Catholic school fair to help families of closing schools

A Catholic school fair has been scheduled to help families of two closing schools.

Saint Maria Goretti School in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood and East Catholic School in Forest Hills will close their doors this year.

Diocese officials have planned two fairs for parents of those school children in the event that they would want to continue their education at another Catholic school in the region next school year.

The fairs are both set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Saint Maria Goretti, 4712 Liberty Ave.; and East Catholic School, 2001 Ardmore Blvd.

Bishop David Zubik accepted recommendations from the Pittsburgh East Regional Catholic Elementary Schools board in January to close the two grade schools due to declines in enrollment and growing debt.

“We want to assure our school families of the opportunities to continue Catholic education for their children.” said the Rev. Kris Stubna, PERCES board chairman.

Stubna said one-third of the displaced students are already enrolled in other Catholic schools.

PERCES is working with the financial aid office and the Extra Mile Foundation to help families who may need information about opportunities for low income, urban students.

It’s also working with school administrators to facilitate opportunities for the displaced teachers to teach in another diocesan school.

Schools represented at the fairs include:

• Divine Mercy Academy, Monroeville;

• Mary of Nazareth, White Oak;

• Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School, Natrona Heights, Harrison;

• Saint Bede, Pittsburgh;

• Saint John the Baptist School, Plum;

• Sacred Heart Elementary School, Pittsburgh;

• Saint Joseph School & Pre-School, Verona;

• Saint Therese of Lisieux School, Munhall.

The Extra Mile Foundation will send representatives to provide information on their programs for low-income, urban students. Their schools include:

• Saint Benedict the Moor School, Pittsburgh;

• Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy, Wilkinsburg;

• Northside Catholic Assumption Academy, Pittsburgh.

More information is available at perces.org.