Responding to an urgent need to address increased financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Pittsburgh announced on Friday the closures of two elementary schools and a merger involving two elementary schools. “I know this news deeply impacts the hearts of our principals, teachers, school families, and other supporters of Catholic education. It impacts mine as well,” Bishop David Zubik said. “Schools are not just buildings. They represent communities that provide important faith formation for our children. I pray that we will be able to come together in the midst of these changes to be grateful for what we have, and to continue to be good stewards of what we are able to utilize to provide Catholic education to our communities.” Schools across the country — public, parochial, and private — have seen a substantial loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19. “Sadly, with funding sources critically reduced due to the impact of the global pandemic, we do not have the ability to financially sustain every one of our school buildings,” Bishop Zubik said. “However, our spiritual and financial commitment to Catholic education remains strong. These decisions were made with exactly that mission in mind – to preserve and protect Catholic education in our diocese.” Regional boards and pastors worked with a diocesan committee to assess their current financial situations and enrollment projections. Recommendations were presented to Bishop Zubik, who approved the closing of Saint Patrick School in Canonsburg and Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School in Natrona Heights. Both closings will be effective June 30, 2020. In addition, a merger was approved between Saint Joseph Elementary School in Verona and Saint John the Baptist School in Plum Borough effective July 1, 2020.