Instead of the 157 students that All Saints officials projected for the fall, only 71 had registered as of May 19. The total included four first graders and two pupils each for third and seventh grades.
"Immediate measures are needed to preserve the educational integrity of the school and manage the inherent financial challenges of the parish," archdiocesan officials said in a statement distributed to parishioners over the weekend.
St. John Cantius has registered all 145 students it projected for the fall.
Under the one-year plan approved by the cardinal, All Saints students will attend classes at nearby St. John Cantius for the next school year.
Although students from the two schools will attend class together, they will retain their affiliation with their individual schools. Eighth graders will receive diplomas from their individual schools next June.
Church officials said the two home-and-school associations would work to ease the transition and coordinate social events and sports.
All students who had registered as of yesterday were assured space at St. John Cantius.
Despite the one-year consolidation, councils in both parishes will continue their school feasibility studies. They are expected to submit their recommendations to Rigali by the end of December.
Contact staff writer Martha Woodall at 215-854-2789 or at martha.woodall@phillynews.com.
