Cathedral High School 

In August of 2019 we engaged the next step in studying the possibility of a high school by initiating the services of Ruotolo Associates and a pre-campaign study to test fundraising capacity. The results of the study were overwhelmingly positive. In an effort to respond boldly to the call of God, and to further the mission of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, the Cathedral High School Committee has approved proceeding with a Capital Campaign. Planning is underway, and we ask for your prayers as we engage the next phase of developing Cathedral High School. We are grateful to all who participated in the pre-campaign study. If you have any questions, please contact Sister Thomas Aquinas, OP, via the parish office. 

Responding to the Call
 
Catholic schools are a gift of our Church to local communities in which they serve.  By providing a place for authentic encounter with Christ through worship and study, and total formation in the Sacramental worldview, Catholic schools have the opportunity to provide an exceptional learning environment rooted in fidelity to the Magisterium. In many cases, this educational option is blessed with committed parents and families, visionary leadership, and the prayerful support of friends and benefactors. 
 
The Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibusgives the Ordinariate the mandate of preserving and promoting the worthy patrimony of English Christianity, thereby contributing to the vitality of the Catholic Church.  Our Cathedral parish not only shares in this mandate, but is also a standard and exemplar to which the other communities of the Ordinariate naturally look.  Expanding and deepening educational initiatives is a concrete way that the Cathedral parish responds to this mandate.  By this, we ensure that our patrimony not only informs our current life and worship of God in the beauty of holiness, but also is available for future generations as we impart it to our children as a gift to be shared.  In addition to strengthening our current programs, we are exploring the possibility of a new educational initiative at the Cathedral: a Catholic high school.
 
Why are we doing this?
 
To continue the response to this call, we are looking at the need for and level of interest in a Catholic high school here at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham.  Our parish is truly blessed to have Holy House Academy here in our community and serving families with its unique and highly successful program.  Our intention is to have Holy House Academy grow, flourish, and continue to enrich our parish life.  To continue to respond to the call from God, the mandate of the Church, and the mission of the Ordinariate, and to serve more fully the needs of our growing parish community, and the Ordinariate, a new high school warrants consideration at this time. 
 
What is involved in studying this need?
 
Before we can consider undertaking the planning and opening of a new school program, we need to measure objectively the level of interest among our parish and other Catholic families to determine the enrollment potential.  In addition, we must carefully assess the potential impact a new school may have on enrollment at Holy House Academy as well as existing Catholic schools in our area.  This is to ensure that Holy House Academy, the proposed Cathedral School, and other area Catholic schools each can be sustained, build enrollment, and remain vibrant for the long-term.
 
To examine effectively the need for a new school, a feasibility and market research study has been commissioned by our Bishop, Most Reverend Steven J. Lopes, and our Rector and Pastor,        Very Reverend Charles A. Hough.   Meitler, a nationally recognized Catholic school strategic planning firm, is partnering with our parish to conduct this study.  Sr. Thomas Aquinas, O.P., the Director of Education at our Cathedral parish, is managing the project. 
 
In addition to data gathering and analysis, a market research survey will be available online to parish and Catholic school families to assess parents’ willingness to enroll their children at a new high school, and to measure the level of support overall. The survey process will take place in the fall with a final presentation of findings in November. 
 
What would the new Catholic high school be like?
 
The present thought is that the proposed school would have an enrollment of no more than 150 students, making each grade size no more than 35 students.  Forming students in a Sacramental worldview with a focus on four “sacreds” or pillars will be the governing vision of the proposed school. These “sacreds” include sacred music, sacred art, sacred liturgy, and sacred wisdom.  This integrated and holistic approach will culminate in the daily participation in the liturgical life of the Cathedral parish.  
 
High quality academic instruction will be grounded in the daily living and learning of the Catholic faith and provide innovative learning opportunities for the students, led by qualified teachers and administrators.
 
When would the new school open?
 
No decisions have been made at this time.  The feasibility study and market research survey will help us determine if there is sufficient interest and enrollment to undertake the next steps in planning.
 
What would be the next steps in planning a new school?
 
If the data and market research study shows that opening a new high school is possible with sufficient enrollment potential to provide sustainability, the next steps would involve conducting a financial feasibility study and funding plan, developing facility plans and cost estimates, and establishing a timeline for action.  
 
What impact could the new high school have on Holy House Academy?
 
We wish to ensure all families currently and yet to be engaged in Holy House Academy that the proposed new high school will complement and enrich the experience of Catholic education here at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham and not take over nor take away from the wonderful program we now enjoy.   It is our desire to continue to respond to a call from God to advance the missionary vocation of the Ordinariate and to provide exceptional Catholic education opportunities for our young people.