Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann recently joined the Catholic Education Foundation for a special Mass of thanksgiving.

"On this feast of St. Paul, this amazing evangelist, I’m reminded that the most important thing we can give our young people is a relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to the supporters in attendance.

“Like the encounter Paul had on the road to Damascus,” he said, “our Catholic schools create an environment where students don’t just learn about Jesus as a historical figure, but actually come to know the real person, and can experience his love and his desire for friendship in communion with them.”

“It’s your sacrifice and your generosity that makes this possible.”

Held at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood on Jan. 25, this inaugural event was an opportunity for CEF to share its appreciation with donors whose contributions have helped ensure students of all backgrounds have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education and to announce exciting plans for this year's Gaudeamus gala.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to express our thanks to you and give you a little glimpse of the difference your gifts are making. Because of you and the support you’ve given us, over our 25-year history, we’ve provided 26,000 scholarships, a total of over $33 million,” shared Vince Anch, CEF Executive Director. “And we’re just scratching the surface.”

Anch noted that one of their biggest challenges that CEF faces is awareness. Many families, especially those who have immigrated from countries in Central America, think that Catholic school is only for the wealthy. Assuming that they can’t afford to send their children to a Catholic school, many families don’t even apply, unaware that tuition assistance is available from CEF.

‍

In closing, Anch shared his appreciation for those who have supported CEF over the last 25 years.

“We want our supporters to know how much we appreciate them,” said Anch. “We thought that having a Mass dedicated to our supporters, even those who couldn’t attend, would be a very special way to express our gratitude.”

Anch also announced that Archbishop Naumann will be honored at the 2024 Gaudeamus gala on October 12.

“Every year, we honor someone who has been a dedicated supporter of Catholic education,” he said. “I’ve been trying to honor the archbishop for three years and he finally said yes, not because he wants the spotlight, but because he knows how much it will help us reach new people and raise funds to help more kids attend our Catholic schools.”

“No one is a bigger champion for Catholic education than Archbishop Naumann.”

‍