In a letter to parents of students at Cardinal Brennan Junior/Senior High School, The Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown wrote that he has accepted recommendations that Cardinal Brennan close at the end of this academic year.

According to the letter, the Diocesan Pastoral Council fully examined proposals made by the Cardinal Brennan community and concluded that they did not contain a solution that sufficiently addressed the enrollment and financial problems at the school. The bishop wrote that he also sought the advice of the Council of Priests and the Diocesan Finance Council and all three consultative bodies recommended closure of the school.

The bishop also wrote that Cardinal Brennan students "will receive a warm and enthusiastic welcome" at Marian High School in Tamaqua or Nativity BVM High School in Pottsville and that seventh and eighth grade instruction will be restored at Trinity Academy at the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center in Shenandoah beginning in September.

The letter informs parents that transition teams will be formed at all three high schools and at Trinity Academy. These teams will be responsible for, among other things, the transfer of records, arrangements for bus transportation, and the integration of academic credits. Opportunities for parents and students to visit the three schools will be provided in the near future.

In his letter the bishop recalled the strong commitment of Cardinal Brennan parents to Catholic education. He closed his letter with these words: "Be assured the Diocese of Allentown remains firm in its commitment to provide the children of Schuylkill County with an excellent Catholic education."

Copyright 2003 The Catholic Diocese of Allentown
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