Stirling school to close in June

STIRLING  After more than 50 years of providing a Catholic education to students in Long Hill Township, St. Vincent dePaul School in the Stirling section of the township, will close in June.

In a letter to parishioners, parents and students posted April 21 on the parish’s website, Father A. Richard Carton, pastor, wrote: “This decision comes after much prayer and careful reflection. The low enrollment for next year would not create a strong educational environment and the financial strain would be too great for the parish to bear.”

Father Carton noted that a formal request was made by him to Bishop Serratelli for permission to close St. Vincent dePaul School. “The Bishop gave that permission, his support and understanding. This was then shared first with the facul­ty and then with the families of our school,” Father Carton wrote.

“This is a very difficult time. It is also an important time to recognize the dedication of our faculty and staff, the efforts and sacrifices of many parents, our generous benefactors, and others who did all they could for the good of the school over many years,” the letter stated.

Father Carton said that for families who want to continue to send their children to a Catholic school, “we will offer financial assistance to those families who are active members of our parish, and for whom tuition is a challenge, in order that their children may continue to receive a Catholic education.

“The mission of St. Vin­cent dePaul Catholic School is to offer a system of education committed to developing each person involved spiritually, academically and morally so that each can become the best possible version of themselves to the glory of God. As sad as this moment is, I pray that we have carried out that mission to the best of our ability for as long as we could. Please keep the faculty, staff and students in your prayers during this time,” the pastor wrote.

St. Vincent dePaul School was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2013.