HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg announced Friday that the St. Columba Catholic School in Bloomsburg will close permanently at the end of the school year.
The Diocesan Office of Catholic Education recommended the closure of the school. That recommendation was accepted by Bishop Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg.
"We know this news is difficult to hear, but the reality is that, as a parish, we can no longer afford to operate a Catholic school,” said Father Richard Mowry, pastor. “As costs rise and enrollment decreases, we find ourselves in an unsustainable situation. Continuing to operate the school will place the parish in significant financial jeopardy."
St. Columba Catholic School has been faced with declining enrollment and increasing operating deficits for several years, according to officials.
The school's enrollment has decreased nearly 60% since October 2020, from 84 students to the current 34.
Earlier this school year, the fifth through eighth grades were discontinued due to enrollment and staffing challenges.
"In the coming weeks, the school administration, along with the Diocesan Office of Catholic Education, will assist our families choosing to continue their Catholic education transition to St. Joseph in Danville or Our Lady of Lourdes. We will also work with our faculty and staff in securing new employment. In addition, we will help families choosing public education to coordinate with their local school districts to ensure a smooth transition," said Fr. Mowery.
A final Mass for the school community, with Bishop Senior, will be held on Wednesday, May 29, at 10 a.m.
The remaining schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg enroll nearly 10,000 students.