Remember each face, young and old and inbetween, and tuck the memories away somewhere special and safe in your heart. But remember most of all, we will always be one family of the heart, no matter where we go.
No one can take our memories away.
If you wish to read the latest news, scroll to bottom after looking at these beautiful faces. Thank you.
JUNE 4th, 2004
The 288 children or St. John the Baptist School, Pittston AND St. Mary's Avoca
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Today, barring a miracle of the heart, we will have to look around one last time at familiar faces and make these memories last a lifetime. Look deeply at everyone around you- even those you may have never spoken to, are not close to, but who are part of the fabric of SJB and SMA.
Remember each face, young and old and inbetween, and tuck the memories away somewhere special and safe in your heart. But remember most of all, we will always be one family of the heart, no matter where we go. No one can take our memories away. |
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288 smiling faces full of innocence, trust, and hope HOPE that we, the grown-ups, would save your schools before the Last Day Please know we tried our best And will continue to try- But sometimes even our best efforts, our most fervent prayers just are not answered Someday we will understand why But for now, little ones There is something no one can take away- It is your innocence, trust and hope Don't let it slip away Carry it with you wherever you go And never forget the days of joy and laughter At SJB and SMA |
No, we aren't through yet. We haven't given up hope. But we are realistic. Unless Bishop Martino changes his heart, takes on the Herculean task of undoing the harm he has done, and makes amends by putting our broken hearts and schools back together again, or, unless our 18 pastors decide to band together to stop this somehow - or unless Bishop Montalvo or Pope John Paul II himself steps in to stop this travesty - well- we don't need to tell you what will happen.
Still, with the SJB and SMA spirit that has carried us this far, we continue to fight on...June 7th, a judge will decide the matter. Scroll down for the link.
FINAL NOTE
St. John the Baptist Elementary School in Pittston (1917- June 4,2004) and Saint Mary's Grade School in Avoca, PA (1919 - June 4,2004), closed on June 4, 2004 despite a long battle, which included a lawsuit filed by parents of SJB, to keep them opened.
Many of the students' parents have, as a result of their disillusionment with Bishop Joseph F. Martino, the Diocese of Scranton,and the Catholic Schools office, enrolled the children in public school.
Copyright 2004 by Committee to Save (Pittston Area) Region 7 Catholic Schools (of the Diocese of Scranton)
All Rights Reserved