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March
6, 2006
VOL.
44, NO. 5Oakland,
CA
Basilian Fathers to withdraw from Bishop O’Dowd
The Basilian
Fathers, who have been affiliated with Bishop O’Dowd High in Oakland,
for the past 28 years, will end that relationship in June. Stephen Phelps,
O’Dowd president, and Joe Salamack, principal, made the announcement
late last month, saying the decision to withdraw came from Father Kenneth
Decker, Basilian provincial.
The Basilians work in five countries and because of fewer numbers, “we
are not able to take care of the commitments we presently have and must
withdraw from some places,” Father Decker said.
Three Basilian priests currently serve at O’Dowd. Father John Malo
is the school’s dean and counselor to hundreds of students. Father
Les Schaefer, former English teacher, is the school’s chaplain.
Father Bob Glass teaches history and, according to Phelps, is “the
model Bishop O’Dowd sports fan, offering more support to our students
by his attendance at games than any other teacher.”
In making the announcement, Phelps and Salamack assured parents and students
that a “strong religious presence” will remain on campus.
“We will seek the advice and support of the Oakland Diocese and
the Catholic community of the East Bay,” they said.
The school is planning a celebration to honor and celebrate the leadership
and service given by the dozens of Basilian Fathers who have served Bishop
O’Dowd for the last three decades. The date has not yet been decided.
Father Decker said the Basilians have appreciated “the quality of
the school, the enthusiasm of the students, the dedication of the staff
and the involvement of the parents.”
Bishop O’Dowd was established in 1951.
Aerial view of Bishop O'Dowd High School, Oakland
