Archdiocese notified school to close

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE, Ala. — The Archdiocese of Mobile was informed that Heart of Mary Catholic School in downtown Mobile will close in May and will not reopen for the 2022-23 school year.
Heart of Mary is a Catholic school, but not owned by the Archdiocese of Mobile, nor by Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Since 2020, the school has been operated by an independent board of directors, which notified the archdiocese of its decision.
According to Archdiocese of Mobile officials, the school’s closure does not impact historic Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
In a letter to parents, board president Jack McNichol stated, “This decision, made with a heavy heart, was based on the loss of community immediate to the school, the lack of students in attendance and inadequate funding.”
Enrollment at Heart of Mary entering the 2021-22 school year was 73 for grades pre-K3 through eighth grade and has declined more than 72 percent since 1980. No grade had more than 10 students entering the school year and first, second and fourth grade each had four or fewer students, according to official statistics.
The Heart of Mary board of directors also estimated that the school will finish the 2021-22 school year with a $300,000 deficit.
Changing demographics around downtown Mobile played a role in the enrollment decline. 
Fewer students now live in the downtown Mobile area and students enrolled at Heart of Mary currently come from 16 different zip codes throughout the Mobile area. Several Catholic schools in the downtown Mobile area have closed throughout the years.
Heart of Mary has operated for about 120 years and has been predominantly staffed by lay teachers since 2012. 
It was previously staffed by Religious communities of women, including the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Holy Spirit Sisters of San Antonio and the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa.
“I am grateful for all of the efforts of many good people, past and present, especially the Heart of Mary board of directors for their commitment to Catholic education,” Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi said. “I pray, and ask for prayers, for the students and faculty.”
McNichol also thanked Heart of Mary staff members for their efforts.
“Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School students have benefited greatly from the expertise that you as teachers and staff bring to bear each and every day.  We will continue to provide exceptional care for our students through the end of this school year as we help them reach their education goals.
“Please know that we care deeply about you personally and will do everything within our power to assist you in securing employment within the Catholic School System for the school year 22-23.” 
The Archdiocese of Mobile confirmed it will offer assistance to current Heart of Mary faculty members interested in continuing to work in Catholic education in 2022-23. 
Other local Catholic schools have provided a packet to Heart of Mary families providing registration information.