Collection aids higher education

On Sept. 25-26, a collection will be taken up at all Masses in the Albany Diocese to benefit The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Since its establishment in 1887, the U.S. bishops have "pledged to support [CUA] as the national university of the Catholic Church" in the country, said Rev. David M. O'Connell, CM, the college's president.

"In this sense, the Catholic University of America belongs to all of us in the Church, regardless of where we live," explained Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

Faith and learning

CUA has offered comprehensive and faith-filled Catholic higher education to students from across the country for more than a century.

It hosts the only school of canon law in the nation, preparing students for practice in diocesan and religious administration, and in ecclesiastical tribunals. It is also the only American university approved by the Vatican to grant canonical degrees in the areas of theology, canon law and philosophy.

Students can also choose from 83 bachelor's programs, 105 master's programs, and 55 doctoral programs. About one-fourth of CUA's students come from New York and other Mid-Atlantic states.

Scholarships

Donations to the collection assist the University in offering $3,000 parish scholarships to incoming students.

"The effect of [the scholarship] program on parishes nationally has been very positive," said Bishop Hubbard. "More than 75 percent of the incoming freshmen this year, representing all 50 states, are recipients of this university-funded parish scholarship award. These students will benefit from a solid education, grounded in the philosophy of Catholic teaching."

It is ordinary parishioners' "generous support of Catholic University that allows us to make this scholarship program possible," said Father O'Connell, "and helps students who would not otherwise be able to attend Catholic University."

(9/23/04)