Holy Cross families find new homes for their children in nearby Catholic schools

By John Shaughnessy

As Holy Cross Central School in Indianapolis closed on May 26, most of its families have already enrolled their children into nearby Catholic schools for the 2023-24 academic year, according to archdiocesan school leaders. (Related story: ‘Go with all your heart’ theme captures last school Mass and graduation at Holy Cross)

That transition includes families choosing St. Andrew the Apostle School in Indianapolis. (Those interested in registering their children at the school can call 317-832-4980.)

Holy Cross families have also enrolled their children into Central Catholic School, Our Lady of Lourdes School, St. Philip Neri School and St. Therese of the Infant Jesus (Little Flower) School, according to archdiocesan school leaders.

“We are very appreciative of the surrounding Catholic schools who have made room in their schools, and enrolled in other services or supports, to help support our Holy Cross students and families’ transition,” said Ronda Swartz, executive director of the archdiocese’s Mother Theodore Catholic Academies, which will include St. Andrew, Central Catholic, Holy Angels and St. Philip Neri schools for the 2023-24 school year.

Swartz also noted that many of the staff members at Holy Cross Central School “will go on to other Catholic schools to teach or work.” 

An all-school Mass with Archbishop Charles C. Thompson on May 22 and the eighth-grade graduation ceremony on May 24 were among the last chapters of the storied history of Holy Cross Central School and the former Holy Cross Parish, which was merged into nearby St. Philip Neri Parish in 2014.

According to a letter sent to Holy Cross families in January, the closing of Holy Cross Central School was a difficult decision made by Father Jeffrey Dufresne, the pastor of St. Philip Neri. The decision was connected to the physical deterioration of Holy Cross Church.

In part, the letter to the Holy Cross families stated, “When Holy Cross Parish was merged into St. Philip Neri Parish in 2014, all Holy Cross assets and liabilities became the assets and liabilities of St. Philip Neri. At that time, St. Philip Neri began to work with community partners to address the future of the Holy Cross Church building; however, a satisfactory solution did not emerge.

“Therefore, after several years of prayer and consultation, Father Jeffrey Dufresne, the pastor of St. Philip Neri, determined that it was in the best interest of the parish to seek a new owner for the entire Holy Cross Campus. The sale of the property will strengthen the financial position of St. Philip Neri to continue preaching the Gospel and serving the people of the Near Eastside.”

Since January, Holy Cross Central staff and archdiocesan school leaders have strived to help families transition their children to another Catholic school in Indianapolis for the 2023-24 school year.

“Change is not easy, but it is one thing we can be sure of,” Swartz said.

“I was reminded as I attended the final Mass at Holy Cross Central School that change in our lives is inevitable. Archbishop Thompson did a wonderful job recognizing that change is hard and uncomfortable. He did an even better job as our leader of reminding us that Jesus is always with us, in the good times and the bad times.” †