Catholic schools have faced tough times for years, but the pace of closures is accelerating dramatically amid economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, sparking heartbreak and anger in scores of affected communities.

“It’s not a pretty picture right now,” said Sister Dale McDonald, public policy director of the National Catholic Educational Association, which says about 100 schools have announced in recent weeks that they won’t reopen this fall. McDonald fears that number could more than double in the coming months.

Most of the closures are occurring at the elementary level, but also on the list are a number of venerable and beloved high schools including some that produced some famous alumni.

Pittsburgh diocese

One regional casualty is Quigley Catholic High School, which has served the Pittsburgh suburbs of Beaver County since opening in Baden in 1967 with an enrollment of 440. It distinguished itself with a public speaking curriculum that led to seven state titles at an annual mock trial competition.

But the Diocese of Pittsburgh had projected an enrollment of just 93 students for the next school year, meaning it was time to shut the doors for good.

On Quigley’s website, members of the school community were asked to share their memories “before Quigley Catholic fades into the sunset.”

More than 80 alumni and parents responded, recalling athletic triumphs and favorite teachers. One alumnus told of drinking his first beer in the parking lot.

Quigley’s guidance counselor, Sister Bridget Reilly, and her assistant, Marge Berckmiller, were at their office this week working to send the transcripts of students to other high schools they hope to attend in the fall.

Each worked at Quigley for about 35 years, and they made no effort to hide their sadness.

“It’s going to leave an empty spot in all of our hearts,” said Berckmiller, who met her husband when they both attended Quigley.

Reilly recalled learning about the closure in a Zoom meeting with school officials.

“We turned our videos off,” she said. “I’m so happy I did, because I just broke down.”

On Friday, the Pittsburgh diocese announced the closures of two elementary schools and a merger involving two others in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial strain its created.

“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,” said Bishop David Zubik. “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.”

The diocese announced the closure of Saint Patrick School in Canonsburg and Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School in Natrona Heights. Both elementary schools will close at the end of this month.

Additionally, the diocese will merge Saint Joseph Elementary School in Verona and Saint John the Baptist School in Plum Borough.

“I know this news deeply impacts the hearts of our principals, teachers, school families, and other supporters of Catholic education,” said Zubik. “Schools are not just buildings. They represent communities that provide important faith formation for our children.

Schools across the country — public, parochial, and private — have seen a substantial loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19.

This year’s closures will reduce the number of Catholic K-12 schools in the United States to about 6,000, down from more than 11,000 in 1970, according to the Catholic education association. Overall enrollment has plummeted from more than 5 million in the 1960s to about 1.7 million now.

“The loss of Catholic schools is a loss to America,” said Mary Pat Donoghue, executive director of the Catholic Education office of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.