I love Catholic schools! As a graduate of 20 years of Catholic education, I am deeply convicted of how vital this campaign is for the future of our Church. It was in Catholic school that I encountered Jesus’ personal love for me, that I decided to give my life to the Lord, and that I discerned becoming a priest. I don’t think any of those things would have happened in my life without the environment created by Catholic schools.

That is what I want for future generations of kids in our diocese. I know many of you, like my own parents, have already spent much on Catholic school tuition for your own children. Without minimizing the sacrifices you have already made, I ask you to consider giving generously, and even sacrificially, to this campaign. Educating future generations of children of our diocese is a shared responsibility. The effort should not, and cannot, be shouldered by one family, or a few families. It is the responsibility of the entire faith community to ensure this effort is a success.

It is important to know that 100 percent of individual donations to the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign will directly support teachers, schools, families, and parishes. The diocese is covering all campaign expenses, so don’t worry, your contributions are going right where you intend.

Throughout the next months, I encourage you to pray the campaign prayer for the success of the campaign, and to pray for our hard-working campaign volunteers who are willingly giving of their time. Please prayerfully consider how you can contribute to this campaign and make a pledge as soon as you are ready. Thank you for your support for the future of our diocese!