Pastor's Page

Dear St. Cecilia Parish Community,

Praised be Jesus Christ from whom all blessings flow! The end of the school year is a time of great excitement as we bid farewell to our 8th Grade, celebrate our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten “moving up”, and honor the many accomplishments of each of our students. It has been a beautiful year and I have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know our school community. With the end of one school year, and the beginning of another, there are also many changes. I know that not everyone likes change, so I know that these announcements will cause anxiety to many. Please join me in trusting in the Lord who is always faithful.

1. As you may have heard, Archbishop Perez has reassigned our Parish’s Parochial Vicar, Fr. Robert Lucas to serve as a Chaplain at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The Archbishop has graciously assigned Fr. Phong Le, a newly ordained priest to serve at St. Cecilia. This change is effective June 19th.

2. Sister Mary Ellen Tennity, IHM, the General Superior of the IHM Sisters, has reassigned our Vice Principal, Sr. Carolyn Braun, IHM, to serve as Principal of Queen of Angels School in Willow Grove. The IHM Sisters are not able to send us another Sister to serve as Vice Principal. Sister Mary Ellen has also reassigned two sisters who have generously volunteered in our school for many years, Sr. Marita Shaun and Sister Bernadette. Sr. Marita will retire to Camilla Hall and Sr. Bernadette will serve in the archives at the IHM Motherhouse. Join me in thanking God for the gift these three dear sisters have been to St. Cecilia. These changes are effective August 1, 2023.

3. We welcome Mrs. Kathleen Robbins to the staff of St. Cecilia School. Kathleen will serve as our Tuition Manager. She started in this position two weeks ago and has been a wonderful addition. She can be reached at tuition@stceciliafc.com or 215-725-2201. Kathleen is a member of the parish and her children graduated from our school. She brings years of experience to her role at St. Cecilia.

4. We also welcome Mrs. Patty Grabowski as our Safe Environment Coordinator. Patty has been serving St. Cecilia as one of our Receptionists in the School Office. We are grateful for her assuming this role to ensure that all of our staff and volunteers have proper clearances and training to keep our children safe.

5. For the 2023-2024 School Year, in addition to the natural reduction to two 3rd Grade Classes (since we currently have two 2nd Grade Classes), we will reduce 4th to two classrooms as well. The projected enrollment in next year’s 4th grade is 56 (with 28 in each classroom). We initially thought we would need to reduce 5th grade to two classrooms as well but we have a projected enrollment of 60. Thus, as long as enrollment is maintained, we will keep three classes of 5th grade. Reducing the number of classes per grade has been a continuous reality at St. Cecilia since the 1990s. I hope that we reach the point of maintaining a healthy enrollment to serve your families for years to come without the need for further reductions. We do not anticipate laying off any faculty members as some of our wonderful teachers have informed us of their intention to use their gifts in other areas at the end of this school year. Saint Cecilia School A Christ Centered Community Committed to Excellence

6. Our Principal, Sister Catherine, IHM will work with the faculty to maintain instructional standards and meet the needs of our students and teachers. Announcements regarding teacher classroom assignments and roles will be made over the summer. I hope that you can trust that your child will continue to receive the quality education you expect from St. Cecilia School as we make these necessary adjustments.

I realize I have initiated many changes within my first year. Other changes have occurred outside of my control. I realize many parents and other stakeholders in our school have questions and perhaps concerns given these many changes. I invite you to  discuss these changes.

You are welcome to email me at frchriswalsh@stceciliafc.com should you desire.

Sincerely,

Father Christopher M. Walsh
Pastor