(Photo: Bishop Persico talks with staff before making remarks.)

The decision is in response to a proposal submitted by the “Save the Venango Catholic High School” effort, in addition to further discussions with Father Shane Mathew, headmaster.

The bishop requested the meeting with parents and students in Oil City so that he could make the announcement in person, along with father Nicholas Rouch, Vicar for Education; Dr. Sam Signorino, director of Catholic Schools and School Personnel; and Father Mathew.

The reprieve comes after an eventful period that began February 16 when the diocese announced the school would close in June. Within two weeks, the community organized the “Save VCHS” effort. On March 17, Bishop Persico agreed to temporarily suspend the decision, so the group could develop a plan for viability.

Father Mathew and representatives of the “Save VHCS” effort met April 18 with Bishop Persico, the Catholic Schools Office, and other diocesan administrators to present their Strategic Vision for Venango Catholic High School. After the Catholic Schools Office and Finance Office had spent several days reviewing the proposal, Bishop Persico asked Father Mathew and leaders from the group to modify the plan, addressing several concerns.

(Photo: Father Shane Mathew, headmaster.)

“The plan does not address every concern we have,” Bishop Persico said, ”but the VCHS community stepped up to the plate and made a tremendous effort. Enrollment remains a challenge, but with significant success in fundraising, it’s important to give the community an opportunity to put the proposal to work.”

Bishop Persico said that although the goals of the plan are ambitious, he was impressed with the deep desire for a Catholic High School in Venango County expressed by the community. The school will collaborate closely with the diocese, meeting regularly throughout the year to ensure that financial and enrollment benchmarks are being met.

“I don’t have a crystal ball,” the Bishop said. “The future of the school depends on whether or not you can meet or exceed the targets (the community) has set for itself. I am grateful for the effort that has been made and sincerely hope the community can fulfill the commitments it has made.“

Bishop Persico established some requirements for the plan, including that Father Mathew remain as headmaster and that two new full-time positions in advance be included in the budget. Enrollment, fundraising, constituent relations, and marketing will be among the responsibilities of those positions.

An interim board will be established as quickly as possible.

“To be clear, the road before us is steep and success is by no means certain. Good feelings, best wishes, and pledges all make us feel better about ourselves and each other. But until students are in their seats, money is in the bank, and expert time makes real improvements, all those feelings, wishes, and pledges remain faith without works,” said Father Mathew.

“Our sense of urgency needs to be greater than it was yesterday…I believe our good work will not only prove the liveliness of our faith but also transform the possible into the real…please pray for me as Our Lady, Star of the Sea, continues to pray for us.”