By Daniel S. Roy, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Fall River

Daniel S. Roy

During a recent visit to a school, I learned of students from two different families who had recently lost their parents and were living with their grandparents. I listened to the principal describe the sacrifices these families had made to secure a Catholic education for their children despite their challenging circumstances and limited means. Without the financial support from the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE), they would not have been able to remain in the Catholic school where they were known and loved as children made in the image and likeness of God. 

At a time when so many seek such nurturing, faith-filled communities, the need for Catholic education is even greater. For more than three decades, the Diocese of Fall River has marshalled resources to assist families through FACE. In a typical year, FACE provides need-based scholarships to more than 900 children, more than $1.3 million in aid. While FACE does amazing work to respond with assistance, persistent financial needs along with emergent ones like those discovered in my recent visit to a school often surpass the available resources.

The Diocese of Fall River has a legacy of providing a continuum of Catholic education that spans pre-K to grade 12. Too often, though, families face the difficult financial challenge of bridging the significant tuition gap between elementary and high school, making it impossible for children to take full advantage of that continuum.

That gap is one reason why a decision now before Governor Healey matters so much to our corner of the Commonwealth.

Beginning January 1, 2027, a new federal scholarship tax credit takes effect nationwide. Any taxpayer will be able to contribute up to $1,700 to a qualified scholarship organization and receive the full amount back as a federal tax credit. The contribution ultimately costs the giver nothing, and it draws nothing from state and local budgets. In addition, the program reaches farther than many first assumed: public school students are fully eligible, with scholarships funding tutoring, speech and occupational therapy, after-school and summer programs, career and technical training, and more. A program built this broadly serves children wherever they learn. As many as 90% of children in the Commonwealth will be eligible for this scholarship money. 

But students in Massachusetts will only benefit if our governor opts our state in. Thirty states – with both Republican and Democratic governors – are participating. That’s 30 leaders who all reached the same conclusion: when you can do this much for students and families, you do it. I believe the people of this Commonwealth, whatever else they may disagree about, share that instinct. The parents and grandparents of this diocese have never needed convincing that a child’s future is worth the investment. They demonstrate it in their generosity expressed in every collection basket, every gala ticket, every scholarship funded in memory of someone who believed in Catholic education.

If Massachusetts stays out, that generosity gets exported to states that take part in the program. Our residents could still claim the credit, but their contributions would only fund scholarships for children in states that opted in. Families here would be giving, but their giving would go elsewhere.

If one of our schools has ever made a difference for your family, or if you simply believe a child in our diocese deserves the same scholarship opportunities as a child anywhere else in America, I hope you will consider sharing that with Governor Healey. Even just a short letter is enough. The Massachusetts Educational Opportunities Coalition can help you send one, or you can write to the Governor’s office directly. The stories of this diocese’s families have always been its strongest testimony. This is a moment to tell them.

In challenging times when division is prevalent, we have an opportunity to opt into a program endorsed by Republicans and Democrats. It has garnered such support because it clearly helps children and families by expanding opportunities and making resources more accessible. In the end, it is an opportunity to impact the future positively. I pray we take it. 

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