Parents from several Catholic schools gathered outside the Archdiocese of Chicago's offices on Sunday to protest the planned closure of six institutions. The demonstration followed a morning Mass at Holy Name Cathedral, with families expressing frustration over what they describe as a lack of communication and transparency from church leadership regarding the decisions.
The Archdiocese announced the closures last month, pointing to declining enrollment and increasing operational costs as the primary drivers. However, affected families, particularly from St. Hubert Catholic School, argue they have not been given clear financial targets or a fair chance to save their schools.
Key Takeaways
- The Archdiocese of Chicago plans to close six Catholic schools due to low enrollment and financial deficits.
- Parents held a protest, claiming the Archdiocese has ignored their requests for meetings and fundraising plans.
- Families from St. Hubert School say they had an approved three-year financial plan that was abruptly halted.
- The Archdiocese maintains that the closures were a difficult but necessary decision after months of review.
Parents Voice Frustration Over Lack of Dialogue
On a cold Sunday morning, the atmosphere outside the archdiocesan headquarters was charged with emotion as parents and students held signs and shared their stories. The protest was a direct response to the January announcement that six schools would cease operations at the end of the academic year.
A central complaint from the assembled families is the perceived silence from the top. Many say their requests to meet with Cardinal Blaise Cupich to discuss potential solutions have gone unanswered. This lack of engagement has left communities feeling powerless and dismissed.
The Case of St. Hubert School
Parents from St. Hubert Catholic School in Hoffman Estates were particularly vocal during the protest. They contend that their school was on a path to financial stability before the closure announcement came as a shock.
"We have an accepted three year plan that Cardinal Cupich has agreed to, why are we stopping now?" questioned Julie Chirinos, a parent from the school.
This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the rug was pulled out from under them just as their efforts were beginning to yield results. They claim church leaders have been unclear about specific fundraising goals or the school's precise financial standing, making it difficult to rally community support effectively.
Another parent, Jillian Bernas Garcia, presented a financial argument, suggesting a viable alternative to closure. "If we were to make a modest 10 percent reduction in costs, we would be cash flow positive in two years," she explained. This assertion highlights the belief among parents that with minor adjustments and continued effort, their school could remain open.
Archdiocese Cites Financial Realities
In response to the protests and parental concerns, the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office of Catholic Schools issued a statement addressing the situation. The office emphasized that the decisions were not made lightly and came after extensive deliberation.
Statement from the Office of Catholic Schools
"The closure decision about St. Hubert and the other schools was made with heavy hearts after months of discussions with each school. We know the importance of these schools in each community. Unfortunately, the enrollment of each school is too low, and the ongoing deficits are too high."
This official position underscores the fundamental challenges facing many parochial schools across the country. Declining enrollment is a significant factor, as fewer students mean less tuition revenue to cover fixed costs like building maintenance, utilities, and staff salaries. The Archdiocese insists that the financial deficits at the six targeted schools have become unsustainable, leaving them with no other option.
The statement frames the closures as a painful necessity to ensure the overall health and viability of the broader Catholic school system in the Chicago area. However, this long-term view provides little comfort to the families who are losing their immediate school communities.
A Broader Trend of Closures and Community Impact
The situation in Chicago is not unique. Catholic schools in many major U.S. cities have faced similar struggles over the past two decades. The combination of shifting demographics, rising tuition costs, and a decrease in parishioners has created a challenging financial environment.
Challenges for Parochial Schools
- Enrollment: Many urban and suburban areas have seen steady declines in the number of families choosing parochial education.
- Operating Costs: The expense of maintaining older school buildings, providing competitive teacher salaries, and updating technology continues to rise.
- Funding: Schools are heavily reliant on tuition, parish subsidies, and fundraising, all of which can be unpredictable.
For the families involved, the closure of a school is more than just an administrative decision. It represents the loss of a community hub where relationships are built, traditions are honored, and values are passed down through generations. Parents at the protest spoke not only of academic education but of the nurturing, faith-based environment they fear their children will lose.
The immediate future for these families involves finding new schools for their children, a process that can be both stressful and disruptive. As they navigate this transition, their calls for greater transparency and partnership from the Archdiocese continue, hoping to influence how such difficult decisions are handled in the years to come.
