After educating children for decades, a local Catholic school will shut its doors for good in June.
Stella Maris students were informed last week that they will have to transfer to a new school due to limited enrollment at 814 Bigler St.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia officially announced Friday that Stella Maris School, 814 Bigler St., would close at the end of the school year due to low enrollment.
Cardinal Justin Rigali reviewed the data from a feasibility study conducted by each school that examined Catholic identity, education programs, personnel, class size, enrollment, facilities, demographics and finances, according to the Archdiocese. Stella Maris’ closing was announced along with Collingdale-based St. Joseph School.
“It was our hope that through registration and fundraising efforts, Stella Maris and St. Joseph parish schools could remain open, but sadly the conscientious and diligent efforts of the parish schools’ communities were unable to surmount the trend of declining enrollment,” he said in a April 9 statement.
Holy Spirit, 1845 Hartranft St., also was on the chopping block before an unknown donor saved it.
Rigali announced he would consider keeping the school open if it enrolled 175 students for the 2010-’11 school year, according to a press release from the Archdiocese. However, enrollment ended on March 30 with only 69 students on board. Keeping the school open with such a low enrollment would result in a deficit of more than $800,000, according to the release.
There are 181 students currently enrolled with 27 set to graduate in June. Enrollment has decreased from 284 six years ago.
Rev. Peter J. DiMaria, Principal Sister Lawrence Elizabeth along with other administrators met with the Archdiocese prior to last week’s announcement, but could not find a viable option to keep the school afloat past June.
“It gives me great pain to close our parish school and I know it will cause tremendous sadness for you, the school families, for our dedicated faculty and your precious children,” DiMaria said in a letter sent home to parents. “Unfortunately, Stella Maris is in crisis now and must take decisive action. However, Stella Maris will continue to be part of the planning to ensure quality Catholic education for our parishioners and this region of South Philadelphia.”
DiMaria and the Stella Maria Parish School Study Group started to evaluate the school’s viability last September, but an ongoing decrease in enrollment and an increase in costs resulted in DiMaria telling parents in his Feb. 12 letter that he had recommended to the Archdiocese that it close the school. A meeting was scheduled for the following week to provide details to parents, but it was later cancelled due to a death in the vicar’s family. It was never rescheduled.
However, DiMaria vowed to refund registration fees by Monday and organize a meeting at the parish to provide parents with information on academics, programs, tuition and uniforms at St. Monica, 1720 Ritner St., and Epiphany of Our Lord, 1248 Jackson St., according to the Archdiocese.
“It is important to realize that the children of our parish will continue to have access to quality Catholic education. … The school families of Stella Maris who opt to attend either Epiphany of Our Lord or St. Monica Parish School in September 2010 will receive the parish subsidy to make up the difference between out-of-parish tuition and in-parish tuition at the new school,” DiMaria said in a statement. “Stella Maris Parish will offer this subsidy as we continue planning for the future of Catholic elementary education in the area.”
Last week, parents at two local Catholic schools feared the bases of their children’s education would shut their doors for good in June, but both — Holy Spirit and Stella Maris — have refused to go down without a fight from their supporters.
“I’m sad. I cried,” Stella Maris seventh-grader Jason Burris, of Sixth and Johnston streets, said following last Thursday’s dismissal. Burris, 13, and his classmates were slated to graduate from Stella Maris next year. Instead, that final year has come early as they scurry to find a new school.
To the Editor: I am a longtime parishioner of Stella Maris, as well as an alumni of the school. I am angry and heartbroken at the closing of our school, however, today I have reached my limit.
A sign displaying “Thanks for the Memories” adorned the school yard at 814 Bigler St., as gold and blue balloons seemed to sway in time with the children’s voices as they sang the school song.
“As emotional as everything is, you need to avoid coming at it from an emotional stance,” Patricia Cody said after Friday’s dismissal of 293 pupils from Epiphany of Our Lord, 1248 Jackson St.
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1. Anonymous said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 12:30PM
“The saddest part about this situation is that your article fails to mention how Father DiMaria recommended that the school be closed without asking for help from parishioners, alumni, and parents to help keep the school open. Father also fails to mention how the only person in the Stella Maris Parish School Study Group who wanted to recommend the school be closed was Father DiMaria himself. This is a small community and people talk. Word gets out and what you do is known so don't try and pass this decision off on the study group or the diocese. This is what Father wanted and no one is going to convince the community otherwise. The biggest problem Stella Maris is facing as a parish isn't low enrollment...it is a pastor who doesn't care about them or their kids. It's a very sad and unfortunate situation. Especially for those who still live in the parish and who helped to open its doors.”
