Diocese Announces Closing Of Local Catholic School

I went to school here many years ago!

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- On Wednesday, parents, students, faculty and staff at St. Patrick's Catholic School in Moxham learned that this school year is the last. And Thursday morning, parents were already trying to figure out what to do next.

For families like the Hellams, the news came as a shock.

"She likes the teachers here. She's very familiar with the curriculum. It's going to be very sad for her," said Jesse Hellams. Hellams had one daughter graduate from St. Patrick's and his other daughter is currently enrolled at the school.

St. Patrick's School has housed students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade since 1891.

"I went here as a kid, now my kids go here. It's part of the community," said Bernie Rievel.

Since West End Catholic Elementary was forced to close last year, the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese has been doing a study. In a release Thursday, diocesan officials said this isn't the first time that the closing of St. Patrick's School has been considered. And after a steady decline in enrollment and these difficult economic times, they've made their decision.

However, some parents said it's the bishop who hasn't tried hard enough.

"He's in charge of this diocese, and I don't think he's looking over it very good," said one St. Patrick's School parent.

Officials with the diocese said they'll do everything they can to help parents and students get acquainted with a new school. There are still four Catholic elementary schools in the Johnstown area and officials with the diocese said all of those schools have room for the St. Patrick's students.