CV NEWS FEED // Resurrection Catholic School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will close at the end of the academic year, as local parishes and diocesan leaders consolidate resources to preserve access to Catholic education in the area.
The decision comes after a long-term effort by St. Anthony of Padua, St. Mary’s, and St. Joseph parishes — together with the Diocese of Harrisburg — to stabilize the school’s finances, according to an April 4 news release from the diocese.
Despite years of collaboration with consultants, diocesan representatives, and stakeholders, Resurrection Catholic School’s financial situation remained untenable. Significant capital repairs to the building, stagnant enrollment, and high parish subsidies ultimately strained the school beyond sustainability.
“The commitment to Catholic education in the city of Lancaster is strong, but the limited resources available have made operating Resurrection financially unsustainable,” said Father Matthew Morelli, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua and head pastor of the school. “To continue offering Catholic education in the city, we must use these limited resources in a means that best supports our families and allows our parishes to remain financially sound.”
The diocese plans to reallocate the financial resources previously used to sustain the school toward helping families transition to other Catholic schools.
Founded in 1991, Resurrection Catholic School served as a consolidation of three longstanding parish schools and currently educates 102 students from pre-K through eighth grade. It operates in Lancaster County’s oldest continuously running Catholic school building.
Fr. Morelli praised the entire school community for their dedication, saying they worked tirelessly to create a safe and nurturing environment where students could “encounter the love of God,” and in doing so, profoundly impacted many young lives.
“Every day, our staff, faculty, and administration sacrifice so much to share the love of Jesus Christ with our children who need it most,” he said. “We should always be thankful for all they have done. Personally, it has been one of the greatest joys of my priesthood to be part of this amazing family.”
Dan Breen, secretary for Catholic education and superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Harrisburg, confirmed that support will also be extended to staff members seeking employment elsewhere within diocesan schools, and to families who choose public education for the next school year.
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