2. J. Swanson said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 01:09PM
“I agree completely with the anonymous statement. Fr. DiMaria was sent here with a plan already in hand. He came and raised the tuition which instantly resulted in families leaving. He then implemented a mandatory Sript program where families were forced to buy gift cards. He stopped bingo, he stopped the lottery and brought parish moral to an all time low. He may have been successful in closing OUR school but he will not ruin OUR Parish or OUR neighborhood. Let it be known he did this alone without the support of ANY committee. Also, I believe the real reason he canceled the meeting was because he didnt' want to face the Parish.”
3. Vince Principato said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 07:22PM
“What a sad day. Ironically, overcrowding at Epiphany led to the founding of Stella Maris Parish. With Monseigneur Edmond MacLaughlin the parish flourished, principally because he drew parishioners to be involved in multiple activities involving fundraising, From Bingo nights, Carnivals, 50/50's, Candy Sales, and a parish hall that was always lit, community life revolved around its doors. In reality, the success of its educational program led many to leave South Philadelphia for greener pastures.....”
4. Elizabeth Turchi said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 08:31PM
“So this is because of "low enrollment" ...but the article fails to address the root causes so poignantly mentioned above by J Swanson & anonymous. no more bingo, the end of teen youth programs, and just about any thing at all that brought in community life. The parish did nothing for my age group when I was a teen in high school and certainly does nothing for me now in my twenties...when a school just takes & takes, charges & charges, what does it expect? people can't afford the high tuition, expensive uniforms, activity fees, this fee that fee etc....if Stella Maris operated more like a community establishment instead of a greedy business the enrollment would have been higher. Instead of giving back, Di Maria chose to upgrade the rectory!...I wonder if they upgraded the brass bell (that Monsignor used to ring to order his cook to enter the dining room and tend to him) to a platinum bell? If those in power had some of Sr. Laurence's integrity and heart the school would be open!”
5. Anonymous said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 08:50PM
“This is extremely upsetting as my child had one more year after being there since Pre-k. I find it even more upsetting to hear that after DiMaria enforced the Script program and informed parents that he expected each family to give no less than $10 every church envelope or he would tack the amount to the family's tuition the following year and then find out that NONE of that money would have gone towards ANY school expense. If each family gave $10/child with 189 students enrolled, he'd have collected since sept 2008 to present $151,200. Of course, that was if EVERYONE gave an envelope every Sunday since Sept 2008 til now. Plus every year, the school makes over $10,000 from the walk-a-thon!If he wanted to keep it open, he'd have rescheduled the meeting & talked to parishioners of ways to keep it open...but he DIDN'T.”
6. Jennifer Gross said... on Apr 15, 2010 at 09:47PM
“Father DiMaria did not appreciate the school or the very beautiful community of people he was assigned to. He has destroyed not only the school but the parish. His refusal to bury people who are forced to live out of the parish because they can't be alone or are in a nursing home - disgraceful. Look around Father...few weddings, few baptisms, now no students-maybe it is because of your dictatorship instead of leadership? A kind priest told me when I brought my baby to church for the first time that I shouldn't apologize for her crying because a quiet church without the sound of babies and school children is a dying church. You can hear a pin drop in Stella Maris - people are going elsewhere for mass - because they don't want to hear your lies. Which is sad...this is our parish. This was our school This is just temporary for Fr DiMaria. It is time for him to move on and let this community begin to heal”
7. Donna said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 05:49AM
“At what point should a school be closed? 100 students? 75? How high of a tuition would one be willing to pay to keep a school open? 50% increase? Look at the economics. The pastor has to determine how many people want this product and what people will be willing to pay. Less people want the product or the market has shifted to another area. The cost to sustain the school exceeds what the remaining market is will to pay. It might make you feel better to call the priest a dictator, but it doesn't solve the problem. Instead of calling the priest names, why don't you come of with a way to pay the bills or increase enrollment? You can't.”
8. Jacquie Swanson said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 09:00AM
“I would also like to add the fact that DiMaria purchased a new organ for the Church which is rumored to cost $80,000. He built a chapel near the Rectory which is open 24/7, nice thought but not necessary especially since it's been robbed a number of times. But most of all the rectory renovations......I've been there, it looks like a mini vatican. Hard wood floors, tile floors, granite counter tops, new furniture, statues & artwork. All that money should have gone to sustain the school not to a priest to live in that type of luxury. Donna, the parish & neighborhood are what kept that school alive for over 50 years, don't tell us to come up with a way to pay the bills when this priest has done EVERYTHING possible to push people away and yes people have left over the years but there was no mass exodus like when DiMaria moved here and there were always new families joining. It's time for him to GO.........”
9. rob56 said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 09:13AM
“What sad news, another thing gone in south philly. I don't go to Stella Maris but I feel for the people and if it is true about this priest then he should be ashamed of himself. These are the things that keep these communities together and for it to close is just not good for the neighborhood.”
10. Anonymous said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 10:05AM
“Unfortunately no one has all the facts and placing ALL the blame on Father DiMera is blindly just blaming the easiest target. Sure, I am sure that he did somet hings wrong, however when only 7 children are enrolled in a PreK class, it kind of puts the writing on the wall of what is coming.”
