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CV NEWS FEED // A Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is raising funds after an October 7 fire destroyed the building where several grades had their classrooms.
The lower building of St. Francis of Assisi School in Springfield Township was where pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first-grade, and third-grade students had their classrooms, 6abc reported on October 8. No one was in the building at the time of the fire. The school’s parish building and its second school building, which serves students in second and fourth through eighth grades, weren’t damaged, and the cause of the fire is still unknown. The school is searching for a new place for classes, and about 150 students were impacted.
The community is also raising funds to rebuild the school. As of 12:49 p.m. local time on October 10, $41,542.37 of the $100,000 has been raised.
“We are raising funds so that we can rebuild our school. Above and beyond the structure of the school, desks, tables, teachers supplies, equipment, text books, school supplies and more were all lost,” the school’s post on fundraising website Zeffy said. “Fortunately all lives were saved and with your support, all things can be replaced.”
The school was founded in 1929, its website said.
Archbishop of Philadelphia Nelson Pérez said in a letter to the parish community the day after the fire that he is sorrowful that the fire happened and has been praying for the community.
“In the midst of these challenges, we raise our voices in Thanksgiving to God that there was no loss of life and that no one was injured as a result of the fire,” the Archbishop remarked. “We also express prayerful gratitude for the swift response of the Springfield Fire Company along with all of the fire departments and first responders who assisted them. Because of their timeliness and professionalism, the blaze did not spread to the church or other nearby buildings. Our emergency personnel put themselves at great risk to serve us each day and they deserve our unending thanks.”
He noted that he had spoken with the parish’s pastor, Fr. Matt Tralies.
“It was clear to me that he serves you with great zeal and that the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish community is a resilient one. I know that you will continue working with one another toward recovery and that God will give you strength. You are not alone,” he wrote. “The assistance being offered to you now and that you will continue to receive in the days ahead is a reflection of God’s love. That love is a powerful gift that can and will overcome the challenges you face.”