History
Father Holland Catholic School has a rich history with St. Joseph’s Church. The first instance of a desire to have a Catholic school in Pascoag, dates back to 1918 when the pastor of that time, Fr. John Dunn, expressed an interest in building a parochial school. He even acquired the help of the Sisters of Divine Providence for their assistance. However, a devastating fire destroyed the church in 1919, and plans for the school were abandoned.
Although succeeding pastors had thought of reviving the idea for a parish school, it wasn’t until Fr. Daniel C. Holland became pastor that plans for a school finally became a reality. With the support and cooperation of the parishioners, $130,000 was raised, and St. Joseph School opened in September 1962 with great fanfare. Needless to say, Fr. Holland was overcome with tremendous pride. However, things were about to change.
The year St. Joseph School opened so did the Second Vatican Council in Rome. By the time of the council’s closing three years later, a great time of change would affect the whole world including St. Joseph School. Religious sisters, like the Sisters of Mercy who staffed the school, started to rethink their roles in the Church community. A great many abandoned their vows while others, who taught in Catholic schools most of their lives, decided to pursue other avenues of ministry. In many religious communities, the original form of dress gradually disappeared. This “exodus” of religious sisters began to affect Catholic schools everywhere, St. Joseph School being no exception.
With less and less sisters in the classrooms, the introduction of some lay faculty was needed. As early as 1967, lay faculty members were introduced at St. Joseph School. After several years of free tuition, a small “donation” began in order to compensate for this addition to the faculty and the rising cost for the sisters. Of course, over the years this “donation” would become tuition. It would gradually increase, resulting in less students at St. Joseph School, a school that would no longer be run exclusively by religious sisters.
In 1977, the pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Fr. William Gallagher (Fr. Holland had retired in 1973, remaining in residence at the rectory), decided that the school was becoming too much of a financial burden for the parish. Therefore, with the cooperation of the neighboring pastors, a new regional school was established in 1978. It was named Northwest Catholic Regional. Although it was originally proposed to be named Fr. Holland Catholic School, as a tribute to Fr. Holland, it never got off the ground.
Northwest Catholic Regional succeeded until 1993. However, financial and administrative problems began to plague the school resulting with its imminent closure at the end of the 1992-1993 school year. Then, Bishop Louis Gelineau stepped in, strongly requesting that the school, the only one in this area of the state, should stay open. Happily, Northwest Catholic Regional School was joined to the Greater Woonsocket Catholic Regional School System. Although not exactly next door to that city, the school would become solvent in just three years, making it very prosperous. And best of all, although it had been proposed before, the school would finally be named Father Holland Catholic Elementary School honoring the priest whose vision brought it all about.
Fr. Holland Catholic School continued to flourish for several years with enrollment numbers topping 240 students (within 10 students of maximum enrollment). Initial accreditation was awarded by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in 1997. Seventh and eighth grades were added in 2000-2001. An extra-curricular program was instituted for grades kindergarten through eight with the school’s soccer team winning two league championships. Things were looking good.
However by 2007, the economic climate of our state and country threatened the existence of many Diocesan Catholic Elementary Schools, including Fr. Holland Catholic School. Enrollment numbers again began to drop as many families faced difficult financial decisions. Because of this declining enrollment, the Greater Woonsocket Catholic Regional School System could no longer afford the luxury of four schools. Fr. Holland, being the farthest away, was the logical choice to close.
The Catholic Regional School System announced in January 2008 that Father Holland would close in June. But due to a very supportive pastor and many others, the Diocese of Providence agreed to allow Fr. Holland Catholic School to remain open as a parish school of St. Joseph Parish. Fr. Clifford J. Cabral reclaimed the school on July 1st. (I’m sure that Fr. Holland’s Irish eyes are smiling.)
To take on such a venture, especially during poor economic times, requires faith and the belief that God will provide. The New Father Holland Catholic School, once again a parish school of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church and under the patronage of Father Holland, will continue to bring a solid Catholic education to anyone who wishes to receive it.
Written by Fr. Clifford J. Cabral with the assistance of Shawn Capron
