Mr. Patrick J. Feeney
(address withheld)

Dear Mr. Feeney:

Your letter of April 1, 2004, addressed to His Excellency, our Most Reverend Bishop, has been received and referred to me for response.

Bishop Martino, together with those who assist him in school matters, is willing to meet with you and the others who signed the April 1 letter. Because of the particularly intense schedule and commitments at this time of year, his earliest available day for such a meeting is Wednesday, April 14, 2004. He suggests a 10:00 o'clock morning meeting at the Chancery Office of the Diocese. Your request for an evening meeting would delay the date for at least several more weeks because of confirmations scheduled throughout the Diocese.

There are, however, a number of matters which concern the Bishop as he responds positively to your request.

First, he understands from your letter that you are proposing a meeting with the purpose of changing the decision which has been made regarding the reorganization of Catholic school education in Region 7.
He wants it known very clearly and explicitly that this decision is not reversible.
Any effort proposed to advance the plan wiich will ease its accomplishment by all concerned will, of course, be listened to and very seriously considered.

Secondly, at the Bishop's direction I am providing you with an exact copy of all of the information which was presented to the eighteen pastors from Region 7 when they met with Bishop Martino on March 25, 2004. He suggests that a careful examination of this material be made by the signers of the April 1 letter which he received from you. Questions which may arise as a result of your study of this information may be directed to Mr. James M. Quinn, Director of the Finance Office, or Dr. Ruth A. Connolly, Superintendent of Schools.

Thirdly, since planning for the registration of children in fulfillment of this reorganization is already underway, the Bishop asks your support and cooperation with any measures thus far taken to provide for the 2004-2005 school year enrollment.

If you will advise me of your availability for the meeting on April 14, I will be most grateful. You may do so my calling me at the Chancery (207-2216) on Monday, April 12.

With kind personal regards and every good wish, I am,

Very truly yours,

(Signature appeared here)
James B. Earley
Chancellor