Giving

Letter from the Director of Development

Dear Alumni, Family, and Friends,

It is an honor and a privilege to serve the Pope Francis Prep community daily. I get to be part of an amazing team of people who continue to pass on the traditions and values set forth by our legacy schools. As an alumnus, I am able to witness firsthand the exceptional impact this school year has had on our young women and men.

This year, we have seen major growth in annual giving in support of the Cardinal Fund. Our community stepped up in March for our first ever Day of Giving, shattering our goal of 250 gifts and $25,000 in 24-hours. In all we raised over $55,000 from more than 380 donors. This campaign reconnected us with friends and alumni from 28 states and instantly created a culture of generosity. I would like to thank parents, alumni, faculty, staff, coaches, grandparents, friends, and board members for your unprecedented generosity and support for our school. The future remains bright at Pope Francis Prep and your support has a lasting impact on the lives of our students and lays the foundation for future Cardinals.

As we enter the fourth and final quarter of the fiscal year, I ask those who have not had the opportunity, to consider making a gift to the Cardinal Fund before June 30, 2021. Thank you for supporting our mission and the young women and men of Pope Francis Prep today, tomorrow, and in the future.

With gratitude,

Daniel Fenton CHS ’09 Director of Development

LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

ON A CHILLY DECEMBER MORNING, from the comfort of offices and living rooms, Dr. Harrington, Mrs. Geiger, and Mr. Fenton joined a small group of benefactors at our annual Leadership Society coffee. State of the School remarks by Dr. Harrington highlighted the successful efforts of the entire school community to remain open, offering safe in-person learning this year. Dr. Harrington shared with the donors that, “our faculty and staff returned to school in August committed to implementing our carefully crafted reopening plan. With health and safety protocols in place, our ability to deliver in-person instruction with a much needed sense of normalcy, was incredibly well received and appreciated by students and parents.”

Members of the Leadership Society demonstrate a personal investment in the future of Pope Francis Preparatory School by making an annual fund gift of $1,000 or more. Through the generosity of these 92 individuals, Pope Francis Prep can continue to enrich students’ lives through a rigorous college-prep academic program, formation in the Catholic faith, and engagement in our local communities.

LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

Please consider becoming a member of our Leadership Society at one these giving levels:

CARDINAL CIRCLE: $10,000 + RED & GRAY SOCIETY: $5,000 FOUNDERS SOCIETY: $2,016* MEMBER: $1,000

Our leadership donors have the honorable distinction of ensuring that our students experience the fullest range of opportunity a Catholic education provides.

Thank you for your consideration.

* Honoring the year Pope Francis was established.

WAYS TO GIVE

ONLINE

www.popefrancisprep.org/support

MAIL

Please make checks payable to: Pope Francis Preparatory School Office of Development 99 Wendover Road Springfield, MA 01118

PHONE

You may make a gift by calling the Office of Development at 833.999.7673 ext. 1273.

BECOME A MEMBER

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Leadership Society Member, please contact:

Daniel Fenton CHS ‘09 Director of Development

dfenton@popefrancisprep.org 833.999.7673, ext. 1129

Ernest J. Gelinas Jr. ’57

THE ERNEST J. GELINAS JR. ’57

SCHOLARSHIP was established in March 2021 by Judith A. Gelinas ’57 in memory of her husband, Ernest J. Gelinas Jr. with an initial gift of $10,000. The intent of the fund is to provide a scholarship for two students each academic year who demonstrate financial need.

Judy and Ernie met in the fourth grade at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart grammar school and graduated together from Cathedral High School in 1957. Upon graduation, Ernie enrolled at Western New England College to pursue his degree. On June 4, 1960, Judy and Ernie were married at St. Cecilia’s Church in Wilbraham, MA. While raising a family, attending classes, and working full time, Ernie managed to graduate in 1963 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

After several years in business, Ernie pursued a career in education. He earned his second degree from Westfield State with a degree in Education. His first job as an educator was with the Connecticut State Prison system, where he taught Basic Adult Education and GED Prep. During his time with the state of Connecticut, he organized the teacher’s union for the Connecticut State Employees Association and became their first President. After working for 12 years in the Connecticut State prison system, Ernie transferred to the Connecticut State Vocational and Technical school system. He became an administrator at Grasso Technical and Wright Technical Schools. He completed his career as the Director of Ellis Technical school, retiring in 1997.

Judy and Ernie have five children and raised them in the Catholic church, specifically St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow, MA. Ernie was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was part of the first group of Eucharistic Ministers for the Diocese of Springfield.

The establishment of the Ernest J. Gelinas Jr. ’57 Scholarship was a special way for Judy to honor the memory of

Judy and Ernie Gelinas — 50th Wedding Anniversary

her husband. Ernie would be extremely happy to know that a scholarship in his name will provide an opportunity for students to attend and pursue their education at Pope Francis Prep. More importantly, he continues to be able to help instill Catholic values through education. Judy believes Ernie would tell the Pope Francis Prep students “To work hard, pursue your dreams, and place your trust in God.”

