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Cluster 16 Pastoral Plan Goal #2: To offer affordable quality Catholic Education which meets the changing Cluster needs. Restructuring All Saints and St. John Cantius Parish Elementary Schools (Parish release - April 17-18, 2004)
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In January 1999, His Eminence, Cardinal Bevilacqua, accepted Cluster 16's Pastoral Plan,
which had five goals as a result of the Cluster pastoral planning process. One of the goals was to offer affordable, quality Catholic Education which meets the changing Cluster needs.
During the Cluster Implementation of its Pastoral Plan, from 1999 to present, the twelve parishes in Cluster 16 were subdivided into three geographical sections. The parishes in each of these sections have collaborated to market their schools to increase their school enrollments. However, despite their best efforts, school enrollment and increasing operating deficits have necessitated the restructuring of Holy Innocents, St. Joachim, St. Joan of Arc, and Mater Dolorosa Schools. In June 2003, St. Joachim, St. Joan of Arc and Mater Dolorosa Schools closed and the new Holy Innocents Area Catholic Elementary School was founded. The five parishes in Port Richmond
(St. Adalbert, St. George, Mother of Divine Grace, Nativity B.V.M. and Our Lady Help of Christians) continue to work together to maintain or increase their parish school enrollments.
On March 31, 2004, His Eminence, Cardinal Rigali, granted permission for All Saints and St. John Cantius Parishes to begin a feasibility study for the restructuring of their schools. Enrollment at All Saints Schools has declined from 216 in the 2000-2001 school year to a projected enrollment of 157 for the 2004-2005 school year. Enrollment at St. John Cantius School has declined from 268 in the 2000-2001 school year to a projected enrollment of 145 for the 2004-2005 school year. Both Parishes are experiencing operating deficits, due to the continuing decline in their school enrollments.
The feasibility study will involve a broad consultation process with their parish and school communities to determine the best way to preserve affordable, quality Catholic education for future generations of children in Bridesburg. At the conclusion of the consultation process, the Steering
Committee will present a recommendation for the restructuring of All Saints and St. John Cantius Schools to His Eminence by December 2004.