February 11, 2020 texas catholic herald 1

By ReBecca ToRRellasTexas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — The mission of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help Inner City Catholic Schools maintain a standard of academic excellence in curriculum and staff, and provide tuition assistance required by a large portion of their student population. To some, becoming part of the organization is an opportunity to help students. For others, it’s an opportunity to give back for the opportunities they were given.

Through an annual contribution of $5,000, members invest in the lives of students at the Inner City Catholic Schools, which provide opportunities for urban children and their families faced with incredible financial challenges.

“The donations from The Cardinal’s Circle have truly impacted our school/students via tuition assistance and payroll assistance,” said Khanh Pham, principal at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Galena Park. “Overall, 40% of our students benefited from tuition assistance in the first semester. Without this donation, our parents would not be able to afford or give the gift of Catholic education to their children. In addition, a successful school needs to have amazing and exceptional teachers and staff. We are fortunate that the leftover amount is distributed toward payroll assistance.”

Pham said that without The Cardinal’s Circle, the 12 Inner City Catholic Schools would have difficulty providing technology, computers, playground equipment, payroll assistance, books and other materials needed to give students a proper education.

“Our plan is to continue to use the funds toward curriculum, books, resources, payroll assistance and tuition assistance,” he said.

Angelina Rangel, who graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in 2018, said members of The Cardinal’s Circle make positive changes every day in Catholic schools.

“I learned to be a good leader. I was selected as the volleyball captain in middle school and this helped me with my communication and leadership skills, time management, and the importance of teamwork,” she said.

Rangel, who is currently a student at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory, said that, to her, a Catholic education “means that I was able to

practice and learn about my faith every day and attend Mass regularly.”

Working towards her future, Rangel is currently interning at Minute Maid Park with the Houston Astros Organization while going to high school.

“My hope is to continue excelling in academics as I have received honors classes with a 4.06 GPA as a freshman,” she said. “I hope to study business and marketing in college and would love to continue working at Minute Maid Park to gain more knowledge of the working environment.”

It is this kind of success that attracted The Cardinal’s Circle member Tom Thibodeau to join the organization and

encourage others, including his family, to do so.“I am the product of Inner City Catholic

schools in Lawrence, Massachusetts. We had five siblings in grade school at one time,” he said. “Myself and my two brothers were in high school at the same time. Central Catholic

was an all boys school taught by the Marist Brothers. We were able to attend school because of financial aid.”

A five-year member, Thibodeau said he can trace his success “to the great teachers and education I and my siblings received at Inner City Catholic Schools. The nuns and brothers gave us a chance to succeed with the foundation of great education. They also planted the seeds... what are you going to do with the gifts you were given... grow them and give back.”

He said The Cardinal’s Circle is one of the ways he has to pay back for the nuns, brothers and priests that both educated him and deeply cared about him and his success. He encouraged his brother Tim to join and he has been a member for two years.

“My brother feels the same way,” he added. “Later this year, we will be establishing a

scholarship to our old high school to help out someone else who just needs a break, the way we were given a break. It will be in the name of Brother Augustine, the finest teacher that we each had for 4 years.”

For more information, visit www.choosecatholicschools.org/cc. †

February 11, 2020 VOL. 56, NO. 16Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964

THE FIRST WORD † 3 | EDUCATION † 12 | ESPAñOL † 19 - 20 | AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE † 22

Success story inspires The Cardinal’s Circle member to help others do the same

Photo courtesy of the DeveloPment office

the cardinal’s circle provides tuition and payroll assistance for students and teachers at our lady of fatima catholic school, one of 12 inner city catholic schools.

September 10, 2019 texas catholic herald 1

The Cardinal’s Circle marks a decade of supporting Inner City Catholic Schools

By ReBecca ToRRellastexas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — The mission of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help Inner City Catholic Schools (ICCS) maintain a standard of academic excellence in curriculum and staff, and provide tuition assistance required by a large portion of their student population.

Through an annual contribution of $5,000, members invest in the lives of students at the now 12 ICCS (St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School closed last school year), which provide opportunities for urban children and their families faced with incredible financial challenges.

Founded in 2010 as a commitment to society and students in the Archdiocese’s urban areas, the organization celebrates a decade of providing this financial support to more than 16,000 students since its inception.

“On this 10th anniversary of The Cardinal’s Circle, we celebrate our ICCS and thank the many donors who are essential to this Circle as they continue to provide the value of a Catholic education where it is needed most,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said. “The parents of ICCS students sacrifice to make Catholic education a reality and these youngest learners impact our community. We have seen and heard about ICCS alumni who are or are studying to become lawyers, doctors and nurses, engineers, accountants, and much more. They have all been touched by The Cardinal’s Circle and given the opportunity for a successful and bright future.”

