Celebrating a decade of Catholic classical education in Madison

	Robert A. Marsland
	10th Anniversary St. Ambrose Academy Benefit Dinner All are welcome to celebrate a festive evening toasting Catholic education in the Diocese of Madison and the feast day of school patron St. Ambrose. • Saturday, Dec. 7 • 5:30 p.m. — Cocktail Hour, Cash Bar • 7 p.m. — Dinner • $75/plate, four guests at the reduced rate of $250, or table of eight at the reduced rate of $500 NOTE: Parties of less than eight may be seated with other parties. $45 of the $75 cost is tax-deductible • Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 RSVP to St. Ambrose Academy, 608-827-5863

MADISON — On Saturday, Dec. 7, St. Ambrose Academy in Madison will host its annual Benefit Dinner, gathering people from around the Diocese of Madison to celebrate Catholic education on the feast day of its patron, St. Ambrose.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the academy’s founding in 2003. As in past years, the dinner will feature a warm welcome for special guest Bishop Robert C. Morlino as well as representatives from many area Catholic apostolates.

The dinner, an Advent-season tradition for many Madison-area Catholics, last year helped raise pledges of over $100,000. Donations benefit scholarships and the academy’s mission of assisting parents in the formation of their children by providing a classical education rooted in the Catholic faith for students in grades six to 12.

St. Ambrose Academy was formed in response to a desire by area Catholic families to “place the education and formation of their children squarely in the context of the Catholic faith,” explained Scott Schmiesing, the school’s principal.

The annual Benefit Dinner serves as the school’s primary fundraiser of the year, said Schmiesing. It allows the school to offer students a Catholic, classical education, particularly through the funding of scholarships.

‘Worthy of the greatest sacrifices’

“Blessed John Paul II told Catholic educators in 1979 that ‘the Catholic school must remain a privileged means of Catholic education in America’,” said St. Ambrose President David Stiennon.

“He reminds us that ‘As an instrument of the apostolate, it is worthy of the greatest sacrifices.’ We are very grateful to the hundreds of area families who make such sacrifices for Catholic education.”

St. Ambrose benefactors make it possible for many students to attend Catholic middle school and high school who could not otherwise afford it. For the 2013-2014 school year, approximately half of the enrolled students will benefit from $140,000 in tuition assistance.

Highlighting Catholic education

The dinner also serves as an opportunity to bring together people who believe in the importance of Catholic education. Benefactors from around the diocese will gather for good food, good entertainment, and a good cause.

As in previous years, representatives from other schools and organizations will be attending to provide information highlighting the Catholic education community.

“In celebration of the school’s 10th anniversary, we have a very special program planned for the evening,” promised St. Ambrose Development Director, Laura Karlen.

Guests will hear from students, faculty, and distinguished alumni to give a perspective on the academy’s expansion over the past decade. “For the first time this year, the dinner will take place at the Alliant Energy Center,” added Karlen. “We hope to take advantage of the venue’s expanded audiovisual capabilities.”

“It’s a great evening where over 500 people will get together and enjoy social time right before the Christmas season,” Schmiesing said. “It’s a great event where they can share their faith and live it through St. Ambrose Academy and how our school is impacting the lives of many in the diocese.”