The Archdiocese of Chicago has decreed the closure of six Catholic schools at the end of the school year, citing lack of economic sustainability and a decline in enrollment. The decision, adopted under the authority of Cardinal Blase Cupich, has provoked a strong reaction from parents, teachers, and alumni who argue that, at least in some cases, there is no financial situation that requires immediate closure.
The center that concentrates the most resistance is St. Hubert Catholic School, whose community believes that the archdiocese has not wanted to examine alternatives or review economic data that could allow its continuity.
Public Protests and Canonical Appeal
After the official announcement, dozens of families gathered in front of the Cathedral of the Holy Name and later in front of the archdiocesan offices to demand that the measure be suspended. The response from the Office of Catholic Schools was clear: there is no intention to reopen the debate.
In the face of this refusal, a group of parents filed a Remonstratio, a figure provided for in canon law to request the reconsideration of an administrative decree. The appeal, supported by more than a hundred signatories, argues that relevant data was not taken into account before deciding on the closure.
Among the points questioned are internal financial decisions, the use of restricted funds, changes in fundraising goals, and enrollment increases that would have caused the departure of dozens of families without prior consultation with the school board.
Insurmountable Deficit or Room for Maneuver?
The archdiocese defends that the accumulated deficits and the drop in students make the maintenance of the centers unfeasible. However, the parents of St. Hubert have presented a financial analysis according to which the school could be sustained for several years in its current situation and reach equilibrium in a relatively short period if moderate adjustments were applied or new sources of income were promoted.
As they denounce, the official response has not addressed these calculations in detail.
Possible Appeal to the Holy See
Faced with the confirmation that the closure will not be revoked, the promoters have announced their intention to take the case to Rome. They argue that the immediate closure may affect the right of minors to receive Catholic education and the accompaniment in the faith of families.
St. Hubert is the only Catholic school in its district, so its disappearance would force numerous students to transfer to public centers.
A Debate that Transcends Chicago
The case is framed in a broader trend of closures of Catholic schools in the United States invoked for economic reasons. In some dioceses, similar decisions have been adopted based on future projections rather than immediate emergencies.
Source: LifeSiteNews