St. Mary’s Parish has provided Catholic school education in Fredericksburg for a long time. St. Mary’s School and the community have grown together and benefited one another for one hundred forty-nine years. The strengths and values of the school and community are similar; they share a Christian foundation, a rich tradition, and a progressive view of the future. St. Mary’s has been able to provide this service for almost every family that seeks it and is prepared to continue the task of assisting families in the spiritual and moral formation and education of the community’s youth. The normal school tuition remains much lower than the actual cost of educating each child largely because of financial support from the school’s Benefactor’s. However, St. Mary’s School, like all Catholic Schools, constantly faces financial challenges. To maintain a quality program our school must focus on recruiting and retaining qualified teachers by improving professional salaries. To prepare our students for a world of technology our school must invest in equipment and training in its use. To keep a safe and attractive campus our school must invest in a regular maintenance program. To keep our school accessible to all families our tuition rates must remain reasonably low. The Benefactor’s Program is an important ingredient in this funding formula. The Program was established in 1991 and has contributed more than three hundred fifty thousand dollars to the school budget. The relief received from this program provides an opportunity for our supporters to participate in the school’s mission. The gifts provided through this program will aid our school in facing present and future challenges. The challenges to the school are real and formidable. Challenges such as these have arisen in the past, and that those challenges were always met in faith by determination, generosity, and commitment. We invite you to participate in our Benefactor’s Program this year as you are able. | 
