St. Patrick School in Chicopee to close in June

Staff report

CHICOPEE – St. Patrick School, here, the first Catholic school in the diocese to be staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, will not reopen in September because of low enrollment.

In a letter dated May 7, Father Richard Turner, pastor of St. Patrick Parish, and school principal Anne Sweetman wrote that this was not a decision reached easily: “In recent years we have witnessed a steady decline in our enrollment certainly brought about by a shifting economy that has led to changing demographics and increased financial strains on many of our families.”

The pre-kindergarten through grade eight school had an enrollment of 147 students this academic year, but registrations for September indicated a further decline, which made continuing operations financially impossible.

Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell concurred with the parish decision to cease school operations in September, while noting the difficulty this decision brings.

“For a number of years now, St. Patrick Parish has sacrificed for St. Patrick School.  But declining numbers and limited resources have forced the parish to a reluctant decision,” Bishop McDonnell said. “Sadly, I must agree with the decision to close St. Patrick School. Every effort will be made to provide for the students and faculty in other Catholic schools. They are all in my prayers.”

St. Patrick School was established in 1880 and was the first school staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, an association that continued until 2004. The school has always stressed a strong academic curriculum, earning accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in 1999.

Diocesan superintendent of schools, Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph M. Andrea Ciszewski, recognized the faculty and parish community for their past efforts, “I applaud Anne Sweetman, Father Richard Turner, faculty and staff members for maintaining high standards, evidenced in their longstanding accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges,” Sister Ciszewski said. “And I commend the parents, parishioners, board members, alumni and benefactors for their tireless support of the students and the school programs.”

“I deeply regret that declining enrollment and its financial impact has brought about this decision and offer gratitude and esteem to this school community which has served the larger community of Chicopee and surrounding areas with distinction,” she added.

In response to St. Patrick School parents’ concerns about fall enrollment, all three remaining Chicopee Catholic schools will host Open House sessions on Monday, May 12, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

The schools hosting the sessions are Holy Name, 63 South St., 592-6857; St. Joan of Arc/St. George, 587 Grattan St., 533-1475; and St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front St., 592-5135.

The St. Patrick School community will also hold a yearend ceremony celebrating the school’s legacy to both the church and civic community.

In closing their letter, Father Turner and Sweetman wrote, “We have reached the end of a significant era, one of which we are all justifiably proud to have been a part. We have all been enriched through our connections with St. Patrick School, so indeed there is much to be grateful for, filled with the knowledge that our school will live on in each and everyone who has been a part of it.”

This closing continues a recent trend which has seen seven Catholic elementary schools close in the diocese since 2001. Last year Notre Dame/Immaculate Conception School in Easthampton announced its closing. That facility has since reopened as a state-licensed child care center operated by Notre Dame du Bon Conseil parish in Easthampton.

The diocesan Catholic schools office has begun a series of discussions among Catholic school parishes and pastors in hopes of strengthening current Catholic schools. The office has also begun to develop a strategic marketing program for all Catholic schools that will include a special Web site and advertising campaign.

At the same time, a group in Franklin County, with initial approval from Bishop McDonnell, is exploring the possibility of starting a small privately-run Catholic high school in Turners Falls. Currently, Holy Trinity School in Greenfield serves students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight.

Franklin County students wishing to continue their Catholic education have to travel a considerable distance to attend a Catholic high school.