Dear Parishioners,

          On behalf of Marie Conley’s children James, Jennifer, Michael and Christopher, her brothers Robert, Paul and Joseph and their families, the Saint Ann Parish Community, I am proud to announce the creation of the Marie J. (Finn) Conley Catholic High School Scholarship.

          As you know, Marie Conley heroically lost her life while in the performance of her duties as a crossing guard for the Boston Police Department.   When Marie sacrificed herself to save a 10-year-old in October of 2008, her life ended in the way she had taught her four children to live theirs: selflessly, courageously, and honorably.   As a mother and public servant, Marie was a visible member of Saint Ann Parish and the Dorchester-Neponset community.  Marie crossed our children at Pope’s Hill and the Mather School.  She was well known to treat each child as if they were her own.   These families became part of the fabric of her personal, professional and family life.

          Marie and her siblings are all graduates of Saint Ann Parish School.  Marie’s children, followed in their relatives footsteps receiving the sacraments and growing in their faith at Saint Ann Parish.  Her children were educated in parochial and public school settings and embody the good works of their mother and family.  Marie strongly believed in the importance of her faith and the education of each child.  She strongly believed in the importance of honor and service.

          Marie grew up in a family where the importance of public and patriotic service was taught and lived.   Marie Conley’s father, Paul, was a Boston firefighter, as was her brother Bobby.  Her brother Joe currently serves as a deputy fire chief for the Boston Fire Department.  Her son Jimmy currently serves as a paramedic and firefighter in Florida.  Her son Chris currently serves as a Marine Corps Corporal and was actively serving our nation in Iraq when she was fatally injured.

          This Scholarship award is offered and available for children from Saint Ann Parish, who are active, in the service of their parish and in their community.  Please join me in encouraging your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors to apply for this very important scholarship, which honors and encourages our children who commit themselves to the service of God and neighbor.  Application deadline is Tuesday May 17, 2011.  Please feel free to call me, or our committee, should you have any questions.

May God Bless,

Father Sean

MISSION

     This scholarship is made to advance the mission of Catholic Education as well as encourage the youth of our parish to grow in their involvement in their parish community.  Our mission is to encourage our community's children to grow in their service of God and neighbor through their practice and participation in the charitable services.  Saint Ann Parish is happy to be offering a Catholic High school scholarship annually in the name of Marie J. (Finn) Conley.

SELECTION PROCESS
     In selecting scholarship recipients, the committee will consider the following criteria: Academic Achievement, Parish Service & Involvement (i.e.: extracurricular activities, volunteer history, youth ministry, etc.), Acceptance to Catholic High School and the Student’s desire to contribute to one’s community through public or charitable service of any kind.   The applicant is expected to commit to an additional 20 hours of specialized service hours per year in honor of their parish and Marie.

     The scholarship will be offered annually. New students and past scholarship recipients will be encouraged to apply/ reapply each year.  

     • Two $2,500.00 renewable scholarships available, for a total of $ 10,000.00, per scholarship, for a student or students entering grades 9-12 at a Catholic High School.   The committee may decide to split the scholarships in the case of special circumstances.