CHICAGO (December 13, 2004) The Cardinal’s School Fund has been established by the Archdiocese of Chicago to help archdiocesan schools face the financial challenges that threaten the long-term viability of many of these schools.

The fund is aimed at generating donations from everyone who understands the value of a Catholic education, especially those who attended Catholic schools. Contributions are critical at this time because increasing costs jeopardize the future of many Catholic schools.

“I really don’t want to announce the closings of any more Catholic schools,” said Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago. “We need help to keep our excellent Catholic schools available to children today and tomorrow.”

The Archdiocese of Chicago has kept schools open in poorer neighborhoods, many with large non-Catholic populations, even as it has moved from a system dependent entirely upon volunteers, the teaching Sisters and Brothers, to one dependent on salaried teachers. Cardinal George has repeatedly said that he will not watch the system collapse piecemeal until only the wealthy have access to the Catholic schools because of high tuition.

“The Archdiocese has consistently felt itself committed to having Catholic education available to all,” Cardinal George proclaimed. “To help us meet this commitment, the entire Catholic community has shouldered the responsibility for the mission of education and, I am sure, will continue to do so.”

Many people in the Chicago area realize that they owe much of their success in life to the Catholic education they received as children. Despite soaring costs and escalating tuition, Catholic school children consistently score higher than average on national standardized tests and are helped to live faith-filled lives.

“Right now, every dollar counts,” Cardinal George emphasized. “If you can only send a few dollars, then please do so. If you can afford more, then please send more.”

Checks can be made payable to Schools-CSF and mailed to P.O. Box 1979, Chicago, IL 60690. All contributions are tax deductible, and 100 percent of all donations will go to support Catholic schools.

For more information on the Cardinal’s School Fund, call 312/751-5250.

 

You can change the future! >>