The following memorandum was sent to all priests and school principals of the Diocese of Camden earlier today by Fr. Robert Hughes, vicar general of the diocese, on behalf of Bishop Dennis Sullivan:
On Saturday, March 14, 2020, Bishop Dennis Sullivan issued a statement temporarily closing all Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Camden effective Monday, March 16, 2020. In his statement the Bishop noted that the schools likely would be closed for a minimum of two weeks.
Given Governor Murphy’s executive order closing schools in the State of New Jersey for the remainder of the academic year, Bishop Sullivan extends the closure of all Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Camden through June.
Catholic high school and eighth grade Graduations will take place on the dates already scheduled, but will likely take the form of a “virtual graduation”. Further directions on graduations and other year-end activities will be provided to principals by Dr. Bill Watson, Superintendent of Schools, and the Office of Catholic Schools.
Students and families are encouraged to follow the directives from the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services as we continue to work together for the common good, to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and prevent further infection.
Bishop Sullivan is well aware that closure of our schools for the rest of the academic year places an enormous burden on parents and will be challenging for families. At the same time, he is impressed by the creativity of all involved in bringing the classroom into the living rooms of our children across the Diocese.
Please continue your prayers for the health of our students, their families, our dedicated teachers, administrators and staff members, and for all people as together we face the deepening effects of this worldwide pandemic.