- Donor Stories
Honoring St. James Catholic School Educators
The idea for the St. James Teacher Assistance Fund sprang from a heartfelt concern for the financial well-being of teachers at St. James Catholic School. Father Christopher Stoley and Sister Mary Alma recognized the teachers’ sacrifices and sought to alleviate their financial burdens. “Our teachers are sincere about living for God, and they foster a family atmosphere where everyone can come together and be with God,” says Sister Mary Alma. “The kids are excited to come to school, and they understand the importance of the liturgy. It’s a great Catholic education.”
With the ongoing teacher shortage, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crete recognized how precious the educators at St. James were to the parish. Fr. Stoley and Sister Mary Alma knew they needed a way to ensure sustained support for their valued teachers, and they took inspiration from a fund created a few years prior that provided tuition assistance to students and financial support for the parish.
More importantly, the Koerner family’s generosity made it possible to start a fund that could grow to empower and support the teachers, allowing them to focus on educating and nurturing students. The continued growth of the fund serves as a testament to the solidarity and support within the parish, rallying individuals to contribute to a common cause.
Purpose and Long-Term Goals
At its core, the fund aims to honor St. James teachers’ dedication and hard work by providing financial support. The parish recently reached its short-term funding goal thanks to ongoing contributions from the Crete community and beyond. The ultimate goal is for the fund to consistently support St. James’ teachers, ensuring ongoing provision for them year after year. “Our teachers do so much, says Father Stoley. “We really want a way to take pressure off them financially, and now, we’re able to supplement the teachers’ income.”
Efforts to raise awareness of the fund are ongoing, with plans to engage the broader parish community. Strategies such as informational meetings and presentations aim to educate parishioners about the fund’s purpose and impact. “We’re transparent about what our teachers need,” says Father Stoley. “The numbers open people’s eyes a bit, but they also have children in school, so they know exactly how great of a Catholic education their kids receive.” The response from those who have learned about the fund has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing eagerness to support the cause.
St. James is a Special Place
St. James School boasts a vibrant and multicultural community where students, teachers, and parents come together in a spirit of unity and respect. The presence of dedicated teachers, sisters, and priests creates a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and spiritually.
The diverse backgrounds of the students and families in Crete are a real strength at the school, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. “We’re a bilingual parish, and a large portion of our school is Hispanic,” says Sister Mary Alma. “At the school, we’re a model for everyone getting along. The kids and the parents become fast friends – it’s a special place.”
Fund Advice for Your Parish
For those seeking to support their own parish or school, the key lies in prayer, discernment, and trust in God’s guidance, according to Sister Mary Alma. If you’d like to put a plan into action today, contact our Gift Planning Officers, Les Mach and Scott Yates. The Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska is here to help you take inspired action, allowing individuals like you to make a meaningful difference in your community.
Giving With A Higher Purpose
The St. James Teacher Assistance Fund embodies the spirit of compassion, generosity, and solidarity of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. James School community. As it continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that teachers receive the support and recognition they truly deserve.