11. Jacquie Swanson said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 01:16PM
“And you have to ask your self WHY were there only 7 kids in pre-k???”
12. Anonymous said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 03:52PM
“This "Father" got what he wanted. He never wanted a school. He was brought in to get rid of it, and indeed that is what he did. Good luck, cause you got what you wanted. Those saying done just blame this on Father DiMaria are not close to the situation and have no idea what he has been doing to that school. Just read the above statement from the parent whose kid was in that school and you'll get a better understanding. He pushed people away and now they got what they want. Parents fought and tried everything they could to keep it open, but were basically only given a few months notice.”
13. Anonymous said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 04:20PM
“It's a shame you feel the need to blame one priest.....I guess it would be hard to put the blame on the parents. The parents who never volunteered, the parents who only send their kids there because it's safer, closer the time fits their schedule. Let's face it if most of us were not made to go to Church we wouldn't be there. In fact that is what the first article in the review stated. That before he made us go to Church the church was empty. Sounds like the problem was already here before he got here. This isn't about our Catholic school closing it's about a safe and convenient school closing. So while we put the blame on DiMaria maybe we should put it on ourselves too.
”
14. Renp505 said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 09:59PM
“I can also say that the few times I've gone to the Stella Maris church, I've left feeling less spiritual and uninspired. I don't go to church to hear about money nor do I think it appropriate for a priest to talk about drugs especially with little children in attendance. I don't want to hear someone go on for almost 35 minutes after the Gospel about finances every Sunday. I've gone when I didn't have work and other times my son went alone because he had to sign in every Sunday or fail religion. People aren't looking to put blame on a priest but many are upset about the lack of effort on his part and most importantly lack of compassion for the families. I don't think I necessarily care about who is to blame at this point since the person who could've prevented the closing obviously did not see fit to reach out to those who would've been affected by his decision , which could lead people to believe he didn't care about the children.”
15. renp505 said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 10:16PM
“I take offense to the "anonymous" statement blaming parents. Do you know how much tuition was when I sent my son to Pre K? $1890. Do you know what I paid this year? $2700. I have ONE child attending. Do you know how much Holy Spirit is ( you know, the school with less enrollment at present than Stella Maris)? About $500 less. I could've sent my child to Holy Spirit with his relative and it would've been just as convenient, especially since they have school buses. It has been a financial strain the past few years but I sacrifice because my child has built a history not only with his friends but also the school staff. I particularly liked the smaller classes. So yes, I endured the yearly tuition raises even though it was inconvenient. As for safety, isn't any of the other catholic schools in the area just as safe? I believe Stella Maris begins and ends the school day earlier than the others too. I agree with Jacquie, money was not managed/spent wisely :(”
16. Anonymous said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 10:33PM
“IF every parent volunteered for whatever the reason may be, what would that have done? That doesn't even belong in the equation of "ways to save the school". And obviously parents of 181 students were willing to spend the money for catholic school. Every year, prices go up, and not just tuition, money has been raised thru various events and yet somehow this year there's no way the school would've made it? Why purchase a new organ? I think if people didn't think that they were just being "pushed out", the community would've found ways to make it like they did for the past 6 years since I've been there. DiMaria has started several programs to bring money in and church envelopes have been sent in so how could it not have worked? Did I mention the rumor swirling about that church donations are solely for the church/rectory? NONE was to help the school. Baffeling.”
17. renp505 said... on Apr 16, 2010 at 10:53PM
“8 years ago, when I enrolled my son in Pre K, I believe there were only 9 kids enrolled. Somehow, we've made it this far, right? Who's to say what will happen next year? Or the following years?”
18. Donna DeStefano Digneo '64 said... on Apr 17, 2010 at 07:42AM
“The end is near. The last day of school at Stella Maris will be a sad and somber one for many. The impact on our children cannot be measured. Most don't make it through the day without crying at least once. Our hearts and spirits are broken but not at 2901 S. 10th Street, there is no heart at that address. We were blessed to have two loving and caring pastors since our inception, but not now. I can remember sitting in church listening to Monsignor Connolley talk about how strong our parish was and how when all was said and done Stella Maris would be the citadel on the East and St. Monica's the citadel on the West. All of that hard work for nothing. Monsignor retired with the hopes that the new pastor would continue to help our parish and school thrive and that clearly did not happen. I have been a part of Stella Maris since it opened it's doors and was a member of one of the very first first grade classes. How could this have happened to us? Ask someone at the rectory.”
19. Anonymous said... on Apr 17, 2010 at 12:11PM
“Ren, I don't know what Church you were in but I haven't heard a speech on finances every weekend for thirty five minutes, oh that's right you didn't make it to Church. I did hear the rumor circulating about the rectory and how all the money went to the rectory and none to the school. I also heard they eat off of gold plates and throw them away when their done. Thank God the teachers worked as volunteers this year and the electric company, water company, cable co...ect....gave us thier services for free. They were all so very understanding when they heard the priests are keeping the money all for themselves and giving none to our school!
