When I was in fourth grade attending Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Berlin, a first grader fell seriously ill and was hospitalized. My neighbor, one of his classmates, was terribly upset and ran to me on the school yard, crying. The first-grade teacher, Sister Theresa, walked over to us. She spoke about God looking out for His children and led us in a prayer for the sick student.
Decades later, as my daughter, Katie, was in kindergarten at Our Lady of Grace, we were driving to the store when I pulled to the side of the road to let an ambulance pass. I looked in the rearview mirror and Katie was there, with her hands folded and eyes closed. She opened her eyes and told me that her teacher had taught the class to say a prayer for healing whenever they saw or heard an ambulance.
These instances where compassion and prayer were taught provide examples of what sets Catholic schools apart. They demonstrate why families choose to send their children to our Catholic schools. Despite many families’ intent, increased grocery costs, rising housing expenses and unexpected emergencies make it difficult for them to provide a Catholic school education. Within our Diocese, 60% of those who attend Catholic schools need assistance.
Fortunately, funding from organizations including the South Jersey Scholarship Fund is there to help. Educators, supporters and recipients of the SJSF all believe in the difference the organization makes. They encourage donations to the fund and its Spring Sprint for Scholarships appeal, which runs through June 30, 2026.
I was recently discussing the SJSF with Ted Qualli, president of The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, and a member of the SJSF Board.
“As a parent of three children in Catholic school, I see the benefits of a Catholic education every day,” he told me. “That is why serving and supporting this scholarship foundation is so meaningful to me. Every scholarship helps a student access an education rooted in faith, academic excellence and service to others. Supporting that mission is an investment not only in individual students, but in the future of our Catholic community.”
Kathy O’Callaghan, principal of Saint Peter School, Merchantville, agrees. While I was speaking with her, she called the scholarship fund an investment in the future of our children.
“Our schools could not continue without the generosity of donors who understand and appreciate the value of a Catholic education,” O’Callaghan said. “Without assistance, many of our families would be unable to send their children to our schools.”
Recently, one mother whose child received SJSF funding shared that this support has made an incredible impact in her family. After her husband died last year, she thought that continuing in Catholic school might not be attainable. However, because of the SJSF, her daughter is attending one of the diocesan high schools.
“She is thriving, enjoying after-school Bible study, serving as an altar server, participating in community service activities, and growing in her faith, which to me is the best benefit. She’s made new friends who have strong values. It just means so much to us that she is in this environment,” the recipient’s mom said.
In reflecting on the Catholic school environment, O’Callaghan shared: “Every scholarship awarded strengthens our ability to provide an environment where faith, academic excellence and moral formation are woven together each day. As counter-cultural institutions, Catholic schools serve as an oasis for families and their children. These funds allow us to continue the essential work of evangelization, welcoming all families who are hungry for God’s Word and helping young people grow into compassionate, faithful leaders.”
For more information on the South Jersey Scholarship Fund and the Spring Sprint for Scholarships, including how to give, visit southjerseyscholarshipfund.org/support or call 856-583-6125.
Stacy Napolitano is the director of the diocesan Office of Development.
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