Historic $17 Million Donation Made to Joplin Area Catholic Schools

(Joplin, MO)Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) has established a new endowment — Legacy of Faith Fund — to positively impact Catholic education in Joplin for generations with a $17 million gift from an anonymous donor.

The Legacy of Faith Fund relieves much of the financial burden of full parish tuition for active Catholic families registered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Joplin; St. Peter the Apostle, Joplin; or Sacred Heart in Webb City who desire to receive a Catholic education beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.

“A gift of this magnitude, nearly 140 years after the Sisters of Mercy brought Catholic education to Joplin is profound,” said The Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield — Cape Girardeau. “Legacy of Faith is a fitting title for this fund as we honor the heritage of Catholic faith and Catholic education in Joplin.”

The 2025–2026 school year brings additional positive changes for the Joplin Area Catholic School System with St. Ann Catholic School in Carthage, founded in 1962 becoming a school as part of the JACS system. The school continues to educate children PreK–5th grade. Upon completing fifth grade students attend St. Peter’s Middle School in Joplin. As part of the JACS system, active Catholic families at St. Ann’s qualify for the Legacy of Faith Fund.

Legacy of Faith Fund is dedicated to strengthening and nurturing faith throughout the Southwest Missouri community. Rooted in the belief that faith provides a lasting foundation for hope and spiritual healing, the fund seeks to inspire positive change in the lives of individuals and families by strengthening family engagement in parish life, and increasing parish financial health through enhanced contributions from supported families.

“Addressing financial issues is secondary,” said Bishop Rice. “The primary goal of the Legacy of Faith Fund is to deepen our faith in Jesus Christ in the vibrant parishes and schools in the Joplin area.”

To qualify for the Legacy of Faith Fund, children must be up-to-date with age-appropriate sacraments, families must participate in the parish by regularly attending Mass, volunteer at parish ministries, activities, and events, maintain consistent contributions to the parish offertory, and participate in the schools’ tuition agreement.

“This generous donation reflects the community’s strong support for the mission of Catholic education and the lasting impact it has on students and families,” said Jess Sickman, director of Joplin Area Catholic Schools. “We are grateful to our anonymous donors who recognize the value of Catholic education and are committed to making it accessible to all who desire it.”

The Legacy of Faith Endowment supplements, does not replace, the partnership between the parishes and JACS, by strengthening our community and our shared responsibility for the mission of Catholic education.

About Joplin Area Catholic Schools:

Joplin Area Catholic Schools provide an outstanding academic and Christ-centered educational foundation that forms our present students of today into remarkable servant-leaders of tomorrow.

Reference:

Joplin Area Catholic Schools
417.624.5003

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