Catholic Education: A Time of Transition

I write this with profound regret and heartfelt sorrow. Through the dedication of teachers, staff, parents and benefactors, St Therese Catholic School has contributed to the spiritual journey and successful careers of countless students in the Pueblo community for 26 years.  Over the past few years this dedication and sacrifice has been most apparent as teachers and staff struggled through a series of financial losses, with a declining enrollment, seeking solutions to stay open and provide Catholic education for our students.

The Diocesan superintendent of schools; the STCS principal and school board; the Diocesan Finance Council; the Diocesan College of Consultors; expertise from other dioceses and professional entities; all of these and more have been consulted as to ways in which STCS may be able to move forward. Various operational scenarios were considered. None were found to be accessible or acceptable. It should be noted that the Parish of the Shrine of St Therese, having no fiscal or administrative responsibility for the school, yet has been consistently generous with subsidies and scholarships over the years; as have so many benefactors giving time, talent and treasure to Catholic education over the years.

"St Therese Catholic School has contributed to the spiritual journey and successful careers of countless students in the Pueblo community for 26 years."

 However, it is my sad duty to report to you that St Therese Catholic School is no longer open for enrollment for the coming 2026-2027 school year.

St John Neumann Catholic School, in Pueblo, has willingly opened its heart, arms and enrollment to the STCS community, offering whatever assistance as may be possible. St John Neumann has, over years, built Catholic education in Pueblo and will continue its mission in Christ in confidence and hope. They have been graceful in their response to this sudden transition. I ask your prayers that our efforts for consolidation and continuation of Catholic education in Pueblo be blessed. May our efforts in faith be ever more strongly established, through dedicated teachers, families and throughout our own local culture, for our children, now under the intercession and care of St John Neumann.

"St John Neumann Catholic School, in Pueblo, has willingly opened its heart, arms and enrollment to the STCS community, offering whatever assistance as may be possible."

We pray also in thanksgiving for the blessings of our Catholic schools; St. Columba in Durango; Holy Family in Grand Junction; and St John Paul II in Montrose. Pray too for the future and success of the Chesterton Acadamy High School, St. Carlo Acutis, in Grand Junction. There is an urgent need for Catholic education and we must continue to grow in our understanding, appreciation and support for those who sacrifice to bring it forward.

As the school year begins, our prayers and support must be with all our children and teachers. Where population is declining, as in many parts of the diocese, school enrollment declines in both public and private schools.  In each community across Southern Colorado and the Western Slope, agonizing decisions arise as to how best to educate our children and youth with declining resources. We pray that Jesus may carry all our students and teachers through this most important phase of their life’s journey. And for us we pray, that Catholic education be supported and strengthened in parishes and schools, that all our children have all the benefits of a sound Catholic formation.

+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

Bishop of Pueblo

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