There is a certain irony that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia yesterday kicked off the celebration of Catholic Schools Week.
That’s because, for at least seven elementary schools and Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast High School, they are wondering if it will also be their last.
Those eight schools are on the list of those that an archdiocese Blue Ribbon Commission recommended be closed as part of a huge cost-cutting move that would shutter 49 schools across the region.
The folks at Bonner-Prendie, as well as several of the elementary schools, have filed formal appeals of that ruling, and have met with archdiocesan officials to plead their case.
In the meantime, they continue to raise money.
The latest Bonner-Prendie fundraiser was held yesterday at Casey’s in Drexel Hill. To date the group has raised $1.23 million.
School President the Rev. James Olson had said he believes the schools need $5 million to assure its financial viability down the road.
Of course, that is if their appeal is granted.
Now the waiting begins.
I offered my thoughts on the Bonner-Prendie situation in my print column today as well. You can read it here.
The tradition of single-sex education is almost certainly going by the boards.
But a merged Bonner-Prendie appears to be a very good possibility.
Of course, no one believed the commission would recommend both schools in the first place.
Keepin’ the faith? Absolutely.
And trying it at the same time.
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