Catholic Schools

Mr. Ed Manuell, chair of the diocesan school board finance committee, and Mr. Mark Longe, principal of St. Vincent de Paul School, gave important presentations to our pastors, principals, and other key Catholic school staff this past week. Mr. Manuell spoke about increases in our tuition structures, as well as ways of accommodating Catholic school parents and those in special financial need. As you can imagine, this is not an easy subject and I admire the dedicated men and women who spent much of the afternoon hammering out the details of our tuition schedule. Much of the work had already been accomplished by the Diocesan School Board and I wish to thank them as well for their invaluable assistance. I believe that we have struck a good compromise in assuring that tuition will be sufficient to support our schools while at the same time acknowledging the many financial burdens our parent community must shoulder. After our discussion, I could not help but feel profound gratitude to all who work in our Catholic school system. Our dedicated administrators, teachers and staffs give their all in making our schools second to none. I am convinced that the majority of them see their role as more than simply a job. They truly embrace the philosophy of Catholic education and see themselves as, “teaching as Jesus did."

Mr. Longe led us in a vigorous discussion regarding a system whereby parishes help to subsidize the cost of our Catholic schools.  At my request, he described the importance of all parishes contributing to the Catholic school system throughout the diocese. I understand and acknowledge that not all parishes have access to our Catholic schools. Nonetheless, this crucial ministry is one that is at the core of our Catholic Church. It is a most important evangelical tool that forms and educates young Catholics who, statistics show, are more likely to remain active members of the Catholic Church throughout their lives. It is, therefore, necessary for all of us to pitch in and do what we can to ensure the success of our Catholic schools. To that end, I am asking all parishes to contribute to the financial support for schools. We are in the process of working out a formula that will be fair and at the same time meet the needs of Catholic education in Utah. Please keep this important intention in your prayers and know that more information will be communicated as it becomes available. In particular, I wish to thank our pastors who do so much to support and fund the operations of our local Church.

 Kudos to all who, in any way, help our Catholic schools to thrive. And thanks also to Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus and Holy Cross Sister Genevra Rolf, and the entire Office of Utah Catholic Schools center.