Local Catholic schools will remain closed until April 24

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Local Catholic schools will continue to be closed until at least late April.

In a letter to pastors, deacons and principals Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Gene Aug, interim superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, a decision was made to keep all Catholic schools closed until April 24. The letter said the diocese will determine, on that date, whether or not there is any need to suspend the educational programs longer.

“Bishop (Edward) Rice wanted me to express his profound gratitude for the diligence of our teachers in having daily contact with the students and parents,” Aug said in the letter. “He has been amazed by the creativity and sharing of best practices. While we could not foresee this development at the beginning of the school year, all of you are rising to the challenge and continuing to meet the spiritual and academic needs of our students.”

The decision impacts local schools, St. Francis Xavier (Sikeston), St. Henry (Charleston), Immaculate Conception (New Madrid), St. Eustachius (Portageville), St. Denis (Benton), Guardian Angel (Oran), St. Ambrose (Chaffee), St. Augustine (Kelso) and Notre Dame Regional High School (Cape Girardeau).