Catholic Learning Society
"Passing the Faith to the next generation"
How
to start a CLS in your diocese
Letters
from Students and Schools
HOW TO START A CATHOLIC LEARNING SOCIETY
IN YOUR DIOCESE!
The
Catholic Learning Society of Saint Paul/Minneapolis in Minnesota was
formed because a group of 6 adults wanted to help our elementary school
students to become more informed in their Faith, as funding for library
books and tapes was almost a thing of the past.
While
the larger and older schools in our diocese seemed to be able to raise
money for books, the smaller schools in smaller areas could not.
By
the time most parents pay the tuition, many working two jobs, there is
nothing left to help their schools.
That
just does not seem fair, as the children of all Catholic Families should
have the same benefits. God would like their minds and spirits to become
enriched by good books as their bodies are by good food.
Originally,
we worked in the Catholic high schools, and we discovered by that age it
was too late to reach the beautiful formation of a strong trusting
Faith. They had missed so much in elementary school as they could not
even relate to the Lives of the Saints.
The
first year, we sent out letters to 100 friends who could afford to help
the schools and asked for donations.
We
sent out “wish lists” to the 99 Elementary Schools.
We
prayed the donations would match the wishes. Of course, it could not the
first year.
We
could buy materials at a reduced rate as we ordered in quantity.
We
began filling as much of their requests as our funds allow. At first,
only 35 schools responded. They did not think this was possible!
We
are now starting on our fifth year. We have been the ones to do the
learning! If you are interested in spreading this great aid to
Education, please contact us at, Catholic Learning Society at either
helendic@comcast.net or Helen D. Murphy, 1440 Summit Avenue, Saint
Paul Minnesota 55105
We
are a 501c3 and have no connection to the Archdiocese. We are all
volunteers. The Archbishop approves our mission.
We
have Priests on our Advisory Board who all have elementary schools
in their parishes. They are selected in geographic locations
representing all directions of our 222 Parishes.
We
have had such fun helping others.
We
have speakers going out to the schools. We have a collection of over 60
statues that were donated. How the classrooms love them! We have donated
ten hand carved 3 foot size Crucifixes, holy water fonts, stories with
Catholic ideals stressed, Ignatius Press Revised Standard Bibles and the most requested, “Lives of the
Saints”!
We
have a website which lists of approved books, photos of how donations
have been used, happy children and teachers, comments on our support,
and many ideas to help you get started.
All
you have to do is first get some people with vision together.
You
must have legal help if you want to spend other peoples' money. Most
lawyers will do this pro-bono as this is such a worthy cause.
Enlist
a lawyer friend to set up your bylaws, articles of incorporation, and
the written action of the initial directors. This same lawyer will
provide the legal 501c3 document that enables you to be nonprofit. If
this sounds difficult and confusing, it is if you aren't a lawyer.
Once
your group gets going and you actually buy and deliver the books, you
will see a child reading and feel YOU made it possible!