Dear Friends,
With the start of another school year, our thoughts quite naturally turn toward our Catholic youth and the hope they provide for the future of our Church and society.
Through the years, Catholic school education has endured as an instrument of evangelization, transmitting the treasure of our faith and values to new generations. The Catholic school experience not only arms our children for the challenges they will face as adults, it prepares them to become intellectual and moral leaders in our society.
Our challenge in these difficult times is to provide a Catholic education to every child who desires one. The cost of education is increasing and the resources of many families have been stretched to their limit.
On September 24 and 25, the diocese will conduct its annual Share in the Spirit collection. Monies drawn from the diocesan Vision for the Future Education Trust and raised through the Share in the Spirit collection enable the diocese to make Catholic education affordable to many families who desire it, regardless of their economic circumstances. This year, the fund is providing $606,400 in tuition assistance to 282 children. However, because funds are limited, only 32 percent of the families who qualified will receive tuition assistance this year.
Please join me to ensure the future of our children by contributing to this worthy need. When you “Share in the Spirit” you will not only pass on the gift of Catholic education to the children who seek it, but you will also be making a valuable investment in the future of our Church.
Sincerely yours in Our Lord,
Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly
Bishop of Wilmington
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Frequently Asked Questions about Share in The Spirit
What is Share in the Spirit and why is it important?
Share in the Spirit is an annual collection of the Diocese of Wilmington conducted at all Masses during the fourth weekend of September. This collection offers parishioners the opportunity to show their support of Catholic education and to assist the diocese in its effort to provide a Catholic education to every child who desires one.
Why is the Tuition Assistance Collection needed?
Contributions to the Share in the Spirit collection combined with funds from the diocesan Vision for the Future Education Trust help open the doors of Catholic elementary and secondary schools to children whose parents struggle to afford the full cost of tuition.
Tuition assistance isn’t a handout; it’s a helping hand. Families who receive assistance are responsible for at least 50 percent of the cost of their child’s education.
How significant is the need?
For the 2016-2017 school year, the diocese received applications representing nearly 1,000 students. FACTS, an independent agent that analyzes the financial need of each applicant, determined that more than $4 million would be required to fulfill the maximum need of every family who qualified for assistance. However, due to limited resources, financial assistance will be provided to only 282 students for a total distribution of $606,400 – an amount representing approximately 15 percent of the total calculated need of all applicants.
Is Catholic education worth the investment?
The value of Catholic education cannot be underestimated. For 185 years, the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Wilmington have carried out their essential mission to educate and form students in the light of Jesus Christ. One of the best ways to show your support of Catholic education is by donating to the Share in the Spirit collection.
How do I make my donation?
Use the special Share in the Spirit collection envelope found in your offertory envelope packet and place it in the collection basket the weekend of September 24 -25. Or make a contribution by sending a check to: Development Office – Share in the Spirit, Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, P. O. Box 2030, Wilmington, DE 19899. The check should be made payable to Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.
I think this is a cause that deserves greater support. Can I make tuition assistance part of my estate planning?
Yes. Call Deborah A. Fols, diocesan development director, at (302) 573-3121 or write her at dfols@cdow.org.
How do I apply for tuition assistance?
Application packets are offered though your school’s administrative office and made available in December for the following year. For further information contact your school or the diocesan development Office at (302) 573-3121.
