As the "baby boom" generation came of age in the 1970's St. Dennis was graced with a gifted and energetic pastor in the person of Father Theodore H. ("Ted") Berst. Father Berst carried on in the tradition of Father McGovern in that he was the first Jolietan ordained in the new cathedral of St. Raymond at Joliet. Bishop Martin D. McNamara bestowed the sacred order upon him on May 30,1955.

Ted Berst was a convert to Catholicism in 1947. During the Second World War he proudly served and received the Bronze Star. One would have to think that his experience in that engagement must have had a strong bearing on his future course.

Born in Joliet, Illinois on January 16, 1924, Ted Berst was a "local boy" with a good feel for the aspirations of the local people. After the war he attended Quincy College, graduating in 1949. He pursued his inclination towards the priesthood by enrolling at Illinois Benedictine Seminary. His assignments were always close to home: St. Rose of Lime at Wilmington, St. Joseph-Lockport and as pastor of St. Mary's in Minooka. At St. Mary's he helped organize their centennial in 1964.

Father Berst took time to become involved in the community at large while maintaining his parish roots. He had a deep commitment towards ministering to the deaf community. He acted as moderator for the diocesan chapter of the International Catholic Deaf Association. Father Berst was an instructor at Lewis College (now University). Also, he coordinated further religious education for public school children as regional director of the C.C.D. program.

Perhaps Father Berst's most unique role was as founder of and drummer for "The Hot Peppers of Jazz". "The Hot Peppers of Jazz" were a very influential band in a regional revival of Dixieland music throughout northern Illinois, northern Indiana, and southern Wisconsin during the 1970's and 1980's. This love of music inspired the installation of a $30,000 pipe organ in the St. Dennis Church, which is still filling the air with uplifting music, and shall for decades to come.

Typical parish events of the 1970's involved spaghetti dinners and Christmas boutiques. 3,200 pounds of clothes were collected for a clothing drive. The St. Ann Sodality along with the Altar and Rosary Society entertained foreign exchange students. The St. Vincent De Paul Society delivered poinsettias to shut-ins. Visits were made to the elderly at Sunny Hill nursing home. Ray Darin fearlessly and frequently ascended and descended the clock tower ladder to meet the demands of maintenance to the clock in the steeple. Parish organizational life was active and dedicated.

On the 17th of April 1977, St. Dennis Church experienced its second major fire. The fire was contained to the vestibule area but caused heavy smoke damage throughout the interior. Luckily, Father Berst was near the area at the outbreak and was instrumental in organizing a quick response. Along with restoration to the building due to fire, water and smoke, the Pieta and St. Ann statues had to be reconditioned.

It was during Father Berst's pastorate that the Sisters of Providence celebrated their centennial of service at St. Dennis. Established on August 18, 1881, through the influence of Reverend Arnold Damen, S.J., and at the request of Father James J. McGovern, the school was staffed and founded as an academy. Sister Euphrasie Hinkle assigned the original sisters after a visit to Lockport. The group included Sisters Ambrosia Bedel, Domittilla Tehan, Mercedes Comiskey, Mary Peter Kelly, James Maurice McDonnell and Mary Emirita Brophy. Father McGovern's joy at the sisters' arrival was evident to all involved and guaranteed a long-lasting relationship between the sisters and the parish.

While the sight of nuns in habits surprised some and upset a few, in general their presence was accepted and welcomed around Lockport as a sign of enlightened and advanced civilization. To accommodate their needs Father McGovern gave the rectory to the sisters for their accommodations. On September 27, 1883, Sister Mary Ursala Fern bought the convent property with a check for $1,500. This action was taken to cement a permanent relationship between the order and the parish in regards to the education mission. The need for a parochial school in the area had been met.

Father Berst continued the program of consistent maintenance on the church grounds. He had the school tuckpointed and the playground surface resealed.

When Father Berst left St. Dennis there were about 1,000 families in the parish. It was on to Assumption Church at Coal City. Father Berst remained throughout his life a lover of music, an avid sportsman, an enthusiastic golfer and a deeply religious and caring person until his death on the second of August 1996.