Bible laid on wooden floor, burning candles in the background

Close up of an old Bible laid on wooden floor, burning candles next to it

 Photo from Storyblocks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - St. Patrick Catholic School in Springfield announced Wednesday that it will close after over 100 years. 

According to the school, it cited "long-term" financial challenges as the reason for the closure. 

The building will close at the end of this school year. It stated that families of the 52 students will continue to receive support and transition assistance.

There will also be a St. Patrick Scholarship Program, funded through remaining school assets, donors, fundraising efforts and permanent endowment fund earnings, to help families looking for a Catholic education in the Springfield area. 

"This decision was made with heavy hearts. St. Pat’s has been more than a school — it has been a family. We are profoundly grateful for the students, families, teachers and benefactors who have lived and supported our mission for so many years," said School Board President Erik Woehrmann in a statement.

St. Patrick Catholic School was founded in 1910. 

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