The Archdiocese of Boston Announces the Closure of Three Schools
The Ultimate Goal is to Maintain a Viable System of Catholic Schools

Boston, Massachusetts (February 2, 2003) - The Archdiocese of Boston, in conjunction with pastors and local school communities, announced today that Charlestown Catholic Elementary School, Charlestown, St. Joseph Elementary School, Roxbury, and Monsignor Ryan High School, Dorchester will close at the conclusion of the current school year in June of 2003.

Rising costs, changing demographics, and declining student enrollments at these schools over the past few years contributed to the decision to close these schools. These closures, in part, are an effort to sustain the presence of Catholic education within greater Boston. The decision for the closures was made after a long process of consultation with the regional bishop, Catholic School Office, advisors, pastors and principals for each school. Included in the decision making process involving the pastors, principals, and Catholic School Office was consideration of the overall goal of insuring the presence of Catholic education in the future in the Archdiocese of Boston in which there are currently over 55,000 students in 174 schools.

"We regret the necessity of closing these schools with such a great tradition of educational excellence and strong formation in faith for the students and we recognize the pain involved in such decisions," said Bishop Richard Lennon, Apostolic Administrator for the Archdiocese of Boston and a Catholic school graduate. Bishop Lennon added "Our ultimate goal is to maintain the option for Catholic education in this Archdiocese for all who desire it by sustaining a viable system of Catholic schools."

"Every effort will be made to assist students in these schools in relocating to neighboring schools and faculty and school employees affected by these closings will be placed on a priority list for openings in other Catholic schools for September, 2003, once those openings are made available," said Sister Kathleen Carr, CSJ, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston.

Meetings will be scheduled by the pastors and principals with parents at all three schools and information regarding surrounding schools, tuition schedules, and classroom/grade space will be available at the meetings.

For the current year St. Joseph School, 18 Hulbert Street, Roxbury has an enrollment of 124 students and all students will be welcomed at St. Patrick School also located in Roxbury. Father Walter Waldron oversees both schools at the current time.

For the current year Monsignor Ryan High School, 11 Mayhew Street, Dorchester has an enrollment of 140 students. The Catholic Schools Office and school administration will assist students in the application/transition process. The school will be hosting an open house with representatives of surrounding high schools so that parents and students may receive information about alternative Catholic high schools.

For the current year Charlestown Catholic Elementary School, 13 Tufts Street, Charlestown has an enrollment of 129 students. Parents of students at Charlestown Catholic, a tri-parish school encompassing three Charlestown parishes will be assisted by the Catholic Schools Office and the principal in transitioning students to nearby schools.