Decades of generosity

Couple donates $1 million to scholarship fund for Catholic education in the Triad

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

WINSTON-SALEM — Over the course of 21 years, an anonymous couple has given $1 million to the Piedmont Triad Scholarship Fund, making a Catholic education possible for more than 800 students at St. Leo and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic schools in Winston-Salem.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, the fund will provide $50,000 in need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 per student in eligible single-parent and minority families. Families are awarded the scholarships in early May of each year.

For two decades, the donors’ generosity has made a world of difference to area families seeking a Catholic education for their children, who have in turn enriched the school communities, the principals of both schools noted.

“We have been blessed with the presence of students who may not have been able to attend our school if it hadn’t been for this scholarship fund,” said St. Joseph Sister Geri Rogers, principal of Our Lady of Mercy School. “I’ve seen such tremendous blessings and accomplishments in the lives of the families who have been awarded the scholarship over the years. Our school family would not be the same without them, and it’s all thanks to the generous hearts of these anonymous donors.”

School leaders also noted the lasting impact such gifts make as the students go out into the world and use their education to benefit others.

“We are humbled by the generosity of the donors who have given so freely of their resources for more than 20 years to

A new cross to crown St. Patrick Cathedral

CHARLOTTE — Renovations at St. Patrick Cathedral paused June 13 as Father Christopher Roux, pastor, blessed a new 1,250-pound cross and pedestal later placed atop the historic church. Workers joined in the blessing, which included prayers and a sprinkling of holy water.

The new cross stands more than four feet tall and is made of architectural precast concrete. It replaced one that had adorned the church throughout its 84 years but could not be reinstalled without risk of damage, so that one will be stored for potential future use.

Renovations to the cathedral began in 2022 and have included repairs to the roof and drainage system, modifications to landscaping, and work on the interior walls. Beautification work inside included fresh paint and additional artwork. Read about previous improvements and see more photos at www.catholicnewsherald.com make a Catholic education possible for families in the Winston-Salem area,” said Gary Callus, principal of St. Leo School. “The good this fund has done and will do in the lives of these families will reach far into the future, and we are immensely grateful.”

Jim Kelley, development director for the Diocese of Charlotte, added,“We are having more individuals and couples make transformative gifts, either to capital projects, estate gifts or through significant gifts over a period of years like this couple has done. These particular gifts have changed the lives of these students as they learn to grow in knowledge and holiness and prepare themselves for lifelong service in their communities.”

Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic schools, agreed.

“Through the grace of the Piedmont Triad Scholarship Fund, the doors of St. Leo and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic schools swing wide open for families in need. We gratefully acknowledge our generous donors who are not merely funding education but investing in the creation of saintly scholars,” he said. “Their contributions are planting seeds of knowledge, virtue, service and ambition that blossom into our students’ lifelong journeys, empowering them to change the world for the better.”

Learn more

Interested in making transformative gifts like this one, whether it’s for a school, parish or other diocesan organization? Contact Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, at 704-608-0359 or jkkelley@rcdoc.org.