ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Communique
May 29-30, 2004
on one-year exceptional situation
affecting All Saints Parish School and Saint John Cantius Parish School

On May 25, 2004, members of Parish Pastoral Councils, Parish Finance Councils, school faculty, parents and parishioners of All Saints Parish and Saint John Cantius Parish attended meetings at which the following information was shared and discussed.

The projected enrollment for the 2004-2005 school year for All Saints Parish Elementary School (as of March 2004) was 157 students. On May 19, 2004, actual registered enrollment was 71. This includes 4 children registered for first grade, 2 children registered for third grade and 2 children registered for seventh grade. The projected enrollment for Saint John Cantius Parish Elementary School (as of March 2004) was 145 students. On May 19, 2004, registration at Saint John Cantius was 145. While both Catholic parish elementary schools of the Bridesburg area remain under a feasibility study which began March 31,2004 the situation at All Saints presents an unexpectedly critical situation. Immediate measures are needed to preserve the educational integrity of the school and manage the inherent financial challenges of the parish.

After consultation with the Regional Vicar of Philadelphia-North, Cardinal Rigali has determined that given the facts, All Saints Parish Elementary School cannot operate next year within these financial and educational parameters. Therefore, as a temporary solution to this extraordinary situation, students of All Saints Parish Elementary School will be welcomed into the student body of Saint John Cantius Parish Elementary School at the site of Saint John Cantius for the 2004-2005 school year.

Identity

Students of All Saints and Saint John Cantius will retain their individual school identities during the 2004-2005 school year. Students will receive the sacraments of First Penance, First Holy Communion and Confirmation in their own parishes and be awarded diplomas from their individual schools. Both home and school associations will work together to ensure a smooth transition regarding practical issues such as school uniforms, student councils, shared or separate activities, sports and social events. Students will attend classes together and follow the standard curriculum for all students of parish elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Space

All Saints School building will continue to be used for parish functions in the hall and for CCD classes. All students of both parishes registered as of June 1st are assured space in the Saint John Cantius school building. If a student is currently registered for All Saints for next school year, he or she will be automatically enrolled at Saint John Cantius unless written notification is given to the All Saints school office by June 1st. Office for Catholic Education guidelines call for a maximum of 25 students in kindergarten, 30 students in grades 1-3 and 35 students in grades 4-8. Exceptions may be granted and the use of a teacher's aide may be employed.

Staff

Staffing needs must be adjusted accordingly. In reality, this will displace the principal, teachers and staff of All Saints. All Saints teachers who wish to apply for openings at Saint John Cantius are welcome to do so and will be given first preference. Saint John Cantius teachers who choose to continue to teach at the school will remain on staff. The Office of Catholic Education will assist the principal and teachers who are displaced to secure positions at other parish elementary schools.

Tuition

Tuition for the 2004-2005 school year will be:

Parishioners of
All Saints and Saint John Cantius Parishes Non-parishioners/Non-Catholics

Since both parishes are subsidizing the children's Catholic education, families will be expected to continue meeting their financial obligations to their individual parishes.

Closing Note

The temporary nature of this arrangement for the 2004-2005 school year does not indicate the future status of either All Saints or Saint John Cantius schools. Both Catholic elementary schools in the Bridesburg area will continue their feasibility study for restructuring Catholic schools and expect to have a recommendation regarding the future of the schools to the Archbishop by the end of 2004. It is with firm faith in the true mission of Catholic education and in the people of All Saints Parish and Saint John Cantius Parish that we work through this difficult situation while we continue to provide a loving and nurturing educational environment for our children. It is hoped that everyone will offer their prayerful support to this new and interim school community with only the best spiritual interest of our children in mind.