Parents hope for ‘silver lining’ in wake of child center’s closure

NORMAN — For years, a popular faithbased child development center has been seen as an important extension of the Roman Catholic Church in the community.

Now some parents whose children attend St. Joseph Early Childhood Development Center are “heartbroken” that what they have viewed as an integral ministry is closing its doors.

The Rev. Scott Boeckman, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 421 E Acres, held a meeting with parents Sept. 13 to tell them of the church’s plans to close the affiliated childhood development center.

He said the church would close the center Oct. 14 because it had operated at a “significant” deficit for four out of five years.

“This was a very difficult decision. Several factors came together at once, including a $125,000 deficit, which made it clear there was no path forward to sustained financial viability,” Boeckman said in a statement to

“The center has provided excellent child care in its 18-year history, and I am more aware now that the ECDC means a great deal to all those involved with it. We are working with staff, parish leaders and the center director to help find solutions for families.”

Autumn McMahon and Regina Cook, two moms whose children attend the center, said they are part of a large group of parents who had initially hoped to change the church’s mind. They began circulating an online petition asking the church and