Why Invest in Catholic Schools?

A Personal Story By Wayne Mueller

During the final 18 months of my father’s life on earth, I was privileged to encounter wisdom in the midst of suffering.  My father’s brain had been ravaged by dementia.  His once-vibrant mind failed to recognize his children and failed to fulfill the most basic tasks of daily living.  It was painful to observe my father in such a diminished state.  It was a stark reminder that our earthly journey is fleeting.  The wisdom of “memento mori” (a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die”) was crystal clear.    

Ultimately, the only concept that matters is our eternal destiny.  This destiny is determined by our relationship with Jesus Christ.  

The eternal destiny of souls is why we need to invest in Catholic Schools.  The unique capacity of Catholic Schools to convey Truth, Beauty, and Goodness to the next generation of souls is powerful and irreplaceable.   

Allow me to continue with the story of my father.  He grew up in a rural farming community in southern Indiana during the 1930’s and 1940’s.  My father attended St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School, which was originally founded in 1880.   

My father learned to love his Catholic faith at St. Mary’s.  In his adult years, my father filled many important leadership roles within his parish and diocese.  He faithfully attended Mass.  He insisted on sacrificing to send his sons to Catholic schools.  Thus, I attended 12 years of Catholic School during the 1970’s and 1980’s.  

Times have drastically changed since the 1930’s right?  Maybe our Catholic schools are no longer relevant? Maybe our Catholic schools are just a piece of nostalgia from the past?  Indeed, our Western culture has progressed with a vast array of technology and inventions during the past century.  The progress of our culture, though, will never supersede the ultimate question of our eternal destiny.  

The relevance of Catholic schools is even greater during the 21st century.  As Western culture strives to eliminate the saving message of Jesus Christ, we must strengthen our resolve to elevate Catholic education.  As Western culture actively attacks the traditional family and the sanctity of life, we must invest more deeply in Catholic schools.

I financially support Catholic schools in Lansing, Michigan – where I grew up – and Traverse City, Michigan – where I raised my children.  I also offer prayers of thanksgiving for these schools and that beautiful St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School in southern Indiana.  

Nearly 100 years after my father attended this school, the Catholic faith in my family is both intact and vibrant.  I know that my current financial investment in Catholic schools will save souls in the next 100 years.  What else really matters?

If you share this vision for preserving and strengthening Catholic education, Sursum Consulting is here to help. Reach out to us at [email protected] to explore how we can work together to secure your Catholic school’s future and continue this vital mission of formation.

Wayne Mueller has worked since 2004 as the Director of Advancement & Foundation for the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, which faithfully serves over 1,100 students in northern Michigan.