Maybe this should be a lesson learned to all of us....next school get more involved from the begining,....not when it's too late. We all have kids affected by this....welll actually some of us don't we just want something to complain about!”
20. Fred said... on Apr 17, 2010 at 07:09PM
“Donna Digneo says that the pastor has no heart. What an awful thing to say about a priest. Has she ever gone to confession to the pastor?.I find him to be a very kind and understanding man. Stella Maris hasn't been a strong parish for many years because so many moved away and the ones remaining in the neighborhood stopped supporting the parish years ago. Maybe Stella Maris could have been the regional school if the other parishes were willing to deal with reality but NO...everybody got territorial. Msgr. Connelly was right....there should have been two schools...St. Monica and ours. But that takes cooperation and no one down here wants to cooperate. You all keep saying it is OUR parish ...well act like it is and get involved. Don't expect everything to be done for you. The priest can only work with what he has and from where I'm looking from there hasn't been much help at all.”
21. Anonymous said... on Apr 18, 2010 at 07:57AM
“Well said Fred!”
22. renp505 said... on Apr 18, 2010 at 10:59AM
“To Anonymous:
I don't know the dates but yes, the last FEW times I did go, it was about how much money was needed. And I didn't say church money went to the rectory, I said it wouldn't be shared with the school. I WAS very understanding about the situation at first and even defending DiMaria - I know there are expenses to be paid, not enough enrollment, teachers need to be paid. My whole reason for responding was to express how disappointed I was, not only in his decision, but how he handled it. How do you correspond with families of students who may have one year left at their school through letters? Was everything done that could possibly be done to keep the school open? Everyone who asks me about the school asks how they can help so why didn't he get us all together to find a solution before deciding? And if you'd like to pay my bills so I don't have to work on Sundays anymore, I'd be happy to attend mass & be with my family. Don't be defensive -it's not about u-it's about kids.”
23. Renp505 said... on Apr 18, 2010 at 11:02AM
“...and Holy Spirit was willing to merge. It still wasn't enough. Makes you wonder doesn't it?”
24. Anonymous said... on Apr 18, 2010 at 11:18AM
“Ren, your right it is about the kids, but in reading everyone's comments it doesn't seem to be about the kids, it seems to be an attack on the Church and the people in charge. Fred said it right. "The priest can only work with what he has" and most of us want but don't want to give. And I'm not just talking about money. It's time to let it all go and move on, all of this is nonsense. We can stand and point fingers all day but it's not going to change anything. By the way there is a 5:00 p.m. on saturdays in case you were unaware.
”
25. renp505 said... on Apr 18, 2010 at 02:45PM
“Well, we all know people are going to talk and people want the blame to go somewhere. I, along with a few parents, were upset that after cancelling the meeting it was never rescheduled. I like to know what's going on and I'd like to know what's being done (or not being done) about it. I heard most of the details from a parent of a student from Holy Spirit whose meeting was NOT cancelled. I'm upset because my child is upset that his whole class is splitting up. My only concern now is where he's going next year. Also, I'm aware of the Saturday mass but as I said I work. They used to have a 4pm mass on Sundays, which worked great.”
26. Jacquie Swanson said... on Apr 19, 2010 at 01:17PM
“As a parent who volunteered for everything; President of CYO for 3 years; Treasurer of the H&S for two and President of H&S for two, I know first hand how not everyone does their part, but you don't know what goes on in other families and we shouldn't judge. I was there to help not to complain about the families who didn't. The parish for the most part is full of people who are always there and always help. Those of us who are & were are upset with how this was handled. Maybe the outcome would have been the same but maybe something could have been done. Maybe if we put the $80,000 into the school expenses instead of the organ we could have stayed open another year........bringing us another year closer to a regional school. Maybe if all the money that was spent on the rectory went to the teachers salaries we could have stayed open another year. The rectory "rehab" is not a rumor. I've been in there as I am still volunteering even though my daughter graduated.”
27. Jacquie Swanson said... on Apr 19, 2010 at 01:23PM
“If the Pastor called a meeting of the "PARISH" maybe we could have all dug a little deeper and stayed open one more year. But this Pastor has no interest in the school, he never did. Monsignor Connelly knew every child by name and celebrated everything WITH them, not this guy. Maybe if Church was more uplifting (yes I go just about every Sunday and they talk about money & crap) people would go on thier own, not because they have to sign in. Church should be a gathering of neighbors who are happy to be there and who leave feeling uplifted but that's just not that case at Stella Maris.”
28. Anonymous said... on Apr 19, 2010 at 01:40PM
“Your right Jackie "WE SHOULDN'T JUDGE"!”
