...and I suppose the millions of dollars that the State of Maryland gives away to the Archdioces for schools didn't help either...

Won't it make it difficult for them to continue requesting additional tax dollars from MD when they are closing schools down ?

As a tuition paying parent, the schools don't get "millions" of dollars. Our school has applied for book grants and has to do so every year. We have to show we subsidize families who can not afford tuition.

We also pay taxes that go to public schools. We don't get a tax break for paying for a private education

The $160,000 debt portion from unpaid tuition is the key. This reminds us painfully of the Congress (through the Community Reinvestment Act) insisting that banks loan money to those who cannot pay it back. Remember what happened then? Without scholarship aid as an asset, school administrators enrolled the equivalent of "bad loans". Shameful.

Please understand that the families and alumni dedicated to Towson Catholic tried very hard to raise funds. Every effort attempted was dismissed and stopped by the leadership of the ICS Parrish. This sad situation did not happen over night. Mgsr. Tinder has been strategically planning for this since the day he arrived on campus. I agree that the members of the ICS parish should be ashamed to have let the tradition of this high school die. I would like to thank the many people who have dedicated their lives to teaching the children that attended TC. You have made a difference. Good luck to you in finding a new job. Any school to hire you will be blessed with an excellent teacher and a good person.

As a graduate of TC, I feel that this was poorly handled. The finances of the school and the closing. I attended the rally this morning, July 8th, and the prevailing though was that if given the notice, we could have saved the school. Because of this confidence, the question is, why were the alumni and parents not informed? Why no chance to save the school? The shared concern is there was an agenda for our high school not to survive. Before a bank forecloses on a home, they do ask you for the money first. TC did not ask me for any money, and they just took my high school.

Somebody should get a hold of Carmelo Anthony and ask for a donation. This is a sad day They could have a least let the Incoming Juniors and Seniors finished their time there. What are we supposed to do now?

..everyone says this is just a building, another sign of the economy. but for the alumni & current students, its our alma mater. some place where our hearts will always belong. its a sad day for all of us . May God always keep the students, teachers, and alumni in his heart. Towson Catholic has turned out some of the best people I know, Mr Lynch would be so proud! as a group we are saddened, but go fourth in everyday life with the morals & vales we were taught as TC students!!!!!!

The parish, well at least Msgr. Tinder, do not care about the school. If the school was in dire straights why was there not a call to alumni, students, parents, and staff. Everyone understands the economic situation and the fact that there are school closings but at least give us the chance to help. The alumni have been trying to raise money (because yes it is a fact that all Catholic schools are in need of funding) but the Parish didn't listen. The Parish would not even talk to the alumni about their deas. Tinder never showed his face around campus - parents and students have said this multiple times. He doesn't care about the school. Why were the teachers, staff, students, and alumni not warned that something needed to be done to save the school - that they were in dire straights? Tinder did this behind all our backs. He didn't even give us the chance to help. I would love to see the documents he sent to the Archdiocese to convince them to close the school.

This has been a real eye opener for the kids about how the big guy at the top gets to make all the rules. I hope what the kids get from this is to stand up be heard and don't let them push you around as they are going to be the new leaders of this great country someday.

I hope that the ones you didn't bother to pay last years tuition are happy that now they don't have to worry about it. How can you teach values to your kids when you don't have any.

There good have been a better way for this to happen. The sr and jrs are the ones who will suffer. They could have let them finish their 2 years and not but them out like this.

Was the parish even aware of this or was this kept hush hush so no one good help if they wanted to. The Catholic Church is one of the riches places in the world could not help this school from closing. This is a sad day for all

I am sorry but this is ridiculous. The Roman Catholic Church is the most richest and powerful organizations in the world. TC should have at least let the Juniors and Seniors finish out what they started and maybe the school could have turned it around. There are business I am sure that would have donated money to the school. The parents and students from TC spent alot of money in the local businesses. I hope Msgr. Tinder can sleep well at night knowing he ruined the lives of 160 families

I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!!!!

I called the Baltimore Archdiocese and basically it does fall square on the shoulders of Tinder.

I COMPLETELY understand the economic conditions but the way it was all handled? For God's sake Circuit City gave 8 months notice before they finally went out of business and shut their doors - OBTW my Daughter is not a piece of electronic equipment. Maybe we should have named her SONY, she may have been treated better!

I also called and said "OK, so what's the plan considering there are only 51 days to the start of school?" I was told, "They were putting together a plan and it should be ready in the next few days." Wouldn't you have formulated a plan BEFORE you shut the doors and not after? Where in the world did the business sense come from - Eating Cheetos and watching re-runs of the "Apprentice"?

OK, Monsignor Tinder is a Priest not a Businessman so let's give him the benefit of the doubt.

It will be interesting to see what eventually becomes of that valuable, now unoccupied space - Priest? Businessman? :-) Time will certainly tell, won't it.

As a former visiting teacher for TC, I can tell you right not that Mgsr Tinder had an axe he was grinding called "close Towson Catholic." The faculty would walk around on pins and needles around the man, for reasons I do not fully understand (even still). Principle Banks was delightful, as were the rest of the faculty and staff. That man's presence was never anything more than a negative for that school. I was only a temporary presence (as I had come to help where I was needed), but in such a short time, that was plainly clear to me.

Tinder's dour personality and embarrassing incivility were the most prominent memories I have of that campus.

The children were wonderful; I cherish my time that I got to improve their lives through education and exposure to the arts. They will always be in my heart, as the joy they brought to my classroom abides with me to this day.

To all of you I taught, all of my love, support, and many well wishes. Sing from your diaphragm, or I'll get the encyclopedias! --
Mr. V

Saying the Catholic Church is one of the richest organizations in the world is nothing short of ignorant sensationalism. Yes, the Church owns priceless works of art and expensivechurches located on wealthy real estate, but that's not exactly liquid capital. Secondly, the Catholic Church is not as interconnected as you might want to think. Towson Catholic can't make a withdrawal from St. Peter's in Rome. Anyone who thinks that sort of thing is possible hasn't really taken the time to think.

Who knows... maybe there still is a chance for TC, maybe Carmelo or someone else can step in to save it, but to blame non-liquid assets held by strangers is kind of silly.

Well Tinder was a joke to Towson Catholic. He has always been sneaky and never favored Towson Catholic. He should be kicked out of the parish. He is a fraud and no one likes him. Yes the economy might be bad but for it to be kept in the dark this long and then last minute all these students and families have to suffer is a outrage. I am a 2004 graduate and on behalf of alot of the grads over the years alot have not favored Tinder and his actions. I think we should all do something about him. What is to say he wont go behind Immaculate Conception and shut them down.

Sadly, most of the these comments are ill-informed about finance, managing debt, and cash-flow for private non-profit schools. Any private institution where 1/3rd of the students are in arrears for their tuition could simply not go on existing. I know, I work for a private college, and meeting admissions numbers and students to pay their bills is a constant struggle. This is even after scholarships and tuition-discounting has kicked in for students who are not paying nearly half the full cost of tuition. Likely, Father Tinder saw the writing on the walls for months and years. Alumni and even employees often tend to be very naive about these matters thinking "just one more fund-raisng campaign" will save the institution, blah blah. Idealistic but ultimately unrealistic. Try it when the unemployment rate is 10% and people's investments have lost 30-40% of their value.

