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Letter from Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
February 25, 2005
Dear Student and Family:
I want to speak to you about what you and your family are experiencing because of the closing of the Catholic school that you now attend. I also want to speak to you about continuing your Catholic education.
The reasons why schools close may not be clear to you. It is never easy to decide that something with which we are familiar and comfortable must come to an end. I am unhappy, too, that falling enrollment and lack of funds require us to reduce the number of our schools.
You may be hearing other students and adults around you express their thoughts and feelings about your school closing, and you may feel some of these emotions, too.This change is hard for you. I know, and for your principal, teachers, parents and pastor.
While these changes are necessary, so is continuing to offer you a quality Catholic education for years to come. We are going to do everything possible to help you make a good transition to another Catholic school in your area. The building may be different, but the values and the faith are the same.
I encourage you and your parents to use the information in this packet to learn more about choices you have and how you can transfer to another Catholic school in your neighborhood. Teachers and students are ready to welcome you and your family and to help you join activities and make new friends.
I’m asking you to think about taking on something new because I believe in a short time it will seem familiar, and you will be happy that you continued the excellent education you are already receiving.
I will pray for each and every one of you that you will continue to do well this year in your current school and that you find the right Catholic school for you in which to continue your education. I pray that God will guide and protect you. God bless you.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Chicago
Letter from School Superintendent Dr. Nicholas Wolsonovich
February 25, 2005
Dear Catholic School Family,
Right now we all need to focus on the future.
Your future as a Catholic school family is of the utmost importance to us at the Office of Catholic Schools. You are being asked to renew your commitment to your child’s Catholic education, that is, to decide if you want to stay within the Catholic school system.
As the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and a Catholic parent myself, I am personally asking you to have faith in Catholic schools and to continue to choose the holy gift of a Catholic education for your child or children.
Everything in this folder has been created for you and your child or children. We sincerely hope that you watch the DVD Continuing Your Catholic Education with your entire family. You will hear first-hand from Cardinal George and others who have gone through the difficult process of changing schools and will hopefully be encouraged by their positive experiences. There is also information in this packet about every Catholic school within a three mile radius from your current school, as well as a complete list of all the Catholic elementary schools in Cook and Lake counties.
Please take the time to once again consider all the excellent opportunities that are available in our Catholic schools for your child. Visit the schools in your area or those near where you work. The principals and teachers look forward to meeting you. Experience the Catholic community of faith that supports and encourages your child’s education.
If you have questions or need our assistance, please do not hesitate to call the Office of Catholic Schools information phone line at 312-751-5250 and leave us your message. We want to help.
Sincerely,
Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, Ph.D.
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