Power of prayer failed Driscoll

When Driscoll Catholic was notified by the Christian Brothers of the Midwest and the Joliet Diocese that they were going to close, it stunned the students, alumni, and parents.

The basis they claimed was reduced enrollment, a bad economy, and the lack of resources to keep Driscoll open.

When this announcement was made, a group of qualified and dedicated professionals approached the Brothers with an offer to come up with the dollars and a sustainable plan. The Brothers obliged by giving 18 days. So, in good faith and those 18 days, the support and dedication from 1000s of volunteers, donors, and the community, provided over $950,000, a sustainable 1-, 3-, and 5- year plan that asked for no resources of the Brothers or the Diocese, and actually enrolled 15 new students for next year. This was all done in one of the worst economies in this country's history. Unfortunately, this good faith effort was one-sided.

The contingency plan was to have an independent school under the Diocese. After all, it worked for Notre Dame High School in the Chicago Archdiocese. After presenting it to Bishop Sartain, he said he "needed to pray on it." He came back stating his prayers and concerns are with us but the Diocese cannot assume responsibility for the school.

It is sad that the Catholic ministry can support pedophile Priests and ones with gambling problems, but when a successful school comes to them with a solid plan that asks for no resources from them, just support, they say "no."

Through this process, both the Brothers and the Diocese had their chance to prove that prayer works and monies to the annual appeal go toward catholic education. They failed.

As for me, the party's over. You will not get a penny more!

Carl Palash

Carol Stream