OK, want a solution? It will never happen in a democrat/liberal-dominated state such as Maryland, but tuition vouchers. Let people have "choice" in education just as the Democrats insist on "choice " in every other matter.

Perhaps you are correct John, as I have served as the Director of the Board of various NPO's in the past, as well as my current capacity on the Board of Directors of a State Chamber of Commerce.

What you dismiss casually, however, is the inability of Mgsr Tinder to act in an appropriate way befitting his age, his accreditation, his professionalism, and his standing as a representative of the larger Roman Catholic Church.

Fundraising may, in fact, be unrealistic, but the simple fact remains that appropriate notice and public relations must be a consideration. Better that people are given the opportunity to try and fail than to be sucker-punched with no recourse and no opportunity for redress of their grievances.

You blithely demean commentary that may be hopeful, however unlikely, given the current economic downturn. That sort of arrogance is counterproductive, and well suits a defender of a man in the mold of Mgsr Tinder.

Before you go bashing 'choice' politically, perhaps you should look to Republicans who so kindly handed us this catastrophe that Democrats are now attempting to clean up. It was not on a Democrat's watch that a war was waged purely through deficit spending. If the past two elections are any indication, that sort of Conservative double-talk and whining have become completely insufferable. You're either pro-fiscal responsibility or you aren't. The fact that Democrats have had to attempt to right a market that has been left to its own greed and ruin through government intervention and spending is not, actually, their fault, especially considering the modern party's Economic leader is the free market charlatan Rubin. Considering the Holy Father just released an encyclical slamming this very approach to economics, I find your slant to be positively rich.

If you want money for vouchers, perhaps you should look to the party that bankrupted the possibility for such additional luxury spending to be possible. Choice, indeed...

The administration should have been more forthright with the parents and alumni. Surely, some of the $160,000 in unpaid tuition could have been collected! Were there rumors though - what caused so many to withdraw in the past few weeks?

I have no direct knowledge of the situation, but many seem to feel that Msgr. Tinder was not interested in keeping TC open. This is probably likely because not many parishoners were enrolled in the school. Why wasn't an option pursued to establish a non-profit group to buy the school from the parish?

Mount de Sales in Catonsville was faced with a similar situation years ago, with declining enrollment and a seemingly abrupt decision by the owners - an aged order of nuns - to close the school.

Interested people were able to rally the alumni and parents together and raised the money to buy the school. Mount de Sales now operates as an independent school and is run by a board.

In my opinion, all too often major parish decisions are made by a pastor whose personal preferences are allowed to steer decisions that are not in the best interest of all in the long run. It is sad that the archdiocese allows 1 person to wield that much power. But the archdiocese is not run as a business and I don't see that changing.

The point in all this is that they didnt find out yesterday there was a problem. Why wasnt something said back in January or Febuary. Comments were made to certain parents that TC is doing great and there is no problems. Of course Tc cant make a withdraw. But there is money out there and if people were informed early enough something could have been done and 160 families wouldnt be going through all this

Congratulations Msgr Tinder. After many years of planning, you have finally succeeded in shutting down Towson Catholic High School. Now the public will finally be able to see the real man that you are.

I think it is a bigger crime that the Baltimore Archdiocese is going to settle on a $320,000.00 house on Friday 7/10/09 for one to two preist to live in. It has 4 bedrooms 3 baths with a HOT TUB! Couldn't they share a nice town home for half the price in the same area and give the remaining money to Towson Catholic?? At least to let the students a little more time to make the transition.

One athlete-alumnus is the best asset this school has? The parent company does not have the money to keep TC going, so that's that. Isn't it preferable for local government, with local voters and taxpayers, to operate schools?

"Ill informed about finance, managing debt and cash flow"

Tinder is running a Catholic High School he's not supposed to behave like "Neutron Jack" dropping the bomb 51 days before the start of the school year. If there were financial problems disclose them - set the proper expectations in advance. As a parent and paying consumer we had absolutely NO idea this school was in trouble.

"Likely, Father Tinder saw the writing on the walls for months and years"

You really think? Months? Years? Why wasn't this disclosed to me by the honest Priest when I enrolled my child in this school? Not even a peep.

While I appreciate Sarah M’s voice of reason, I believe this is an emotional time for the TC community. As the wife of an alumni and parent of two recent alumni, I’ve grown to love and appreciate the TC family over the last six years. Being a part of such a small and close knit school has been a privilege that not many people can say they’ve experienced in their lifetime. The alumni, current students, faculty, staff and parents should be proud of the legacy they created at TC.

That being said, I will share my thoughts on the decision to close TC. I believe this decision is a direct result of the lack of support, communication and leadership demonstrated by Msgr. Tinder over the last several years. The perception of the TC community is that Msgr. Tinder’s priority is ICS – a true leader would not allow that perception to fester and grow. A leader would welcome both schools and make obvious attempts to bring them together with a goal of developing a tight bond which promotes our catholic values.

For the first three years I didn’t even have Msgr. Tinder’s face associated with his name. While I wouldn’t expect him to be in the school every day, I would expect an effort be made to interact with the school family. I attended almost every soccer and lacrosse game for the last five years – not once did I see Msgr. Tinder take an interest in supporting or encouraging our young athletes. At each of my children’s graduations in 2007 and 2009, Msgr. Tinder presided over the graduation ceremony, however he quickly disappeared when it was over. Even if a family wanted a picture he was unavailable. He did not even attend the reception in the Parish Hall after the ceremony. Again, sending the message TC graduates are inconsequential to him.

Leaders with hidden agendas are toxic and erode the foundation with which an organization is built. Ultimately, Msgr. Tinder is responsible for TC’s failure – from the instability of in the Principal’s position (until Claire’s arrival) to suppression of the Admission Department’s efforts in recruiting students (turning away eligible students when faced with declining enrollment). Where is the accountability for these actions? I may not know the leadership structure of the Catholic Church, however these behaviors are an embarrassment to the Archdiocese and Catholic Community!

Our catholic community is built on the belief that as Catholics we are welcoming and value faith, hope, and love. As a community, it would have been nice if the ICP (including out-of-parish families attending TC) had been aware of the severity of the situation. We see communities band together every day to make the impossible actually possible. Every one of us has seen and experienced the power and motivation of a large group. Imagine the learning opportunities this situation would have provided our future adults and leaders. Instead they are disillusioned with a Catholic community that has worked so hard to rebuild itself after years of controversy.

Sorry Sarah M, my above comment was really to John.

The message on the parish website indicates both schools are thriving with increased enrollments. While I know enrollment was down at the end of the school year, I wasn't left with the impression it was an impossible situation. Adjustments were being to staffing levels as one would expect. There was no mention of tuition deficit for the previous school year.

I also believe the Msgr has a plan he hasn't shared with the rest of us. How long will it be before he opens the high school as an extension of the elementary/middle school? That is where the money is for the parish. Perhaps this is the motive behind the Msgr incivility over the last few years?

@Mike Rosansky

You don't deserve a tax break for sending your kids to a religious school any more than a childless couple should get a cash voucher for having no children.

The Archdiocese gets millions of dollars for the religious schools from the taxpayers (see below). I have no figures for how much we give to Muslim, Buddhist or Jewish schools.

