Beloved Family:
While there is really no such thing as “free money,” this comes pretty doggone close. What is “this?” The Angel Scholarship Fund: an option for every Ohio state taxpayer—an opportunity to direct money that one is going to owe anyway, toward Catholic education. Take in, if you will, the following excerpts from an article posted on the Catholic Community Foundation website of the Diocese of Cleveland:
Launched in 2022, the Angel Scholarship Fund harnesses the power of Ohio’s unique tax credit program, enabling donors to turn their state income tax liability into tuition assistance for students in Catholic elementary and high schools. The fund has experienced remarkable growth culminating in a record-setting $8.1 million in the 2024 tax year, with more than 7,000 households contributing to the fund. Their commitment to Catholic education will make it possible to build on the 8,600 total scholarships awarded to date for direct tuition support.
All K-12 students in the Diocese of Cleveland are eligible for the scholarship, which is awarded based on financial need, with priority given to low-income families. Benefactors help remove financial barriers so more students can access the excellent, faith-based education offered by Catholic schools in the diocese.
“The momentum we’ve seen in just three years is nothing short of inspiring,” said Patrick Grace, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation. “This is about more than numbers—it’s about opening doors and lifting burdens for thousands of families who desire a Catholic education but need a helping hand to make it happen.”
The fund’s impact is felt across the diocese’s eight counties, with each of its 108 Catholic schools benefitting from Angel Scholarship Fund contributions. Several schools have surpassed major fundraising milestones since the fund's inception, thanks to an extraordinary level of local support:
• St. Mary School (Chardon) and St. Helen School (Newbury) have each raised over $700,000 since inception.
• St. Barnabas School (Northfield) has raised over $600,000 since inception.
• St. Christopher School (Rocky River) and St. Hilary School (Fairlawn) have each raised over $500,000 since inception.
Donors can choose to support students with the greatest need or designate a specific Catholic school. Donations may be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar Ohio state tax credit—up to $750 per individual or $1,500 per married couple filing jointly—making it a powerful tool for donors and a blessing for families.
While we at Saint Mary Parish have seen a decent level of participation, I know we could increase the level of participation with improved communication about what this is and why it makes so much sense to support it. To that end, next weekend, we will hear testimonials from two parishioners on why this effort deserves our attention and involvement. Thank you to those who already have contributed to the Angel Scholarship Fund. May we all receive the message with open minds and hearts.
** Also, mark your calendars for Catholic Schools Week 2026— January 25-January 26.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
