I am so grateful for the volunteers that are helping with the school strategic plan. Working on this project has reminded me of some important things to communicate (I want to say “re-communicate) to families – somethings just take longer to remember. One topic that came up was being a tithing school.
We are a parochial tuition-based school meaning that while we charge school tuition, tuition does not cover all of the school expenses. What tuition does not cover, the parish pays the difference which is called the parish subsidy. Dependent on the fiscal year, the parish subsidy is between 35%-40%. In addition, the parish also pays for all school overhead (utilities and maintenance) and any repairs that are needed. Our parish operating budget includes all revenues (tithing and tuition and fees) and all church and school expenses. Therefore, tithing not only supports our church expenses but also school overhead expenses and the parish subsidy that closes the gap between tuition and our parish school expenses.
The word tithe means “one tenth of annual produce or earnings”. Throughout the bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, reference the word tithe. Supporting the needs of the parish is also one of the Five Precepts of the Catholic Church.
At Sacred Heart, we break down the 10% as follows: 5% to support the parish ,4% to support other charities and 1% to support the Archdiocese
In-parish tuition (a discounted tuition rate) is offered to those Sacred Heart parishioners who are actively involved in a stewardship of life. As a Christian Disciple, all that we have and all that we are, are gifts from God. In recognition of these gifts, as a Christian Steward, we gratefully give back a portion of our time, talent and treasure to our parish community.
For those families that are not registered Sacred Heart parishioners, they are charged out of parish tuition rates (full cost per student) and do not qualify for in-parish tuition rates.
Also, there is a Catholicity committee. I feel strongly that we need to get our children to discern religious life. If we don’t have people committed to this, it will be hard for all of us to practice our faith. I think this is also very important to Fr. Zarse. I read a brochure at one time how families can promote vocations. Praying for them is very important but we need to help our children get to know priests on a personal level. It was not comfortable to invite pastors to my home (it was not fancy and I don’t cook fancy) but it was a very enjoyable time each time we did it. I encourage you to invite Fr. Zarse or any other priest over – maybe even do so with another family. You may be surprised at the fruits.
Kathy Rhodes
