Past, present and future Bambies gathered early Friday morning outside the school ahead of an announcement the community will try to raise $1.2 million to keep St. Hubert's open. Photo/Michelle Alton

As has been a common scene on Torresdale Avenue since word came that St. Hubert’s High School is set to close at the end of the school year, faculty, staffers and current and former students lined the sidewalks in brown and gold Friday morning for a rally and an announcement.

Flanked by city and state politicians, school leaders vowed to fight. Messages of support and offers of donations came pouring in soon after the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendation, but the fight to save the all-girls school began in earnest with Friday’s event.

“In response to the Archdiocesan statement today that raising funds is not a prerequisite to an appeal hearing, the St. Hubert’s Advisory Board and Alumnae Association gratefully accept this recent news and will redouble their efforts at fundraising,” reads the statement from the board and association following the news that the school’s appeal will be considered regardless of whether the community can secure $1.2 million cash beforehand. continue reading »

As soon as word came the the Blue Ribbon Commission has recommended St. Hubert High School for closure, the community began an effort to fight back.

The commission, which made recommendations Friday that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia close or consolidate 48 schools, tapped the Torresdale Avenue all-girls high school for closure at the end of the school year. Students and administration were given the news at noon Friday ahead of the commission’s afternoon news conference. continue reading »

Archbishop Ryan Director of Admissions Pam McPeak discussds the school's shadow program with students Christopher Gatton (L) and freshman Julio Polanco (center) as the school prepared to take on displaced North and Dougherty students in 2010. Photo/Morgan Zalot.

UPDATE: It’s being widely reported that St. Hubert’s is among five archdiocesan high schools recommended for closure. The others are West Catholic, Archbishop Prendergast, Monsignor Bonner and Conwell-Egan.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will hold a news conference this afternoon to discuss the future of Catholic education in and around Philadelphia. For many, it could mean saying goodbye to their schools.

At 4 p.m., the diocese will livestream the event, which is billed as an announcement of the findings of the Blue Ribbon Commission. continue reading »

This month’s a column is going to be a bit different than usual. Instead of discussing something I miss about the Northeast, I thought a long time and decided I wanted to write a little bit about an issue – one that has reared its ugly head again once more in the Northeast, as well as the entirety of the Archdiocese – affecting the area and discuss something that I miss that comes as a result of this issue.

Now I’ve never liked discussing issues, and I absolutely despise taking stances on topics. Therefore, I won’t get into any opinions on the topic or what sort of actions should be taken. I simply choose to look at this through the lens of this column, and I hope you all keep that in my mind before you rush to the comments section at the bottom of this page.

The simplest way to begin is to say that I miss innocence, the innocence that comes with being young and simply enjoying life and being a kid. continue reading »

John Doe, courtesy of CBS3

A second man has filed a lawsuit against a former Our Lady of Calvary priest, claiming the priest sexual abused him. Lawyers for the man announced the suit yesterday, which also names cardinals Justin Rigali and Anthony Bevilacqua, Monsignor William Lynn and employees of the Archdiocese’s victim assistance office. continue reading »

Image courtesy of IndyPosted.

A priest working for St. Timothy’s in Mayfair and the Immaculate Mary Home in Holme Circle is among the 21 suspended by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for allegations of sexual abuse. continue reading »

This post has been updated to include the letter that was sent hom to parents of St. Jerome students yesterday.

Three priests with connections to St. Jerome Parish in Winchester Park and one former teacher have been charged with various counts of rape, indecent exposure and sexual assault.

District Attorney Seth Williams has charged Fathers Edward Avery, 68, Charles Engelhardt, 64, and James Brennan, 47, and former teacher Bernard Shero, 48, with rape and indecent sexual assault. continue reading »

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

Northeast Catholic High School held its final graduation ceremony yesterday. Including the class of 2010, there are 39,746 alumni with 30,728 of them still living. The school opened its doors in 1926.

Keep reading for news on the end of the Army Experience Center, a visit to a local hospital by May Nutter, and more. continue reading »

Parents, get ready for a long weekend with the kids.

The School District of Philadelphia and Archdiocese of Philadelphia have announced that all city schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 12 due to the lasting snow from Wednesday’s blizzard. All administrative and regional offices will open at regular hours.

You can check the School District and Archdiocese Web sites throughout the day tomorrow for updates, or stick with NEast Philly for the latest.

Snow day!

The School District of Philadelphia and Archdiocese of Philadelphia have announced that all city schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, Feb, 9 due to snow.

You can check the School District and Archdiocese Web sites throughout the day tomorrow for updates, or stick with NEast Philly for the latest.