Author: Deacon Nick

With the economy in rough shape, the National Catholic Education Association recently asked the question, “Why send your child to a Catholic school in these difficult economic times?” Here are the top five answers from the Elementary Department’s Executive Committee:

• It’s all about value. Nowhere else can you get Catholic tradition and academic excellence in a caring community.
• While other schools may be cutting programs, Catholic schools do not sacrifice art, music and sports programs.
• Our technology is often more advanced than in surrounding schools.
• We have a higher graduation rate. Our students are well prepared for high school and college.
• Our students are treated like individuals and helped to reach their highest potential.

Is it just me, or do some of those seem dubious and a bit on the lackluster side? Here are five I would suggest:

• In these tough times, we need to be reminded that this life is only the beginning; Catholic schools prepare students for eternity, and not just the here and now.
• Our neighbors are in trouble and need help; Catholic schools teach service and social justice better than any other educational institution on the planet.
• We got into this economic mess through greed and materialism; Catholic schools teach moral values without compromise.
• To get out of this mess and avoid it in the future, we need strong leaders who are not afraid to speak the truth; Catholic schools teach Jesus Christ, the most courageous speaker of truth the world has ever known–the Son of God Himself.
• Finally, in difficult times like these, it is easy and tempting to play the blame game, to step on others to get ahead; Catholic schools remind their students that we are brothers and sisters, that we all belong to the same family. The hallmark of any Catholic school is its sense of community spirit, united by belief in one God who is constantly forming us into His body.

There has never been a more urgent need for Catholic schools. There has never been a more critical time to enroll a child in a Catholic school. Yes it costs money; yes we’re already paying taxes to support a public school system. Yes, many people have lost jobs and are already stretched to the breaking point.

In response, schools and systems around the country are freezing tuition: Resurrection High School, Notre Dame High School, St. Thomas More High School, Unified Catholic Schools of the Pike’s Peak Region, to name a few. Many schools offer a “fair share” program where parents who cannot afford the full tuition pay what they can, or pay on a graduated scale.

Now more than ever we need Catholic education. Catholic schools offer what our world needs most right now: hope in a future that lasts eternally.