Founding member Tom Macrini said the inspiration behind founding The Cardinal’s Circle “was the kids and it’s still the kids.”

“These Catholic schools can make an incredible impact and a difference in the lives of so many of the youth and their families that live in the poorer areas of Houston’s inner city,” he said. “The goal of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help raise sufficient funds to sustain the schools that serve these communities so that anyone who seeks a Catholic education for their children can do so regardless of their ability to pay full tuition.”

Macrini said he hopes the greatest change is an awareness by Houston’s Catholic community of the importance and uniqueness of the Archdiocese’s ICCS and that these schools need the financial support of the city-wide community to succeed.

“The greatest challenge is the need for these schools to excel academically in an environment of increasing operating costs and declining enrollment, generally in the inner city schools, while keeping tuition at levels that the families can afford,” he said. “That and the fact that these facilities are 60-plus years old and need improvements. All of this requires

financial resources beyond the means of the local inner city parish and its school.”

The Cardinal’s Circle members Eddie and Nolena Meche have been part of the organization since the beginning.

“It has been our privilege to be a member of The Cardinal’s Circle since its inception. The ICCS need and deserve our support,” they said. “We believe Catholic schools provide a great education and are the only real quality education choice for many of these children. Because strong academics are combined with continual Catholic formation, these students will be a credit to our Church and our community.”

Jeanette Lambert, who graduated from Stephen F. Austin University in 2018, attended St. Christopher Catholic school with the help of the organization.

“Thank you so much for allowing students to have an amazing education and school experience they would not have gotten at another school,” she said.

After graduation, Lambert returned to her roots.

“I am an education specialist at the Houston Audubon Raptor Center near St.

Christopher,” she said. “I have developed a stronger relationship between the school and the Raptor Center by offering field trips, programs and education opportunities for students and teachers.”

Joseph Lowery, who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2018, was able to attend St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School.

“I appreciate everything The Cardinal’s Circle donors have done and continue to do! Your generosity makes a big difference in so many lives,” he said. “I am a second lieutenant and platoon leader in the Army stationed at Fort Hood. I plan on attending physician’s assistant

school to become a P.A.” Macrini said that one thing that has

always impressed him is the courtesy of the students.

“They are well disciplined, eager to learn, and seem to be very happy at school. Their parents are extremely appreciative that other people outside their parish/local community would help them,” he said.

Macrini encourages all to become part of The Cardinal’s Circle.

“[It’s incredible to] hear the success stories of our graduates, some of whom have already graduated from college,” he said. †

September 10, 2019 VOL. 56, NO. 6Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

The 12 Inner City Catholic SchoolsAssumption Catholic School ∙ Holy Ghost Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Fatima

Catholic School in Galena Park ∙ Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School ∙ Queen of Peace Catholic School ∙

Resurrection Catholic School ∙ St. Augustine Catholic School ∙ St. Christopher Catholic School ∙ St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School ∙

St. Mary of the Purification School ∙ St. Pius V Catholic School in Pasadena

The Cardinal’s CircleTo learn more about The Cardinal’s Circle, call 713-652-4417

or visit www.choosecatholicschools.org/cc.

10 years of giving 16,000 students ‘bright’ futures

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visit us online to download a media kit www.archgh.org/TCH

MAY 8, 2018 VOL. 55, NO. 1Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Inner City Catholic Schools provide students...• A commitment to allow each studentto develop a relationship with God andan understanding of their faith thatwill serve them well for a lifetime• High academic expectations for all• Daily encouragement to develop theirGod-given talents• Moral formation through the constant example of those who surround them and involvement in projects to help others in their community• Perseverance to succeed in toughtimes in an atmosphere of safety, trust

The 13 Inner City Catholic SchoolsAssumption Catholic School ∙ Holy Ghost Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Galena Park ∙ Our Lady of Guadalupe School ∙ OurLady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School∙ Queen of Peace Catholic School ∙Resurrection Catholic School ∙ St.Augustine Catholic School ∙St. Christopher Catholic School ∙St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School ∙St. Mary of the Purification School ∙ St.Peter the Apostle Catholic School ∙ St.Pius V Catholic School

The Cardinal’s CircleTo learn more about The Cardinal’s Circle, call 713-652-4417 or visit choosecatholicschools.org/cc.

PHOTO BY THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo visits with Mathew Mendoza, an alumnus of St. Pius V School in Pasadena, during The Cardinal’s Circle Dinner of Thanksgiving, April 19. The Cardinal’s Circle supports tuition assistance and school improvements for Inner City Catholic Schools in Galveston-Houston.

