Catholic schools in DOT to rally support for Giving Tuesday Dec. 3

November 30, 2024 at 9:40 a.m.
Samples of letters sent by the diocesan Department of Development to promote Giving Tuesday to prior and potential donors to the Diocese's Catholic grammar schools. Courtesy photo
Samples of letters sent by the diocesan Department of Development to promote Giving Tuesday to prior and potential donors to the Diocese's Catholic grammar schools. Courtesy photo

By EMMALEE ITALIA
Contributing Editor

As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 3, Catholic grammar schools in the Diocese of Trenton are poised for the sixth year to campaign for donors to remember Catholic education through charitable gifts.

Now a global phenomenon, Giving Tuesday started in 2012 to prompt people to give to organizations that support their values, particularly on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Comprising countless nonprofits and donors, the nomenclature follows the pattern of shopping days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

Campaign letters announcing Giving Tuesday went out to past supporters and other non-donors early in November. In 14 of the Diocese’s Catholic schools, students will help donation efforts by wearing wristbands promoting the Diocese’s LeadInFaith.org site, where collections for Giving Tuesday are directed.

The donation page will be updated live Dec. 3 as donors contribute, and Giving Tuesday participation will be promoted and updated throughout the day on diocesan social media outlets.

“For six years, Giving Tuesday has been a cornerstone event for our Catholic grammar schools, a day when our communities come together to celebrate the transformative power of Catholic education,” said Christine Prete, director of the diocesan Department of Development. “It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about fostering a culture of generosity and advocacy.”

Through this global day of giving, she explained, “we teach our students the importance of philanthropy – empowering them as young ambassadors for their schools, even if their contribution is simply sharing their experience and passion for Catholic education.”

Prete noted that Giving Tuesday works hand-in-hand with the Catholic Schools Annual Fund to help build participation and momentum.

“Every gift, no matter its size, creates a ripple effect that grows organically,” she said, “engaging alumni, current school families, parishioners and the broader community.

Prete hopes that by focusing on tangible, impactful goals – whether for tuition assistance, classroom technology or small schoolwide improvements, “our schools inspire donors to see the difference their contributions make. Together, we turn generosity into action, ensuring that Catholic education continues to flourish for generations to come.”

Participating schools include: St. Leo the Great, Lincroft; St. Ann, Lawrenceville; St. Joan of Arc, Marlton; St. Paul, Burlington; St. Paul, Princeton; St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson; Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton; St. James, Red Bank; St. Rose, Belmar; St. Benedict, Holmdel; St. Mary, Manahawkin; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Asbury Park, and St. Rose of Lima, Freehold.

To become an advocate for Catholic schools and raise money through your personal network, or for more information on Giving Tuesday, contact Christine Prete, 609-403-7218, [email protected]

Visit LeadInFaith.org to view the Giving Tuesday campaign video and to donate to the school of your choice or the Catholic Schools Have It All general fund.


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As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 3, Catholic grammar schools in the Diocese of Trenton are poised for the sixth year to campaign for donors to remember Catholic education through charitable gifts.

Now a global phenomenon, Giving Tuesday started in 2012 to prompt people to give to organizations that support their values, particularly on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Comprising countless nonprofits and donors, the nomenclature follows the pattern of shopping days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

Campaign letters announcing Giving Tuesday went out to past supporters and other non-donors early in November. In 14 of the Diocese’s Catholic schools, students will help donation efforts by wearing wristbands promoting the Diocese’s LeadInFaith.org site, where collections for Giving Tuesday are directed.

The donation page will be updated live Dec. 3 as donors contribute, and Giving Tuesday participation will be promoted and updated throughout the day on diocesan social media outlets.

“For six years, Giving Tuesday has been a cornerstone event for our Catholic grammar schools, a day when our communities come together to celebrate the transformative power of Catholic education,” said Christine Prete, director of the diocesan Department of Development. “It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about fostering a culture of generosity and advocacy.”

Through this global day of giving, she explained, “we teach our students the importance of philanthropy – empowering them as young ambassadors for their schools, even if their contribution is simply sharing their experience and passion for Catholic education.”

Prete noted that Giving Tuesday works hand-in-hand with the Catholic Schools Annual Fund to help build participation and momentum.

“Every gift, no matter its size, creates a ripple effect that grows organically,” she said, “engaging alumni, current school families, parishioners and the broader community.

Prete hopes that by focusing on tangible, impactful goals – whether for tuition assistance, classroom technology or small schoolwide improvements, “our schools inspire donors to see the difference their contributions make. Together, we turn generosity into action, ensuring that Catholic education continues to flourish for generations to come.”

Participating schools include: St. Leo the Great, Lincroft; St. Ann, Lawrenceville; St. Joan of Arc, Marlton; St. Paul, Burlington; St. Paul, Princeton; St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson; Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton; St. James, Red Bank; St. Rose, Belmar; St. Benedict, Holmdel; St. Mary, Manahawkin; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Asbury Park, and St. Rose of Lima, Freehold.

To become an advocate for Catholic schools and raise money through your personal network, or for more information on Giving Tuesday, contact Christine Prete, 609-403-7218, [email protected]

Visit LeadInFaith.org to view the Giving Tuesday campaign video and to donate to the school of your choice or the Catholic Schools Have It All general fund.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

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