by Michael J. Kuckelman

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday it is a perfect time to reflect on our gratitude for the gift of the Catholic Education Foundation and its role in supporting students seeking Catholic education.

Every child is entitled to a Catholic education.  However, not every child can meet the full cost of a Catholic education.  Poverty or difficult family situations can stand in the way of a child’s Catholic education.  Thankfully, we have the Catholic Education Foundation to provide a coordinated effort to ensure children who seek a Catholic education will receive a Catholic education.

The coordinated effort that the Catholic Education Foundation provides to match the generosity of the donors with schools and families that need financial assistance is working.  During the current school year, the Catholic Education Foundation will provide $1.3 million in scholarships.   Approximately 1,500 students will receive assistance from the Catholic Education Foundation this school year.  

The Catholic Education Foundation does more than assisting with scholarships.  The Foundation steps forward in times of acute family crisis brought on by illness, job loss or other misfortune to ensure that children can continue to focus on education and remain a part of the Catholic community in the child’s school.  The Foundation provides emergency financial assistance in these acute need situations throughout the school year through the CEF Guardian Angel Fund.

As Thanksgiving approaches and we offer prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude for all that has been bestowed upon us let us also offer prayers of gratitude for the excellent Catholic schools in this Archdiocese and for the donors who generously provide and make it possible for the Catholic Education Foundation to continue to fulfill its ministry. Let us be thankful for the Catholic Education Foundation and its generous donors.