The Cardinal's Circle members ‘planting seeds’ for growth in Inner City Catholic Schools

HOUSTON — Members of The Cardinal’s Circle were recognized for “nourishing the seeds” of education for Inner City Catholic School (ICCS) students and families at the annual Mass and Dinner of Thanksgiving on April 19.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo celebrated the Mass at St. Mary’s Seminary. Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz, Superintendent Debra Haney and Inner City Catholic School principals and pastors joined The Cardinal Circle members for the dinner following.

Founded in 2010, the mission of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help the schools maintain a standard of academic excellence in curriculum and staff. Through an annual contribution of $5,000 each, members of The Cardinal’s Circle invest in the lives of students at the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Shortly before the dinner, students from Assumption Catholic School shared a special message of appreciation to Cardinal DiNardo and members of The Cardinal’s Circle.

“(The Inner City Catholic Schools) are very close to my heart, as they are to my predecessor,” Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, Cardinal DiNardo said. The cardinal recalled a conversation he had with Archbishop Fiorenza when he arrived in Galveston-Houston in 2004.

“He said to me, ‘I don’t want our Catholic schools to only be for the wealthy. I want us to be able to draw and attract students and get them help so they can stay in these schools,’” Cardinal DiNardo said. “(Archbishop Fiorenza) was particularly concerned about the Inner City schools. I’m totally in agreement with him, we must be attentive to Inner City Catholic Schools.”

All of the dinner guests received seed packets from individual ICCS students with a note thanking the members for “planting the seeds” that are helping them grow.

“We are most fortunate to have a Cardinal and Catholic community that wants to see Catholic schools thrive and bloom,” Haney said in her “State of the Schools” address. “And we are truly thankful to have administrators, leaders and teachers as well as parents and students that are willing to think outside the box. It is going to take every person to help us pull the weeds in our garden so that our flowers can bloom and grow.”

She went on to thank members for “allowing us to nourish the seeds of

education for our students in our Inner City Catholic Schools.”

Tom Macrini, one of the founders of The Cardinal’s Circle and a committee member, introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Mathew Mendoza. Mendoza, an alumnus of St. Pius V Catholic School in Pasadena and recipient of The Cardinal’s Circle support, graduated from the South Texas College of Law this past December.

Before enrolling at South Texas in 2014, Mendoza had graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston and University of Houston. Mendoza credits his “parents’ zeal” and the generosity of The Cardinal’s Circle members for being with him during his educational journey.

“No matter what roadblock I have

faced throughout my life, I would have been lost without God’s direction,” he said. “But we are all here in this room at this very moment through God’s grace. Thank you for establishing scholarships for individuals like myself so that we may continue our Catholic education.”

He closed with a quote from Barbara Bush, the former First Lady and Houstonian who died only days prior to The Cardinal’s Circle event.

“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”

By taking on those needs, “the harvest is coming in from those first seeds planted eight years ago” through The Cardinal’s Circle, according to Christina Mendez, principal of Holy Ghost Catholic School.

“While the work can be challenging, I promise it is so rewarding,” she said. “Together, we have done great things and imagine the greater harvests to come in the future.”

During his closing remarks prior to the benediction, Bishop Sheltz highlighted the important work of the Cardinal’s Circle by sharing his own testimony of being a proud local product of an Inner City Catholic School education.

“I know my mother and dad sacrificed a great deal to send three kids to school,” he said. Bishop Sheltz said his participation in The Cardinal’s Circle was “a thank you to mom and dad for making the sacrifices they made to

get me a good Catholic education. I’m a proud member of this organization and I make that sacrifice every year because I want to see other young people, like Mathew, have that ability to succeed and grow and be good witnesses of God’s love in this world of ours.” †

“No matter what roadblock I have faced throughout my life, I would

have been lost without God’s direction. But we are all here in this room at this very moment

through God’s grace. Thank you for establishing scholarships for individuals like myself so

that we may continue our Catholic education.”

MATHEW MENDOZA

TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD FEBRUARY 27, 2018 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

Inner City Catholic Schools provide students...• A commitment to allow each student to develop a relationship with God and an understanding of their faith that will serve them well for a lifetime• High academic expectations for all• Daily encouragement to develop their God-given talents• Moral formation through the constant example of those who surround them and involvement in projects to help others in their community• Perseverance to succeed in tough times in an atmosphere of safety, trust

The 13 Inner City Catholic SchoolsAssumption Catholic School ∙ Holy Ghost Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Galena Park ∙ Our Lady of Guadalupe School ∙ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School ∙ Queen of Peace Catholic School ∙ Resurrection Catholic School ∙ St. Augustine Catholic School ∙ St. Christopher Catholic School ∙ St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School ∙ St. Mary of the Purification School ∙ St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School ∙ St. Pius V Catholic School

The Cardinal’s CircleTo learn more about The Cardinal’s Circle, call 713-652-4417 or visit choosecatholicschools.org/cc.

