The Bishop McNamara students at the Kankakee site were welcomed back to school in August of 2024 with three new spaces; St. Patrick's Chapel, the Student Success Center, and the new Chemistry Lab. Work began on both the Chapel and the Academic Success Center in November of 2023 and the Chemistry Lab in June of 2024. All three projects are completed and furnished!

We are thrilled to see the progress that is being  made thanks to the incredible support of our community. This campaign is truly  a testament to the dedication and commitment of everyone involved. We look forward to celebrating the completion of these projects and the continued success of Bishop McNamara.

Thank you once again for your generosity and belief in our mission. Together, we continue  the legacy of Bishop McNamara and ensure a bright future for our students.

The demolition of what many of us would call a historical landmark, the Rich Zinanni Stadium, took place on Monday, December 16th. It was certainly a moment of mixed emotions! We are excited about what the new athletic complex will provide for our student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and our loyal Irish faithful—you, the Fightin’ Irish fanbase. The new athletic complex is designed to benefit not only our football program but also our spring athletic programs. It will feature two distinct locker room spaces, coaches’ offices and locker room space, a trainer’s room, an Irish Spirit Shop, public restrooms, storage space, and a new, spacious press box with state-of-the-art technology and streaming capabilities. The complex will have seating for 1,000 Irish faithful.

Read More About the Athletic Complex Updates

Central to The Continuing the Legacy Centennial Campaign are key areas of great need.

Academic  Success Center

Academic Success Center is fully operational.  Read more

Chemistry Lab

The new Chemistry Lab is utilized at full potential . ​​​​Read more

BMCS Chapel

St. Patrick Chapel is now the spiritual focal point of our campus. ​​​​​
Read more

Athletic Complex

Reconstruct the Rich Zinanni Stadium/Athletic Complex. ​​​Read more

"Bishop McNamara Catholic School has served as a pillar of excellence in education for 100 years. Countless students and their families have been part of the rich and supportive environment provided by the school. The entire Kankakee region is stronger and more vibrant with Bishop McNamara as an educational resource. And with your generous support, that significant impact will continue for many more years."

Jim '68 (Foundation Board President) and Maggie Hansen '68 Frogge

"For 100 years Bishop McNamara has been an integral part of the Kankakee community. While times have changed, the mission to maximize the potential of every student in a faith-based environment endures forever. Now is the time for all of us to boldly stand together as a family with our time and treasure to support our beloved school into the next century."

Bob (Finance Committee Chairman) and Sandy LaMotte '82 Malpasuto

"Over the last 100 years, Bishop McNamara has provided a quality Catholic education to the greater Kankakee County area. So many students' lives have been changed for the better because of the exceptional experience they encountered here. In the spirit of celebration, we must continue to support Bishop McNamara to ensure the next 100 years are as exceptional as the last."

Nick '06 (School Board President) and Meghan '06 Elliott

"We must call upon all friends of Catholic education to help wherever they can. As their support through prayer, labor, and gifts helps them to become partners with us, we will all be truly united in our efforts to continue Bishop McNamara Catholic School education."

Fr. John Peeters, C.S.V., BMCS Executive Pastor