Most Rev. Thomas Rodi, archbishop of Mobile, Ala., appeared on WALA-TV (Mobile) on Sept. 2 to discuss a report on the Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Mobile. The report was drafted by John Convey , St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Professor of Education and Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies fellow, and Leonard DeFiore , Brother Patrick Ellis Professor of Education and research assistant professor. The two professors were mentioned in the interview with Archbishop Rodi. Click on the link below to view video of the interview.
From: WALA-TV Date: Sept. 2, 2010MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - "Some of the most impressive growth in the study area can be expected in Baldwin County..."
While that sounds like it could have been written today, the quote comes from a 1979 study called "Prepare the Way", conducted by the Mobile District Board of Catholic Education. It was commissioned to "prepare for the future of the church in the ministry of education".
Those collecting data for that 31 year old study said there was a demand then for a Catholic high school to serve Baldwin County. Now, the Mobile Archdiocese is considering the issue again, following a newly commissioned study.
Mobile Archbishop Thomas Rodi told Fox 10 News anchor Bob Grip that a minimum of $30 million would have to be raised for a new high school to be established. He said there is no timeline in place for the project.
Archbishop Rodi does not believe a Catholic high school in Baldwin County would have a significant negative impact on McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile.
Watch Bob's entire interview by clicking on the box to the left of this story.