The StFX Catholic Studies program is pleased to announce the names of the recipients of the Rev. Bernard A. MacDonald Memorial Bursary, the Catherine and Archie MacPhee Award, and the Sisters of Saint Martha Centennial Diocesan Bursary for Women.
This year, a total of 15 awards were given, and students received awards ranging from $750 to $3,000.
The purpose of the awards is to recognize and assist students who have an active interest in Catholic Studies, philosophy, or moral theology, particularly as these subjects reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The awards commemorate Archie and Catherine MacPhee, the parents of Fr. Norman MacPhee, and Fr. Bernard A. MacDonald, who was professor of moral theology at StFX until his death in February 1998.
This was the inaugural award from the Sisters of Saint Martha Bursary, to be given to two female students. The purpose of the bursary is to promote the Mission and Spirit of the Sisters of St. Martha by supporting women who are interested in Catholic Studies, Religious Studies, and/or who have made or are making a significant contribution to Christian spiritual life on campus.
Professor Joseph Khoury, coordinator of the Catholic Studies program, said that “although Catholic Studies is a small program at StFX, in the past couple of years there has been an increased interest in its courses, with enrollment in some courses almost doubling. A good number of Catholic and non-Catholic students alike have taken the introductory courses in Catholic Studies, and several have taken such courses as ‘Christianity and Science,’ ‘The End of the World in the Catholic Tradition,’ ‘Catholic Social Thought,’ and ‘Catholicism and the Arts.’”
Dr. William Sweet, a member and former coordinator of Catholic Studies, added that “offering these bursaries and awards allows the university to recognize and to offer some financial support to students in good academic standing who, in their studies and related activities, are interested in the principles of the Catholic faith.”
Catholic Studies committee members all expressed gratitude for the generosity of the donors and the legacy of those in whose names the awards and bursaries are offered. Professor Khoury added, “These awards and bursaries serve to help students in their intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.”
The StFX Catholic Studies program also administers an award that is given to an outstanding student at Spring Convocation.
The following students received awards this year. Also pictured with the students are Most Rev. Wayne Kirkpatrick, Bishop of Antigonish and StFX Vicar of the Founder, Dr. Will Sweet, Dr. Steven Baldner, Dr. Louis Groarke, Dr. Mary McGillivray, Dr. Guy Lalande, and Dr. Joseph Khoury.
Archie and Catherine MacPhee Award:
1. Luke MacDonald (Pictou)
2. Connor Sutherland (Cole Harbour)
3. Valerie von Muehldorfer (Calgary)
4. Ave Maria Skoke Burns (Yukon)
5. Bella Heilemann (Alberta)
Rev. B. A. MacDonald Award
6. Maggie Wallace (Antigonish)
7. Malcolm Burnett (Ottawa)
8. Connor Samson (Ile Madame)
9. Oscar Larkins (Back Centre, NS)
10. Lindsay Hannon (Beresford, NB)
11. Quinn MacIsaac (Upper Sackville)
12. Fidelia Paschal-Esehien (Brandon, MB)
13. Aloysius Adima-Ulor (Fredericton, NB)
Sisters of Saint Martha Centennial Diocesan Bursary for Women
14. Ave Maria Stoke Burns
15. Bella Heilemann
