The Badilla family, clockwise from top, Joel, Marilyn, Cherrilyn, J.R., Joelyn, and Czarina, stand on the steps of St. Jarlath School. KRISTA ROSA BRENNAN PHOTO

By Voice staff

The waiting list for tuition assistance to students in Catholic schools in the Oakland Diocese has jumped from 1000 to 1700 families, reports Krista Rosa Brennan, director of Family Aid Catholic Education (FACE). That’s an increase of 700 requests, which Rosa Brennan attributes to the current economic recession.

FACE, a diocesan tuition grant program begun in 1978 to help low income families send their children to Catholic schools, has raised over $ 2 million for the 2009-2010 school year. A half million of it came from the group’s recent auction, but that’s not enough to help the waiting families, said Rosa Brennan.

The program, which provides grants based solely on financial hardship, has assisted 1,091 students — 785 in elementary school, and 306 in high school — during the 2008-2009 school year. Each FACE grant for an elementary school student is $1750 and $3050 for each high school student.

Joel and Marilyn Badilla are one of the families receiving help. Without FACE assistance, Catholic education would have been an unreachable dream for their four children. But over the past few years, their dream has been a precious, ongoing reality.

Joelyn and J.R. Badilla attend St. Jarlath School in Oakland. Cherrilyn is a student at St. Elizabeth High School. Czarina, who is completing her freshman year at UC Berkeley as a psychology major, received FACE funds while at St. Elizabeth’s. Each
The Badillas applied for FACE grants because they wanted their children to receive a faith-based education in an atmosphere free of the violence and desperation which exists in many public schools, explained Rosa Brennan. Because of the assistance they are receiving, “Marilyn and Joel rest easily at night knowing that during the day their children receive the same Catholic morals they teach and instill at home,” she said.

Rosa Brennan noted that both parents work, but even with overtime they can’t afford to send their children to Catholic schools without help. The average annual tuition for elementary school is $5100. High school costs average out to around $11,000 yearly.

Last week, FACE launched its annual spring appeal, which runs through the month of June. “More than ever, we need help now to ensure that other families like the Badillas can continue to send their children to Catholic schools,” Rosa Brennan. And to winnow away at that long waiting list, she added.

To make a donation, call Krista Rosa Brennan at (510) 628-2169, or send a contribution to the FACE office, 2121 Harrison St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612. Gifts will be matched dollar for dollar.

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