Trust in God amid troubling times

The Archdiocese announced sad news yesterday -- the closing of Cardinal Dougherty and North Catholic High Schools. I know hearing their worst fear become a reality is hard for all the alumni, faculty, staff, current students and their families.

I know because I went through it myself at the grade school level at St. Callistus School in the Overbrook section of the city. I found out mid-way through my seventh grade year that the school was closing in June. Considering I started there in kindergarten and my mom and three siblings were grads, it was tough. Couldn't they keep the school open for one more year? My classmates and I were devastated.

So, we protested and rallied and prayed. But come June, the school still closed. This caused our class, the majority of us together since kindergarten, to break up and go our separate ways, along with the almost 200 other students.

Some friends made the move to the suburbs and the rest went to other neighborhood Catholic Schools. Most kids went to St. Donato. Not me though. I decided to go to St. Laurence in Upper Darby because I couldn't bring myself to attend a school that was our "rival!" Talk about stubborn.

Regardless of where we all ended up, it was a difficult transition to say the least. But after a couple months, we realized that what we learned and experienced at St. Callistus was a part of us -- and no person or school would ever take that away.

I'm sure the students at Dougherty and North are still coping with the heartbreaking news. But after some time, I'm sure they, too, will realize that regardless of where they go next year, North and Dougherty will always be a part of them that no one can take away.

Some may remain angry or sad or bitter for a long time. And this is where God comes in. He has a plan for all of us; we just have to trust Him.

Psalm 4:
"Answer when I call, my saving God.
in my troubles you cleared a way;
show me favor; hear my prayer...
Know that the Lord works wonders for the faithful;
the Lord hears when I call out.
Tremble and do not sin;
upon your beds ponder in silence.
Offer fitting sacrifice
and trust in the Lord."