Group still trying to secure meeting with Bishop Zubik to argue closure of St. Philip School

A group fighting to keep St. Philip Catholic School in Crafton open is in a standoff with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, as neither party can agree on the conditions of a meeting between attorneys and Bishop David Zubik.

The Committee to Save St. Philip School in February appealed the bishop’s decision to close St. Philip school as part of a merger with St. Margaret Scotland School in Green Tree to the diocese. The group, through its procurator Colin Wrabley, then demanded a meeting between Zubik, diocesan attorneys and its attorneys.

On Friday, the Committee to Save St. Philip School received an email from Fr. Thomas Kunz, diocesan general secretary and vicar for canonical services, requesting a “pastoral meeting” this past Monday, according to a news release issued by the committee.

Wrabley said the meeting never happened because it was not what the group asked for.

He said the diocese’s request came with stipulations such as limiting those involved in the meeting to five people, but there was no indication as to who would come with Zubik.

“There was also no agenda,” Wrabley said. “And it specifically said there were to be no canon lawyers present. That runs contrary to what we requested twice over a week ago.”

Wrabley said it is standard operating procedure to ask for lawyers to be present in matters involving canon (church) law. The procurator said the committee sent a letter back to the diocese reiterating its desire for a meeting between the bishop and attorneys.

Meanwhile, the 30-day clock to respond to the group’s formal appeal, which was filed on Feb. 22, is about to run out for Zubik. Wrabley said the committee is “well into the process of preparing” an immediate appeal to the Vatican should Zubik not reverse his decision to close the school within the 30-day window.

Wrabley said the diocese now has until Thursday to respond to the group’s latest request for a meeting with the bishop.

“We’re hopeful they’ll respond,” he said.

A spokesman for the diocese declined to comment.