Diocesan schools offer free tuition

Free tuition to schools of the Diocese of Albany will be offered to the children of families affected by Hurricane Katrina who relocate to the Capital Region.

The announcement was made this week by Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent.

She also noted that Catholic school students will take part in a nationwide fundraising effort to help rebuild schools destroyed as a result of the disaster.

"Children have a tremendous capacity for compassion and generosity," Sister Jane said. "They have been watching the dramatic and frightening images of the situation in the Gulf Region, and are inspired to help. It is our prayer that we offer a beacon of hope for these families during this difficult time."

Tuition and jobs

Students in grades K-12 who come to the Diocese from New Orleans or Mississippi will be offered tuition-free Catholic education.

In addition, teachers from Catholic schools in the affected areas who are living in the Capital Region temporarily will be placed on the Diocese's list for short- or long- term substitutes or other positions that open up.

The Catholic School Office will work with diocesan Catholic Charities and other agencies to help meet the needs of families displaced by the hurricane.

"We will reach out to families who seek shelter within the Diocese, and do everything we can to bring back a sense of normalcy and safety to their children," Sister Jane said.

Fundraising

Sister Jane has also encouraged each of the 33 diocesan schools to participate in the National Catholic Educational Association's "Child to Child" effort.

A donation of $1 (or whatever a child can afford) is being requested from each student enrolled in Catholic schools to be earmarked for the educational needs of their counterparts affected by Hurricane Katrina.

There are more than 9,000 Catholic school students in the Diocese. Nationwide, there are 2.6 million students in Catholic schools.

The funds will be used to help schools in the hurricane-impacted region to buy equipment and supplies needed to rebuild their schools.

In addition, Sister Jane has asked that special fund-raising efforts undertaken throughout the year be designated for the victims of the hurricane.

Last, but not least, she said, "We will keep the hurricane victims in our daily prayers."

(For more information, contact the Catholic School Office at 453-6666.)

(9/8/05) [[In-content Ad]]