The Diocese of Pittsburgh upheld the decision to merge Saint Philip and Saint Margaret of Scotland schools following an appeal.
An appeal was filed after the diocese announced in February the two schools would merge and use the Saint Margaret campus. The diocese also said Saint Gabriel of Sorrowful Virgin school in Whitehall and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary school in Pleasant Hills would also merge for the 2021-22 academic year.
In a letter responding to the appeal, Father Thomas Kunz, Vicar for Canonical Services wrote:
1. Saint Philip School is not a program of Saint Philip Parish and has not been since its inclusion in the South Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, Inc. on July 1, 2020.
2. Saint Philip School is not a juridic person in canon law and therefore is not subject to any rights in canon law.
3. Bishop Zubik has approved the merger of Saint Philip School with Saint Margaret School and not its closure.
The diocese continued to say regionalization is necessary considering increased costs of operating Catholic schools and parishes.
"The sense of loss, and even anger, that some people are experiencing over these necessary decisions reflects their deep love for their school, and they are in my prayers," Bishop David Zubik said. "However, it's also important to recognize and thank the many others who have come together in support of the newly merged schools and Catholic education. All of us – at all times, and especially during this holy season of Lent – should strive to be like Jesus in how we choose to deal with difficulties and disappointments."
