At the direction of Bishop George J. Lucas, ownership of the school property at 10th and Jackson streets in Quincy has been transferred to the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation.

QUINCY - At the direction of Bishop George J. Lucas, the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation has acquired title for the school's real estate, which had previously been held by the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

In 1970, the Christian Brothers announced they could no longer staff the school and transferred ownership of the school real estate, located at 10th and Jackson streets, to the diocese. In the following year, Servite priests agreed to staff the school that was renamed Catholic Boys' High School. In 1976, the all boys Catholic Boys High School and the all girls Notre Dame High School consolidated to form Quincy Notre Dame High School.

Today, Quincy Notre Dame High School operates as a private, Catholic co-educational high school controlled by a local board of directors, under the purview of the bishop to ensure adherence to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Although the school has operated at the Jackson Street location since 1976, the diocese has held title to the real estate until the recent transfer. The school has occupied the property without paying rent.

The bishop's decision to transfer ownership of the school real estate to the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation recognizes the real estate should be in control of the foundation that supports Quincy Notre Dame High School, say school officials.

"Quincy Notre Dame is an outstanding Catholic high school," Bishop Lucas said. "This simple transfer acknowledges the history of support for the school in the Quincy community."

The transfer is strictly a return of the title to the real estate to be held locally with the QND Foundation, according to QND Foundation executive director Tracy Orne.

"We are delighted the bishop has decided to return ownership of the real estate occupied by the school to the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation. We take this transfer as a sign of confidence in the future of Quincy Notre Dame High School and the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation," Orne said.