In addition to funding received through ordinary giving at all parishes, extraordinary gifts to schools ensure Catholic education remains a pillar of the Diocese of Wichita. The new school-based endowments for teacher salaries will serve as another opportunity for parishioners throughout the diocese to help in this effort. For more information on ways to fund the schools, please visit CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org/Give.

As another school year draws to a close, reflections on the value of Catholic education in the Diocese of Wichita emerge. This past year alone, more than 9,500 students were educated and formed in faith across 34 grade schools and four high schools. These institutions are hubs of learning, prayer, and fellowship.

“I am inspired constantly by what I experience when visiting our schools,” said Janet Eaton, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools. “Whether it is in the reverence and participation at Mass, the outreach of students in serving the less fortunate, or the dynamic discussions that take place in classrooms.”

The impact of a Catholic education extends well beyond classroom learning. Students have opportunities to encounter Jesus through retreats, service projects, and other faith-formation experiences.

Support for Catholic education is one of the top priorities for the diocesan campaign "One Family, Fully Alive in Christ!" The campaign aims to raise $15 million to establish 38 new school-based endowments specifically designed to enhance teachers' salaries across the diocese.

“Our Catholic schools are remarkable in many ways,” said Bishop Carl A. Kemme. “Each day, our teachers and administrators touch young lives and fulfill our mission to make missionary disciples for Jesus Christ.”

While parish stewardship remains the primary source of funding for Catholic schools, additional resources are being sought to bolster salaries and help close pay gaps with local public schools.

“While significant, this campaign and the $15 million it will raise are just a starting point,” Eaton said. “There will be many opportunities to build these endowments further.”

Individual parish teacher salary enhancement endowment funds will be established for each of the 38 schools by late 2024. Deposits into these endowments will begin in January 2025 based on cash received from campaign pledges as of December 31 of each previous year.

Significant funds should be deposited into these endowments by July 2027 with full funding anticipated by July 2028 from campaign proceeds. Once established, up to 4% of the ending market balance over an average period will be distributed annually for enhancing teachers’ salaries.

“This is a long-term plan,” said Mike Wescott, diocesan Director of Development. “When we first established the St. Katharine Drexel Endowment Fund in 2005...that endowment now generates just over $450,000 annually.”

Planned gifts and bequests will also play an important role in growing these new school-based endowments over time.