The Fathers' Guild

"We are guilty of many errors and faults but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow.’ His name is Today." - from Noble Prizewinner, Gabriela Mistral

The St. Francis Prep Fathers’ Guild was founded in 1957 as a fund raising and support organization to the Prep. During the past several years, the Guild has been able to raise money which has been used to hold down the cost of tuition and to further many of the programs and activities offered at the Prep.

The Guild promotes a closer spirit of cooperation among the students, fathers, and teachers at the Prep. Guild membership is automatic for any father or male guardian of all students. There is no assessment of fees and members are invited to attend all meetings.

About the Fathers’ Guild

You may be asking yourself, why join the guild? I pay tuition, let someone else do it. I don’t have time; I work two jobs. My wife always takes care of the kid’s education. I was active in elementary school; I want to slow down. No one appreciates what I do.

The membership is made of people just like you. No cliques, just men willing to give of their time. In the process we have some fun. It is important for our children to see us give of our time without expecting a reward. Not everything we do in life has to have a price tag. However, much of what we do does, and if you’re not happy with it, perhaps our way is better.

Most of the active membership doesn’t know the last names of the people they work next to during an event. Nor do we have any idea what that person does for a living. What we do know is that the person assisting cares about the Prep, cares about his child and is willing to give of himself. He is also someone who has to cut the grass, work the overtime, take his wife shopping, gets blamed for something that goes wrong in the house and knows how to laugh when he is with his Fathers’ Guild brothers.

Yes, a Fathers’ Guild member is the person to the right or left of you. He is the person willing to walk the extra mile and he is the person who is the most successful person you know, because he is loved by his children.

Our Goals

Through active involvement and participation in a series of social events throughout the year, the Guild demonstrates to students and others the continued commitment of current and alumni parents to the economic and spiritual welfare of St. Francis Prep.

The Fathers’ Guild Welfare Fund

The Guild also sponsors a tuition assurance program to pay the remaining cost of a student’s tuition at Prep in the event of the death of either parent or legal guardian. There is a one-time charge at initial registration. It covers the entire student’s remaining years at St. Francis Prep.

The assets of the fund can be used only for the expressed purpose of providing for the continuance of a Franciscan Education at St. Francis Preparatory.

The Monthly Meetings

The Fathers Guild meets at 7:30 PM on the 1st or 2nd Tuesday of each month, unless the school is closed. Notice of the meeting is sent by mail.

Our Request to You

We ask two things: that each father becomes an active member of the Guild and that you and your friends support the various social events sponsored by the Guild during the year.

2011-2012

President: James Eck

Co-Vice Presidents: Joseph Dubowski, Al Vecchione

Co-Secretaries:David Callaghan, Eric Dietmann

Treasurer: Ron DiGangi

Event Coordinator: Kevin Brudie

Moderator: Br. Leonard Conway, O.S.F.

Voice Mail: 718-423-8810 x 311