by Vincent Anch
We all remember the best Christmas gifts we received as children. Often, these gifts were on our wish lists for months before winter arrived.
As much as we looked forward to those special Christmas gifts, we may not have recognized the gifts that were best for us as children.
Dr. James Dobson from “Focus on the Family” once stated that parents today spend a lot of time giving their children what they did not have when they were children, but have forgotten about giving their children what they did have.
He was referring to faith, structure, discipline, manners and other virtues that are essential in developing children into successful Christian adults.
Two gifts that should be on the top of every parents’ list for their children are faith and education. When you can give both gifts at the same time, it makes a powerful impact.
This is what donors to the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) do each year by supporting scholarships for children in need.
CEF provides high-quality, faith-filled education for children who otherwise would not be able to attend Catholic schools.
This year, Catholic Education Foundation donors from throughout the archdiocese will fund scholarships for more than 1,400 children from low-income families.
The children receiving these scholarships may not realize now just how great the gift of a Catholic education is. One day, however, they will understand the profound impact it had on their life.
Perhaps they, too, will support scholarships for children in need and experience another divine gift: the joy of giving.
At this time of year, we are thankful for all the generous donors, volunteers, teachers, parents and school administrators who support the Catholic Education Foundation and the students it serves. One of our scholarship recipients said it best:
“I am writing this letter to tell you how grateful I am for your help and support. I am glad to know that you care for me and my education. At this school, I feel comfortable to express my love for my faith and still learn at the same time. My faith and education are very important to me, and you give me the opportunity to learn at a faith-based school. You don’t know how incredibly thankful I am to be at this school. In return, I will remember you in my prayers. You made a great impact on my education. God bless you.”
During this season of giving, we hope that everyone remembers the gifts that have the most impact, and passes those gifts along to those most in need.
Visit the website to learn more about how Catholic Education Foundation scholarships change lives.