29. Jennifer Gross said... on Apr 19, 2010 at 04:20PM
“I think Anonymous should speak out under their own name - if you are going to comment then you shouldn't hide. Donna is right he has no heart ! And she can say that considering she has been running the lunch program for 22 years and has raised thousands and thousands of dollars each year. She feeds those kids like she does her own family. Making homemade gravy and sometimes meatballs for the children to have a hot meal of pasta for lunch. She also goes to multiple stores that have sales to make sure that she is getting the cheapest price on the food to raise the most money. That is what I call putting heart and soul into what you are doing. Msgr McLauglin must be turning in his grave over this demise of his beloved Stella Maris.”
30. Andrea Digneo Genzano said... on Apr 19, 2010 at 04:44PM
“Fred and Anonymous Do you think that Fr DiMaria deserves respect simply because he is a priest? What about his lack of respect for his employees, parishoners, parents, and children? He wanted this school to close plain an simple. Perhaps Anonymous isn't putting his name on his comments because he IS Father DiMaria. We know the man has no spine or he would've faced his parishoners. My mother was born into this parish and has hone to Church every Sunday since she was old enough to walk alone. I watched her pay for kids to eat lunch out of her own pocket and pay the balances on peoples lunch accounts because she knew they couldn't afford it. Don't you dare make comments about my mothers need to go to confession to speak to that man and get to know him when she has seen him every day since he started at Stella Maris and then his as anonymous. Father has done nothing but disrespect my mother and her crew since he started at Stella Maris and she owes him nothing.”
31. Anonymous said... on Apr 19, 2010 at 09:31PM
“sad that the parents of all the students besides 8th graders didnt even register their children,cause if they did maybe they would have had close to the 175 to keep it open..people wait to reister over the summer and now its too late..I mean u have the money for tuition,then register on time..unless they were just thinking why bother we wont get are money back but the 69 that registered are getting it back....Very sad!!!!!”
32. Anonymous said... on Apr 20, 2010 at 08:27AM
“Anyonymous, isn't just one person there are a few - all these comments that are not mine.
Is it too hard for you to believe that some of us can see the writing on the wall. Just because there is positives on here they must be coming from the pastor? Give me a break! In reading the comments with names there is only a few of you who are complaining and I believe only one of you has a child in the school.
”
33. Jacquie Swanson said... on Apr 20, 2010 at 08:55AM
“People didn't register because he already announced the school was closing. Once that was out people didn't trust him enough to register. I believe had he gone to the parish and announced the school was in trouble people would have come forth, but not after a letter was sent saying it was closing. it worked at Annunciation and Holy Spirit, but he didn't want it to work so now he can blame us for what he did. I also find it very amusing that Anonymous, whether it be one or many, won't print thier names................”
34. Andrea Digneo Genzano said... on Apr 20, 2010 at 09:31AM
“How many kids do you have in the school Anonymous? I'm an alum whose family has been apart of this school since it opened and whose mother gave 22 years of her life to that school and those kids. I agree that the writing was on the wall, but that doesn't mean we had to go down without a fight. Making that recommendation without asking for assistance from the alumni was inexcusable. The reason Holy Spirit and Annunciation were able to register the appropriate number of students is because their pastors had a vested interest in the school and wanted to see it survived. Instead of sending out dooms day letters announcing the schools closing (without even meeting with the teachers that would be unemployed) they got their parents together and went on a recruiting mission. It's a little hard to get students to register when the parents were told to hurry up and register elsewhere or they wouldn't have a spot. It's also difficult to enroll students when you have raised tuition the way he did.”
35. Jacquie Swanson said... on Apr 21, 2010 at 10:44AM
“Well said Andrea. The dooming letters went out on Tuesday and on Saturday I had a recruitment flyer from Holy Spirit in my mail box.”
36. Anonymous said... on Apr 21, 2010 at 11:23PM
“I am a volunteer at Stella Maris Parish. My children went to Stella Maris School from Grade K thru 8, went to Catholic High Schools and are now grown. As a volunteer with the Parish and School activities this is what I have learned and know to be true. Are you ready? 1st - Mass attendance is better since Father DiMaria has been the pastor. How do I know this? because I AM in Stella Maris Church every weekend for Mass (forgive me, but I do miss Mass if I am ill). Also, I have NOT heard any pleading for money, actually I have not heard any pulpit announcements since Fr. DiMaria became pastor. I do, however, receive spiritual and uplifting guidance from the priests homilies, which are explanations of the Scriptural Readings of the Mass, in case some non-Catholics do not know what a "homily" means. I say, if you don't know who to believe - come to Mass at Stella Maris and find out for yourself. I'll be back.”
