Light the Way
Catholic education has long stood as a beacon of hope, nurturing students to grow in faith, wisdom, and virtue. The Light the Way: Catholic Education Appeal ensures ten Catholic schools in vulnerable communities across the Diocese of Dallas can continue to provide this crucial foundation. These schools are more than just educational institutions—they are places where children’s hearts and minds are shaped by faith, preparing them to be leaders who carry Christ’s light into the world.
As members of one Body in Christ, when one part of the Body struggles, we are all called to respond. This effort goes beyond the pews of our own parishes and schools, uniting us in a shared responsibility to support our brothers and sisters in need. Through strategic efforts to reduce costs, increase enrollment, and strengthen operations, these schools remain pillars of hope in their communities. Your support lights the way for these students, helping these schools ensure that all of God’s children can learn and grow in a joyful community of faith, regardless of financial circumstances.
Be the Light That Guides Their Journey
Every student represents a life changed, a family strengthened, and a community transformed.
Questions? Please contact our donor services team at (214) 528-2540 or [email protected].
At the heart of our ten schools is a shared mission: to provide every child with a faith-filled, high-quality Catholic education. Together, we are shaping leaders who will strengthen our Diocese, workforce, and communities for generations to come.
- Bishop Dunne Catholic School
- Good Shepherd Catholic School
- Holy Family Catholic Academy
- Immaculate Conception Catholic School – Grand Prairie
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
- Santa Clara of Assisi Catholic Academy
- St. Cecilia Catholic School
- St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School
- St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School
- St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy
- Together, these ten schools serve 1,928 students.
- 47% of students receive tuition assistance.
- 53% of students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch, compared to 32% Diocesan-wide.
- 17% of students receive Title I services, more than double the diocesan average of 7%.
Illuminating Faith & Learning
Santa Clara Catholic Church
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School
Bishop Dunne Catholic School
The Impact of Your Gift
Unlocking the Potential of Every Student
Intellectual growth is about more than just grades — it is about fostering a lifelong love of learning. Students are challenged to think critically, explore new ideas, and build skills that will serve them in all areas of life. A strong academic foundation prepares them not only for success in higher education but also for meaningful careers and leadership in their communities.
98% of Catholic elementary school students go on to Catholic high schools, continuing their faith-based educational journey.
A strong academic foundation today prepares these students to become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.
Forming Leaders with Character and Conviction
Rooted in Gospel values, our schools foster moral character, ethical leadership, and a strong commitment to justice. No matter a student’s path—whether in medicine, business, the arts, or public service—students will carry these values with them, strengthening their communities with wisdom and purpose.
By supporting these schools, you are investing in the moral and ethical formation of tomorrow’s leaders, ensuring they have the tools to build a more just and faith-filled society.
Shaping Lives with Christ-Centered Purpose
Faith is the foundation of Catholic education. These schools foster a deep, personal relationship with Christ, shaping students who are not only academically prepared but also spiritually grounded. Through daily prayer and participation in the sacramental life, including Mass, students are equipped to carry their Catholic faith into every aspect of their lives.
15 hours average monthly time for religious study, excluding Mass participation.
89% of parents/guardians believe their children are learning how to grow closer to God.
121 hours spent annually immersing children in Catholic teachings, Scripture, and the core values of faith, service, and community
A gift to these schools is a gift to the future of our Church, helping ensure that students who may otherwise lack access to Catholic education are formed in faith, helping build a stronger, more vibrant Diocese for generations to come.
Letter from Bishop Edward J. Burns
“As Catholics, we are one Body in Christ. When one part of the Body thrives, we all thrive; when one part struggles, we are all called to respond. This sacred responsibility extends beyond the pews of our own parishes and schools, calling us to help our brothers and sisters wherever the need exists.
In the Diocese of Dallas, we are blessed with a vibrant and growing Catholic community. This growth brings both great joy and solemn responsibility. As we embark on the creation of a new school to meet the growing needs of our faith community, we must not forget those schools that have long served as pillars of hope and opportunity, especially in our more vulnerable communities.”
Clergy Assistance
The Clergy Assistance Fund provides vital financial support for our active and retired priests, especially in times of illness, or as they face unexpected emergencies. The Fund also assists parishes and other diocesan entities served by our priests as they seek to offer proper care and support during these times.
Pray for Clergy Formation
Through the medical, catechetical and education missions our diocese provides basic medical care to people with difficult and limited access to see a doctor; the catechetical mission is a joint effort to provide ongoing catechetical training and leadership; and the education mission is a collaborative effort to help young adults get an education to empower their local communities.
It is a service mission trip where Catholic High school students spend a week working on various construction projects; they work with parishioners building sidewalks, fences, painting, classrooms, and building human relationships. The students have an opportunity to delve deeper in their understanding of mission and solidarity, grow spiritually through the corporal work, opportunities for faith formation, peer relationships, and celebration of the sacraments with the local people.
The second collection on the first week of January helps to support these missions.
The Diocese of El Paso is our sister diocese. Our goal is to strengthen our relationship and collaboration to foster a culture of life. We work in solidarity to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor.
Throughout the year, the Pontifical Mission Societies support the proclamation of the Gospel, the building of the Church, and the work and witness of mission priests, religious Sisters and Brothers, and lay pastoral leaders. These missionaries provide food, education, and medical care to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions. Through their work, they reveal the compassionate heart of Jesus. Help support their efforts ~ and be right there with them, offering hope.
MISSIO, the crowdfunding platform of the Catholic world, offers a wide range of ongoing missions in need of your support. From sponsoring charity projects in Africa and providing Catholic healthcare in South America to making donations for Catholic education in Africa or helping feed starving children in India, MISSIO connects you to impactful projects around the globe. Whatever cause you’re passionate about, you can find a mission that aligns with your values and make a meaningful difference.
Catholic Relief Services works with organizations around the world to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, earn a living through agriculture and access affordable health care.
Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and climate change, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all.
