A proposal for the consolidation of several Springfield parish schools will not be implemented as part of the current strategic planning process, Bishop George J. Lucas told parents, faculty and supporters in an Oct. 22 letter.

"Given the strength and clarity of your responses, I believe it is wise to continue to plan for the same configuration of parish schools that we now have," he said in the letter.

School consolidation had been considered as the result of a recommendation by a committee charged with implementing a strategic plan for the seven Springfield parish schools. The committee was comprised of pastors, principals and lay representatives of each of the schools.

At the meeting, Bishop Lucas invited interested persons to respond to the proposal by e-mailing the seven school principals.

In his Oct. 22 letter, Bishop Lucas said, "I have reviewed your responses with our principals and pastors. Several things are very clear. Almost no one sees a reconfiguration of schools as good or necessary at this time. All who responded have a love for their school and an appreciation for its strengths, as well as for the help it offers to families to raise their children to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many spoke strongly of the need to put other aspects of the strategic plan into effect, particularly regarding enrollment and finances, so that schools can demonstrate their vitality for the future."

Bishop Lucas said he realized that discussing possible school reconfigurations was "painful." But he said that the discussion was important and grew out of a "sound planning process" and that he counted on that process to continue.

"It is essential that we now channel the energy that has been evident in recent days into a collaborative effort to plan realistically for the future of Catholic education in Springfield," he said. "The challenges have come into sharper focus, thanks to a very thorough planning process. So many of you have expressed a willingness to participate in strengthening the apostolate of Catholic education going forward. I will be counting on you to do so."

Bishop Lucas said he believed "we have a future full of hope. The Holy Spirit is providing what we need to shape the future of Catholic education, which is ultimately the Lord's work. We are privileged to share it."

Bishop Lucas closed his letter by saying, "I am proud of each of our schools. I pray that we will have the wisdom to use our considerable energy and resources to reflect the presence of Jesus Christ more clearly in this important apostolate of the church."