Scholarships aim to help needy Catholic school students

These two schools are really close to my house. I pass St. Priscilla's every day on my way to work. This is really sad news, but I can certainly see how parents have problems keeping up with the tuition.

$1 million in scholarships aim to help needy Catholic school students

By Margaret Ramirez | Tribune reporter
January 31, 2009

Responding to jobless and cash-strapped parents, the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Big Shoulders Fund on Friday announced a $1 million emergency scholarship fund for Catholic school students.

At the same time, Catholic schools Supt. Sister Mary Paul McCaughey released news that two Catholic schools will close by the end of the year: St. Priscilla, 7001 W. Addison St., Chicago, and St. Beatrice, 4141 Atlantic Ave., Schiller Park.

The news comes as Catholic and private schools nationwide grapple with the recession that is forcing many parents to fall behind on tuition. Catholic school officials said some parents who have recently lost their jobs have been forced to transfer students to public schools in the middle of the school year.

Cardinal Francis George said the establishment of the emergency fund is needed in these tough times to help parents keep their children in Catholic schools.

"We have to try and keep that opportunity alive," the cardinal said.

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