The Cardinal’s Circle provides ‘salvation’ for Inner City Catholic School families

HOUSTON — Jane Bemko is a long-time member of The Cardinal’s Circle, which provides tuition assistance and school improvements to the Inner City Catholic Schools of Galveston-Houston. A former teacher at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School and St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School, the 81-year-old Bemko has seen firsthand what kind of impact that level of support has on families in the Archdiocese, referring to it as “the salvation for this generation.”

“Inner City Catholic Schools have kids who really need a good education. They just need a boost,” Bemko said. “My theory of giving is that this is not our money or our goods. As St. Luke states in his Gospel of seeking a donkey for Jesus and the owner is told, ‘The Master has need of it,’ that is our spirit of stewardship.”

Founded in 2010, the mission of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help the schools maintain a standard of academic excellence in curriculum and staff. Through an annual contribution of $5,000 each, members of The Cardinal’s Circle invest in the lives of students at the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

“These schools are incubators of opportunity for urban children and their families faced with incredible financial challenges,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said. “Donors are giving our students the opportunities for academic, spiritual and communal success.”

Cardinal DiNardo said that the generosity of The Cardinal’s Circle donors “enables us to preserve the treasure the (Inner City Catholic Schools) represent to the students, the families and their neighborhoods.”

As an Inner City Catholic School, Queen of Peace Catholic School “would not exist without Cardinal DiNardo’s support and all of the support from donors of The Cardinal’s Circle,” said Father Michael Minifie, CC, pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church. “Those donations help us to pay our teachers a living wage so we can keep our best and brightest.”

“The Cardinal’s Circle support acts as a safety net for our school,” said Principal John William Bates V of Assumption Catholic School.

The Cardinal’s Circle assists Inner City Catholic Schools like Assumption in meeting the financial needs of the school community.

“We have been able to provide tuition assistance for families that were negatively impacted by recent circumstances in their life, and we were able to rebuild our technological infrastructure (cabling and wireless) to better serve the needs of students,” Bates said. “The infrastructural updates will also provide us an opportunity in the future to expand the use of technology in the classroom.”

With help from The Cardinal’s Circle, Inner City Catholic Schools are able to serve communities that seek a Catholic school education but typically cannot afford such opportunities, according to Bates.

“Our campuses provide excellent academic programs, provide extra-curricular programs that meet the

interests of our children, and foster the growth of the

individual spirituality of each child. These programs, however, cannot exist without the support of mission-minded individuals that

want to support Catholic education for all children,”

Bates said. “The individuals that support The Cardinal’s Circle recognize the value of Catholic education and understand the need for the Church to serve all of God’s children. Without their generous support, our schools would not be able to serve our communities as well as we do.” †

“These schools are incubators of opportunity for

urban children and their families.”

DANIEL CARDINAL DINARDO ARCHBISHOP OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

PHOTO BY THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo visits with students at Holy Ghost Catholic School in Houston. The school is in The Cardinal’s Circle, which supports tuition assistance and school improvements for Inner City Catholic Schools in Galveston-Houston.

ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON–HOUSTON

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NOVEMBER 22, 2016 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD 1

NOVEMBER 28, 2017 VOL. 54, NO. 11Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

EDUCATION † 12 | ESPAÑOL † 19-20 | WITHIN THE ARTS † 21 | AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE † 22

Inner City Catholic Schools provide students...• A commitment to allow eachstudent to develop a relationship withGod and an understanding of theirfaith that will serve them well for alifetime• High academic expectations for all• Daily encouragement to developtheir God-given talents• Moral formation through theconstant example of those whosurround them and involvementin projects to help others in theircommunity• Perseverance to succeed in tough times in an atmosphere of safety and trust

The 13 Inner City Catholic SchoolsAssumption Catholic School ∙ Holy Ghost Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Galena Park ∙ Our Lady of Guadalupe School ∙ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel CatholicSchool ∙ Queen of Peace CatholicSchool ∙ Resurrection Catholic School∙ St. Augustine Catholic School ∙St. Christopher Catholic School ∙St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School∙ St. Mary of the Purification School ∙St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School∙ St. Pius V Catholic School

The Cardinal’s CircleTo learn more about The Cardinal’s Circle, call 713-652-4417 or visit choosecatholicschools.org/cc.

The Cardinal’s Circle makes Catholic school education possible for families

HOUSTON — Founded in 2010, the mission of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help Inner City Catholic Schools maintain a standard of academic excellence in curriculum and staff. The Cardinal’s Circle also helps the 13 schools provide tuition assistance required by a large portion of their student population.

“The operational needs of our Inner City Catholic Schools are extensive and ongoing,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said. “Members of The Cardinal’s Circle play a vital role in ensuring that students who attend these schools are given the best Catholic education possible.”

