Supporting St. John Catholic School and the Value of Catholic Education

To say that the past year has been a rollercoaster for our parish school would be quite the understatement! However, amidst all the challenges and victories, and endless growth opportunities, we have come to know with even more certainty the value of Catholic education for our students, and the importance of supporting our school as a parish community.

There are several ways in which you can help our school continue to flourish, both as the end of the tax year approaches, as well as throughout 2021.

GO for Catholic Schools is an opportunity to turn your Oklahoma state income taxes into scholarships for Catholic school students. This Oklahoma income tax incentive allows individuals, married couples and businesses to earn a state income tax credit worth up to 75 percent of the amount contributed to Catholic schools, through GO. Up to 90 percent of these donated funds go directly to helping our students at St. John Catholic School when you designate us as the primary recipient, and the remainder will go to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. Last year, St. John School received $139,000 from GO for Catholic Schools, all of which went towards scholarships for our students.

“The beautiful part of this is people are supporting the scholarships for students to go to Catholic schools, to get a faith-based education, even if they’re not Catholic,” says Elizabeth Thrash, Director of Development and Mission Advancement.

Although you can do it at any time during the year, the end of the year is the perfect time to create your account and donate to GO for Catholic Schools, applying it to your 2020 taxes. The process is simple and only takes about 15 minutes. Please visit: www.GOforcatholicschools.com to learn more and get started.

Our annual Gala will look a bit different this year, taking the form of a virtual celebration on Saturday, Jan. 30. There will be an online raffle for five big-ticket items, the return of the auction of classroom projects and a few other surprises. The virtual format will allow us to share it with others not living locally, and participation will not rely on purchasing a ticket.

“The virtual event will be fun and entertaining. We’ll have prerecorded entertainment with students and music artists, and testimonies and things like that,” Elizabeth says. “It will be a great event.”

In the past, the funds raised from the Gala have gone to projects such as technology, playground completion, and teacher’s salaries.

Parishioners can also contribute to our school at any time through online giving at www.sjcs-ok.org/giving. Parishioners can choose options such as “Adopt-a-Student,” designate a monthly gift or contribute to a particular project.

There are also ways that parishioners can optimize their donations, especially for those who are already giving to the parish each month as part of their tithe, through employer matching gifts. Employers are unable to match gifts directly to churches — however, they can match gifts made to schools, including St. John Catholic School

“Whatever parishioners are giving to the church, some of it is going to the school, because the school is a ministry of the church,” Elizabeth says. “If a parishioner is an employee or retiree of an employer that matches their donations, then it doubles the parishioner’s donation. Employers cannot match a donation to the church, but they will give it to our school.”

Many employers will not only match financial donations but will make donations on behalf of those who volunteer their time, as well. Currently, this program is already set up with ConocoPhillips, Phillips 66, and ONE Gas. Last year, with these types of grants, donations, and matching corporate gifts, the school received $240,000 for general support, Adopt-a-Student, playground equipment, and COVID expenses.

Legacy giving is another way to support our school and ensure that our faith continues to be passed on, for many years to come.

“Through legacy giving, you make your legacy one of compassion,” Elizabeth says. “By including St. John School in your will and/or Financial Planning, your legacy is keeping and sustaining a faith-based education. We’re trying to not only meet the needs of the school today or even next year, but for future generations.”

Parishioners are also encouraged to donate to our school through Amazon Smile and Financial Advisor funds and accounts. Being an ambassador for our school is also an important way to support us, sharing our mission, and needs with others in the community.

“If you’re thinking, ‘I committed to stewardship, how can I do that?’ These are some ways you can help the school,” Elizabeth says.

“St. John Catholic School is continuing the Catholic faith and students are learning how to love others, and learning about the world and serving others,” she adds. “All of those things are so much needed, especially with our youth being our future. It’s so important.”

For more information on St. John School, or for questions on how to take advantage of any of these opportunities to give to our school or optimize your donation, please call the school office at 918-336-0603, or email Director of Development and Mission Advancement Elizabeth Thrash at ethrash@sjcs-ok.org.

Fr. John O’Neill, the St. John School administration, and our first-grade students receive the GO for Catholic Schools check.