From: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.close20may20,0,7882858.story"

"The archdiocese has asked the Maryland General Assembly for additional tax dollars to keep the schools operating but has not persuaded legislators to support the idea. The schools currently receive $3.6 million in public money.

From http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyarchnew.aspx?action=6017
Apr 14, 2009
As session closes, $2 million added for textbooks/technology

By George P. Matysek Jr.
gmatysek@catholicreview.org

They didn’t get their much-sought business tax credit to help students and teachers in nonpublic and public schools, but leaders of the Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) were elated to win an additional $2 million in state funding for nonreligious textbooks and technology in nonpublic schools.
...

I am a ICS graduate, TC graduate, as well as the parent of a student who was attending TC. Sadly, because I do not trust Msgr. Tinder nor his staff, I will not put my name here as of yet, I don't want my child being SACRIFICED yet AGAIN, by this "Man of God." He is nothing short of a coward. Another coward hiding behind his Religion. IF Monsignor was so confident in his reasoning for closing TC, if this "Man of God" was being honest, WHY did he not come out and speak with all the students, alumni, teachers and Media who came to the school this morning? IF he had nothing to hide then why did HE hide? Oh, perhaps he was jet-lagged considering he had just arrived home from a trip to Europe. Hmm, how much did that trip cost ME, the other parents of the school, and the Parishioners of Immaculate. This are tough economic times, right? The hypocrisy!!

I am INUNDATED with correspondence from the PR Monsignor asking for money for Immaculate Conception Church. When I say inundated, the postage he spends alone, would have helped tremendously. As a parent and Alumni, I have not received one piece of mail expressing the economic position of our school or asking me for money to help get TC back on it's feet. Why did he not do this? Why could he have not gathered students. alumni, parents, parishioners etc, sat them down and explained the situation? Why could he not have said that we will stay open one more year, setting the expectations that should enrollment stay status quo then the school would have to close? I could sit here and give various scenarios that could have implemented. Why couldn't he?

To the person who stated: "One athlete-alumnus is the best asset this school has? The parent company does not have the money to keep TC going, so that's that." Could you explain what you meant by "Parent Company?"

I strongly suggest that the media, parishioners, TC students, Alumni and parents delve into our beloved Monsignors previous positions/parishes etc. I am confident you will find much the same as far as feelings toward him. He is also quite the "jet-setter." I will not be so bold as to put all of the blame soley on him, actually, perhaps I will. You over stepped it this time ... you didn't hurt the parents, you hurt their children. You stripped them of something with no warning, no compassion, no guidance ... nothing. Monsignor, is this how Jesus would have handled it? Is this what Jesus would have done to His children?

It was stated in a previous post, and should be repeated over and over ... this HONEST MAN OF GOD ... why was he not honest with the incoming students, these poor Freshman, explaining to them that TC was hurting financially? Wouldn't that be the "Honest, God-like" thing to do? Let's not forget, it has been stated that TC has been in financial trouble for some time ... how many incoming Freshman has he lied to over the years I wonder? All good Christians know, withholding information is a form of lying as well ... isn't lying a sin? Do we really want this man overseeing an even younger group of children at Immaculate Conception School?

I understand the "economy" and all the excuses that have been rumored. By the way, apparently round trip flights to Europe are not impacted by the Economy, go figure! Unfortunately we have those who want to pit "Democrat" against "Republican." That is NOT the point! He could have handled it in a much more favorable manor. Oh, and I emphasize "he," though "HE" has not been heard from!

Unfortunately, no matter how strong the words, how heartfelt, how angry, how educated, how well written etc ... none of this will matter ... this man is filled to the brim with arrogance. I can only hope that one day, he too will feel the pain with which he has inflicted these children. He is so arrogant that he will simply hide in the "safety" of his Religion and Rectory, patiently awaiting the dirt to settle. As adults we know "this too shall pass." That is EXACTLY what he is "BANKING" on. It is up to the community as a whole to fight this man. It may not help in re-opening the doors of TC, but insisting on full disclosure and delving into his past endeavors might just save another school/parish the heartache he has caused the Immaculate Conception/Towson Catholic community for the passed few years.

I want to make a couple points about some of these ignorant non-Catholic posts about how rich the Catholic Church is and how much tax dollars they get, etc, etc, etc...

#1 The Catholic Church does not directly support the school systems. They have to self sustain themselves just like any parish or school system has to sustain itself, Catholic or otherwise. If a school or parish cannot pay its bills or staff, guess what? Just like any business, it goes under unless the state or government bails them out. This is not a Catholic thing. As Pres. Bill Clinton said, it's the economy stupid. Obviously, government is not going to bail out a religious institution, nor should it. But, its ridiculous to assume the Catholic Church can bail out any failing school. This is not a Catholic thing. We have failing public schools too.

#2 The little bit of state aid that the Catholic schools gets is miniscule compared to the amount of money they save the taxpayers each year. If every Catholic school closed up shop tomorrow, guess what would happen? Yes, practically every school system in Maryland would immediately go under for lack of money because they would have more students than each school could handle and wouldn't have enough money to even pay the # of teachers that would be required to educate that many students or enough books or the # of busses to even get them to school each day!

So, you non-catholics should thank us Catholics for helping to keep your kids educated, since we pay for your kids' education and we get very little back in return. Without us Catholics, your taxes would go up or your kids would not get educated. That's just simple economics, not a religious statement.

One has to wonder if the recent trend to enroll "basketball majors" from the inner city perhaps contributed to the sudden loss of so many potential students?

I seem to recall that "social engineering" was a pet project of Fr. Keeler down on Charles Street when he ran the diocese.

Perhaps that also is coming back to bite of late, given the $160,000 in unpaid tuition?

As an alumni of Towson Catholic I have many fond memories of my years there. Not only did I receive a quality education but, I made lasting friendships that have continued since I graduated over 30 years ago. This is indeed a very sad day and I do believe that had anyone known how bad the situation was that help could have been provided. We may not have been successful but, we would have had a chance to save the school we love and current students and faculty would have had some warning.
I know at one time there were plans to make improvements to the school that would have attracted more students and it is sad that they never happened.
I read in one article that no word yet on what would happen to the school building but, I have a pretty good idea what will probably happen. It will be taken over by ICS which is probably part of Msgr. Tinder's master plan.
I pray that there is something we can do to save this wonderfuls school.

I didnt even get an email. I found out about by accident. Thanks

TC just hired Reggie williams about a month ago. Why would they do something like that or be allowed to do something like that. If Carmelo and Dontay Green and Reggie Williams got some NBA players to donate money to the school we could save the school. Whatever the deficit is to the school is a lot for anyone to over come no matter how much money they make. It would be a tax break for them and they would be the heros of at least 160 families.

