Saint Raphael Archangel Fund

Q. Why do we need the Archangel Fund?

A. The Saint Raphael the Archangel Fund supports critical ongoing priorities at Saint Raphael School, including student financial aid, program development, the hiring and retention of exceptional faculty, and provision of state-of-the-art computers and laboratory equipment. Most importantly, the Saint Raphael the Archangel Fund helps us fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to “Go make Disciples.”

Q.  I don’t have children who attend Saint Raphael School, why should I donate to the Archangel Fund?

A. All Christ faithful are responsible to help establish and maintain Catholic schools. (Canon 800.2).  Saint Raphael School is central to our church’s mission to form our children in our Catholic faith.

Q.  Why is the Archangel Fund necessary?

A. Tuition and other fees cover about 78% of the annual operating expenses of the school, and the purpose of the Saint Raphael the Archangel Fund is to help bridge this gap with out putting the entire financial responsibility on the parish.

Q. Why not raise tuition?

A. Saint Raphael School could not charge the full cost of educating its students without pricing itself out of the market. Catholic education needs to be affordable and available to all Catholic families. That is why the Archangel Fund is so necessary. In addition, tuition is a non-tax-deductible contracted contribution to the school, while gifts to the Saint Raphael the Archangel Fund are fully tax-deductible.

Q. When my child went to Catholic school all I had to pay was a small book bill.  Why does it cost so much for Catholic education?

A. Times have changed.  We were blessed for so long to have our schools staffed by religious sisters and brothers.  Almost all our grades were taught by a religious. Now most (if not all) Catholic schools are staffed by dedicated lay teachers who are certified in their field.  While these dedicated lay teachers sacrifice person economic advantages to serve the mission of Catholic by teaching in Catholic school, out of justice they deserve a fair salary and benefits.  Salaries and benefits make up 75% of our school operating budgets. 

Q. Why can’t the parish absorb all the additional costs of the school?

A. According to the Diocesan policy, the parish is able to budget up to 30% of it income to the school. However, the reason why we see so many Catholic Schools closing is because it has become economically impossible for the parish to absorb the gap in the school operating budget. The Archangel Fund not only provides finance security for the future of the school, but our parish as well. 


Q. Are there other Fundraising Activities beside the Archangel Annual Appeal?

A. Yes. In addition to asking all Christ’s faithful to participate in the Archangel Fund Annual Fund, we have several events and ongoing projects each year that strive to raise significant funds, such as our Fall Golf Classic, Tuesday evening Bingo, PTA Fundraising Activities, to name a few. Each of these helps to raise funds for the operating budget.

Q. Can corporations and foundations support the Archangel Fund?

A. Corporations typically contribute to annual funds by offering matching gifts to their employees’ contributions. You may be able to double your personal contributions through your employer’s matching gift programs - you may want to check with your employer to see if such a program is in place where you work.

Q. Why is participation important?

A. Saint Raphael School’s financial strength is dependent upon the participation of all Christ’s faithful. Your participation generates enthusiasm and encourages others to join you in supporting our mission of Catholic education.

Q. How much should I give?

A. You are the only one who knows how much you are able to give, and we ask only that you give to the best of your ability.

Q. Can I donate stock to the Archangel Fund?

A. Yes.  This is a great way to make a gift to the school. Giving appreciates securities provides you with a tax deduction for the appreciated value of the stock without incurring capital gains tax. Our Development Office (609-585-7733) would be very pleased to provide you with details on how to make stock gifts.