A Petition to Reject Recent Boston Archdiocese Proposal, which would be detrimental to Saint Brendan School's long-term sustainability

A committee was formed by the Archdiocese of Boston to create a proposal that would ensure St. Brendan Church could be both vibrant and fiscally sustainable for years to come. The sole duty of the committee was to focus on the church's sustainability, vitality and viability. The committee was not formed to make any decisions regarding Saint Brendan School. The committee created a proposal that stated ways that St. Brendan Church can successfully be kept open while continuing to be a separate entity from the school. This proposal was submitted to Cardinal O'Malley.

The Archdiocese of Boston responded with a counter-proposal or "idea" to keep the church open as new entity (a school with a chapel), with Saint Brendan School under a new governance system (a school board which would be overseen by Cardinal O’Malley as well as school board members- It sounds like Saint Brendan School would be run similar to PJP -formally St Ann’s & St Gregory’s). The church would be kept open as a chapel leaving all fiscal responsibility up to the school. The school would be financially responsible for all expenses and repairs for St. Brendan Church. It is likely that in a very short period of time, both the school and church would close due to the extreme maintenance concerns of the Church as well as current and future bills and expenses.

Families and friends of Saint Brendan School feel disheartened, in the dark, and confused about the news surrounding these proposals. The Boston Archdiocese refuses to share any facts & details of these proposals, including the proposals themselves. This lack of transparency only amplifies the distrust families and friends have with the Archdiocese of Boston. These feelings are towards the Boston Archdiocese alone and are not reflective of feelings towards the current Saint Brendan School administration. 

In signing this petition, you reject the Boston Archdiocese's proposal to turn Saint Brendan School and Saint Brendan Church (chapel) into one entity under a new governance structure leaving all fiscal responsibility of the church to Saint Brendan School.