CV NEWS FEED // Financial challenges and declining enrollment have led to the decision to close another Catholic school, the Diocese of Syracuse in New York announced this week.
The diocese announced in a March 23 news release that Cathedral Academy at Pompei, which began when two Catholic schools merged in 2006 has seen a drop in enrollment. The school receives most of its support from Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter’s Church.
In a letter that was posted on the school’s website, Fr. Dan Caruso, the pastor of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter’s Church, said that the school will close in June. Caruso said that he, the school’s principal and a school counselor talked to the school’s classes on March 22 to inform the students about the closure, address their concerns and discuss how changes are both difficult and full of opportunity.
“You may remember from a past homily that I hate change; therefore, I was deeply moved, and humbled, by how the children, dealing with fresh sorrow, were still able to look ahead to an unknown future with a sense of hope and excitement,” Caruso said.
He said the adult leaders also talked to the children about Holy Week.
“This year, all of us, students, parents, faculty and parishioners, have been given a heavy cross to carry. May we be Simon (of Cyrene) to each other, may we encourage each other to trust the Lord to help us with this burden, and may we find hope, joy and peace in the Lord’s resurrection,” he said. “During these holiest of days, let us pray for our students and their families, the faculty and staff, and one another.”
The release said that Caruso said in a joint letter with Amy Sansone, the diocese’s superintendent of schools, that they remain committed to serving the educational needs of the parishioners.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to a quality Catholic education and that our parish continues to be a place of warmth, compassion and faith,” Caruso and Sansone wrote, according to the release.
Bishop Douglas Lucia said in the release that he empathizes with the school community’s families, who want a Catholic school education. The limited enrollment and resources, along with the financial stress on the parish, “forced this difficult decision,” he said.
“I remain firm in my commitment to our Catholic schools and Catholic education which are important tools in sharing the Good News and evangelizing efforts that each of our schools provide our young people,” Lucia said.
