Yet diocesan officials went out of their way to help him.

Those schools, diocesan officials said, would be given a few weeks to come up with financial plans to save themselves.

It said diocesan officials would have more to say once they and their lawyers examined the case.

Diocesan officials said this week that the parish was not in financial jeopardy.

But when diocesan officials learned of the invitation, they ordered that another speaker be found.

Then a diocesan official called with a reprieve: the school would stay open at least until June.

Diocesan officials said a longer stay would help ease some of the physical strain on the Pope.

Diocesan officials did not return telephone calls seeking comment Wednesday.

In some cases, girls assisted during Masses celebrated by diocesan officials, he said.

The parish dates back to the 1850s when families living in the area requested a church from Diocesan officials.