Burt and Allyson Martin have been members of The Cardinal’s Circle for five years.

“We became members because we believe that it is our responsibility to provide financial support for students, families and schools who do not have the necessary resources,” Burt Martin said. “It is a way for us to join with others in our Archdiocese, so that together, we all can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in the Houston area.”

Through an annual contribution of $5,000, The Cardinal’s Circle members invest in the lives of students at the Inner City Catholic Schools, which provide opportunities for urban children and their families faced with incredible financial challenges.

Juan Evangelista knew his children needed to attend a Catholic school. Although it was a financial challenge, he sent his daughters Stefany, 19, and Natalie, 16, to Holy Ghost School in Houston. His 11-year-old son Erick is currently a student at the school.

Juan is a cook at Rice University and his wife Evelyn is a housekeeper. They were married at Holy Ghost 21 years ago. Faith and family are the most important aspect of their lives. They closely watch their expenses to enable them to pay what they could for school tuition.

“I wanted my children to attend Catholic schools for the spiritual values, to learn respect for God and to follow Jesus,” Juan Evangelista said.

Stefany graduated from Cristo Rey Jesuit and is now attending Texas State University. Natalie is a student at Cristo Rey and Erik is entering the

PHOTO BY OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

Juan and Evelyn Evangelista are able to send their 11-year-old son Erick to Holy Ghost Catholic School in Houston because of the support from The Cardinal’s Circle.

MORE INFORMATIONTO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CARDINAL’S CIRCLE, VISIT THE WEBSITE ONLINE WWW.CHOOSECATHOLICSCHOOLS.ORG/CC

seventh grade at Holy Ghost this fall and has been recognized by the Duke Talent Identification Program.

“Catholic schools are unique environments where we have the ability to form the whole child — academically, physically and most importantly, spiritually,” said Christina Mendez, Holy Ghost principal. “Our

goal is to help every child to discover

their unique gifts and talents given to them by God to serve others. We are able to walk hand-in-hand with parents to support

them in their role as primary educators of their

children. By helping our students to discover their gifts and talents we are able to help them understand that God gave them these talents to serve

others in the community.”Members of The Cardinal’s Circle

give Inner City Catholic School students opportunities for academic, spiritual and communal success.

“We believe that Catholic education is vital to providing a stronger moral, religious and academic foundation to our youth and ultimately, our future generations,” Martin said. “As Pope Francis said, Catholic education ‘gives them a solid basis on which to build their lives.’ The opportunity to have a Catholic education is not a privilege reserved for a few but should be available to all who seek it.”

Martin said it is an honor to support The Cardinal’s Circle.

“The Catholic education received at the Inner City Catholic Schools enables these students to better themselves and their families,” he said. “In addition to the support of the students and their families, The Cardinal’s Circle supports those teachers, staff and administrators who have unselfishly devoted themselves to the Inner City Catholic Schools.”

By joining The Cardinal’s Circle, members have the ability to make a life-changing impact on countless children and families, Mendez said.

“Students who would not otherwise be able to afford to come to Catholic school are supported by these gifts,” she said. “Holy Ghost and other Inner City Catholic Schools support those who are poor and often marginalized

“The Catholic education received at the Inner City

Catholic Schools enables these students to better themselves

and their families.”

BURT MARTINMEMBERS OF THE CARDINAL'S CIRCLE

in society — the very people Jesus called us to serve. In becoming a part of The Cardinal’s Circle, (members) join us in our mission to serve our students and community, bringing the joy of the Gospel into the world.” †

NOVEMBER 22, 2016 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD 1

NOVEMBER 22, 2016 VOL. 53, NO. 11Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

The Cardinal’s Circle helps Inner City Catholic Schools transform students into models of the Gospel

HOUSTON — Ariella Ortega said her education at Queen of Peace Catholic School intrinsically linked academics with faith and service, a standard that still resonates with her as a student at the University of St. Thomas in Houston (UST).

“Moral values are instilled in the lessons,” she said. “Catholic schools do not just intend for us to be well-educated and prepared for the real world; but educated and prepared while equally holding onto Catholic values that influence our decisions and the way we treat others and ourselves.”

It is that high standard that makes Inner City Catholic Schools such as Queen of Peace an integral part of the Archdiocese and the Galveston-Houston community as a whole.

Founded in 2010, the mission of The Cardinal’s Circle is to help Inner City Catholic Schools maintain that standard of academic excellence in curriculum and staff. The Cardinal’s Circle also assists these 13 schools to provide tuition assistance required by a large portion of their student population.

“A Catholic school education shapes our young people for the future — morally, spiritually and academically,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said. “Our support is of preeminent importance to carry out our mission, especially for the Inner City Catholic schools.”

