Our Community

About the St. Petronille Parish School Trust Fund (Also known as the Lifetime Investment in Faith and Education - "L.I.F.E." Fund

We are proud of the exceptional education and the strong and vibrant Catholic community at St. Petronille, and we are committed to including all interested families in that tradition, regardless of economic circumstances. With that commitment in mind, the St. Petronille Parish School Trust Fund (also called the L.I.F.E. Fund, which stands for Lifetime Investment in Faith and Education) supports the school, including by making tuition assistance available to school families.

Over the past 15 years, the annual L.I.F.E. appeal and the Trust Fund have provided nearly $600,000 in tuition assistance to St. Petronille families. This year, your support of the Trust Fund will help 22 students attending St. Petronille School. We have committed to providing approximately $58,000 in tuition aid for the 2021-22 school year.

Please consider joining us in our mission to make quality Catholic education available to all by supporting the L.I.F.E. Trust Fund. You can donate online (select "LIFE Fund") or by mail.

Thank you, in advance, for your generosity and for sharing the gift of a St. Petronille Catholic education with our students.

“St. Petronille instills values, morals and compassion with the emphasis on Christ and His teachings. This school is filled with warmth and kindness while providing a top-notch Catholic education.  From our Pastor, to the Principal, Assistant Principal and teachers, each contribute in being great examples for the students.  For my son to be included in an environment like this, it can only be through God’s people.  My son loves attending St. Petronille and your selfless scholarship has given him this wonderful opportunity.  Thank you for your generosity.”

-          A 2021-22 LIFE Trust Fund scholarship recipient

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the St. Petronille Trust Fund? 
In 1986, parishioners and school families established a trust to support St. Petronille Parish School.  For many years, the fund has been known as the L.I.F.E. Fund, which stands for Lifetime Investment in Faith & Education.  Donations to the Trust Fund are used to support the school, including by providing tuition assistance to students of St. Petronille School so that no family will be denied a Catholic education due to financial difficulties.

Do all diocesan schools have a L.I.F.E. Appeal? 
No.  St. Petronille is one of only two schools in the Diocese of Joliet supporting fellow school families through a special fund.

How many families benefit from Trust Fund assistance? 
Tuition assistance varies per year, but the number of families applying has increased over the past several years.  Over the past 15 years, the annual L.I.F.E. appeal and the Trust Fund have provided nearly $600,000 in tuition assistance to St. Petronille families.  During the 2021-22 school year, we will provide approximately $58,000 in tuition assistance to 12 families, enabling 22 students to attend or remain at St. Petronille.

Who donates to the Fund? 
Donors include parishioners, school families, alumni, past parents, friends of St. Petronille, and companies through matching donations.  Donations are tax deductible in most cases. 

How are funds used? 
Funds donated to the Trust Fund/L.I.F.E. are used for tuition assistance.  If the amount of money raised in a given year exceeds the near-term need for tuition assistance, those contributions are invested in the trust fund.   The Fund also contributes to the school’s operating budget to help close the gap between tuition and the cost of education.        

How is the Trust Fund managed?  
The Trust Fund is a portfolio of equity and fixed income investments governed by a trust agreement.  An investment committee, made up of school parents and parishioners with expertise in the investment field, oversees the fund’s investments.  The investment committee makes investment recommendations, which are approved by Fr. Milota as trustee and the St. Petronille School Board.  The Trust Fund had an invested balance of approximately $2.5 million as of August 31, 2021.

Are there other ways to contribute? 
If you are interested in other ways you can give (401k, life insurance, bequests, etc.), please contact Bill Tice in the parish office at (630) 469-0404 x2004 or ticeb@stpetschurch.org

 

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