Latest news with #DorothySexauer
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Blessed Sacrament closes for good, holds final day of school Thursday
A local Catholic school that's been open since 1939 closed its doors for summer break for the very last time. Students at Blessed Sacrament had their last day of school on Thursday, and mixed emotions could be seen from students, parents and staff. Parents voice concerns to school board over closure of Blessed Sacrament The Erie Catholic School System announced that they were shutting down this past February, citing what they called a 'continuous decline in enrollment.' One parent said they are extremely frustrated, but they are hopeful about their case, which is currently being seen before the Vatican. Protest held following closure announcement of Blessed Sacrament School 'They've really paid a lot of attention to the decision. Within three weeks of sending us the information, they have looked at it well enough to know that they wanted to go further with it, extremely encouraging,' said Dorothy Sexauer, a Blessed Sacrament parent. 'We just had schools closed down in the Bronx in February, the same month we did, we had a school in Chicago the 31st of May, so this is an event of national importance.' Sexauer said they are taking a group of students to Waldameer to kick off the summer and keep their minds off the situation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Vatican agrees to hear parents' case on Blessed Sacrament School
The Vatican has agreed to hear the case of Blessed Sacrament School parents who are fighting to keep the school open after the Diocese of Erie announced its closure on February 14. The decision by the Vatican to study the case comes after the Friends of Blessed Sacrament School hired a canon lawyer in late February to present their claims. BSS parents hire lawyer, petition bishop to revoke school closure The group filed these claims in March, seeking to overturn the diocese's decision, which they argue was made without sufficient transparency. 'It's mind boggling, but the fact that they would take the time to get back so quickly to us on our little recourse case here in Erie, Pennsylvania, that is amazing and it makes me proud to be Catholic,' said Dorothy Sexauer, a member of the Friends of Blessed Sacrament School. The Diocese of Erie announced the closure of Blessed Sacrament School, citing a data-driven decision by the Catholic school system. However, parents are requesting the release of the data used to make this decision. Bishop Lawrence Persico reaffirmed in a statement in March that there would not be a reversal of the decision to close the campus. Despite this, the parents remain hopeful that the Vatican's involvement might lead to a different outcome. EDP, Flagship City District announce downtown summer events The Vatican's letter to the group's canon lawyer stated, 'This Dicastery has received the hierarchical recourse you have made against the decision to close Blessed Sacrament School. The Dicastery has begun its study of the case and will respond according to the norm of law.' Dorothy Sexauer emphasized the unique community at the school, noting that it serves over 40 percent minority students and nearly 50 percent low-income students, providing them a secure and welcoming environment. While the group has not been given a timeline for a decision from the Vatican, the fact that their case is being considered is seen as a positive step in their efforts to keep the school open. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now All facts from this article were gathered by WJET/WFXP journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by WJET/WFXP staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
