PALM BEACH GARDENS | As the 2025-26 school year comes to a close, so does the Lumen Christi Schools Appeal. Thanks to many generous donors, the appeal raised more than $637,000 that will go to support and enhance education of the more than 6,800 students enrolled in local Catholic schools.
Thanks to the generosity of many benefactors, the appeal helps to meet the needs of three Catholic preschools, 12 elementary schools and three high schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach. The essential role of schools was touched on by Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez at his Feb. 24 ordination/installation Mass:
“Through our apostolic boldness, the Word of God must be proclaimed more widely; the sacraments must be celebrated abundantly; charity must be lived intensely — by visiting the sick and the imprisoned, assisting the poor, accompanying immigrants, educating children and young people in the faith, and listening to and caring for our elderly. Ours is the vocation and the mission to make present in Palm Beach the kingdom of God — beautiful, flourishing, expansive, united and radiant.”
The net proceeds from the Lumen Christi Schools Appeal are allocated to Catholic schools to further the church’s mission to spread the Gospel. Donations to the appeal are an investment to ensure the relevance and growth of Catholic education. The following donors have been especially generous in their support of the 2025-26 campaign:
• Rhodium sponsor ($100,000+): Kazma Family Foundation Inc.
• Diamond sponsor ($20,000+): Vera Ferola; Arlene and Frank Certo Family Foundation.
• Platinum sponsor ($10,000+): Anonymous (2); in memory of James and Kathryn Kiernan; Ms. Brown; Ambassador and Mrs. Leach; Mr. and Mrs. McKinney; Frank J. Lewis Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Caliendo.
• Gold sponsor ($5,000+): Anonymous (1); Mr. and Mrs. White; Ms. Hartz; Mr. and Mrs. Sivitilli; Mrs. Mack; St. Patrick Parish; Mr. and Mrs. Tisbo; Holy Cross Parish; Ms. Murphy; Mrs. Gross; The DeAlessandro Foundation.
To learn about the Lumen Christi Schools Appeal and donate funds, visit www.diocesepb.org/lumen-christi/lumen-christi-appeal.html or call 561-775-9590.
