Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia Letter

Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of Philadelphia July 2, 2020 Dear School Families, As we approach the 4th of July and the middle of summer, I pray this letter finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. I take this opportunity to express my congratulations to the Class of 2020 as well as all of our students and school families. This past academic year came to a conclusion in a way that we could never have imagined. Our students, families, administrators, and teachers all worked together and faced these past several months with tremendous perseverance. All of you have my utmost admiration and gratitude. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education and its many dedicated partners are committed to opening the 2020-2021 school year with continued focus on academic excellence as well as the health and safety of all members of each school community as our top priority. School will begin on schedule and in compliance with guidelines set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Catholic Education Coronavirus Task Force issued several updates during the spring semester. Its work is ongoing with a keen focus on supporting the Archdiocesan high schools, parish and regional elementary schools, and Archdiocesan schools of special education as they collectively plan for the continued provision of a high quality Catholic education in the face of the ongoing pandemic. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you for choosing a Catholic education. It is a privilege for us to bear the responsibility of forming your sons and daughters. Your choice and the sacrifices you make to provide a Catholic education for your children are most commendable. We look forward to the opening of the academic year and to continue our mission in preparing young people to be future leaders for our Church and society. Please be assured of my continuing prayers. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia 222 North Seventeenth Street • Philadelphia, PA 19103-1299 • 215-965-8280 • Fax 215-965-8283