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Catholic Education Endowment Nears
$1 Million Mark OKLAHOMA CITY — The endowment for Catholic education, created by Archbishop Eusebius Beltran as a way to help keep school tuition affordable, is approaching the $1 million mark. Land owned by the archdiocese was recently sold and Archbishop Beltran instructed that $500,000 from that transaction be placed into the education endowment. The deposit boosts the endowment to approximately $825,000. The new money is by far the largest contribution to date for the endowment, created three years ago by the archbishop. Archbishop Beltran said it is his “hope and prayer” that others will view the endowment as vital to supporting Catholic education in the archdiocese. “I believe Catholic education is our most important ministry,” Archbishop Beltran said. “It keeps alive the faith for students and their parents. It’s vital to the Church and it’s also vital to society in general. “It is proven by history that many of our nation’s leaders have come from Catholic education. Millions of Catholic school graduates have helped lead and build this country to its greatness.” Gone unfortunately, Archbishop Beltran said, are the days when a Catholic education could be provided for little or no tuition. Years ago children would attend a parish school where sisters fully staffed the school. The parish supported the school and the sisters taught virtually for free. Today, modern education demands expensive technology and other costly items, things that did not exist in those earlier classrooms. Investing in technology and other academic necessities helps create a well-rounded learning atmosphere. But with today’s problems of divorce and the break down of the traditional family, an investment in Catholic education can mean a great deal more for children living in a world that is often hurtful and confusing. “To have a kid in a classroom and have a picture of Jesus or a statue of Mary in front of him the entire day, it has to have some impact on that child,” Archbishop Beltran said. “Everyday they hear that God loves them. They get to pray. You don’t find that in the public school system. “We’re not saying we’re better than anyone, but in Catholic schools children hear the essential truths of our faith.” Archbishop Beltran said the education endowment must grow to $10 million before it can start to have an impact. He said it is hope and prayer that one day the endowment will reach $100 million. Archbishop Beltran said he is excited that the endowment is approaching the $1 million mark and he prays others will remember this education endowment in their prayers and with their gifts. Archbishop Beltran said government support in the form of tax credits or vouchers for Oklahoma parents would be welcomed “but it must not infringe on our Catholic faith.” Even without government support, he points to recent growth in Catholic education in the archdiocese. He said he fully expects that momentum will continue as faithful members of the Church continue to support Catholic education. “Look at what’s been accomplished in recent years,” Archbishop Beltran said. “Catholic schools have reopened in Enid and El Reno. Norman has a new school. Both McGuinness High School and Mount Saint Mary High School are moving forward. Good ideas about Catholic education are popping up all over the country. “It’s the best ministry we have.” |