Montville — After three years as headmaster at St. Bernard School, Thomas J. Doherty III is resigning effective June 30 to take a position closer to his home.

"As you can imagine, this was a very difficult decision for me," said Doherty in a letter to the school community. "Over the past three years I have fallen in love with Saint Bernard School and our community."

Doherty, who lives in Massachusetts, accepted a position as headmaster at Malden Catholic High School. In his last few months at St. Bernard, Doherty will work on a five-year strategic plan to "give the new leadership a road map for improving upon the school's recent success," according to his letter.

The bishop of Norwich, the Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, said in a statement that Doherty, who came to St. Bernard in 2011, stabilized the school's finances, increased enrollment, organized facility upgrades and maintained the quality of education at the school.

"He's done a great job, and people are going to miss him," said Michael Strammiello, director of communications for the Diocese of Norwich. Strammiello said the community will need some time to process the fact that Doherty is leaving.

Living so far away from Uncasville played a factor in Doherty's decision to leave, according to his letter.

"Unfortunately the long commute and the inability to be as engaged as I would like, living so far away, gradually take their toll," said Doherty.

Cote said in the statement that he was grateful for Doherty's "mission-driven presence" at St. Bernard over the past few years.

"Transitions are a part of life," added Cote. "As this leadership change takes place, a search committee will be formed to ensure a smooth transition into the 2014-15 school year."