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Perhaps a more significant indicator of success of then-Bishop Wuerl’s commitment to Catholic schools, though, is the market penetration of Catholic education within the Diocese. Of a school-age population of approximately 65,000, over 32,000 students attend Catholic schools – a market penetration of close to 50%! Further, of the 104 elementary schools in the Diocese, only nine of the elementary schools are consolidated, while the other ninety-five are attached to parishes. This assures not only financial assistance, but the care and spiritual nourishment of the schools by both the pastoral staff and parishioners. While Catholic schools may be closing at an alarming rate around the country, the Diocese of Pittsburgh is a wonderful reminder that reviving Catholic education begins with strong leadership.

A. Joseph Indelicato is President of Caritas Consulting, LLC and the Catholic Education Foundation, respectively, both of which are located in Rochester, New York.