John F. Johnson ’57

THE JOHN F. JOHNSON ’57

SCHOLARSHIP was established in January 2021 by Marguerite (Peg) C. Johnson ’57 in memory of her husband John F. Johnson with an initial gift of $5,000. The intent of this fund is to provide tuition assistance for five students each academic year who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, The John F. Johnson ’57 Endowment for Tuition Assistance was established with an initial gift of $10,000. This restricted endowment fund will also provide tuition assistance for students who demonstrate financial need.

John F. Johnson graduated from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary High School, which later became Holyoke Catholic High School, in 1957. During his time as a student-athlete, John was a member of the football and baseball teams. John played varsity football for four years as the middle linebacker and on the offensive line. He earned All-Western Mass honorable mention as a linebacker. After graduation, John played five years of semi-pro football for the Holyoke Merchants/Knights, highlighted by winning the Massachusetts State Championship.

After his semi-professional football career, John joined the Army National Guard in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1967. After his time in the military, John followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and became a master stone mason and bricklayer. John began his career as a stone mason for O’Connell and Sons before starting his own business, Johnson and Sons Mason Contractors. During this time, John had the opportunity to build the business while working alongside his two sons. John completed his professional career as the construction manager for O’Connell Oil/Convenience Plus. John’s workmanship can be recognized throughout areas of South Hadley, MA, University of Massachusetts, Mercy Hospital, and Baystate Medical Center.

In 2010, John was inducted into the Holyoke Catholic Sports Hall of Fame for Baseball and Football. John and his wife Peg were blessed by 58 years of marriage. The establishment of the John F. Johnson ’57 Scholarship is a special way for Peg to honor the memory of her husband. Their belief in the importance of Catholic education, no matter the name, influenced Peg’s decision to give back. John, affectionately known as Johnny, was a kind, loving, and giving friend. With his infectious smile, great hugs, and willingness to help anyone in need, Johnny would be happy to know that a scholarship in his name will provide an opportunity for students to attend and pursue their education at Pope Francis Prep.

John at the HCHS Alumni Hall of Fame ceremony in 2010.

The O’Connor Family

THE O’CONNOR FAMILY

SCHOLARSHIP FUND was established in December 2020 in memory of Thomas ’48 and Mary (Sullivan) ’48 O’Connor with an initial gift of $100,000.

The gift was made by the O’Connor Family, including Kevin ’72 and Ann O’Connor, Kathleen (O’Connor) ’74 and Timothy Duquette ’74, Ann (O’Connor) ’76 and John Taffe, Karen (O’Connor) ’81 and Joseph Phillips ’81. The intent of the fund is to provide scholarships for 15 students each academic year who demonstrate financial need.

Tom and Mary graduated from Cathedral High School in 1948. Tom worked for the Springfield Fire Department and attained the rank of Captain. Prior to, and after raising their four children, Mary was an employee of the Division Office of A&P Supermarkets. Tom and Mary were married for 57 years and their family now includes 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

The establishment of The O’Connor Family Scholarship Fund was a special

The O’Connor Family

way for the children of Tom and Mary to honor the memory of their parents. The O’Connor Family truly appreciates the affordable education they received from Cathedral High School through the generosity of parishioners in the Diocese of Springfield and the efforts of both religious and lay faculty. It is the family’s hope that students of today will be granted the same opportunity through this scholarship. The O’Connor family would like it to be known that all donations to The O’Connor Family Scholarship Fund in calendar year 2021 will be matched 100% by the O’Connor Family.

In Memoriam For the gift of this life, we thank you God.

The lives of alumni from our legacy schools and Pope Francis Preparatory School are honored by our school community today and always. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who have passed away. A listing of alumni who passed between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 can be found on our website under the alumni tab. The accuracy of this list is based on a physical or electronic obituary. Please accept our sincerest apologies if an error or omission has been made. Please notify Barbara Moran, HCHS ’63, Development Associate of any necessary addition or correction at bmoran@popefrancisprep.org or 833.999.7673 ext. 1273.

If you would like to make a gift to the Cardinal Fund in memory of one of these individuals, please contact Daniel Fenton, Director of Development at dfenton@ popefrancisprep.org or at 833.999.7673 ext. 1129. A card acknowledging your thoughtfulness will be sent to the family.

THE CARDINAL FUND

Give today. Transform tomorrow.

During these unprecedented times, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering commitment of the Pope Francis Prep community to be there for others.

With a gift to the CARDINAL FUND, you provide the ability for our school to adapt quickly to the changing needs of our students and faculty. Your support today ensures that we are able to better support our families with financial aid, advanced technologies, and enhanced curricular and co-curricular programs. Through your generous support, the Cardinals of today and tomorrow will be afforded the opportunity to thrive.

Make your gift of any size at popefrancisprep.org/support Together. We Rise.

99 Wendover Road Springfield, MA 01118

LET’S TRY AGAIN!

> CARDINAL 5K CHALLENGE

May 15 & 16, 2021

> CARDINAL CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

June 19, 2021

> GRANDPARENTS DAY September 13, 2021

> SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH CELEBRATION

September 19, 2021

> GOLDEN ALUMNI CELEBRATION

October 24, 2021

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