From its founding in 1950 St. Francis of Assisi Parish School has been a central and important part of our parish’s ministry. Over those seventy-four years, we have educated countless students who have now taken their place in our community and across this nation and are active citizens and faithful disciples of Christ.
Back in 1987, the then pastor, Fr. Ray Rademacher, along with some far-sighted parishioners established our Educational Trust Fund (ETF) to provide funding for religious education throughout the parish. This purpose was later changed in 2000 when the trust document was amended to cover the needs of our parish school alone. From then on the purpose of the ETF was to support the running of our parish school, by providing it with long-term assistance.
Under the guidance and leadership of Fr. Charles Irvin, our fourth pastor, the first fund raising drive was undertaken, raising over $500,000. In 2001 the Board of Trustees and our fifth pastor, Fr. Jim McDougall hosted the first the ETF Benefit at the former St. John Seminary in Plymouth. Since then, the benefit has become an annual event for the parish and is now in its 24th year and has raised much needed funding to cover the cost of our parish school. Today the ETF is overseen by a Board of Trustees (listed below), representing the parish and the school.
In addition to the annual benefit, the ETF has also added a Leadership Circle, where members commit to gifting at least $1000 per annum for five years and a Legacy Society where parishioners and friends of the ETF commit to remembering the ETF in their estate planning. Since becoming pastor in 2013, our current pastor, Fr. James Conlon, has continued the work of his predecessors and has overseen a wonderful growth in our school and preschool enrollment. Today our school has over 400 students with another 100 students in our pre-school and is continuing to grow and to expand its range of studies and activities.
The ETF also receives bequests of cash, as well as being recognized in decedents’ estates. Interest income and unrealized investment income make up the balance of the annual net income. For the year ending June 30, 2023, the total amount of the ETF was $2,822,753. In accordance with the terms of the Trust Document, each year five percent of the average of the last three years’ beginning fund balance is disbursed to St. Francis School – the most recent distribution being $143,000 (See Annual Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2023) . Since its inception, the ETF has paid out over $1.5 million to the school.
If you would like to support the work of the ETF or to learn more please contact the Parish Business Manager: Robert Kehn at rkehn@stfrancisa2.org
Educational Trust Fund Board of Trustees
Fr. James Conlon, Pastor
Joe Ceccoli, Chair
Philip Gobeyn
Jeffrey Higgins
Raphael Juarez
Edward Post
Jacquelyn Rygiel-Sprague
Matt Stovcsik
Kari Walworth