St. Patrick School Parent Link       ~       January 7, 2010

You not only deserve, but are entitled to an update as to where St. Patrick School stands in terms of its future. The problem with "updates" on a fluid topic such as this is they may become somewhat obsolete by the time they reach their intended audience - kind of like weather reports. But they're better than nothing and, as I said, you need to be kept informed at this critical juncture in the history of St. Patrick School. In a December newsletter, St. Pat's and several other Catholic schools in the City of Joliet we're referred to as being "on the bubble". Perhaps that term could have been defined more specifically. "On the bubble" means there is a possibility St. Patrick School will either not open at all next fall, or will open but not in the form of a Pre K through eighth-grade school as it has for the past 137 years. The latter option, of course, implies St. Pat's could become part of a consolidation or merger with St. Joe's and/or St. Mary Nativity and some classes could then be held here.

Within these first eight weeks or so of this new year, Bishop Sartain will make the ultimate determination as to what it means to be "on the bubble", not only for St. Pat's, but Catholic schools throughout the Diocese. And that, my friends, will be the final definition of the term. The Bishop is a kind and compassionate person, truly a good shepherd. Yet, the very nature of his position dictates prudence and practicality. He will not hesitate to make necessary decisions no matter how controversial they may be.

In late October and early November of 2009, an ad hoc committee of parishioners, staff members, parents with kids in school and parents with kids who have graduated, told the Diocese of Joliet in so many words it wanted St. Patrick School to continue in its present form. It wanted St. Patrick School to carry on its rich tradition. It wanted the Diocese to consider the impact if suddenly and by the stroke of a pen, this school, which has produced so many outstanding citizens and community leaders in the Joliet area, should be boarded up or reconfigured into something other than what it was ever intended to be.

Then on November 18, members of this committee took their case to the Catholic Schools' Office where they met with high-level educational and Diocesan personnel. The committee was told the Diocese could not and would not continue to support schools experiencing substantial indebtedness related to declining enrollment. The committee was told the best chance of achieving its lofty goals would be the development of a written plan offering viable solutions to the fore-mentioned problems. This plan would need to be a road map leading St. Patrick School from the throes of fiscal chaos onto a solid financial footing; a plan the Diocese could believe in. A plan which would not only take us out of debt, but keep us out. A plan based upon realties rather than wishes, hopes and fantasies.

The ad hoc committee left a firm impression with the Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese that such a plan would be forthcoming. However, that was November 18. It is now well into the first week of January and no such plan has been delivered to the Bishop. To be sure, there are substantial obstacles. According to Paul Kolodziej, the Parish/School Business Manager, the indebtedness factor for FY '10 will substantially exceed the previously announced projection of $600,000. That's a lot of bake sales and recycling projects. In addition, I've been told by a member of the committee that old wounds from the past three years have not healed as they should, resulting in resistance to fund-raising efforts. That is so sad it even defies further elaboration.

The clock is ticking and we have no assurance any amount of money raised will guarantee the future of St. Patrick School. We do know, however, the chances of survival are better if a plan which offers a viable solution to our financial problems reaches the Chancellery office prior to the Bishop's announcement as to the fate of our school. We are faithful Catholics, and as such, we believe in the power of prayer. We also believe in miracles, and to be honest, that is exactly what is needed in this situation.

As I'm sure you've read in the paper, one of our neighboring Catholic schools recently benefited from a $2 million miracle. What a blessing for that school which has also suffered enrollment difficulties over the years. I truly believe there are many St. Patrick alumni who would quickly rise to the occasion if they were but aware of our plight; people who love this school and want its storied history to continue. Please forward this letter to anyone you feel would want to see it. Tell them to call or e-mail me if there are questions. I may not have all the answers, but I'll at least refer them to someone who does. In the meantime, please keep the faith and remember this fight is not over until the Bishop's voice is heard.

LOST AND FOUND
Ever wonder where that new sweater, glove, hat, lunchbox, backpack, scarf, sweatshirt, jacket, uniform, thermos or notebook went? Or a pair of brown wire-rimmed eye glasses in a black case?

On Monday, January 11, the "Lost and Found" box will be in the school lobby for you or your child to check for lost items.

HOT LUNCH
Please start checking the website tomorrow for the February Lunch Menu.

On January 19th friends of Mrs. Latz, Drs. Dan and Stephanie Streitz are traveling to Haiti (the poorest country in the western hemisphere) to medically aid the people. Mrs. Latz would like to purchase some art supplies for the children. To help her do this we are asking that each child bring in one dollar to help in this effort. As a reward for their generosity the children will receive a spirit day dress down pass for Friday, January 15th. Thank you for helping this humanitarian effort.

Catholic Schools Week

January 31 through February 5

Tentative Schedule of Events

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St. Patrick School | 110 Willow Avenue | Joliet | IL | 60436