and parish over the course of 160 years, and our love for Him, compels us to be creative as He is creative.

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