Contributions to this year's Share in the Spirit tuition-assistance collection through October totaled nearly $231,000, an increase of 7 percent over donations made through October 2006, the diocesan Development Office announced this week.

Parishes throughout the diocese have reported contributions totaling $230,851.74, said Philip Belt, diocesan development director.

The diocese initiated the Share in the Spirit collection in 2005. The collection is taken on the fourth weekend of September. In November 2006, the Development Office reported contributions of $215,398.58 to the second campaign. Gifts continued to flow until the office closed the books on that campaign on Aug. 1, with receipts totaling over $234,000, Belt said.

“In three years, Share in the Spirit has generated over $690,000 to help the diocese move closer to an important goal — to ensure that a Catholic education remains within the reach of every family that desires one for their children,” Belt said. “Much more needs to be accomplished, but the start of this campaign is truly encouraging.”

Revenue from the Share in the Spirit collection helps to supplement the diocesan Vision for the Future education fund, which provides tuition assistance to families with demonstrated financial needs. For the current school year, nearly $670,000 in grants from the fund aided the 525 students from 322 families.

Private School Aid Service, which analyzes the requests for financial aid, has reported to the diocese that it would take more than $1.5 million a year to meet the demonstrated need of all families that applied for assistance.

“We are grateful for the generosity demonstrated once again by the people of the diocese who recognize the value of a Catholic education and the importance of making this precious gift available to our children,” Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli said. “The more young people attending Catholic schools, the greater the number of leaders in the next generation for our diocese, and for our Church. I pray that God will reward the faithful who have made Share in the Spirit a success.”  

This year’s contributions included individual gifts of $17,000, $10,000, $5,550, $2,700, $2,500, $1,500, and $1,200 as well as 12 gifts of $1,000 and 39 gifts of $500, Belt said.

The 2008 tuition-assistance collection is scheduled for Sept. 27-28.

 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vision for the Future education fund?
The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington began the Vision for the Future Education Fund in the early 1990s with gifts from several private foundations, corporations and individuals. The diocese uses income generated from the fund to provide tuition assistance to qualified families so their children can attend parish, parochial, or diocesan regional schools.

Why is the Tuition Assistance Collection needed?
As costs continue to rise, the diocese must strengthen the Vision for the Future education fund so it can continue to keep its schools within the reach of the many families who struggle financially to give their children a Catholic education. The "Share in the Spirit" collection, conducted at all Masses during the fourth weekend in September, gives all families in the diocese the opportunity to support this worthy objective.

How significant is the need?
For the 2007-2008 school year, the diocesan Development Office received applications from 914 families, with a total of 1,374 children. Although many more families demonstrated a financial need, there was only enough money to provide tuition assistance to 525 students from 322 families. Those students will receive up to 70 percent of their families' estimated need. There are children from families in need in attendance at every school in the diocese.

How is financial aid determined?
The diocese contracts with an independent organization, Private School Aid Service, which reviews tuition assistance requests for schools throughout the nation. Each family submits their application directly to PSAS for a financial need evaluation. PSAS in turn reports to the diocese each family’s need.
 
What happens to the money once it is collected?
The money given by parishioners through the collection will be distributed —along with other Vision for the Future education funds — to families throughout the entire Catholic Diocese of Wilmington who apply and qualify for tuition assistance.

Don't schools and parishes have their own tuition assistance funds?
A few parish schools do set aside a small portion of their budgets to provide tuition assistance for needy families. Most of the schools in the diocese do not have such funds.

How do I make my donation?
A special "Share in the Spirit" envelope was placed in each parishioner’s envelope packet, which is provided by the parish, for use during collection weekend. A few envelopes will be placed at the entrances to each church for all Masses during collection weekend. You may also make a contribution at any time 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.

How do I apply for tuition assistance for my family?

If you currently have children enrolled in a school, the school will send a notice home in January when application packets are available.  If your children are new to a school, application packets will be available at the time of registration.  Parents mail their applications directly to PSAS for review.  You will find complete instructions in the application packet.

I think this is a cause that deserves greater support. Can I make Vision for the Future part of my estate planning?
Yes. Call Sister Margaret Mahoney, the diocesan planned giving director, at (302) 573-3125 or write her at mmahoney@cdow.org