* Announcement – School Closing

January 19, 2017 – Announcement re: School Closing

Dear Parishioners,

It is my sad duty to inform you of the closure of our parish school at the end of June 2017. The Diocese of Oakland, after a long, comprehensive study of demographics and financial realities has mandated the closure of a number of parish schools, including Saint Jerome School.

A guiding process and plan, the Operational and Financial Improvements Initiative, is mandated by the Bishop of Oakland and the consultative bodies of the diocese. It includes the entire Diocese of Oakland – not just the schools. We are witnessing just a small, but significant, portion of this diocesan-wide undertaking. As Pastor, it is my place to accede to this decision and I hope and pray for your support in this decision.

The School Department will work with each school community to seek a placement for each child in a Catholic school. The Human Resources Department will work with faculties, staffs and administrators to facilitate new job opportunities within the diocese.

The school remains an asset of Saint Jerome Parish. As such, the buildings and grounds remain our responsibility. The diocese will provide each parish with the necessary oversight and guidance regarding the future use of the school buildings. I seek your support in this momentous turn of events and the loss of our school community.

Fr. Fernando J. Cortez, Pastor