Through the above identified scholarship program, the Catholic communities of Chardon and Thompson look to honor the leadership and service of our former pastor, Father Daniel P. Redmond, who passed away suddenly last spring. Over nearly a decade, from November 2011 to May 2021, Father Redmond was spiritual leader to the parishes of Saint Mary, Chardon, and Saint Patrick, Thompson. Father Scott Goodfellow has authorized the creation of a Memorial Scholarship Fund in Father Redmond’s name. It is hoped that sufficient funds can be raised to provide one or more annual, one-time scholarships to graduating eighth grade students from Saint Mary School who are to attend Catholic high schools. The annual earnings on the fund principal are to be awarded to selected students based on a combination of factors yet to be finalized by a committee whose purpose is to administer this scholarship program. At a minimum, the current pastor, the school principal, and the parish business manager will serve on this committee; others may be added.

  Beginning now, in late October 2021, a campaign is being undertaken to request donations to this scholarship fund. The initial targeted amount is $25,000, which at four percent earnings per year, would yield a financial award of about $1,000 to one student. For each additional $25,000, another scholarship might be awarded. The formal campaign will last approximately one month, ending at or about Thanksgiving, although additional contributions to the fund may be made thereafter. If the minimum target is not met, then a separate determination will be made as to whether the fund shall be converted into a simple depleting balance account that will be dissolved once all funds (not just earnings) have been distributed or whether a smaller scholarship amount will be awarded corresponding with estimated earnings. Campaign materials will be produced in the weekly bulletins and in the parish website over the next few weeks. Direct solicitation mailings will not be sent to each parish household, but rather the weekly bulletin, the Messenger and the parish website will used to distribute campaign information.

  Please consider being a part of this effort to create a lasting remembrance to Father Redmond, one that is intended to continue indefinitely into the future. Please take note of the duration of the campaign and please be open to the additional information that will be forthcoming. All donors of $50 or more will receive a copy of a booklet highlighting the milestones of Father Redmond’s pastorate at our parish. You may well be surprised by all that happened during these years. All donors of $200 or more will receive a two-volume set of the written words of Father Redmond as they originally appeared in the weekly bulletins and Saint Mary Messengers. These works will be printed after it is determined the number of copies needed.

  The objectives of this scholarship fund are threefold: To honor Father Redmond, not just once, but on an ongoing basis; to support Catholic education in general; and to assist selected parish families in allowing their daughters and sons to attend Catholic high schools. Please consider participating.

  Contributions should be made payable to and submitted to the Church of Saint Mary, Chardon, where these funds will be collected, with a clear notation that the payment is to be directed to the Father Redmond Memorial Scholarship Fund. The participation of the parishioners of Saint Patrick Parish is also actively sought. Your prayerful consideration and your prompt action are requested. May we all take part in honoring a life well lived, but too short in duration.