He cited the fact that, in the archdiocese, Catholic schools have a 98 percent graduation rate, and 98 percent of those graduates enter a college, university or technical school. In addition, 717 graduates of the class of 2007 were awarded more than $33 million in scholarships and grants.

    “When you consider the academic achievements of Catholic school students, it becomes increasingly clear that for the sake of our community and our nation, we must make Catholic education available to as many children as possible,” emphasized Archbishop Gomez. “More importantly, each day our students are given the opportunity to explore their Catholic identity and enrich their faith.”

    He explained that the class of 2007 performed more than 58,000 community service hours last year, saying, “This act of service proves that our young people have accepted the challenges of being responsible Christians in their world today and tomorrow.”

    Karol Sweitzer, HFF annual giving co-chair, explained how, over the past 40 years, religious sisters who dedicated their lives to teaching in Catholic school systems for little pay have been replaced with lay persons requiring salaries to teach and administer in schools. “This transition has radically changed the financial dynamics of our schools,” she said. “Where school tuition was once either free in exchange for services or modestly priced so large families could afford to send all of their children to school, there is now a necessary market-based tuition charge to cover the costs of running and maintaining modern schools.”

    Sweitzer discussed how some may argue that a Catholic child can certainly pursue his faith without Catholic schools, but today’s society and legal system render that nearly impossible, she challenged. “A Catholic school, however, gives the opportunity to discover the path of faith early in life and plant a foot firmly on it.

    Catholic schools have proven to be second to none in usefulness and effectiveness,” she stressed. “In addition to academics, they teach morality, patriotism and most importantly religion. In an age that questions everything, Catholics schools provide a great institutional force on the side of belief in God, in religious obligation and in definite moral responsibility.”
    The funds given are managed by the Catholic Community Foundation, which is celebrating its one year anniversary. It is a separate entity from the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

    The goals for HFF are to give hundreds of elementary and secondary level students the opportunity to attend Catholic schools through tuition assistance and provide financial support for programs and services that will allow Catholic schools to meet the contemporary demands of education, while providing a link to their Catholic roots, values and identity.

    The Board of Directors is made up of volunteers and leaders in the community and the Catholic Church. Members include Doug Cross, Nancy Cross, Michael T. Delaney Jr., Terri Edgington, Rosemary Kowalski, Esther Macias, Dr. C. Roger Macias Jr., Chris Maguire, Michael Specia, John Stephens, Michele Stephens, Carol Sweitzer, José Valdez and Wittig. Executive director of the group is Joyce Horner, director of development and marketing for the Department of Catholic Schools.
    A Tuition and Grant Selection Committee will be established to develop the criteria for the distribution of funds and shall evaluate potential gifts and contributions.

    The first phase of the program is set for five years. Although HFF plans to assist children and school beginning in 2008, it will take several years to build a sustaining endowment.
Funds will be raised through major gifts selection programs, “adopt a…” programs, and special events as well as annual giving and planned giving programs.

    The “adopt a…” programs have been designed so that donors and students can interact. After adopting a student, the donor will receive letters written by them throughout the year, sharing the progress the students have made. Donors will have the opportunity to meet the recipient at an annual donor event. They will select students that principals have recommended, assuring that youth with the greatest financial need will benefit.

    To adopt a school requires a minimum donation of $20,000, with expenditures for facility improvements, teacher and classroom assistance, and technology or library enhancements. A $10,000 minimum donation is asked to adopt a class. Suggested expenditures consist of a teacher aide, supplies, textbooks, field trips and enrichment programs.

    In order to adopt a student, a $3,000 minimum donation is requested for elementary school student assistance, and a $5,000 minimum donation is needed to sponsor a secondary school student. A one-year commitment is necessary to fund tuition expenses.

    All donations are tax deductible and contribution receipts will be mailed to donors upon request. Annual reports will be provided showing all monies received during the calendar year. Although automatic withdrawals from bank accounts or credit cards are recommended, the program will allow and provide statements for pledge payments made by check or money order.

    Eligibility in Hope for the Future extends to any parent or guardian with a 5K to 12th grade student that is registered in a Catholic school in the archdiocese. Families must demonstrate need for aid to qualify for consideration, and must also commit to paying a minimum amount of tuition for their children.

    Those interesting in finding out if they meet the guidelines for funds can get an application by contacting the Catholic Schools Office at (210) 734-1663 or downloading a file from www.sacatholicschools.org.
    The deadlines are Feb. 28 for March approval, April 30 for May approval, and June 30 for beginning of school approval. Families will be notified by U.S. mail about the award decision within two months of the application deadline.

    All accredited Catholic schools in the archdiocese are funded. However, the family makes the decision on which school they will send their child.