March 3, 2018

Gala planned for Catholic school scholarships

REGIONAL
Staff report

First grade students at St. Joan of Arc School in Chicopee pray the rosary together. (IObserve file photos)

SPRINGFIELD- “Eat, drink & be charitable” is what people will be doing on Saturday, March 10 at the inaugural Catholic School Tuition Assistance Gala, to be held at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield starting at 5:30 p.m. Offering a variety of dishes, some of the area’s finest restaurants are providing the food.

“It’s an investment in Catholic school education,” said Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph Andrea Ciszewski, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Springfield.

More than 3,000 students are currently enrolled, attending one of the 12 elementary schools, and Pope Francis High School, located in Chicopee. Catholic education is a 151-year-old tradition in the Diocese of Springfield.

Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski poses with students from Mater Dolorosa School in Holyoke after a taping of “Chalice of Salvation.”

“Many families choose a Catholic school education because it combines quality academics with the teachings of our Catholic faith,” said Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski.

“Often to afford the tuition, parents will need some assistance. We hope the gala will increase the scholarships we can provide,” he said.

Instead of a fundraising dinner in the fall, this year the “Eat, drink & be charitable” gala will feature food offerings from Student Prince, Nadim’s Mediterranean Bar & Grill, Adolfo’s Restaurant, Frigo’s Gourmet Foods, Theodore’s BBQ, and Amherst’s Johnny’s Tavern. Stacy Dibbern, a member of the organizing committee, said it will be a lively night with music by local musician Michael Smith of Longmeadow.

“In addition, we’ve got a silent auction that will include Red Sox tickets, a Foxwoods resort package, as well as a golfing package,” explained Dibbern. “We also have amazing baskets for a buyers choice raffle.”

Chris Pisano from Western Mass News will serve as the auctioneer and master of ceremonies for the evening.

The Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance Gala gets underway on Saturday March 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mass Mutual Center.

Tickets can purchased online at www.diospringfield.org or by calling (413) 452-0699.