To thecomposer and all the rest, you throw around accusations and libel Fr. Tinder as if you have inside information. So I say, walk the walk, talk the talk: Give us your information, reveal your sources instead of just making broad and baseless accusations and recriminations based on hearsay without naming names, dates, etc. I don't know where the Lord said, "Blessed are those who libel, recriminate, and scandalize others." Please show me. Of course, it is easy to do that when you post anonymously on these boards. Shameful. Instead, why don't you be heroes and step up and pay up. Purchase the school, find a group of private donors, drop several million in its endowment and keep it alive. Better yet, ask teachers to work pro bono for several months or years until you find those 80-or-so students who are missing this year and not paying tuition. That's what it will take. From what I understand from former employees, TC has been tuition discounting for years, giving away educations to people who could not afford to pay the real cost--that's an admirable thing but creditors eventually come calling and teachers want their salaries and benefits. Alumni donations were also not strong, in part a function of a lower-income strata of students who graduated TC and tend not to give back to their institutions. Accuse me of being callous, but at least I am not libeling individuals anonymously. These are the cold hard economic facts and challenges of running such a school, and when 80 students suddenly decide not to return and pay tuition--some 1/3 of the entire student body--well, the money doesn't grow on trees, more to you have infinite cash reserves to keep it going. Oh well, I could go one, but most of your are so ginned up on blaming Fr. Tinder, I really mus be wasting my time.

This is typical of how the Archdiocise handles the schools. We had a similar problem at St. Pius X this year. All the decisions were pre-determined and it was only when they tried to fire the principal that the parents and PTA got wind of the situation. The parishes no longer want the burden of caring for Catholic education. St. Pius has money for a multi-million dollar renovation that includes a plaza, but no money for computers. The parish takes half the proceeds from the annual carnival and gives the school 7K a year in assistance. I am sure Towson Catholic is no better. Its sinful. This is not how you teach children to be good Christians. What a waste of the dedication of talented teachers & faculty to have the values they teach undermined by the Church officials.

Dave T - You are not a very smart man - I guess you are a product of the public school system? Let's say Towson Catholic had 200 students. In Baltimore City (great schools) I was told it costs about $13,000 a year, per kid. It would cost Baltimore City 2.6 million dollars if all 200 left TC and enrolled in Baltimore City public schools. TC is a small school - add up ALL of the students in private schools, multiply it by $13,000 and you would have an absolute collapse of the entire Maryland public school system. Do you have any children who attend public schools? Where's my "Thank You" note for paying for YOUR child's education through my tax dollars? Where's my tax rebate for not using the public school system?

Hey John, maybe you should follow your own advice.

"From what I understand from former employees..." - "based on hearsay without naming names, dates, etc"

"In part a function of a lower-income strata of students who graduated TC and tend not to give back to their institutions..." - "based on hearsay without naming names, dates, etc"

I don't know where the Lord said, "Blessed are those who libel, recriminate, and scandalize others."

Well...

I don't know where the Lord said, "Handle ye situation in such a way that we give ye and all others only 51 days to find another school."

Accuse me of being a realist, but the whole situation was handled TERRIBLY!

John: If Monsignor Tinder has nothing to hide why did he not come out and address the students, teachers, alumni and parents. Why did he hide in the rectory as that of a coward? We can't come forth with our names, why? Because this man sacrificed our children once, we can't allow him to do it again. Our children will ultimately pay the price. My "proof" is in the words of my child who has NEVER seen the man in school. The proof is in the fact that not one letter has been sent to me asking for help for TC but I have been INUNDATED with letters, from Tinder, soliciting money for the church. I encourage you to look at his history with other parishes, you will find much the same. Do you, perhaps, have proof to the contrary.
John, you continue with: "in part a function of a lower-income strata of students who graduated TC and tend not to give back to their institutions." We were NEVER solicited. No one made us aware of the problem. Yet, he sends letter, after letter, after letter asking for money for the Parish. Furthermore, I deeply resent your insinuation and grouping that it is a lower income-strata ... actually, I am left to do nothing but laugh at your ignorance. Don't be so bold as to group and assume. Again, do you have "inside information" to the contrary. Ahh, I could go on, but it's a waste of my time ... you clearly do not have inside information, therefore you are unable to make educated comments ... you are left to assume ... and I bet you know what is means to "assume." Have a great day John, and thank you for taking the time to lend you perspective, and more so for not being anonymous ... heaven knows we can narrow it down as to who you are with a name like John. Silly man!

John

We're not libeling a man unfairly; truly, you of all people must know the old adage "Where there is smoke, there is fire."

As a former guest faculty, the Mgsr was a cold, pale hand in the affairs of the school absent a face. How many parents and alumni do you need to hear from telling you of his distance, his coldness and calculation, and his insincerity?

What, exactly, are you so defensive for? Do you work for him? Related? Or are you one of those unfortunate miserables who insists on taking the contrary position of the majority despite all contravening evidence to the contrary?

Further, what more examples do you need? As I had said earlier, the Mgsr was completely incivil. As a guest faculty for the school (from a prestigious institution, no less), I never once even saw the man's face. I got to know the parish office staff quite well, but neither hide nor hair of that man was to be found. Alumni of both ICS and TC testify that ICS would get a ton of energy for lead generation, while TC was not spoken of. You have others who are testifying to his outright refusal to allow admissions, his decadence and his callousness in his personal expenses while closing a school for monetary reasons.

This isn't Citi; this is the Roman Catholic Church. I expect the clergy to be held to a higher moral standard, John. Appearances of impropriety are not absurd accusations; indeed, the Congress of the United States has passed sweeping curbs of Executive Pay precisely because of such appearances in Fortune 100 Financial Institutions Administrative Apparatus'.

Sorry, I'm pretty sure we've given you concrete examples and identified our positions to be in the know. Where is your disclosure for being defensive to the hilt of a man who has very credibly destroyed his image for years now?

And speaking as a noted professional in the Development field: I don't think any of us are inclined to give money to an institution under the thumb and financially controlled by an individual who has already been intent on dismantling it. Remove King Tinder, and perhaps the money will add up; keep him in place, and we might as well burn the donations in a fireplace.

Which is to say, you, John, STILL refuse to address a major grievance: We, in this community, can do NOTHING if we are not informed ahead of time of the trouble. Or is that simply too reasonable and logical for your trite inanity to stand against?

Why not try to offer an intelligent counter to posts rather than insisting on posting your inane contrarian drabble forever whining that a crooked, incivil blight on the face of US Clergy might be getting appropriately slammed for the callous devil that he is.

thecomposer, please take the white robe off and reveal yourself. With your statements such as

"Or are you one of those unfortunate miserables who insists on taking the contrary position of the majority despite all contravening evidence to the contrary?"

I guess it means that I am not ready to join your lynch mob. And you who have state you serves as "Director of the Board of various NPO's in the past, as well as my current capacity on the Board of Directors of a State Chamber of Commerce." What kind of rabid, raving lunatic did those people on those boards have to deal with? You're a dangerous man. How many times have you been sued--or kicked off those boards--for your ridiculous, libelous statements?

The next baseless accusation I expect out of your rabid mouth--and the other vigilantes posting here--is that the man you so vilify is a molester. Lord, I pray "the composer" and his ilk do not do something so vile.

Lastly, you say, "I expect the clergy to be held to a higher moral standard, John." I am glad you do, because you certainly don't apply the same standards to yourself, you hypocrite.

Sitting on the computer and arguing is not helping things. Is anyone doing anything. Has any one contacted elected officials or local businesses for help. We can all point fingers or take the side of an individual but now we must react cause time is ticking. Is anyone doing anything to get some help I know am

thecomposer wrote, "Sorry, I'm pretty sure we've given you concrete examples and identified our positions to be in the know. Where is your disclosure for being defensive to the hilt of a man who has very credibly destroyed his image for years now?"

