Our Mother of Consolation Parish School in Philadelphia is preparing to welcome students back to its newly rebuilt building after a fire in March 2023 destroyed the previous facility. The school, located at 17 East Chestnut Hill Avenue, temporarily operated from a portion of Chestnut Hill College’s campus during the rebuilding process.

Reverend John Fisher, Pastor of Our Mother of Consolation Parish, and Mrs. Jessica Stack, M.Ed., Principal of the school, will oversee the return of students for the start of the 2025-2026 academic year on September 3.

The community will also mark the reopening with a formal dedication ceremony and celebration on September 6. The event will begin with Mass at 4:30 p.m., followed by a dedication ceremony at 5:45 p.m. Reverend John Fisher will be joined by Most Reverend Christopher R. Cooke, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, who will preside over the blessing and dedication.

Mr. Howie Brown, an OMC Parish School parent and President of Mercy Career & Technical High School, will serve as emcee for the event. Faculty, students, families, parishioners, and representatives from supporting foundations are expected to attend.

Attendees will have an opportunity to tour new facilities that include updated classroom and administrative spaces as well as a new campus ministry suite and infirmary.

In support of rebuilding efforts following the fire, OMC launched a $3.5 million fundraising campaign in 2024 called One: One Community, One Campus, One Campaign.

Founded in 1862 and part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Our Mother of Consolation Parish School serves Pre-K through eighth grade students and aims to foster unity among its diverse community members (https://omcschool.com/). The parish itself was established in 1855 with a mission centered on creating a welcoming Catholic faith community committed to service (https://omcparish.com/).

"Following Mass, Reverend John Fisher, OSFS, Pastor of Our Mother of Consolation Parish, will be joined by Most Reverend Christopher R. Cooke, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, who will preside over the blessing and dedication of the new school building."

"Mr. Howie Brown, an OMC Parish School parent, parishioner, and President of Mercy Career & Technical High School, will serve as emcee for the celebration. Members of the OMC community including faculty, students, school families, and parishioners will be present as well as representatives from foundations who have supported the parish and school."