37. Anonymous said... on Apr 21, 2010 at 11:35PM
“I'm ba-a-ck! 2nd - I know that enrollment in school has been dropping for over 5 years. Monsignor Connelly told us at and after Mass that if we did not stick together and have more YOUNG families of our parish/school children support the parish activities our parish would be in "dire straits" - aka troubled waters. Msgr. Connelly had hoped that Stella Maris & St. Monica would be the two beacons of light and hope for South Philly. But UNITY has to be sustained. The word CHURCH, look at it, the center is UR - that means me and you - us - we are the Church. Without us being together, there is no church. Wake up, people! Stop pointing fingers and start reflecting what it means to be a parishioner of Stella Maris. Unity - not division - is what is needed. Stop your insanity - Can you really blame any one individual for what is happening to ALL Catholic schools. OK, ours will close in June 2010. But what about the following year. Help to keep your parish alive - Now, before it's too late!”
38. Anonymous said... on Apr 21, 2010 at 11:55PM
“Back again! 3rd - Thanks is not enough for all that the Home and School Association (past and present) have done. But, did you know that when the present H&S Association wanted to have a fund raiser. When the parents finally realized the school was in jeopardy of closing - they more or less said they would not volunteer to help nor did they think the Home & School should have the Fund Raiser at all? Wow, how can we help the school stay open? Hmm, let me think - NOT have fund raisers! BRILLIANT! But, do you know that Fr. DiMaria began Fund Raisers for the school as soon as he became pastor. One is the paper recycling bins in our schoolyard - no volunteers needed - no cost to us - just bring your junk mail, paper trash, etc. to the bin and guess what - the company pays for our recycled paper. The scrip program was another, which costs nothing extra, except instead of using cash at your favorite stores/markets buy gift cards & use them. Fundraisers won't work without participation!”
39. Anonymous said... on Apr 22, 2010 at 12:02AM
“4th - Sorry to even have to bring our Adoration Chapel in for explanation. The beautiful and peaceful Adoration Chapel was NOT built. It was an unused room in the rectory basement which has its own entrance door. Most of the items in the chapel were stored in the parish for a long time and were cleaned up and used in the Adoration Chapel. For those not familiar - Adoration Chapel is a place to come and peacefully and prayerfully spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. If you were to come to the Chapel, as many do (from other parishes, as well) you can see the simplistic beauty, peace and reverence our chapel holds to strengthen, comfort and heal those who visit. Our world needs more Jesus.”
40. Anonymous said... on Apr 22, 2010 at 12:18AM
“OK - one last time. I have learned many things by volunteering and could speak more volumes. But, I won't. Do you remember the phrase, "The family that prays together stays together"? If we all prayed and pulled together maybe we could have helped to keep our school open one more year. Maybe Fr. DiMaria would have see unity and growth from his people, instead of separation and destruction. Because, believe me, by your slanderous comments, you are NOT helping our parish or school have a future. If all of you who blame and criticize are so faithful to your "Alma Mater" of Stella Maris - what did you learn here? To blame and point fingers or to come together, learn the truth and pray for God's and our Blessed Mother's help. And - yes, I will remain "Anonymous" - maybe you should have done so, too! This was not a nice way to learn who your are.”
41. itsnotthe90sanymore said... on Apr 23, 2010 at 01:42PM
“Ok let's blame Fr. DiMaria for the closing of the school because that would be easy. The fact of the matter is that all the nuns and priests that went through that school were only out to take money not help students. Sister Elizabeth Lawrence was the biggest criminal around. She always took anything she could get from the St. Jude Shop (that was in the 90's) and favored only certain children/parents that would help her out. I can only image what she did/does now to get what she wants. As for all you parents, stop crying over something you cannot control. The school is closing-get over it and move on with your life. Parents should be focusing on their child's future. Its time to think outside the box. All the Aluminus need to stop living in the past. I understand that many of you alumnus have never been out of Philadelphia (Washington Township does not count) but its not the 80's or 90's anymore. Just because you went to Stella Maris does not mean your kids have to go there.”
42. Anonymous said... on Apr 26, 2010 at 02:51PM
“To all itsnotthe90sanymore and any other people who blame anyone and everyone but our so called PASTOR has to get their brains examined. The only CRIMINAL in the situation was Father himself. We have every right to be upset and hurt. Now all of the students have to find a new school and adapt to a new environment because our so called PASTOR doesn't want a school. He needs to go back to where he came from because this is South Philly and people do things the way they want and they are not going to be told twice. Jacquie Swanson I back you up 100%. Oh and by the way who ever blames Monsignor Connelly go take a look on your computer and get some help.”
43. Upset said... on Apr 27, 2010 at 12:58PM
“I must say that it is truly upsetting that Stella Maris School is closing and as far as I'm concerned, Father DiMaria is 90% to blame. He said two years ago when we had the very first meeting with him and he stund us with all his demands and that he does not need the school and that the school is what is bringing the church down. It was very upsetting to all the parents who attended that meeting and that was when many parents started pulling away from the school. He put way to many demands on us and just did not go about it the right way. He did not need to talk down to the parents the way that he did at that meeting or with his letters. He had no respect for us or our children so this is why no one can respect him as our Pastor. I who always go to church EVERY Sunday or Saturday have heard him talk about money so you can't say that he never did. I am anonymous cause my children still go to Stella Maris and I don't want them to be punished for what I am saying.”