Members of The Cardinal’s Circle invest in the lives of Inner City Catholic Schools’ students through an annual commitment of $5,000. Contributions support the needs of each school from tuition assistance to investment in technology, curriculum and quality teachers. For the last seven years, members of The Cardinal’s Circle have made a substantial difference in the capability of these schools to keep pace with the rapidly changing requirements for student information and learning.

Inner City Catholic Schools offer students a daily connection to their faith, their education, athletics and relationship to family, Church and the community. Providing a holistic formative experience for these students continue to pose serious challenges to the principals, teachers and volunteers, especially as they operate with limited budgets. The financial support they receive from The Cardinal’s Circle help to bridge the gap.

“These schools are grateful beyond measure for the gifts and the

confidence demonstrated in them by those support The Cardinal’s

Circle each year,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “(At

Inner City Catholic Schools), you will find some remarkable behavior amongst the students. There is an

air of quiet discipline that allows children to

learn, to contemplate, to reflect and to be creative. Their faith emanates from their hearts in a way that makes them kind to each other and to their teachers. They are models of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.”

What sets apart Inner City Catholic Schools is this continual formation of discipleship by building a “deep and ever-present relationship with Christ,” according to Dr. Julie Vogel, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for Galveston-Houston. Through this formation, “our students can transform the world not just today but tomorrow and always.”

“This is the primary reason our families choose to entrust their children to our care,” she said. “We all believe that every child is made in the image and likeness of God and therefore deserves the best of who we are every single day. We are raising young men and women with the skills necessary to be critical thinkers, creative problem solvers and productive leaders in our communities for the greater good of society.”

Speaking from her own experience,

The 13 Inner City Catholic SchoolsAssumption Catholic School ∙ Holy Ghost School ∙ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Guadalupe School ∙ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School ∙ Queen of Peace Catholic School ∙ Resurrection Catholic School ∙ St. Augustine Catholic School ∙ St. Christopher Catholic School ∙ St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School ∙ St. Mary of the Purification Montessori School ∙ St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School ∙ St. Pius V Catholic School

Inner City Catholic Schools provide students with:• A commitment to allow each student to develop a relationship with God and an understanding of their faith that will serve them well for a lifetime• High academic expectations for all• Daily encouragement to develop their God-given talents• Moral formation through the constant example of those who surround them and involvement in projects to help others in their community• Perseverance to succeed in tough times in an atmosphere of safety and trust

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE

The Cardinal’s Circle seeks to enable the Inner City Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to maintain a standard of excellence. In addition to tuition assistance, the group enables schools to meet the other challenges in education today: competitive teacher salaries, classroom technology, and provide for a safe environment.

Ortega agrees that Inner City Catholic School education forms well-rounded individuals not only in the classrooms but within the community and at home. The Cristo Rey Jesuit Preparatory graduate is currently studying engineering at UST.

“With charity being one of the Catholic virtues, (Inner City Catholic School) students are encouraged to participate in their community by helping others,” Ortega said. “These interactions encourage individuals to humble themselves and become aware of issues in a community.” †

I go to a

Catholic School

because . . .m

10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD APRIL 26, 2016LOCAL

The 13 Inner City Catholic SchoolsAssumption Catholic School ∙ Holy Ghost School ∙ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Guadalupe School ∙ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School ∙ Queen of Peace Catholic School ∙ Resurrection Catholic School ∙ St. Augustine Catholic School ∙ St. Christopher Catholic School ∙ St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School ∙ St. Mary of the Purification School ∙ St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School ∙ St. Pius V Catholic School

The Cardinal’s CircleTo learn more about The Cardinal’s Circle, call 713-652-4417 or visit choosecatholicschools.org/support.

Cardinal’s Circle making success stories for Inner City Catholic School students, familiesBY JONAH DYCUSTexas Catholic Herald

HOUSTON — Ariella Ortega realizes her Catholic school education shaped her into the person she is today. Just as notably, the senior at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory acknowledges the sacrifices her parents made to make that experience a reality.

“I owe it to my parents who became models for me because of their faith and dedication,” Ortega said. “They were unable to finish school because they did not have the resources and opportunities in Mexico. Through all the obstacles, they held onto their faith and looked past their struggles. Financially, it was very difficult, but they knew it was worth it (for me).”

Ortega was recently accepted at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Texas.

Ortega shared her personal success story during The Cardinal’s Circle Mass and Dinner on April 14. Before attending Cristo Rey, Ortega was a student at Queen of Peace School in Houston, an Inner City Catholic School of the Archdiocese. More than 2,300 students from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds are currently enrolled in the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools.

The Cardinal’s Circle allowed Assumption Catholic School, another Inner City Catholic School, assist a great number of families pay tuition, according to Father Julian Gerosa, Assumption Church pastor.

