Through the intercession of Bishop McVinney, and with the support of the Save Hendricken campaign, the Congregation of Christian Brothers agreed to staff the school following the departure of the Brothers of the Holy Cross.
The Diocese of Providence made the necessary funds available, and in September 1971, with Br. Thomas Feerick as Principal and Br. James Liguori as Assistant Principal, the school opened as usual: now as a diocesan, Catholic secondary school with the Congregation of Christian Brothers at the helm. The Christian Brothers immediately began recruitment efforts to bolster a dwindling enrollment.