AUBURN — When the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland announced Friday it is closing Saint Dominic Academy’s high school at the end of this school year, it sent shockwaves through families of students in the private school, along with alumni.

Students wore red Monday to protest the decision. People took to Facebook to share their dismay, frustration and feelings.

The energy quickly turned into action among several Saint Dominic families and alumni who plan to meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Royal Oak Room at Ironhorse Court, 1 Bates St., in Lewiston to discuss organizing an effort to save the high school.

The Portland Diocese said Monday that it is understanding of the students’ protest against closing the school at 121 Gracelawn Road.

“We understand the loyalty, sadness, grief and frustration in the St. Dominic Academy community,” a spokesperson said in a written statement. “We commend them for their passion and the respectful way they’re making their voices heard.”

Initially parents and alumni were shocked not just by the news but how it was relayed, according to Jessica Gravel, who is the parent of a junior student and of a 2024 graduate of the school. Bishop James Ruggieri delivered the news to families Friday night via a letter.

“The shock was followed by devastation at the thought of our beloved school closing,” Gravel said. “Throughout the weekend, people have worked tirelessly to come up with a solution to save the school.”

Students were confused, sad and scared, she said. The private Catholic school system is a close community that feels like family and part of their daily lives, she said.

Students are having a hard time comprehending the thought of losing their school in just a few months, and parents are having a hard time explaining it to them when they also do not completely understand the situation themselves, Gravel said.

“As the mom of a current junior, I keep picturing her graduating next year from St. Dom’s, the same way that her sister did in 2024,” she said. “I cannot think of anything other than that.”

Now, parents are intent on saving the school, she said. She encourages parents and those affected to attend Tuesday’s informational meeting organized by community members, hoping they can move forward with a plan of action from there.

“What I can say is that there are generations of love and dedication for this school,” she said. “St. Dom’s is not just a school but it has been part of the Lewiston-Auburn community for over 80 years. I cannot imagine the Twin Cities without it. It should come as no surprise that this community is not just going to walk away. People are working around the clock.”

The Diocese cited operational losses, a lack of financial viability and lower enrollment as reasons for closing, according to the letter issued Friday by Ruggieri.

In his letter, he said enrollment would have to increase substantially and steadily in order to sustain the academy into the future.

The academy’s grades K-8 will continue to operate at 17 Baird Ave. in Lewiston.