Alumni, parents and supporters of Xavier University Preparatory High School are holding a meeting to try and find a way to keep the nearly 100 year old school open.

Organizers call it "a citywide strategy session to explore all viable options to keep the doors of the legendary high school open."

The meeting will be held at 10:00am Saturday at Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School, located at 1617 Caffin Ave. in New Orleans.

This comes after the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament announced they can no longer afford to operate the school they have run since 1915.

Xavier University Preparatory School Director of Development English Monet Pratts-McKendall issued a statement.

"Xavier Prep is thankful to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for their leadership in directing our school for 98 years. While our hearts are heavy with this news, the academic success of our students remains our #1 priority and we are certain that for them, the best is yet to come. We remain committed to the students and families of Xavier Prep and will work with the Archdiocese of New Orleans to help all students transition to new schools, if need be," she said.  "We know that God walks with us during these difficult times and we are thankful to all of the Prep alumni, family, and friends who continue to lift us up in prayer."

The Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans responded with a joint statement from Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans and Dr. Jan Daniel Lancaster, Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

"We thank the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for their ministry to New Orleans and Xavier University Preparatory School. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is saddened and surprised by the decision of the Sisters to close Xavier University Preparatory School for the 2013-2014 school year," the release read.

It went on to say that the church is offering to help keep the school open, but the offer has been refused.

"While Xavier University Preparatory School is not owned or operated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, we did offer financial resources to the Sisters, but the Sisters, while grateful, declined our offer," the joint statement said.

The archdiocese is expressing interest in helping find new schools for the displaced students.

"Please know the Office of Catholic Schools will work diligently with Xavier's administration and other Catholic high schools to offer Catholic education to these young women. Our thoughts, prayers and gratitude go out to the many people in our community who have served the Xavier University Preparatory School through their commitment and dedication to this Catholic ministry."