Catholic school enrollment figures for the current school year — significantly impacted by the pandemic — dropped 6.4% or more than 111,000 students from the previous school year, which is the largest single year decline in almost 50 years.
Catholic Schools
Local Catholic Schools Request to be Included in Vaccine Distribution
Local school superintendents have asked that Catholic school educators be included when city public school educators eventually become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This comes as vaccine distribution continues to be criticized for its slow rollout at the city and state levels.
Cardinal Dolan Urges Congress to Include Non-Public Schools in COVID Bill
Cardinal Timothy Dolan urged congressional leaders to include religious and other non-public schools in the COVID-19 financial aid package being finalized by lawmakers ahead of an expected vote on Dec. 18 — a week before Christmas.
Bishop: Pandemic Has ‘Providential Opportunity’ for U.S. Catholic Education
Bishop Thomas A. Daly of Spokane says the COVID-19 pandemic “has given us a providential opportunity to really examine why we have our Catholic schools in the midst of so much illness.” Bishop Daly chairs the Committee on Education for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Only in Print: Former Red Zone Schools Cleared To Reopen After Mandatory Testing
After receiving word from the state that red zone schools could reopen, locally affected Catholic schools began working on their mandatory mass testing.
Pandemic Stimulus Bill Excludes Catholic School Students, Their Families
The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ education committee said Oct. 1 “it is unconscionable” the HEROES Act stimulus bill proposed in the House is excluding Catholic school students and their families.
Only in Print: Displaced Teachers Stay Hopeful
With the new school year slated to begin next month, Catholic educators are preparing to adapt to the new norm of teaching with social distancing and face coverings. However, others already affected by this year’s estimated 140 closures across the country are trying to remain hopeful about their professions.
Regis Philbin’s Roots Involved Rich Tradition With Catholic Schools
Bronx-native, and longtime game and talk show host, Regis Francis Xavier Philbin, died July 24 at 88. He was a Catholic and longtime proponent and supporter of Catholic schools.
Safe School Opening Is Top Priority for New Vicar
Monsignor David Cassato, recently named by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio to serve as vicar for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, said he plans to hit the ground running.
Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Closures of Six Schools
The Diocese of Brooklyn announced that it is closing six Catholic academies due to financial difficulties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.