The Archdiocese of New York revealed Thursday that 20 of its Catholic schools will not reopen and three more will combine in the wake of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.
The archdiocese cited low registration for the fall term brought on by health issues and “financial destruction” suffered by families, along with the Church’s own monetary straits due to months of cancelled public Masses and no weekly collections from the faithful.
” The coronavirus public health crisis has actually had a devastating financial influence on Catholic school families and the greater Archdiocese,” the declaration reads. “Mass unemployment and continuing health concerns have resulted in families’ inability to pay their current tuition, and a considerably low rate of re-registration for the fall; while months of cancelled public masses and fundraising for scholarships have actually seen a loss of parish contributions which traditionally help support the schools.”
Discussing the school closures, New york city archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan revealed his regrets over the situation.
” Children are always the most innocent victims of any crisis, and this COVID-19 pandemic is no exception,” Cardinal Dolan stated. “A lot of have lost parents and grandparents to this perilous virus, and now thousands will not see their beloved school again.”
” I’ve kept an enthusiastic eye on our schools throughout this legend and my prayers are with all of the kids and their households who will be impacted by this unfortunate news,” the cardinal continued. “Given the devastation of this pandemic, I’m grateful more schools didn’t fulfill this fate, and that Catholic schools nearby are all set to welcome all the kids.”
According to the archdiocese, the changes will affect around 2,500 trainees and 350 personnel, while likewise making sure the overall financial stability of New York Catholic schools.
” The reality of these schools being lost is painful, and it was only accepted hesitantly after a detailed study was carried out of their respective financial standing in the wake of the coronavirus public health crisis,” stated Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan.
Mr. Deegan warned that even more schools might close if more assistance is not upcoming, referencing the Heroes Act currently prior to Congress.
” This is a really unfortunate day for everybody in the extended Catholic school community,” Deegan stated. “I send my love and prayers to the households, teachers, principals and staff of the affected schools.”
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