44. Damian said... on Apr 27, 2010 at 10:46PM
“Let me first say that I am an Italian american who left South Philly and Stella Maris 20 years ago. I just so happen to be at Mass that Sunday (visiting a friend) when the pastor announced the closing.I cannot help to agree with the priest about the changing conditions of South Philly. The neighbor has changed. I dont come to South Philly to much anymore, but when I do come, I cannot help to shake my head in disgust to see the conditions of the homes and the trash and dirt in the streets. It wasnt like that 20-30 years ago.To my fellow Italians who are complaining of the closure and have left the neighborhood--SHAME ON YOU-You have abandoned the neighborhood. To those who are left in the boundaries of Stella Maris=OPEN YOUR EYES--you are trying to hold on to the past that will never come back. You have not lost the battle over the closing of the school-you have lost an earlier battle-the battle of the neighborhood”
45. Damian said... on Apr 27, 2010 at 10:52PM
“Let me first say that I am an Italian american who left South Philly and Stella Maris 20 years ago. I just so happen to be at Mass that Sunday (visiting a friend) when the pastor announced the closing.I cannot help to agree with the priest about the changing conditions of South Philly. The neighbor has changed. I dont come to South Philly to much anymore, but when I do come, I cannot help to shake my head in disgust to see the conditions of the homes and the trash and dirt in the streets. It wasnt like that 20-30 years ago.To my fellow Italians who are complaining of the closure and have left the neighborhood--SHAME ON YOU-You have abandoned the neighborhood. To those who are left in the boundaries of Stella Maris=OPEN YOUR EYES--you are trying to hold on to the past that will never come back. You have not lost the battle over the closing of the school-you have lost an earlier battle-the battle of the neighborhood”
46. Jacquie Swanson said... on Apr 29, 2010 at 09:54AM
“Damian I don't know what neighborhood your looking at but our neighborhood has remained in excellent condition and house prices are thru the roof. We have a very nice area, enhanced by the Stadium District, and that is another reason we are upset of the closing of our school. There are young families in the neighborhood but they are turned off by the behavior of the ENTIRE Catholic Church as well as the attitude at Stella Maris. Stella Maris never adapted to the young parents with two working parents.......no after school programs, etc. In fact we only had full time Pre-K for about 5 or so years. If the Church and the Catholic religion on a whole are going to survive they have to work with young people and not only the seniors. We should all be important..........once the older people, who have the "fear" of god in them die off what's left??? The young working families who aren't buying the same old crap the Catholic Church has been shoving down everyones throat....”
47. Upset said... on Apr 29, 2010 at 11:28AM
“Amen Jacquie Swanson! I always had problems as to where my children would go after school and it was very difficult to find a Day Care that would come to pick up my children. I definitely would have benefited if Stella Maris did have such a program. I totally agree with everything you said. As far as Mr. Damian, we completely understand the changing of the times and things are not the same, however, it is the way that things were handled at Stella Maris that made everyone upset.”
48. Anonymous said... on Apr 29, 2010 at 12:42PM
“I dont go to Stella Maris, nor do I live in Phila. but Ido know Father DiMaria. I met him on a trip to Lourdes France in 2006. He went out of his way to help me more then most will ever know. He confirmed my special needs son and myself by getting speacial permission from the bishop, and has helped other people I know greatly. Sounds to me like alot of people are being told things they dont want to hear, or maybe even being demanded. Father DiMaria tells the truth, in season or out of season, wheather people want to hear it or not. So be careful what some of you Christians are accusing others of.How many of you are going to Jesus in adoration and praying the rosary for your community and Father DiMaria? Thats how to be effctive. I sure am sorry your school is closing, but maybe people need to do more with their time and funds, and mostly PRAYER!!”
49. Angry said... on May 2, 2010 at 10:24AM
“Those of you who are backing up Father DiMaria, please reply back to me and give me one good reason why he is not to blame. Anymous above: Father may be telling the truth but he tells it in a way that is demanding and fresh. When you come to Philly and demand money from people, you are going to get the harrasment that he is getting today. So as I started this out with, please reply back to me with one good reason why he is not to blame because I have a million reasons why he is to blame.”
50. Sad said... on May 2, 2010 at 10:30AM
“So number 49 I will not reply to back up Father. You are so right. If any of you back up Father that must mean you are Father!!”
51. Angry said... on May 20, 2010 at 03:18PM
“Thank you 50!”
52. Mad!!!!!!!! said... on May 30, 2010 at 03:53PM
“Amen 49. You seem to know your stuff. Father hates girls as many girls know!!!!”
53. Mad!!!!!!!! said... on May 30, 2010 at 03:54PM
“Amen 49. You seem to know your stuff. Father hates girls as many girls know!!!!”
