Classes at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School practice mask wearing as they enjoy in person learning. OBSERVER Photos by Jo Ward

A newly formed independent charity that is not affiliated with the Diocese of Buffalo has already stepped forward to financially assist Dunkirk’s Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.

In a news release to the OBSERVER on Wednesday, the founders of the Catholic Children’s Learning Corp., all of whom serve on the board of directors, announced its support for the private school in the city. The organization is dedicated to ensuring children and families who desire a faith-based education will continue to have that opportunity in the eight counties of Western New York. Michael C. LaFever, Ed.D., a veteran educator with a wealth of school administration experience, will serve as president.

In presenting its donation to NCCS, Dr. LaFever said Catholic schools are a critical part of the church’s mission for the evangelization of future generations of Catholics. “The Catholic Children’s Learning Corp. is giving the school $3,500 to help support the educational needs of a student,” he said. “We are so proud of the school and the principal of NCCS for the work that they do on behalf of its students and families. Regardless of a family’s religious affiliation the Catholic Children’s Learning Corp. wants to do all that it can to support the children of this school now and into the future. It is the only remaining Catholic school in Chautauqua County and must be preserved for generations to come.”

Catholic schools, he said, have financially sustained themselves through tuition and the gifts of others for many years. Those gifts previously came through the contributions of Catholic parishes, school fundraisers, donated scholarships and the generosity of individuals who contribute to other charities like the BISON FUND who support these schools. The Diocese of Buffalo’s current bankruptcy, however, has resulted in the withdrawal of financial support of Catholic elementary schools by the diocese.