By Rick Winterson

     In the May 18 issue of South Boston Online (page two), we reported on an ad hoc meeting of Gate of Heaven parishioners concerning the possible closing of the Gate of Heaven School.  The main topic at the meeting was a choice presented to the parishioners who had children in the school:  either accept a significant tuition increase, or face up to combining the school with the St. Brigid School.

     A subsequent meeting regarding the school was held on Wednesday, May 17, in the Gate of Heaven Church sanctuary.  It was moderated by Fr. Foley of St. Anne’s, the Archdiocesan Vicar Forane for the area that includes South Boston’s churches.  Close to 300 parishioners attended.

     Assistant Principal Mary McLaughlin read from First Corinthians; Fr. Ben delivered the invocation.  Sr. Pat, Gate of Heaven’s Principal, presented a status report on the school and its activities.

     Fr. Casey, Pastor of St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Parish then took the floor.  First, he apologized for any hurt that was caused by the letter to Gate of Heaven parents about the school.  He then explained the facts about enrollment – from a 1995 level of more than 400 students, enrollment has dropped to 283 in 2005, and might be as low as 222 in the school year 2006-2007.

     State Sen. Jack Hart then spoke about the importance of the school – it’s a key element for the well-being of the Parish as well as the entire neighborhood.  The school should be saved.  He said that funds from WB56 donated for the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast and money granted by the Catholic School Fund are available.

     Kevin Lally told of eight new tuitions and a $10,000 donation from the CYO.  This money, combined with the amounts mentioned by Sen. Hart, was enough to cover the school shortfall, with only a modest tuition increase to $3,800 per year.  Lally’s wife, Kathleen, Sean Monahan, and Touchie McDonough were recognized for their efforts.

     Despite the good news, all the meeting speakers stressed the future challenges.  Another chunk of money will be needed next school year, along with continuing increases in enrollment.  Gate of Heaven School is competing with more schools for a decreasing number of young people of school age.  Touchie McDonough emphasized the need to “get involved”!  Hart used the phrase, “It’s crunch time.”  The meeting ended on an optimistic note shortly after 8 p.m.