More than 1,600 residents in Maricopa County are about to receive a gift of financial relief in their mailboxes. Thanks to a partnership between Brophy Prep and ForgiveCo, individuals and families facing financial hardships will soon learn that their debt has been abolished.

The partnership was announced in February at Brophy’s annual Summit on Human Dignity. This “Debt & Dignity” summit focused on debt as an “issue behind the issues,” a force that gives rise to a host of problems that face our society today. Craig Antico, co-founder, CEO and president of ForgiveCo, opened the summit with a compelling keynote address that included the Bronco Jubilee, an ambitious initiative set forth by ForgiveCo and Brophy.

The initiative incorporated Brophy’s annual Lenten Drive fundraising into a debt forgiveness program coordinated by ForgiveCo, which identifies low-income individuals and families across and surrounding Maricopa County who are in hardship because of debt, from student loans to medical and other consumer debt. Through partnerships with organizations looking to deepen their community impact, ForgiveCo purchases debt for pennies on the dollar on behalf of their partner organizations.

As a result of the Brophy-ForgiveCo partnership, not only did debt relief total more than $2 million to Maricopa County residents, but also Brophy Prep marks the only school ForgiveCo has partnered with directly, according to Craig Antico, co-founder, CEO and president of ForgiveCo.

“Arizona residents experiencing increased levels of debt are prevented from reaching financial security and forced to make difficult tradeoffs that create stress and impact their daily lives,” said Antico. “We applaud the work that Brophy is doing to build financial stability and are thrilled to partner with our first school to relieve these debts and enable people to achieve some financial and emotional relief.”

“Brophy’s partnership with ForgiveCo and the far-reaching impact of this year’s summit is truly remarkable,” said Drew Rau ’02, assistant principal for Ministry and director, Office of Faith & Justice. “In the midst of our summit, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced a debt forgiveness initiative through another organization Mr. Antico founded, RIP Medical Debt, to bring relief to an even greater number of our fellow citizens, spreading the spirit of our Summit on Human Dignity across the great state of Arizona.”

Visit ForgiveCo.com for more information on their belief in second chances and their commitment to empowering individuals and families to transform their lives.

Read “Through the Lens of Debt and Dignity…A Look at Summit 2024,” for more information on Brophy’s “Debt & Dignity” summit.

Freshman Retreat

The Freshman Retreat is fast approaching! Caregivers of students in the Class of 2028, please make sure your calendars are marked for this mandatory event, which takes place Saturday, September 14 – Sunday, September 15. We hope you’ll join us starting at 10 a.m. for an opportunity to meet your son’s Big Brother when you drop your son off. You’re invited back to campus by 9:45 a.m. on Sunday morning for the Family Exchange, which will take place in classrooms around campus, and Mass, which will be celebrated in Robson Gym – all done by noon. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Parent Orientation for Fall Ignatian Encounter students (Juniors) – September 12 @ 6:30pm
Parents of juniors who are enrolled in Fall Ignatian Encounter to fulfill their junior year service requirement are invited (not required) to attend a video call to help them understand their son’s service expectations, and how to effectively accompany their son through their formation as Men For Others. Be on the lookout for an email from Bryce Deline with details on how to attend this voluntary video call.

Parent Orientation for Community Mentoring Project students (Sophomores) – September 24 @ 6:30pm
Parents of sophomores who selected Community Mentoring Project to fulfill their sophomore year service requirement are invited (not required) to attend a video call to help them understand their son’s service expectations, and how to effectively accompany their son through their formation as Men For Others. Be on the lookout for an email from Maggie Lauder with details on how to attend this voluntary video call.

The OFJ is on IG!
Make sure to follow the Office of Faith and Justice on Instagram (@brophyofj) for information about student-centered ministerial and sacramental life, retreats, service, and justice programming.

Freshman Breakaways
Freshman Breakaways have begun! If you are a caregiver of a freshman, be on the lookout for an email from our ASC staff extending a formal invitation to your student to attend one of these required days. Breakaways run on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the school year.

Retreat Signups
Signups for Magis (sophomores) and Kairos (juniors) retreats occur via Google Form (that only students can apply through). If your student is interested in participating in one of these formative experiences, he should reach out to Steven Schillig.

Liturgical Ministers Needed
Students are invited to participate in school Masses and prayer services, which take place at various times throughout the school year. If your student is interested in serving as an usher, lector, Eucharistic Minister, or altar server, please encourage him to reach out to Chris Birnbaum for more information.