We are elated to announce that the second quarter tuition for all Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) students in our Catholic schools has been funded! This was made possible through the gracious and generous support of donors around the state and by an out-of-state philanthropist who covered the remaining students in all South Carolina nonpublic schools.
On Sept. 11 this year, the state Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional that funds from the ESTF be used for tuition at nonpublic schools. The Diocese of Charleston and the 22 Catholic schools with ESTF families had to cover the remainder, which was not budgeted for by the schools or diocese. The St. Rita Relief Fund was established as an emergency effort to cover the costs. We give thanks to and are grateful for all who sacrificed so generously on behalf of Catholic education.
However, this is a temporary measure, and the Catholic Conference is committed to finding a solution in the upcoming legislative session. More information will be made available in the coming weeks as discussions are underway to determine how best to distribute funds to affected families.
“The LORD is trustworthy in all his words and loving in all his works. The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down” (Ps 145:13-14).
St. Rita, patron saint of impossible causes, pray for us!