As Catholic Schools Week 2026 unfolds across the nation, classrooms throughout the Diocese of Allentown are alive with celebration, prayer, and a renewed sense of mission. For 33 Catholic schools serving more than 9,000 students across Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties, the annual observance is more than a tradition — it is a public witness to the enduring power of faith-based education. “Catholic schools have stood the test…
Read More
A Formula for Prayer This week is Catholic Schools Week, and it’s made me reflect on those lessons that stick with you from your school days. I think of the scientific method—a practical tool we probably don’t realize we use every day. We make hypotheses, test them, adjust. It’s become second nature. What if prayer could be like that? I recently came across a cheat sheet I’d made years ago…
Read More
Father Thomas Bortz, pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Reading, Pennsylvania, is an avid baseball fan, having visited several major and minor leagues parks across the country. Fr. Bortz just has to walk out the back door of the rectory and be reminded of the challenge facing his parish’s regional Catholic school. In what amounts to a long outfield-to-home-plate throw away, sits a local public elementary school. While Father…
Read More
For students in our Catholic schools, graduation marks the culmination of years spent in an environment where academic rigor is deeply intertwined with faith and values. Catholic schools form not just minds, but hearts, preparing students for a life of purpose, leadership, and service. These outcomes are important to the donors of the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania. Almost 50 percent of the endowment funds managed by the Catholic Foundation…
Read More
With its 100th anniversary in sight for 2026, Bethlehem Catholic High School established a clear path to its future by forging a partnership with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania to manage its endowment fund effort. Bethlehem Catholic moved nine scholarship endowments into the Catholic Foundation — one general and eight other funds started in memory of or in honor of alumni, administrators, or friends of the school. “If you…
Read More
For more than a century, St. Anne School has been a beacon of faith-based education, nurturing young minds and hearts in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. “Rooted in Catholic tradition, we strive to prepare students for a future of academic success, moral responsibility, and compassionate leadership,” said Rev. Anthony Mongiello, Pastor of St. Anne Parish. “However, maintaining our mission requires more than dedication and hard work — it also demands financial sustainability.” Thankfully,…
Read More
Much of the success in student achievement may be attributed to the dedication of the administration and faculty working in our Catholic schools. Together, along with parents, they cultivate a dynamic and creative learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. Attracting & retaining top faculty with a competitive salary has become a key discussion point for parishes and schools locally and nationally. Four years ago, the Catholic…
Read More
Catholic Schools Week (January 26—February 1, 2025), a time-honored national celebration, is the perfect time to recognize how Catholic Education has impacted and shaped the lives of young people in our region for centuries. A key component of the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania’s strategic plan is the commitment to Catholic schools. Almost fifty percent of the Catholic Foundation’s endowment or donor designated funds are earmarked towards operations or scholarships…
Read More
After the passing of three relatives recently, the Coyle family wanted to do something to honor their loved ones while being consistent with their Catholic values. The newly established Coyle Family St. Ann School Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania honors three members of their family: Patrick Coyle, Janet Coyle McDonald and Gerald Coyle. The perfect option, they thought, was a scholarship fund for Catholic school…
Read More
In the heart of the Diocese of Allentown, the legacy of Catholic education dates back to 1743 when the first Catholic school opened its doors as a single classroom in Bally, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Today, Saint Francis Classical Catholic Academy proudly stands as the second oldest Catholic school in the original 13 colonies. Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2024), a time-honored celebration, is the perfect time to recognize how…
Read More