Father Gregory Bittman and Catholic School Board chair Debbie Engel speak after a meeting Tuesday. (CBC)

Edmonton Catholic schools are once again accepting money raised at casinos.

Last fall Archbishop Richard Smith issued an edict stating schools should not be using money raised by gambling.

But at a Catholic school board meeting Tuesday night the board announced it would use casino revenue while lobbying the government to find other ways to fundraise.

“I think we realized on a practical level that it may not be possible for everyone all of a sudden to stop and we realized not everyone can all of a sudden get out of it,” said archbishop representative Father Gregory Bittman.

The board maintains schools need the $3 million raised at casinos each year to pay for necessary programs.

Parents work casinos to raise money for field trips, technology and breakfast and hot lunch programs.

Catholic trustees adopted a statement of belief that “no school or school community in Alberta should have to raise money through gambling activities in order to meet children’s educational needs.

“The Board does not see this type of fundraising as meaningful engagement in children’s education,” it said.

The school board will now lobby the province to find a different solution.

"It's not just a Catholic issue," said board chair Debbie Engel. "I think many people from many religions and many walks of life would agree with the principle that it is not acceptable to fundraise from the weakest to use those dollars for public use."