Pocono News Section

Catholic Education Ends in Plains Township

Catholic Education Ends in Plains Township - Friday, June 12, 2009 at 11:10PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Friday, Jun 12, 2009 @ 11:10pm EST

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY- A Mass celebrating more than a century of Catholic education capped weeks of disappointment after the Diocese of Scranton announced Sts. Peter and Paul Parochial School would close. Friday night, the school community "celebrated."

Teachers and staff from years back filled the pews of the church. School leaders pointed to the "countless" numbers of students who passed through the school over its 110-year existence in the area. Students from recent classes said they were somewhat surprised by news the school would shut down. But one thing they say has been noticeable, their school isn't alone. The diocese has shuttered dozens of schools over the last few years, including four high schools in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.

Enrollment at Sts. Peter and Paul spiked more than 70 years ago, according to the parish's pastor, when there were 500 students in attendance. The numbers held steadily for decades. But a serious decline began several years ago, according to figures from the diocese. In the end, officials said the school was unable to sustain itself against rising costs. St. Aloysius, South Wilkes-Barre and St. Vincent, Honesdale, also closed at the end of this school year.