St. Monica Merger with Malvern School is Off

In the latest and unexpected twist in what has been a roller coaster ride of emotions for over a month, will now not be merging with St. Patrick's Parish School in Malvern to form a new, regional school.

The announcement came in an email sent by St. Monica Pastor Rev. William Trader to the Saint Monica Parish and school community just after 7 p.m. Thursday evening.

How they got to this point

The two schools were to be closed and merged into a new, consolidated school on the St. Patrick's campus in Malvern. but had been instructed by Archbishop Charles Chaput to move forward with planning for the new school during the appeal process.

which will now not be created, according to Trader. Instead, only St. Monica's school will simply close.

Below is the full text of Trader's letter:

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Monica's,

This morning at 9:00 a.m., I was called to the Office of Archbishop Chaput. I met with the Archbishop and he informed me that the appeal filed by Saint Patrick's Parish was to be granted. I strongly reiterated my support of the Regional School. In light of my conversation with the Archbishop, he then reviewed his decision with the staff of the Office of Catholic Education. This evening, the Archbishop telephoned to inform me that Saint Patrick's School would remain a parish school. The children attending Saint Monica's School are free to attend any Catholic Parish School of their choosing.

The faculty and administration have been informed that they will be able to apply for any open teaching or administrative position in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I will be calling a meeting of the leadership of the Parish - Pastoral Council, Finance Council and the Home and School Association - to assist in the placement and support of our school families.

I ask that we continue to pray for each other and for ALL involved in the Church during these transitional times.

God's peace,

(Rev.) William A. Trader
Pastor

, Trader and St. Monica School Principal Lisa Hoban told parents that they did not expect St. Patrick's appeal to be granted based on the attendance and other criteria needed to appeal.

Patch will continue to follow this developing story.