Huh? Read your own comments and those of others. No names, no dates, no times, no documents--just accusations. I guess when you got the rope ready and you got the cross burning, those little details shouldn't get in the way of a good old fashioned lynching. Or stoning, as in the Lord's time on earth. "He without sin..."

I have no personal or professional connection to TC, Fr. Tinder, or his parish. I guess that I just can't stand around and let a bunch of hypocrites throw their stones without more facts and a lot less hatred and personal recrimination. You guys give Catholicism a bad name. People like you make me ashamed to be a Catholic sometimes. And, please, don't give me the retort about it's the Archdiocese, the Hierarchy, the Archbishops... I've heard it all before...and their mistakes don't excuse you for your unChrist-like remarks and recriminations. That's a juvenile, hypocrites excuse for what you are doing and saying above.

I feel some are missing the real point in all of this. My only concern is the kids at this point. 59 of those students not returning were from the class of 2009 so what they are telling us that if there had been just 21 more students they would have stayed open I don't think so. This doesn't happen overnight. You think when Fr Tinder was in England the last couple of days he said ok I am closing TC no he was thinking about this for months. I have been part of the TC family for 2 years and never once heard his name. This school was supposed to be a parish school but all we have heard is it's only income was from tuition so I can't help but think there was no help from anyone but the parents of TC students again what this is all about. I have trying to figure where my jr will go next and have been met with we don't take jr or sr transfers at this time even in public school that he has a RIGHT to not because we want to change but because we HAVE to 52 days before school starts. Alot of these kids who want to play sports may now not get the chance because they will be going into schools that already have teams in place with kids who have been there. AT TC kids who other wise might not have made a team were on a team not matter what level they played at. Like I said before this is about the kids and we all should have been givin a heads up that TC needed help before someone said just shut the door!! We might not have been able to stop this but at least we could of tried to be a HERO to these kids but we weren't givin the chance at that is the sad part in all of this eveyone needs a chance sometimes. My son was givin the chance to be part of the TC family for 2 years and that we are greatful for. He could have went to a school with over 1800 kids and that was my fear where he might get lost in a world that is going down the wrong path at least at TC he felt like part of something the mattered and wanted to be there not like he had to be there. Now he no desire to go to public school but might be forced to at this point. Most of us remember our high school years as the place we spent 4 years making a life time memories I just wanted that for my son but this memory will be the one he is going to remember that the start of his Jr. Year he had to find a new school.

Thanks for the memories
Teresa Williams
proud parent of PJ Williams
my sources have been from Sunpaper and WJZ TV
I hope this lets you know I would have been willing to walk the walk and talk the talk if only I was givin the CHANCE

One key piece to this puzzle is the fact the school served only 7 parishioners. M. Tinder is the pastor of his childhood parish and he attended both the elementary and high schools. However he was never TC's no. 1 cheerleader. He could have cheered many of the the ICS students right into TC, but he never promoted his alma mater. As a former student of an Arch.Balto school, I fondly remember the wonderful priests and nuns who showed pride in their schools. They all rolled up their sleeves and worked along with the families and kids to make their school the best. As a former ICS parent, I never sensed that espriit de corps from the head.
This "school" run in the past 2 weeks was prompted by rumors/facts that TC had lost nearly half of its staff in May/June and the FACTS tuition notice that reminded parents of the July 20 automatic debit. What would you have done as a parent, if you had learned of the staff reduction? Why was the school still taking registrants last week? Why were the locks being changed during yesterday's faculty meeting? The economy is not the only cause of this debacle.

You tell em teresa. Now lets start getting something done.

if you have no personal interest why you even on here John. I guess you just like to start trouble and have nothing better to do

Thanks, Teresa, your comments throw better light on the situation. I think you can discuss this issue with passion and commitment without charging into the "unhinged" rhetoric of someone like TheComposer and some of the other people above. I think more facts need to come to light, as well, about how and if institutions such as TC can survive financially. I don't think we need to build a fire to burn Fr. Tinder. I think we need to gather facts, first, and understand the larger context. Folks like TheComposer are absolutely frightening in their rhetoric and mentality--and they are often willing to sacrifice the greater truth, the fuller picture for their narrow perspectives

Actually John, I am lauded nationally for my effective diplomatic style and fostering of constructive Board dynamic. I have a particularly strong history of saving NPOs in financial peril through strong professional ties, field development, lead generation, and reinvigorated workplace optimism and dedication. Thanks for the laugh, though. When I get sued for calling a rose by any other name, I'll be sure to let you know. ;-)

Personally, I'd hoped that the molestation stereotype wouldn't find its way into this.

Christ calls us to justice. If you deplore the personal nature of the attacks, read between the lines and see that it is the Monsignor's personal behavior that has been deemed offensive.

If you consider my calling the good Monsignor out for his obviously dubious actions hypocrisy, so be it. I am well within my moral integrity to call a callous miserable for what he is. And from the sounds of it, that would include you, as well, wouldn't it?

Mindless loyalty is dangerous, John, not critical analysis and righteous indignation at deception and cruelty. Perhaps you are the Catholic you should be most ashamed of, especially considering the strong history of intellectual scrutiny the Church has fostered. I'm certainly not without sin, but specifically the sins of this man? No, actually, I can't say I've ever quite come anywhere close to perpetrating those.

Trite Biblical quotations? Charming. Evangelical Catholicism. Your assimilation away from Rome and into Selma is well underway. I think that Southern Baptists have a competition for people who can quote the Bible, perhaps you might have a look...

Considering your obvious rage, I'm not particularly inclined to subject myself to the professional nuisance of having you call around to every institution I've ever been affiliated with by disclosing my information for you to Google.

Although, to be honest, poking at a little ball of rageful stupidity is endlessly amusing. I keep thinking you've said the stupidest thing you're going to say, and then you go and delight me again! It's almost Darwinian, isn't it?

@John

You ignorance of economics is only overshadowed by@John

You ignorance of economics is only overshadowed by your lack of respect for other people.

Additional students in the public system would not incur a cost equal to the average cost for currently enrolled students. In fact, adding kids would reduce the average cost ! Adding students (when it's not a surprise like this) can actually have a beneficial effect on the school system through the economy of scale. At least in theory that's how it works, you still have to depend on the school system executing a sane plan to educate the kids... no promises there, given the current overcrowding in Towson.

Your choice to live here, pay taxes here, and where to send your kids to school is entirely yours. I don't want to hear your whining about taxes, none of us gets to micro-manage where our dollars go. If that was the case, you can bet I wouldn't want my tax dollars going to support your church.

If you want to compare the cost of education, I suggest you compare it to the cost of housing inmates, because you can either have an educated productive society or a more criminal society. Education is a net gain to everyone when properly executed. If you are unhappy with the cost of private religious training, then I suggest you do what many other parents are doing, and stop supporting it and stop sending your kids there. If you can't affordit, or if it's not worth the cost, then don't spend the money, and *that* is how economics really works.

I really feel sorry for the families who were blind-sided by this decision (apparently it "leaked" and TC only made an announcement after that happened). It's not fair to them or the students. Make whatever excuses you want for the leadership at the school John, I think that the results speak for themselves. your lack of respect for other people.

