As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and a New Year, we wanted to write you and share with you a vision for Catholic Schools in the city of Monroe. Maintaining quality Catholic education in Monroe is one our highest priorities. Monroe Catholic schools have been the nurturing ground for thousands of civic leaders, faith-filled parents, and devout Catholics for over 150 years. Along with faith formation programs for children in public schools, Catholic Schools have helped make Monroe what it is today; a place where Christian values are lived and proclaimed despite a national culture that sometimes seems lacking in any values. We believe that Catholic Schools present us with a unique opportunity for evangelization of families in our community.
If we are to ensure the future of Catholic Schools, we must be good stewards of our resources. Two trends present challenges to Catholic Education in our day and age:
Tuition and school-related fundraising covers about 70 percent of the cost of running our school. The balance of the school expenses are paid out of the offertory collection In the midst of an economic downturn, it is unlikely that parishes will be able to continue to subsidize the school operation as they have in the past. Your financial support of your parish is vital in supporting your Catholic Schools.
We know that tuition will have to increase at a manageable rate. Increased enrollment would stem rising tuition. However demographics project that school age population will decrease in Monroe County over several years. We need your help as we encourage families to see the unique gift that our Catholic Schools are in our neighborhoods.
We believe that our Monroe Catholic Community is up to meeting these challenges. This is why we have asked the Monroe Catholic Schools Committee to make recommendations on how we can be better stewards of our resources as we strive to preserve and improve Catholic schools in Monroe. We anticipate this will involve more collaboration, and less competition among our Catholic Schools in the city of Monroe
We are willing to do what it takes, within our power, to ensure the presence of Catholic Education in our community for years to come. We have already taken these steps:
We count on your support and your prayers. Please join us in hope and prayer as we explore creative ways to preserve and improve the rich heritage of Catholic Education in the city of Monroe.
Rev. Marc A. Gawronski, Pastor, St. Mary Parish
Rev. Stephen Vileo, Pastor, St. Michael the Archangel Parish
Rev. Jack Quinlan, Pastor, St. John the Baptist Parish
Mr. Sean Jorgenson, President, St. Mary Catholic Central High School