During Catholic Schools Week, students, educators and CEF supporters gathered for the 2nd Annual Praise & Thanksgiving Mass, a celebration of faith, gratitude and the profound impact of Catholic education.

Held at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood on January 29, this special Mass was an opportunity for the Catholic Education Foundation to share its appreciation with donors and community members whose support is helping approximately 1,900 students receive a Catholic education this school year in the Archdiocese.

In his welcome, CEF Board Chair RJ Gildea shared his gratitude and the impact CEF scholarships make, for students today and into the future.

"You're the reason we can go to our schools and tell our principals 'Don't leave anyone behind.'" - RJ Gildea, CEF Board Chair

For the 2024-2025 school year, the Catholic Education Foundation is providing $5.1 million in scholarships.

Presided over by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann the Mass was a powerful reminder of the importance of Catholic education and how CEF scholarships ensure schools are accessible to students of all backgrounds. Priests from area CEF schools participated in the service, including Fr. Mike Hawken from Nativity Parish School in Leawood, Fr. Anthony Saiki from Resurrection Catholic School in Kansas City, Kansas and Fr. Carter Zielinski from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Emporia.

This annual Mass is not just a celebration, but also a testament to the transformative power of Catholic education. It is a moment to pause, give thanks and recognize the incredible impact of CEF donors, volunteers and school communities.

In closing, Archbishop Naumann shared his gratitude for the guests and their unwavering support of the Catholic Education Foundation. He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors, sharing the good news of CEF's important work and mission.