ROYERSFORD (September 18, 2008) - Construction is underway on Pope John Paul II High School, one of two new state of the art high schools planned by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Situated on a 84-acre tract of land at the intersection of Rittenhouse and Township Line Roads in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pope John Paul II High School will open in 2010. To date, 35% of the site work is complete, and construction of foundations and a large retaining wall along the facility's north side is underway. In August, the Archdiocese received the building permit from the township and all work is moving ahead as scheduled. Steel framing and site utility installation, and final grading of the school's athletic fields are scheduled for early Fall 2008.

"Pope John Paul II High School began as a promise to families of the community and the entire Archdiocese of Philadelphia that we remain committed to excellence and innovation in Catholic education," said Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. "Now, as I look at the more than 50 people working on this site every day literally laying the groundwork for a brand new place of personal, academic and spiritual growth for our young people, I am filled with joy and gratitude."

Reverend Alan J. Okon, President of Pope John Paul II High School, Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School in Norristown, Montgomery County, and Saint Pius X High School in Pottstown, Montgomery County, will oversee the development of the new school. "The excitement and anticipation among our current students and prospective families is building," Father Okon said. "Now we can truly visualize the placement of the chapel, the computer labs or fine arts center. The region is blessed to receive this exceptional new facility, and I am thrilled to show people the progress being made at the construction site." In June 2010, Kennedy-Kenrick and Saint Pius X will close, and students will be transferred automatically to Pope John Paul II High School.

The current design for Pope John Paul II High School accommodates 1200 students, with room for expansion as enrollment grows. The new high school features 29 state of the art classrooms; five science laboratories; three computer laboratories and a library/media resource center. Additionally, the school will have a television studio; a large fine arts center featuring two art studios and choral/band rooms; a large chapel, a 432-seat cafeteria; a 1200-seat auditorium; a 1000-seat main gymnasium, an auxiliary gymnasium and a fitness center. In support of athletic programs, plans also exist for six competition level sports fields, a running track with an all-weather surface and six competition level tennis courts. Pope John Paul II High School will be fully air-conditioned and feature modern security access and surveillance systems. The second new high school planned by the Archdiocese, Lansdale Catholic Regional High School, is projected to open in 2012 pending appropriate funding, on a 68-acre tract at the intersection of Limekiln Pike and Rickert Road in Hilltown Township, Bucks County.

Additional information for Pope John Paul II High School, including a brief video detailing the construction progress, can be found online at www.PJPHS.org. To learn more about all of the schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit www.KeepingFaithinMind.org.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747