“The Cardinal’s Circle helps close the gaps between tuition and real financial possibilities of Assumption’s students,” Father Gerosa said. “Without this crucial contribution, many children will not be at Assumption to receive a Catholic education and formation that many parents desperately desire for their children.”

The Cardinal’s Circle members invest in the lives of these students through an annual commitment of $5,000. The generous donors form a “giving circle” committed to Inner City Catholic Schools in recognition of a shared responsibility to educate future generations — each gift is an investment in the future of students in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The Cardinal’s Circle also welcomes parishes and organizations who would like to be part of this worthy cause, which supports unique needs of the schools from tuition assistance,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Thirteen students represent each of the Inner City Catholic Schools at The Cardinal’s Circle Mass and Dinner on April 14.

APRIL 26, 2016 VOL. 52 NO. 21Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

professional development, teacher salaries, textbooks, technology and curriculum upgrades and classroom materials.

“Members of The Cardinal’s Circle have answered the call to assist us educate the whole child — mind, heart and spirit,” Dr. Julie Vogel, superintendent of Catholic Schools, said. “With this financial support, we have been able to provide access, programs, infrastructure, experiences, materials and much more for our students. We will continue to work diligently with the sole purpose of forming disciples who will transform the world.”

The Cardinal’s Circle recently surpassed 200 members; 90 of those supporters are founding members of the Circle six years ago.

“I would encourage anyone interested in joining The Cardinal’s Circle to visit these schools and see the great things the students are doing

and learning from their experiences,” Tom Macrini, founding member of The Cardinal’s Circle, said. “There are many families and parents like Ariella’s making great sacrifices to give their children a Catholic school education. The students and the parents, they value their education in the Inner City Catholic Schools.”

Inner City Catholic Schools provide students with high academic expectations, daily encouragement to develop their God-given talents and a moral foundation through projects that benefit the community around them. The schools also offer students the perseverance to succeed in tough times in an atmosphere of safety and trust, as well as a commitment to allow each student to develop a relationship with God and an understanding of their faith that will serve them well for a lifetime.

“One of the things our Catholic schools do is to help to interiorize in our young people a beautiful sense of faith — and that is a gift that keeps on giving,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said.

Father Gerosa said Cardinal DiNardo’s commitment is a sign of strong pastoral leadership and displays an understanding that education is a “sure harvest in the future.”

“The support of the Church’s leaders is evident, but also the Church as ‘people of God’ are heavily involved in making this possible,” Father Gerosa said. “Assumption and other Catholic schools are an expression of the vision of faith and charity and love of the Catholic Church in Galveston-Houston.”

During her dinner presentation,

Ortega thanked The Cardinal’s Circle members for their generous contributions and support.

“The most important and beneficial aspect of Catholic education was experiencing everything I learn, do and said through faith and service,” she said. “I learned this through the values that my parents instilled in me and what I was exposed to at Queen of Peace and Cristo Rey Jesuit. I learned not to take things for granted based on my parents’ experience, which also taught me to become responsible and independent.”

Ortega said that Catholic schools became a second home to her.

“It created a spiritual atmosphere where I could be myself, but still practice my faith,” she said. “Catholic schools did not just intend for us to be well-educated and prepared for the real world, but educated and prepared while equally holding on to Catholic values that influence our decisions and the way we treat others and ourselves.” †

Our Catholic Schools help interiorize in our young people a

beautiful sense of faith, and that is a gift that

keeps on giving. DANIEL CARDINAL

ARCHBISHOP OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

8 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Law student credits The Cardinal’s Circle for Catholic educationBY BRIDGET HARDYHerald Correspondent

HOUSTON — Dreams come true beginning with a seed of hope. Mathew Mendoza had access to this seed of hope through the support of The Cardinal’s Circle, a program funded by donors with a vested interest in Catholic education.

Mendoza began his education at St. Pius V Catholic School in Pasadena. It is a very small school and he had only about 12 to 14 students in his eighth grade class.

“St. Pius V was the school where my cousins attended, and the church where both my aunts/uncles and parents were married,” Mendoza said. “I also was Baptized, received my First Communion, and was Confirmed there. I considered this parish/school as my home for my family and me.”

Mendoza said his parents could have sent him to a local public school, but sacrificed and received aid from The Cardinal’s Circle, which is comprised of individuals and organizations who have made a $5,000-annual commitment to the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in recognition of sharing the responsibility to educate future generations. In his parents’ sacrifice, they were happy to be involved with the school to give of their time. His mother served on the school board for several years and his father volunteered by coaching the baseball team.

“No matter what socio-economic status or background a person comes from, having a Catholic education provides the opportunity of becoming part of a family,” he said.

