E.Mass. Catholic schools thriving

BOSTON—Many once struggling Catholic schools in eastern Massachusetts are thriving, boosted by consolidation, restructuring and renewed commitment from Catholic business leaders and colleges.

In Gloucester, enrollment at St. Ann has jumped to 180 this year from 120 last year, following promises of support by the archdiocese, Merrimack College, and wealthy business leaders.

Enrollment is also rising at St. Columbkille in Boston's Allston-Brighton neighborhood since church leadership allowed Boston College to help turn around the foundering school.

In Brockton and Dorchester, several smaller parish schools have been consolidated into larger institutions, helping enrollment stabilize.

There have been growing pains, but Mary Grassa O'Neill, superintendent of schools for the Boston Archdiocese, says the promises of help have bolstered confidence.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe