Jan. 6 seems like a lifetime ago. Especially for the extended family of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast.
But they're going to have to wait a little longer.
It is now past 7 a.m. on Friday morning. Families are well into their morning routines. And students are heading into the twin high schools on the hill in Drexel Hill.
They just don't know if the schools will exist next year.
Last week the Archdiocese of Philadelphia ruled on appeals filed by elementary schools who were disputing the recommendation of a Blue Ribbon Commission that they be shut down. Amazingly, 18 of the 24 appeals were upheld.
But at the same time, a decision on four high schools - including Bonner & Prendie - were delayed by a week.
A ruling is expected today, but yesterday a spokesman for the archdiocese would say only that a ruling today was 'likely.' He would not confirm when or even if a ruling would be made.
And so we wait.
Which, of course, puts the rumor mill in high gear.
I have heard from a lot of people this week, including many whom I believe are in position to know. And still opinions appear to be split on how the ruling will go.
I still find it hard to believe that the archdiocese can possibly turn the Bonner-Prendie appeal down, after their boosters raised an amazing $5 million in just a couple of weeks. But it would not be the first time I've been floored by the actions of the archdiocese.
Now all they can do is wait and wonder.
Today is the traditional ring ceremony at Prendie, when junior girls receive their class rings. The Mass has been pushed back from 9 a.m. to noon. Whether or not they will know at that time is still not known.
If you want to vent, chat or just sound off on the issue, you can take part in the live chat we're hosting on DelcoTimes.com all day. CLICK HERE to view the chat. And use Twitter and the hashtag #delcocatholic to post your comments.
The ball's in the archdiocese court.
And two schools remain on pins and needles waiting for word on their fate.
Keepin the Faith? Absolutely. But it's not easy.
Stay tuned.
Comments