New Special Second Collection Taken up January 29 to Help Support Catholic Elementary Schools

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2006 – Catholic schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre will celebrate Catholic Schools Week, January 29-February 4, 2006. “Catholic Schools: Character. Compassion. Values.” is the theme of Catholic Schools Week 2006.

The purpose of Catholic Schools Week is to build support and recognition for the almost 8,000 Catholic schools nationwide. During this week the Diocese of Rockville Centre encourages parents to enroll their children in Catholic schools. Schools across the diocese will conduct open houses and special events to help raise awareness in the excellence found in diocesan elementary schools.

“Over 90 percent of our teachers are certified by New York state,” said Sister Joanne Callahan, superintendent of schools, Diocese of Rockville Centre. “Our elementary schools offer second language, art, music, technology and sports. Every one of our schools is equipped with state-of-the-art computers. Our students experience integrated learning through high-tech teaching tools such as Smart Boards. Today’s Catholic schools offer an academically excellent education in a spiritually supportive environment.”

There are nearly 39,000 students attending 76 Catholic Pre-K, elementary and secondary schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. There are nearly 24,000 students currently enrolled in the 58 Catholic elementary schools in the diocese.

Special Collection
This year there will be a new special second collection on Sunday, January 29 at each of the 133 parishes in the diocese, to support Catholic elementary schools on Long Island. Half of the money collected in each parish will go to the local parish or regional school, while the other half will be donated to the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation. “This collection, initiated by Bishop Murphy at the recommendation of the education commission, will help students with tuition based on financial need,” said Sister Joanne.

“We are truly blessed in this diocese with an extraordinary group of women and men who have given their time, talent and treasure in service to our schools through our Catholic Elementary School Education Commission and the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation. “It’s incredibly reassuring to see the commitment and dedication these people are making to help ensure a solid future for Catholic education on Long Island.”

“Currently, we have a marketing campaign underway that is the work of the marketing committee of the education commission. Our Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation is actively raising money to help provide tuition assistance to students in need and to help keep our schools on a sound financial footing.”

For more information on Catholic schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, please visit www.drvc.org. or call 1-866-450-9033. For more information on specific Catholic Schools Week events and activities, contact the Office of Public Information at 516-678-5800, ext. 633. To contribute to the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation, visit TomorrowsHopeFoundation.org.

 

About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
The Diocese of Rockville Centre (www.drvc.org) was formed in 1957 and covers 1,222 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 3.3 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 20,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 20,000 first communions and 5,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are 2,137 students in Catholic kindergarten, 23,825 in primary or elementary school, 12,628 in secondary school and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 76 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, two home-care agencies, two senior housing complexes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 80,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island.

For more information:
Sean P. Dolan
sdolan@drvc.org
516-678-5800, ext. 625
Cell: 516-313-8215

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