After seven years of discussions, possible plans, negotiations, and arranging partnerships in financing a purchase by the Monmouth County Park System, Borough Council learned in a letter from Bishop David M. O’Connell, CM. JCD. DD, that the former Mother Teresa School is not for sale at any price.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner at the end of tonight’s council meeting, read a letter from Bishop O’Connell indicating that the Rev. Jarlath Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish, has the final say and has made it clear he does not want to sell the property.
Council members were surprised and disappointed by the news they learned earlier this week, when it was made clear the school will not be sold.
In his letter, Bishop O’Connell said he has accepted Father Jarlath’s decision and now the matter is ’settled.”
Hohenleitner said she was disappointed in the pastor’s decision and praised the County Parks System for their help in negotiations and their assurance of a substantial portion of the funds to pay for the purchase. Council members said after the meeting they were surprised and disappointed as well and lamented the fact they have not been able to keep the public aware of discussions since the matter throughout negotiations had to be kept private.
The Mayor and some council members indicated they know of no plans the parish has specifically for the property, which includes the school, St. Agnes Thrift Shop and the Charles Hesse gym.
The gym is frequently rented out for other purposes, including municipal meetings and elections, as well as blood drives and basketball games.
The Thrift Shop, which is the historic Mantell building is an active thrift shop several days a month, raising funds for the parish and assisting underprivileged families or families in need.
The school classrooms are used for CCD classes, activities involving CCD students, and the Knights of Columbus among other things.
Two persons spoke at the council meeting, with one saying it seems unusual for the Bishop to leave a decision of this magnitude up to the local pastor, so possibly the pastor has plans for the future which have not yet been announced. Since the pastor is a native of the area, the spokesman also indicated he possibly has more insight into local residents’ feelings for the building or its sale than does the Bishop. She also indicated the participation in church activities is growing, and selling a building at the time of planned growth does not seem to meld.
Mark Fisher also expressed disappointment at the end of the purchase possibility by the borough and wondered about possible future use or planning for the building, citing its deteriorating condition and the lack of proper maintenance over the years since the Pre-k through 8th grade school has been closed.
Currently, only Holy Cross in Rumson, St James in Red Bank and St. Mary’s in New Monmouth have K-8 parochial schools.