54. Anonymous said... on Jun 1, 2010 at 06:26PM
“All of you who attack a priest who established perpetual adoration do not love the church nor Jesus. I know not all of you go to church every friday. Because no one who does can attack a priest. The parish rely soley on the parishoners to survive. From the tone of blame and hatred from all of you attackers you are no supporters of the church. I do the tithing and I am grateful I can give back to God from what HE had given me. I have my life, my health, my Job, family etc. But I am not surprise. Servants of GOd must suffer with Jesus and the Church while others and some of so called catholics persecute the church as they did Christ. They say they are catholics. But True Catholics loves and supports the church. Because these people are good, humble, and exihibits kindness to priests. The others are like the Pharisees, hypocrites because they said they are catholics but they attack servant of GOD.”
55. Anonymous said... on Jun 1, 2010 at 06:41PM
“Also I think that people who are attacking the priest are mostly likely the ones who never supported (monetary) wise the church. I support the church from tithing and I am not complaining, If there is not enough money it is because these people who are hardly gave anything to the church (cash norprayers for the priest and church) but are hard and fast in criticism. If yOu atack a priest you go against Jesus. Instead of helping, you cause the church pain and suffering. If you want to be a good catholic then be a servant of the chuch. Love the Church and Jesus. I do. And I cannot speak one word of judgement upon them. I only pray and support them. To Fr. DiMaria Jesus knows how much you love him because you did what msgr did not do for 20 years.- Have a perpetual adoration. You had the courage to tell the people to give back to GOD what is fair to GOD (actually 10%) is very little compared to our life, health, job, family, friends and all that God gave us.”
56. Anonymous said... on Jun 1, 2010 at 06:55PM
“Fr. DiMaria you are also always on fire with your homiles. Something I always look forward to when I go every sunday.You help people think of their souls & are not afraid to say what should be said about what needed to change &what is not good. Msgr. Connelly, as much as I respect him was very focused on maintaining the church &school which is ironic.Because in sucessfully doing so, he never really paid any thought of a perpetual adoration. We only had it every 1st friday except there is a funeral then we never had it all.The desire to have an organ to accompany the voices that will be raised up to GOd with the heavenly host &angels is understandable.If we must give praises to GOD we must offer the best. You do not offer up garbage to the almighty GOD.The mass attendance is also more now compared with msgr It must be hard to be a priest.1 of these 2 good priests did focuse on giving to GOD with perpetual adoration, tithing, organ etc.the one who is now being persecuted like christ!”
57. Anonymous said... on Jun 1, 2010 at 07:04PM
“Fr. DiMaria you are also always on fire with your homiles. Something I always look forward to when I go every sunday.You help people think of their souls & are not afraid to say what should be said about what needed to change &what is not good. Msgr. Connelly, as much as I respect him was very focused on maintaining the church &school which is ironic.Because in sucessfully doing so, he never really paid any thought of a perpetual adoration. We only had it every 1st friday except there is a funeral then we never had it all.The desire to have an organ to accompany the voices that will be raised up to GOd with the heavenly host &angels is understandable.If we must give praises to GOD we must offer the best. You do not offer up garbage to the almighty GOD.The mass attendance is also more now compared with msgr It must be hard to be a priest.1 of these 2 good priests did focuse on giving to GOD with perpetual adoration, tithing, organ etc.the one who is now being persecuted like christ”
58. Anonymous said... on Jun 1, 2010 at 07:11PM
“Fr. DiMaria's every actions from my observation gives glory to God, not only perpetual adoration and tithing. He is the only one who guided the parishoners that it is not good to go to the pew and leave and then comback as if it is some sort of entertainment or theater( he never said the latter but that is what it would look really) and to also stay at the pew until the priest leave for the recessional. I can never understand why people leave before the priest or the song is over. But I can only guess that they have no understanding of the true value of the mass. And that in the mass from the beginning until the last note is sung we are literally in front of ALMIGHTY GOD, FATHER SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. I think if each people can contemplate on that it will give them chills. But Souls that are blind will not see that”
59. FRUSTRATED said... on Jun 2, 2010 at 06:41PM
“Now I have written more than once and everytime I read I get more and more frustrated. The person who said that we don't love our church or Jesus, HOW DARE YOU. You have absolutely NO right to say that. I have done SO much for that church. I love JESUS and Stella Maris church. HOW DARE YOU. Father just wants to spend his money, that's why we have a chapel which by the way got robbed many times. I would love for you to comment back. Tell me the pain you're receiving with this school closing. Try to find a new school for your kid, help them make new friends, and help them mend their hearts. You really pushed my buttons. I can't STAND it when people act like they know what they're talking about. Please comment back. I would love to hear what you have to say. Jacquie Swanson I agree with you 100%. Thank you for all of the nice things YOU have said unlike SOME people.”