It’s time to celebrate Catholic Schools Week (January 27 - February 2, 2019). Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association, Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Schools typically observe the week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to Church, local communities and the nation. This year’s theme is Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.

There will be a Catholic Schools Mass on Wednesday, January 30 at St. Patrick Cathedral at 9am. The Catholic Foundation will host the 6th Annual Foundation Scholars Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, January 31 from 7:30-9am at St. Pius X Parish. Dr. Josie Tinajero will be the keynote speaker.

A gift of $2.6 million from Michael and Clara Miles in 2009 to establish Catholic school scholarships for students in high school laid the groundwork for what is known today as the Catholic Foundation’s Scholarship Program. As of 2018, the Catholic Foundation manages 94 separate endowment funds, 26 for Catholic Schools. The Catholic Foundation awarded $210,514 to 147 Catholic Foundation Scholars attending El Paso’s Catholic Schools for the 2018-2019 school year. Most of the scholarship aid was distributed from endowed funds, with the remainder coming from donations and a generous grant from the Hunt Family Foundation.

The benefits of a Catholic education have been studied and well-documented. Results show that students who attend Catholic school receive a challenging, high-quality academic experience in a supportive environment, with an emphasis on Catholic values and college preparation. The self-discipline developed by students, along with learning to accept responsibility and to respect others, work together to create excellent life-long learners.

Learn more about the Foundation’s Scholarship Program and see how you can give back and make a difference. For more information, please contact Major Gifts Officer Sofía Larkin at 915.872.8412 or slarkin@elpasodiocese.org.