What do Grads and Dads have in common?

June is the month that transitions us to summer. It marks the end of the school year and a world of possibilities for students graduating from high school, college, and those seeking advanced degrees. June is also when we take time to honor our fathers.

Last year in this column, I focused on the importance of the priesthood since it is also the time for the ordination of priests and deacons. Shortly after those remarks, I received a call from Deacon Gabe Saavedra of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Deacons in Ministry Office. Deacon Gabe pointed out that CCF-LA has many funds that benefit the priestly formation process, but that there were no funds for the diaconate programs. After learning more about this office and the importance of the work of the deacons and their wives to parish life, CCF-LA started the Diaconate Formation Fund.

As we honored our mothers last month, this month we honor our fathers, grandfathers, and godfathers, both living and deceased. Taking a moment to send a card or better yet a visit or treating them to a meal is an important way to express appreciation. A trip to the cemetery to leave flowers and a prayer of gratitude are how I will honor my dad and grandfathers this year.

A final comment about graduations. So many young people are entering the job force this summer armed with newly minted diplomas and advanced degrees, and with much hope on how they can change the world. Let that enthusiasm be with them for life as they navigate the changing work environment, the global marketplace, and the many opportunities to solve issues around hunger, housing, the availability of social services, and our education system. Surely, this generation can change the world and make it a better place for all.

As for me, I will be forever grateful that my dad encouraged and supported my Catholic school education from first grade through college, significantly and positively impacting the personal and career choices I made.

Bernard, rest in peace and pray for us.

Kathy Anderson

President and Executive Director

Tis’ Scholarship Season

At CCF-LA, we are grateful for the opportunity to administer the granting of scholarships on behalf of our clients. So far this calendar year, we have granted out a total of $8,524,053.00 to thousands of deserving students that are attending Catholic elementary and high schools. We are honored to play a role in positively impacting the trajectory of these students’ lives as the tuition awards, we fund and the scholarships we issue allow them to receive the benefits of a high-quality education, where it may not have been previously possible.

These numbers include tuition awards made to the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) and others grants made under specific donor-directed and named scholarship funds at CCF-LA that benefit many other schools. These specific scholarships are established by CCF-LA clients to ensure that their wishes of making an impact on the lives of deserving students is carried through.

The CCF-LA Client Services team works diligently with CEF to ensure compliance to their tuition programs. For specific donor-directed CCF-LA scholarships, we contact the principals of the designated schools for the selection of the scholarship recipients, process the grants, issue customized scholarship award certificates, and attend the award ceremonies when possible. It is an honor, privilege, and pleasure to take part in making an impact on so many students’ lives.

Tania Naaman

Director of Client Services and

Assistant Secretary