Special collection to help children attend Catholic Schools

The Gift of Hope

Help us give children a hand up and a way out of poverty through the gift of a Catholic education

Diocese has been given a generous opportunity 
from the Wegman Family Charitable Foundation

NEW! BARNES & NOBLE BOOKFAIR MAY 2-4 TO HELP CHALLENGE!

The Wegman Family Charitable Foundation has offered up to $2 million to the Diocese of Rochester to fund scholarships to children of low-income Rochester families if the Diocese can raise $500,000 by the end of this school year (June 30). All funds raised will be used to provide scholarships based on need in the Monroe County Catholic Schools system.

In a letter read in all Monroe County parishes, Bishop Matthew Clark asked those who can to please contribute to this worthy cause.

“I need not tell you of the obstacles children of low-income families face,” he wrote, “from dire poverty in their homes to daily violence on their streets. Parents of these children tell us that they truly believe the faith-based education they are receiving in our safe and nurturing Catholic schools is a strong deterrent to the enticement of youth gangs, violence and drugs. Our own experience is that these children perform exceedingly well with the vast majority going on to college. This is a remarkable success story that we must celebrate and continue.”

How You Can Help

1. To give online safely and securely with your credit card: CLICK HERE

2. If you would prefer to send a check by U.S. mail, please make your it payable to “Diocese of Rochester Challenge” and mail to:

Sister Janice Morgan
Pastoral Center
Diocese of Rochester
1150 Buffalo Road,
Rochester, NY 14624

All gifts will be used to fund scholarships for eligible families

Full text of Bishop’s letter (pdf)

Thank you!