by Derek Lyssy
The fall season always brings a sense of new beginnings: the chaos of packing lunches, new school supplies and the hopeful energy of a new school year.
For our family, this fall was especially meaningful. After returning to Kansas City, our children began at a new Catholic school in our wonderful archdiocese.
As the executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas and as a former Catholic school student, I deeply believe in the power of Catholic education. But this fall, I experienced it in a new and profoundly personal way.
I had the opportunity to attend the parent-teacher conferences at our children’s new school. Walking into that classroom, I expected the usual discussion about academic progress. What I didn’t expect was for the teacher to open the meeting with a heartfelt prayer for our child.
The teacher thanked God for the unique gifts and character traits our child brings to the classroom. Then, they prayed for specific virtues our child can grow in, asking God to help them become not just a good student, but a faithful and virtuous young Catholic.
That moment stayed with me. It was intentional, edifying and encouraging. I walked away from this experience not only with a progress report, but with a renewed sense of gratitude for our child, for their teacher and for the mission of our Catholic schools. This wasn’t just education. It was the formation of the whole person: mind, body and soul.
And I couldn’t help but think: What if every child could have access to this kind of environment?
At the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, we steward more than 262 active funds. Many of these are endowments and scholarships that directly support our Catholic schools across the archdiocese. These funds make it possible for more children to experience the kind of education that nurtures both academic excellence and strong Catholic identity.
If you’re passionate about Catholic education as a parent, alum or parishioner, we invite you to join us. Whether by growing an existing endowment or starting a new scholarship fund, you can help ensure that future generations of students have the opportunity to thrive in our Catholic schools.
Together, we can make this vision a reality for today’s children and tomorrow’s church. Contact us today online at: cfnek@archkck.org or call (913) 647-3062 to learn more.
