As you know the Blue Ribbon Commission of the Archdiocese had recommended that Saint John the Evangelist School close at the conclusion of this year along with Holy Trinity School and that a new school be erected in the Saint John the Evangelist School building. An appeals process was in place for parishes involved in the mergers to request a reconsideration of the decision. Holy Trinity Parish opted to appeal the decision preferring to remain on their own.

While the appeal process unfolded, pastors, principals and parents began work on the proposed new school. During the appeal both parishes were asked to present their position with regard to the proposed plan. Our position was that we were in favor of the new school and welcomed the opportunity to continue having a Catholic School on this campus and to share in the responsibility of sponsoring that school.

As I mentioned at Mass yesterday, the modifications to the original recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission were announced on Friday. The new plan entails that Saint John the Evangelist School will close at the conclusion of this academic year. Students currently enrolled at Saint John the Evangelist School and any parishioners who would like to have their children enrolled in an Archdiocesan Catholic School will be welcomed at Saint Ignatius School, Saint Andrew School and Holy Trinity School.

The PREP program, the CYO Athletic Programs, the Junior CYO, High School Youth Group (FISH) and the Children’s Liturgy of the Word will continue here at Saint John the Evangelist Parish.

The reception of First Holy Communion, First Penance and Confirmation will continue to be at Saint John the Evangelist Parish.

The parish will provide some assistance to families choosing Archdiocesan Catholic Schools for their children, the details of this are pending discussions with the other parishes.

The following links are available which provide some information about Saint John the Evangelist Parish and School which may be helpful:

• 2010 School Report*  

• 2005  Parish Report (covers 2001-2005) 

• 2010 Parish Report (covers 2006-2010) 

• 2011 Parish Financial Report 

• 2011 Pastor’s Powerpoint Presentation to School Parents 
(same presentation given to faculty members) February 2011

* please note that in the current school year the enrollment is 195 students (177 parishioner students)

Saint John the Evangelist School has a nearly fifty year history of serving the youth of the parish. I am grateful to all of you who have supported the school over these years as well as the principals, faculty, staff and volunteers who have contributed so much to its mission. In a particular way I am grateful to Mrs. Montgomery and the current faculty for all they do, day in and day out, in educating the children. I am also grateful to the families who have supported the school and in a special way to the Home and School Association who generously give of their time and talents to serve the children at the school.

As we move forward we can be confident that our children will receive a warm welcome at our neighboring parishes and that a sustainable quality Catholic school education will be available for our children in the future.

God bless,
Monsignor Prior