The words from new Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput were stark and to the point.
There is going to be pain for area Catholics in 2012.
That is especially true when it comes to archdiocesan schools.
That’s not exactly news to Delaware County, which has seen any number of schools closed in recent years. But for the most part, the closings have involved elementary schools.
Not it appears as if the ax is going to swing on some high schools.
Sitting in the middle of all this is the Rev. James P. Olson. He happens to be president of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast high schools. As they have been for years, Bonner is for boys; Prendie is for girls. That’s the way it’s always been, but probably not for much longer.
Olson admits he is not exactly sure what to expect when a blue-ribbon archdiocesan panel makes its ruling on Jan. 6.
Olson says that it is his job to prepare the schools’ extended families of students and staff for all possibilities.
In the meantime, a pall hangs over the archdiocese at the most festive time of the year.
Things promise only to get worse in the new year. Archbishop Chaput has give everyone fair warning.
It’s not going to be easy; in fact it’s going to be “painful.” When it comes to archdiocesan education, that’s something Delaware County is all to familiar with.
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