Bishop Matthew Clark 30th Anniversary Scholarship Fund
Celebrating 30 year’s of Service:
This year, we join Bishop Matthew Clark in celebrating his 30th anniversary of service as our Bishop. During that time, he has honored St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry not only as our Chancellor, but also as a loyal friend and avid supporter. The men and women who graduate from St. Bernard’s continue to share his legacy through a vast array of parish ministries. Their work reflects Bishop Clark’s vision of what it means to be a Catholic in today’s Church.
Recognizing His Vision:
Bishop Clark’s 30 years of service as Bishop to the Diocese of Rochester has been marked by a deep held commitment to developing the role of lay ecclesial ministry in our church and is reflected in the leadership and support he offers to the people and programs of St. Bernard’s.
In recognition of his work, St. Bernard’s is establishing a Scholarship Fund which will honor Bishop Clark’s vision for a truly inclusive church and reflect his commitment to developing lay ministers. This endowed scholarship will provide financial support to lay men and women who are pursuing graduate studies at St. Bernard’s. Our hope is that these scholarships will allow men and women who are called to serve as lay ministers in the Catholic Church, to pursue their degrees with the spiritual, educational and financial support they need.
Endowing His Legacy:
Our immediate goal is to raise $30-40,000 in leadership gifts to establish the heart of the endowed scholarship. We plan to announce the "The Bishop Matthew Clark Scholarship Fund" at the Feast Day Celebration on August 18th, as a special tribute to Bishop Clark’s 30th Anniversary.After the initial announcement, additional gifts will be solicited toward our ultimate goal of $75,000. In addition, all royalties from Bishop Clark’s new book, "Forward in Hope, Saying Amen to Lay Ecclesial Ministry" which will be released in October 2009, will be earmarked to benefit the fund.
We believe this is a fitting tribute to our Bishop, who has dedicate much of his work over the last 30 years to encouraging, nurturing and embracing all Catholics – lay and ordained alike to heed the call to serve Christ through their ministries. We are all blessed by the fruit of his work.
You can make your contribution by downloading the Pledge_Form, and returning with your contritution to St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry 120 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618. If you would like to more information, please contact Laura Hamilton, Director of Advancement (585) 271-3657 ext. 284 or email lhamilton@stbernards.edu.