Stop the Dismantling

You Cannot Dismantle a Parish That Is Still Alive

The Dismantling Has Already Begun

No formal decree of closure has been issued. Our canonical appeal has not been heard. The Vatican has made no decision. And yet the Diocese of Gary is already dismantling St. Joseph — a parish that has served Dyer for over 159 years — piece by piece, as though the outcome were settled:

  • They are dismantling our Masses. Beginning the weekend of August 1, 2026, three of our four weekend Masses will be gone — the Saturday 4:30 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM, and Sunday 10:00 AM liturgies.
  • They are dismantling our identity. Our parish bulletin, website, and online presence have been absorbed into St. Maria Goretti's — nearly erasing St. Joseph as a parish in its own right.

We are grateful the Diocese and Rev. Leo Gajardo are permitting our community to gather. But we will not pretend this is a gentle “transition.” It is a dismantling — and we will show, prayerfully and peacefully, that this parish is very much alive.

Four Ways to Stand With Us

July 25–29 is our moment — and the Sunday 6:00 PM Mass is our ongoing front line. Come pray, come witness, give, and bring everyone you can.

📅 Strategy Session

Before July 25 — Learn where our appeal stands, hear from our advisors, and help plan the days ahead. Contact us to attend.

✝ Fill the Masses

Weekend of July 25–26 — Fill the Masses they are dismantling: Sat 4:30 PM, Sun 8:00 AM, Sun 10:00 AM. A full church is the truest answer to those who claim this parish is no longer needed.

🕯 Stand Witness

July 27, 28 & 29 at 6:00 PM — Attend the reflections at St. Joseph, concluding with Holy Mass on Wednesday, July 29. We grieve and we refuse to accept that our parish's fate is already sealed.

✝ Fill the Sunday Mass

Every Sunday at 6:00 PM, starting August 2 — After August 1, this is the only weekend Mass left at St. Joseph. Come every week, and give in the collection basket. A church that is full and giving cannot honestly be called dwindling.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”
— Psalm 127

Fund the Fight to Save St. Joseph

Friends of St. Joseph Dyer Church is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit — your gift is tax-deductible. Your support funds our canonical appeal and the long-term preservation of our church. To win our appeal, we must show the community can sustain St. Joseph for decades — every gift is proof that we can.

Give Online

Make a secure, tax-deductible gift by card in under a minute.

Donate Now

Give by Mail

Make checks payable to
Friends of St. Joseph Dyer Church

1513 Schaller Lane
Dyer, Indiana 46311

Friends of St. Joseph Dyer Church is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN 42-2095007). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

This Parish Is Worth Saving

Share this page. Tell every family who loves St. Joseph. Then join us, July 25–29, to stand for our spiritual home.

Stand With Us

Questions? Contact Joe Cascone at casconejoe@outlook.com