Catholic Education: Your Generosity At Work

Diocesan Director of Development

WHEN IT CAME TO OUR SONS’ EDUCATION, ATTENDING CATHOLIC SCHOOL WAS A GIVEN.

We loved our parish (St. Joseph-Shreveport) and had heard wonderful things about the school. When it came time to enroll our oldest son in kindergarten 23(!) years ago, I showed up at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of registration hoping that I could get a spot for him. There were parents lined up and down the outside hallway, waiting for the doors to open at 8:00 a.m. Each grade had three classes and they would fill up fast. It’s crazy to think about that now, but we knew that St. Joseph Catholic School, and later Loyola College Prep, were the schools where our boys needed to be as part of their academic and spiritual growth.

Catholic education is an important ministry that is funded, in part, by donations to the Catholic Service Appeal. The Catholic Service Appeal funds tuition assistance for each of the six schools, training and resources for school faculty and staff, and support costs for the Diocesan Schools Office. There are six schools in our diocese located in Shreveport and Monroe, four of which are directly tied to a church parish. While these parishes directly benefit from having a school, the other 33 churches throughout the Diocese of Shreveport can also reap the rewards of Catholic education:

• Perhaps one day you may have a new priest at your parish that is an alumnus of Catholic schools. (Looking at you, Fr. Kelby!) Donations to the Catholic Service Appeal fund not only tuition assistance for current students but also support our seminarians throughout their education.

• Your donation provides assistance to a family that may not be able to afford tuition. Last year, 109 families received tuition assistance from the Diocese of Shreveport. Your generosity is the ultimate form of sharing God’s gifts.

• Catholic schools give students daily exposure to their Catholic faith which is important to developing a strong religious foundation. While the most important spiritual teachings come from within the home, Catholic education can be an extension of the religious beliefs and moral choices that are important to your family.

To find a tangible example of “your generosity at work,” you need to look no farther than this month’s magazine cover. Congratulations to Rosemary Paxton (Jesus the Good Shepherd School) for being selected the 5th Grade Louisiana Catholic School Student of the Year! With your donation to the Appeal, our students’ and schools’ futures are looking bright for the Diocese of Shreveport.

P.S. If you see my sons at Mass, don’t tell them I shared these pictures!