Additional students in the public system would not incur a cost equal to the average cost for currently enrolled students. In fact, adding kids would reduce the average cost !

Your choice to live here, pay taxes here, and where to send your kids to school is entirely yours, I don't want to hear your whining about taxes, none of us gets to micro-manage where our dollars go. If that was the case, you can bet I wouldn't want my tax dollars going to support your church.

If you want to compare the cost of education, I suggest you compare it to the cost of housing inmates, because you can either have an educated productive society or a more criminal society. If you are unhappy with the cost of private religious training, then I suggest you do what many other parents are doing, and stop supporting it and stop sending your kids there. If it's not worth the cost, then don't spend the money, and *that's* how economics really works.

@thecomposer

Can I just say that I greatly enjoy your posts and look forward to more in the future :)

"poking at a little ball of rageful stupidity is endlessly amusing"
I think you've just summed up half of the message boards on the entire internet in one easy to grasp statement !

Dave T

I know, right? You keep asking yourself if this guy is the "Trekkie" from "The Simpsons" -- socially backwards, obstinate, and overweight, with angry arms flailing all about.

Well, that's my mental image of him. It ranges somewhere between that and a Toad. :-D

-thecomposer

TheComposer, you are a coward, through and through. Your arrogance is the way you hide it; your morally superior tone and ad hominem attacks are the way you hide the skeletons in your own closet. Even your veiled bigoted attack on evangelical Christians and Southern Baptists (how did that even come up? Are you that knee-jerk of a bigot?)--no wonder you don't put up: you'd be fired and ostracized from the very boards you proclaim to sit on, and would likely damage your professional reputation. Your tone and writing has the troubling characteristics of a sociopath, first praising your own moral superiority while stabbing someone else in the back and making bigoted characterizations of other Christians. No wonder you've been praised for your diplomacy--you obviously studied at the political hack's school of public deception, as many of your petty ilk. Even your statement, "Christ calls us to justice," frightens me to the core--it is uttered with all the smug confidence of a Torquemada burning a heretic and mocks the very nature of the Lord.

Of all the people that sit in the pews on Sunday, you are most frightening because you hide your moral blight under the guise of community servant. You are the proverbial "whited sepulchre."

Now go and hide. I just wonder what other things you are hiding. Don't worry, I have way of finding out.

Dave. T,

My mental image of thecomposer is somewhere between John Wayne Gacy and Ernst Rohm. I just hope thecomposer never interacts with children. My mental image of you, Dave T., is Grima Wormtongue. Both of you, no doubt, probably meet at the same rest stops.

To TheComposer and John:
Why don't you two stop sniping at each other. This is a blog about the closing of Towson Catholic, not a forum to practice your debate about the Catholic/Christian community. The parents on here are decidedly and understandably hurt and angry that they are having to find a new school for their children less than 2 months before school starts.

John

I think the funniest thing is how you can't see your own righteousness in your words while you fillet me for my indignation. You judge me for having judged, then decry my judgement. Circular, isn't it? :-)

Hide my moral blight? Catchy -- I might add that to the business card.

Threats? Ouch, that's pretty Christ-like, isn't it? Are you the Miller's daughter and I Rumpelstiltskin? Trust me, assuming your family tree is like you, I will NOT be coming to claim your first born son when you marry the king. :-D

Sorry, D,

I should tell you, I know the composer personally. He just doesn't know who he's talking to yet!

John

kjc

You're absolutely right; I apologize. Though fun to prod him, it is inappropriate given the nature of this discussion.

My deep and abiding well wishes to you and your family as you navigate what is a horrible shock to your children. I'm sorry you weren't given the notice (and likewise, the dignity) you deserved.

-thecomposer

@Dave T - to your first comment about the "...millions of dollars that the State of Maryland gives away to the Archdioces for schools didn't help either...Won't it make it difficult for them to continue requesting additional tax dollars from MD when they are closing schools down ?"
The millions of dollars (actually about $5.6 million this year) covers approx. $78.08 per student in Catholic schools (based on the Archdiocese of Balto 12/31/08 report of 71,724 students). (see http://www.archbalt.org/about-the-archdiocese/statistics.cfm) This amount doesn't even cover the cost of a single high school text book, which kids in public schools are getting for free. As the parent of a Catholic high school student, I just laid out over $500.00 for books for ONE year (and actually I have more to purchase still), and that's in addition to tuition of well over $10,000.00, and uniforms and special fees. So, let's take out the 164 kids from Towson Catholic, and that $5.6 million just became $78.26 per kid !!! Yeah, you're right - how can the Catholic community think they deserve more funds for their Catholic schools?? (and in case you don't get it, this is sarcasm.)

The difference with TC is the alumni would have helped if asked. Some don't feel they have to throw their money around just to say oh looked what I did for you or my money bulit this or that like in other schools. We all felt like a family because no one was treated better because of the money they had or didn't have that is what a true family is all about. Now that the doors are shut everyone is asking the same question why didn't they ask for help before this. So most of the TC kids family didn't go to the IC parish but that dosen't mean they good not of ask. I just read someing that Mr. Cain stated that the board has been meeting every month over the last year discussing this and what to do about it so if this is the case then why were we blind sided by this 2 days ago. He also statesm that they are looking at other schools having the same problems so I ask what should I do send my son to another school that might face this again next year and I'm left to do this all over again for his Sr year. Another question is now he doors are closed at TC who pays that 650,000 that they are in the red for oh wait I guess IC gets to write that off as a lose. I have to say the church is a non-profit is only for paper.

John and the composer you need to put all this energy into coming up with a way to save this school and not waitng for each others reply on this board as to who can slam who better. Like you said come out and maybe we could work together to help each other. Everyone knows someone who knows someone else and together we might be able to be that HERO for all these kids

@kjc
My point is simply that the Archdiocese is begging the state for additional funds at a time when they are also reducing expenses through drastic measures such as closing down schools. It's hard to justify giving them more money when they are abandoning schools and entire communities (without much notice it seems!). That they want more of our tax money to fund fewer schools and fewer students just seems wrong.

I understand the argument that the public education system "saves money" by not having to educate the kids who attend the private schools, but it's not on the order that you (and others) make it out to be. Additional students create a smaller incremental cost than the "full tuition" math I see here. It's just not that simple.

To all the parents and students of TC, many of whom are my neighbors, I feel for you. The State of MD just approved giving the Archdiocese an additional $2 Million in funds on top of the funds they already receive. I'm not sure how far in the red TC was year over year, but like many, I seriously doubt that this was a sudden loss. What's the yearly loss, are the books even available to you ? And finally, with an extra $2M in the bank this year, why couldn't the Archdiocese bridge the (temporary) gap to keep the school open ?

p.s. I don't buy the school's chicken/egg argument, that somehow a large number of students dropped out and that caused the closing. From what I gather, the school was laying off and preparing to shutdown, some parents got wind of it and took action to make sure that their kids education wasn't put in jeopardy.

Whatever the truth is, I find it shocking that a school that's been around so long, with a great reputation and involved parents, would be so suddenly shut down in this way.

