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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.

As students gathered last fall to register for classes at Bishop Ready High School in Columbus, Ohio, a backlog started to form for Rocco Fumi.

“Please remember,” said a member of the Bishop Ready staff, “we have a number of people who can help you!”

“Oh, no that’s ok,” one student replied—seemingly speaking for the entire group. “Mr. Fumi is here! We want to talk to him!”

Teachers and administrators are navigating unprecedented challenges as Catholic school communities across America respond to school closures. We’ve heard from many of you concerned that English learners (ELs) and their families are not left behind in the scramble to move to remote learning. In addition to our continued prayers and our profound gratitude for your efforts on behalf of your students and families, we’d like to offer you several ideas to help guide your work. 

Twelve years ago, Jamie Crain’s husband Max popped the question…

“So, what do you think about Alabama?”

Her response: “I don’t. I’m from the suburbs of Chicago. This is as far south as I’m going.”

Photo credit: Cristo Rey New York High School

If you had asked Amanda Pertierra when she went off to college about ways to make our society a more just place, education would not have been at the top of her list.