Catholic Schools Play Waiting Game With Diocese

With the end of another school year looming on the horizon, two Catholic schools are hoping against hope that the closing bell won’t be their last.
St. Stanislaus School in Ozone Park and Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians (BVM) in Woodside have both submitted their business proposals to the Brooklyn Diocese. And although neither has received word, parents, students and administrators at the institutions are praying that they will have the same outcome as St. Virgilius School in Broad Channel, which was recently saved from imminent closure.
“I’m hoping against hope that we can stay open,” said BVM Principal Mary Basile, who became emotional while speaking with The Queens Courier. “The parents took the ball and ran with it; they did a really great job. The kids’ hopes are high [that the school will remain open] and I can only think positively.”
Just three weeks ago, two schools — Holy Cross in Maspeth and St. Teresa in Woodside — received the news that their schools would not be saved.
But St. Stanislaus was asked to clarify details of its business proposal, and numerous meetings ensued, raising the hopes of teachers and students alike.
“We presented a good plan and Monsignor Hardiman was very open,” said Sister Francis Marie, principal of St. Stanislaus. “We’re very optimistic.”
BVM, after receiving an extension, submitted its proposal, which included an increase in student enrollment by 13, raised tuition rates, fundraising, and the possible rental of a partial building.
And although Basile was told the school would have received word by April 11, when The Queens Courier spoke with her, they still had not received word.
“We’re on the edge of our seats waiting to hear,” said Basile. “It’s harder to wait day after day.”
According to Brooklyn Diocese spokesman Frank DeRosa, the business proposals are “being reviewed” and there is no timeframe for responses as of yet.
The Diocese originally announced 26 Queens and Brooklyn closures and transfers in February.
toni@queenscourier.com