Dear Fraternal Brothers and Sisters,
I am pleased to provide you with an update on the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Educational Foundation 2025 results.
I first want to thank all those that have made donations to the Foundation through the years. Your continued support is greatly appreciated not only by the Trustees but especially by all of the New England members, Seminarians and Catholic schools that benefit from the SJBEF scholarships and grants. All of which are made possible in part through your donations and through CFL chapter match funds.
The SJBEF remains a great resource for our members with the foundations $1,000 College Scholarships, the $800 Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette Scholarships, $600 Grant Program for Catholic Schools, and the ongoing support of New England Dioceses with $900 Seminarian Scholarships.
As a former recipient of a SJBEF Scholarship many years ago, I realize the benefit of our foundation helping members of our community. SJBEF has a strong history of helping members, SJBEF trustees are impressed by the reports and letters we receive from those who have benefited recently. I also find it so heartwarming to also receive letters and donations from those who have benefited throughout the history of the SJBEF.
Trustee Lynette Ouellette received a the well-deserved NE Fraternal Alliance 2025 Fraternalist of the Year Award. As part of the award the Alliance will make a donation to a non-profit of Lynette’s choice. Thank you, Lynette for choosing SJBEF as recipient of this donation.
I would like to thank you again for all your continued support of the SJBEF. I would like to thank all the SJBEF Trustees and CFL Home Office for the support of the Foundation.
Wishing all the very best
Bruce Laverriere
SJBEF Chair
2025 AWARD HIGHLIGHTS
Once again this year, the Trustees of the Saint Jean Baptiste Educational Foundation voted to continue initiatives at the same level as last year. These awards include the following.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The number of scholarships this year decreased to 27 which is 5 less than the previous two years. Recipients were from each New England state except for Connecticut with 19 being from Massachusetts, 4 from Maine, 2 from Rhode Island and one each from New Hampshire and Vermont. 6 recipients were Freshmen, 1 Sophomore, 10 Juniors, 9 Seniors and 1 Graduate student. Resources were such that awards were $1,000. The Trustees congratulate the recipients and wish them another successful year.
SEMINARIANS
Seminarians were from ten New England Dioceses and were awarded scholarships. Each Diocese was offered $900 to be distributed to either one or two seminarians. The Providence Diocese has an additional award of $1,000 which is made in memory of Bishop Louis Gelineau. In addition two scholarships were allocated to the LaSalette Order for those studying for the LaSalette Priesthood and Brotherhood.
GRANTS
Once again , resources were such that grants were awarded to a Catholic Elementary, Middle or High School as recommended by local chapters. 18 Grants (one more than last year) in the amount of $600 were issued with presentations to be made by Chapter Leaders.
FRENCH AWARD
Generous contributions were made by members to assist in the studies of the French language. With no scholarship applicants majoring or minoring in French the award was made to a French major at Providence College for the last two years.. This year however we did have a member apply for a scholarship whose minor was French. It was decided to give the French award ($1,000) to one of our members in addition to the regular scholarship award.