Diocese develops draft plan for Cathedral

Date: 1/29/2015

SPRINGFIELD – Bishop Mitchell Rozanski said he could not reveal any details from the final workshop meeting of the stakeholders in the Cathedral High School rebuilding issue, but he did say “the tone and outlook were optimistic and that allowed for thinking outside the box to come with a plan.”

Rozanski made the remarks at a press conference on Jan. 26. He said he didn’t want to seem “evasive” but he and the people involved in the stakeholders meeting had all agreed that until he makes his final decision in mid-February, no one would release any details.

Rozanski said, “This past weekend I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with delegates from the various Cathedral High School stakeholder groups during problem solving sessions held at the Genesis Spiritual Life Center in Westfield. Our discussions were frank, respectful and positive, centered on the challenges and possibilities we have in deciding how to continue Catholic secondary education in Springfield – on how best to continue the legacy and mission of Cathedral High School.

“Let me first say how grateful I am to Msgr. John Bonzagni and Mrs. Kathy Bort, who facilitated both these discussions, as well as the important facilitated dialogues which helped to shape last weekend’s discussions. My special thanks to the delegates who despite a stormy Saturday were there and ready to undertake their task. The group did so with open minds and hearts and I was truly grateful to them.”

He added, “I am happy to say that a draft plan has emerged from the weekend effort, one which has the very real possibility of addressing the concerns of sustainability while continuing our educational mission. I am optimistic that this plan can be successfully implemented. But before we can release full details, there is work for me and diocesan staff to complete. I am committed to fulfilling my due diligence and making an official announcement along with details by mid-February. By their consensus, members of the weekend sessions have agreed to keep this plan in confidence until an official announcement can be made. There is so much at stake here, and while I know many have been patient, I need to ask for that patience to continue for a short period of time. It is critical that we get this right.”

The group of 17 delegates was described by the bishop as being “very committed to being realistic.”

While Rozanski said he couldn’t discuss the potential solutions he could identify the problems that were addressed by the group. These included the number of potential students for a new cathedral; the sustainability of a new high school; the need for a Cathedral endowment; and how to market the school in ways to reach both parents and students.

Rozanski said the question he is facing is not about the money to build a new school but if it can attract the students and the endowment to sustain it.

He said a new Cathedral must have a 50-year plan for its long-term success.

The Committee for Cathedral Action released the following statement: “We are heartened by the Bishop’s words today. More specifically, we are glad to hear that he is ‘... happy to say that a draft plan has emerged from the weekend effort, one which has the very real possibility of addressing the concerns of sustainability while continuing our educational mission.’

“As we have done over the past several months, we will continue to prove that not only is there vast and deep support for rebuilding Cathedral on Surrey Road but that it can be sustainable if proper steps are taken.

“We support the diocese and stand ready to help them in any manner they deem fit. This includes, working hand in hand on a privatization plan if the bishop chooses an option that would take the school private.”