OMC Parish School suffered a fire in March 2023 that destroyed the previous school building.
Reverend John Fisher, Pastor of Our Mother of Consolation Parish, and Mrs. Jessica Stack, M.Ed., Principal of Our Mother of Consolation Parish School (OMC) in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, will welcome students to their newly rebuilt school building to begin the 2025-2026 academic year.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
7:45 a.m.-8:10 a.m.
Our Mother Consolation Parish School
17 East Chestnut Hill Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
In March 2023, OMC Parish School suffered a devasting fire that completely destroyed the previous school building. The school temporarily moved into a portion of Chestnut Hill College’s campus for the remainder of that year and the 2024-2025 school year while OMC was rebuilt.
In addition, the OMC Parish community will come together to celebrate the official reopening of its newly rebuilt school building with a formal dedication ceremony and celebration.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
4:30 p.m. Mass
5:45 p.m. Dedication Ceremony
Our Mother of Consolation Parish School
17 East Chestnut Hill Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
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.
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new school facilities, which feature innovative classroom and administrative spaces. They include
- The Frances Maguire Performing Arts Center;
- The Maguire Family Innovation Lab for students to explore coding and robotics;
- The Connelly Commons for STEM engagement with an outdoor classroom for environmental education;
- The Information Commons for reading and literacy enhancement established through a grant by The Ambassador’s Fund for Catholic Education;
- and The Tim and Aurora Hughes Administrative Suite and new cafeteria made possible by The Tim and Aurora Hughes Foundation.
In addition, the space also includes a new campus ministry suite and infirmary.
In 2024, OMC unveiled a $3.5 million fundraising campaign called One: One Community, One Campus, One Campaign. This initiative was launched to support the parish and school rebuilding efforts.
Background information about Our Mother of Consolation School and Parish
Founded in 1862, OMC is a Pre-K through 8th grade school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Embracing its diversity in backgrounds and talents, the OMC Parish School community cultivates the possibilities of each student so that all may be united with God and one another. For more information about Our Mother of Consolation Parish School, please visit omcschool.com/.
Founded in 1855 and nourished by the Word and Eucharist, the members of Our Mother of Consolation Parish strive to create a vital, welcoming Catholic faith community that embraces each person. Acknowledging their blessings and supporting one another, they humbly serve the needs of God’s people and work to be the presence of Christ in the world. For more information about Our Mother of Consolation Parish, please visit omcparish.com/.
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Editor’s Note: For information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit aopcatholicschools.org/.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747