The closing of Catholic schools is now commonplace, forcing dioceses and parishes to find innovative ways to care for the students and faculty at the schools that are shutting down. Developments in the Diocese of Cleveland offer one possible response. 

St. John of the Cross Parish (SJOC) in Euclid, OH, citing declining enrollment and increasing deficits, will be closing its school at the end of this academic year, but will enter into a partnership with a nearby parish, Ss. Robert & William (SRW), to form one school. Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, SRW School will serve both parishes. All students of SJOC will be welcomed into the new school. Unfortunately, SRW cannot guarantee that the SJOC faculty will have a job, but SRW promises to hire as many faculty as it can. The Office of Catholic Education will also work to find jobs for the SJOC faculty.

Best of luck, and prayers, for the partnership, and for those who will be looking for a new job.