New names for merged Catholic schools announced, while Vatican considers appeal

The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh said Guardian Angel Academy will be the name of the school formed from merging Saint Margaret of Scotland, located in Green Tree, with Saint Philip school in Crafton. The naming, announced Wednesday, comes amid a formal appeal to the Vatican to stop the merger.

The Committee to Save St. Philip School has been working to reverse the diocesan decision, which opposes closing the St. Philip building and moving to Saint Margaret. In April, the committee appealed the decision to the Vatican, which was expected to announce within 90 days whether it will hear the case. The appeal remains open, a diocesan spokesman said Wednesday.

The group contends the decision to close the school was made without enough input from St. Philip’s parishioners.

Bishop David A. Zubik also announced the name of another school created from a merger. Mother of Mercy Academy will be formed by joining Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin in Whitehall with Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in Pleasant Hills.

Zubik chose the new names based upon suggestions from students in grades 5 through 8 at the schools. A parental committee submitted recommendations to Zubik, who then selected the names.

“I wish to express my deep appreciation for our students, parents, principals, and all involved for their efforts to assure the success of Mother of Mercy Academy, Guardian Angel Academy, and the future of Catholic education in the South Hills,” Bishop Zubik said.

Neither Zubik nor the diocese mentioned the pending appeal to keep St. Philip open.