Mendoza later graduated from St. Thomas High School and attended the University of Houston where he earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in political science and liberal studies in only three years. He is currently attending South Texas College of Law

in Houston, which is known for producing

some of the most successful trial lawyers in the country.

Tom Macrini, one of the founders of The Cardinal’s Circle, along with Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza and Sister Kevina Keating in 2010, said the right to obtain a good education, a key to success in the future, should not depend on income or culture.

“The inspiration for The Cardinal’s Circle was the kids and it’s still the kids,” Macrini said. “These schools can make an incredible impact and a difference in the lives of so many of Houston’s economically challenged youth and their families.”

Macrini has visited all of the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese.

“The one thing that always is impressive is the courtesy of the students,” Macrini said. “They are well disciplined, eager to learn and seem to be very happy at school. Their parents are extremely appreciative that other people outside the parish/local community would help them.”

JoAnn Prater, principal at St. Christopher Catholic School, said The Cardinal’s Circle not only helps the families, but it is also vital to their budget for teacher’s salaries and

technology upgrades. “We have a computer lab for all

classes to use during the week,” she said. “Our first and second grades have a set of iPads that they are sharing between classes. Also, we have just updated our school library with a new automated license for Concourse Book System, four wireless computers, 1,000 books, 100 new religious books and 70 new DVDs.”

Each gift is an investment in the future of these students and their schools to ensure they receive a quality education in a safe atmosphere that is conducive to learning and academic development.

Dr. Julie Vogel, superintendent of the Catholic Schools, said she is impressed with the different ways each school uses its donation.

“I have been here for a year-and-a-half and have seen the generosity of The Cardinal’s Circle in every one of our schools,” Vogel said. “Some schools provide much-needed tuition assistance for families who cannot afford the cost. For other schools the donation supports extracurricular programs to help every child develop their God-given gifts and talents. Our students see that they can do anything because they know in our schools others believe in them. We are havens of unconditional love.”

This unconditional love is part of the reason why Mendoza was able to get through the rigor of Catholic education.

“Yes, at times, classes are a bit more difficult,” he said. “However, going through the difficulty with your fellow students fosters brotherhood and sisterhood of ‘we are in this together.’ I firmly believe that when a person achieves success and grows into the person he has dreamed of becoming, that person has an absolute duty to help others whom are in trouble or have been wronged. That is why I want to be a civil attorney, so I can help people and give them quality legal representation that they would not have been able to receive otherwise.”

Mendoza said he looks forward to becoming a member of The Cardinal’s Circle once he completes his education. The future looks bright for Inner City Catholic Schools and the organization needs more donors to join to support these children and schools.

“For those who have much, much is expected,” Vogel said. “This year, more than ever, Pope Francis is asking us to pay special attention to those who are vulnerable. Our families hunger for better opportunities for their children, and The Cardinal’s Circle helps make that happen. This program is essential for keeping our schools vibrant and full of possibilities for our students.”

For more information about

Inner City Catholic Schools educate the whole child• An academic excellence emphasizes a core curriculum that prepares them for high school and beyond• Faith formation that fosters a lifetime relationship with God, the development of morals, character and caring for others• A safe, disciplined, joyous small class environment where they can learn and thrive• Principals and teachers who are committed to their development in mind, heart and spirit. • Virtually all students from Inner City Catholic Schools graduate from high school, most seeking college education

Facing today’s challenges• Making a Catholic education available to students regardless of ability to pay tuition.• Maintaining competitive teacher salaries to retain the most effective and creative teachers.• Providing state of the art technology and instructional materials for classrooms.• Updating information systems for effective administration of school resources.• Renovating aging facilities, campuses.• Continuing to provide first-rate professional development for our teachers.• Average Age of ICCS Buildings: Over 60 years old.

What is The Cardinal’s Circle?The Cardinal’s Circle seeks to enable the Inner City Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to maintain a standard of excellence. In addition to tuition assistance, the group enables schools to meet the other challenges in education today: competitive teacher salaries, classroom technology, and provide for a safe environment.

The 13 Inner City Catholic SchoolsAssumption Catholic School ∙ Holy Ghost School ∙ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School ∙ Our Lady of Guadalupe School ∙ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School ∙ Queen of Peace Catholic School ∙ Resurrection Catholic School ∙ St. Augustine Catholic School ∙ St. Christopher Catholic School ∙ St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School ∙ St. Mary of the Purification Montessori School ∙ St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School ∙ St. Pius V Catholic School

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATHEW MENDOZA

Mathew Mendoza’s parents sacrificed and received aid from The Cardinal’s Circle to enable him to attend St. Pius V Catholic School in Pasadena.

The Cardinal’s Circle, visit www.choosecatholicschools.org/donate.

If you have a question or are interested in becoming a member of The Cardinal’s Circle, contact the Development Department at 713-652-4417 or visit www.archgh.org. †