Our Lady of Fatima                913 Napoleon Rd., Michigan Center, MI 49254Roman Catholic Church – Diocese of Lansing              Office 517.764.2088      Fax 517.764.0461

Dear Parishioners and Parents of OLF Students,

As you know, Our Lady of Fatima School has been facing difficulties on several fronts over the last number of years.  We have experienced financial hardship, declining enrollment, outdated technology, and inadequate textbooks to name just a few. Even though many of these problems have been solved, we continue to experience financial and enrollment difficulties. As I write this letter, there are only 50 students enrolled for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Last year, our school was slated to close.  Largely because of the initiative and effort of supporters of our school, we were able to keep the school open.  At that time, a plan was put in place that required our school to meet certain benchmarks, including raising $150,000 to offset operating expenses and increase enrollment to 85 students.  All our hard work only realized $92,000 and 70 students.  The financial challenges at the parish are greater now than they were at that time, and we are no longer able to afford to keep our school open.  

For these reasons, I am forced with a heavy heart to announce that Our Lady of Fatima School will close this June, at the end of the current academic year.  This, our 50th year, will also be our last.  I have made this decision in consultation with Bishop Boyea, and Fr. Steve Mattson, Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

We do not yet know what impact this will have on our preschool program.  The continued success of that program depends on future enrollment, and ongoing financial viability. 

This is a sad loss for our parish.  Many are going to be hurt by this, especially the children of our parish school as well as the committed faculty and staff that have worked so hard to provide a quality Catholic education to our students.  Though this is my first year at the parish, I feel this loss very keenly myself.  I sincerely thank our parents and parishioners who have made so many sacrifices over the years so that children could have a Catholic education.  I also express my debt of gratitude to our principal, Ms. Colleen McNeal, whose leadership and effort helped make ours an excellent Catholic school.  

Though our school will be closed, our commitment to Catholic education will continue. It is our hope at Our Lady of Fatima Parish to continue to help parents who desire to give their children the blessing of a Catholic Education. 

As a parish, and like a family in crisis, we will need to help each other through this. There will be many tears, sadness, and a tremendous sense of loss.  Let us commit to pray for each other and comfort each other as we go through this time of transition together.

With Faith, Hope, and Love,

Fr. Robideau, Pastor