ARTICLES

Parishes to give more aid to Catholic schools

by Steve Neill
of The Catholic Virginian

Under a new Parish Sharing Plan initiated by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, most parishes of the diocese will gradually increase their financial support of Catholic schools over the next five years.

The 50 small mission parishes will not be affected by the plan and will retain the same assessment of one percent of their parish income.

The new rates will go into effect beginning with the next fiscal year which begins July 1, 2012.

Bishop DiLorenzo announced the new Parish Sharing Plan to all parents of children attending the 24 diocesan Catholic schools in an email message sent Dec. 14. He also spoke about the plan at the Dec. 7 meeting of the Priests’ Council in Richmond.

The new plan is based on a formula that takes into consideration proximity to Catholic schools as well as parish revenue.

It will replace the current parish subsidy which applied only to parishes that had their own school or parishes that feed into a regional school.

These funds will not support the five private Catholic schools which normally are not subsidized by the diocese. These schools are Benedictine and Saint Gertrude High Schools in Richmond, Saint Patrick School in Norfolk, St. John Neumann Academy in Blacksburg and Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg.

In his message to parents Bishop DiLorenzo spoke of the academic success of the Catholic schools. He wants financial help for the schools so they are more affordable to a larger number of families. There are approximately 9,000 students enrolled during the current school year. Most schools are able to accommodate more students.

“The 24 Diocesan and five private Catholic schools of the Diocese offer exceptional academics as evidenced by high standardized test scores including SATs, nearly perfect graduation and college acceptance rates, and 11 national Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence designations,” the Bishop said.

“Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of Catholic schools in educating young people in the faith as well as providing a safety net for poor and marginalized students,” he added.

Just this year three Catholic schools received the Blue Ribbon designation from the U.S. Department of Education. They are Saint Matthew’s, and Star of the Sea, both in Virginia Beach, and Our Lady of Lourdes in Richmond.

The Bishop pointed out that those who attend Catholic school have a higher likelihood of practicing their faith and supporting the mission of the Church as adults. He also said that many parish leaders, including priests and deacons, attended Catholic schools.

“In order to fulfill the mission of our Catholic schools, we must ensure that these schools remain affordable,” Bishop DiLorenzo said. “Unfortunately, finances are the number one reason cited by parents for not enrolling their children in Catholic schools.

“My fellow Bishops around the country are facing these same challenges, and many are developing comprehensive plans similar to the plan we are implementing here in our diocese.”

The average parish support to Catholic schools nationwide is about 15 percent of its total revenue. In the southeastern region of the United States parish support stands at about 11 percent.

In the Diocese of Richmond, parish subsidies represent less than five percent of the school’s income.

These subsidies have not been adjusted in 20 years. When fully funded, the level of parish support will be about 8 percent.

Diocesan statistics show that only 46 percent of families’ documented financial needs are being met through existing tuition assistance funds. Under the new Parish Sharing Plan, the diocese seeks to lower the unmet need to 23 percent.

The majority of the Parish Sharing Plan funds will be used to lower the cost to families by providing additional tuition assistance for families who qualify.

At the recent meeting of the Priests’ Council, a resolution was passed which requires that tuition assistance received through Parish Sharing funds be available only to children who are Catholic. Parents must produce a baptismal certificate of the child, indicate parish registration and have the approval of their pastor in order to receive tuition assistance.

In addition, in-parish rates will be eliminated. Instead there will be separate rates for Catholic and non-Catholic children. Those attending private Catholic schools will still have access to the diocese’s McMahon Parater funds which do not require the same criteria.

“A portion of these Parish Sharing funds may be used to enhance school facilities and two percent of the funds will be used for programs designed to get the message out about the benefits of our Catholic schools,” said Annette Parsons, Chief Education Administrator of the Office of Catholic Education.

“I ask for your support as we take these steps to ensure that all families who desire a sound education in faith will have the opportunity to experience our Catholic schools,” Bishop DiLorenzo said in his message to parents.

Annette Parsons thanked the priests for their growing support of Catholic schools, but acknowledged that some were less receptive to the new plan than others.

“We understand that parishes also have financial challenges, so we are grateful for this much needed support,” she said.

back to top »