Aftermath of South Beloit’s failed Catholic church/school pledge drive?

The following story appeared in the Rockford Register Star’s September 9, 2011th edition.  I have included several comments from the on-line-version.

 

COMMENTS from on-line article:  http://www.rrstar.com/news/schools/x219208293/St-Peter-Catholic-School-opens-with-half-the-enrollment

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I cant point to one thing or another and say this is why enrollment is down, said Penny Wiegert. Really? Perhaps the priest not allowing the CATHOLIC students to PRAY on the parish grounds was a reason? Just saying.

seniorita

 

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I am one of the families who has left the school and I'd like to comment on one statement in this story that reads: 'During the past year, the school dissolved its parent advisory council, marketing committee, tuition-assistance program, fundraising committees and student prayer groups. A food pantry that had been operating for years out of the parish's bingo hall was closed.' It's true this all happened but a bit misleading. The school itself did not dissolve anything. It was the doing of one man, Father Federspiel--and all without input from any parishioner or parent. There isn't one reason he could give to us parents to explain why he dissolved all committees (I was one of the those committee members who was dismissed, without a reason given), or why he wouldn't allow the school to have a functioning Home & School Association and parent advisory council (like every other school in the diocese), or why he discontinued the tuition assistance (which is unheard of in the Catholic school system). What reason could a priest have for ending a student prayer group? These were tuition paying students, studying to become good Catholic adults, who were praying after school all on their own. The priest decides for whatever reason of his own, without input from the parent running the program, that he's ending it. No reason, no discussion, no communication with school parents. What reason could a priest give for turning away a man who came to get food from the pantry? This priest has single handedly brought St. Peter's school and church to it's knees. The economy played no role in the decision for families to leave, because all but a few are now at other Catholic schools, paying higher tuition than they were paying at St. Peter's! It's a fabulous school with devoted teachers and I pray that it will make a come back. The children deserve it!

Here is a July story from WREX Channel 13 on St. Peter’s and some interesting comments. [http://www.wrex.com/story/15144908/south-beloit-church-offer-parshioners-donations-back]

Click on the photocopy to enlarge.

 

Comments on WREX article

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parishioner
I think many people fell the way I do when I say we felt like we were taken advantage of. We donated money to a fund that we were told was going to build a new school and chapel. We also donated countless hours of time in fundraising. We thought we were very close to our goal when all of a sudden our parish and our school was turned upside down. I hope this was not the plan from the beginning, but it makes me wonder. Fundraise, get rid of pricipal, get rid of pastor, drive away parishoners and school families, bring in new admin with new agendas. Then you can say "because of declining enrollment we were forced to shut down the school". If there is no longer interest in a new school then the money can be used for other things right? I feel the only reason the diocese officially took this project off hold and decided to return the money is because lawyers and media got involved. Its too bad that it had to get to that but I understand why it did. Lack of communiication. Yes, many things do need to change at St. Peter's. But it's my church and we will get through this with lots of forgiveness and prayer.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 11:18:00 AM

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Guest
I can understand how these people feel. I too belong to St. Peter's. However, it was money already given to the church without being expected back. I am very sad to hear the building has stopped completely. There is alot, I agree that needs to change there. However, we go to church for God. He will always make sure we are taken care and we must not forget this.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 10:00:21 AM

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guest
I like the letter that says "there is alot that needs to change at St. Peters" and I hope that the prayers of the faithful will be answered and that God will send us a shepherd to love us and lead us and trust us. We are a family and alot of our members have now gone elsewhere, but the remnant remains and all the memories of the good days will be with us always.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 10:39:44 AM

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