Upon this Rock | A New Vision for Catholic Schools of WNY

From Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda, NY, Bishop Malone spoke on behalf of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo to call upon the men and women of Western New York's Catholic community to help lead the Church into a bright future.

The plan includes a permanent endowment for tuition assistance. This is a huge step in the right direction for boys and girls of Buffalo who want the benefits of a Catholic education, but come from low income families.

"The Upon This Rock campaign is a strategic initiative designed to immediately impact our parishes as well as reshape the way the Church funds key ministries and programs for the future. This mission will ensure our ability to continue to effectively carry out the Lord's mission of service. As a Catholic community, we are asked to come together to establish a robust culture of evangelization and stewardship, and a vibrant future throughout Western New York."

See The New Upon This Rock Website 

A decade of challenges, including the closing of several WNY Catholic schools due to enrollment decline, called for a plan. Extensive planning, research, and work were put into launching the campaign.

Upon This Rock aims to "move from maintenance mode and refocus on our mission. Mission after all is why the Church exists," according to Bishop Malone. 

Jean Comer, STREAM Initiative Coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, touches on how Upon This Rock will help private schools of WNY.

1.   Increased purchases of all things technology

2.   Upgrades to labs in middle schools

3.   Partnerships within the community

4.   Professional development

The $17 million dedicated to the future students of Catholic elementary and high schools in Buffalo is proof that both Catholic education and the STREAM curriculum are not only alive, but thriving.