Catholic School Advantage

During the COVID-19 crisis, St. Pius V School in Providence, Rhode Island, has adhered to three core principles to persevere in their mission: 

1. Growing the faith of their families
2. Providing rigorous instruction via distance learning
3. Building school community virtually
   
   

In order to bolster the third goal and boost morale with the school family, the St. Pius V staff launched SPV Kind, where community members could write a quick note of gratitude, kindness, joy, and hope.

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant financial challenges for our Catholic schools, especially those that serve some of our most vulnerable families and communities. As (arch)dioceses and schools navigate the Paycheck Protection Program, Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER), and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), we were able to connect with two Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) mentors to find out about their experiences and how these funds might be leveraged to serve Latino students and families.

Dr. Katy Lichon, Dr. Monica Kowalski, and Fr. Joe Corpora, CSC, will explore how Catholic pastors have reacted to the clergy sexual abuse scandal with the support of a $35,000 grant.

Mentor principals have played a critical role in the success of the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) since the program’s inception in 2012. The experience, accountability, and personal attention that these leaders provide has been a defining characteristic of the LEI, helping Catholic school principals—and their teams— institute lasting changes. 

After schools attend the LEI summer conference, mentor principals maintain regular contact with the 4-6 school leaders in their group through monthly video conference calls. These conversations, which focus on various themes related to Latino outreach, recruitment, and enrollment, are an opportunity for school leaders to learn from one another and receive real-time consultation and feedback from their mentor on some of the things that they’re doing in their school. 

The commitment of our LEI mentors, most of whom are still active Catholic school principals themselves, is truly the engine that drives the LEI.  

This month, we highlight Marianne Pelletier, who is currently serving in her first year as Superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools. Prior to becoming superintendent, Marianne served as the principal of Saint Dominic Academy in Lewiston, Maine, and the principal of St. Mary's Catholic School in Boise, Idaho.

The $2 trillion stimulus package signed into law on Friday includes a program that may allow eligible Catholic schools and (arch)dioceses to pay employee salaries and other expenses through forgivable loans of up to $10 million.

These loans could have far-reaching positive impacts for Catholic schools now facing serious financial hardships brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.