St. Monica's School: What's Next For Kids?

One of the biggest questions looming for many parents and students at in Berwyn is where current students will attend school in the fall.

Many had hoped St. Monica students would go to a regional school that would have been created after both St. Monica and in Malvern closed and consolidated. That was the original plan as by the Archdiocesan Blue Ribbon Commission on School Closings on Jan. 6.

St. Patrick's appealed the decision and Archbishop Charles Chaput to keep St. Patrick's open. The ruling leaves St. Monica closed and standing at the altar without a new school partner or the new regional school.

It also apparently left some bad feelings, or at least the potential for bad feelings, between some people in the two schools. Last week the pastor and principal of St. Patrick's sent a letter to the St. Monica community explaining why the Malvern parish decided to appeal the original ruling and extending an invitation to St. Monica families.

St. Patrick Pastor Christopher Redcay's letter was distributed by his request in an email from St. Monica's pastor last week.

Dear Parents of St. Monica School,

The Archbishop, in his letter of December 8, 2011, shared with us that 2012 would be a difficult year for us as the faithful of this Archdiocese. It wasn't too long into the new year that we began to experience some of those difficulties, as the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission were released.  The information released was a cause for uncertainty for both our school communities.

In the weeks since, we realize that the decision of St. Patrick's to appeal the recommendations brought about more uncertainty. Please know that we, at St. Patrick's, are aware of your pain and loss. Although there are many rumors and bad feelings circulating, we wanted to let you know as much as possible the reason for our appeal of the merger.

St. Patrick parish and school have faced many challenges and changes over the past few years. The reason for our appeal was an effort to allow time for internal healing on several levels within the St. Pat's community. Contrary to perception, the appeal had nothing to do with not welcoming St. Monica families or school children.

A few have asked "why hasn't St. Pat's contacted us since the appeal decision?" The answer, quite simply, is that we felt it was best to allow some time for healing, before making some contact.    It was in no way an indication of our not caring, but rather trying to be understanding and just give you some time.

Please know that you are most welcome at St. Patrick School. Our children and parents are excited to welcome you to our school community. We are ready to accommodate all of the students from St. Monica interested in St. Patrick School.   

If you would like more information about our school or a tour of the school, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school office (610-644-5797).

Let us pray for one another!

Sincerely,

Rev. T. Christopher Redcay Pastor

Ms. Patricia O'Donnell Principal