This really stinks--they ran the school in the past with 160 students ( my son went there ) and with around 1.6 mil in tution they could have kept it open---with cutbacks and increased classes---the church talks a good game about involvement and even has a social concerns unit at Catholic Charitiesthat beats up on government and businesses but when it comes to themselves they are hypocrites--a decision like this by a godfahter monsingor and an uncaringout of state archbishop is exaclty what is driving people from the church Cardinal Shehan would never let this happen a good caring pastor like Joe Muth of St Matthew's would fight to the end this pompous lazy pastor does not want the school because it is more work for him In baltimore we have to suffer a non Baltimorean for archbishop just because we are liberal
Bishops and pastors are supposed to build not tear down but it seems they are not as dedicated as the older priests who built much with a lot less

I am among many parents outraged at the total lack of regard for the students and faculty that makes Towson Catholic what it is,this fall my daughter would have been a senior with 4 yrs of memories to carry with her but instead shot down within 6weeks of new school yr, The fate of TC was well hidden from all for sometime and to allow a school that has thrived for so long to be tossed aside without even a shred of compassion, funding I believe that if that was the true case then then TC would have folded a long time ago , it only takes 1 person with a plan and the power to ruin a wonderful school and community because they were chosen and we thought they had the best interest for TC , its obvious they were a wolf in sheeps clothing. To all the faculty and staff and children goodluck and always remember that Towson Catholic is #1 and that is something that no one will ever take from us in our hearts

He is a heartless, cold man. Anyone who takes up for this man clearly does not know him. I will do all in my power to aid in his removal. The coward has still not reared his ugly head. (I don't mean ugly in literal terms, though one would never no, as he is never seen)

Removal of brick has begun at the entrance way to the school. Reminiscent of a person dying and family going after the money before the body as been laid to rest.

It is amazing that the archdiocese has not stepped up to protect it's "children," and the callous, way they have been essentially "thrown on the streets." Ahh, but we all know it's not the children they protect, rather their priests regardless of their actions.

Alright first off it is a bit much to just straight out and say "hey melo we need money come and help us" cause in all reality i bet u he didn't even really care for the school..but i was suppose to be part of the Graduating class of 2010. The way Tinder proceed with his plan on to just throw away TC is so rude and evil. I was a student there since freshmen year and I never seen Tinder around, even when we had school mass he was never there.. And because of a man the never cared for the well being of the TC Students and I hope on day of judgment that he gets treated the same way we were, just tossed aside..if Tinder understood the impact of TC he wouldn't be so quick to close the school but the fact is he didn't. And now instead of me filling out applications for college i am stuck filling out applications for high schools i don't even want to attend. and some of these numbers that you guys are being fed and information that is being sent is false. yes 80 sum kids left but a good majority of that number was last years graduating class and another were kids that had to leave due to behavior or didn't pay tuition...and that tuition number i do believe but the fact is the school finds out asap if u skipped out on a tuition payment and sends you home and does not let you return until all is payed. also they said there wasn't a lot of enrollment and interest from other kids to come to TC my buddy mike who had service hours by helping out in admissions had help put together over a hundred or so acceptance letters to students who had wanted to come to TC so for him to say that there wasn't any interest is complete BS

Hold on people it looks like this isnt over. They have lawyers involved. There are 2 more protest scheduled. People are reaching out to local businesses. Everyone on this post must get with their employers and ask for donations

To those who are using this forum as place to debate and quibble - shame on you! Act like adults! Put your energy in solving the problem!!!

To all the Blue & Gold families out there, both past and present - what a sad day for all of us! As an alumni, I was NEVER told the school was in financial trouble, nor was I asked to donate in support to "save the school" (which I would have gladly done!). Interestingly enough, one of my first thoughts was "I guess ICS will finally get to take over TC's space" - - which they've hoped for since I was there in the 70's!

Seniors....Make the most of your senior year no matter where you go! Please don't let this experience leave you bitter - rise up and above this situation and show them the proud TC stuff you're made of!

Blue & Gold Forever!!!!!

I sat last night reading the history of IC and the building of both schools. There were times when they had deficits of 1.5 million that they over came in years when times were tough. After reading this I just don't know Fr Tinder could let this happen after all the hard work from the people before him. It was a true eye opener after reading this I think everyone should read it. Go right to IC web site and see all the things he has to say and you won't belive that this is the same man who chose to close TC. He really is a piece of work and I don't mean God's work.

I just don't understand why he felt this way about TC. If anybody could shed some light on this maybe we could understand.

Jlz, Are you serious they are removing the bricks from in front of the school??????????

Luke, according to some of the Alumni, of whom I know, he has removed the "donation bricks" from the front walkway. In other words, when people made a donation a brick was placed with their name etc. Those are the bricks being removed. (someone took pictures, I have not seen them)

If you go to Facebook there is a lot of information. "Towson Catholic Family" is a good place to start. As well, there will be a Rally on July 12th on the corner of Bosley and Joppa and a Candle Light Vigil on Tuesday at 7pm.

Jlz this is unbelievable. Who does this man think he is. Ed norris will be back on the air Monday and they said at of the end of his show today to tune in Monday and they will shed some light on why this is really happening.

I will be there those days.
We can not give up. There is some dirty stuff going on. If everything is true that people were still signing kids up as of last week and there is kids that still want to come there TC can open.

They should if anything let the juniors and seniors finish out their time there.

What about the kids who play sports you know how hard it will be to make the team at another school

TC had a lower tuition rate than most area Catholic high schools, and perhaps keeping in line with the average tuition could have made the difference all these years.

True JE, perhaps. Perhaps it was UnChristian-like to allow those a bit less fortunate than us a chance a a better education, an education based on their Religious beliefs. On the other hand, perhaps HONESTY would have been the best Catholic policy. Not "hiding the truth" (which is a form of being dishonest) would have made the difference. Not coming to us, and allowing US TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. Maybe had we not allowed a man with a history of "not caring" to run our school, could have made the difference. I have heard many, many people, from many, many age groups speak ill of this man's personal character and coldness. Here is an example: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-catholicletter0709c,0,1221411.story
While I understand what you are saying, had that been done you would not have seen the "family" that you are witnessing now. That is part of what made them stand out. I could have afforded to send my child to a higher tuition school with much ease ... that isn't what I wanted for my child, I wanted my child's individuality to shine through ... not be a clone. I don't mean this statement to sound cutting, I have many nieces and nephews who attend those schools and am very proud of their successes.

I am so very sad to learn about the closing of Towson Catholic. I was blessed, beyond measure, to have been a member of the faculty from 1979-1982.

My heart will forever hold dear Father Paul Lauzon, principal, Krista Viti, secretary, the staff and most importantly -- the students who came through my classes for those three years. I have nothing but wonderful memories.

God bless you all.

I am so very sad to learn about the closing of Towson Catholic. I was blessed, beyond measure, to have been a member of the faculty from 1979-1982.

My heart will forever hold dear Father Paul Lauzon, principal, Krista Viti, secretary, the staff and most importantly -- the students who came through my classes for those three years. I have nothing but wonderful memories.

God bless you all.

This is a sad commentary on our mission which is to serve all our students including those who may not have had the abilities or the monies to attend the more "prestigious" area schools. I do believe the TC alumni should have been given the opportunity to do their magic. Uncle Michael....if you're up there watching all of this, please put in a good word for us. We're hoping to find a way to keep the words going...Blue and Gold FOREVER..Towson Catholic HIgh.

