New panel to help steer Catholic schools’ future

    A blue-ribbon panel will help chart the future of schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. The panel’s goal is to take a global look at Catholic education.

    Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, said the 17-member review commission is not just looking for schools to close or consolidate to save money for the Archdiocese.

    “We know we have to look at everything to see how it’s going to be in the future, but this is what we are looking forward to — new enthusiasm and a dedicated partnership in promoting supporting and revitalizing Catholic education,” said Rigali Tuesday.

    Charged with shepherding the group through that process is Jack Quindlen. He said it will be a top-to-bottom review.

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    “We have to look at assets we have to look at buildings, we have to look at buildings, we have to look at education,” said Rigali.

    Archdiocesan officials said they are seeking guidance to come up with a cohesive plan for the schools instead of the piecemeal closings and consolidations of the past few years. Rigali said he hopes the group will finish the evaluation by next year.

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