The Cardinal’s Circle helps Catholic schools develop future disciples
February 10, 2015
HOUSTON - Thanks to The Cardinal’s Circle for Excellence in the Inner City Catholic Schools, Tim and Roxann Neumann have seen their commitment to Catholic school education turn into action.
“We are committed to supporting The Cardinal’s Circle because one of its priorities is to provide tuition assistance for families in need,” Tim Neumann said. “This assistance provides families with the opportunity to send their children to a Catholic School.”
The Cardinal’s Circle is comprised of individuals who have made a $5,000-annual commitment to the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in recognition of sharing the responsibility to educate future generations.
Each gift is an investment in the future of these area students and helps ensure they receive a quality education in a safe atmosphere that is conducive to learning and academic development.
“The Cardinal’s Circle supports schools that serve segments of our community that are poor and in need,” Roxann Neumann said. “We believe it’s important to provide the inner city schools assistance so that they can continue to grow and thrive.”
The Cardinal’s Circle was established in June 2010 as a program to ensure any family could give their children a Catholic education.
“Our inner city neighborhoods are enhanced when there is a strong and successful Catholic school in their midst,” Roxann Neumann said. “Catholic schools build community.”
Marsha Masi has witnessed that firsthand.
In her fourth year as principal of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Galena Park, Masi said the support her school has received from The Cardinal’s Circle has had a profound effect on the school community. Student enrollment had increased from approximately 60 students in her first year at Our Lady of Fatima to just under 200 students this year.
“With the financial support of The Cardinal Circle’s donors, more students are able to benefit from the Catholic education that Our Lady of Fatima and the other Inner City Catholic Schools provide,” Masi said.
The principal has also seen students truly blossom in the Catholic school setting.
“Our students are shining examples of our mission to create Catholic community and service,” Masi said. “They help with the Galena Park Food Pantry and help to meet the needs of the elderly in the Jacinto City nursing home. The one comment that I always hear from parents and community members is, ‘your students are so willing to help’ and ‘the school feels like a family.’”
Masi said The Cardinal’s Circle has opened the door of opportunity to countless families that always thought a Catholic education was an “impossible dream.”
“Through The Cardinal’s Circle, the Inner City Catholic Schools are developing future Christian disciples that will make a difference in our world.”
More than 2,000 students are currently enrolled in the 13 Inner City Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Outside of generous individual donors, The Cardinal’s Circle also welcomes parishes and organizations that would like to be part of this worthy cause.
“As a member of The Cardinal’s Circle, you have a chance to make a difference in a child’s life,” Tim Neumann said. “With this support, we can make sure that all children have the chance to get a strong education and character formation.”
For more information about The Cardinal’s Circle, visit www.choosecatholicschools.org. To beome a member of The Cardinal’s Circle, contact the Development Department at 713-652-4417 or visit www.archgh.org.