Diocese of Trier Introduces Voluntary Parent Fee for Schools - Diocese of Trier Introduces Voluntary School Fees to Sustain Christian Education
The Diocese of Trier is set to introduce voluntary parental contributions at 15 of its schools from the 2026/2027 academic year. The move aims to maintain high-quality, Christian-based education amidst declining church tax revenues. The diocese spends around €20 million annually on its 20 schools, serving approximately 1.1 million Catholics in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. The final legal review by the state minister is still pending.
The diocese is exploring the possibility of tiering contributions based on income or the number of siblings. Recommended monthly contributions vary from €48 to €67, depending on the school type and location. Parents have been informed about the proposed contributions, which will be processed anonymously through a foundation and directly allocated to the respective schools. Enrollment and attendance will not be affected by the voluntary fee.
The introduction of voluntary parental contributions is a significant step for the Diocese of Trier, aiming to secure the future of its schools and the quality of Christian education they provide. The final legal review by the state minister is yet to be completed, but the diocese is committed to ensuring the process is transparent and fair.
