Local Catholic schools to stay closed through April 30

A cross graces an outside brick wall at the Crusader Athletic Complex, located across from Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City. (News Tribune file photo)
A cross graces an outside brick wall at the Crusader Athletic Complex, located across from Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City. (News Tribune file photo)

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All of the Diocese of Jefferson City's Catholic schools will be closed until April 30.

Bishop Shawn McKnight issued a formal decree on March 31 which restricts public gatherings to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

It prohibits all in-person meetings of more than 10 people or that cannot guarantee social distancing of at least six feet, including schools. Remote learning lessons will continue.

"While it pains me personally as a bishop to forbid the public celebration of our sacraments of faith in my diocese for a time, I am also sorrowful over the number of people in our local hospitals and throughout the world who are suffering greatly because of this virus," McKnight said.

If schools are able to open on May 1, students will finish out the school year with the last day being as scheduled. If school does not resume, remote learning will continue until May 15, explained Interim Superintendent Kenya Fuemmeler in a letter stating that the diocesan schools will abide by the decree.