Catholic schools boosted in forums

Education officials in the Albany Diocese are abuzz after the success of two efforts during the summer to spread the word about the benefits of Catholic schools:

* a series of forums at three of the Diocese's high schools to discuss the state of Catholic education locally; and

* a breakfast touting the Beacon of Hope scholarship fund, which assists families in need who want to send their children to Catholic schools.

Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, diocesan superintendent of schools, told The Evangelist that the forums gave educators the chance to discuss issues affecting local Catholic schools, while the breakfast raised well over $68,000 toward the Beacon of Hope scholarship fund (see story in the Oct. 4 issue or search for it at www.evangelist.org).

Listening

The forums that were held last year were intended to cultivate donors for the scholarships, said Sister Jane, but this year's versions had a more "internal focus": Representatives from all the schools in each area were the participants.

"There was definitely a high interest in Catholic education, because the people that came were the people who are committed" to it, Sister Jane noted.

The sessions were held at Catholic Central High School in Troy, Bishop Maginn in Albany and Saratoga Central Catholic. Each location has its own issues, said Sister Jane: In some cities, people perceive there to be more financial need, while towns like Saratoga Springs may be incorrectly thought to have few families in need.

Schools today

At each forum, Sister Jane spoke about the past picture of a Catholic school, with more women religious than laypeople teaching, larger classes and the like. Then she explained what Catholic schools look like today, noting that, while some things have changed, the religious education provided has remained consistent.

Participants -- about 25 or 30 at each gathering -- asked questions of schools officials. The rising cost of tuition was one concern; another was how to advertise. Sister Jane said that board members from different schools asked to get together more often to share ideas.

"I think the forums were successful. People left feeling good about being a part of Catholic education," Sister Jane concluded, adding that diocesan schools officials find the forums "help us understand issues at the local level."

Scholarships

The superintendent characterized the forums as, "in a sense, a pitch for Beacon of Hope."

This year, the Diocese received 240 applications for the 30 scholarships the program was able to provide, so expanding the program is crucial.

Sister Jane emphasized that the Beacon of Hope program "really is for everybody" and that the Diocese would like to see chapters formed at each school to find donors.

She believes this "removes the threat from schools" that, by giving donor lists to the Diocese, they may lose donors who gave to specific schools.

(A fourth forum is in the works, to be held at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady in the spring. Future forums may be held at a central location to encourage people from other areas to attend. Contact the diocesan Catholic Schools Office at 453-6666.)

(10/11/07)