The bricks are gone! The buses are gone and the sign on York Road telling you how to get to Towson Catholic has already been changed!!!!

Mgsr. Tinder speaks! In the current Catholic Review, he noted that: "Less than one percent of alumni were giving to the annual appeal... The truth is we’ve been two schools. (Towson Catholic) was a parish school that educated a large number of parish children and then that ceased in the late 1970s and early 80s. As that ceased, we began educating a whole different community of people..." Now, go and interpret that.

I am a TC alum and I never received any request for donations until AFTER Msgr. Tinder became Pastor at IC. Now, I receive them several time each year. Seems there was a campaign to fortify the school, not to defeat it. How many other alums, like me, ignored all of those requests? We had a chance to support our alma mater and chose not to contribute.

As a graduate of TC, I am greatly saddened by the closing of my school, and I am greatly angered by the manner in which is was closed. After attending last night's rally and having the opportunity to see Mgsr. Tinder's completely apathetic response to the questions and concerns of the parents and students, I am convinced that he truly gave a valiant effort to destroying the school. His only "active" response to one parent was to have the police officer tell the man to back off. He and the spokesman from the diocese had the audacity to bring the meeting to an abrupt end -- cutting off a student who had waited her turn in line to have her say during the Q & A period. why is Tinder's job not in jeopardy? If the buck stops with him, why is he not being held responsible first for admitting families who did not have the financial resources to meet the cost of tuition, and second for allowing the tuition to go unpaid once those families entered into the contract? Or was this intentional? Was this his way of claiming the school was not viable? Learned last night that this past year he instituted an "insurance/liability fee" charge to the Alum Board/Committee for using a meeting room in the parish hall. That essentially put an end to their monthly meetings and their involvement in anything TC related. He finally found a way to shut them down. Where is the Alumni Director in all of this? That was a full-time paid position, but why was that person not actively communicating the school's dire situation with alums?

He needs to go -- the parishioners have said it. Save the school, restructure its leadership, have a Board of Trustees, do some solid PR, and open the lines of communication between students, parents, staff, alums, and parishioners. The school and the education it offers is worth saving.

I am so proud of how many times the"f" bomb was dropped by students and parents at last night's meeting. people have lost complete sense of decorum. catholic was certainly missing from TC. bravo, people and shame on you!

In addition to short press releases, Archbishop O'Brien noted in Catholic Review that:
"...of the more than 5,000 living TC alumni, only 185 graduates contributed last year to its annual fund appeal – fewer than 4 percent."
"Unlike the visible signs of financial support of alumni from other Catholic high schools in our Archdiocese, Towson Catholic ceased to be connected to its alumni in a way that was necessary to support the growth of the school’s endowment as well as its programs and facilities."
(For his complete statement, see www.catholicreview.org)

Angelus: There was ONE fundraiser. What don't you get!!!!! I CHALLENGE you to delve into the TONS of fund raising letters sent to the parishioners (myself being one) in an effort to help IC and ICS! There was no consistency nor persistence, in anything he did as far as TC. I remember the days when ALL the priests would come to games, or walk the halls getting to know the students. Why do you try to come to his side in defense ... he couldn't even defend himself that night. He sat there stoned faced and emotionless. It was unfortunate that he was never forced to respond to any of the questions. It was unfotunate that they didn't line the students up on each side of the Auditorium, have them walk one by one in front of him, requesting that he say their name. It's unfortunate that Mr. Ryan was so rude as to cut off questioning as soon as the questioning "hit home" and were backed by fact.

No Paul, that's not the shame in t all ... the "f" bomb. The shame in it begins with what "Our Coward of GOD" decietfully did to these kids. THEN when they stand in ine to express hurt and anger they are told no more questions. The least Mr. Ryan, could have done was allowed those kids to do was "get out" their hurt and frustrations where it was supposed to be expressed. Ahh, but I am certain Mr. Ryan, with his three children in IC was looking more forward to getting home and and speaking with his family about the new gym IC is now going to have or the new auditorium ... or perhaps he is discussing the revenue that will be obtained from potential new plans for the building. ANYONE who is in anyway involved with that man and the schools, knows that he has an agenda ... I would bet that anyone who would take up for him, works for or with him.

Dear jlz:
I strongly suggest you take up your beef with Archbishop O’Brien downtown.
It is his report that I quoted from The Catholic Review. His response as well as his conscience seemed quite clear. Catholic Review (http://www.catholicreview.org) will probably accept an irenic letter-to-the-editor from you. These threads within The Sun are running too high on emotion, too low on reason and financial reality.

Dear Angelus:
Once again, I challenge you to delve into the hundreds of fund raising letters sent to help raise money for IC and ICS. In addition, don't assume to whom and to whom I have not written. In an effort not to hurt my child's chances in another school I can't put my name, but I assure you I am quite knowledgeable and have many inside ties to Immaculate Conception. I have, in my family alone had 8 First Communions, 14 Confirmations, 7 weddings and 14 Baptisms, this doesn't include the many years, just my immediate family, has gone to school in both schools and how many years, money and man hours my mother, father and all of us, dedicated to the church. I could go on and on, but I don't want to bore you , my dear friend. Just don't underestimate the knowledge and background of those whom you are speaking to here. All of these things make my point all the stronger ... HE KNEW where to go to ask for help with the school, he chose not to. Don't hide, along with him, behind the Church, Religion and Archdioceses ... he has had this planned for a long time. While you look into his fund raising for ICS, IC verses his fund raising for TC ... take a gander at his past Parish ... I assure you ... enlightened is what you will be.
I'm not angry ... we have moved on, but I will not sit back and allow this "Man of God" to hurt another Child, or Parishioner.

By the way, where are people being unreasonable ... I was never told of the crisis ... Those kids were hit in the gut (is that reasonable?) Or would reasonable have been to phase it out there was no Hope. YOU, want this all to die out so all those behind this cruel action can go hide ... you didn't take into consideration the power of the internet. At least we are making it clear, for the next victims of the Monsignor, his background and cut throat ways.
Hmm, I would also be VERY leary of contributing any hard earned money to anything that man is in charge of ... he clearly doesn't bode well in the handling of funds.
Lastly, perhaps some of the money he spent on his trips (another thing I HIGHLY encourage you to look into) could have been better spent on shades at TC.
Personally, I think this Second Opinion Spot getting longer and longer is a wonderful tool ... keeps him honest ...
Thank you for taking the time to respond to me I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day Angelus.

A few other points Angelus:

I am certain you are well aware, but in case you are not privy to this information ... reporters for the Catholic Review have been instructed as to what they are and are not permitted to put into print pertaining to Monsignor Tinder.

Clearly you, and those close to Monsignor want us to express these feelings where they will be squelched. Please put your mind at ease, I have written many letters to those publications etc., as well.

For this reason, along with other reasons, I find it much more effective to express my, "beef", as you put it, here where it will get a fair display. I resent you referring to my feelings, FACTUAL comments, personal experiences, and financial knowledge as a beef ... it is far more my friend. I feel that this man needs to be exposed and I intend to see to it that he is just that EXPOSED.
Have a wonderful night ...