Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church at 4865 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341 US - OLCEF

In 1989, we established the Our Lady of Consolation Education Foundation (OLCEF). We needed a way to continue educating our parishioners, especially our children and youth, without endlessly increasing the financial burden of tuition on parents. Years ago, parishes supported their schools and religious education without charging for the education at all. As costs of providing education rose, the concept of tuition and other required payments was implemented.

We believe it is vital to our Church to provide religious education to everyone who desires it, not only to those who can afford it. Through the Education Foundation (OLCEF) and widespread financial support we are able to pass on the Faith to all, regardless of financial means. The costs of religious education in the parish are shared between the OLCEF and the Sunday collection.

What is funded by the Education Foundation? 

All educational endeavors within the parish, including the School, the Faith Formation program, RCIA and all other educational expenses within the parish are funded by the OLCEF.  The OLCEF aspires to pay one-half of our educational program costs.

What are the costs of education at Our Lady of Consolation? 

It costs approximately $300 per family for our Faith Formation program and approximately $4,200 per year to educate one child in the school.

How can we contribute to the education foundation? 

Contributions can be made as a one-time monetary gift, an annual pledge, or payable in monthly or weekly installments. We welcome electronic giving through credit/debit cards. You can give by buying a life insurance policy that names the Foundation as a beneficiary. You can designate a portion of your estate to the Foundation. Anyone wishing to give a portion of their estate to the Foundation will be afforded free legal counsel on setting up of your will, with the time donated by lawyers within our parish family.

Stocks, bonds and other assets can be given to the OLCEF with desirable income tax benefits. We can help you with such transactions.

Who can contribute to the education foundation? 

Any and all parishioners, alumni of the School or Faith Formation programs, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, any person or organization that has a desire to promote quality education for the youth and adults of Our Lady of Consolation Parish. The OLCEF qualifies for most companies’ matching gifts programs, as well.

Why contribute to the education foundation? 

A gift to Our Lady of Consolation Education Foundation is an investment in the Faith leaders of tomorrow. The better we educate the children of our parish in the Faith, the better off we all are. We believe it is important to provide religious education to everyone without requiring payment. The Foundation is a registered Not-for-Profit Corporation, and as such your gift is totally tax-deductible.

How much should I contribute to the education foundation? 

We encourage Gospel based giving, where God is given “first fruits” and made a priority in our lives. God blesses a sacrificial giver who gives regularly and proportionately. A target guideline sometimes offered for giving is 5% of income for your Sunday envelope, 1% for the local bishop’s appeal (CSA) and 4% to other charities. Perhaps some of this latter 4% could be pledged to fund Catholic education through the OLCEF.

Many of us are benefactors of the Catholic education system. With the Foundation we have an opportunity to give back to others what we were able to receive in the past.

If I have further questions on the education foundation, who may I call? 

If you have any questions concerning the Education Foundation, please contact Deacon Jim Hessler in the parish office at 866-0931 x201, or email: jim.hessler@gmail.com.